Google stock shoots, scores, up 120 from IPO (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - For anyone who misses the late '90s, there's an easy way to get a flashback fix. Check out Google's stock. Shares of the Internet search engine Monday soared another  #36;14.97 to  #36;187.40, capping a 120 surge from its initial public offering price in August.


DVD box sets find a place on gift lists (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Brian Stark knows exactly what he wants for Christmas. DVDs, lots of them. There's the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. There's the new Martin Scorsese gift set, with one of his all-time favorite films, Goodfellas.


One vacancy could reshape court (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Monday's announcement that Chief Justice William Rehnquist is being treated for thyroid cancer was a reminder of one man's mortality - and of how a single vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court could change the dynamics of the divided panel.


Altiris Falls 7 Percent Before Bell

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Altiris Inc. ATRS.O fell 7  percent before the opening bell on Tuesday a day after it  posted disappointing earnings.


Iraq sulphur fire breaks records

A fire at an Iraqi sulphur plant has caused the largest man-made release of sulphur ever recorded, scientists say.


Business ; India #39;s growth target lowered, anti-inflation measures <b>...</b>

Business News, Mumbai: India #39;s growth forecast for the current fiscal was Tuesday lowered to 6-6.5 percent by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which also unveiled measures to arrest the inflation rate.


Stability fears as oil reliance grows

The world #39;s reliance on oil and gas is set to increase sharply as global energy demand soars by 60 over the next 25 to 30 years, an influential report predicts.


Sara Lee Earnings Jump 53 Percent in 1Q

CHICAGO - Sara Lee Corp. #39;s earnings climbed 53 percent in the first fiscal quarter, boosted by a delayed payout from the sale of its European tobacco business, the packaged-foods and apparel company announced Tuesday.


Wpp Cautious on Outlook

Advertising giant WPP today said quarterly revenues grew at the fastest rate since 2001 but warned that the jury remains out on its prospects for next year.


TSMC expects first 4Q sales drop since 1998

After again posting record earnings for the third quarter, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) expects to see its first sequential drop in fourth-quarter revenues, coupled with a sharp drop in capacity utilization rates.


Chemical Prices Help DuPont Reverse Loss (Reuters)

Reuters - DuPont Co.  posted a\third-quarter profit, reversing a year-ago loss, as higher\chemical prices offset surging energy costs, the second-largest\U.S. chemicals maker said on Tuesday.


Intel, Clearwire Collaborate on WiMax

Intel and Clearwire, Craig McCaw #39;s wireless broadband services company, plan to jointly develop and deploy wireless broadband WiMax networks, the companies announced today.


Customers To Get LCS 2005 In December

Microsoft is now burning disks of Live Communication Server 2005. The real-time communications product should be broadly available December 1, the company said Monday.


Red Sox take this idiot thing to the bank

BOSTON Go figure this World Series. An old maxim in baseball is you always give away more runs with shoddy defense than you gain with torrid bats.


Record-breaking Fleming puts Kiwis in command

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh - Captain Stephen Fleming struck a sparkling century as New Zealand took control of the second and final Test against Bangladesh here on Tuesday.


Radcliffe to run New York marathon

World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe will run in the New York marathon on November 7, race organisers say. The 30-year-old Briton failed to finish either the marathon or the 10,000 metres at last August #39;s Athens Olympics.


Commentary: ...But A Harsh Diagnosis For Europe (BusinessWeek Online)

BusinessWeek Online - During his 13-year stint as the head of the International Monetary Fund, Michel Camdessus perfected the art of dressing down the world's budget-busters and fiscal profligates. Now it is the turn of Camdessus' native land, France, to come in for an earful of criticism. Charged by the French government five months ago to look into why France can't boost its economic growth rate, Camdessus delivered a withering critique of Gallic business as usual when he unveiled his report on Oct. 19. ...


IAEA: 380 tons of high explosives missing in Iraq

WASHINGTON -- The head of the United Nations nuclear inspection arm told the UN Security Council on Monday that nearly 380 tons of high-grade explosives that could be used in nuclear bombs or terrorist weapons are missing from a storage facility in Iraq


Koizumi views quake-damaged Japan

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi headed to northern Japan to survey the damage wrought by the deadliest earthquakes to hit the country in nearly a decade as the death toll jumped to 31.


Halliburton Posts Loss on Asbestos Charge

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Halliburton Co. HAL.N , the world's  No. 2 oil field services company, on Tuesday fell to a  quarterly loss as \$230 million in charges to fund its asbestos  settlement outweighed gains in its energy business.


Lockheed Profit Jumps 41 Percent

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp. LMT.N, the No.  1 U.S. defense contractor, posted a 41 percent rise in  quarterly profit on Tuesday, beating Wall Street forecasts, on  strong demand for its combat aircraft and information  technology services.


Man jailed over China DVD porn

A Chinese court has sentenced a man to 19 years in prison for trafficking pornographic DVDS, state media reports.


FCC Approves Cingular's AT T Wireless Bid

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications  Commission said on Tuesday it has conditionally approved  Cingular Wireless' \$41 billion acquisition of AT T Wireless  Services Inc. AWE.N, clearing the last big hurdle for the  deal.


Red Hat Sees Half of Sales Outside U.S. in a Year

FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) - U.S.-based Red Hat Inc., the  world's top distributor of open-source Linux software, expects  its international business to increase to half its sales within  12 months, an executive said on Tuesday.


Halliburton posts loss

Halliburton (HAL), the world #39;s No. 2 oil field services company, posted a third-quarter net loss Tuesday as it took \$230 million in charges to pay for its asbestos liability.


BAT profits up

British American Tobacco, the world #39;s second biggest cigarette maker, today posted a 20 rise in third quarter profits, although it said it continued to be affected by the weakness of the dollar.


Gold Fields May Bring Forward Vote on Iamgold Bid (Update3)

Gold Fields Ltd. may bring forward the date for shareholders to vote on its proposed \$2.1 billion purchase of Canada #39;s Iamgold Corp.


NotifyLink Supports palmOne #39;s New Treo 650 Smartphone for Novell <b>...</b>

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Notify Technology Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: NTFY) , today announced that its NotifyLink Enterprise Mobility Solution for Novell GroupWise has been enhanced


DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil

ID Software et Activision ont annonc hier le dveloppement d #39;une extension pour leur hit Doom 3. Baptise  quot;DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil  quot;, cette extension proposera de nouveaux environnement de jeu, de nouveaux personnages et de nouvelles armes, avec


Microsoft Sets December Release for Next-Gen Enterprise IM Server

The next version of Microsoft Corp. #39;s enterprise instant messaging and presence server will be available on Dec. 1, the company said late on Monday.


Intel drops plans for LCOS chip

The world #39;s largest chipmaker, which has had product delays, manufacturing snafus and canceled the 4-GHz version of Pentium 4, has now axed its plans to build chips for big-screen, high-definition TV sets.


Woe are the Red Sox? maybe next week

And, so, pending World Series gaffes, please, what we know about the Boston Red Sox is that they are not, after all, immune to the Heimlich maneuver.


Johansson cheers Stockholm crowd

Thomas Johansson gave the home crowd something to cheer with victory over Xavier Malisse on day one of the Stockholm Open. The Swede came through 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-1) and goes on to face a compatriot in Thomas Enqvist or Robin Soderling.


Don #39;t Blame Berti - Brown

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown insists Berti Vogts is not to blame for a lack of motivation in the international team. The future of the German is the subject of intense speculation with the Scottish


Sooners jump up a spot in BCS rankings

The Sooners, third in last week #39;s initial Bowl Championship Series rankings, moved up one important spot this week to No. 2. Oklahoma traded places with Miami, putting Coach Bob Stoops #39; club in the national


Karzai Wins Afghan Election, Official Says

A UN worker sorts Hamid Karzai #39;s ballot papers at a counting center in Kabul on Tuesday, Oct. 26. 2004. With 97.7 percent of ballots counted, Karzai has 55.


Prince Charles: Terrorism Has Unified Us

The British Embassy in Istanbul, which was damaged in the terrorist attacks killing 16 people on November 20, 2003 was re-opened for service by Crown Prince Charles yesterday.


Fossil fuels to remain dominant: IEA

The International Energy Agency has said fossil fuels will retain their overwhelming domination of the world #39;s energy market until 2030 unless governments urgently switch to clean sources.


Altiris Falls 7 Percent Before Bell

Shares of Altiris Inc. (ATRS) fell 7 percent before the opening bell on Tuesday a day after it posted disappointing earnings. On the INET electronic brokerage system, its shares were down


Delta finds financing to keep airline afloat

A subsidiary of American Express will lend \$600 million to the struggling airline, which is meeting with its pilots union. By Todd Pack.


Sharp exits US PDA market

Sharp Electronics plans to stop selling its Linux-based personal digital assistant (PDA) in the US, reports Associated Press. The company will continue to


Does the palmOne Treo 650 Replace Treo 600? Not Exactly.

palmOne gets a little upset when people call the Treo 650 just an  quot;evolution quot; of the Treo 600. They insist that it is indeed a step up the ladder and not just a leg lift towards that next step.


Red Hat Sees Half of Sales Outside US in a Year

US-based Red Hat Inc., the world #39;s top distributor of open-source Linux software, expects its international business to increase to half its sales within 12 months, an executive said on Tuesday.


Kiwis in command

SKIPPER Stephen Fleming marked his record-breaking Test appearance today with a solid unbeaten 87 that put New Zealand in command on the first day of the second cricket Test against Bangladesh.


US troops reinforce after Falluja strike

warplanes criss-crossed the skies. Troops took up positions in empty buildings on the Sunni Muslim city #39;s southern perimeter. A civilian driver was shot dead near a US checkpoint on the highway, witnesses said.


CEO Quits At Marsh  amp; McLennan

NEW YORK -- The chairman and chief executive of the insurance brokerage giant Marsh  amp; McLennan is stepping down. The company said Monday that Jeffrey Greenberg submitted his resignation and the board accepted it.


Imperial Tobacco #39;s parent company has strong quarter

Cigarette making giant British American Tobacco PLC, owner of Canada #39;s largest tobacco producer, reported a 60 per cent jump in third quarter net profit Tuesday, thanks partly to lower taxation charges.


Manufacturers #39; confidence dips

Manufacturers #39; business confidence in the three months to October deteriorated to its weakest level since the middle of last year as input prices, particularly oil, remained high, a survey shows.


Altiris Falls 7 Percent Before Bell

Shares of Altiris Inc. (ATRS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) fell 7 percent before the opening bell on Tuesday a day after it posted disappointing earnings.


C amp;W continues fire sale, off-loads Japan division

Network operator Cable and Wireless Tuesday announced it has agreed to sell its Japanese business, Cable  amp; Wireless IDC, to Softbank for 72.


HOUSTON (Reuters) - Halliburton Co. HAL.N, the world's  No. 2 oil field services company, on Tuesday posted a quarterly  loss as gains in its energy business were outweighed by \$230  million in charges to fund its asbestos settlement.


Chain Store Sales Fell in Oct 23 Week

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. chain store sales fell in the  third week of October, with sales being delayed by the summer  like weather, a report said on Tuesday.


Canadian veterans lay wreaths to honour comrades who died 60 years ago in Italy (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - CASSINO, Italy (CP) - In the shadows of the Benedictine abbey where German forces held out for long months in the spring of 1944, Canadian war veterans paid tribute Tuesday to the comrades who died in some of the most bitter fighting of the Second World War.


FCC Clears Cingular Acquisition of AT T (AP)

AP - The Federal Communications Commission gave its approval Tuesday to Cingular Wireless LLC's  #36;41 billion acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc., completing the federal regulatory blessing necessary for creation of the country's largest cellphone company.


FCC Approves Cingular's AT T Wireless Bid (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. Federal Communications\Commission said on Tuesday it has conditionally approved\Cingular Wireless'  #36;41 billion acquisition of AT T Wireless\Services Inc. , clearing the last big hurdle for the\deal.


Darfur peace talks hobble along amid bitter disputes over security (AFP)

AFP - Delegates at peace talks to end a conflict in Sudan's western Darfur region traded bitter accusations of ceasefire violations as African Union mediators battled to keep the conference on track.


Red Hat Sees Half of Sales Outside U.S. in a Year (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S.-based Red Hat Inc., the\world's top distributor of open-source Linux software, expects\its international business to increase to half its sales within\12 months, an executive said on Tuesday.


System X supercomputer speeds up almost 20 percent (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Virginia Tech's all-Mac System X supercomputer, installed at the university's Terascale Computing Facility, made headlines last year when it was determined to be the third-fastest supercomputer in the world. System X has been upgraded to Apple Computer Inc.'s Xserve G5 server and now runs even faster, with a sustained speed of 12.25 trillion operations per second -- 19 percent faster than before.


Google Spyware? Bad Guys   Spies Using Google Desktop Search

Google Spyware? Bad Guys  #038; Spies Using Google Desktop Search\\I suppose I was naive when I cheered the new Google Desktop Search tool thinking it was ONLY a great way to help ease my computer info-glut and help organize my hundreds of hard-drive stored documents, emails and files. It seems ...


BP Reports Bumper Profits on Oil Price

LONDON (Reuters) - BP Plc, the world's second largest oil  company, reported bumper third-quarter profits on Tuesday  thanks to high oil prices, but analysts said higher capital  expenditure plans raised some concerns about the extent of  future share buybacks.


John Deere, IRobot Team Up for Battlefield Robot

In a trailblazing pairing of robotics and tractor companies, iRobot and John Deere announced plans Monday to build a 9-foot-long semi-autonomous battlefield vehicle.


AUSTRALIA: Woolworths wins battle for ALH

Australian supermarket group Coles Myer has admitted defeat in the takeover battle for Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) after rival bidder Woolworths said it had secured more than 20 of its target.


Outsiders not barred from Pritzker courtroom

A Cook County judge refused Monday to bar outsiders from the courtroom where the Pritzker family #39;s \$15 billion fortune is being divided, dealing a setback to the powerful clan.


Halliburton Suffers Loss on Asbestos Claims

Halliburton reported a loss in the third quarter, hurt by charges from discontinued operations related to the settlement of asbestos and silica claims.


Sox travel to St. Louis

The Red Sox are halfway to capturing something that #39;s slipped just out of reach since 1918 -- the World Series trophy. Boston is gearing up for Game Three Tuesday night when they send Pedro Martinez to the mound against St.


India Fights Back After Martyns Century

Nagpur, Oct. 26 (NNN): Australian teams hopes of taking a grip on the third Test were slightly dented as Indian spinners led a late fightback on day one of the third Test here on Tuesday.


Zook, Line and Sinker Inside the decision to fire Ron Zook

Gainesville, FL (U-WIRE) -- On a plane traveling from North Carolina to Gainesville, UF President Bernie Machen had made up his mind.


Prosecutor postpones results of probe into disgraced Greek <b>...</b>

A senior Greek prosecutor has postponed announcing the results of a two-month investigation into disgraced Greek sprinters Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou.


Musharraf calls for new approach to Kashmir dispute

The Pakistani leader, General Pervez Musharraf, has called for a new approach to resolving the 50-year-old dispute with India over the status of Kashmir.


Chip-Maker Agere Posts Loss on Charges (AP)

AP - Agere Systems Inc., which makes computer chips and software for cell phones and other devices, Tuesday said it fell to a loss for its latest quarter, hurt by charges for its restructuring plan and declining revenue.


Halliburton Posts Loss on Asbestos Charge

\

 By Matt Daily

 HOUSTON (Reuters) - Halliburton Co. <HAL.N>, the world's


International Paper Posts Quarterly Loss (Reuters)

Reuters - International Paper Co. , the\world's largest forest products company, on Tuesday reported a\third-quarter loss after taking a charge to write down Canadian\assets.


Global Markets: Easier Oil Soothes Shares

LONDON (Reuters) - European shares firmed on Tuesday as oil  slipped further toward \$54 a barrel, while the dollar's tumble  came to a temporary halt after it touched another 8-month low  against the euro.


Woolworths beats rival to buy liquor company

SINGAPORE The takeover battle for Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group and its liquor stores appeared to come to an abrupt end on Tuesday as the retailer Coles Myer handed its rival Woolworths what analysts said might prove a Pyrrhic victory.


Cingular, AT amp;T Wireless Integration Seen Lengthy

Deutsche Bank Securities maintained a  quot;hold quot; rating and \$8.60 target price on AT amp;T Wireless Services (nyse: AWE - news - people ), saying the Justice Department #39;s approval of Cingular #39;s takeover represents a  quot;favorable settlement.


Omnicom 3Q Profit Driven by Global Reach

Omnicom Group Inc., owner of advertising agencies such as BBDO and DDB Worldwide, on Tuesday reported third-quarter profit beat Wall Street expectations as revenue increased 14 percent from the year-ago period.


Repo rate hike a short-term signal

RBI deputy governor on Tuesday said the increase in the overnight repo rate was a short-term signal aimed at tackling price stability.


Update 2: BP Nearly Doubles Its 3Q Earnings

High oil and gas prices and bigger profit margins in refining helped the British energy giant BP PLC nearly double its third-quarter earnings, the company said Tuesday.


BAT shrugs off strong pound

British American Tobacco, the world #39;s second biggest cigarette maker, has beaten forecasts with a 13.5 percent rise in third-quarter profits after upbeat trading from Italy


Cassini takes a close-up look at Saturn #39;s giant moon Titan

PASADENA, Calif. The Cassini spacecraft is expected to reach its closest approach to Saturn #39;s giant moon Titan this morning. The international spacecraft entered orbit around Saturn in June and is expected


NASA throws a DART

Huntsville engineers are hoping bad weather won #39;t put off the launch today of a satellite that could lead to completely automatic spaceflight and docking.


Mendieta Ruled Out for Season

Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta is out for the rest the season after damaging a cruciate ligament during Sundays 1-1 draw with Portsmouth.


Rusedski through in St Petersburg

Greg Rusedski eased into the second round of the St Petersburg Open with a straight-sets win over Swiss veteran Marc Rosset. The Briton won 6-4 6-3 to set up a second-round clash with Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic.


High Prices Boost BP 3rd-Quarter Profits (AP)

AP - High oil and gas prices and bigger profit margins in refining helped the British energy giant BP PLC nearly double its third-quarter earnings.


Yudhoyono eyes Jemaah Islamiyah ban

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said the government will ban Jemaah Islamiyah, which is believed to have links with international terrorist network al-Qaida, if it does exist, according to a US-based magazine.


U.S. Expats Jump on Planes to Vote in Home States (Reuters)

Reuters - Determined to make sure their voices\count, some American expatriates who missed registration\deadlines or are worried about the reliability of absentee\ballots are flying home next week just to vote.


Selection Time

Health Savings Accounts, the latest untested flavor on the health insurance shelf, are giving consumers a stake in cost-cutting, but some advocacy groups say they increase exposure to risk.


Healthcare is Different

The U.S. President has said that the problem with health care is the lawyers. He doesn't seem to think that there are any other problems we should be concerned about, and the free market is the best way to determine how much you would be willing to pay for health care. The President is pushing our current system, and his challenger is doing the same.


FCC Clears Cellular Merger

The Federal Communications Commission today removed the final regulatory obstacle to the \$41 billion merger of Cingular Wireless LLC and AT T Wireless Services Inc. -The Washington Post


FCC OKs Cingular Bid for AT T Wireless

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications  Commission said on Tuesday it has conditionally approved  Cingular Wireless' \$41 billion cash acquisition of AT T  Wireless Services Inc. AWE.N, clearing the last big hurdle  for the deal.


Stocks Open Higher as Oil Prices Slide

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened higher on Tuesday,  as oil prices eased and insurance stocks extended gains from  their rally late on Monday.


Tobacco Giant BAT Q3 Results Smokin'

LONDON (Reuters) - British American Tobacco the world's  second biggest cigarette maker, beat forecasts with a 13.5  percent rise in third-quarter profits as upbeat trading from  Italy and Russia offset Canadian problems and the strong pound.


Panasonic demos first international 3G handset

Panasonic Mobile Communications Co. Ltd. unveiled in Beijing on Tuesday its first WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) cell phone for the international market, the company said in Tokyo.


Ukraine's Face Is Mirrored in a Candidate

The illness affecting candidate Viktor Yushchenko underscores his message that in Ukraine, things are so fundamentally ugly that they must change.


C W stokes fire sale

Network operator Cable and Wireless PLC (C W) has agreed to sell its Japanese business, Cable   Wireless IDC Inc., to Softbank Corp. for 72.4 million (US\$133.3 million), the London-based company announced Tuesday.


Saudi Steps Up Charity Monitoring During Ramadan

RIYADH (Reuters) - The Saudi government has stepped up  surveillance of charities amid fears that some of the big cash  donations made to them during the holy month of Ramadan are  being channeled to militant groups like al Qaeda.


FCC OKs Cingular Bid for AT T Wireless (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. Federal Communications\Commission said on Tuesday it has conditionally approved\Cingular Wireless'  #36;41 billion cash acquisition of AT T\Wireless Services Inc. , clearing the last big hurdle\for the deal.


Muslims attend Bangladesh prayer

Up to four million Muslims end three days of prayers in Bangladesh, for Islam's second largest event after the Hajj.


Navy deal may create more financial problems for EDS

Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS) could be facing more rough waters with its \$8.8 billion U.S. Navy contract, as the IT services provider delayed release of its third-quarter results on Monday pending a review of the value of its assets used on the deal.


FCC OKs Cingular, AT amp;T Wireless deal

The Federal Communications Commission has approved the \$41 billion merger of Atlanta-based Cingular Wireless and AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.


China ready to implement WTO promises

China is ready to reduce tariffs and drop barriers for foreign products to enter its market next year, China Radio International reported Tuesday.


Sara Lee sees not-so-sweet 2Q

Consumer goods company posts flat 1Q, warns that 2Q profit will come in below Wall Street #39;s views. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Sara Lee Corp.


India #39;s growth target lowered, anti-inflation measures unveiled:

Business India: Mumbai, Oct 26 : India #39;s growth forecast for the current fiscal was Tuesday lowered to 6-6.5 percent by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which also unveiled measures to arrest the inflation rate.


Source: EU Regulators Clear Oracle Bid (AP)

AP - European Union antitrust regulators on Tuesday cleared Oracle Corp.'s hostile  #36;7.7 billion bid for rival business software maker PeopleSoft Inc., removing one of the last major hurdles to the contested takeover proposal, a person close to the case said.


British manufacturing hit by higher costs, slowing demand (AFP)

AFP - Britain's manufacturing recovery stuttered in the third quarter, weighed down by a slowdown in demand and the surging cost of raw materials, the country's leading business grouping said.


KB Toys to Close Up to 238 Stores (Reuters)

Reuters - Bankrupt toy seller KB Toys Inc. said\on Tuesday it plans to close 141 to 238 underperforming stores\by the end of January as part of its reorganization effort.


KB Toys to Close Up to 238 Stores

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bankrupt toy seller KB Toys Inc. said  on Tuesday it plans to close 141 to 238 underperforming stores  by the end of January as part of its reorganization effort.


Mbeki in Ivory Coast Rebel Town on Peace Mission

BOUAKE, Ivory Coast (Reuters) - South African President  Thabo Mbeki took his peace mission to Ivory Coast's rebel town  of Bouake on Sunday, where he was greeted by tens of thousands  of people demanding President Laurent Gbagbo quit.


Cingular-AT amp;T Wireless Deal Gets Justice Dept. OK

WASHINGTON -- Antitrust regulators at the Justice Department have given their blessing to the acquisition by Cingular Wireless of AT amp;T Wireless Services.


Agere Posts Loss on Revenue Drop, Charges

Agere Systems Inc. (AGRa.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday posted a fiscal fourth-quarter loss as the communications chip maker #39;s revenue declined and it took hefty charges for restructuring.


Settlement reached in \$1 billion metal trading suit

Japan #39;s Sumitomo Corp and UK broker Credit Lyonnais Rouse have settled a \$1.1 billion (600 million pounds) suit in the High Court, drawing a line under a rogue trader scandal


British American Tobacco Sees Profit Rise

LONDON - British American Tobacco PLC posted a 60 percent jump in third quarter net profit Tuesday, thanks partly to lower taxation charges.


Intel and Clearwire to work on WiMax together

Intel will work with Clearwire, a wireless internet service provider, on future networks based on WiMax wireless broadband technology.


Weather May Scrub Launch of NASA #39;s DART Spacecraft

NASA researchers are one day away from testing what they hope will be the space agencys first unmanned vehicle capable of meeting up with other orbiting spacecraft.


POWERTRAIN: 3.0-liter, 255-hp, 221-lb-ft I6; rwd, six-speed manual

BMW #39;S DARE-TO-BE-DIFFERENT designs are no more, at least on the new 3 Series coming next year. Shown here for the first time  quot;officially quot;-we put quotes around that word considering the entire 3 Series brochure


Vogts #39;s Scotland future in the balance

Berti Vogts #39;s future as Scotland manager is set to be clarified on Tuesday when the 11-man board of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) meets at Hampden Park.


Keegan unrepentant despite apology

Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan will write to referee Steve Dunn to apologise for his conduct in the players tunnel after the defeat at Newcastle on Sunday.


Mendieta out for season with knee injury

Middlesbrough #39;s Spanish midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has been ruled out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage. Mendieta requires surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament


Fish Beats Hernych at St. Petersburg

Olympic silver medalist Mardy Fish beat Jan Hernych of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-4 Monday to reach the second round of the St. Petersburg Open.


Bowes Takes a Bow

Pitney Bowes always seems to mail it in -- and that's not necessarily a bad thing.


Billboard chimes in on ring tones

The music industry magazine will soon be publishing a list of best-selling ring tones, according to sources.


NEC restarts factory after earthquake

TOKYO - NEC Electronics Inc. restarted production at its Yamagata, Japan, factory on Monday evening after a series of strong earthquakes over the weekend halted manufacturing. However, two factories near the epicenter of the quakes remain off-line and the companies that operate them have no estimate for when they will be back online.


FCC Approves Merger, Wireless Giant Created

WASHINGTON -- The nation #39;s largest wireless phone company is created by the deal approved Tuesday by the Federal Communications Commission.


Israeli Supreme Court demands army justify demolitions

The Israeli Supreme Court has demanded explanations from the army over the scale of the destruction of Palestinian homes in the Rafah region of the Gaza Strip, judicial sources said.


Ancient Language Clings to Life at Tip of Britain (Reuters)

Reuters - Lisa Simpson,\the spiky-haired U.S. cartoon character, may just be the spark\that revives an ancient language and fuels a tiny political\movement at the tip of Britain's southwest coast.


RBI dy governor Mohan to be finance secy (Reuters)

Reuters - The government named Reserve Bank of India deputy governor Rakesh Mohan as the country's new finance secretary, an official statement said on Tuesday.


Venture Capital's Summer Vacation

A drop in investments in the third quarter is a sign that investors are still proceeding with caution, but some VC leaders are spinning it as a summer break. -washingtonpost.com


Panasonic, Toshiba delve into alternative energy

Among the planned offerings: a hydrogen-based home-heating system and a tiny fuel cell built to power an MP3 player for 20 hours.


Consumer Confidence Hits 7-Month

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. consumers turned more glum in  October, beset by everything from soaring energy prices to  relentless violence in Iraq and the increasingly bitter end of  the presidential election campaign.


FCC Approves Cingular #39;s AT amp;T Wireless Bid

The US Federal Communications Commission said on Tuesday it has conditionally approved Cingular Wireless #39; \$41 billion acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.


Regulators Clear Oracle Bid for Peoplesoft

European Union antitrust regulators on Tuesday cleared Oracle Corp. #39;s hostile \$7.7 billion bid for rival business software maker PeopleSoft Inc.


International Paper Posts 3Q Deficit

International Paper Co. on Tuesday said higher prices drove a 13 percent increase in third-quarter operating profit, but the company fell to a loss after taking charges from selling off its Weldwood of Canada Ltd.


Human Genome Posts Deeper 3Q Loss

Human Genome Sciences Inc. on Tuesday posted a wider third-quarter loss, hurt by charges from consolidating locations and the retirement of its chairman and chief executive officer.


Navy deal may create more financial problems for EDS

Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS (Profile, Products, Articles)) could be facing more rough waters with its \$8.8 billion US Navy contract, as the IT services provider delayed


Nokia Announces Total Mobile Content Service

Nokia, a global leader in mobile devices has joined forces with mobile media publisher Starcut, to deliver premium content for mobile device consumers.


E-Mail Scam Dupes Linux Users

Red Hat Inc. on Saturday warned users of an e-mail scam designed to plant malicious code on users #39; systems. The malicious e-mail poses as a security update from the vendor, a technique


UPDATE 1-Fleming sets two records as Kiwis dominate

Captain Stephen Fleming set two national records on Tuesday as New Zealand took control on the first day of the second test against Bangladesh.


More than 80 Protesters Dead as Thai Government Cracks Down on <b>...</b>

Thai security forces have begun large-scale detentions in the predominately-Muslim south of the country following a clash with demonstrators Monday that left more than 80 protesters dead.


Israel pulls out of Khan Yunis leaving 17 dead as Qurei urges int #39; <b>...</b>

Israeli troops withdrew from the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis on Tuesday morning, following a 30-hour operation that left 17 Palestinians dead.


52 killed in weekend massacre of Iraqi army

Iraq vows to punish culprits behind killing of unarmed new soldiers claimed by Zarqawi #39;s group. BAGHDAD - Iraq said 52 people were killed in the weekend massacre of unarmed new soldiers that was claimed by


Maradona on Christmas Break from Drug Rehab

HAVANA (Reuters) - Diego Maradona left Cuba on Sunday,  interrupting his cocaine-addiction therapy to spend Christmas  at home with his family in defiance of his doctor's advice.


Bush, Kerry Both Seen Pressed to Curb Drug Prices (Reuters)

Reuters - The pharmaceutical industry is\expected to face pressure to curb rising prescription-drug\costs no matter which candidate wins next week's U.S.\presidential election.


Consumer Confidence Hits 7-Month Low (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. consumers turned more gloomy in\October, beset by soaring energy prices, relentless violence in\Iraq and the increasingly bitter end of the presidential\election campaign.


Consumer Confidence Falls on Job Worries (AP)

AP - Continuing job worries drove consumer confidence lower in October for the third consecutive month, a New York-based private research group said Tuesday. The decline was steeper than expected.


Insurgent Group Claims 11 Iraqi Hostages (AP)

AP - An Iraqi insurgent group said on its Web site Tuesday it had taken 11 Iraqi National Guard soldiers hostage and showed pictures of them in uniform.


Williams pulls out of first ministers meeting, says Ottawa broke promise (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams has pulled out of the first ministers meeting, saying Ottawa is reneging on a promise to let his province keep all its resource royalties.


Marsh   McLennan Scraps Contested Fees

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marsh   McLennan Cos. MMC.N, on  Tuesday said it will stop accepting fees at the heart of a  lawsuit by New York's attorney general accusing the world's  largest insurance broker of rigging prices.


Federer Out of Basel Tournament with Thigh Injury

BASEL (Reuters) - World number one Roger Federer pulled out  of the Swiss Indoors tournament Tuesday with a thigh muscle  tear.


Musharraf's Peace Plea Gets Cool Reception

NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - India gave a cool response  Tuesday to fresh proposals by Pakistan's president to end a  decades-old dispute over Kashmir, saying it expected such ideas  to be discussed in an ongoing dialogue, not in the media.


Goosen Wins Sun City Title, Westwood Slumps to 80

SUN CITY, South Africa (Reuters) - South Africa's Retief  Goosen claimed his first Sun City Golf Challenge title at the  Gary Player Country Club Sunday after overnight leader Lee  Westwood slumped to an 80.


Jet Demand, IT Propel Lockheed Profit Up

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp. LMT.N, the No.  1 U.S. defense contractor, posted a 41 percent jump in  quarterly profit on Tuesday, beating Wall Street forecasts, as  demand climbed for its combat aircraft and information  technology services.


Coach's Profit Jumps As Sales Increase (AP)

AP - Coach Inc. Tuesday said its net income leaped 60 percent in the latest quarter, as sales and operating margin both improved at the luxury handbag and accessories retailer.


Local managers happy to see Murdoch #39;s back

Australian shareholders had two significant excuses for a protest vote as News Corporation sought to shift its domicile from Australia to Delaware.


Stocks Move Higher As Oil Prices Slip

A slight pullback in oil prices is giving stocks an early-session boost. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 21 points in today #39;s early going.


Consumer Confidence Hits 7-Month Low

US consumers turned more gloomy in October, beset by soaring energy prices, relentless violence in Iraq and the increasingly bitter end of the presidential election campaign.


UPDATE 2-Thomson Corp. third-quarter profit rises

Electronic publisher Thomson Corp. (TOC.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) reported a stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit on Tuesday as revenue rose 9 percent, helped by a string of recent acquisitions.


EU approves Oracle #39;s pursuit of Peoplesoft

The European Commission approved Oracle #39;s proposed \$7.7 billion hostile takeover of rival software company PeopleSoft on Tuesday, knocking down the last competition hurdle to the deal.


China Protests US Limits on Sock Imports

China on Tuesday vehemently protested a US decision to impose a quota on sock imports, warning it might take  quot;further steps quot; under World Trade Organization rules to protect its own rights.


#39;Big Mac #39; gets an upgrade

Virginia Tech plans to announce on Tuesday that its System X now operates at 12.25 teraflops, or 12 trillion calculations per second, up from 10.


Lehmann suffers hamstring injury in Nagpur test

Australia batsman Darren Lehmann sustained a hamstring tear on the first day of the third test against India on Tuesday which could sideline him for the rest of the match.


Bengals step up to Monday Night challenge

It #39;s not often that the Cincinnati Bengals get to flash their skills in front of a national audience. In fact, it had been 12 years since Cincinnati had appeared


Serie A matches Oct 27

Unbeaten Inter Milan travel to second-placed Lecce on Wednesday to meet a team who have won each of their three home games this year while also crushing Messina 4-1 in Sicily on Sunday.


US downplays Iraq explosives loss

The US is playing down the significance of a UN letter saying almost 350 metric tons of high explosives went missing from an Iraqi base after the war.


Experts Fear Messy, Disorderly Election (Reuters)

Reuters - Long lines, malfunctioning machines\and dueling lawyers could turn next week's U.S. presidential\election and its aftermath into a disorderly and even chaotic\experience, political analysts said on Tuesday.


Roddick Refuses to Blame Injury for Davis Defeat

SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) - A vanquished Andy Roddick  refused to blame a groin injury for Sunday's loss to Carlos  Moya which handed the Davis Cup to Spain.


F.C.C. Approves Cingular Deal to Buy AT T Wireless

Under the deal, the Federal Communications Commission will require Cingular to sell part of the combined company's operations in 22 markets.


Burgers for the Health Professional

Even as obesity and its consequences are increasingly taxing the health care system, fast food places are serving as hospital cafeterias.


Europe blesses Oracle-PeopleSoft union

Following a U.S. judge's lead, regulators eliminate final regulatory hurdle to Oracle's hostile takeover bid.


News secures historic vote

RUPERT Murdoch has played down the prospect of a big media deal after The News Corporation Ltd completes its historic shift to the US, while reaffirming expectations for 2005 earnings despite a weaker US TV advertising market.


Europe blesses Oracle-PeopleSoft union

com October 26, 2004, 7:41 AM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been enterprise directories as organizations spawn projects around identity infrastructure.


Update 4: EU Head Office Trims 2005 Growth Forecast

The European Union #39;s head office issued a bleak economic report Tuesday, warning that the sharp rise in oil prices will  quot;take its toll quot; on economic growth next year while the euro #39;s renewed climb could threaten crucial exports.


Halliburton posts loss, meagre pickings in Iraq

HOUSTON, Texas, Oct 26 (AFP) - Halliburton, the oil services giant once run by US Vice President Dick Cheney, Tuesday reported a quarterly loss and only meagre pickings from its vast operations in Iraq.


Regal Posts Lower Quarterly Profit, Sales

Regal Entertainment Group, the largest movie theatre owner in the United States, said Tuesday that declining attendance drove down third-quarter profit and revenue year-over-year.


Nokia woos operators with Preminet

Nokia has unveiled a system for hosting, delivering and charging for entertainment and application content for mobile phones, called Preminet.


Get Ready for Wednesday: Top 10 Lunar Eclipse Facts

The last chance to see a total lunar eclipse for more than two years comes Wednesday evening for most residents of North America and Western Europe.


Wanadoo Teams with Loudeye to Extend Music Service (Reuters)

Reuters - Wanadoo has signed a deal with U.S.-based\digital media firm Loudeye  to bring its online music\service to subscribers in the Netherlands and Spain, the\Internet division of France Telecom  said on Tuesday.


Dell fields 17-inch notebook

PC maker launches its first notebook with 17-inch display, more than two years after the first such laptop hit the market.


NTSB Blames 2001 Plane Crash on Co-Pilot

The co-pilot of American Airlines flight 587 caused the November 2001 crash that claimed the lives of 265 people, the staff of the nation's airline safety agency reported Tuesday.


Wanadoo Teams with Loudeye to Extend Music Service

PARIS (Reuters) - Wanadoo has signed a deal with U.S.-based  digital media firm Loudeye LOUD.O to bring its online music  service to subscribers in the Netherlands and Spain, the  Internet division of France Telecom FTE.PA said on Tuesday.


Copernic Spins Off Coveo Enterprise Search\\Copernic Technologies Inc. today announced the creation of a new separate company, Coveo Solutions Inc. The company will focus exclusively on providing easy-to-use, powerful and secure enterprise search software to businesses, organizations and government entities.\\The creation of Coveo is in response to overwhelming market demand ...


Oil Prices Hold Above \$54 as Winter Looms

LONDON (Reuters) - High-flying oil prices held above \$54 a  barrel on Tuesday as concern lingered over the thin state of  heating oil supplies ahead of the northern winter.


Thailand Says 78 Muslims Died in Army Custody

PATTANI, Thailand (Reuters) - Almost 80 Muslims died in  military custody in southern Thailand, suffocated while being  transported in trucks to an army barracks after a violent  demonstration, officials said on Tuesday.


Don't Listen to Buffett

Not all the time, anyway. <i>Moneyball</i> author Michael Lewis says conventional wisdom creates inefficiencies.


Asbestos claims hand Halliburton a loss

Halliburton Co., the world #39;s No. 2 oil field services company, posted a quarterly loss today as gains in its energy business were outweighed by \$230 million in charges to fund its asbestos settlement.


Leaving behind their legacy

A seasonlong celebration commemorating 20 years in NASCAR has turned to mourning for car owner Rick Hendrick, whose father died in July and whose brother and only son died Sunday in a private plane crash.


Soccer: Megson lambasts  quot;pathetic quot; Baggies

LONDON: Fuming West Brom manager Gary Megson has branded his side #39;s defending as  quot;pathetic quot; after they slumped to a 3-0 defeat at fellow Premiership newcomers Crystal Palace.


Powell wins backing for new NKorea pressure, but hears call for flexibility (AFP)

AFP - US Secretary of State Colin Powell wrapped up a three-nation tour of Asia after winning pledges from Japan, China and South Korea to press North Korea to resume stalled talks on its nuclear weapons programs.


Marsh to Scrap Fees Spitzer Faulted

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marsh   McLennan Cos. MMC.N, the  world's largest insurance broker, on Tuesday said it will  reform and stop accepting fees that New York's attorney general  said amounted to bid-rigging.


U.S. Troops Reinforce After Falluja Air Strike

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. troops stepped up pressure on the  rebel-held Iraqi city of Falluja on Tuesday, cutting roads and  reinforcing positions around the town as jets criss-crossed the  sky ahead of an expected assault.


Salzburg skull 'could be Mozart's'

The bodies of some of Mozart's relatives are exhumed for DNA testing to find out if a skull held in Salzburg is the composer's.


Settlers mass at Knesset for vote

Israeli settlers gather outside parliament as it prepares to vote on a plan to move them out of the Gaza Strip.


Pleasantly Perfect Muscles Up for Breeders' Cup

DALLAS (Reuters) - Pleasantly Perfect is in prime condition  for the defense of his Breeders' Cup Classic crown at Lone Star  Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, on Saturday.


Adelaide gives Murdoch another victory: Delaware

Shareholders in The News Corporation Ltd (publisher of The Australian) voted overwhelmingly to endorse the final act in five decades of expansion: to shift the company #39;s domicile from the South Australian capital to the US state of Delaware.


Oracle wins EU approval for PeopleSoft takeover

NEW YORK, October 26 (newratings.com) - Oracle Corporation (ORCL.NAS) has received the antitrust approval from the European Union, for its hostile \$7.


EU cuts 2005 eurozone growth forecast

The European Commission on Tuesday revised upwards its growth forecast for this year, but cut its prediction for 2005 GDP growth to 2.0 percent, in its regular autumn economic outlook report.


US government approves Cingular #39;s acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday approved Cingular Wireless #39; 41-billion-US dollar acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.


Cable and Wireless offloads Japanese unit

BRITISH telecoms group Cable and Wireless has agreed to sell its Japanese unit to internet service provider Softbank for 72.4 million (\$178.


Intel Invests in Mobile Wireless Broadband

Intel is planning to invest heavily in Clearwire, a wireless broadband service provider. The technology at the heart of Clearwire #39;s service comes from its subsidiary NextNet, which makes a plug


Insecurity begins at home

Spyware is rife and virus infection commonplace yet many home users reckon they are safe from online threats. An AOL/National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) Online Safety Study - conducted by technical experts


Sony takes on iPod Mini

Sony has launched two flash memory digital music players that carry the Walkman brand in Europe. The Walkman NW-E99 and NW-E95 take aim at rival Apple #39;s iPod Minis.


MP3 site settles for \$10 million with RIAA

The Recording Industry Association of America has reached a \$10 million legal settlement with a Spanish company that briefly offered MP3s online for just pennies a song.


Aussies take control of Test

THE tweaking of a temperamental hamstring could have ended Darren Lehmann #39;s Test career as he and Damien Martyn yesterday pushed Australia towards Indian glory.


English clubs sabotage Wallabies #39; tour opener

THE opening Test of the Wallabies #39; tour of Europe has been sabotaged by the refusal of English clubs to release players to Scotland #39;s cause in Edinburgh on November 6. Scotland coach Matt Williams is irate


UPDATE 1-Federer out of Basel event with thigh injury

World number one Roger Federer pulled out of the Swiss Indoors tournament on Tuesday with a thigh muscle tear, organisers said. The Swiss is expected to be out for at least 10 days


Mourning continues throughout NASCAR

As the NASCAR community continued to mourn the loss of 10 people who were killed when a Hendrick Motorsports airplane crashed en route to the Subway 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, Martinsville president Clay Campbell issued a statement Monday on


Hundreds mourn loss of student killed by police during Red Sox <b>...</b>

Hundreds of mourners filed into a church Tuesday to pay final respects to an Emerson College student killed by a pepper-spray pellet fired by police during raucous


Arafat breaks Ramadan fast

A weakened Yasser Arafat broke his Ramadan fast at the urging of doctors Tuesday and was undergoing more medical tests, aides said.


Analysis: Little hope for Kashmir plan

President Pervez Musharraf #39;s radical proposals to bring an end to the long-festering Kashmir dispute with India has taken people on both sides of the border by surprise.


DaimlerChrysler Plans to Transfer Jobs (AP)

AP - DaimlerChrysler AG said Tuesday that it plans to transfer jobs from its automaking plant in Bremen, but said it was not a signal of layoffs to come.


States See Federal Largesse as Election Nears (Reuters)

Reuters - Whether as loan guarantees for a\shop in Ohio or a grant for a Florida power plant, the Bush\administration is showering hundreds of millions of dollars in\federal money on toss-up states in the presidential election.


EU go-ahead for Oracle takeover

The European Commission gives US software giant Oracle the green light for its takeover of US rival Peoplesoft.


Via Develops Twin-Core Processor

Processor could steal spotlight from AMD, Intel's forthcoming dual-core chips.


Israeli Parliament Moves Toward Vote on Gaza Withdrawal Plan

The Parliament is scheduled to vote tonight on the plan of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to remove Israeli settlements.


Coach Earnings Surge 60 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - Coach Inc.  on Tuesday posted a\higher-than-expected quarterly profit and forecast a robust\holiday season for sales of its luxury handbags and\accessories, sending its shares up as much as 8 percent.


Coach Earnings Surge 60 Percent

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Coach Inc. COH.N on Tuesday posted a  higher-than-expected quarterly profit and forecast a robust  holiday season for sales of its luxury handbags and  accessories, sending its shares up as much as 8 percent.


Stocks Rise as Insurers Lead Gains

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday as gains  in insurance stocks and crude oil prices off recent highs  overshadowed a fall in consumer confidence to a 7-month low.


EU, 6 Hollywood Studios Settle Antitrust

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Six Hollywood studios have settled  charges that they curtailed price competition in the sale of  films to pay-television channels in the European Union, the  European Commission announced on Tuesday.


DuPont Posts Profit, Sees Slower Growth

NEW YORK (Reuters) - DuPont Co. DD.N posted a quarterly  profit on Tuesday but warned that high energy prices will  dampen global economic growth for the rest of the year.


Sprint phone boosts data capacity

Company will begin selling the Vision Smart Device PPC-6601, a combination cell phone and Pocket PC device with a slide-out keyboard.


T. Rowe Price Posts 25 Percent Profit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Investment manager T. Rowe Price Group  Inc. TROW.O on Tuesday said its quarterly profit jumped 25  percent on an increase in investment advisory revenue.


E.U. Closes Antitrust Cases Against Six Studios

The European Union closed antitrust cases Tuesday against six major Hollywood studios after they agreed to drop clauses in contracts with pay television operators that the EU said keeps the price of films artificially high in Europe.


Marsh #39;s Cherkasky, Mr. Monitor, Failed Up

NEW YORK - Michael Cherkasky, the new CEO of Marsh  amp; McLennan, was, until recently, known for three things: He tried John Gotti; he  quot;investigated mobsters, quot; he  quot;participated quot; in the trial of the 1993 World Trade Center bombers, he was a prosecutor in the


Oracle #39;s Bid for PeopleSoft Gains on EU Antitrust Clearance

Oracle Corp. won European Union approval for its hostile \$7.7 billion takeover offer for PeopleSoft Inc., removing the last regulatory hurdle to the bid.


ANZ boosts profit to record \$2.81b

THE Australia and New Zealand Banking Group announced a record increase in full-year profit of almost 20 per cent yesterday. ANZ, the smallest of Australia #39;s big four banks, generated after-tax profit of \$2.


US consumer confidence slides for third month in October

WASHINGTON : US consumers #39; confidence skidded for the third straight month in October as they fretted over the outlook for jobs, a Conference Board survey showed Tuesday.


EU downgrades 2005 growth forecast on high oil prices, euro rally

LONDON, October 26 (newratings.com) - The European Commission has reduced its growth forecasts for the Eurozone economy for 2005, saying that the elevated oil prices and a continued rally in the euro would adversely impact the economy next year.


Uncertainty Persists Around EDS Navy Contract

Credit Suisse First Boston maintained a  quot;neutral quot; rating and \$20 target price on Electronic Data Systems (nyse: EDS - news - people ), saying the decision to delay the third-quarter earnings announcement was disappointing but that the company #39;s core


Nokia Preminet goes Hollywood

p2pnet.net News:-  #39;Branded #39; entertainment, life-style and sports content will be available as part of Nokia #39;s Preminet Solution, its new end-to-end mobile content distribution and transaction service for mobile network operators.


Cassini Probe Knocks at Titan #39;s Door

Cassini-Huygens entered orbit around Saturn on June 30th, culminating a seven-year, 2.2 billion-mile voyage. The craft comprises a US-built orbiter, Cassini, and a European-built probe, Huygens.


Shaded moon will be last eclipse of 2004

A total eclipse of the Moon will occur overnight Wednesday, an event that can turn Earth #39;s satellite to a colourful shade ranging from deep red to dark brown and sometimes an existential grey.


DOOM 3: Resurrection Of Evil Ann

Activision and id Software have announced today an upcoming expansion for the popular DOOM 3. The expansion, which is named DOOM 3: Resurrection Of Evil and is co-developed by Nerve Software


131 days to go

The withdrawal will be particularly difficult especially for the nonfollowers of the Long-Jawed One, who had lorded it over the season just past.


#39;Satisfying to get runs in tough conditions #39; - Martyn

Damien Martyn notched up his second century in as many Tests in an astonishing day that saw Australia score 362 and lose wickets. His innings was typically classy, and liberally dotted with exquisite shots off both spinners and quicker bowlers.


Boro #39;s Mendieta lost for season

Middlesbrough, England (Sports Network) - Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta will miss the rest of the season after injuring his knee Sunday against Portsmouth.


IAAE: hundreds of tons of explosives lost in Iraq

The International Agency for Atomic Energy (IAAE ) stressed that hundreds of tons of traditional explosives were missing from the Iraqi military arsenal that used to be under the rule of the toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.


Scientists: Biological Weapons Pose Major Threat (Reuters)

Reuters - Biological weapons that can wipe out\whole populations pose one of the biggest threats to the world\today yet remain almost completely uncontrolled, the British\Medical Association said Monday.


Intel Invests in Rollout of WiMax

Intel is hoping its investments in WiMax and Clearwire will ultimately pay off. The more demand for wireless computers, the more demand for Intel #39;s microprocessors.


Mac Supercomputer Gets Performance Makeover

The Apple-based System X supercomputer at Virginia Tech has been upgraded to run at 12.25 teraflops. The system placed third on the list of the world #39;s most powerful supercomputers last


Murdoch pledges Australian growth

NEWS Corporation would continue to grow its publishing business in Australia following the company #39;s move to the US, chairman and chief executive Rupert Murdoch stressed yesterday.


EU Gives Oracle Green Light To Buy PeopleSoft

It looks like only relatively minor administrative tasks stand between the two companies becoming one. By TechWeb News. The European Union has approved Oracle #39;s takeover of PeopleSoft, bringing the deal closer to completion.


Johnson Controls fiscal 2004 profit up 20 percent

Johnson Controls Inc. reported a 20 percent increase in profit for fiscal 2004, posting net income of \$817.5 million, or \$4.24 per share, compared with \$675.


Update 1: Regal #39;s Profit Down on Lower Receipts

Regal Entertainment Group, the country #39;s largest owner of movie theaters, Tuesday said its profit fell 37 percent in the third quarter, as box office receipts slipped.


PalmOne rings up new smartphone

PalmOne Inc., the world #39;s biggest maker of hand-held computers, unveiled a new model of its popular Treo smartphone, the combined mobile handset, camera and planner that sold more than 600,000 units in a year.


NASA #39;s DART launch Postponed

NASA and Orbital Sciences Corp. have postponed today #39;s launch of the Demonstration of Autonomous Rendezvous Technology (DART) spacecraft because the target satellite, Multiple Paths, Beyond-Line-of-Sight Communications


Sox Prepare For Game 3 In St. Louis

ST. LOUIS -- Red Sox Nation is ready to rally behind its team again as the Red Sox take a 2-0 lead to St. Louis tonight in Game 3 of the World Series.


Injured Federer pulls out of hometown tourney

Basel, Switzerland (Sports Network) - World No. 1 star Roger Federer was forced to pull out of his hometown Swiss Indoors tennis event after suffering a thigh injury while warming up on Tuesday.


World Champion Skater Takes A Bad Fall

World champion pairs skater Tatiana Totmianina says she doesn #39;t remember what caused her to fall during a competition this weekend.


Megson plans to leave West Brom after season

Birmingham, England (Sports Network) - West Bromwich Albion coach Gary Megson will not re-sign with the club when his contract runs out on June 30, 2005.


Mancini Ready To Chase Juventus

Inter Milan trainer Roberto Mancini is urging his side to keep the pressure on first place Juventus by continuing to turn their fine form into victories.


MENDIETA BLOW FOR BORO

Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta will miss the Carling Cup third-round clash with Coventry and the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury.


Report: Carter off the court, in courtroom

According to a report in the Toronto Sun, Raptors #39; star Vince Carter will miss at least two exhibition games in order to settle a lawsuit.


Formula One may get rival in 2008

GPWC Holdings, which groups the major Formula One carmakers, has appointed consultants to prepare the ground for the introduction of a rival grand prix series in 2008.


SFA hold fire on Berti

Berti Vogts was handed a stay of execution when the Scottish Football Association insisted there would be no immediate decision on his future.


78 die after being arrested in Thailand riots

TAKBAI, THAILAND - As many as 78 people were crushed in the aftermath of a riot in southern Thailand, officials said on Tuesday. A prominent Thai pathologist told a news conference that most of the victims


No redrawing of map to solve Kashmir issue; India:

India News: New Delhi, Oct 26 : India Tuesday virtually rejected Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf #39;s latest proposal for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute based on a change of status of the region.


Consumer Confidence Hits 7-Month Low

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. consumers turned gloomier in  October, beset by soaring energy costs, relentless violence in  Iraq, sluggish hiring and an increasingly bitter presidential  campaign.


Mozart's relatives face DNA tests

The bodies of some of Mozart's relatives are exhumed for DNA testing to find out if a skull held in Salzburg is the composer's.


Regulators Clear Oracle's \$7.7 Billion Bid for PeopleSoft

No conditions were placed on the decision by European Union antitrust regulators, which came after a yearlong investigation and scrutiny in the United States.


SEC Overhauls Public Stock Offering Rules

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange  Commission voted 5-0 on Tuesday to propose sweeping changes in  how companies offer stock, including eliminating the so-called  pre-offer "quiet period" for very large companies.


Does Kimberly-Clark Have Inner Beauty?

Surface numbers disappoint, but that's as far as Wall Street looks.


Hospital Official: Arafat Has Gallstone (AP)

AP - Yasser Arafat has a large gallstone, a Palestinian hospital official said Tuesday, as the weakened Palestinian leader broke his Ramadan fast and underwent more medical tests at the urging of his doctors.


In War on Locusts, Experts to Use Techni (AP)

AP - Experts fighting a major locust outbreak plaguing West Africa will use a new technique for fighting the crop-devouring insects: attacking the flying swarms with pesticide from aircraft, a U.S. diplomat said Tuesday.


Springsteen, Bon Jovi Join Kerry Campaign (AP)

AP - Rocker Bruce Springsteen is joining Sen. John Kerry in the final days of his bid to become the nation's boss.


Source: Zoellick to Give Up U.S. Trade Post (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. Trade Representative Robert\Zoellick will give up his post even if President Bush wins the


Microsoft previews "Whitehorse" developer tools

The tools, part of an upcoming Visual Studio update, is focused on making it easier to create customized Web applications.


Dell to tighten Linux ties with Novell pact

The computer maker is expected to announce a deal to offer Novell's SuSE Linux factory-installed on new servers, CNET News.com has learned.\


Sudanese Darfur Rebels Stall Aid Pact for Refugees

ABUJA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Sudanese rebels insisted on  Tuesday that the government disarm its militias in Darfur  before they would sign a deal to bring aid to 1.5 million  civilians displaced by violence.


Queens crash blamed on co-pilot

The co-pilot of an airliner which crashed in New York in November 2001 made a fatal error, an inquiry finds.


Consumer Confidence Hits 7-Month Low (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. consumers turned gloomier in\October, beset by soaring energy costs, relentless violence in\Iraq, sluggish hiring and an increasingly bitter presidential\campaign.


SEC Overhauls Public Stock Offering Rules (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. Securities and Exchange\Commission voted 5-0 on Tuesday to propose sweeping changes in\how companies offer stock, including eliminating the so-called\pre-offer "quiet period" for very large companies.


Microsoft previews 'Whitehorse' developer tools

The tools, part of an upcoming Visual Studio update, are focused on making it easier to create customized Web applications.


Microsoft focuses on apps modeling

Microsoft on Tuesday is looking to extend visual modeling of applications in its Visual Studio 2005 platform, with an early release of technology to enable developers to author industry-specific modeling tools.


PluggedIn: The OQO Is Not Just Another Handheld Device

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A full-fledged Windows XP  computer that's a fraction of the size of a laptop seems like  the answer to the digerati's prayers, but the praise greeting  the OQO Model 01 has been decidedly muted.


Update 6: Voters Approve News Corp. Move to US

Rupert Murdoch #39;s global media conglomerate News Corp. took another step away from its Australian roots Tuesday when shareholders approved a measure to shift its main share listing to the New York Stock Exchange


Deal Creates World #39;s Largest Steel Producer

Mittal Steel, the new company to be formed by a merger of British billionaire Lakshmi Mittal #39;s considerable steel holdings with the International Steel Group, will ship about 57 million tons


EU okays Oracle bid for PeopleSoft

OCTOBER 26, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - As expected, the European Commission announced today that it has ruled that Oracle Corp. can proceed with its hostile acquisition attempt of PeopleSoft Inc.


Woolies wins liquor war

SYDNEY - Woolworths has sealed its position as the country #39;s top liquor retailer with its joint A\$1.33 billion (\$1.42 billion) bid for pubs chain ALH, beating rival Coles Myer.


Cingular, AT amp;T Wireless close \$41 billion merger

After clearing Department of Justice and FCC hurdles, Cingular Wireless and AT amp;T Wireless have completed their \$41 billion merger, creating the nation #39;s biggest wireless carrier in terms of subscribers.


AT amp;T Agrees to Pay \$100 Million to Settle Lawsuit (Update1)

AT amp;T Corp., the largest US long- distance telephone company, agreed to pay \$100 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that sought damages of \$2.


Johnson Controls Profit Up 25 Percent

Johnson Controls Inc. on Tuesday said its fourth-quarter profit rose 25 percent, helped by a lower tax rate and decreased miscellaneous net expenses.


Microsoft prepares to ship new corporate IM server

OCTOBER 26, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - A little over a year after introducing the first version of Office Live Communications Server, Microsoft Corp.


Glaxo buys rights to experimental diabetes drug

Drug maker GlaxoSmithKline, which has co-US headquarters in Philadelphia and Research Triangle Park, has acquired exclusive rights to a potential diabetes treatment in a deal that could be worth more than \$180 million.


Yahoo! Gets Adobe in its Corner

Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO) evidently has decided that making a new ally is good way to parry the threat from Google (Nasdaq: GOOG). The company announced yesterday that it is joining


Sky gazers in for a treat -- weather permitting Wednesday #39;s <b>...</b>

A lovely full eclipse of the moon is coming Wednesday night, and you might even be able to see it if clouds don #39;t get in the way.


Sony Takes On iPod with MP3 Walkman

The new Walkmans mark Sony #39;s first flash memory foray into the Apple-dominated digital music player market. Users can store up to 23 CDs on the NW-E95 and up to 46 CDs on the NW-E99 using ATRAC3plus compression format.


Longtime Red Sox fan hangs on team #39;s fortunes

(October 26, 2004) - Barb Babiarz #39;s love affair with the Boston Red Sox began in 1967, the year Carl Yastrzemski led an unsung team to the American League pennant.


Injured Federer pulls out of Swiss event

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Roger Federer, the world #39;s No. 1 tennis player, pulled out of the Swiss Indoors tournament Tuesday after injuring his left thigh in warm-up.


INTER VISIT SURPRISE PACKAGE

Internazionale boss Roberto Mancini has challenged his players not to drop any points between now and next month #39;s game against Juventus, but immediately faces a stiff test when they travel to high-flying Lecce on Wednesday.


Clamor over Musharraf #39;s Kashmir peace plan

Islamic groups in Pakistan are denouncing a new effort by President Pervez Musharraf to resolve the dispute over Kashmir, the BBC reported Tuesday.


PluggedIn: The OQO Is Not Just Another Handheld Device (Reuters)

Reuters - A full-fledged Windows XP\computer that's a fraction of the size of a laptop seems like\the answer to the digerati's prayers, but the praise greeting\the OQO Model 01 has been decidedly muted.


Shopping.com Shares Up 52 Pct in Debut

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Shopping.com SHOP.O jumped  as much as 52 percent in their market debut on Tuesday after  the company's initial public offering priced at the top of its  expected range.


Personal and Political, Bush's Faith Blurs Lines

When it comes to understanding the president's religious convictions, there appears to be a disconnect between Mr. Bush's personal beliefs and his public policy.


Defendants Accused of Sending Spam (AP)

AP - Three people on trial for illegally sending junk e-mail inundated America Online customers with millions of messages touting penny stocks and "Internet history erasers," a prosecutor said Tuesday during opening statements.


Prince Charles leaves Turkey after touring historic sites (AFP)

AFP - Prince Charles left Turkey after touring religious and historic sites in this ancient southeastern city on the last leg of a two-day, three-stop visit.


Moya Beats Roddick, Gives Spain Davis Cup (AP)

AP - Carlos Moya defeated Andy Roddick 6-2, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5) on Sunday to win the Davis Cup for Spain, giving the home team an insurmountable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five final on clay.


Lockheed Earnings Up on Plane Sales

Lockheed's third-quarter earnings rose 41 percent behind higher sales of military transport planes and an increase in the company's IT business.


EU approves Oracle bid for PeopleSoft

As expected, the European Commission announced Tuesday it has ruled that Oracle Corp. can proceed with its hostile acquisition attempt of PeopleSoft Inc.


U.S. Nuclear Panel Closes Online Library (AP)

AP - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has shut down its online document library, pending a review to determine what potentially sensitive documents should be removed because they might be useful to terrorists, the agency said Tuesday.


Security Council Votes for Nairobi Meeting (AP)

AP - The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Tuesday to hold a rare meeting in Nairobi next month to promote a peace agreement between the Sudanese government and southern rebels that the United States says also is crucial to ending the conflict in the Darfur region.


Combatants brutally raped tens of thousands in Congo: Amnesty report (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - KINSHASA, Congo (AP) - Armed combatants have brutally raped tens of  thousands of women, girls and babies in war-ravaged Congo, and many are dying "needlessly" because the country's health care system is incapable of dealing with the crisis, an international rights group said Tuesday.


Cingular, ATT Wireless merge after clearing last hurdle (AFP)

AFP - Cingular Wireless Corp. announced it had completed a 41-billion-dollar takeover of AT and T Wireless after winning final clearance from US regulators.


Daniilidou Wins in Round 1 of SEAT Open (AP)

AP - Seventh-seeded Eleni Daniilidou overcame Jill Craybas of the United States 7-5, 6-1 Tuesday in the first round of the SEAT Open.


EU clears Oracle-PeopleSoft takeover (AFP)

AFP - The European Commission said it had approved unconditionally US business software firm Oracle's hostile takeover of rival PeopleSoft.


BP Has Bumper Profits on High Oil Price

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil Giant BP Plc reported bumper  third-quarter profits thanks to high oil prices, but its higher  capital expenditure plans raised some concerns about the size  of future share buybacks.


Marsh to escape criminal charges

US insurance broker Marsh   McLennan is set to avoid criminal charges after it announces a wide-ranging reform of the way it does business.


Australia #39;s Woolworths wins battle for ALH pubs

SYDNEY: Australia #39;s biggest supermarket group, Woolworths Ltd, won a fierce \$A1.33 billion battle for pubs chain ALH yesterday, beating out rival Coles Myer Ltd which conceded defeat.


Consumer Confidence Hits 7-Month Low

US consumers turned gloomier in October, beset by soaring energy costs, relentless violence in Iraq, sluggish hiring and an increasingly bitter presidential campaign.


Germany, France support Turkish invitation to EU membership talks

BERLIN : Germany and France both support inviting to European Union membership talks at a summit in December in Brussels, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said.


AT amp;T Settles Shareholder Lawsuit

Telecommunications giant AT amp;T Corp. said Tuesday that it agreed to pay \$100 million to settle a shareholder class action lawsuit underway in a New Jersey district court, three weeks after the trial began.


Two into one just won #39;t go, says ANZ

Australian banking group ANZ has watered down its plan to combine the National Bank with the New Zealand arm of ANZ. The ANZ, which bought the National Bank from Britain #39;s Lloyds TSB for


Johnson Controls reports 24 earnings increase

Johnson Controls Inc. reported a 24 increase in fiscal fourth quarter earnings today, with the Glendale-based company riding continued strong sales to auto makers.


Cassini Closes in on Titan

Summary - (Oct 26, 2004) NASA #39;s Cassini spacecraft will pass only 1,200 km (745 miles) above the surface of Titan today, delivering the most detailed pictures ever taken of the mysterious, methane covered moon.


AOL Reconsiders, Backs Sender ID

AOL has taken a step back from an earlier stance and agreed to support the Microsoft-backed anti-spam technology Sender ID. The reconsideration followed Microsoft #39;s retooling of the technology


NASA Testing Robot Satellite Seeker

A high-stakes test to determine if a robotic probe can automatically find a satellite and maneuver around it begins today off the California coast.


Russia to Confine Military Satellite Launches to Northern Center

Russian military satellites will only be launched from the Plesetsk center, in the Arkhangelsk region, said Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov.


If the Red Sox win, Reverse the Curse ice cream loses

Reverse the Curse ice cream has been the best-selling new flavor in the history of Brigham #39;s, a Boston-area ice-cream chain. Now, the ice cream, which was introduced in the spring, is in danger of becoming obsolete.


Ruud pleads guilty to FA charge

Ruud van Nistelrooy has apologised to Arsenal #39;s Ashley Cole for his Old Trafford horror tackle on Sunday after confirming he will not contest an FA charge of serious foul play.


Megson to quit West Brom

West Brom manager Gary Megson announced he will leave the struggling Premiership club at the end of the season when his contract expires.


Bengals Still Kicking

Last year, in Marvin Lewis #39;s first season as an NFL head coach, the Cincinnati Bengals regained respectability by rallying from a 1-4 beginning to win seven of nine games and contend for a playoff spot.


Israel #39;s Azam Azam released by Egypt

Israeli businessman Azam Azam was released Sunday in exchange for six Egyptian students in a new prisoner exchange agreement with Egypt.


Coolbrands Cuts Year-End Profit Outlook

TORONTO (Reuters) - Coolbrands International Inc., the  maker of frozen desserts, cut its profit outlook for fiscal  2004 on Tuesday, because of a decision to take a noncash charge  related to stock options.


Coach Is Breaking Rules

This is a great operation with virtually no competition. Don't let this one slip by.


Schroeder Seeks More Budget Leeway, Says Euro Gains Worrying #39;

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, saying the euro #39;s gains against the dollar are worrying, #39; #39; called for changes to European Union budget rules to give governments more leeway on spending.


Sorry, Bosox fans, the curse lives

WAIT a minute! Just because the Boston Red Sox beat the New York Yankees does not mean the  quot;Curse of the Bambino quot; has ended.


Mending the Franco-German Industrial Rift

French Finance Minister Nicolas Sarkozy meets with counterpart Wolfgang Clement in Berlin on Monday in an attempt to heal the recent rifts in Franco-German industrial relations with plans for a shipbuilding alliance.


Abu Hamza in Court on 16 Charges

Controversial Islamic cleric Abu Hamza will appear at the Old Bailey today charged with a string of offences including soliciting murder.


iTunes expands into nine more European countries (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Shortly before Apple's special music event on Tuesday featuring Bono and The Edge from U2, the iTunes Music Store was updated with links to allow residents of nine new countries to buy music online. In addition to the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, iTunes now supports Austria, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.


Powell's China Comments Anger Taiwanese (AP)

AP - Secretary of State Colin Powell has angered Taiwanese officials and lawmakers by making unusually strong comments denying that the island is an independent nation and suggesting Taiwan should unify with China.


Globalist: Signs that the worst may be over in Africa

JOHANNESBURG Say  quot;Africa quot; and what comes to mind? The genocide in Darfur, Sudan, or the HIV-AIDS epidemic affecting some 30 million Africans, or the violence in the Ivory Coast, a country once considered an oasis of calm on a calamity-stricken continent?


Allawi: 'Major Neglect' Led to Recruits' Deaths

Iraqi interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said on Tuesday "major neglect" by U.S.-led forces led to the murder of 49 Iraqi army recruits by insurgents this weekend.


78 Die in Military Custody in Thailand

At least 78 people were suffocated or crushed to death after being arrested and packed into police trucks following a riot in southern Thailand over the detentions of Muslims suspected of giving weapons to Islamic separatists, officials said Tuesday.


Veteran British DJ John Peel Dies in Peru

 By Jude Webber and Kate Kelland

 LIMA/LONDON (Reuters) - Veteran British disc jockey JohnPeel, who championed new music trends like punk on mainstreamradio, has died of a heart attack on holiday in Peru.


Oracle can buy PeopleSoft: official

In one of Competition Commissioner Mario Monti #39;s final acts before he retires at the end of the week he has officially approved Oracle #39;s hostile takeover of PeopleSoft.


US Oct. consumer confidence sinks to 92.8 points -

WASHINGTON (AFX) - Consumer confidence in the United States softened for the third straight month in October, the Conference Board said Tuesday.


Barrick Gold Earnings Fall on Lower Sales

TORONTO - Barrick Gold Corp., the world #39;s second-largest producer of gold, reported slightly lower third-quarter earnings due to lower sales and higher costs, partly offset by higher gold prices.


Iraq PM Blames U.S.-Led Forces' 'Neglect' for Massacre (Reuters)

Reuters - Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad\Allawi said Tuesday "major neglect" by U.S.-led forces led to\the murder of 49 Iraqi army recruits by insurgents this\weekend.


Cassini Flies Past Saturn #39;s Moon Titan Today

NASA released one of the best pictures ever made of Saturn #39;s moon Titan as the Cassini spacecraft begins a close-up inspection of the satellite today.


Home Computer Users Wearing Security Blinders

Most consumers have no firewall protection, their antivirus software is outdated, and dozens of spyware programs secretly run on their computers, America Online and the National Cyber Security Alliance found.


Garcia and Nelson accept probation for bullpen incident

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Two former members of the New York Yankees who got into a bullpen brawl with a groundskeeper at Fenway Park last year accepted pre-trial probation in order to have charges against them dropped in six months.


Celebrities let their Web sites do the talking (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Britney Spears confided that she was taking a break after years of being pushed by "advisers." Melissa Etheridge spoke candidly about her breast cancer. They're  are among stars who are bypassing traditional media and using their Web sites to break news both personal and professional.


Sudanese Darfur rebels stall aid pact for refugees (Updated 12:45 <b>...</b>

Sudanese rebels insisted on Tuesday that the government disarm its militias in Darfur before they would sign a deal to bring aid to 1.5 million civilians displaced by violence.


German, French Business Leaders to Discuss Industry Cooperation

French and German business leaders, headed by Cie. de Saint-Gobain SA Chief Executive Jean-Louis Beffa and ThyssenKrupp AG supervisory board chairman Gerhard Cromme, will form a working


AT T Settles Lawsuit for \$100 Million

\

 WASHINGTON (Reuters) - AT T Corp. <T.N> will pay \$100\million to end a class-action lawsuit by investors who accused\AT T and former Chairman C. Michael Armstrong of lying about\its outlook to boost its share price, the company said on\Tuesday.


'Honour killings' law tightened

Pakistan's National Assembly brings in the death penalty for extreme cases of so-called honour killings.


Celera Genomics Quarterly Loss Widens

Celera Genomics Group, a segment of Applera Corp., on Tuesday said its first-quarter loss widened by 25 percent on lower revenue.


L-3 earnings rise on strong sales growth

NEW YORK -- Defense electronics contractor L-3 Communications Holding Inc. #39;s earnings jumped 35 percent in the third quarter on strong sales growth across most of its business lines.


Centerra Gold reports Q3 profit of \$28.7M, up from \$2.8Ma year ago

TORONTO (CP) - Centerra Gold Inc. reported a sharp increase in quarterly profits compared with a year ago, helped by increased gold sales and better prices.


Coolbrands Cuts Year-End Profit Outlook

Coolbrands International Inc., the maker of frozen desserts, cut its profit outlook for fiscal 2004 on Tuesday, because of a decision to take a noncash charge related to stock options.


AT amp;T Agrees to Pay \$100 Million to Settle Lawsuit (Update2)

AT amp;T Corp., the largest US long- distance telephone company, agreed to pay \$100 million to settle lawsuit by shareholders who sought \$2.


Flu prompts delay in Enron barge trial

HOUSTON A flu-like virus has again prompted a delay in the fraud and conspiracy trial of four former Merrill Lynch officials and two former Enron executives.


Settlement reached on Sumitomo copper suit

Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corp and UK metals broker Credit Lyonnais Rouse today settled their \$1.1bn (600m) action, drawing a line under a rogue trader scandal that shook the world #39;s biggest metals market in the 1990s.


Va. Tech speeds up Mac OS X supercomputer by almost 20

OCTOBER 26, 2004 (MACCENTRAL) - Virginia Tech #39;s all-Mac OS X supercomputer at the university #39;s Terascale Computing Facility made headlines last year when it was determined to be the third-fastest supercomputer in the world.


PalmOne Debuts Treo 650 Smartphone

The Treo 650, which builds on the design of the Treo 600, features a 320 x 320 display, non-volatile memory, and a removable battery together with integrated Bluetooth.


Vendors Address Productivity, Convergence at Wireless Expo

SAN FRANCISCOThe tension between enterprise and consumer segments of the wireless market was evident at Monday #39;s keynote addresses here at the CTIA Wireless conference and expo.


Two ex-Yankees to get partial probation in bullpen brawl

BOSTON Ex-Yankees Jeff Nelson and Karim Garcia will have assault charges against them dropped from the bullpen brawl in last year #39;s American League Championship Series.


South Korea boosts North security after fence cut

SEOUL: South Korea stepped up security along the Demilitarised Zone frontier with North Korea yesterday after a night patrol found a hole cut in the border fence, the South Korean defence ministry said.


Panasonic Unveils International 3G Cell Phone

Clamshell-style WCDMA phone packs a browser, e-mail software, and two cameras.


Defendants Accused of Sending Spam

Three people who allegedly sent America Online customers millions of junk e-mail messages touting penny stocks and other Internet gimmicks went on trial Tuesday in the nation's first such felony case.


Treasuries Flat, Consumer Gloom No Shock

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury debt yields held near  seven-month lows on Tuesday after a soft reading on U.S.  consumer sentiment added modestly to concerns about the  economy.


U.S. Data, European Outlook Raise Dollar

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar rose on Tuesday after a  downbeat assessment on European growth and a  less-dire-than-expected read on U.S. consumer confidence  encouraged traders to buy back dollars after aggressive  selling.


Injured Ganguly could miss finale

India's Sourav Ganguly may miss the final Test against Australia with a thigh injury.


Thais plan origami  #39;peace bombs #39;

Military planes will drop an estimated one hundred million paper origami cranes on the country #39;s Muslim south. The  quot;peace bombing quot; of the paper birds has been scheduled to coincide with the


SGI claims lead in supercomputer race

Computer maker evolves from its "Jurassic" era with a Linux-based machine. NASA gives it a thumbs-up.


US justice dept clears Cingular #39;s AT amp;T deal

NEW YORK: The US justice department on Monday said it approved Cingular Wireless \$41bn plan to buy AT amp;T Wireless Services, creating the countrys biggest mobile provider, but it must sell assets to ensure competition.


AT amp;T Settles Lawsuit for \$100 M

AT amp;T Corp. will pay \$100 million to end a class-action lawsuit by investors who accused AT amp;T and former Chairman C. Michael Armstrong of lying about its outlook to boost its share price, the company said on Tuesday.


Update 1: Defendants Accused of Sending Spam

Three people who allegedly sent America Online customers millions of junk e-mail messages touting penny stocks and other Internet gimmicks went on trial Tuesday in the nation #39;s first such felony case.


WM Wrigley Posts Higher 3Q Profit

WM Wrigley Jr. Co., which makes chewing gum and other confectionery products, on Tuesday reported third-quarter profit rose 11 percent on strong volume growth in Canada, Russia, Britain and China.


Clearwire Partners With Intel on WiMAX Networks

Broadband wireless carrier Clearwire and Intel Corp. said they will join forces to develop and deploy WiMAX wireless broadband networks.


PeopleSoft Tries Out CRM In A BlackBerry

Enterprise Sales for BlackBerry is designed to deliver full application functionality, including alerts on hot sales leads, prescriptive analytics, and remote security.


NY Yankees def. Milwaukee Braves, 4-3

ST. LOUIS -- Among the thousands of phrases around sports that you never, ever expect to hear -- a list that includes  quot;Speak up, TO, quot;  quot;Bonds cracks me up, quot;  quot;I can #39;t wait for the NHL to start again, quot; and  quot;More WNBA, please quot; -- is this one:


Childress to replace Gordon in  #39;05

WELCOME, North Carolina (Ticker) - Robby Gordon #39;s 2004 season will be his last as a NASCAR Nextel Cup driver for Richard Childress Racing.


Tons of explosives gone missing: whose fault?

In a story headlined  quot;Bombshell for Bush, quot; The Independent calls news that nearly 380 tons of explosives went missing from an Iraqi weapons base after the war  quot;a massive pre-election embarrassment for the Bush administration.


Panasonic Unveils International 3G Cell Phone (PC World)

PC World - Clamshell-style WCDMA phone packs a browser, e-mail software, and two cameras.


Microsoft confirms participation at next year's CeBIT trade fair (AFP)

AFP - US software giant Microsoft said it had decided to attend next year's edition of CeBIT, the world's biggest high-tech and computer trade fair, after last month expressing doubts about the usefulness of participating in such events.


Marsh to Scrap Fees Spitzer Faulted

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marsh   McLennan Cos. MMC.N, the  world's largest insurance broker, on Tuesday said it will  reform its business practices and stop accepting fees that New  York's attorney general said amounted to bid-rigging.


Putin Arrives in India to Boost Business, Energy, Military Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a three-day visit to India on Friday, his first in two years, seeking to provide new momentum to an old friendship by expanding business, energy and traditional military ties, the Reuters news agency reports.


Treasuries Flat, Consumer Gloom No Shock (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. Treasury debt yields held near\seven-month lows on Tuesday after a soft reading on U.S.\consumer sentiment added modestly to concerns about the\economy.


UPDATE 4-Marsh to scrap fees Spitzer faulted, sets reforms

Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. (MMC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest insurance broker, on Tuesday said it will reform its business practices and stop


Microsoft to release communication server

REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. plans a Dec. 1 release for the latest version of its server software that aims to give companies more secure instant messaging and other corporate communications tools.


Wireless helps fuel Rogers Communications profit

Rogers Communications Inc. credited surging earnings at its fast-growth wireless unit and foreign exchange gains for the cable, media and telecom group #39;s third-quarter return to profit Tuesday.


Space Travelers Call Mission Successful

STAR CITY, Russia - The newly returned crew of the international space station said Tuesday they had accomplished all the necessary tasks in their six months on the orbiting station, even with a risky, unplanned space walk to replace a bad circuit breaker


'Monster Mash' Revived As Anti-Bush Song (AP)

AP - Just in time for Halloween comes a new version of the 1960s hit "Monster Mash"  #151; this time an Internet critique of the Bush administration's environmental policies.


Huge blow for Middlesbrough Football Club

The Spaniard has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee ligament injury, which he picked up in the 1-1 draw with Portsmouth on Sunday.


SEC: Hedge Fund Advisers Must Register

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange  Commission voted 3-2 on Tuesday to adopt a rule that for the  first time will require hedge fund advisers to register with  the agency and submit to SEC examinations.


Tribesmen die in Pakistan attack

At least nine people die in Pakistan's South Waziristan region after a shell hits a vehicle, the army says.


Allawi Says 'Major Neglect' by U.S. Troops Led to Ambush

Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said today that "major neglect" by some of the American-led forces in Iraq led to the execution of 49 Iraqi National Guard trainees.


Bobcats Beat Heat for Second Preseason Win (AP)

AP - Theron Smith scored 16 points Wednesday to lead the Charlotte Bobcats to their second win of the preseason, an 82-74 victory over the Miami Heat.


Els Withdraws from Florida Event with Finger Injury

LONDON (Reuters) - Ernie Els has pulled out of this week's  Chrysler Championship in Florida due to a finger injury, the  world number two said on his official Web Site.


Fanning #39;s new swap shop

Few in the tech world need an introduction to Napster #39;s founder, the college dropout whose revolutionary file-swapping technology shook the foundations of the \$11 billion record industry.


Marathon Profit Drops, Outlook Cut

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. integrated oil company Marathon  Oil Corp. MRO.N on Tuesday reported a fall in quarterly  profit, as hurricanes and disruptions in oil and gas production  outweighed record prices for crude oil.


Supercomputer race heats up

With new rankings due soon, SGI, IBM and others are jostling for bragging rights. Also: A speedy Mac system gets speedier.


Colorful Options Offered to Pumpkin Fans (AP)

AP - For purveyors of pumpkins, there's more to life than orange. While the standard gourd is the staple for jack 'o lanterns, pies and Thanksgiving tables, seed developers and growers have opened their minds to other colors of the rainbow when it comes to pumpkins.


Notes, Quotes From 2004 Campaign in Ohio (AP)

AP - No longer neglected, Ohio may determine the next president.


News: Insecurity begins at home

Spyware is rife and virus infection commonplace yet many home users reckon they are safe from online threats.\


Cognizant 3Q Profit Jumps 63 Percent

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., a provider of software maintenance services, said Tuesday that third-quarter profit rose 63 percent as sales jumped 58 percent.


UPDATE 1-US SEC orders hedge fund adviser registration

The US Securities and Exchange Commission voted 3-2 on Tuesday to adopt a rule that for the first time will require hedge fund advisers to register with the agency and submit to SEC examinations.


Update 13: Oil Prices Little Changed on Norway News

Crude oil futures were little changed Tuesday as oil workers in Norway said they will end their four-month strike after the government ordered them back on the job.


Intel Bets on WiMax

Intel dips into its coffers and lends its weight to a wireless broadband service provider. During the CTIA IT  amp; Entertainment conference in San Francisco, Intel and Clearwire announced that they have partnered


Microsoft Changes Sender ID, AOL Back On Board

Microsoft resurrected its anti-spam Sender ID proposal Monday by making changes to appease some critics, and immediately won over one of its biggest detractors: American Online.


Dell fields 17-inch notebook

Dell #39;s Inspiron notebook line made its big-screen debut Tuesday with the introduction of a 17-inch display. As expected, the Inspiron 9200, which starts at \$1,699, aims to use more screen real-estate to appeal


Puretunes settles: \$10.5M

p2pnet.net News:- Sakfield Holding Company SL, the operator of Spain #39;s Puretunes, has agreed to pay \$10.5 million to settle a copyright suit levelled by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).


Megson Reign Comes to End

Gary Megsons stormy four-year reign as West Bromwich Albion manager ended in predictable acrimony tonight when the club announced it had relieved him of his duties with immediate effect.


Pinkel suspends Tigers #39; top running back

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri coach Gary Pinkel announced Monday that he has indefinitely suspended starting running back Damien Nash for violating team rules.


Bush regrets using the word 'crusade' in war on terror (AFP)

AFP - US President George W. Bush expressed regret over using the word  quot;crusade quot; to describe the  quot;war on terror quot; he launched after the September 11 attacks by Al-Qaeda.


Cingular Buyout of AT amp;T Wireless Wins Approval

Description: The Justice Department clears the way for Cingular Wireless to acquire AT amp;T Wireless. The deal, worth an estimated \$41 billion, would make Cingular the nation #39;s largest wireless phone company.


EU to end transatlantic dispute by lifting sanctions on US imports

The EU said yesterday it would end sanctions on US imports in about two months, following the repeal by the US of an illegal export subsidy, and warned the US not to extend


Brinker International reports first-quarter income drop

DALLAS Brinker International today says its first-quarter profit fell by more than half from a year earlier. That #39;s despite increased revenues as charges and higher expenses hurt results.


SEC to require hedge fund registration

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) - A narrow majority of Securities and Exchange Commission members voted Tuesday to require hedge funds to share more information with the agency.


Flaming truck smashes into Children #39;s Aid building

WINDSOR, ONT. - A pickup truck loaded with propane tanks and gasoline cans smashed into the Children #39;s Aid Society building in Windsor, Ont.


Sirius Available in 2006 BMW 3 Series

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. said Tuesday that Sirius radio will be available as a factory-installed option in the 2006 BMW 3 Series beginning next summer.


Barrick Gold Earnings Fall on Lower Sales

Barrick Gold Corp., the world #39;s second-largest producer of gold, reported slightly lower third-quarter earnings due to lower sales and higher costs, partly offset by higher gold prices.


Total eclipse could give moon a seasonable glow

The full moon #39;s face may glow like an orangish-red Halloween pumpkin during an 81-minute total lunar eclipse Wednesday evening.


X Prize to be awarded Nov. 6 in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS - Creators of SpaceShipOne, the rocket plane that completed two manned space flights from a Southern California airport in a competition meant to promote private space travel, will get the \$10 million


PalmOne updates the Treo smart phone

OCTOBER 25, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - PalmOne Inc. #39;s long-awaited update to the Treo 600 will come with a new processor, sharper display and flash memory, as the company continues to improve its flagship product.


Kashmiris must have veto power: Kasuri

Pakistan indicated that it was willing to go beyond UN resolutions and take  quot;all risks quot; but wanted India to show flexibility.


Foreign News Agencies Jump on Announcement of Possible NK <b>...</b>

Immediately after the announcement that portions of the wire fence along the DMZ were cut, foreign broadcasters and newspapers linked it to a possible North Korean spy infiltration and reported South Koreas strengthened security measures.


EU Lowers 2005 Growth Forecast to 2 on Surge in Oil Prices

The European Commission cut its growth forecast for 2005, saying record oil prices will damp global demand and warned that five of the 12 countries using the euro will post deficits at or above European limits next year.


Developing nations, coal users to account for growth: IEA

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- If current government policies stay as they are, emissions of carbon dioxide from energy production activities will grow by about 60 percent between now and 2030, a report released by the International Energy Agency on Tuesday said.


Sprint PCS becomes first carrier to offer new Treo

Sprint Corp. announced it will be the first carrier to offer palmOne Inc. #39;s new Treo 650 smart phone. The device, which will retail for \$600, includes phone, e-mail, Web, organizer, MP3 player, digital camera and camcorder capabilities.


Web surfing pandas go wireless

Tech-savvy giant pandas can now pick up their email or browse the web to find a perfect panda partner thanks to the deployment of a campus-wide broadband and wireless network in China #39;s Wolong Nature Reserve.


Martyns ton gives Aussies upper hand

NAGPUR: After all the cameras had stopped rolling, Sourav Ganguly had one more look at the Nagpur pitch. He tried feeling it and might, just for a moment, have wondered whether all the hue and cry was really worth it.


Zook never had a chance to fill Spurrier #39;s shoes

Not too long ago, a coach who was 2-0 against the Georgia Bulldogs would have been able to eat for free at any restaurant in Gainesville, Fla.


Odd Things Expected as Red Sox Meet Cards in Game Three

ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - A World Series that has already  produced some odd sights could produce more on Tuesday when  Game Three of the Fall Classic between the Boston Red Sox and  St. Louis Cardinals is played out under a lunar eclipse.


Daily Gulf oil production increases a bit

Petroleum companies repairing hurricane damage to platforms and pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico have increased the flow of oil going to market by about 15,000 barrels per day this week, a federal agency reported.


Flashbacks and Financial Lessons

Fleeting childhood moments can have profound financial consequences.