Angels suspend Guillen without pay for rest of season

Angels left fielder Jose Guillen was suspended for the rest of the season Sunday because of his outburst after being lifted for a pinch runner a day earlier.


Seahawks Slant

Defense: Ken Lucas. His biggest play was his first one. The fourth-year cornerback intercepted a Ken Dorsey pass that kissed off the hands of wide receiver Rashaun Woods and returned it 25 yards to set up the Seahawks #39; first score.


Does the Patent System Need an Overhaul?

Two professors argue that seemingly innocuous reforms have caused a shift away from encouraging innovation in favor of exploiting patents largely for lawsuits.


No pacemen in top grade of new Indian cricket contract system (AFP)

AFP - The Indian cricket board has announced a long-awaited list of contracted players under a new system which starts from October 1.


Opera returns to Milan's La Scala

Milan's world-famous opera house La Scala is re-opening on Tuesday after a three-year closure for renovation.


Truckers of Iraq's Pony Express Are Risking It All for a Paycheck

Lured by paychecks that are double or triple what they earned in the U.S., truckers are risking their lives - and occasionally losing them - working in Iraq.


1.6 million FPL customers lose electricity

With the third hurricane in six weeks to hit its service area, Florida Power  amp; Light Co. is scrambling to find workers from other states to help restore electricity to nearly 1.6 million


China #39;s GDP to grow 9 percent: state commission

China #39;s economy was expected to grow by about nine percent this year, a senior official with the State Development and Reform Commission was quoted as saying by the Beijing News on Saturday.


Itanium unsuitable for workstations, Intel says

THE ITANIUM was never really important for the workstation market, Intel has said, causing us to choke over our salty porridge this morning.


Second KO leaves Jones #39; future fuzzy

Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver were joking about a unification bout. Roy Jones, considered by some the world #39;s best pound-for-pound fighter, was in the back of an ambulance.


Agassi could return for Davis Cup final

Andre Agassi hasn #39;t played Davis Cup since 2000, but US captain Patrick McEnroe said he wouldn #39;t rule out a return for the eight-time Grand Slam champion.


Eagles 30, Lions 13

After falling a game short of the Super Bowl the past three years, the Eagles seem to have the swagger and talent they #39;ve been missing.


SCORELESS IN SEATTLE

Seattle -- - Not so long ago, the 49ers were inflicting on other teams the kind of pain and embarrassment they felt in their 34-0 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.


Umpire Leaves Mariners-Rangers Game (AP)

AP - First-base umpire Ed Montague was treated and released at an Arlington hospital after leaving Sunday's game between the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers before the start of the fifth inning because of elevated blood pressure.


Steelers Slog to Win

The Steelers forces four turnovers, makes a key fourth-down stop and beats the hapless Miami Dolphins, 13-3, Sunday night.


Singh Makes History

Vijay Singh breaks the PGA Tour single-year money record Tiger Woods set in 2000, holding off a fast-finishing Stewart Cink to win the 84 Lumber Classic.


Mexican firm 'eyes \$4bn RMC bid'

Mexican group Cemex is reportedly set to make a \$4bn takeover bid for RMC, the UK firm that is the world's biggest supplier of ready-mixed concrete.


Finneran set for new post amid probe

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council is preparing to hire House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran even though a key confidant of his said yesterday that Finneran has received no official confirmation that federal prosecutors have closed a perjury


Swiss e-vote gets thumbs up

SWITZERLAND HAS managed to stage what it thinks is the first legally binding internet vote in a national referendum. More than 2720 people in four Geneva suburbs, about one in five voters in the region who


North Beaches

CAPE CANAVERALShuttles in good shape, but VAB loses more panels. NASA #39;s three space shuttles are just fine, but the already damaged Vehicle Assembly Building lost more of wall panels to Hurricane Jeanne.


#39;Chucky #39; gets horrific reception

OAKLAND, Calif. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden returned to Network Associates Coliseum on Sunday. The stadium is the place he first became a coach.


VNU to sell World Directories Group

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) VNU (NL:38987) , the Dutch media group that owns TV ratings group Nielsen, said early Monday it has signed a definitive agreeement to sell its World Directories Group to World Directories Acquisition Corp.


Mexican firm  #39;eyes \$4bn RMC bid #39;

UK firm RMC, the world #39;s biggest maker of ready-mixed concrete, is reportedly to get a takeover bid worth at least \$4bn (2.2bn) from Mexican group Cemex.


Fannie Mae #39;s fall from grace

A shocking expose hit the Street last week about one of the best-loved, most all-American companies out there: Fannie Mae, the mortgage and financial services giant.


Australian Oil Producers Gain, Led by Woodside; Origin Falls

Australian oil producers #39; stocks such as Woodside Petroleum Ltd. rose after crude oil climbed to a record amid concern that hurricane damage in North America will disrupt supply.


Storm zaps recently restored electricity

Hurricane Jeanne knocked out power to 250,000 Brevard County customers, though about 45,000 had electricity restored by Sunday evening, company spokeswoman Kathy Scott said.


Red Hat big wig attacks Sun

A RED HAT vice president has slammed Sun for refusing to open source its Java code and hanging on like grim death to its patents. The bone of contention is the April agreement between Sun and Microsoft.


Singh Wins in Pennsylvania to Break Woods #39;s PGA Earnings Record

Vijay Singh won the 84 Lumber Classic of Pennsylvania to push his yearly winnings to more than \$9.45 million and break Tiger Woods #39;s single-season money record.


Chinese sweet and sour for Ferrari team

Shanghai: Rubens Barrichello claimed the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix yesterday, with Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher finishing a hard-luck weekend in 12th place, more than a lap behind.


Dodgers ax Giants, boost West lead

SAN FRANCISCO - Eric Gagne zipped one last pitch past Deivi Cruz, then screamed for joy while San Francisco #39;s fans groaned. Gagne knew his two innings of work had resulted in more than just another save.


Hurtin #39; for certain Grossman injured late in Bears #39; loss to <b>...</b>

Player of the game: Minnesota QB Daunte Culpepper passed for 248 yards and two TDs, and also ran for a score. Key stat: The Bears had 14 penalties for 101 yards.


Angels inch within a game of Athletics

John Lackey fell behind early before Anaheim rallied behind three RBIs from Troy Glaus to beat Oakland 6-2 on Sunday to close within one game of the AL West-leading Athletics with a week to play.


Thai Suspected Bird Flu Case Fans Human Link Fear

Thailand, rattled by fears a girl passed bird flu to her mother, said Monday it has no evidence there has been human-to-human transmission of the deadly H5N1 virus in the country.


Thai suspected bird flu case fans human link fear

BANGKOK -- Thai and international health officials held an emergency meeting on Monday to review a case in which there is a  quot;very remote possibility quot; bird flu was passed from human to human, a senior WHO official said.


Israel Defense Official Threatens Syria (AP)

AP - A senior Israeli defense official harshly threatened Syria on Monday, accusing President Bashar Assad of direct involvement in terrorism, but stopping short of confirming that Israel was responsible for killing a Hamas leader in Damascus.


Haitians Pray for 1,500 Killed by Jeanne (AP)

AP - In a cathedral ankle-deep in mud and overturned pews, Haitians prayed for 1,500 killed by Tropical Storm Jeanne and gave thanks for their lives  #151; though most lost homes and belongings  #151; while the United Nations rushed in hundreds more peacekeepers to stem looting by gangsters and ordinary citizens of the ravaged city of Gonaives.


Japanese Cabinet Resigns Before Reshuffle (AP)

AP - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi reshuffled his Cabinet on Monday, in hopes of solidifying his power and boosting his ability to carry out reforms.


Japan PM Reshuffles Cabinet, Keeps Some Ministers

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro  reshuffled his cabinet Monday to try to boost his popularity  and bolster his ability to implement reforms, but the retention  of several key ministers led some analysts to question whether  he would succeed.


Pakistan al-Qaeda suspect killed

Pakistan says al-Qaeda suffers a major blow as the country's most wanted terror suspect is shot dead.


US air strikes 'target Sadr City'

US forces are reported to have launched overnight air attacks in Baghdad's Sadr City suburb.


Golf: Record earnings for Singh

Vijay Singh leads from start to finish to win the 84 Lumber Classic  and eclipse Tiger Woods' season earnings record.


Man tried for UK student's murder

The trial of a man accused of murdering York backpacker Caroline Stuttle begins in Australia.


Karzai visits rival's stronghold

The Afghan president makes a rare visit to the north just two weeks before the country's first presidential elections.


Oil prices threaten fresh record

Opec's president says oil supply is adequate as the price of US light, crude comes within 4 cents of its all-time record.


Bush, Kerry Rev Up for Campaign Face-Off

CRAWFORD, Texas - It's a classic pre-debate dance, maybe as important as the matchup itself: lower expectations for your candidate's performance and jab the other guy while you're at it. While President Bush and Democrat John Kerry remained secluded half a country apart on Sunday in preparation for their prime-time showdown Thursday, representatives for each side employed their own double-barreled debate strategy...


NZ stocks: Contact shares dump 13c in reasonable trade

Shares in Contact Energy dumped 13c of their value after the firm #39;s independent directors urged minority holders to not accept the takeover offer by Australian firm Origin Energy.


VT Group says has no plans to buy BAE shipbuilding

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- British shipbuilders VT Group (UK:VTG) said Monday it has no plans to acquire BAE Systems (UK:BA) shipbuilding activities, but added it  quot;remains focused... on assisting the UK government


Virgin selling music via Net

Long before Richard Branson became the latest billionaire with a reality TV show, before he started his cellphone company, his airline and his record label, he sold music from the Virgin Record Shop on Oxford Street in London.


India #39;s unmanned moon mission going smoothly: official

India #39;s unmanned moon mission -Chandrayan - is expected to take place in 2007-08 as it is progressing smoothly, the country #39;s space agency chief G. MadhavanNair said here Sunday.


Marlon King #39;s stunner does it for Forest

NOTTINGHAM, England (AFP) - A superb last-minute goal by Nottingham Forest #39;s Jamaican international Marlon King wrapped up a suitable ending here yesterday on a day dedicated to remembering former manager Brian Clough, who died of stomach cancer last


Serena topples US Open champ in China

Top seed Serena Williams rallied to claim the China Open yesterday, taking a hard fought 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 win over US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.


NOTEBOOK: Bye week very timely for banged-up Lions

Had they beaten Philadelphia, the Lions might feel different about taking a week off this early in the season. Had they gone into October with a 3-0 record, they would have been eager to keep the roll going.


Haitians pray for dead, give thanks for their lives

GONAIVES, HAITI -- Haitians surrounded by the destruction from tropical storm Jeanne prayed for the 1,500 dead and gave thanks their lives were spared at church services yesterday while the United Nations rushed more peacekeepers in to stem looting in the


Virgin launches new digital music service

Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Group has become the latest company to throw its hat into the online music ring by launching the Virgin Digital service.


Israel assassinates Hamas militant in Damascus

Israel assassinated a Palestinian militant with a car bomb that exploded after he started his vehicle yesterday. It was Israel #39;s first slaying of a Hamas member on Syrian


McNair Injures Sternum Against Jaguars (AP)

AP - Steve McNair, the NFL's 2003 co-MVP, bruised his sternum Sunday and was admitted to the hospital for the night.


Dollar Stuck Vs Yen as 'Tankan' Awaited

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar shuffled in narrow ranges  against the yen on Monday as option-related and exporter  selling capped the U.S. currency and traders awaited a key  corporate sentiment survey from the Bank of Japan.


Man Utd unveils dip in profits

Manchester United says player transfers and a weaker performance on the pitch cut its full-year profits by nearly a third.


Meet too-familiar story with familiar response

Just three weeks after the first strike, Jeanne on Saturday and Sunday tracked Frances across the state. It reopened some wounds and cut new ones, some of them deeper because of


Virgin Records enters the music download market Monday

Long before Richard Branson dreamed of becoming the latest billionaire with a reality TV show, before he started his cell phone company, his airline and his record label, he sold music from the Virgin Record Shop on Oxford St.


Opening Pages

The title was really meant to scare you. I bet it brought memories of those zombie films prevalent in the 80s. Dont worry. Your PCs wont suddenly get up in the middle of the night and scare the hell out of you.


Red Hat exec takes Sun to task on open source

A top Red Hat executive has attacked the open-source credentials of its sometime business partner Sun Microsystems. In a Web log posting Thursday, Michael Tiemann, Red Hat #39;s vice president of open-source affairs


Microsoft Takes Stands Against Spam, Sanctions

Sectors of the Internet world are still buzzing over the release of a Microsoft patent application that appears to claim rights to the underlying method proposed by companies to better determine


Rubens flies in Shanghai

Rubens Barrichello has sealed second place in the 2004 world drivers championship with an all-the-way success in the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.


Japanese Cabinet Resigns Before Reshuffle

TOKYO Sept. 27, 2004 - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi reshuffled his Cabinet on Monday, in hopes of solidifying his power and boosting his ability to carry out reforms.


Peacekeepers rushed to Haiti to halt looting

Haitians surrounded by the destruction of Hurricane Jeanne prayed for the 1,500 dead during church services yesterday and gave thanks


Around the world

Paramilitary police killed a suspected top Al Qaeda operative Sunday in a four-hour gun battle at a house in southern Pakistan. The raid also led to the arrest of two other men, the information minister said.


Threats trail man organizing Gaza withdrawal

The criticism from members of his own kibbutz marked the first sign of trouble for Yonatan Bassi. Then came the comparisons to Nazis and death threats.


Australia #39;s S amp;P/ASX 200 Falls; Origin Declines, Woodside Climbs

Australia #39;s S amp;P/ASX 200 Index fell for a third day. Origin Energy Ltd. declined after New Zealand #39;s Contact Energy Ltd.


SUSAN TOMPOR: Credit card issuers raise big penalties

Savvy consumers should skip over the bold print for 0-percent introductory rates for credit cards and head straight to the penalty box.


Deutsche property trust merger approved

Investors approved a merger between the three Deutsche property trusts to form a \$3 billion group, in one of the latest examples of consolidation in the listed property sector.


Hotmail to wean users from free export tool

As many as 18 million Hotmail subscribers will be weaned Monday from a free service that lets them export e-mail to another mail client, under Microsoft MSN #39;s new spam-fighting plan.


Corporate cybersecurity: Awareness, but no action

KUALA LUMPUR: Organisations around the world are not protecting their information sufficiently against increasingly more potent threats, a new survey by Ernst  amp; Young has found.


Rubens on hunt for rent-a-bed

China #39;s fastest driver, Rubens Barrichello, would rather rent a bed on the main straight of the Formula One track than commute to a Shanghai hotel every day.


European press review

In Monday #39;s European papers, Swiss voters #39; rejection of proposals to loosen its tough citizenship rules is met with disappointment.


Ape Learning Center Welcoming 'Students' (AP)

AP - Azy and Indah are heading to school this week  #151; a unique experience for two clever orangutans whose classroom will eventually encompass more than 200 acres of lowlands, river forest and lakes.


UPDATE 1-Ingram Micro to buy Tech Pacific for \$493 mln

Ingram Micro Inc. (IM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest computer products distributor, on Monday said it would acquire Australia-based Tech Pacific for \$493 million in cash, including debt.


Ingram Micro Buys Tech Pacific to Expand in Asia Pacific

Ingram Micro Inc, the world #39;s biggest distributor of computers and related parts, said it has agreed to buy Sydney-based Tech Pacific for A\$700 million (\$493 million) to expand in Asia Pacific.


Ministers to Tackle Global Finance Issues

The global economy is healthy and no major financial crises loom. Yet finance ministers meeting this week must confront uncertainties about the fight against terrorism, rising interest rates and volatile oil prices.


HP to stop using Intel Itanium chip: WSJ

New York, September 27: Printer and PC maker Hewlett-Packard Co will stop offering desktop workstations based on Intel Corp #39;s Itanium microprocessor, The Wall Street Journal reported on its online edition.


Folic acid reduces birth defects

PAAIN - Routinely adding folic acid to foods like flour and pasta would significantly reduce the number of babies born with birth defects such as spina bifida, research showed.


Vijay Singh breaks earnings record

Pennsylvania, Sep 27 - World number one Vijay Singh recorded his eighth victory of the season, winning the 84 Lumber Classic in Farmington, Pennsylvania, USA on Sunday by one stroke from Stewart Cink.


Vijay wins third straight event

Farmington, Pennsylvania - Vijay Singh shot a three-under par 69 to win the \$4.2m PGA event on Sunday and capture his eighth title of 2004.


Spain through to Davis Cup final

Teenager Rafael Nadal led Spain into the Davis Cup final on Sunday, but then admitted he may face a bit-part role in December #39;s title clash with the United States.


Two-minute drill: Players of the game, by the numbers

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck: Completed 21 of 30 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, good for a 117.9 quarterback rating. At one point, he completed seven passes in a row.


WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Wayne Rooney has got Europe running scared for his Champions League debut on Tuesday night. That is the view of Dutch ace Pierre van Hooijdonk, who will face the pair with Fenerbahce.


Shaun Alexander drags LB Julian Peterson

SEATTLE - It was a year and 12 days since the Seahawks last held an opponent scoreless in a game. The last time the 49ers were held scoreless in a game was in 1977: Jimmy Carter was in office and David Krieg


Airshow in the dome

Brett Favre and a sea of green spilled into town Sunday afternoon and made their presence known at the Indianapolis Colts home opener.


A rough day could have been even worse for Lions

Michael Robinson and Penn State assistant coach Bill Kenney returned to State College on Sunday after Robinson was held overnight at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics following Penn State #39;s 16-3 loss to the Badgers.


Fans come down hard on Gruden

Jon Gruden, Tim Brown, Charlie Garner and the rest of the Tampa Bay Raider-neers returned to the Black Hole for the first time Sunday as visitors and the locals made sure they felt at home, delivering a true Silver- and-Black welcome: expletives, middle


Top al-Qaeda Operative Killed in Pakistan

Pakistan Times Staff Reporter / PT Monitoring Desk. NAWABSHAH: A suspected top al-Qaeda oper ative, Amjad Hussain Farooqi has been killed in a raid in southern Pakistan.


9/11 fireman praises passengers

A New York fireman involved in the rescue effort following the September 11 attacks on the Twin Towers was among passengers on a plane diverted to London after a bomb alert.


Ex-US captive killed, say Afghans

A former inmate at the US prison camp at Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, who reportedly returned to Afghanistan to rejoin the Taliban as a key commander was killed in a raid by


Qaeda suspect shot dead in Pakistan

was killed in a clash in the small southern city of Nawabshah, 130 km (80 miles) northeast of Karachi on Sunday. he was accompanying Musharraf on an official visit.


Turkey passes penal code aimed at clearing way for EU

TURKEYS parliament met in emergency session yesterday to approve an urgent package of reforms expected to boost the countrys chances of starting membership talks with the European Union.


Militants Fire Rocket at Israeli Town

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a home-made rocket at a house in an Israeli town today, Israeli rescue services said, but no serious injuries were reported.


Australia #39;s S amp;P/ASX 200 Falls, Led by Origin; Woodside Climbs

Australia #39;s S amp;P/ASX 200 Index fell for a third day. Origin Energy Ltd. declined after New Zealand #39;s Contact Energy Ltd.


Latest scandal puts spotlight back on boards

At first glance, it might seem as if software company Computer Associates International Inc. has cleaned up its act. Yes, its former CEO and another top executive were indicted last


No allocation strategy is perfect for everyone

Q: In a recent column, a reader bemoaned the fact he had placed all his retirement money in the Vanguard 500 Index mutual fund on your  quot;advice.


Money Tip Act quick when luggage is lost

NEW YORK - You #39;ve arrived at your travel destination only to find that your luggage has not. Certain actions can make a big difference in how quickly your bag is recovered or in what kind of reimbursement you #39;ll receive if it #39;s lost.


Naval shipbuilders consider merger - reports

Britain #39;s major naval shipbuilders have discussed merging their operations into a single joint venture, two newspapers have reported.


Ingram buys Tech Pacific

Distribution giant Ingram Micro Inc has acquired Australia #39;s largest IT distributor Tech Pacific in a \$700 million (US\$493 million) cash deal.


AT amp;T #39;s text-only device debuts

Aiming to please  quot;texting-crazed quot; young Americans, AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc. is today launching a hand-held device called Ogo that lets people send unlimited


Knockout proves it #39;s time for Roy Jones Jr. to retire

Glen Johnson was supposed to leave the ring without the IBF light heavyweight championship belt he #39;d taken to Memphis. Not too many people doubted that.


Eagles teach, Lions learn

The upstart Detroit Lions, heady with the success of their 2-0 start, were hoping to make a statement about where they stand on their personal road to improvement from being a team that #39;s


Seahawks keep 49ers off board

SEATTLE -- Once again, the Seattle Seahawks won with their dominant defense. This time, they ended an NFL record streak. Matt Hasselbeck threw for 254 yards with two TDs, Shaun Alexander scored three TDs and


Blair admits feeling heat over hostage in Iraq

Kidnappers holding a British hostage in Iraq have put Britain in a very difficult position through their effective use of the media, Prime Minister Tony Blair conceded in an interview with a Sunday newspaper.


Taj Mahal birthday party begins

Some of India's top musicians are due to perform at a celebration to mark the 350th anniversary of the Taj Mahal.


Iraqi Guard commander arrested by US military

BAGHDAD -- The US military announced yesterday that it had arrested a top Iraqi National Guard commander in Tikrit, accusing him of working with the insurgency. It was the most serious publicized confirmation so far that the growing resistance movement, which US officials admitted yesterday is fanning out from bases in Fallujah and Baghdad, has infiltrated the top echelons of ...


Threats trail man organizing Gaza withdrawal

JERUSALEM -- The criticism from members of his own kibbutz marked the first sign of trouble for Yonatan Bassi. Then came the comparisons to Nazis and death threats.


A top Taliban commander reportedly killed in raid

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- A former inmate at the US prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, who returned to Afghanistan to rejoin the Taliban as a key commander, was killed with two other militiamen in a raid by Afghan security forces, two senior officials said yesterday.


Brown seeks to set Labour agenda

Gordon Brown will try to focus Labour's conference on the economy, after delegates forced a vote on Iraq.


Scam involving cashier's checks is gaining steam

Abigail R. Safran was taken for more than \$5,000 earlier this year in what appears to be a burgeoning scam involving counterfeit cashier's checks, but the Northeastern University student is balking at paying back the money because she says her bank bears some of the responsibility.


A notebook with muscles to flex

Embracing a new gadget indubitably means parting with some hard earned dinero. But eMachines, purchased by Gateway Inc. , is offering next-generation technology at this-generation prices.


Next to digital IDs, passwords look lame

How big is your key ring? There are the house keys, of course, and the car keys and the little fob for unlocking the doors from 30 feet away. And now there's this new blue thingamajig for logging onto the America Online Internet service. You don't have to use it, but it's not a bad idea, if you want to ...


Clouds on horizon for low-cost airlines

NEW YORK -- As larger US airlines suffer growing losses, low-cost carriers, previously thought to be invincible, are not far behind, industry experts say, due to soaring jet fuel prices, low air fares, and more competition.


Q amp;A David Gergen, political analyst, on leadership

David Gergen , director of the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government , was an adviser to four US presidents: Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton. He is editor-at-large at U.S. News  amp; World Report and a political analyst. Gergen, whose center helps develop future leaders, talked to Boston Globe staff reporter Diane E. Lewis ...


Manchester United profits fall

Manchester United, the world #39;s richest football club, has posted lower annual profits after reinvesting the proceeds of selling England star David Beckham, and says lower media revenues will hit profits this year.


Oil price heads towards record

Oil prices have pushed above \$49 a barrel, approaching record levels as worries about the stability of supplies from Iraq, Nigeria and Russia compound concerns over low fuel stocks ahead of winter.


Update 2: Tokyo Stocks End Lower, Dollar Flat

Tokyo stocks fell for a seventh straight session Monday amid concerns about rising oil prices. The dollar was flat against the Japanese yen.


Newman gains little with win at Dover

DOVER, Del.  The day belonged to Ryan Newman, but not even his dominating performance could shake up anything in the drive for NASCAR #39;s Nextel Cup.


Kawaguchi out as foreign minister as Koizumi reshuffles cabinet

TOKYO - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi appointed Nobutaka Machimura to succeed Yoriko Kawaguchi as foreign minister in a cabinet reshuffle Monday, while retaining Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda and Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki.


Lelie #39;s alternate route provides road map to win for Broncos

On Ashley Lelie #39;s game-altering, 33-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter Sunday, the Denver Broncos wide receiver was supposed to run a post pattern but was prevented


Ken is alive, says brother

The chorus of pleas for hostage Ken Bigley #39;s freedom have yet again been met with deafening silence as the Briton #39;s kidnap ordeal in Iraq enters its 11th day.


Future of Illinois Farm May Lie in Swampy Past

Environmentalists say they can return a 7,000-acre farm to its natural state as a thriving wetland by allowing it to flood.


Singh #39;s record breaking season continues

Vijay Singhs sensational, record-breaking year continued at the weekend when he won the 84 Lumber Classic at the Mystic Rock course in Pennsylvania, his eighth win of the 2004 US PGA Tour season.


Colts 45, Packers 31

Peyton Manning and Brett Favre threw touchdown pass after touchdown pass, moving the ball as if the defenses were little more than speed bumps.


Brit captive still alive, says brother

LONDON -- The brother of Kenneth Bigley, a Briton held hostage in Iraq, said yesterday he had been told the captive was still alive, a contention echoed by the leader of a London-based Islamic centre.


Man who tried to kill Musharraf shot dead

Top Al Qaeda terrorist Amjad Farooqi was killed in a shootout with security forces in Nawabshah, about 200 km northeast from Karachi on Sunday, report agencies.


Israel behind death of Hamas leader

JERUSALEM - Israel was responsible for a car bomb that killed a top Hamas leader in Syria yesterday, Israeli security sources acknowledged, in an escalation in Israel #39;s battle against the Islamic militant group.


Forest turn Clough #39;s wake into pageant

They came in their thousands, many in replicas of that tatty, old green sweatshirt, to mourn the passing of the man who, for 18 years, made the name Nottingham Forest synonymous with success.


WENGER: THEY ARE OUT TO GET US

ARSENAL fear the defence of their Premiership crown is being threatened by bullying tactics from their opponents. The Gunners stretched their unbeaten run to 47 as they overcame a tough


Labor Party faces vexing challenges

The ruling Labor Party opened its annual meeting yesterday with elections looming next year, the opposition gaining favor in polls and Prime Minister Tony Blair eager to head off a rebuke over Iraq from his party #39;s left wing.


Adobe Plans New Format for Digital Photos (AP)

AP - Adobe Systems Inc. plans to introduce a new format for digital photos on Monday in an attempt to create an industry public standard to make the archiving and editing process compatible across all types of cameras and photo software.


AT T Introduces E-mail, IM Device (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - The Ogo gadget is ready to go for e-mail and IM-happy consumers and teens.


HP Deals to Aid RFID Push Into Retail, Manufacturing (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - HP is working with specialists BearingPoint and OATSystems on RFID for Wal-Mart compliance and other retail implementation. Meanwhile, the major IBM competitor is building "domain knowledge" about RFID in manufacturing.


Car Bomb in Mosul, Mortar Attack in Baghdad (Reuters)

Reuters - A car bomb killed three members of the\Iraqi National Guard in the northern city of Mosul and\insurgents fired mortar bombs at a police academy in eastern\Baghdad Monday.


Mbeki: Ivory Coast Parties Agree New Peace Push

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (Reuters) - South African President  Thabo Mbeki said Monday he had reached agreement with all sides  in Ivory Coast's conflict on measures which should speed up  implementation of a French-brokered peace accord.


Next President Will Pick Scores of Judges (AP)

AP - The next president's most enduring legacy may be in an area little mentioned in the campaign so far: the federal courts, where rulings on such hot-button issues as abortion, gay marriage and the death penalty could have lasting impact.


Oil prices near record high

(09/27/04)-- Crude oil prices are on the rise again, this time because of supply fears. In early trading Monday, a price spike nudged a barrel to within four cents of the all-time high of \$49.


Time for US to spank Fannie

Ever since Enron collapsed, a seemingly endless parade of America #39;s largest companies have been caught manipulating their numbers, more than a few of them criminally.


CA accused plead not guilty

Two former Computer Associates executives pleaded not guilty last week to charges involving a multi-billion dollar accounting scandal.


Microsoft prefers settlement option

On the eve of a crucial hearing in its European antitrust case, Microsoft #39;s chief lawyer still hopes the case can be settled. That #39;s one of several paths that Brad Smith is taking to get Microsoft through


Commerce One Announces Layoffs

NEW YORK -- Internet software developer Commerce One Inc. on Friday said it laid off about 61 percent of its staff to conserve cash ahead of plans to close down its business, sending its stock plunging during morning trading.


Eagles 30, Lions 13

Whether Donovan McNabb is eluding 300-pound linemen in a stadium or dragging designer luggage away from it, he is the picture of cool.


UPDATE 2-Koubek keeps Austria in World Group

Stefan Koubek ended Britain #39;s hopes of promotion to the Davis Cup World Group when he beat Greg Rusedski 7-6 6-4 7-5 in the decisive fifth rubber on Sunday to hand Austria a 3-2 win in their playoff tie at Portschach.


Texans 24, Chiefs 21

The Kansas City Chiefs were 2 yards away from taking a double-digit lead against Houston, hoping to avoid their first 0-3 start in 24 years.


BROWN BATTERED IN BOMBERS' LOSS (New York Post)

New York Post - BOSTON  #x2014; If the Yankees don't win the World Series, you can blame it on Kevin Brown's immaturity and lack of respect for his teammates.


Kite festival begins as prelude to 350th anniversary of Taj

Agra, Sep 27. (PTI):A kite festival today began on the banks of the Yamuna river behind the Taj Mahal as a prelude to the 350th anniversary celebrations of the world-famous monument opening this evening.


Theme park

Leave it to the greatest rivalry in sports to nearly turn a lovefest into an alley fight.


Nixon: swing votes

When the afternoon ends with Felix Escalona and Dioner Navarro and Andy Phillips stepping into the batter's box for the Yankees and Adam Hyzdu and Ricky Gutierrez doing the same for the Red Sox, it's understood that this game will not gather much dust before it's expunged from memory. Except, of course, for the sweet moment when sore-kneed Ellis Burks, ...


Lackey sparks Angels past A's

Troy Glaus drove in three runs to back a strong outing by John Lackey, and the Angels beat Oakland, 6-2, last night in Anaheim, Calif., to pull within one game of the West-leading A's with a week to play.


Giant win added to Browns' miseries

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- With the way Kurt Warner and Michael Strahan played, the New York Giants never had to worry about a letdown against the injury-ravaged Cleveland Browns.


Southern discomfort

The hottest team in football? You'd have to have your helmet on backward not to recognize the folks in Foxborough as they stand on the threshold of history. But take a peek south. You just might notice a couple of former laughingstocks who are no longer Sunday punchlines.


Manning, Colts air out Packers

INDIANAPOLIS -- Peyton Manning and Brett Favre threw nine touchdown passes between them and weren't even the heroes.


Walter McCarty, on the bench

LINCOLN -- At the moment, Walter McCarty has his sizable hands full. He's holding 15-month-old Gabrielle, plus a baggie full of Cheerios and an Elmo book for her, and a grape soda for himself. The doorbell rings. It's the contractor, wanting a vehicle moved from the driveway. There's a backhoe digging a pool, and another one tunneling 4 feet into ...


BC's goal: Get back on track

For all the mistakes and squandered scoring chances by Boston College in Saturday's 17-14 loss at Wake Forest, coach Tom O'Brien was not prepared yesterday to say his Eagles beat themselves in their nonconference game against their future Atlantic Coast Conference rival.


Getting it together

The trouble with a good, or perhaps great, college football team is the competition, or the lack of it. Take No. 1 Southern California, for example.


A rebirth in Chelsea

James Atkins knows his players, in some cases a little too well. Atkins is a detective in the Chelsea police department and in charge of the gang unit. He's also the head football coach at Chelsea High and if you're looking for the most pleasant surprise of the 2004 season, look no farther than 299 Everett Avenue.


UNITED #39;S PROFITS FALL

Manchester United have announced a fall in pre-tax profits to 27.9million for the financial year ending July 31. Profits were down from 39.


Steelers 13, Dolphins 3

The rookie overcame a slow start, remnants of Hurricane Jeanne and the Miami Dolphins #39; blitzing defense to help the Pittsburgh Steelers win 13-3 Sunday night.


Manchester United Says TV Revenue Will Plunge, Hurting Profit

Manchester United, the world #39;s biggest soccer club, said revenue from broadcasting, a third of its total income, may plunge 25 percent next year as the team earns less from televised games in England and Europe.


Key reformer to privatise post office after Japan reshuffle

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has picked a key reformer to push through the controversial privatisation of the postal services in a cabinet reshuffle that also saw a change of foreign minister.


Greek Airliner Clear After Bomb Scare

British Police say there was no threat to a Greek airliner that was forced to make an emergency landing in London after a bomb threat.


UK Economic Boom May Bolster Blair as Election Deadline Nears

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose approval rating slumped because of his support for the Iraq war, may win an unprecedented third term as voters give him credit for an expanding economy and falling unemployment, polls show.


Thai woman confirmed with bird flu as fears over human-to-human <b>...</b>

BANGKOK - Thai officials on Monday confirmed that a woman had caught bird flu but played down fears of the first case of human-to-human transmission of the deadly virus following the deaths of two relatives.


Death toll in Haiti floods hits 1,650

The death toll caused by devastating floods in Haiti has climbed to over 1,600 people. Another 800 remain missing. Hurricane Jeanne is the latest tragedy to hit Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas.


Cemex snaps up RMC for 2.3bn

RMC Group, the world #39;s largest maker of ready-mixed concrete, today accepted a 2.3bn takeover bid from Mexico #39;s Cemex, the world #39;s third-largest cement maker.


Cautious investors keep market in red

The Australian share market has started the week a little in the red as high crude oil prices prompted investor caution. The All Ordinaries slipped almost three points to 3,632.


Kopper expected on stand today in Enron trial

Michael Kopper, the first of three former Enron executives who have pleaded guilty and are expected to testify in the ongoing Enron criminal trial, is scheduled to take the stand this morning.


Virgin launches online music service

Virgin Digital, the online arm of the Virgin Group, will launch an online music service Monday aimed at replicating on the Net the success of its offline chain of retail music stores.


TSMC warns of inventory build up

GIANT SEMI foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) warned that while business is steady, its customers are dealing with rising levels of stock.


India #39;s unmanned moon mission going smoothly: official

India #39;s unmanned moon mission -Chandrayan - is expected to take place in 2007-08 as it is progressing smoothly, the country #39;s space agency chief G. Madhavan Nair said Sunday in New Delhi.


Bucs #39; season continues its spiral in Black Hole

The end zone must be a very scary place, with skeletons and spikes, where dark, shadowy figures with painted faces lurk. It has been a black hole, all right


PM #39;s  #39;drunken sailor #39; campaign

Canberra, Australia - The opposition Labour Party on Monday accused Prime Minister John Howard of spending  quot;like a drunken sailor quot; to woo voters ahead of next month #39;s election in which he will seek a fourth three-year term.


Schroeder avoids big new losses

Local election results in Germany #39;s most populous state indicate another setback for Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder - but the decline has slowed.


Work on designing Chandrayan over: Nair :

Technology India  gt; Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Sep 26 : Work on designing country #39;s ambitious unmanned lunar mission  #39;Chandrayan #39; was over, ISRO Chairman Madhavan Nair said here today.


Chinese GP new star of F1 circuit

Rubens Barrichello #39;s start-to-finish win - holding off the double challenge of young guns Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen - enthralled genuine sports fans and undoubtedly had the marketing men rubbing their hands as the sport sunk its claws into China #39;s


Shevchenko #39;s double breathes life into 10-man Milan

Two goals in four minutes from Ukranian striker Andriy Shevchenko gave AC Milan a 2-1 win away to Lazio and kick-started the Italian champions #39; title defence.


EU to clear Oracle's PeopleSoft bid (TheDeal.com)

TheDeal.com - A source says Europe's antitrust watchdog has had a change of heart on the deal following the U.S. DOJ's loss on the case in court.


Manmohan celebrates birthday in flight

President APJ Abdul Kalam and Congress President Sonia Gandhi have wished Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his 72nd birthday, which he celebrated mid-air on way to Geneva from New York.


Darfur rebels accused of killing two cops

Darfur rebels have killed two policemen at a displaced persons #39; camp in Sudan #39;s troubled western province, violating a ceasefire agreement, the interior ministry charged on Sunday.


Document on CPC governance capability issued

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Sunday published a major policy document on enhancing the Party #39;s governance capability, stressing it is  quot;a major strategic subject with a bearing on the success of China #39;s socialist cause, the future and destiny of the


Nikkei Extends Losing Streak

Tokyo #39;s Nikkei edged down 0.33 percent Monday, falling for a seventh straight session in its longest losing streak since December 2002 as worries about oil prices and weaker business sentiment plagued the market.


Australia #39;s Ronin Confirms Approach From Another Party

SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Ronin Property Group (RPH.AU), the target of aA\$1.3 billion takeover bid by Multiplex Group (MXGCA.AU), said Monday it has received an approach from a third party.


Virgin seeks slice of net music

Virgin becomes one of the first major music retailers to enter an increasingly crowded online music market.


HFC bank in mass e-mail blunder

Customers of HFC bank are furious after an e-mail error revealed their personal details to thousands of other people.


Farooqi key link between Pakistan and al Qaeda (Reuters)

Reuters - Amjad Hussain Farooqi, who was shot dead by security forces on Sunday, was one Pakistan's most wanted men, a cohort of Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and a key link between al Qaeda and local Pakistani militants.


Australian man killed British tourist for drug money (AFP)

AFP - An Australian man threw a young British tourist to her death from a bridge after robbing her for drug money.


Britain, Israel Hold Out Prospect of Mideast Talks

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Britain and Israel on Monday held out  the prospect of a Middle East peace conference in London after  the Palestinians elect a successor to Yasser Arafat on Jan. 9.


Karzai Opposes Afghan Poll Delay, Despite Concerns

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghanistan's presidential election will  be held on time, President Hamid Karzai said on Monday, despite  rival candidates' fears the lack of security was hampering  their campaigns and undermining voting legitimacy.


Japan PM Reshuffles Cabinet, Keeps Some Ministers

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi  reshuffled his cabinet Monday to boost his popularity and give  impetus to reform -- especially postal reform -- but the mix of  familiar faces with unknowns raised doubts about whether he  would achieve those goals.


Virgin boss in space tourism bid

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson announces an agreement to secure the first commercial flights into space.


Virgin boss in space tourism bid

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson announces plans to secure the first commercial flights into space.


Boost for Somali peace talks

Mediators welcome the return of a Somali warlord to the peace process in neighbouring Kenya.


Pakistan to tour India

Pakistan say they will tour India in February 2005 to play three Tests and five one-day internationals.


Mexican firm bids 2.3bn for RMC

Mexican group Cemex makes a 2.3bn (\$4.1bn) offer for UK-based RMC, the world's biggest supplier of ready-mixed concrete.


The Forgotten tops US box office

Chiller The Forgotten  tops the US box office chart, with UK zombie movie Shaun of the Dead at number seven.


Hemingway Bullfight Tale From 1924 Turns Up

A previously unknown story and a letter ascribed to Ernest Hemingway have caused a dispute between those who want to see them published and those who don't.


Oil price pushes toward \$50 a barrel

US light crude climbed to \$49.36 a barrel, up 48 cents and just four cents below the record high set in late August at \$49.40. In London, Brent crude oil futures in surged to a new peak of \$45.


Credit cards may cause trouble for issuers

Credit cards issuers may face penalty from the regulators as credit cards solicitation is not as reliable as they are said. Consumers sometimes are not given the whole information about the possibly imposed


China to bid \$7B for Noranda

A company owned by the Chinese government has entered talks to buy Noranda Inc. in a deal that would shake up the Canadian mining industry.


Russia to Curb Inflation, Manage Industry, PM Says (Update1)

Russia #39;s government will take an active role in managing industry as it seeks to curb inflation and open markets to attract investment, Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said.


HP  #39;jilts Intel Itanium #39;

Intel #39;s biggest customer for its Itanium processor is to stop building workstations built around the chip according to the online edition of the Wall Street Journal.


Colleges turn to eBay to sell unwanted goods

Texas A amp;M University couldn #39;t give away a fleet of 20-year-old buses, so it sold them - on eBay. With starting bids of \$500 each, three buses went online for a weeklong auction.


Virgin offers music downloads

Virgin has become the latest company to launch an online music download service, but UK music fans will have to wait before they can give it a try.


Five questions

Tom Harris is owner of 24/7 Auctions, an Internet auction consignment store in Vista. It #39;s a growing field. In June, AuctionDrop said it plans to offer a similar service at UPS Stores #39; 3,400 US retail locations, including 50 in San Diego County.


Coleman, Holmes play role reversal

Free safety Marcus Coleman expected to be chasing All-Pro running back Priest Holmes around on the field Sunday. Coleman returned an interception a franchise-record 102


Local government vote raises SPD #39;s hopes

BERLIN - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder #39;s Social Democrat Party (SPD) have seized on regional elections in the nation #39;s biggest state as a sign of a turnaround in the party #39;s political fortunes.


Critics debunk China #39;s Communist Party #39;s plan to build up its <b>...</b>

BEIJING: China #39;s ruling Communist Party has issued a lengthy policy paper on way to reverse its waning popular support, citing corruption and  quot;hostile forces quot; as issues that could end its 55-year grip on power.


Blair #39;s party urges a shift in focus from Iraq to domestic issues

BRIGHTON, England Top aides to British Prime Minister Tony Blair are urging his party not to let the war in Iraq derail their annual convention and election hopes.


Australian Stocks Advance, Paced by Woodside Petroleum, BHP

Australian stocks rose for the first day in three, paced by oil producers such as Woodside Petroleum Ltd. after crude oil climbed to a record amid concern that hurricane damage in North America will disrupt supply.


China #39;s Minmetals in talks to buy Canada #39;s Noranda

TORONTO : China Minmetals Corp has entered into exclusive talks to acquire mining group Noranda, the Canadian firm announced. Noranda said that after a special committee review of  quot;a number of proposals from


BOXING: JONES TAKES MEMPHIS BEATING

ROY JONES Junior #39;s career looks over after he suffered a shattering ninth round knock-out against Glen Johnson in Memphis. Johnson retained his IBF light heavyweight title and left Jones


Dollar Inches to 6-Wk High

LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar rose to a six-week high  against the yen on Monday as the Japanese currency was ground  down by a weak stock market and oil prices pushing back toward  record highs.


Nikkei Extends Losing Streak

TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei edged down 0.33 percent  Monday, falling for a seventh straight session in its longest  losing streak since December 2002 as worries about oil prices  and weaker business sentiment plagued the market.


UK watchdog targets Belgian firm

The Office of Fair Trading takes legal action against a Belgian mail-order firm, using new cross-border powers for the first time.


SEC focusing on drug makers

The Securities and Exchange Commission is scrutinizing biotechnology companies as part of a wider effort to ensure that companies don't mislead investors by covering up negative results of clinical trials.


Microsoft says upgrade for full IE security

A REPORT last week said that Microsoft will not build the latest security features in Windows XP browser and expects customers to upgrade to the OS from previous software to gain prophylactic protection.


Long Trip for Psychedelic Drugs

Researchers who believe psychedelic drugs like ecstasy and mushrooms can help people with mental disorders are slowly getting federal agencies on board. By Kristen Philipkoski.


Nice Ride: The Hydrogen Gremlin

Long before President Bush ever put 'hydrogen' and 'economy' together in a sentence, a group of students at the University of California, Los Angeles, were revving the engine on their hydrogen-powered Gremlin. By Amit Asaravala.


Changing at the Push of a Button

You might not be able to morph your wallpaper just yet, but digital ink is already threatening to make big changes in the way we experience advertising. By Rachel Metz.


Fable Feels Like Unfinished Tale

Fable succeeds as a plain-ol' fantasy action game where you kill things to buy stuff to kill bigger things. But given the expectations that preceeded it, the game is ultimately disappointing. Lore Sjberg reviews Fable.


Rural Kids Print, Bind and Read

Anywhere Books sets up digital bookmobiles in developing countries like Uganda, Ghana and Macedonia. The souped-up vans can print and bind books on the spot, and children get the fresh-made publications for free. By Katie Dean.


U.S. Makes Spy Images Inside U.S.

In the name of homeland security, a little known branch of the Defense Department -- the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, or America's spy imagery agency -- is keeping a close eye on the United States.


Taking Aim at 'Arms Race of Spin'

Both sides of the political spectrum twist the truth in their media briefs, according to a website that's tracking the spin. The system of half truths make it hard for ordinary folks to become informed.


Google Bows to Chinese Censorship

A new Chinese news service launched by Google displays no results from websites banned by China's officials. The search engine that promises to do no evil says why include links that come up empty? anti-censorship advocates are watching.


Index funds adjust fees to lure customers

Despite perceptions to the contrary, index mutual funds really aren #39;t all alike. They don #39;t all invest in the same stocks or bonds, and they certainly don #39;t all come with the same low expenses.


First class to the moon

London - British airline magnate Richard Branson announced a plan on Monday for the world #39;s first commercial space flights, saying  quot;thousands quot; of fee-paying astronauts could be sent into orbit in the near future.


No woofing and no white flags

This is why manager Terry Francona never did tighten the reins on the free spirits in the Red Sox clubhouse. Free spirits can bounce back with the best of them.


Grading the Giants

touchdown. QB Kurt Warner (13) passed 16 yards to WR Amani Toomer (81), setting up this first-and-10 situation from the Giants #39; 45 with 9:45 left in the first quarter.


New wave of violence in Gaza Strip

During last week four Israelis were killed by Palestinians. The Israel response developed into new air attack in a refugee camp. Israeli military forces say Palestinians use the Gaza refugee camp to organize attacks against Jewish settlements.


Virgin Announces Plans for Space Service

British entrepreneur Richard Branson said Monday that his Virgin company plans to launch commercial space flights over the next few years.


Ravens 23, Bengals 9

The defending AFC North champs found their stride Sunday, and it had a lot to do with the broad-shouldered back who leaves tacklers wide-eyed and empty-handed.


Cemex to buy RMC Group in \$5.8bn deal

NEW YORK, September 27 (newratings.com) - Mexican cement giant, Cemex SA (CX.NYS), has agreed to buy RMC Group Plc, a leading British ready-mix concrete company, in a deal valued at about \$5.


Microsoft braces for EU appeal

Brussels - Microsoft Corporation said on Monday it is ready to put a stripped down version of Windows on the market if ordered to do so by a European court.


Apax, Cinven Buy VNU Directories Unit for EU2.1 Bln (Update3)

Apax Partners Worldwide LLP and Cinven Ltd. agreed to buy VNU NV #39;s directories unit for 2.1 billion euros (\$2.6 billion), betting they can repeat Apax #39;s past success in buying and selling yellow pages assets.


Update 3: Tokyo Stocks Edge Lower, Dollar Higher

Tokyo stocks slid for a seventh straight session Monday to a five-and-a-half week low due to concerns about rising oil prices. The US dollar was higher against the Japanese yen.


AT amp;T launches new e-mail service

NEW YORK: AT amp;T Wireless Services launches a mobile e-mail and messaging device without voice service on Monday, aiming to use a low price to tempt young consumers.


Branson #39;s Virgin Group Plans to Offer Space Flights in 2007

Virgin Group Ltd., owned by billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, said it formed a company called Virgin Galactic to offer commercial space flights starting in 2007.


HP deep sixes Itanium workstations

Hewlett Packard Co quietly withdrew its Itanium-based workstation line from marketing on September 1, and spent last Friday trying to do damage control with the IT press as the word got out.


High speed data network just for research

A high-speed data network being built by the Government to link academic and research institutions is unlikely to take traffic away from Telecom and the other mainstream telcos because of tough rules that will govern its use.


Prove open source cred, release Java, Red Hat tells Sun

Red Hat Inc vice president for open source affairs Michael Tiemann has come-out in favor of open sourcing Java to cultivate innovation and help defend against Microsoft Corp #39;s .


Manchester United Football Club boss excited over Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson is clearly excited over the prospect of Wayne Rooney making his debut for Manchester United Football Club. The England international is yet to play for the Reds since his 26million transfer


SEAHAWKS 34, 49ERS 0 Game grades

Offense: F Ken Dorsey played like the seventh-round, second-year quarterback he is. His arm strength, accuracy and even the thing he does best -- decision making --.


US Forces Bomb Baghdad #39;s Sadr City

Iraqi hospital sources and witnesses say US forces carried out overnight airstrikes in Baghdad #39;s Sadr City neighborhood, killing at least two people and wounding more than 40 others.


Brother of UK hostage urges Blair to plead for hostage release

Paul Bigley, brother of Kenneth Bigley who is being held hostage by militants in Iraq, called on British Prime Minister Tony Blair Monday to step up efforts to win the release


Three Palestinians shot dead in Gaza Strip

A 53-year old Palestinian, identified as Saeed Almadhoun, 53, of the Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, was shot dead on Monday morning after being hit with a live bullet.


Thai Suspected Bird Flu Case Fans Human Link Fear

Thailand, rattled by fears a girl passed bird flu to her mother, said Monday it has no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the deadly H5N1 virus in the country.


Saudi Troops, Gunmen Clash in Riyadh

Saudi security forces, battling a wave of terrorist attacks in the country, have clashed with a group of gunmen in the capital, Riyadh.


Cemex to buy British RMC Group

Mexican Cemex, being the third largest cement maker in the world, agreed to buy its British competitor - RMC Group - for \$5.8 billion, as well as their debts in order to expand their activity on the building materials market of the USA and Europe.


Oil prices jump to record high

Oil prices today hit a new high amid fears over low fuel stocks as winter approaches and renewed concern about the security of supplies.


Ingram Micro agrees to buy Tech Pacific for \$493 mn

NEW YORK, September 27 (newratings.com) - Ingram Micro Inc (IM.NYS) has reached a definitive agreement to buy Tech Pacific, an Australian IT product distributor, for about \$493 million in cash, including debt assumptions.


Microsoft will offer slim Windows if EU insists

THE HEAD LAWYER at Microsoft has said that if the European Union insists it tweaks Windows to comply with its anti-trust ruling, it will be able to comply.


Adobe proposes universal digicam  #39;raw #39; image format

Dubbed Digital NeGative (DNG) format, Adobe #39;s proposal would not supersede the JPEG format used by almost all digicams these days, but the native formats such cameras offer users who want maximum, image fidelity.


Virgin to Launch Commercial Space Flights

British entrepreneur Richard Branson said Monday that his Virgin company plans to launch commercial space flights over the next few years.


Music Sites Ask,  #39;Why Buy If You Can Rent? #39;

ong before Sir Richard Branson dreamed of becoming the latest billionaire with a reality TV show, before he started his cellphone company, his airline and his record label, he sold music from


HP to Stop Using Intel Itanium Chip

Hewlett Packard has decided to discontinue offering desktop workstations based on Intel #39;s Itanium microprocessor as its customers prefer the extended 64-bit approach.


VeriSign hopes to make passwords obsolete

Internet services and security company VeriSign is unveiling a new token it hopes will replace passwords for gaining access to corporate computers.


Microsoft Takes On Backup Market

It #39;s a market that could use a shake-up. Backup and recovery still can be too expensive and complex for many small and midsize companies that rely on Windows, but the software is vital to their businesses.


Singh captures 84 Lumber Classic

Singh grabbed the first-round lead with a tournament-low 8-under par 64, and although he had company a few times, never stepped down from his perch in winning the 84 Lumber


Lions don #39;t measure up Eagles too much for Detroit

DETROIT - If this was a yardstick game, the kind a team measures itself by, then the Detroit Lions need some more of them. There were more than 36 inches of separation between the Lions and the Philadelphia


UPDATE 1-Indian court to hear cricket telecast case Tuesday

Five judges of India #39;s top court will hear a petition by Zee Telefilms Ltd. on Tuesday contesting the cancellation of a \$308-million contract for the rights to broadcast Indian cricket matches on television.


Labour Party Conference 2004

DELEGATES gathered in Brighton this week for what will almost certainly be Labour #39;s last annual conference before the general election.


Dust Might

The Loch Rannoch oil tanker isn #39;t exactly the place you #39;d expect to find cutting-edge computer technology. But the 850,000-ton ship owned by British Petroleum is home to an experiment in preventing critical breakdowns before they happen.


Survey: CEOs Fail To Grasp Importance of Security

quot;It is easy for a CEO to say security is important, quot; says Ernst  amp; Young partner Kent Kaufield.  quot;But in actuality, I think they view it much like purchasing insurance --something that is good


Wall Street Set to Slip on Oil

LONDON (Reuters) - Wall Street was expected to open lower  on Monday weighed down by worries that Americans will feel the  pinch of steeper energy costs, and Boston Scientific Corp  BSX.N may dip on news of a product recall.


Twelve Killed in Attack on U.S. Mission in Jeddah

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) - Militants stormed the  heavily fortified U.S. consulate in Jeddah in a brazen raid  Monday and 12 people died in gunbattles before security forces  regained control.


Dubai airport building collapses

At least five workers die as a site under construction at Dubai airport collapses, trapping workers.


Oil on record run

Brent crude sets intraday mark in London, US crude comes close as supply concerns plague market. LONDON (Reuters) - London oil prices hit record highs on Monday as worries about the stability of supplies from


Vodafone sets out cost-cutting plans

Vodafone says it expects to cut costs by 2.5 billion pounds per year by March 2008, and has reiterated its guidance for this financial year.


New owner for Golden Pages business

Dutch publishing group VNU is to sell its directories business, including the Golden Pages in Ireland, to venture capital groups Apax and Cinven for just over 2 billion.


Russian financial markets must be developed - Fradkov

MOSCOW. Sept 27 (Interfax) - A whole set of laws on financial markets regulation will be drafted in the coming months, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said at the investment conference organized by Brunswick UBS.


Management Shakeup May Lie Ahead for Fannie Mae

AccountingWEB.com - Sep-27-2004 - Days after Fannie Mae #39;s federal regulator released a highly critical report on the mortgage giant #39;s accounting practices, observers say top management may not survive the fallout.


Startup exploits new way of networking

HEN CHECKING into a hotel room for the first time, how many times have you been frozen by the air conditioner the last occupant left on full blast?


India kicks off 350th birthday of Taj Mahal

Hundreds of schoolchildren have gathered outside India #39;s Taj Mahal, releasing heart-shaped balloons and setting free white pigeons to mark the 350th birthday of the world #39;s most famous monument of love.


Fannie Mae said near capital deal

Source: Mortgage financer may be forced to keep up to \$31B on hand while it fixes accounting woes. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Embattled mortgage finance giant Fannie Mae was close to a deal with regulators late


Security alert issued after top Pakistani al-Qaida suspect killed

KARACHI, Pakistan Pakistani authorities are putting the city of Karachi on  quot;red alert, quot; for an al-Qaida strike after its forces killed a top terror suspect.


Germany #39;s big parties losers in polls but Schroeder takes heart

BERLIN : Germany #39;s two main political parties wound up the losers in local elections at the weekend but Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder #39;s Social Democrats (SPD) have taken heart by avoiding a new rout.


Sun And Microsoft Aim For Single Sign-On

Microsoft and Sun Microsystems last week issued a progress report on the technical truce the companies called this year but gave little indication of what specific fixes they would devise to address customers #39; problems.


ETA Sets Off 7 Bombs Across Spain; at Least 5 Hurt

MADRID (Reuters) - The Basque separatist group ETA set off  bombs in cities across Spain Monday, slightly wounding five  people and escalating their renewed fight for independence on  the day Spaniards celebrate unity.


Thousands Uprooted by Clashes in East Congo -U.N. (Reuters)

Reuters - Thousands of civilians have fled\their homes after clashes in the east of the Democratic\Republic of Congo, the United Nations said on Friday, but it\was unclear who was behind the violence.


Lexmark Spruces Up Color Lasers (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Lexmark International is shipping new color laser printers with faster speeds, enhanced media-handling capabilities and cost-saving features.


Reverse Migration: From Linux to Windows (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - The number of enterprises migrating from Windows to Linux is a growing concern for Microsoft. But it's not a one-way street. Some companies #151;unhappy with their open-source experience #151;are making the switch back to Windows.


Hamas: Arab State May Have Helped in Syria Killing (Reuters)

Reuters - The militant Palestinian group Hamas\said Monday an Arab country might have helped Israel\assassinate one of its leaders in Damascus, an act it called\"treason."


Building Collapses at Dubai Airport (AP)

AP - A large wall in a building under construction at Dubai airport collapsed Monday, killing more than eight people and injuring many more, a contractor said.


Colombia Police Aim to Disrupt Drug Trade (AP)

AP - Seven helicopter gunships skirted the steep mountainsides, then quickly descended on a cocaine lab, marked by a smoke grenade thrown by one of the raiders. As the heavily armed anti-narcotics police jumped from the hovering craft, accompanied by an informant wearing a ski mask, peasants who worked the coca fields and in the complex scampered away.


Egyptian firm imposes blackout on Iraq hostages (AFP)

AFP - Egypt's telecom group Orascom said it was imposing a news blackout to ensure the safety of two kidnapped engineers held hostage in Iraq.


Circuit City 3Q Same-Store Sales Decline

Circuit City Stores Inc., the nation #39;s No. 2 electronics retailer, reported Monday that same-store sales declined 4.3 percent in the third quarter, largely because of weak sales of music and movie software.


DigitalNet Wins Fingerprint ID Contract

DigitalNet Holdings Inc. of Herndon will provide fingerprint identification services to the Homeland Security Department under a new \$25 million contract.


Helping New Space Industry Lift Off

Flying the first commercial test pilot into space three months ago was more than a feat of entrepreneurial engineering. SpaceShipOne's maiden flight just beyond the edge of the atmosphere also required a little bureaucratic ingenuity from Patricia Grace Smith and her staff at the Federal Aviation Administration.


Three Iraqi National Guards Killed in New Attacks

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A car bomb killed three Iraqi National  Guards in Mosul and rebels mortared a police academy in Baghdad  Monday, underscoring a warning by Secretary of State Colin  Powell that Iraq's insurgency was worsening.


Five Dead in Dubai Airport Building Site Collapse

DUBAI (Reuters) - At least five workers were killed and an  unspecified number injured Monday when part of the ceiling of a  building under construction at Dubai airport collapsed,  officials said.


Carter fears Florida vote trouble

Flawed voting arrangements may cause another election debacle in Florida, warns ex-US President Jimmy Carter.


Dubai wall collapse kills four

At least four workers die as a site under construction at Dubai airport collapses, trapping workers.


Israel launches sweeps in Jenin

The Israeli army pours into the West Bank city of Jenin, sparking firefights with Palestinians.


'Name vCJD-risk countries' call

Five countries which received vCJD-risk blood plasma products should be named to stop the disease spreading, campaigners say.


Ape Learning Center Welcoming 'Students'

DES MOINES, Iowa - Azy and Indah are heading to school this week - a unique experience for two clever orangutans whose classroom will eventually encompass more than 200 acres of lowlands, river forest and lakes. On Tuesday, the inquisitive primates will become the first residents of the Great Ape Trust of Iowa...


Is there money in being 'green'?

Solar Data Centers, a Web-hosting company, plans to power its servers on electricity generated by solar panels.


Microsoft braces for EU anti-trust appeal hearing

US software giant Microsoft said Monday it will abide by whatever ruling is handed down by a European appeal court hearing due this week against an EU condemnation for abusing its market dominance.


Angels Close Within One Game of A's (AP)

AP - Oakland, Anaheim and Texas are still battling with a week to go for what is likely to be the final spot in the AL playoffs. With Minnesota having clinched its third consecutive AL Central title, the New York Yankees heading toward a seventh straight first-place finish in the AL East and Boston comfortably ahead in the wild-card race, the West figures to attract the most interest in the final week of the regular season.


Playing Pitch and Catch in the NFL (AP)

AP - What a great day to play pitch and catch, NFL style. Peyton Manning and Brett Favre looked like a pair of schoolyard slingers Sunday in Indianapolis' 45-31 victory over Green Bay. Donovan McNabb, Daunte Culpepper, Aaron Brooks and Marc Bulger all threw for more than 300 yards.


Virgin shows passion for online music service

AS SUSPECTED, VIRGIN DIGITAL is to be launched today and Sir Richard Branson, the overseer of the Virgin group, said it will include over a million tracks and compatibility with 50 plus portable gizmos.


Don #39;t count out Roy, but Bowe must go

That question now faces Roy Jones Jr. after being knocked out in the ninth round on Saturday night by Glen Johnson in a fight for Johnson #39;s IBF light-heavyweight title.


Eagles get busy on third downs

A perfect indicator of how much respect the new-look Philadelphia Eagles offense commands these days was provided by the Detroit Lions in the third quarter of the Eagles #39; 30-13 win Sunday.


Building collapse at Dubai Airport; 50 feared dead

Dubai: A building under construction at Dubai airport collapsed on Monday, killing about 50 people, according to reports. An unspecified number of workers are trapped in the debris, police and airport officials said.


Pakistan on alert after al-Qaida suspect dies in raid

Police in Pakistan were today braced for a violent backlash from Islamist militants after a suspected al-Qaida operative was killed in a raid at the weekend.


Iraq to dominate Labour conference

Iraq and the fate of a British hostage are threatening to thwart Prime Minister Tony Blair #39;s efforts to put domestic issues centre stage today as Chancellor Gordon


Japan leader appoints new party chiefs ahead of cabinet reshuffle

TOKYO, (AFP) - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has appointed new party executives to his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), hours ahead of an expected cabinet reshuffle aimed at pushing a reform package.


Sportsview: Jimmie Crutchfield Remembered (AP)

AP - "Oh, we had men by the hundreds who could have made the big leagues, by the hundreds, not by the fours, twos or threes. ... Ain't no maybe so about it."  #151; Satchel Paige, from his Hall of Fame induction speech in 1971.


ESPN in Talks to Set Up European Sports Channel

LONDON (Reuters) - Walt Disney-owned sports channel ESPN is  holding talks with broadcasters in Europe about launching a  European version of its 24-hour U.S. channel.


Stocks Seen Lower as Oil Pushes Higher

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks looked set to open lower  on Monday as oil prices approach record levels, fueling  concerns that high energy costs are biting into corporate  profits and consumer spending.


Supreme Court Denies Klan Appeal to Anti-Mask Law (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. Supreme Court rejected on\Monday a free-speech challenge to a New York law banning the\wearing of masks at public gatherings by a group claiming ties\to the Ku Klux Klan.


Update 4: Tokyo Stocks Hit Five-And-A-Half Week Low

Tokyo stocks slid Monday to a five-and-a-half week low as concerns about rising oil prices sent the Tokyo stock market #39;s main index to its seventh consecutive decline.


Pre-Retirement Interview With Intel CEO Barrett

kevcol writes  quot;The San Francisco Chronicle has an excellent interview with Intel #39;s CEO Craig Barrett who retires next year.


At least eight dead in Dubai airport construction site collapse

DUBAI : At least eight workers were killed when a wall on a vast construction site at Dubai airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) collapsed, Al-Arabiya television reported.


Microsoft ready to comply with EU orders

Microsoft #39;s chief counsel, briefing reporters in the lead-up to a European Union court hearing this week, said Monday he remains hopeful the software giant #39;s European antitrust case can be settled.


Vodafone Expects Cost Cuts, Savings to Boost Earnings (Update2)

Vodafone Group Plc, the world #39;s largest mobile-phone operator, expects cost cuts and bulk-order savings to boost earnings by more than a third before 2008, as the company reins in spending from Germany to Albania.


Before the Bell - Nastech soars 23 pct

Shares of Nastech Pharmaceutical Co. Inc. (NSTK.O: Quote, Profile, Research) jumped 23 percent before the bell on Monday after the company said it tied up with Merck  amp; Co.


A class apart: cameras

Photographers interested in kicking their dependence on chemicals and processing labs can learn to do so with an Exploring Digital Cameras class.


Pharmaceuticals weigh on Singapore #39;s August factory output

SINGAPORE: Singapore manufacturing output growth slowed to 5.3 percent in August from 19.1 percent in July due to a sharp contraction in pharmaceuticals production, the government says.


Market closes weaker

THE Australian share market finished slightly weaker today, as investors continued to engage in some profit taking after last week #39;s record highs.


Veritas, Microsoft Give Backup a Speed Boost

Storage management offerings on tap from Microsoft Corp. and Veritas Software Corp. aim to extend data replication, archiving and indexing capabilities to accelerate backup and recovery operations.


Valencia and Barca Set the Pace

Valencia and Barcelona are the front-runners in Primera Liga after an easy win each today. Champions Valencia, coached by Claudio Ranieri, dispatched Racing Santander 2-0 with goals from Vicente Rodriguez and Stefano Fiore.


Peaceful Coexistence, Until Next Time

With a legacy of pugilism growing by the series, the Yankees and the Red Sox continued to add to their long list of run-ins, although Sunday #39;s slights and brushbacks were


Gruden deal now pays off against Bucs

The Oakland Raiders cornerback read Brad Johnson #39;s intent, raced back toward him as the Tampa Bay play developed, picked off the pass in the left flat and skirted untouched 32 yards down the sideline for a third-quarter touchdown.


Giants: Warner-to-Toomer combo hits stride

Amani Toomer probably knew it was going to be a good day when his first catch covered 16 yards over the middle of the field. He was positively sure of it on the next play, when he sprinted


Workers killed in Dubai airport building collapse

Several workers are believed to have been killed and others injured after a contruction site collapsed at Dubai airport. The workers were trapped under rubble at the site of a \$4.


RAF ESCORT JET IN BOMB SCARE

RAF jets ecorted a diverted jet to Stansted Airport yesterday after a caller claimed there was a bomb on board. The US-bound Olympic Airlines plane made an emergency landing and all 301 passengers were evacuated safely.


Microsoft Still Wants EU Settlement (Reuters)

Reuters - Microsoft Corp's chief counsel,\briefing reporters in the lead-up to a European Union court\hearing this week, said on Monday he remains hopeful the\software giant's European antitrust case can be settled.


Walgreen Quarterly Profit Up 18.1 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - Walgreen Co. , the top U.S.\drugstore chain, on Monday said quarterly profit rose 18.1\percent due to rising prescription demand and strong sales of\profitable nonpharmacy merchandise.


Stocks Seen Lower, Weighed Down by Oil

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks looked set to open lower  on Monday amid investor concern that high energy costs will  squeeze corporate profits and consumer spending.


Before the Bell - Nastech Soars 23 Pct.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Nastech Pharmaceutical Co.  Inc. NSTK.O jumped 23 percent before the bell on Monday after  the company said it tied up with Merck   Co. MRK.N to develop  and market Nastech's experimental nasal spray treatment for  obesity.


Microsoft Still Wants EU Settlement

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp's chief counsel,  briefing reporters in the lead-up to a European Union court  hearing this week, said on Monday he remains hopeful the  software giant's European antitrust case can be settled.


Bass Family Still Fiddling With Fieldstone

Fieldstone Mortgage  has in recent years become one of the largest independent mortgage lenders in the country. But even though it is based in Columbia, you've probably never heard of it unless you're a customer.


Crude Sets Record, Nigeria Concerns Mount

\

 By Richard Mably

 LONDON (Reuters) - London crude prices hit record highs on\Monday as Nigeria emerged as the new focus of worries about\supply security on world oil markets.


New Bangalore road to beat jams

India's out-sourcing capital Bangalore is to get an \$87m (48m) new toll motorway in a fresh bid to tackle congestion.


British billionaire unveils plan for commercial space flight

British billionaire Richard Branson announced Monday that his company Virgin Atlantic airline will launch the world #39;s first commercial space flight in near future.


Virgin launches digital music service

British entrepreneur Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Group Ltd. became the latest company to throw its hat into the online music ring Monday by launching the Virgin Digital service.


Bears #39; loss could be gross, man

MINNEAPOLIS -- The sight of Rex Grossman leaving the Metrodome turf on a cart was bad enough for the Bears #39; faithful. Seeing his family upset outside the team #39;s locker room was more telling.


In Pakistan, dead men tell no tales

Pakistan #39;s establishment recently labeled Amjad Farooqi as al-Qaeda #39;s mastermind in the country. However, Asia Times Online contacts vigorously dispute this claim ... and they suspect


Powell: US forces to enter Iraqi  #39;no-go zones #39;

The US military will move into insurgent-heavy  quot;no-go zones quot; in Iraq to clear the way for legitimate elections in January, Secretary of State Colin Powell says.


Ingram buys Aussie distie for \$493m

Ingram Micro is shelling out \$493m cash including assumption of debt for Tech Pacific, an Australian distie. The deal will see Ingram #39;s Asia Pac operations double in size.


AT amp;T Wireless Sells Dedicated Messaging Device

AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc. AWE.N launches a mobile e-mail and messaging device without voice service on Monday, aiming to use a low price to tempt young consumers.


Australian developer expands its reach

SYDNEY Multiplex Group, Australia #39;s third-biggest property developer, on Monday offered 1.3 billion Australian dollars, or \$930 million, for Ronin Property Group to gain access to its rental income and become the nation #39;s fourth-largest property trust.


Virgin launches Digital music service

Virgin #39;s digital music service, Virgin Digital (VD), opened its virtual doors today, offering US consumers a Napster-style mix of a la carte downloads and an  #39;all you can eat #39; monthly subscription package.


Philips looking to build 300-mm joint venture fab

LONDON - At a day of lectures for financial analysts being held in the Netherlands, Royal Philips Electronics NV said it is looking to build a joint venture wafer fab, labeled as  #39;JV(12)-2 #39; to begin displacing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.


Singh eclipses Tiger with record pile

Farmington - Vijay Singh, who knocked Tiger Woods off the top of the world rankings this month for the first time in over five years, eclipsed Woods #39; earnings record for a single season when he won the 84 Lumber Classic here on Sunday.


Tensions still high between Red Sox and Yankees

More bad blood between the Red Sox and Yankees in Boston #39;s 11-to-4 win yesterday. Boston #39;s Pedro Astacio and New York #39;s Brad Halsey were ejected in the eighth inning for throwing at batters.


Collins, Raiders beat Bucs

OAKLAND -- Kerry Collins is new to the whole Tampa Bay-Oakland rivalry, and maybe that was a good thing. Collins replaced injured starter Rich Gannon and calmly directed the Oakland Raiders to an emotional


No hitch in inauguration of Taj Mahotsav: Govt

Lucknow, September 27: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday said there was no hitch in the inauguration of the Taj Mahotsav in Agra to mark the 350 years of Mughal monument, as it has already obtained the proper permission of the Archaeological Survey


Schroeder lifted by election win

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Monday he is confident of winning Germans over to his reform plans and rebuilding his party #39;s support after avoiding major new losses in local elections in a traditional stronghold.


Before the Bell - Cogent jumps 5.6 pct

Shares of Cogent Inc. (COGT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) rose 5.6 percent in premarket trading on Monday following the fingerprint identification company #39;s market debut on Friday


Bush wants to tap oil reserve

The Bush administration announced Thursday it would provide US refineries with  quot;limited quantities quot; of crude oil from the nation #39;s emergency stockpile to help offset supply


Cemex cements deal to buy British rival

London - Mexican cement maker Cemex has agreed to buy British rival RMC Group for about R26.5 billion in cash and debt, the two companies said Monday.


JPMorgan Fleming Eyes Stake in Highbridge

JPMorgan Fleming Asset  amp; Wealth Management on Monday said it plans to buy a majority interest in and enter into a partnership with Highbridge Capital Management, a hedge funds manager, to bolster its presence among hedge funds and


Oil price hits record on Nigeria worries

Crude prices have hit record highs as Nigeria emerges as the new focus of worries about supply security on world oil markets. London Brent on the International Petroleum


Time Warner Reaches Agreement to Allow Comcast to Reduce Stake

Time Warner Inc. and Comcast Corp. reached an agreement that gives Comcast, the world #39;s largest cable-television operator, the option of reducing its stake in Time Warner #39;s cable unit to 17 percent.


Walgreen Boosts Profit, Plans More Stores

Walgreen Co. (WAG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the top US drugstore chain, on Monday said quarterly profit rose 18.1 percent due to rising prescription demand and strong sales from its


Virgin to Become the Worlds First Commercial Space Tourism <b>...</b>

SpaceShipOne, which is solely funded by Paul G. Allen, was designed by aviation legend Burt Rutan and built by his company, Scaled Composites.


HP Drops Itanium 2 Workstations

Move is the latest setback for the chip Intel once billed as an industry standard. Hewlett-Packard has stopped selling workstations based on Intel #39;s Itanium 2 microprocessor, a company spokesperson confirms.


Russia gets budget version of Windows

Microsoft will release a low-price version of Windows in Russia by the end of the year, an effort to wean consumers in that country off pirated software and Linux.


Firefox gets around security problems

Q: I #39;ve been reading a lot about the security problems of Internet Explorer. Would I be safer using an alternative browser, and if so, which one #39;s best?


When these guys go phishing, you #39;re the big one

Hi. This is your bank. Please verify your account and check routing numbers by filling out this form. Your credit card company here.


Get heart smart

A few days after the news of former President Clinton #39;s bypass surgery, I felt myself getting seriously short of breath and unable to walk more than a few steps without stopping.


Baseball Roundup: The Wild, Wild West

The western divisions in both leagues in Major League Baseball have pennant races that are going right down to the wire. In a must win game for Anaheim, the Angels beat Oakland 6-2 to move within one game of the A #39;s in the AL West.


Paris considers overseas French citizens #39; security as first <b>...</b>

French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said on Monday his ministry takes the overseas French citizens #39; security as its first priority following the killing of a Frenchman in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.


Major Israeli force moves into Palestinian town

JENIN, West Bank : A force of more than 70 Israeli military vehicles rumbled into the northern West Bank town of Jenin at dawn, sparking firefights with Palestinian militants in what Israeli army sources described as a  quot;routine operation.


NBA Wrap: Suns Scorch Trail Blazers, Kings Beat Celtics

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Quentin Richardson poured in 37  points, including eight three-pointers, and Shawn Marion added  16 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 121-99  thrashing of the host Portland Trail Blazers Sunday.


Microsoft Adds New Hotmail Fee

Microsoft will start charging for a Hotmail feature that allows users of the Web-based e-mail service to access their e-mail using the Outlook e-mail client.


UPDATE 4-Brent crude sets record as supply worries persist

London oil prices hit record highs on Monday as worries about the stability of supplies from Iraq, Nigeria and Russia compounded concerns over low US fuel stocks ahead of winter.


TCL Communication aims higher after lacklustre debut

China #39;s TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd, whose shares made a lacklustre trading debut in Hong Kong on Monday, said it aimed to be the world #39;s number five mobile phone maker by 2007.


United paid Agents 5m

MANCHESTER United today revealed that it paid footballers #39; agents a staggering 5.5m in the last financial year. In an unprecedented move, the club published a detailed list of payments as part of a new policy


TW, Comcast in Pact on Cable Unit Stake

Time Warner Inc. (TWX) and Comcast Corp. said on Monday they had agreed to a pact giving Comcast an option to cut its interest in Time Warner Cable Inc.


Microsoft Ready to Comply if Appeal Lost (AP)

AP - Microsoft Corp. said Monday it is ready to put a stripped-down version of Windows on the market if it fails this week to persuade a judge to suspend a landmark European Union antitrust decision.


Branson wants to have Virgin in Space by 2007

Sir Richard Branson has announced that the Virgin Group have set up a special company to offer commercial space flights by the year 2007.


Intel cans Grantsdale WLAN plan

Intel has formally dropped Wi-Fi support from its  #39;Grantsdale #39; chipset family and from its  #39;Alderwood #39; chipset. The chip giant will now not ship the promised add-in module which would allow PCs based on its


Space flight tickets to be sold

Anyone who wants to go into space will be able to do so soon, as long as they #39;ve got a spare 100,000 that is. That #39;s how much a seat will cost on a new service from Sir Richard Branson #39;s company, called Virgin Galactic.


Chinese win important for Ferrari

Ferrari team principal Jean Todt was full of praise for his driver, his team and the organisers of the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix after Rubens Barrichello claimed a narrow victory in Sunday #39;s historic race on the outskirts of Shanghai.


Can #39;t do much other than wait, Braves say

The television in Bobby Cox #39;s office was tuned to the Chicago Cubs #39; game, and the Braves manager intently watched the ninth inning.


CNet gets makeover to broaden its appeal (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - CNet.com - a go-to Web site for tech product reviews - is expanding from geekville to soccer moms and dads. The shift is aimed at showing tired, wired consumers how to make high-tech gadgets work together.


Dubai airport building collapses

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A building collapse at a construction site at Dubai airport killed more than eight people and injured many more Monday, a contractor said.


Taj Mahal anniversary

India celebrates the 350th anniversary of its most famous monument, the Taj Mahal, today - although historians cannot agree on its precise age and fears of damaging the enormous white marble structure have dampened plans to mark the event.


SC declines holding of Taj fest near Taj Mahal

The Supreme Court today declined to pass an order permitting the holding of the Taj Mahotsav near the 17th century monument, which celebrates its 350th anniversary this year.


Virgin to Launch Commercial Space Flights (AP)

AP - British entrepreneur Richard Branson said Monday that his company plans to launch commercial space flights over the next few years.


Jeanne Damages NASA Shuttle Building (AP)

AP - The third hurricane to hit NASA's spaceport in just over a month blew out more panels and left more gaping holes in the massive shuttle assembly building, but overall damage was not as severe as feared, a space agency official said Sunday.


U.S. Spy Agency Turns Eye on America (AP)

AP - In the name of homeland security, America's spy imagery agency is keeping a close eye, close to home. It's watching America. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, about 100 employees of a little-known branch of the Defense Department called the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency  #151; and some of the country's most sophisticated aerial imaging equipment  #151; have focused on observing what's going on in the United States.


AT T Wireless Sells Dedicated Messaging Device

NEW YORK (Reuters) - AT T Wireless Services Inc. AWE.N  launches a mobile e-mail and messaging device without voice  service on Monday, aiming to use a low price to tempt young  consumers.


T-W, Comcast in Pact on Cable Unit Stake

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Time Warner Inc. TWX.N and Comcast  Corp. CMCSA.OQ said on Monday they had agreed to a pact  giving Comcast an option to cut its interest in Time Warner  Cable Inc. in exchange for stock in a Time Warner subsidiary  that will hold cable systems and cash.


Microsoft Ready to Comply if Appeal Lost

Microsoft Corp. said Monday it is ready to put a stripped-down version of Windows on the market if it fails this week to persuade a judge to suspend a landmark European Union antitrust decision. -AP


Walgreen Boosts Profit, Plans More Stores

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Walgreen Co. WAG.N, the top U.S.  drugstore chain, on Monday said quarterly profit rose 18.1  percent due to rising prescription demand and strong sales from  its highly profitable nonpharmacy segment, including digital  photo processing.


Soldiers' War Blogs Detail Life in Iraq

Iraq war blogs are as varied as the soldiers who write them. Some sites feature practical news, war pictures and advice. Some are overtly political, with more slanting to the right than to the left. Some question the war, some cheer it. While some military bloggers (or milbloggers) say their commanders have encouraged their online literary ventures, a few say their commanders have shut them down.


Fannie Mae in Deal to Up Capital

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Embattled mortgage finance company  Fannie Mae FNM.N agreed to keep billions of dollars more in  cash on hand while it corrects accounting problems, its  government regulator said on Monday.


JPMorgan Fleming Eyes Stake in Highbridge

NEW YORK (Reuters) - JPMorgan Fleming Asset   Wealth  Management on Monday said it plans to buy a majority interest  in and enter into a partnership with Highbridge Capital  Management, a hedge funds manager, to bolster its presence  among hedge funds and attract a broader audience of investors  to hedge funds.


Adobe Plans New Format for Digital Photos

Adobe Systems Inc. plans to introduce a new format for digital photos on Monday in an attempt to create an industry public standard to make the archiving and editing process compatible across all types of cameras and photo software.


Mars, Snickers Cut Down to Size

LONDON (Reuters) - King-sized Mars and Snickers chocolate  bars will be cut down to size in Britain next year as a leading  food manufacturer responds to growing pressure about portion  distortion and rising levels of obesity.


Stem cells as heart "pacemakers"

"Natural" heart pacemakers made from human stem cells have been successfully tested in pigs.


Billionaire Branson Unveils Space Tourism Plans

LONDON (AFP) -- British airline magnate Richard Branson announced a hugely ambitious plan for the world's first commercial space flights, saying he would send "thousands" of fee-paying astronauts into orbit in the next five years.       Branson, a flamboyant communicator and high-profile tycoon, said his Virgin Atlantic airline had signed a technology licensing deal with the US company behind SpaceShipOne, which in June became the first private manned craft to travel to space...


Hurricane Jeanne Damages NASA Shuttle Building

By MARCIA DUNN    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- The third hurricane to hit NASA's spaceport in just over a month blew out more panels and left more gaping holes in the massive shuttle assembly building, but overall damage was not as severe as feared, a space agency official said Sunday...


NASA's 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel Leaves Powerful Legacy

NASA -- When the massive fan blades stop turning for the last time on September 30, 2004, the steel walls of the 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel will continue to reverberate with an incredible history of aeronautical research spanning over six decades.    The stone "NACA" plate over the building's main entrance at NASA's Langley Research Center only hints at the historical significance of the facility...


Opening the Lid on Genesis

The Genesis desert crash has left scientists wondering about the delicate condition of its solar wind collection. The first release of samples to the community has begun, while new tests for oxygen-isotopes may help uncover which particles might have lunar, solar or terrestrial origins.


Scientists Find Storehouse for Memory

By Karen Pallarito, HealthDay Reporter    HealthDayNews -- In a finding that could lead to better insights into how memories are formed, neuroscientists say they have identified the compartment within nerve cells that stows special receptors that can be deployed to intensify incoming messages.    These compartments, called recycling endosomes, also carry other molecules and proteins, which may play a role in remodeling nerve cells, or neurons, to strengthen the connections between them...


Alternative Medicine Slips Into the Mainstream

By Holly VanScoy, HealthDay Reporter    Doctors are combining time-honored therapies with conventional treatments     HealthDayNews -- In medical circles, what was once considered either old-fashioned or "far out" is getting another look. And sometimes that new look can bring about different ways to treat diseases and conditions...


Seniors Take Up Tai Chi and Yoga Across the U.S.

By AMBER McDOWELL     NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Balanced on one leg like flamingos, a dozen people older than 60 concentrate on staying upright, as they master the basics of tai chi...


Bitter Malpractice Fight Going to Voters

By DAVID CRARY     (AP) -- Rivaling Bush vs. Kerry for bitterness, doctors and trial lawyers are squaring off this fall in an unprecedented four-state struggle over limiting malpractice awards...


Volcanic Unrest in Mount St. Helens

Seismologists believe there's an increased likelihood of a hazardous event at Mount St. Helens due to a strengthening series of earthquakes at the volcano. Mount St. Helens is about 55 miles northeast of Portland, Ore.


Russia gets budget version of Windows

Microsoft effort is designed to wean people off pirated software and the open-source Linux OS.


Vodafone eyes annual savings of 2.5bn

Vodafone is to cut costs by 2.5bn per year by March 2008. It will do this a combination of 1.4bn through cost-saving measures and 1.


Air Canada to Buy Bombardier Jets

Air Canada has agreed to buy \$821 million of Canadair Regional Jets from Bombardier Inc. (BBDb.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) , the companies said on Monday.


TCL Communication makes satisfactory debut in HKEX

TCL Communication Technology Holdings Limited (TCL Communication), one of the leading mobile handset manufacturers in the Chinese mainland made its debut on HKEX (Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearings Limited) Monday.


UK #39;s Branson to Launch Space Tourism in 2007

Richard Branson, Britain #39;s best-known entrepreneur and part-time daredevil, plans to launch the world #39;s first passenger service to space in 2007, offering zero-gravity flights for 110,000 pounds (\$198,600).


Space station oxygen supply safe for now

The International Space Station will have enough oxygen on board to support its crew of two until the next Progress supply vehicle delivers more on Christmas Day, says NASA.


Dubai: 8 airport workers killed in accident

A wall collapsed at an airport construction site Monday, killing more than eight workers and injuring many more, a contractor said.


Cisco unveils switches, software for SMBs

Cisco Systems Inc. on Monday is set to take aim at small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) that have growing needs and sparse technical expertise, introducing a pair of LAN switches and a graphical management application.


Microsoft steps up efforts to nab Unix migrations

Hoping to throw some tacks in the road to slow Linux momentum, Microsoft during the next year will redouble its efforts to woo more corporate users migrating from Unix to the open source OS.


China's first 300mm chip plant starts production

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC), China's largest chip maker and also one of the world's biggest contract chip makers, Saturday formally began commercial production at a 300-millimeter semiconductor fabrication plant (fab) in Beijing called Fab 4, the first such facility to open in China.


Microsoft is ready to remove media player for EU

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


Microsoft Adds New Hotmail Fee

To curb spam, users will be charged for accessing their e-mail via Outlook.


HP Drops Itanium 2 Workstations

Move is the latest setback for the chip Intel once billed as an industry standard.