UN Rights Officials Tell Security Council International Police Are <b>...</b>

An international police presence is needed in Sudan #39;s troubled Darfur region to accompany and monitor local police officers so that the vast population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) there are protected, two senior United Nations human rights


Sharapova Advances to Korea Open Semis (AP)

AP - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova reached the semifinals of the Korea Open on Friday with a comfortable 6-2, 6-1 win over Australian Samantha Stosur.


Watson Hopes Surgery Will Right Golf Game (AP)

AP - Tom Watson has mapped out a comfortable future after he finally walks away from the game of golf.


PeopleSoft fires CEO Conway

Board cites "lack of confidence" in Craig Conway as software maker battles a hostile takeover.


Linksys Launches Dual-Band Wi-Fi Gear

New products include 802.11g/a cards for both notebooks and desktops.


Stocks Seen Up as Oil Dips; PeopleSoft Up

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures rose steadily  throughout the morning, pointing to a higher market open on  Friday, as sliding oil prices were a welcome sign for investors  on the opening day of the fourth quarter.


Before-the-Bell: Redback Falls 24.5 Pct.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Redback Networks Inc.  RBAK.O, which makes networking equipment, fell 24.5 percent  in pre-market trading on Friday after it forecast third-quarter  revenue far short of Wall Street's estimates.


Amid Battle With Oracle, PeopleSoft Fires Its Chief

In a statement, PeopleSoft's board of directors cited "a loss of confidence in Mr. Conway's ability to continue to lead the Company."


Moreover and NewsGator Team for RSS Search\\Moreover Technologies, provider of aggregated online RSS and news feeds, today announced that NewsGator Technologies will integrate Moreover RSS (Rich Site Summary) news feeds and news search into its NewsGator Online Service platform.\


Feedsters RSS Feed Job Search Engine

Feedster's RSS Feed Job Search Engine\\RSS is hot and RSS search engines continue to get hotter by taking advantage of all of the bandwidth draining RSS feeds that are literally running all over the web for all different types of content oriented sites. Recently RSS search engines have concentrated on ...


100 Killed In US Operation To Re-take Samarra

Baghdad, Oct. 1 (NNN): At least 100 people, including 80 insurgents were killed and hundreds others injured as the US military launched a major offensive to re-take the northern Iraqi city of Samarra, about 100 kilometres north of the capital, Baghdad.


Sharapova overpowers Stosur

Maria Sharapova reached the last four of the Korea Open after beating Australia #39;s Samantha Stosur 6-2 6-1. Taking centre court after a four-hour rain delay, Sharapova overwhelmed Stosur to set up a semi-final meeting with Anne Kremer of Luxembourg.


PeopleSoft Fires CEO Conway

In the wake of a 15-month-long battle for its life, PeopleSoft Inc. #39;s board of directors fired CEO Craig Conway Friday morning.


China to Move Toward Flexible Currency

WASHINGTON Oct. 1, 2004 - The Bush administration, struggling to show progress in attacking this country #39;s soaring trade deficits, won a commitment Friday from China that it would move  quot;firmly and steadily quot; to a flexible, market-based currency.


Early market signs mostly positive for start of fourth financial <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - North American stock markets appear poised for strong gains Friday in the fourth quarter #39;s first day of trading as investors recover from drug company Merck  amp; Co.


Qualcomm Sees Spike in its Future

Qualcomm (Quote, Chart) is in talks to acquire a semiconductor design firm to help satisfy demand for its third-generation CDMA (define) wireless devices, the company said Thursday.


NWA #39;s Anderson moves to UnitedHealth

Northwest Airlines Corp. CEO Richard Anderson has resigned to take an executive job at UnitedHealth Group Inc. Anderson, 49, who took over the top job at the Eagan-based airline in 2001, will become an executive vice president at UnitedHealth.


Verizon, SBC nix access line sales

Lack of bidders forces largest US local telephone companies to terminate efforts in small markets. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Verizon Communications Inc.


UK Sept. Manufacturing Index Falls, Costs Increase (Update2)

UK manufacturing growth unexpectedly weakened to the slowest pace in 14 months in September as surging oil prices boosted costs, a survey of purchasing managers showed.


Lazard cutbacks may precede IPO

Report says investment bank plans job, pay cuts prior to a public offering valuing firm at \$3B. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bruce Wasserstein, head of investment bank Lazard, is planning a new round of job cuts and


Insurers cutting profit estimates

The string of hurricanes that struck Florida and other states has begun to wash away profit projections made by some Cincinnati-based insurance companies.


SpaceShipOne on course for X Prize

A Californian-based team is halfway to claiming a \$10 million prize by putting a privately financed manned craft into sub-orbital space.


Big Blue Reveals Fastest Supercomputer Alive

In a historic development in the computing world, IBM has succeeded in re-writing the rulebook for ultra-powerful computing by developing the worlds most powerful supercomputer- Blue Gene/L supercomputer, surpassing NECs Earth Simulator in Japan.


Patent Office rejects Microsoft FAT patent

The US Patent Office has made a preliminary ruling that a patent held by Microsoft for the FAT file system is invalid, after lobby group the Public Patent Foundation put forward evidence showing that the technology already existed in the public domain.


New Windows Patch Proves Tricky

The emergence of a new Internet virus targeting a Microsoft Windows security flaw could cause more damage than usual because the company #39;s system for fixing the problem is so complex that many


Security Flaws Found in RealPlayer

EEye Digital Security has uncovered new security holes affecting a wide range of RealNetworks #39; media players, the latest desktop-based bugs set to worry IT managers.


Wenger plays down players #39; bus fight

Arsene Wenger has described a fracas on the Arsenal team bus between Patrick Vieira and Cameroon international Lauren as  quot;a minor disagreement quot;.


Olympics: Pound critical of Hamilton gold

TORONTO, Canada : World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president Dick Pound believes that US cyclist Tyler Hamilton does not deserve to keep his Olympic time-trial gold medal after testing positive for doping in Athens.


Government Mum On World Cup Bid

The Government was dragging its heels yesterday when the Ministry of Sport failed to come out with a clear message of support for South Africa #39;s bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup.


Racing: Italian Trulli to race for Toyota in Japan and Brazil

PARIS : Italian driver Jarno Trulli, who has signed to drive for Toyota next season, will now be driving for the Japanese constructor in the final two races of this season, Toyota revealed.


Kluivert insists the best is yet to come

Patrick Kluivert has sent out a chill warning to both the Barclays Premiership and Europe after launching his Newcastle career in style.


Carpenter to miss Division Series

St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter is expected to miss the first round of the playoffs next week with an injury to his right arm.


Lazio, Newcastle, Stuttgart among UEFA Cup top seeds

Italian club Lazio, England #39;s Newcastle United and Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart are among the top group of seeds for Tuesday #39;s UEFA Cup group draw.


Blair Undergoes Treatment for Irregular Heartbeat, Sets Off <b>...</b>

British Prime Minister Tony Blair entered a hospital Friday for a procedure to remedy an irregular heartbeat. He says the treatment is routine and expects to return to work on Monday.


Suicide Bomber Kills at Least 21 in Pakistani Mosque

A suicide bomber killed at least 21 people in a mosque packed with worshippers and wounded more than 40 during Friday prayers in the eastern Pakistani city of Sialkot, police said.


Next President Could Get to Reshape High Court (Reuters)

Reuters - The winner of the presidential\election could reshape the Supreme Court and could have a\long-lasting impact on important issues such as abortion, gay\marriages and church-state separation.


Zawahri Urges Muslims to Hit U.S., Allies' Interests

DUBAI (Reuters) - Senior al Qaeda official Ayman  al-Zawahri, in a purported audio tape aired Friday, urged  Muslims to set up an organized resistance to hit the interests  of "crusader America" and its allies throughout the world.


Japan marks bullet train's 40th

Ceremonies are held in Japan to mark the 40th anniversary of the start of the world's first high-speed railway service.


Frank's Lawn, Garden Retailer Closing (AP)

AP - Frank's Nursery  amp; Crafts Inc., having filed for bankruptcy twice in three years and failing to lure enough customers back from bigger retailers like Wal-Mart and Home Depot, is going out of business.


What Are You Worried About? (Forbes.com)

Forbes.com - Oil was getting so hard to find that, soon enough, looking for it would be a losing game, at least in the U.S. So said the experts, years ago.


PeopleSoft Fires CEO Who Battled Oracle

NEW YORK (Reuters) - PeopleSoft Inc. PSFT.O on Friday  said its board had ousted President and Chief Executive Craig  Conway, who has been the chief opponent of Oracle Corp.'s  ORCL.O \$7.7 billion hostile bid to take over the software  company.


Stocks Open Higher as Oil Prices Ease

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened higher on Friday,  as oil prices retreated and tech stocks showed strength on the  opening day of the fourth quarter.


US Airways and Pilots Union Reach Tentative Deal

The deal is said to include annual pay cuts of about 19.5 percent and reductions in contributions to retirement benefits.


Stocks Move Higher As Oil Prices Dip

NEW YORK - Stocks moved higher Friday as oil prices dipped and a pair of upgrades in the semiconductor sector boosted technology shares.    Investors are closely watching oil prices, which topped \$50 per barrel this week, hoping that consumer spending and sentiment, along with third-quarter earnings, would not be adversely affected by rising energy costs...


Egg in talks on French unit sale

Internet bank Egg says it is in talks to sell the majority of its failed French venture to another firm.


Banks sound alarm on online fraud

The banking industry warns customers with online accounts to guard against a new wave of sophisticated cyber-fraud.


Construction Spending Hits Surged in August

Construction spending in August hit the highest level on record, fresh evidence that the housing market is helping move the economy ahead.


PeopleSoft Fires Craig Conway; Dave Duffield to Regain Top Spot

In a surprise move, PeopleSoft issued a press release this morning at 8:15 ET announcing that it had fired Craig Conway as president and CEO.


Consumer sentiment weakens in September

NEW YORK - US consumer sentiment took a surprise spill in September, according to a survey released Friday, suggesting Americans continue to be uncertain about the economic outlook and the job market.


Northwest Says Anderson Resigns to Join UnitedHealth (Update1)

Northwest Airlines Corp. Chief Executive Richard H. Anderson is resigning and will be replaced by President Douglas M. Steenland at a time when the company is seeking employee concessions to stem losses.


Cytec pays \$1.87b for UCB unit

Cytec Industries said Friday it will pay \$1.87 billion to Belgian chemical company UCB for its Surface Specialties unit, the Wall Street Journal reported.


When Models Explode

Behind every good business plan, there's a dynamite shack waiting for a box of matches.


Window Dressing for Nudists

Cosmetically altered mutual funds don't make sense -- and they're ugly, too.


Saving by Spending: Do UPromise?

It's strange but true -- the more you spend, the more you'll save for school.


Northwest Airlines #39; CEO Resigns

MINNEAPOLIS -- Northwest Airlines Chief Executive Richard Anderson is stepping aside and will take a top job at health care insurer UnitedHealth Group.


Battle of the Apples takes long road

The Beatles, trading as Apple Corp, won #39;t let it be when it comes to Apple Computer #39;s forays into the music business. Photo: Getty Images.


Kerry #39;s Policies and Views on North Korea Questioned

It was all very well for Senator John F. Kerry to say he would open bilateral talks with North Korea should he win November #39;s election, but the Democratic


Microsoft loses FAT patent, wins Smart Tag case

Microsoft Corp. is fighting a rejection by US patent authorities of a patent for its FAT (file allocation table) file system, the company said Thursday.


Aussie election could impact US coalition

However this election won #39;t occur in November and it won #39;t involve an electoral college. I #39;m talking about next week #39;s national elections in Australia.


Indonesia police identify suicide bomber

Indonesian police have identified a suicide car bomber from last month #39;s Australian embassy blast, but said it was unclear if he drove the vehicle, raising the possibility a second suicide attacker was involved.


Owen admits to Real doubts

Michael Owen has admitted he could be forced to reconsider his future at Real Madrid at the end of the season. Owen has started only one game since his 8m summer move from Liverpool and faces competition from Ronaldo, Raul and Fernando Morientes.


Sun stands between Liberty and finals

NEW YORK - The New York Liberty needed a last-second shot in the decisive game of their first-round series against Detroit to earn a trip to the Eastern Conference final, and will try to advance to the WNBA Finals for an unprecedented fifth time.


Couples Makes Early Move, Fast Start for Els

THOMASTOWN, Ireland (Reuters) - Former U.S. Masters  champion Fred Couples made the first significant move in the  WGC-American Express Championship second round Friday, surging  up the leaderboard with a five-under-par 67.


Carpenter to Miss Division Series

ST. LOUIS (Sports Network) - St. Louis Cardinals starting  pitcher Chris Carpenter is expected to miss the first round of  the playoffs next week with an injury to his right arm.


Microsoft appeals against EU order to strip down Windows

US software giant Microsoft insisted Friday that nobody would want to buy its Windows operating system without Media Player, in an appeal against an EU ruling that it had abused its market dominance.


Manufacturing Activity Up in September

Manufacturing activity rose in September for the 16th consecutive month, but at a more gradual pace than in August, an industry research group reported Friday.


Nortel details plans to lay off 3,250 employees

Nortel Networks Corp. will lay off approximately 1,400 employees in the US and about 950 in Canada, with those employees to be notified by the end of June 2005, the network equipment vendor said in a regulatory


Banks sound alarm on online fraud

The banking industry warns online customers to guard against a new wave of sophisticated cyber-fraud.


US music targets more 'pirates'

Students at 27 US colleges are being sued by the American record industry for alleged illegal downloading.


SILVERSTONE BIG LOSS TO BRITISH DRIVERS - HERBERT

Johnny Herbert feels the next generation of British Formula One stars will miss out after their home grand prix was axed from the calendar.


UEFA Charge Ferencvaros after Ugly Scenes

European footballs governing body today brought disciplinary charges against Hungarian champions Ferencvaros after crowd trouble and racist abuse during their UEFA Cup tie against Millwall.


Federer on a roll in Bangkok

Bangkok - Roger Federer edged closer to a dream tenth title of the season as he applied the pressure at just the right moments, defeating Robin Soderling 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 for a spot in the semi-finals of the \$550 000 Thailand Open on Friday.


Owen wants more action

Madrid - Michael Owen said on Friday he might be forced to reconsider his future with Real Madrid if his situation at the club doesn #39;t improve by the end of the year.


Racism inquiry opens in Zimbabwe with little progress

An investigation into allegations of racism in Zimbabwe cricket that broke up the country #39;s test team opened in the capital yesterday amid a hostile atmosphere and, by the end of the day, little progress had been made.


Dementieva advances to semis in Belgium

Top seed Elena Dementieva of Russia edged Czech Denisa Chladkova 7-5, 6-4 Friday to reach the semifinals of the Gaz de France Stars tennis tournament.


France Wants Referendum on Turkey #39;s EU Entry

French President Jacques Chirac says France will hold a referendum on Turkey #39;s entry to the European Union. Speaking to reporters Friday in Strasbourg, France, Mr.


Wenger plays down bus row

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has described the fracas on the team bus between Patrick Vieira and Lauren as  quot;a minor disagreement.


TRIO EXPRESS INTEREST IN WORLD CUP HOSTING

The International Rugby Board today confirmed that three countries have expressed an interest in hosting the 2011 World Cup. New Zealand, South Africa and Japan are leading the race to host rugby union #39;s global spectacular in seven years #39; time.


With 1 more, he #39;s history

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Oakland Athletics gained a share of first place. Ichiro Suzuki did not. Suzuki went 1 for 5 on Thursday, inching within one hit of George Sisler #39;s single season record of 257, but again


Police named the bomber as Heri Kurniawan, alias Heri Golun. They said on Friday he had sent a. would become a martyr. Golun was married last year.


Microsoft Fights to Keep Integral Media Player

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp will gain  "life-and-death power" over media formats used in everything  from cell-phones to computers unless EU sanctions take effect  quickly, an industry lawyer argued on Friday.


Iraq Mobile Network Brings Benefits and Bombs

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis hail their mobile phone network  as one of the few achievements in the country's reconstruction,  but the technology is also being used to detonate bombs that  cause daily death and destruction.


Mild Seven Renault F1 Team Preview, Japanese Grand Prix

The official Mild Seven Renault F1 Team Preview for the Japanese Grand Prix.


The Week: Renault F1 Team between China and Japan

Its been a busy week for the team with its members stretched across the globe. Heres an update of whats going on


Microsoft to Europe: Don't Be Cruel

Microsoft isn't quite begging, but the company is hoping a European court will cut it some major slack in its fight against an antitrust ruling, citing concerns that PC users will get the short end of the stick. -washingtonpost.com


Science's Budding Stars Shine

Finalists display innovations and compete for \$100,000 scholarships at the nation's top high school science event.


Genesis Samples 'Looking Very, Very Good'

Jet Propulsion Lab -- The Genesis team is preparing to ship its samples of the Sun from the mission's temporary cleanroom at the U.S. Army Proving Ground, Dugway, Utah, to NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston...


Pilot and Designer of Private Rocket Plane Confident

By JOHN ANTCZAK     LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The creators of a private rocket plane will go ahead with plans for another launch next week in a quest to claim a multimillion-dollar prize, despite a harrowing flight in which the spacecraft rolled dramatically while hurtling toward the edge of the atmosphere.    Organizers of the \$10 million Ansari X Prize announced without elaboration Thursday night that SpaceShipOne designer Burt Rutan had told them he would go ahead with Monday morning's scheduled flight...


Launch of New International Space Station Crew Set

MOSCOW (AP) -- The new crew of the international space station will head into space on Oct. 14, Russia said Friday, after two delays pushed back the launch...


A Space Race to Change the World

USA Today -- More than eight years ago, a new space race began with the announcement of the X Prize Competition. Based on prizes that inspired the development of aviation in the early 20th century, the X Prize was started to encourage private space travel through a competition to build the first reusable spacecraft...


Ex-Astronaut Casts Doubt on Space Tourism

PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon during the final Apollo landing, said Thursday he doesn't expect space tourism to become reality in the near future, despite a strong demand.   Cernan, now 70, who was commander of NASA's Apollo 17 mission and set foot on the lunar surface in December 1972 during his third space flight, acknowledged that "there are many people interested in space tourism."     But the former astronaut said he believed "we are a long way away from the day when we can send a bus of tourists to the moon." He spoke to reporters before being awarded a medal by the Czech Academy of Sciences for his contribution to science...


Columbus and the Disappearing Moon Trick

Albuquerque Journal -- "What is there in thee, moon, that thou shouldst move My heart so potently?"     "Endymion," John Keats The first landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on Oct. 12, 1492, is commemorated on the second Monday of October...


After Trio of Explosions, Scientists Say Supernova Is Imminent

Three powerful blasts from three wholly different regions in space have left scientists scrambling. The blasts, which lasted only a few seconds, might be early alert systems for star explosions called supernovae, which could start appearing any day now.


Drug-Resistant Infections on the Rise

By Kathleen Doheny, HealthDay Reporter    HealthDayNews -- A bacterium that is becoming more resistant to first-line antibiotics is causing record numbers of skin infections in otherwise healthy children, according to a new study.    The bacterium, called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is also emerging as a cause of pneumonia, which can be fatal...


Study Shows Antioxidants Not Useful Vs. Cancer

By EMMA ROSS    LONDON (AP) -- In another blow to the belief that antioxidant supplements improve health, an authoritative analysis has concluded there is no evidence the vitamins ward off common digestive cancers.    Some experts say, however, that the findings do not mean the cancer-fighting potential of antioxidant pills should be written off just yet...


Various Factors Blamed for Childhood Obesity

By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID    WASHINGTON (AP) -- A wide-ranging effort involving parents, schools, communities and government is needed to turn the tide of childhood obesity, the Institute of Medicine said Thursday...


USDA Expands Healthy Lunch Program

By ALLISON SCHLESINGER    PITTSBURGH (AP) -- An expansion of a federal pilot program that provides schools with funding for fruits and vegetables might help students get as enthusiastic about brussels sprouts and broccoli as they are about pizza and ice cream, a U.S. Agriculture Department official said on Thursday...


TMO Reports - Study: Linux Use Growing, But So is Windows Piracy

A report from technology research and analysis firm Gartner, Inc. reveals that while the installed base of personal computers running the Linux operating systems


Bulletin: PeopleSoft ousts CEO amid Oracle battle

PeopleSoft today said its board had ousted President and CEO Craig Conway due to "a loss of confidence" in his ability to lead the software company.


Microsoft, EU give final arguments on remedy suspension

LUXEMBOURG -- The war of words over Microsoft Corp.'s business practices continued at a Luxembourg court on Friday with the its opponents arguing that unless the company offers a version its operating system without Windows Media Player, Microsoft will extend its quasi-monopoly in the PC market over the digital media sector.


StorageTek buys management company

In its pursuit of one-stop storage shop superstardom, Storage Technology Corp. (StorageTek) has bought Storability Software Inc. and got hold of its enterprise storage resource manager product.


PeopleSoft's CEO Conway gets the boot

PeopleSoft Inc. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President Craig Conway was shown the door on Friday by the company's board of directors, who immediately replaced him with Dave Duffield, PeopleSoft's founder and chairman.


Recruiter Puts Its Money Where Its Workers Are

Clint Heiden's two-month-old recruiting firm offers its clients in the technology industry what amounts to a partial money-back guarantee: A job candidate hired through the Heiden Group, which specializes in sales positions for tech companies, will be a top performer within six months. If the candidate quits or falls short, the recruiter refunds between 20 and 40 percent of its placement fee, which averages about 25 percent of a candidate's annual salary.


Level 3 Acquires Sprint's Wholesale Dial Internet Access Business

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc...


DeLay Push Helps NASA Get Full Funds

President Bush's "Vision for Space Exploration" got a skeptical reception in January and was left for dead in midsummer, but it made a stunning last-minute comeback when the House majority leader delivered NASA's \$16.2 billion budget request as part of the omnibus \$388 billion spending bill passed Nov. 20.


Africa must be heard in the councils of the rich

OXFORD, England Rich countries are ardent advocates for democracy all around the world. But when it comes to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, government of the many by the few is the preferred option.


BBC completes 1.9bn IT sell-off to Siemens

The BBC has today completed the sell-off of its technology arm to German IT firm Siemens as part of a 1.9bn 10-year outsourcing deal - as exclusively revealed on silicon.


Cytec to Buy UCB Chemicals Business for EU1.5 Billion (Update3)

Cytec Industries Inc., a US maker of materials for the aerospace and car industries, agreed to buy the chemicals operations of UCB SA, Belgium #39;s largest drugmaker, for 1.5 billion euros (\$1.


Russia Says Space Launch Set for October 14

Russian space officials say the departure of the replacement crew for the International Space Station has been set for October 14.


#39;Highly critical #39; flaws fixed in RealPlayer

RealNetworks Inc. recommends users download updates it released to patch multiple security holes in RealOne Player, RealPlayer and Helix Player.


Hotmail Losing Steam

NEW YORK - When Microsoft decided to throttle back on some of the features of its Hotmail Web-based e-mail service, it didn #39;t affect me one bit.


Sun Serves Strongest Java Flavor Ever Released

Sun Microsystems today released Java 2 Platform Standard Edition J2SE 5.0, code named project Tiger. Version 6.0 of the programming framework, codenamed Mustang, has entered the development stage and is expected


Apple #39;s Consumer Desktop Strikes a New Pose

Cross an iPod and an eMac and what do you get? The new iMac G5, the third generation of Apples trendsetting desktop design for the home and school.


India ; Sachin in squad for first two Tests (LEAD)

India News, Bangalore, Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar was Friday included in the 15-member Indian squad for the first two Tests against Australia.


Sports World

Denver  Dennis Rodman, the 43-year-old former NBA rebounding champion, participated in an informal workout with the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.


Lebanese Politician Hurt in Apparent Suicide Attempt; Driver <b>...</b>

Officials in Beirut say Marwan Hamadeh was wounded Friday when his car was targeted by a remote-controlled bomb near his home. He suffered only minor injuries, but his driver was killed and a bodyguard was seriously hurt.


PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Who Battled Oracle

In NEW YORK story headlined "PeopleSoft ousts CEO amid  battle with Oracle," please read in paragraph 5, "Oracle  launched its surprise takeover bid in June 2003" ... instead of  "PeopleSoft launched .. )


Stocks Rise as Oil Slips, Tech Rallies

NEW YORK (Reuters) -  U.S. stocks rose in a broad-based  advance on Friday morning, as oil prices eased, data showed  factory activity last month met economists' estimates and  technology shares extended recent gains.


US Air, Pilots Union in Tentative Pact

NEW YORK (Reuters) - US Airways Group Inc. UAIRQ.PK said  on Friday it reached a tentative agreement with its pilots  union that would save \$300 million annually and move the  bankrupt airline closer to carrying out a transformation plan.


Italian Appliance Maker Cuts Outlook

MILAN, Italy (Reuters) - Merloni shares fell more than 10  percent on Friday after the Italian home appliance maker cut  its 2004 profit forecast, blaming weak demand and high prices  for steel and oil.


Merck hit by \$36bn backlash

A GLOBAL drugs recall caused a \$US26.5 billion (\$A36.5 billion) wipeout for US giant Merck  amp; Co yesterday. Merck #39;s loss was the equivalent of the entire Commonwealth Bank, which has a similar market capitalisation


IBM Sets a Record for Speed

The IBM computer is based on a technology called BlueGene/L, which takes an approach radically different from that used by NEC #39;s machine, called the Earth Simulator.


Panasonic adds smart card function to SD memory

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., better known for its Panasonic brand, will start selling SD (Secure Digital) memory cards that can be used as smart cards in Japan by the end of 2005, the company said Friday.


US cybersecurity chief abruptly resigns

The government #39;s cybersecurity chief has abruptly resigned after one year with the Department of Homeland Security, confiding to industry colleagues his frustration over what he considers a lack of attention paid to computer security issues within the


Japan #39;s Matsushita developing memory cards with  #39;smart #39; chip <b>...</b>

Smart cards are on the rise in Japan, using computer chips with an antenna embedded in them to allow people to pay for purchases or unlock doors with a simple flick of their cards.


Hotmail access via Outlook no longer free

Hotmail users will have to start paying in order to access their hotmail e-mail messages via the Outlook and Outlook Express desktop e-mail programmes.


Owen Real-ly concerned

Despite denying any problems in the past, England striker Michael Owen has finally admitted he may have to begin worrying if his first team exile at Real Madrid continues.


Lynx no match for Jackson #39;s perfect Storm

Lauren Jackson shoots over an opponent during Seattle #39;s first-round finals sweep of the Minnesota Lynx. Photo: AP. Lauren Jackson is on track to win women #39;s professional basketball #39;s ultimate


Ajax cuts European soccer target for season after Munich defeat

AFC Ajax NV, which won three straight European Cups in the 1970s, lowered its ambitions for this season #39;s European campaign after Tuesday #39;s 4-0 defeat at Bayern Munich left the team bottom of its Champions League group.


Palestinian militants fire two rockets on southern Israel, no <b>...</b>

JERUSALEM, Oct 1 (AFP) - Palestinian militants fired two makeshift rockets on Sderot in southern Israel Friday without causing any casualties, an army spokeswoman told AFP.


Sudan agrees to 3,500 extra AU troops-AU source

Sudan has agreed to African Union (AU) plans to deploy an enlarged force of 3,500 troops to the troubled Darfur region, an AU official for conflict management told Reuters on Friday.


Police confirm bomber

HERI Golun, 30, was confirmed yesterday as the suicide bomber who attacked the Australian embassy in Jakarta. Indonesian police yesterday confirmed his identity, saying Golun died in the attack, which killed nine others.


DARPA Awards Contract For Special Air Vehicles

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded an \$8.9 million contract to three vendors last week to build a prototype for low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles that can work with Army ground combat vehicles to scout ahead of American forces.


U.S. Cybersecurity Chief Abruptly Resigns (AP)

AP - The government's cybersecurity chief has abruptly resigned after one year with the Department of Homeland Security, confiding to industry colleagues his frustration over what he considers a lack of attention paid to computer security issues within the agency.


Stocks Climb on Strong Economic Data (AP)

AP - Investors sent stocks sharply higher Friday as new economic data showed strength in manufacturing and construction, and Wall Street greeted the departure of PeopleSoft Inc.'s chief executive by buying up technology shares. The Dow Jones industrials gained 100 points in morning trading.


2,500-Year-Old Pomegranate Found in Greece (AP)

AP - A scientific dig has uncovered four pomegranates believed to be 2,500 years old preserved inside a woven basket nestled in a bronze vessel, a Greek archaeologist said Friday.


Country Music-Suicide Link Tops IgNobel Awards (Reuters)

Reuters - Researchers who found a link between\country music and suicide, and a man who patented his combover\hairstyle won IgNobel Awards for true but funny experiments on\Thursday.


Russian Move Clears Way to Bring Kyoto Into Force (Reuters)

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


British Father Pleads for Life of Ill Baby Girl (Reuters)

Reuters - The father of a seriously ill baby girl\fought on Friday against a hospital's request to allow her to\die if she stops breathing, saying he and his wife were not yet\ready to let her go.


NASA Tracks Three Space Bursts, Says Stellar Explosions Imminent (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - Three powerful bursts of energy from different regions of space could presage \  spectacular explosions of huge stars, astronomers just announced.


EU Accuses Microsoft of Paternal View (AP)

AP - Microsoft Corp. said Friday that small companies and their customers would suffer most if it is forced to remove its digital media software from Windows, while the European Union accused it of being "paternalistic" in trying to decide what's best for everyone.


Huge and Proud of It

New Enterprise Associates is the biggest stand-alone venture capital operation in the world, but industry insiders say the company's girth is a handicap.


Suicide Bomber Kills 25 in Pakistani Mosque (Reuters)

Reuters - A suicide bomber killed at\least 25 people in a mosque packed with worshippers and wounded\more than 50 when he blew himself up during Friday prayers in\the eastern Pakistani town of Sialkot, police said.


Red Hat Buys Technology from Netscape

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Linux distributor Red Hat Inc. RHAT.O  said on Thursday that it had bought Netscape's computer user  identification and management technology from America Online  Inc., a unit of Time Warner Inc. TWX.N


U.S. Cybersecurity Chief Resigns

The government's cybersecurity chief has abruptly resigned after one year with the Department of Homeland Security, confiding to industry colleagues his frustration over what he considers a lack of attention paid to computer security issues. -AP


Outlook: Teaching vs. Video Games

T.C. Williams High School English teacher Patrick Welsh discusses the influence of video games on male students.


Kansas start for Virgin attempt

The jet plane in which US adventurer Steve Fossett plans to fly non-stop around the world without refuelling is set for launch in January from Kansas.


'Punk'd' Will Continue 3 More Seasons

NEW YORK - A warning to celebrities: you're not in the clear just yet. "Punk'd," hosted by Ashton Kutcher, will continue for three more seasons, MTV spokesman David French confirmed Wednesday...


Stocks Move Higher As Oil Prices Dip

NEW YORK - Stocks moved sharply higher Friday as oil prices dipped and a pair of upgrades in the semiconductor sector boosted technology shares.    Investors are closely watching oil prices, which topped \$50 per barrel this week, hoping that consumer spending and sentiment, along with third-quarter earnings, would not be adversely affected by rising energy costs...


Construction Spending Hits All-Time High

WASHINGTON - Construction spending surged in August to the highest level on record, while manufacturing grew at a slower pace in September, offering mixed signals about the economy's strength.    The Commerce Department reported Friday that the value of buildings put in place clocked in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of \$1.02 trillion, a record high...


PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Who Battled Oracle

Oct. 1, 2004 - In NEW YORK story headlined  quot;PeopleSoft ousts CEO amid battle with Oracle, quot; please read in paragraph 5,  quot;Oracle launched its surprise takeover bid in June 2003 quot; ... instead of  quot;PeopleSoft launched .. ). NEW YORK (Reuters) - PeopleSoft Inc.


Tivo, Netflix star in double feature

Two Silicon Valley companies that have already become household names in tech savvy homes are working together to bring movies to the home digitally.


Columbus may not be buried in Caribbean

Researchers who gleaned DNA from 500-year-old bone slivers said Friday that preliminary data suggests Christopher Columbus might be buried in Spain, rather than a rival tomb in the Dominican Republic, but for now they can #39;t be sure.


Andy Roddick Serves 20 Aces at Thailand (AP)

AP - Andy Roddick served 20 aces Friday in a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Sweden's Thomas Johansson to reach the Thailand Open semifinals.


Chirac Backs French Vote on Turkey

After a meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schrder, French President Jacques Chirac said Friday he supports a change to his country #39;s constitution to allow for a referendum on Turkish EU membership.


Avian flu spreads in Thailand as US scientists work

BANGKOK Thai authorities announced Friday that avian influenza had spread to poultry in four more provinces, as US researchers made progress in deciphering the genetic code of the virus that killed a woman in northwestern Thailand last week.


Tucsonans worry about alternatives for Vioxx

Merck  amp; Co. pulls the drug when a study finds it doubles the risk of heart attack and strokes. Tucsonan Carolyn White feels the pain of rheumatoid arthritis in just about every major joint in her body - shoulders


Manufacturing grows; construction up; sentiment down

The latest round of economic data was again mixed, reports showed Friday: Manufacturing activity increased in September for the 16th consecutive month and construction spending surged in August to a record high.


Insurers See Hurricane Costs as High as \$23 Billion

Insurance claims for damage caused in the United States this year by four major hurricanes may reach \$23 billion, surpassing payments on claims for 1992 #39;s Hurricane Andrew, an insurance industry group said on Friday.


Hewlett-Packard buys Synstar

IT services company Synstar plc, of Bracknell, England, has been acquired by Hewlett-Packard Co., of Palo Alto, for about \$293.3 million.


RIM beats the Street in Q2, ups the bar

Research In Motion Ltd., maker of the popular BlackBerry e-mail device, enjoyed a strong second quarter and upped its expectations Thursday for the remainder of its fiscal year.


2,500-Year-Old Pomegranate Found in Greece

ATHENS, Greece - A scientific dig has uncovered four pomegranates believed to be 2,500 years old preserved inside a woven basket nestled in a bronze vessel, a Greek archaeologist said Friday.


Sun, UT Austin Team for Supercomputer

Maverick, the new supercomputer from Sun Microsystems and the University of Texas at Austin, promises speedier data analysis for global weather prediction, emergency response management


Fuel Cell Ups Power Tenfold

The much-touted fuel cell technology has got a reprieve from being written off. Japanese companies, network operator NTT DoCoMo and manufacturer Fujitsu are reported to have co-developed a fuel cell recharger for DoCoMo #39;s Foma family of 3g handsets.


Nhema in bid to resume ivory trade

A ZIMBABWEAN delegation led by Environment and Tourism minister Francis Nhema is in Thailand to back a bid at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) conference by southern African countries to resume trade in ivory.


Think Before You Ogo

For years now, Research In Motion #39;s (Nasdaq: RIMM) BlackBerry wireless email device has been synonymous with, well, the phrase  quot;wireless email device.


CRICKET: Tendulkar in frame for first Test

SACHIN Tendulkar will today be named in India #39;s first Test squad but is considered only a rough chance of playing in a match again threatened by a television wrangle.


The Worm works out with Nuggets

Here #39;s a quote from The Worm before the run:  quot;Just because Kiki #39;s my friend, he doesn #39;t have to give me this opportunity.


UEFA Cup: All four Spanish teams come through first round

Spanish soccer fans woke to welcome headlines Friday as all four of their teams made it through the first round of the UEFA Cup. Zaragoza beat Sigma Olomouc of the Czech Republic; Athletic de


US forces storm Iraqi town

US-led forces have stormed Samarra and say more than 100 guerrillas have been killed in air strikes and street-to-street combat during a major new American offensive to wrest control of the Iraqi town.


Syria condemns assassination attempt against former Lebanese <b>...</b>

Syria condemned on Friday an attempt of assassination against a former Lebanese minister in Beirut, the state-run SANA news agency reported.


Heartbeat away from third term

TONY Blair yesterday entered hospital for heart surgery, rounding off one of his most dramatic and stressful weeks in politics. Making a sudden and unexpected appearance on national TV, Britain #39;s Prime Minister


Jo #39;burg Airport is Prettiest, Schiphol Most Fun

ARRIVING at Amsterdam #39;s Schiphol airport after an overnight flight, I faced a four-hour wait for my onward trip to London. It was a dismal prospect and the rain tapping at the windows did little to lift my spirits - but Schiphol managed to.


The Net could capture up to 500 porn offenders

MORE than 500 Australians could be implicated in the international crackdown on Internet child pornography, police said yesterday as the first of those arrested appeared in court.


Does new Peoplesoft CEO signal a buyout?

Is PeopleSoft #39;s founder and long-time chief executive back at the helm to accept Oracle #39;s takeover bid, or to dig-in for a long-term battle?


Fighting at Gaza Camp Leaves 20 Dead

Description: More than 20 Palestinians are killed in an Israeli raid on the Gaza Strip #39;s largest refugee camp. The Israeli action came a day after a Hamas rocket attack killed two Israeli children.


Time for action

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund get-together taking place this weekend in Washington is one of the great annual gatherings of practitioners of a dismal science.


Northwest Air CEO Quits for UnitedHealth

Northwest Airlines Corp. (NWAC.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Friday said Chief Executive Richard Anderson is leaving the company to join a health care group, as the airline struggles


Level 3 Dialing Up for Dollars

Level 3 Communications (Quote, Chart) said it will pay \$34 million cash for Sprint #39;s (Quote, Chart) wholesale dial-up Internet access business.


Some 150 Foreigners Taken Hostage in Iraq

-Two Indonesian women, Rosidah binti Anan and Rafikan binti Aming, and two Lebanese men. Video broadcast Sept. 30 shows them being held at gunpoint by masked men and claims responsibility in the name of the Islamic Army in Iraq.


StorageTek Bolsters ILM With Storability Deal

StorageTek said Thursday it has acquired Storability to further strengthen its information lifecycle management software portfolio.


Linux: the enemy of my enemy is... my enemy

Microsoft Corp finally, it seems, has something in common with Linux: the mutual threat to market share posed by pirated copies of Windows in emerging markets.


Merck Raises Vioxx Prescription Estimate

Merck  amp; Co. on Friday raised its estimate of the number of prescriptions written in the United States for its recently recalled heart disease treatment Vioxx.


Update 5: US Pressures China on Currency

The Bush administration lobbied Chinese economic officials on Thursday to overhaul a currency regime that American manufacturers contend gives China a huge competitive advantage.


Cincinnati Financial Raises Storm Losses

Financial services and insurance company Cincinnati Financial Corp. estimated pretax losses of \$89 million, or 34 cents a share after tax, from catastrophic events in the third quarter, excluding Hurricane Jeanne.


Siemens A1.86bn deal with BBC

German industrial giant Siemens has signed aA1.86 billion contract to deliver technology services around the world to the BBC, a deal that will see it acquire the broadcaster #39;s technology subsidiary.


Netflix, TiVo Team Up on Broadband Movie Delivery

Netflix and TiVo have signed an agreement to let TiVo subscribers access Netflix #39;s library of movies over broadband Internet connections, the two companies announced Thursday.


RIM Continues Long String of Profitable Quarters

Research In Motion Limited (RIM) has reported the results of its most recent financial quarter. Both revenue and profits were higher than the previous quarter.


PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Amid Oracle Battle

NEW YORK (Reuters) - PeopleSoft Inc. PSFT.O on Friday  fired Chief Executive and President Craig Conway, citing a loss  of confidence, and the software company's shares jumped on  expectations that the move could pave the way for a deal with  hostile bidder Oracle Corp.


A scientific dig has uncovered four pomegranates believed to be 2,500 years old preserved inside a woven basket nestled in a bronze vessel, a Greek archaeologist said Friday.


StorageTek throws lifeline to Storability

com Staff. Storage Technology Corp. (StorageTek) has scooped up storage resource management (SRM) company Storability Software Inc.


GM, Ford Raise U.S. Sales Incentives

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. GM.N and Ford  Motor Co. F.N launched new U.S. sales incentives on Friday as  both automakers struggle with falling market share and high  inventories of unsold vehicles.


Trulli to race in Japan, Brazil

Jarno Trulli will replace Toyota #39;s Ricardo Zonta in Japan, before sending F1 veteran Olivier Panis into retirement one grand prix early as the season ends at Interlagos.


Gold Cup all Perfect Drift

The wheel has made a full revolution, and Perfect Drift is back in the Hawthorne Gold Cup. He runs like one of the best horses in the country, and has earned more than a half-million


Oil Holds Above \$49, Eyes Nigeria Truce

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices remained just below record  highs on Friday amid concern over possible conflict in  Nigeria's oil-producing delta region, where a two-day truce  between rebel militia and government forces is holding.


Death toll in Pakistan mosque explosion reaches 30, dozens injured

SIALKOT, Pakistan : At least 30 people were killed and dozens injured in a powerful bomb explosion at a crowded Shiite mosque in Pakistan #39;s eastern border city of Sialkot, police said.


Ex-Boeing Exec Sentenced on Conspiracy

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Reuters) - The former No. 2 weapons buyer  for the U.S. Air Force, Darleen Druyun, was sentenced on Friday  to nine months in prison for negotiating a \$250,000 job with  Boeing Co. BA.N while still overseeing billions of dollars of  its business with the military.


Tech Stocks Gain on Oil Price, PeopleSoft

NEW YORK (Reuters) -  U.S. stocks rose late on Friday  morning in a broad-based advance as oil prices eased and shares  of software company PeopleSoft Inc. PSFT.O gave a boost to  the tech-dominated Nasdaq.


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Northwest Airlines Corp. NWAC.O on  Friday said Chief Executive Richard Anderson is leaving the  company to join a health care group, as the airline struggles  with cutting costs, low fares and tough competition.


Construction, Industrial Data Give Mixed Signals

Construction spending surged in August to the highest level on record, while manufacturing grew at a slower pace in September, offering mixed signals about the economy's strength.


US industrial output still rising

Industrial output in the US rose for a 16th straight month in September,  ahead of analysts' forecasts.


Contraceptives plan aims to cut koala numbers

Two thousand female koalas will be given contraceptives under a new management strategy announced by the Victorian Government. The action is being taken after six years of trials at Mount Eccles between Portland and Hamilton.


Linux Use Growing, But So Is Windows Piracy

Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Asia/Pacific -- will ship with Linux operating systems, but 75 percent


StorageTek Snaps Up Storability

StorageTek (Quote, Chart) took another step in filling out its information lifecycle management portfolio this week, acquiring software maker Storability.


Think Before You Ogo (The Motley Fool)

The Motley Fool - For years now, Research In Motion's (Nasdaq: RIMM - News) BlackBerry wireless email device has been synonymous with, well, the phrase "wireless email device." Pretty much all of the country's wireless providers support its functions and sell it to their customers. As of this week, however, the company's flagship product has a new rival.


Vitamins Don't Cut Stomach Cancer Risk-Study (Reuters)

Reuters - Millions of people take them to stay\healthy but scientists said on Friday that vitamin supplements\do not protect against stomach and other cancers -- and may\even make them worse.


Moderate Earthquake Rocks Nicaragua (AP)

AP - A moderate earthquake shook the Pacific coast of Nicaragua early Friday, cracking a few walls and sending frightened residents running into the streets, but there were no reports of injuries.


Third day of talks between Nigerian gov't, oil rebel chief (AFP)

AFP - Talks between Nigerian government officials and Niger Delta rebel leader Mujahid Dokubo Asari went into a third day under the shadow of a rebel deadline for foreign oil workers to quit the region, a member of the rebel delegation told AFP.


China vows to move toward flexible exchange rate ahead of G7 meeting (AFP)

AFP - China pledged to move toward a flexible exchange rate, the US Treasury Department said, hours ahead of a key meeting of the world's top finance chiefs who are expected to press Beijing to ease its currency policies.


U.S. expert says Canadians should know missile defence won't work (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Washington is putting subtle, but real pressure on Canada to join a proposed missile defence system that won't work anyway, an American scientist says. Ted Postol, a physicist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, says U.S. authorities warn that Canada will lose its say in continental defence if it takes a pass on the missile system.


South Dakota Electoral Race Is Rerun Under a Shadow (Reuters)

Reuters - It has only been four months\since Stephanie Herseth became the first woman ever elected to\the House of Representatives from South Dakota, but the\prominence that win gave her may make the difference as she\faces the same opponent again for a full two-year term.


Stand by your man: Parties defend candidates after Bush-Kerry debate (AFP)

AFP - Republican and Democratic leaders each declared victory after the first head-to-head sparring match between President George W. Bush and Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry.


UN to Launch  #36;30 Mln Drive for Haiti Flood Victims (Reuters)

Reuters - The United Nations will launch\a global appeal for  #36;30 million in emergency aid to help Haiti\recover from floods that killed hundreds of people, the\executive director of UNICEF said on Wednesday on a visit to\the impoverished Caribbean nation.


Delhi issues plea on US sanctions

India asks the US to withdraw sanctions on two scientists accused of selling nuclear technology to Iran.


Cash musical heading for Broadway

A musical about the life and music of the late Johnny Cash called Ring of Fire is being created in the US.


Yankees Clinch 7th Straight AL East Title

NEW YORK - Bernie Williams stood with bat in hand, savoring the scene: bottom of the ninth inning, tie score, fans chanting, teammates ready to celebrate. And then he gave them - and himself - a super send-off...


Va. Judge Dismisses Indictment Vs. Sniper

FAIRFAX, Va. - A judge dismissed an indictment Friday against convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad, ruling that the state waited too long to try him for capital murder in the death of an FBI analyst who was shot in a store parking lot...


Springsteen to Kick Off 'Vote for Change'

PHILADELPHIA - Two of the biggest forces in rock music over the last 20 years were plugging in their amplifiers Friday to kick off a high-volume effort to oust President Bush on Nov. 2...


General Mills to Make All Cereals Whole Grain

By JOSHUA FREED     MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Trix Rabbit and that Lucky Charms leprechaun are going on a whole-grain diet. General Mills announced Thursday that it will convert all of its breakfast cereals to whole grain...


Calm in the markets but squalls ahead ?

LONDON Amid the wars, terror threats and other tremors rattling political capitals, the global economy and financial markets seem strikingly placid - at first glance, at least.


Update 3: Treasury Bond Prices Fall at Midday

The price of the Treasury #39;s 10-year note was down 1/2 point, or \$5 per \$1,000 in face value, while its yield rose to 4.18 percent from 4.12 percent late Thursday.


Don #39;t view that image, it may have hidden code

A flaw in the Microsoft programs that was announced on Sep 14, has already paved the way for a deluge of new security threats. The hackers have begun circulating malicious code hidden in images that use the popular JPEG format.


Sun Micro, UT Austin, Team Up on Supercomputer

Sun Microsystems Inc. (SUNW.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and the University of Texas at Austin are set to flip the switch on Friday on a unique supercomputer that will vastly speed


Diatom genome reveals key role in biosphere #39;s carbon cycle

WALNUT CREEK, CA--The first genetic instruction manual of a diatom, from a family of microscopic ocean algae that are among the Earth #39;s most prolific carbon dioxide assimilators, has yielded important insights on how the creature uses nitrogen, fats, and


CLASS ACT

ALAN Shearer and Patrick Kluivert teamed up to fire Newcastle into the group stage of the Uefa Cup. It was a striking master-class in Tel Aviv.


Around Sports

Tyler Hamilton #39;s title from the Athens Games is  quot;no longer a gold medal in the eyes of the world quot; because of the cyclist #39;s failed drug test, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency said Thursday.


Analyzing the Conference Finals Matchups

Meyers, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003, broadcasts WNBA and women #39;s NCAA games for ABC and ESPN. She has also been a regular Blog Squad contributor to WNBA.


Former Lebanese minister escapes death

A former Lebanese minister escaped an attempt on his life Friday in an explosion that hit his official car at Beirut #39;s waterfront, security sources said.


Sudanese blood on UN hands

No discussion of war in Iraq - Thursday night #39;s presidential debate included - would be complete without a headmaster #39;s scolding of the arrogant and trigger-happy US government.


Does new Peoplesoft CEO signal a buyout?

The ouster of Craig Conway and the return of Dave Duffield could be a prelude to PeopleSoft accepting Oracle's offer.


GM, Ford Raise U.S. Sales Incentives (Reuters)

Reuters - General Motors Corp.  and Ford\Motor Co.  launched new U.S. sales incentives on Friday as\both automakers struggle with falling market share and high\inventories of unsold vehicles.


Ford Down, Nissan Up in Sept. U.S. Sales

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. F.N posted its fourth  consecutive month of weaker U.S. sales with a 7 percent drop in  September results on Friday, and the automaker doubled its  incentives on some models to kick-start sales this month.


Web Sites Spoof Bush and Kerry With Parodies

If you're not ready to feverishly debate Iraq or the deficit in this bitterly divisive election year, you can always surf the Web, where politics is frequently nothing but a big joke. President Bush and challenger John Kerry are spoofed as utter fools on the Internet daily, usually in good fun.


Stocks Ascend as Oil Eases and Techs Gain

NEW YORK (Reuters) -  U.S. stocks moved higher late on  Friday morning in a broad-based advance, as oil prices dipped,  shares of PeopleSoft Inc. PSFT.O boosted the tech-heavy  Nasdaq and data showed that factory activity stayed at a  healthy pace last month.


Cybersecurity Chief Abruptly Resigns

By TED BRIDIS    WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government's cybersecurity chief has abruptly resigned after one year with the Department of Homeland Security, confiding to industry colleagues his frustration over what he considers a lack of attention paid to computer security issues within the agency.    Amit Yoran, a former software executive from Symantec Corp...


India Expects Jump in High-Tech Imports

S. SRINIVASAN    BANGALORE, India (AP) -- India's space agency said Thursday its removal from a U.S...


Microsoft Vows Fight on Latest Patent Rejection

By ALLISON LINN    SEATTLE (AP) -- In a preliminary ruling, the government rejected Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)'s 1996 patent on technology for saving files on computers using easy-to-remember names...


Cingular Wireless Selling Interactive Unit

Cingular Wireless plans to sell one of its older wireless data networks to a group of private investors for an undisclosed sum.   The cell-phone company said Monday it will sell the unit -- the carrier of data for Blackberry e-mail devices, among other things -- to affiliates of New York private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management LP...


Siemens wins major BBC contract

The German engineering giant Siemens acquires the  BBC's IT unit and lands a 2.7bn euros outsourcing contract with the corporation.


China to Move Toward Flexible Currency

The Bush administration won a commitment today from China to move "firmly and steadily" to a flexible currency, though the Chinese did not offer a firm timetable.


SearchGuy Partners for Paid Search, Updates Toolbar\\SearchGuy.com Inc., a creative provider of multi category search and advertising services announced it has partnered with Search123, a pay-per-click search engine that allows advertisers to list their sites, bid on keywords and receive targeted search traffic from hundreds of high quality content sites, ...


News: India mulls tough ID rules for cybercafs

Internet cafs in parts of India face closure if new regulations forcing them to provide police with names and addresses of all their customers are introduced. Under the new rules, visitors to Internet cafs will have to show their ID cards or be photographed.\


Northwest Airlines CEO resigns

Richard Anderson has quit as chief executive officer of Northwest Airlines. He said Friday he has been hired as executive vice president of a health care company which like Northwest is based in Minnesota.


Ford reports lower US sales again

Ford Motor Co. said Friday its US sales fell in September despite aggressive month-end incentives. Ford (F: up \$0.05 to \$14.10, Research, Estimates), the nation #39;s second-largest automaker


Enter your e-mail:

This has been a rumor for awhile now, but now it #39;s fact: Netflix and Tivo are teaming up for a service that will let Tivo owners download movies onto their Tivo boxes via a broadband connection.


Russia schedules Soyuz to launch in two weeks

Russia is tentatively rescheduling the launch of the next crew of the International Space Station by three days, from Oct. 11 to Oct. 14, foreign news media reported Thursday from Moscow.


Antarctic Ozone Hole Smaller This Year -Scientists

A gaping hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica appears to have shrunk by about 20 percent from last year #39;s record-breaking size, New Zealand scientists said on Friday.


Cubs almost Dunn after another loss to Reds

The mood in the Chicago Cubs #39; clubhouse Thursday night had the pall of a funeral parlor. The Cubs #39; hopes of making back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since


Vitoria sack a second coach this season

Struggling Vitoria have sacked their third coach since the Brazilian championship started in late April and brought in 71-year-old Evaristo Macedo in an attempt to avoid relegation.


Gophers rely on golden backfield duo

Minnesota coach Glen Mason came to a stop sign on 15th Ave. SE outside the Bierman Athletic Building on Tuesday night and saw his season flash before his eyes.


New Windows Patch Proves Tricky (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The emergence of a new Internet virus targeting a Microsoft Windows security flaw could cause more damage than usual because the company's system for fixing the problem is so complex that many people will not bother to download it, security experts warned.


Justice Dept. Won't Appeal Oracle Ruling (AP)

AP - The Justice Department said Friday it will stop trying to block Oracle Corp.'s hostile  #36;7.7 billion takeover bid for rival business software maker PeopleSoft Inc.


USAF plans space wars, world's space hardware gets nervous

'So what do we do if Galileo's threatening American lives?'


Pavano Finishes Meeting With Yankees (AP)

AP - Carl Pavano met with Yankees officials and Reggie Jackson this weekend, then was scheduled to travel to Baltimore to meet with the Orioles.


Ford Down, Nissan Up in September Sales (Reuters)

Reuters - Ford Motor Co.  posted its fourth\consecutive month of weaker U.S. sales with a 7 percent drop in\September results on Friday, and the automaker doubled its\incentives on some models to kick-start sales this month.


Construction Spending Hits All-Time High (AP)

AP - Construction spending surged in August to the highest level on record, while manufacturing grew at a slower pace in September, offering mixed signals about the economy's strength.


US Stocks Rise as Oil Eases, Techs Surge

NEW YORK (Reuters) -  U.S. stocks moved higher on Friday,  as oil prices edged down and PeopleSoft Inc. PSFT.O and  chip-related stocks boosted the tech-heavy Nasdaq to its  highest level in more than two months.


A Simpler Conversion

A new IRA conversion rule will let you ignore minimum distributions in computing threshold incomes.


Why Do You Invest?

Investing without a plan is like becoming a vegetarian because you have a garden. So, why do you invest?


Oracle-PeopleSoft a done deal?

Investors bet that now that PeopleSoft has fired Conway, the way is paved for a friendly deal. That was how most Wall Street analysts summed up Oracle #39;s chances of finally acquiring rival software maker PeopleSoft


Former Air Force Official Convicted

Ex-Air Force official Darleen Druyun pleaded guilty earlier this year to a criminal conspiracy charge for her role in a deal that gave her a lucrative job with Boeing.


Toyota: Resistance Is Futile

Here #39;s a theme you #39;ll be reading variations on for years to come: Toyota Motors (NYSE: TM) as Borg. (No, not the Stock Advisor pick, Borg Warner (NYSE: BWA).


Belgian unit to boost Cytec revenue

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Cytec Industries Inc. #39;s acquisition of the surface specialties business from UCB will produce a quick and significant revenue boost, Credit Suisse First Boston said Friday.


Missouri Energy Provider Buys Ill. Power

Ameren Corp. said Friday it has completed its purchase of Illinois Power Co. from Dynegy Inc. of Houston for about \$500 million in cash and \$1.


Siemens wins major BBC contract

A subsidiary of the German engineering giant Siemens has landed a 2.7bn euros outsourcing contract with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).


Perhaps Donald Trump really has found the secret to success

When cosmetics and fragrance company Estee Lauder recently made that claim, as it announced plans for its latest men #39;s scent - Donald Trump, The Fragrance - financial analysts snickered.


BEA vows to fight off suitors

But the company, which appeared on an Oracle takeover list, acknowledges that it can't stop someone from trying.


Shear class

Newcastle manager Graeme Souness has managed some top strikers, but he reckons there are few better than Alan Shearer and Patrick Kluivert.


#39;Greedy #39; SA Rugby Bids to Host 2011 World Cup Event

SA RUGBY, the controlling body of the sport in SA, has sent a letter of intent to the International Rugby Board (IRB) confirming its desire to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup.


Colorado Rockies Team Report - October 1

(Sports Network) - The Colorado Rockies will try to play the role of spoiler this weekend when they take on the playoff-hopeful Houston Astros in a season- ending three-game series, starting tonight from Minute Maid Park.


UPDATE 1-Solberg maintains lead, Loeb in third

World champion Petter Solberg has strengthened his lead after winning the final stage in leg one of the Rally of Italy on Friday. Championship leader Sebastien Loeb is improving steadily in third.


LSU, Georgia meet in key rematch of SEC Championship Game

Before the season, college football fans circled this SEC showdown as one of the Games of the Year, and although LSU comes in with a loss, this contest should live up to the billing.


Spain poised to sanction same-sex marriages

MADRID Spains cabinet proposed legislation Friday allowing same-sex marriages and for homosexuals to adopt children, pressing ahead with its liberal agenda despite vociferous opposition from the influential Roman Catholic Church.


Calif. passes cell phone recycling bill

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger makes recycling of discarded mobile phones mandatory for handset makers.


Metcalfe, Allen back ZigBee start-up

Ember, a start-up developing chips for ZigBee, gets money from Paul Allen's venture fund. Bob Metcalfe comes aboard as chairman.


Lawmakers Eye Pediatric Drug Rule Change

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The discovery that antidepressants  may increase suicidal tendencies in children  has prompted some  lawmakers and physicians to ask if changes are needed to  financial incentives given to drug makers for pediatric  research.


Judge Challenges EU Position on Microsoft

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - A top European Union judge  challenged the EU executive's reasoning in its antitrust court  battle with Microsoft Corp. on Friday, questioning why it  opposed the U.S. software giant's setting industry standards.


Ford Down, Nissan Up in September Sales

Ford Motor Co. posted its fourth consecutive month of weaker U.S. sales with a 7 percent drop in September results on Friday, and the automaker doubled its incentives on some models to kick-start sales this month.


Enron's Chief Financial Officer Resigns

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Enron Corp. ENRNQ.PK said Friday  Chief Financial Officer Raymond Brown resigned and will be  replaced on an interim basis by Robert Bingham.


Congress seeks to end rule that favors banks

WASHINGTON -- Congress is trying to end a practice that unintentionally has allowed banks to take in billions of dollars meant to help students pay for college.


Ford Reports Disappointing U.S. Sales

Ford's car and truck business sales fell nearly 7 percent in September from a year ago.


Fear Collects at Greg Manning

Questions about the auction company lead to a drop in the stock price. Does fear create an opportunity?


Washington Post Looking at Slate

Is the newspaper publisher's interest in the online magazine a stab at building a pay product?


Pain in store after major drug recall

As many as 15,000 New Zealanders will be forced to find an alternative form of pain relief after the worldwide recall of the drug Vioxx, which has been found to double the risk of heart attacks and strokes.


PeopleSoft #39;s Schizophrenia

Craig Conway was fired from PeopleSoft (nasdaq: PSFT - news - people ) today, the same day the company announced that its third-quarter license revenue will be much better than expected.


S amp;P upgrades Illinois Power to investment-grade

Standard  amp; Poor #39;s on Friday upgraded the debt ratings for Illinois Power Co. to investment grade status, after the company was acquired by investment-grade rated Ameren Corp.


Lazard asks pay cut before IPO-report

The head of Lazard LLC is asking partners to take a one-third pay cut as the investment bank readies for an initial public offering, according to a report published Friday.


Solberg marches on in Italy

Sebastien Loeb hit back on stage three of the Italian Rally in Sardinia today but could not prevent world championship rival Petter Solberg stretching his lead to half a minute.


Williams gives Giants hope

Jerome Williams gave the San Francisco Giants just the jolt they needed last night. Pitching for the first time in two months, the 22-year-old Waipahu High graduate from Hawai


PeopleSoft ousts CEO

PeopleSoft Inc. officials said thier board of directors has ousted Craig Conway from the chief executive officer #39;s job. Conway has been one of the company #39;s strongest opponents of a proposed \$7.


Former Boeing Official Druyun Sentenced to Prison (Update1)

Former Boeing Co. official Darleen A. Druyun was sentenced to nine months in prison for secretly negotiating a job for herself while representing the Pentagon in talks with the company


Boeing Beware

Boeing (NYSE: BA) needs to watch its back because Airbus is determined to keep its lead in commercial aircraft. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Airbus is getting


Developing countries propose WTO study

A group of developing countries Friday proposed that the World Trade Organization study the global impact of phasing out a textiles and clothing quota system, saying many countries are losing out because of this trade liberalization.


Space race sparks new interest

The race to collect the Ansari X Prize has all the makings of a good television reality show. But the competition to win the \$10 million prize is also drumming up renewed interest in space flight at a time


Gasol extends Grizzlies contract

The Spanish player was pivotal for the Grizzlies last year, averaging 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.69 blocks per game. The 7-foot Gasol came in an impressive 20th overall in the NBA in field goal percentage, and 18th in blocks.


Blair leaves hospital after heart operation

LONDON : British Prime Minister Tony Blair left hospital for home after undergoing surgery to correct an irregular heart beat, according to live television reports from the scene.


Blast rips through Pakistan mosque killing 22

At least 22 people have been killed and dozens more injured in what police say was a suicide attack at a crowded Shiite Muslim mosque in eastern Pakistan.


Kerrys Unilateralism

Of all the exchanges in the first presidential debate, at the University of Miami Thursday night, the one I found most perplexing was over the North Korean nuclear issue.


U.S. Forces Storm Iraqi Town, Say 109 Rebels Killed

SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S.-led forces stormed Samarra  Friday and said more than 100 guerrillas were killed in air  strikes and street-to-street combat during a major new American  offensive to wrest control of the Iraqi town.


Update 1: Merck a Drag on Drug Sector

Merck  amp; Co. #39;s decision to pull its Vioxx anti-arthritis drug from the markets due to severe side effects left pharmaceutical sector mixed Thursday.


China eyes flexible exchange rate

Officials say the country will move away from peg of 8.28 yuan to the dollar amid US pressure. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Chinese officials reiterated that the country would move toward a flexible foreign exchange


Enron #39;s Chief Financial Officer Resigns

Enron Corp. (ENRNQ.PK: Quote, Profile, Research) said Friday Chief Financial Officer Raymond Brown resigned and will be replaced on an interim basis by Robert Bingham.


Research in Motion Boosts Guidance

Research In Motion (RIMM ) posted second-quarter earnings per share of 36 cents, vs. 1 cent one year earlier, on a sharp revenue rise.


San Francisco Hotels Lock Out Workers After Strike

Ten San Francisco hotels locked out union workers on Friday in response to a strike at four others hotels that are part of the same bargaining unit, raising the stakes in a confrontation that could spread to other cities around the


Wenger admires desire of duo

Arsene Wenger insists he would rather have players in his Arsenal squad who vent their frustrations when things go wrong than men who do not care about the team #39;s performance.


Sharapova steamrolls into Seoul semis

Seoul, Korea (Sports Network) - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was an easy quarterfinal winner Friday at the \$140,000 Korea Open Tennis Championships.


Gasol inks extension with Grizzlies

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Pau Gasol agreed to a multiyear contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.  quot;We are delighted to reach a contract agreement with Pau, quot; Jerry West, the Grizzlies #39; president of basketball operations, said Friday.


Greene within sight of two big marks

South Gwinnett grad David Greene needs just one more win to become the winningest quarterback in Georgia history. ATHENS - David Greene isnt much of a stats guy, but heres one he can embrace.


Mark Kreidler: Best of three?

Bee Sports Columnist. A divisional title on the line against Anaheim at the Large Net this weekend, and, for the A #39;s, it #39;s still all about the Big Three.


Groton soldier killed in blasts in Iraqi capital

A 40-year-old soldier from Groton died yesterday in an explosion in Iraq, apparently while delivering candy to Iraqi children during a government-sponsored celebration to inaugurate a sewage plant in Baghdad, according to family and news reports. The apparent car bombs reportedly left about 35 children dead. Army Staff Sergeant Darren Cunningham, a father of two, had been serving in Iraq ...


Justice Dept. won't appeal Oracle ruling

After a ruling that crushed its arguments against Oracle's plan to acquire PeopleSoft, antitrust regulators call it a day.


Memphis Signs Gasol to Multi-Year Deal

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Pau Gasol, the 2002 NBA rookie of the year, has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies...


Over 100 Killed in U.S. Assault in Iraq

SAMARRA, Iraq - U.S. and Iraqi forces launched a major assault Friday to regain control of the insurgent stronghold of Samarra, trading gunfire with militants as they pushed toward the city center...


HP buys British services company Synstar

Hewlett-Packard completes its \$293 million bid for the company, in a move to better compete against IBM.


Merck stock takes big hit after recall

As far as stock hits go, this ranks up there as one of the worst. Merck  amp; Co. lost more than \$26.6 billion in value yesterday - yes, that #39;s billion with ab - after the pharmaceutical giant


Research Is Definitely in Motion

Whatever happened to the days of  quot;being one with nature, quot; and  quot;getting away from it all quot;? First cell phones and pagers made us accessible 24 hours a day, and now Research In Motion #39;s


Microsoft To Appeal Denial of Its FAT Patent

The patent office sided with the Public Patent Foundation, which argued that several examples of so-called  quot;prior art quot; were in existence when Microsoft sought to patent FAT.


Linux Community Steamed over Windows Piracy Report

Controversy has erupted in the open-source world over a report from the Gartner Group that predicts the vast majority of personal computers sold in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe that


Industry #39;s First  #39;Smart #39; SD Memory Card

A Secure Digital (SD) card is a tiny memory card used to make storage portable among various devices, such as car navigation systems, cellular phones, eBooks, PDAs, smartphones, digital cameras, music players, camcorders, and personal computers.


Federer, Roddick lead charge into Bangkok semis

Bangkok, Thailand (Sports Network) - The world #39;s top players -- Roger Federer and Andy Roddick -- highlighted Friday #39;s quarterfinal winners at the \$550,000 Thailand Open.


Brazil Posts \$3.17 Billion Trade Surplus

High prices for commodities and agricultural goods on international markets helped Brazil post a \$3.17 billion trade surplus in September, the trade and development ministry said Friday.


Paul Allen funds wireless chip start-up

Ember, a start-up developing chips for ZigBee, gets money from Paul Allen's venture fund. Bob Metcalfe comes aboard as chairman.


MSN Messenger 7 Beta Includes Search

MSN Messenger 7 Beta Includes Search\\Microsoft is planning to limited beta release the latest version of Instant Messaging client MSN Messenger as early as next week. The screenshots of one of the early leaked release were available on tech sites earlier this week but were later removed on Microsofts request. ...


News: U.S. cybersecurity chief abruptly resigns, cites frustration

The Associated Press By Ted Bridis


PeopleSoft Fires Conway, Names Founder Duffield Chief (Update6)

PeopleSoft Inc. fired Chief Executive Officer Craig Conway, raising the likelihood the business- software maker will give up its 16-month fight against Oracle Corp.


Lawyers: Microsoft #39;s FAT Patent Defeat  #39;Significant #39;

How significant is the US Patent and Trademark Office #39;s initial rejection of Microsoft #39;s FAT (file allocation table) file system patent claims?


DNA Testing May Curb Illegal Ivory Trade

Description: Delegates from 160 nations are gathering in Thailand for a meeting on international trade in endangered species. They will discuss new genetic research that makes it easier to trace poached ivory.


MSN Putting Search in IM Beta

Hoping to drive users to its new MSN Search service, Microsoft (Quote, Chart) announced it will release a new beta of its messenger client with an embedded search bar.


Microsoft tests MSN Messenger 7.0

A select group of testers next week will get an early look at MSN Messenger 7.0, the next version of Microsoft #39;s popular instant messaging client.


Vandeweghe #39;s uncommon ways bear results

From JR Rider to Nikoloz Tskitishvili to Dennis Rodman, Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe has raised many eyebrows with his moves.


Cavaliers sign Lucious Harris

Lucious Harris signed Friday with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who hope the New Jersey Nets veteran can strengthen a backcourt weakened by injuries during the playoffs last season.


Cubs collapse in 12th again

CHICAGO - Javier Valentin doubled home the go-ahead run with two outs in the 12th inning and the Cincinnati Reds played spoilers again, sending the Chicago Cubs to a crushing 2-1 defeat Thursday afternoon.


Wenger to discipline Arsenal #39;s brawling duo

Arsenal #39;s brawling stars will face punishment after it emerged Patrick Vieira and Lauren had a bust-up on the team bus this week.


Gold-en ruling on Hamilton

Cyclist Tyler Hamilton, a hill climber extraordinaire, may have conquered his toughest summit Friday when the International Olympic Committee ruled the Marblehead native


Super Solberg shows way in Sardinia.

Subaru team leader Petter Solberg has established a comfortable lead following leg one of the Rally Italia Sardinia today Friday, the Norwegian 30.


US resists Russian embrace of Kyoto

THE US stood firm in rejecting the Kyoto Protocol on global warming yesterday despite renewed pressure to yield after Russia ended years of hesitation by moving to ratify the treaty.


Asia Specialists Note N. Korea Split in Bush-Kerry Debate

US diplomacy in dealing with North Korea #39;s nuclear weapons program drew the attention of two Asia specialists who watched US President George W. Bush and Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.


BA plane diverted after hoax

Dutch police have given the  quot;all-clear quot; to a British Airways flight from Berlin to London which was diverted to Amsterdam #39;s Schiphol airport with a Dutch fighter jet escort because of a bomb threat.


US Air Reaches Giveback Deal with Pilots (Reuters)

Reuters - Bankrupt US Airways Group Inc.\ reached a tentative agreement on Friday with\negotiators for its pilots union on  #36;300 million in annual\concessions.


A Simpler Conversion (The Motley Fool)

The Motley Fool - In 2005, a little-known change in the tax law will let more people, primarily older and wealthier retirees, take advantage of moving funds from their traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.


PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Amid Oracle Battle

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oracle Corp.'s ORCL.O  hostile bid for rival PeopleSoft Corp.PSFT.O was strengthened  on Friday as U.S. antitrust regulators dropped their case  against the merger and PeopleSoft fired its chief executive,  Craig Conway, who had led the fight against Oracle.


As ancient meat-eaters grew, they also died out

Being the biggest dog might pay off at feeding time, but species that grow too large are likely to be be more vulnerable to extinction, new research suggests.


Partnerships Abound At RFID Conference

Sun and Texas Instruments were among the companies saying they could do more with allies during the EPC Global conference. By Elena Malykhina.


Memphis re-signs Gasol to multi-year deal

Memphis, TN (Sports Network) - The Memphis Grizzlies signed All-Star forward Pau Gasol to a multi-year contract on Friday. Terms of the deal were not announced.


NATO reinforces its security forces in Afghanistan

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) reinforced its security forces in Afghanistan Friday as part of international efforts to safeguard the presidential election on October 9.


The Fall-Out from Vioxx

Pharmaceutical giant Merck  amp; Co. chose to go on the offensive and voluntarily withdraw its arthritis drug Vioxx from the market Thursday.


EU accuses Microsoft of paternalistic view

: Microsoft Corp. today said that small companies and their customers would suffer most if it is forced to remove its digital media software from Windows, while the European Union accused


Manufacturing activity rose in Sept.

NEW YORK - Manufacturing activity rose in September for the 16th consecutive month, but at a more gradual pace than in August, an industry research group reported Friday.


Weathermen to get Visualization Supercomputer

Maverick combines highly sophisticated visualization technology with a high-bandwidth next generation network to tackle some of the nation #39;s most pressing concerns, including Emergency Response Management and Flood Modeling (specifically for the state of


Thompson out for a month

Celtic have confirmed they expect midfielder Alan Thompson to be out for between four and six weeks. The player was carried off during Wednesday night #39;s defeat by AC Milan in the San Siro with a hamstring injury.


Mount St. Helens a Volcanic 'Ring of Fire' (AP)

AP - Three or four times every minute, Mount St. Helens shivers. Sometimes the majestic peak even shudders, the trembling beneath reaching a crescendo, a magnitude of 3.3.


Tourists Await Mount St. Helens Eruption (AP)

AP - Camcorder in hand, Sheri Ray stood on Johnston Ridge  #151; named for a man who died in the cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980  #151; and waited impatiently for the volcano to blow again.


Israeli Army Confronts Homemade Weapons (AP)

AP - It's a hugely lopsided fight, pitting Israeli troops with high-tech arms and precise intelligence against untrained Palestinian gunmen relying on homemade weapons.


Egypt needs to invest five billion dollars a year more: PM (AFP)

AFP - Egypt needs to invest 20 billion pounds (five billion dollars) a year more to achieve the government's target growth rate of six percent, Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif was reported as saying.


Canada May Not Hand N.Koreans Over to China Soon (Reuters)

Reuters - Canada does not expect to hand over to\China any time soon 44 North Korean asylum seekers who scaled the\fence to enter the compound this week and is preparing for what\may be a long stay, an official said on Friday.


Hydro-Quebec had the right to cut power at house of delinquent account holder (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Hydro-Quebec had the right to cut power at the home of clients who refused to pay the utility money from another building they own, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled Friday.


Justice Dept. Halts Effort to Block Oracle-PeopleSoft Merger

The news comes on the same day that business software maker PeopleSoft Inc. fired CEO Craig Conway, the feisty leader who engineered the company's dogged resistance to a \$7.7 billion takeover bid by rival Oracle.


Pinochet faces tax evasion charge

Chile's Inland Revenue files tax evasion charges  against the former military ruler Augusto Pinochet.


Richard Avedon, Dean of Photographers, Dead at 81

Richard Avedon, the revolutionary photographer who redefined fashion photography as an art form while achieving critical acclaim through his stark black-and-white portraits of the powerful and celebrated, died Friday. He was 81.


Remains Found in Search for Hacking Body

SALT LAKE CITY - Police on Friday recovered human remains at a landfill where investigators have been searching for the body of Lori Hacking, the missing Utah woman whose husband is charged in her death.    It was not immediately clear whether the remains were those of Hacking, 27, who has not been seen since July 18...


Armored Vehicles Mass at Gaza Border

JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip - Armored vehicles massed on Gaza's border Friday after Israel's security Cabinet approved a large-scale military operation - dubbed "Days of Penitence" - to stop Palestinian rocket fire.    Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz had ordered troops to "exact a price" from the militants, security officials said, after a Hamas rocket killed two children, ages 2 and 4, in an Israeli border town...


Briefly: Level 3 to buy Sprint's dial-up business

roundup Plus: Cisco CEO's salary shoots up from \$1...SanDisk ups capacity on flash memory cards...Google tests Froogle in U.K.


PeopleSoft to Conway: You're fired

The abrupt ouster of CEO Craig Conway comes after 15 months of battle against a hostile takeover bid by Oracle.


Enron #39;s chief financial officer resigns

NEW YORK - Enron Corp. Friday said Chief Financial Officer Raymond Brown resigned to pursue other job opportunities and will be replaced on an interim basis by Robert Bingham.


Molson Issues Profit Warning on Slow Sales

Shares in Molson Inc. slumped Friday after the brewer warned its summer-quarter earnings would be lower than expected due to slow sales in Canada and problems with profitability in Brazil.


Manufacturing Activity Strong in September

NEW YORK Oct. 1, 2004 - Manufacturing activity remained strong in September and construction spending surged to a record high in August, according to a pair of reports issued Friday that provided an optimistic look at the sturdiness of the economy.


Level 3 to buy Sprint #39;s dial-up business

com October 1, 2004, 10:51 AM PT. There #39;s no doubt the Internet will continue to make its mark in the world of business and technology.


Boeing Ships 67 Commercial Planes in 3Q

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. on Friday said it shipped 67 commercial airplanes during the third quarter, including 49 of its next-generation 737 mid-range planes.


Memphis Signs Gasol to Multi-Year Deal (AP)

AP - Pau Gasol, the 2002 NBA rookie of the year, has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies.


Science prize celebrates fish flatulence, hula hoops

Winners of "Ig Nobel" Prize say herring "talk" via flatulence. But wouldn't saying "excuse me" lock them into a never-ending cycle?


Youngsters Return Yankees Playoff Tickets (AP)

AP - Talk about temptation:  #36;20,000 worth of box seat tickets for New York Yankees playoff games, just lying there on the street. Nine youngsters who came across the tickets turned them in.


State police look for answers behind former NFL player #39;s death

HERKIMER, NY -- State police said Friday they may never know what pushed a former NFL player to lead them on a dramatic highway chase ending with a fiery head-on crash that took his life.


Annan: Syria is in breach of UN resolution

Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Friday the Security Council #39;s call for all foreign forces to be removed from Lebanon and all militias in Lebanon to be disarmed  quot;have not been met, quot; a finding that places Lebanon and Syria in violation of the council #39;s


Cavs 4-0 Heading Into Meat of Schedule (AP)

AP - When he resigned as coach of the New York Jets to take over his alma mater nearly four years ago, Al Groh made it clear very quickly that he planned to change the culture of Virginia football.


Putting Woes for Tiger as Problem Shoulder Improves

THOMASTOWN, Ireland (Reuters) - Three-times winner Tiger  Woods stayed in the hunt for a third successive WGC-American  Express Championship crown after Friday's second round, but was  frustrated his putting let him down.


Level 3 to buy Sprint's dial-up business

The network service provider is spending \$34 million on the dial-up Internet access business.


Els Surges Into Lead

Ernie Els shoots an 8-under 64 that gives him a two-shot lead over Todd Hamilton in the American Express Championship.


Yen Rises on Corporate Sentiment Poll

The yen rose on Friday after a closely watched Bank of Japan (BOJ) survey showed further improvement in Japanese business sentiment.


China To Move Toward Flexible Currency

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration on Friday won a commitment from China that it will move to a flexible, market-based currency.


That #39;s assuming the Scottish Association for Marine Science is correct in its conclusion that the tiny fish communicate via strategic gas releases, one of the scientific breakthroughs recognized in the 2004  quot;Ig Nobel quot; Prizes.


Red Hat to buy Netscape assets for \$20.5mn

NEW YORK, October 1 (newratings.com) - Red Hat Inc (RHAT.NAS) has agreed to acquire certain Netscape Security Solutions assets from American Online Inc (AOL), a unit of Time Warner Inc (TWX), for \$20.


Energy Department Hacked Nearly 200 Times In Last Year

The department must do more to lower the risk of cyberattacks against its IT systems and networks, an internal report says. By George V. Hulme.


Sun lassoes Longhorn-sized supercomputer win

Sun Microsystems and the University of Texas have teamed to create an UltraSparc-powered giant that will crunch 3D tasks for the school.


StorageTek buys up remainder of Storability

Two years after buying Southborough-based Storability Inc. #39;s services business, Storage Technology Corp. scooped up the rest of the venture capital-backed company, the companies announced Thursday afternoon.


Soccer: UEFA charge Ferencvaros over Millwall violence

LONDON : European football governing body UEFA will take action against Hungarian champions Ferencvaros after the violence which scarred their UEFA Cup win over Millwall.


Federer, Roddick, Safin Into ATP Bangkok Semifinals

The top four seeds stormed into the ATP Bangkok semifinals Friday without dropping a set, three of who are current or former No. 1 players.


Former Net brings playoff experience

Cleveland Cavaliers: Lucious Harris signed Friday with the Cavs, who hope the New Jersey Nets veteran can strengthen a backcourt weakened by injuries last season.


Early sparring between Tito, Mayorga

There were several moments during the Felix Trinidad/Ricardo Mayorga press conference at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday that it seemed possible there would be a deterioration


State police seek answers in former NFL player #39;s fiery death

State police believe alcohol may have played a role in the death of former NFL player Justin Strzelczyk, but said Friday they may never know what pushed him to lead troopers on the highway chase that led to his death.


ESPN.com news services

The New York Mets started looking for a manager even before they announced Omar Minaya as general manager and president of baseball operations Thursday, lining up Carlos Tosca for an interview, according to the New York Daily News.


Blast Kills at Least 25 at Shiite Mosque

SIALKOT, Pakistan Oct. 1, 2004 - A suicide attacker carrying a bomb in a briefcase struck a Shiite mosque crammed with hundreds of worshippers in eastern Pakistan, killing at least 25 people and wounding more than 50 during Friday prayers.


Spain Moves Forward With Gay Marriage

(Madrid) The cabinet of Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero Friday approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage and allowing gay couples to adopt.


Mutual Funds Close Out Poor Third Quarter (AP)

AP - With a disappointing third quarter behind them, mutual funds are hoping for a better performance in the last three months of the year. Technology and growth funds, which suffered the most during the summer, are in a good position for a comeback  #151; if the economy shows signs of strength.


Tesco Joins Ranks of RFID-Enabled Retailers (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - British supermarket conglomerate Tesco (Nasdaq: TESOF) has announced it will extend its use \of RFID across its supply chain in time for the Christmas rush.


Informer (Forbes.com)

Forbes.com - In September 2003 Waddell  amp; Reed Financial boss Keith A. Tucker and retired president Robert L. Hechler sued anonymously to stop accountancy KPMG from fingering them to the Internal Revenue Service as users of a questionable tax shelter. The pair lost, but the case stalled disclosure of their names until April. Hechler says in a new lawsuit that the IRS missed the Apr. 15, 2004 deadline for challenging his 2000 tax return within three years of filing and that the federal judge who said the executives were "trying to run out the clock" wrongly extended the deadline. ...


Oil Back Over \$50, Market Eyes Nigeria

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices pierced the \$50-a-barrel  mark again on Friday amid concern over possible conflict in  Nigeria's oil-producing delta region, where a two-day truce  between rebel militia and government forces is holding.


Charles River, the Outsourced Expert

Charles River dishes out advice to clients. It looks like the company is also taking its own advice.


Cheaper Movies Paramount for Viacom

Management might favor lower-budget films. Shareholders should hope so.


PeopleSoft Pushes Out Conway

The board expresses a loss of confidence, but denies the firing is linked with Oracle's takeover bid.


Mexico's 'Volcano of Fire' Spews Lava (AP)

AP - Western Mexico's "Volcano of Fire" unleashed a towering column of smoke and ash Friday, after ropes of burning, orange lava poured from its peak overnight.


Atlantic Hurricanes Should Slow in Oct-Forecaster (Reuters)

Reuters - A noted storm forecaster offered\Floridians some good news on Friday as they mopped up from an\unprecedented four hurricanes in six weeks by forecasting that\the disastrous Atlantic hurricane season will go out with a\whimper rather than a bang.


Antarctic Ozone Hole Smaller This Year -Scientists (Reuters)

Reuters - A gaping hole in the ozone layer\over Antarctica appears to have shrunk by about 20 percent from\last year's record-breaking size, New Zealand scientists said\on Friday.


Yoran quits DHS

Amit Yoran, the Homeland Security Department #39;s cybersecurity chief, abruptly resigned Thursday, saying that he has accomplished his goals for the job, which he had for a year.


SpaceShipOne to proceed with second flight for X Prize

Los Angeles The creators of SpaceShipOne are going for the ten (m) million-dollar prize. Despite an unexpected roll during its flight on Wednesday, designer Burt Rutan (ruh-TAN #39;) has given notice that he will


British Grand Prix off 2005 F1 Schedule

London, England (Sports Network) - According to Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, the British Grand Prix will be left off next year #39;s Formula One Grand Prix Schedule.


Merck stops \$2.5 bn painkiller

Those taking Vioxx are twice as prone to cardiac problems than patients taking a placebo. Shares in Merck, the US pharmaceuticals giant, plunged by 27 per cent yesterday after the company withdrew Vioxx, its


Business sentiment hits 13-year high

Business sentiment among major Japanese manufacturers improved in the June-September quarter for the sixth straight time, reaching the highest level in more than 13 years, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) said Friday.


China Pledges to Move Steadily on Forex

Chinese officials reiterated their country would move toward a flexible foreign exchange rate, but offered no new specifics on the timing in a joint statement issued on Friday after talks with high-level US officials.


WRAPUP 2-US factory, construction data show solid growth

US factory growth stayed strong in September according to reports on Friday, while construction spending in the prior month hit a record high for a seventh month


Ex-Air Force Official Sentenced in Case

ALEXANDRIA, Va. Oct. 1, 2004 - A former top Air Force procurement official was sentenced to nine months in prison after admitting for the first time Friday that she helped Boeing Co.


Level 3 to buy Sprint #39;s modem pools for \$34 million

BROOMFIELD, Colo. (Dow Jones/AP) -- Level 3 Communications Inc. said Friday it agreed to buy the wholesale dial-up Internet access business of Sprint Corp.


Sun and The University of Texas Power Up One-of-a-Kind <b>...</b>

The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations.


New MSN Messenger beta leaks onto Web

com October 1, 2004, 11:46 AM PT. There #39;s no doubt the Internet will continue to make its mark in the world of business and technology.


Utah shoots for 5-0 start at New Mexico Friday

BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) -- Trying to crash the BCS party, No. 14 Utah hopes to stop a recent trend against New Mexico when the Mountain West Conference rivals meet Friday.


Solberg claims early lead in Italy

PORTO CERVO, Sardinia -- Norway #39;s Petter Solberg made a storming start to the Rally of Italy as he built up a lead of more than half a minute after three stages.


Trinidad won #39;t let thoughts wander

Mention Bernard Hopkins, and Felix Trinidad winces. Bring up Oscar De La Hoya or Roy Jones, and Trinidad shakes his head. Back among boxing #39;s biggest names, Trinidad is ending more than two years of retirement


Sanneh: A vital Crew member

Despite a complicated injury to his back and pelvis that kept him out of action for most of the 2003-2004 campaign, the US National Team defender played well during the final two months of the season for FC Nurnberg and helped his club earn a promotion to