Ukrainian Voting to Be Closely Watched

Ukrainians voted Sunday in a presidential election viewed as a test of democracy in the former Soviet republic and an indicator of whether it will move closer to the West or cultivate its historically close ties to Russia.


Iranian Lawmakers OK Uranium Enrichment

Iranian lawmakers stand up to show their  quot;yes quot; vote to approve the outline of a bill that requires the government to resume uranium enrichment - an issue of national pride that provides a rare point of agreement between conservatives and reformers in


Deadliest day for US in 6 months

Eight Marines were killed and nine others wounded west of the capital on Saturday when a suicide car bomb rammed into their convoy, military officials said, making it the deadliest day for the US forces in half a year.


Online companies facing huge losses in battling Web extortion

So when he got an e-mail from gangsters threatening to bring his online sports betting operation to its knees, he paid up. Before long, though, the thugs wanted \$40,000.


Info.com: Consumer Focused Meta Search

Recently, a new meta search engine was launched under the name of Info.com. For those unaware, meta search engines pool the results of other search engines (Google, Yahoo) into a single result set.


Forsyth leading Volvo Masters

SOTOGRANDE, Spain -- Alastair Forsyth shot a 4-under 67 to open a three-stroke lead over Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia after three rounds at the Volvo Masters.


Sri Lanka edge ahead against Pakistan

Sri Lanka erased a 270-run deficit against Pakistan and took a lead of 25 runs with seven second-innings wickets still in hand on the fourth day of the second and final Test on Sunday.


Gators, Zook Never Quit

After Ron Zook was fired Monday as the University of Florida #39;s football coach, he agreed to stay on until the end of the season.


Seminoles Finally Fall Off Upset #39;s Edge

The Maryland offense finally found its rhythm. Its fans found the field. The unranked Terrapins (4-4) dominated No. 5 Florida State #39;s ninthranked defense and held off the


Japan to maintain troops in Iraq

Japan has said it will keep its troops in Iraq, despite the beheading of a Japanese hostage by Islamic militants. Officials had earlier confirmed that a body found in Baghdad yesterday was that of Shosei Koda


Iranian MPs approve uranium bill

The Iranian parliament has passed the first stage of a bill which would force the government to resume its uranium enrichment programme.


Iranian bill backs nuke energy drive

has passed a bill obliging the government to go on trying to develop a civilian nuclear energy programme. uranium enrichment or end snap UN inspections of atomic facilities as some lawmakers had called for.


Thumbthing For Everyone

Thumbs. For centuries, they have conveyed the simplest of messages. Up/down, good/bad, salvation/lion chow. But look at the folks in the elevators, the checkout lines, even crawling along in traffic jams.


Japan vows to stay in Iraq despite killing

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Japanese leaders on Sunday insisted they would not cut short their troops deployment in Iraq despite the discovery of the body of a Japanese backpacker killed by Islamic militants.


Hostage murder to hurt Koizumi

JAPAN #39;S troop deployment in Iraq beyond December is at risk as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi braces for a wave of public anger over the nightmare ending to the country #39;s second Baghdad hostage crisis.


Putin holds key to fate of Yukos

The founder and chief executive of the largest private equity fund in Russia has said that the fate of Yukos stands entirely at the whim of President Vladimir Putin, but that


AT amp;T Wireless Settles Lawsuit Over Billing Practices

DENVER -- A Denver judge has approved a settlement in a class-action lawsuit challenging billing practices at AT amp;T Wireless. The settlement affects up to 3 million current and former subscribers, most of whom


What we learned

Oklahoma: The Sooners really miss Antonio Perkins. It #39;s an oversimplification, but one could argue that the absence of their star cornerback/punt returner, who #39;s out with a strained MCL, cost OU 21 points on Saturday.


Another chapter in TO saga

When he sought to overturn the trade that sent him from San Francisco to Baltimore last March, Terrell Owens said there were several factors that led to his decision.


Mortars hit British army camp

TWO mortars hit a military base in a restive region south of Baghdad today where a battle group of British soldiers has recently arrived, causing no casualties, a spokesman said.


Agassi Reaches Semifinals at Stockholm

STOCKHOLM, Sweden Oct 29, 2004 - Top-seeded Andre Agassi beat Spain #39;s Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (4), 6-2 Friday to reach the Stockholm Open semifinals for the first time.


Eight Marines Killed as Fallujah Assault Looms

BAGHDAD, 31 October 2004 - US troops prepared for a major assault to capture the rebel towns of Ramadi and Fallujah as eight Marines were killed yesterday in the bloodiest attack on American forces in Iraq in almost seven months.


European Leaders Sign EU Constitution

EU Commission President designate Jose Manuel Durao Barroso, top left, delivers his address in Giulio Cesare hall at the opening ceremony of the EU Constitution signing in Rome #39;s Capitoline Hill, Friday, Oct. 29, 2004.


Iranian parliament approves uranium enrichment

Iran #39;s parliament approved on Sunday an outline of a new bill obliging the government to resume uranium enrichment activities - which the country views as a national.


Philippine Govt to monitor UN hostage negotations in Afghanistan

The Philippine government is sending a team to Afghanistan, to monitor United Nations efforts for the release of a Filipino and two other foreign nationals abducted in the capital, Kabul.


Airport stands to lose big if ATA departs

With ATA Airlines having crash-landed into bankruptcy court last week, the future of the airlines Fort Wayne-to-Chicago air service isnt the only thing up in the air.


No increase in petrol, diesel prices

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices will not be increased this fortnight. The government has decided to wait till the US presidential elections are over, official sources said.


President sees lead shrink on U of I Electronic Markets

Iowa City, Ia. - President Bush #39;s lead in the University of Iowa-run Iowa Electronic Markets has shrunk in the past week with Democratic challenger Sen. John Kerry making a comeback among online investors, according to markets data on Friday.


Buttiglione Bows Out From EU Commission Line-up

ROME, October 31 (IslamOnline.net  amp; News Agencies) - Italian Rocco Buttiglione, whose remarks on homosexuality and the role of women sparked an uproar, said Saturday, October 30, he withdrew his candidacy as new European commissioner for justice


Youzhny wins St Petersburg title

Mikhail Youzhny won the second title of his career with a straightforward victory over Karol Beck in the final of the St Petersburg Open on Sunday.


Palestinian leaders give show of unity in Arafat #39;s absence

Ramallah, West Bank - The Palestinian leadership held its first meeting Saturday since the departure of the ailing Yasser Arafat, putting on a show of unity to dispel concerns about possible chaos and infighting in his absence.


Japan says decapitated body is that of kidnapped tourist

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A decapitated body wrapped in an American flag and found in an insurgent-controlled section of Baghdad was that of a Japanese man kidnapped by Islamic militants, a Japanese official said Sunday.


Park Claims Title at CJ Nine Bridges

CHEJU (Yonhap) - South Korean golfer Grace Park gave the home crowd exactly what they wanted at the \$1.35 million CJ Nine Bridges Classic on Sunday as a storming final round gave her a comfortable win.


Singletary executes Chatlos #39; plan, wins Cup race as 16-to-1 <b>...</b>

When trainer Donald Chatlos brought Singletary to Bay Meadows to win the San Francisco Breeders #39; Cup Mile on April 24, it was part of a much bigger plan.


Sharon says ready to negotiate with new Palestinian leader

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Sunday that he was prepared to start negotiations with a new responsible Palestinian leader after Arafat #39;s departure, the Ha #39;aretz daily reported.


Shell bosses in a charm offensive

THE senior management of Royal Dutch/Shell is starting a whirlwind tour of shareholders and staff. They aim to boost morale and explain plans to unify the company ahead of the vote on the shake-up at next May #39;s annual general meeting.


A Rising iPod Lifts All Boats

the price is US\$29 for the six-pack, by the way -- to make much of a dent in the \$8.3 billion company #39;s bottom line. But dozens of


UPDATE 1-Kenyon refutes criticism over Mutu sacking

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has rejected criticism of his club #39;s decision to sack Romanian striker Adrian Mutu after he tested positive for cocaine earlier this month.


Steelers set their sights

It usually comes down to one or two plays each Sunday, and for the last 13 months, the New England Patriots have made them all. Its an incredible feat, but one the Pittsburgh


Iraq #39;s Patience Running Out in Fallujah

Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, left, is seen during a meeting with Sunni Muslim clerics at his offices in Baghdad #39;s  quot;Green Zone quot;, Saturday Oct. 30, 2004.


Kaneria spins through Lankans

Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria has ripped through the Sri Lankan order taking five wickets on the fourth day of the second Test in Karachi.


Lessons Of The  #39;29 Crash

ENTITLEMENT IS SOMETHING that investors today need to get over. Just because they #39;ve lost money on stocks in recent years doesn #39;t mean markets are destined to return soon to ever-higher levels.


China purge closes 1,600 net cafes

China shut 1,600 Internet cafes between February and August and imposed 100 million yuan (\$12.1 million) worth of fines for allowing children to play violent or adult-only games and other violations, state media has said.


Online extortionists cripple e-commerce

So when he got an e-mail from gangsters threatening to bring his online sports betting operation to its knees, he paid up. Before long, though, the thugs wanted \$40,000.


Grace Park leads them a merry dance in Korea

Grace Park might have made a shaky start on day three of the CJ Nine Bridges event in Korea today, but by the time she had finished the only ones shaking were those who had to follow in her wake.


COL FB: California 27- Arizona State 0

JJ Arrington ran for 188 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries as the California Golden Bears shut out Arizona State, 27-0, in Berkeley, Calif.


Iran approves bill requiring government to resume uranium <b>...</b>

TEHRAN, Iran - Parliament unanimously approved the outline of a bill Sunday forcing the government to resume enriching uranium, legislation likely to deepen an international dispute over Iran #39;s nuclear activities at a time when its chief negotiator gave


Mauresmo powers to Linz victory

Top seed Amelie Mauresmo won her fourth title of the year with a comprehensive victory over Elena Bovina at the Generali Open in Linz, Austria.


Spitzer A guerrilla fighting corruption

Investors shrugged when state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said Dec. 10, 2001, that he was investigating research at Merrill Lynch  amp; Co.


Scientists hope to find more tiny hominids

SYDNEY: Australian scientists who found a new species of hobbit-sized humans who lived about 13,000 years ago on an Indonesian island yesterday said they expect to discover more new species of hominids on neighbouring islands.


Kicker Treat: Heels boot Miami

It was meant to bring a little levity to a potentially uncomfortable situation, a joke that John Bunting trotted out from time to time this fall.


Maryland football: Terps stun fifth-ranked Florida State

As the Boston Red Sox buried decades of futility and anguish this week, the Maryland football program has slain its own mighty dragon.


NY voters react to bin laden video

As Osama bin Laden surfaced on videotape for the first time in more than a year, New Yorkers responded to his blurry image with emotions ranging from fear to ambivalence.


Markets up when Democrats win

A win by Democratic challenger John Kerry in next week #39;s US presidential election may give stocks a lift, if history is any guide.


Health Highlights: Oct. 31, 2004

A drug currently prescribed to combat advanced breast cancer can now be used to help prevent the disease from recurring in women who have been treated for early forms of the disease, the US Food and Drug Administration ruled Friday.


Space shuttle Enterprise takes center stage, at last

CHANTILLY, VirginiaSpace shuttle Enterprise was born to be an astronautical bridesmaid, never a bride. Built in 1976 as one of the first trio of US shuttles, Enterprise never


Newest GTA is sure to please and outrage

Get some earplugs Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is hitting stores, and the sound from cash registers ringing up copies of the video game could be deafening.


China Closes 1,600  quot;Internet Bars quot;

Kujila writes  quot;According to a Chinese Reuters article, China has closed close to 1,600  quot;Internet Bars quot; (probably the equivalent of  #39;Internet Cafes #39; stateside) and inflicted up to \$12.


High solar activity to last for few decades only:

Technology India: London, Oct 31 : Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany, who have reconstructed the sun #39;s activity over the last 11 millennia, have forecasted decreased activity within a few decades.


Vegetarians see red over Smarties colouring

THERE are green ones, yellow ones and even blue ones. But how many beetle-coloured Smarties have you tried? Red Smarties get their bright colour from a dye made from dried and crushed insects.


Wenger ends Fergie war of words

The United manager has claimed Wenger has a mental problem with Ruud van Nistelrooy and the striker says he is ready to sue the Arsenal boss for labelling him a  quot;cheat quot;.


Mauresmo thrashes Bovina to win Linz title

France #39;s Amelie Mauresmo thrashed Elena Bovina 6-2 6-0 to win her fourth title of the year at the \$585,000 Linz Open on Sunday.


Read #39;s mega Diva dare

OUTSPOKEN Darwin bookmaker Mark Read has challenged local bookmakers to bet him to win \$1 million on Makybe Diva at today #39;s Call Of The Card at Crown casino.


Zook, Gators frustrated again

If you don #39;t care to wait for CSI: Gainesville to autopsy the career of Florida football coach Ron Zook, grab a tape of the Gators #39; 31-24 loss Saturday to archrival Georgia.


Local media turn on Ganguly

INDIAN captain Sourav Ganguly has had his integrity questioned in an unsavoury aftermath to the series loss to Australia. Ganguly has worn continual allegations that his withdrawal


Palestinians, Israelis meet to plan for Arafat #39;s absence

Senior Palestinian and Israeli leaders held separate meetings Sunday to plan a path forward in the absence of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who was being examined in a French hospital for an unknown ailment.


Rebels vow to use chemical weapons

AS the US reeled from the death of nine marines in Iraq at the weekend, insurgents in Fallujah claimed to have obtained chemical weapons and threatened to use them in any battle for control of the rebel stronghold.


Newspapers report Blair may call election earlier than expected? <b>...</b>

Prime Minister Tony Blair may call general elections in February 2005 instead of in May, as had been widely expected, two newspapers reported Sunday.


Wake-up call on terrorism

AUSTRALIA needed to be doing more than giving out fridge magnets in the war against terror, Labor #39;s foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd said yesterday.


Dow winds blow in favour of Kerry

INVESTORS and traders lean to the Republicans, but the Dow is sending a signal that George W. Bush is going to lose office. Since 1904, the incumbent has failed to win re-election if the Dow falls by 0.5 per cent or more in October.


Kaneria gives Pakistan the edge

Sri Lanka were 361 for seven in their second innings, a lead of 91, at close of play on the fourth day of the second Test against Pakistan at Karachi on Sunday.


Cruel Britannia as Rooney delivers

WAYNE BENNETT thought it would take the Kangaroos 70 minutes to put Britain away in their Tri-Nations rugby league Test early yesterday morning (AEDT).


9 Marines killed in Iraq fighting

NEAR FALLUJAH, Iraq - A car bomb killed eight US Marines outside Fallujah on Saturday, the deadliest attack against the US military in nearly six months.


Weld plays waiting game

The Melbourne Cup is known as  #39;the race that stops a nation #39;, owing to its standing as Australia #39;s most popular horse race.


15 Iraqis, 9 US Marines killed in one of Bloodiest Day

HILLA (Iraq): In a bloody day in Iraq, at least fifteen Iraqis died and another 20 were wounded in an exchange of gunfire south of Baghdad, hospital sources said, while the US military reported killing five suspected rebels during clashes.


Tokyo TV: Beheaded Japanese Hostage Found In Iraq

TOKYO -- A report says the Japanese government has confirmed that a decapitated body found in Iraq is that of a Japanese man taken hostage by Islamic militants earlier this week.


Non-legendary little people

We have grown taller and heavier since the 1960s, according to a new study, but compared with a newly discovered human species, we are really, really huge.


CRICKET: Pak in with chance to level series

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria claimed six wickets today to effect a Sri Lankan batting collapse and put Pakistan in a strong position heading into the final day of the second cricket Test.


Video shows UN Afghan hostages

Three UN hostages seized by militants in Afghanistan have appeared in a video shown by the Arabic television channel al-Jazeera. The three seemed in good health in the video, in which their kidnappers called


China continues internet crackdown

Fines worth more than \$12 million US were imposed on those establishments that allowed children to play violent or adult-only games and for other violations.


Sudan, Darfur Rebels Fail to Agree on Security

ABUJA, 31 October 2004 - Sudanese government delegates and Darfur rebels failed to reach agreement early yesterday on a draft security protocol aimed at breaking a deadlock at peace negotiations in Nigeria.


Japan denounces Iraq hostage death

As Tokyo Correspondent Mark Simkin reports, the remains of Shosei Koda were found in Baghdad.  quot;The decapitated body was wrapped in an American flag.


Video of UN hostages telecast

A video shown on Arabic television Sunday shows three people believed to be UN hostages who were seized by militants in Afghanistan.


17 Injured in Chechnya Car Bombing

A car bomb exploded outside the Chechen capital #39;s main hospital Sunday, injuring 17 people in an attack apparently targeting members of a Chechen security force bringing in wounded from an earlier explosion, officials said.


Govt postpones fuel price hike

A hike in petrol, diesel and cooking gas prices was postponed yet again by the government today. The decision was taken after pressure from the Left, which wanted the price hike to be put off till after the


Johansson upsets Agassi to win Stockholm Open

Sweden #39;s Thomas Johansson overcame the odds to beat top seed Andre Agassi 3-6 6-3 7-6 in a thriller to take his first title since the 2002 Australian Open.


Martin Triumphant in Catalunya

Markko Martin won his second event in succession as he held off a late charge from Marcus Gronholm to come out on top in Rally Catalunya.


Is the Mainstream Ready for Linux?

Research: Businesses are going open source, but OS may still be too technical for most users. The open-source operating system Linux may be gaining a lot of ground in the enterprise space, but Windows will


Arafat: Doctors to Carry Out New Tests

Having ruled out leukaemia, French doctors were trying for a third day to determine what was causing the dramatic deterioration in Palestinian leader Yasser Arafats health.


Prime Minister Says Japan Remains  quot;Resolute quot;

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Sunday vehemently condemned the beheading of a young Japanese backpacker by Muslim extremists in Iraq while vowing that Japan would remain


China closes 1,600 Internet cafes

(OfficialWire) -- 10/31/04 -- Authorities in China have ordered more than 1,600 Internet cafes closed since February 2004, imposing more than 100 million yuan, or


Compact format sign of Times

The Times of London has published its final edition as a broadsheet newspaper. Today, it relaunches as a tabloid. The Times is the second British newspaper to move to a smaller, more commuter-friendly format in a bid to reverse slumping sales.


Americans on nerves #39; edge at risky post

FALLUJAH - Any motorist who slows down is seen as a suspected suicide bomber. Fingers squeeze triggers at the slightest movement around nearby houses.


Shells Land Near Black Watch Base

British soldiers in central Iraq and Basra came under renewed attack from insurgents yesterday, as British commanders set out in detail the role which the Black Watch regiment will play in the forthcoming assault US assault on Fallujah.


Car bomb targeting Chechen security force injures 15?(updated PM5 <b>...</b>

A car bomb exploded outside the Chechen capital #39;s main hospital Sunday, wounding 15 people in an attack apparently targeting members of a security force headed by the son of Chechnya #39;s slain Kremlin-backed president, emergency officials said.


Outage stops Kuwaiti oil flow

Kuwait City - A power failure on Sunday affecting most of Kuwait forced a shutdown of the country #39;s three oil refineries, which could take two or three days to restart, but the nation #39;s energy minister said oil production would not be affected.


Apple Introduces the U2 iPod U2 and Apple Partnership Fuses Art <b>...</b>

Apple introduced the iPod U2 Special Edition as part of a partnership between Apple, U2 and Universal Music Group (UMG) to create innovative new products together for the new digital music era.


Rossi wins Valencia MotoGP

Valencia, Spain - World champion Valentino Rossi of Italy won the MotoGP at the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix on Sunday, adding more glory to a fabulously successful year.


Cricket: Aussies crowing, Indians deathly quiet

NAGPUR - The Indian dressing room was empty after stumps as the hooting and hollering from the Australian shed drifted over the Vidarbha Cricket Association ground.


Afghan Militants Threaten to Kill Foreign Hostages

The kidnappers of three foreign election workers in Afghanistan say they will kill their hostages by Wednesday if a list of demands is not met.


Blair spokesman denies snap election report

Downing Street has brushed aside reports that British Prime Minister Tony Blair has ordered a snap general election for February. The BBC reported Sunday a spokesman for Blair


From black coffee to a green cause

This makes all kinds of sense, for despite decades of hard work crunching numbers for movers (two transportation companies), shakers (two governors) and, since 1990, Starbucks, Orin Smith doesn #39;t have any plans to stand still.


Summer growth carries economy

The economy grew at an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the summer as a big rebound in auto sales offset weakness from an exploding trade deficit, soaring oil prices and the Florida hurricanes, the government reported Friday.


New game from Wideload, Alex Seropian named, dated

Stubbs the Zombie being built on top of the Halo engine; Aspyr pegs summer  #39;05 as day the bloody demon arrives. Exclusive screens, developer video inside.


Agassi loses Stockholm Open final

Andre Agassi lost the Stockholm Open final in a third-set tibreaker to Sweden #39;s Thomas Johansson, who won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) Sunday to capture this tournament for the second time.


Mutu  #39;Lied #39; - Chelsea Chief

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon today insisted his club had no option but to sack Adrian Mutu over his failed drugs test and denied there was any vendetta to force the Romanian striker out of Stamford Bridge.


Garcia and Poulter in play-off

Ryder Cup team-mates Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter went into a play-off for the Volvo Masters at Valderrama today after a tie on the seven-under-par mark of 277.


Surging Molik in another decider

ADELAIDE-born Alicia Molik has reached her second WTA final in two weeks by thrashing third-seed Silvia Farina Elia in the semi-finals of the Luxembourg Open.


Apple introduces the U2 iPod

Apple today introduced the iPod U2 Special Edition as part of a partnership between Apple, U2 and Universal Music Group (UMG) to create innovative new products together for the new digital music era.


Zombie Wideboy

When Wideload Games - set up by Bungie founder Alexander Seropian - made themselves known, all they revealed was that they are working on a  quot;wildly innovative game quot; using the Halo engine.


Poulter celebrates at Valderrama

Ian Poulter captured the Volvo Masters at Valderrama with a play-off victory against local favourite Sergio Garcia. Alistair Forsyth, three strokes ahead overnight, bogeyed the first two and was caught by an early Poulter birdie.


In-form Molik storms to second title in a week

LUXEMBOURG (AFP) - Australia #39;s Alicia Molik, the second seed, stormed to her second title in a week with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Russian Dinara Safina at the 225,000-dollar (175,000 euro) WTA tournament here.


Iran backs enrichment as government demands commitments from <b>...</b>

TEHRAN (AFP) - Iran #39;s parliament passed a bill backing the resumption of uranium enrichment, as the government left the door open for further negotiations with Europe over the controversial practice.


No oil price hike, says Aiyar:

Sports India, Cricket: New Delhi, Oct.31 : The Centre has decided that it will not hike oil prices inspite of the spiralling international cost of crude.


Titan: Where #39;s the Wet Stuff?

One of NASA #39;s goals in sending Cassini on its 2-billion-mile journey to Saturn was to search for lakes of liquid hydrocarbon that scientists believe may exist on the surface of the planet #39;s moon Titan.


Baseball Beat: Red Sox just played much better

Bee Staff Writer. hanks to all the emotion expended and frustration released by Boston finally shedding  quot;The Curse of the Bambino quot; and winning a World Series, the dubious quality in baseball #39;s


Mauresmo dominates Linz final

LINZ, Austria (Ticker) - Amelie Mauresmo will return to the top spot in the world rankings after breezing to her fourth title of the year Sunday.


Park hangs on to win Nine Bridges

Entering the final round tied with Kate Golden with a two-stroke lead over the rest of the field, Park birdied eight holes to hold off Annika Sorenstam and defending champion Shi Hyun Ahn and win the \$1.


quot;February election quot; report played down

Downing Street has played down reports that the Prime Minister may call an early election in February. Most political commentators expect Mr Blair to seek a new mandate in May 2005 since to go to the polls


Poulter pips Garcia in a play-off

VALDERRAMA, Spain -- Britain #39;s Ian Poulter beat Ryder Cup team mate Sergio Garcia at the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the Volvo Masters in Valderrama.


Martin, the asphalt master

ominant in Corsica, Markko Martin confirmed the Ford Focus #39; dominance on asphalt. The Estonian wins the 40th edition of the Rally Catalunya, followed by Marcus Gronholm in second place and Carlos Sainz in third position.


Schilling back in game for Bush

The Red Sox right-hander has recorded automated phone calls that will be made in New Hampshire, Maine, and Pennsylvania through Tuesday, Election Day.


Wake Forest #39;s chances could rest on player with  #39;cat burglar #39; <b>...</b>

One mention of the term  quot;crunch time quot; is enough to twist some players #39; stomachs into knots.  quot;That #39;s when it #39;s fun to me, quot; he said.


Iranian bill backs drive for nuclear energy (updated AM 00:29)

To cries of  quot;Death to America quot; and  quot;God is Greatest quot;, Iran #39;s hardliner dominated parliament passed a bill on Sunday obliging the government to press ahead with efforts to develop a nuclear energy programme.


AMD rolls out low-cost Net access device in India

BOMBAY - US chip maker Advanced Micro Devices has unveiled a low-cost Internet access device that could cost just a few hundred dollars, aimed at first-time technology users in the developing world.


Palestinian officials say Arafat #39;s condition is curable, stable

PARIS, Oct 31 (AFP) - Ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat #39;s condition is curable and stable, officials said Sunday as French doctors tried to determine whether he is fit to stay on as Palestinian Authority president.


Stike threatens oil exports

NIGERIAN workers would disrupt their country #39;s key oil exports of 2.5 million barrels per day with an indefinite general strike from November 16, the country #39;s top labour leader warned today.


S and P watching Shell for possible debt downgrade

LONDON : Standard and Poor #39;s Ratings Services said it had its eye on Royal Dutch/Shell for a possible downgrade of the oil company #39;s debt rating in case of a further restatement of its reserves.


Indian Government moves to cushion oil shock for consumers

The Indian government says it #39;ll keep the retail cost of petrol and diesel steady despite rising global crude oil prices. The announcement follows a series of weekend meetings between Prime Minister Manmohan


Sunspots leave telltale marks in trees

The Sun is in the thick of one of the longest and stormiest periods in 8000 years, say researchers who have tracked down an 11,400-year record of stormy sunspot activity in tree rings.


ATP St. Petersburg Sunday results

*Mikhail Youzhny became the 10th champion of the St. Petersburg Open after an impressive win over Karol Beck on Sunday. *In a baseline battle, the crowds favorite Youzhny needed one hour and two minutes to close out the match 6-2, 6-2.


Rangers wins convincingly to hold on to second

Glasgow, Scotland (Sports Network) - Rangers and Aberdeen finished up weekend play in the Scottish Premier League on Sunday at Ibrox.


Poulter defeats Garcia in playoff at Valderrama

Cadiz, Spain (Sports Network) - Ian Poulter parred the first hole of a playoff on Sunday to win the Volvo Masters Andalucia over Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia at Valderrama Golf Club.


Martin wins Rally of Catalonia

ESTONIA #39;S Markko Martin won his second successive world championship rally today as he took the Rally of Catalonia in a Ford Focus.


Lions WR Roy Williams misses game in Dallas

Detroit Lions receiver Roy Williams missed Sunday #39;s game against the Dallas Cowboys because of an ankle injury. Williams leads the Lions with 24 catches for 362 yards and five touchdowns, having taken over


Ukraine PM to meet challenger in poll run-off

Ukraine #39;s prime minister and a liberal challenger have taken the top spots in a presidential election and will take their debate over the country #39;s future through to a run-off next month, exit polls say.


Iran bill backs drive for nuclear energy

Iran #39;s parliament has passed a bill obliging the government to press ahead with efforts to develop a nuclear energy programme.


Thai PM promises independent probe into protesters #39; deaths

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has again said he wants a thorough, independent inquiry into last week #39;s deaths of 87 Muslim protesters, most whom died in military custody.


AU Mission Expands in Sudan #39;s Darfur

More African Union troops from Rwanda have deployed in western Sudan to help monitor a cease-fire in the region. Rwandan military officials say 100 soldiers arrived Sunday in the North Darfur capital


Delta pilots to vote on proposed pay cut agreement

ATLANTA - Delta Airlines Inc. is hoping its pilots #39; union will approve a steep pay cut to help the company avoid bankruptcy. Delta pilots, currently among the highest paid in the nation with salaries that


Drug May Block Alzheimer #39;s, Scientists Say

It might be possible to make a pill that prevents the brain damage that marks Alzheimer #39;s disease, US researchers said Thursday.


New Video Shows Kidnapped UN Workers in Afghanistan

In a scene eerily similar to the ongoing hostage-takings in Baghdad, three kidnapped United Nations election workers appeared in a new videotape aired Sunday on the al-Jazeera Arabic television station.


Nigerian oil strike looms

Lagos - Nigerian workers will disrupt their country #39;s key oil exports of 2.5 million barrels per day when they launch an indefinite general strike on November 16, the country #39;s top labour leader warned on Sunday.


Rossi says no to F1, for now

Newly-crowned MotoGP champion, Valentino Rossi, has revealed that, contrary to speculation, he has no intention of switching to F1, for at least a couple of years.


Martin wins in Catalunya

The Estonian driver Markko Martin has won his second consecutive World Rally Championship taking the Rally of Catalunya. The Ford driver, followed up his recent victory in the Rally of Corsica by beating Finland #39;s


Cisse suffers double leg break; likely out for season

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse will likely miss the rest of the season due to a broken leg. The French striker, who moved from Auxerre to Liverpool in the off-season, was injured


Video shows UN hostages in Afghanistan

Arabic TV network Al-Jazeera Sunday aired video showing three UN election workers taken hostage in Afghanistan. In the video, the kidnappers demand for the release of prisoners in Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.


China closes 1600 internet cafes

BEIJING: China shut 1600 internet cafes between February and August and imposed 100 million yuan (\$NZ18 million) worth of fines for allowing children to play violent or adult-only games and other violations, state media say.


Hayden crashes out, Barros mounts another spirited charge

lex Barros finished the last race of the season in sixth place while team mate Nicky Hayden crashed out unhurt while contesting a podium finish in front of capacity crowd at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia today.


MAURESMO WINS LINZ EVENT

Amelie Mauresmo of France won the Linz Open on Sunday, defeating Russia #39;s Elena Bovina in the final. Top seed Mauresmo never looked in trouble against her ninth-ranked opponent and took the first set 6-2.


Cisse Out for Season after Leg Break

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse will not play again this season after breaking his leg against Blackburn yesterday. The 23-year-old France striker was carried off on a stretcher in


Ukraine Election To Go To Second Round

31 October 2004 -- Exit polls show that Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich and challenger Viktor Yushchenko finished on top in Ukraine #39;s presidential election today and will face each other in a run-off next month.


UN Hostages Plead for Their Release

A French soldier from International Security Assistance Force keeps the guard at a checkpoint in a residential area of Kabul, Afghanistan #39;s capital, on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004.


Rebels target Black Watch troops

Insurgents in Iraq have targeted Black Watch troops in a series of rocket attacks at their base just 25 miles south of Baghdad. No one was injured in the four separate assaults and there was minimal damage.


Vaile hopeful of trade deal with China

A free trade deal with China would mean billions of dollars of economic benefits for Australia, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said. In an interview with The Australian newspaper, Mr Vaile has predicted for the


Indiana 1 of 3 holdouts in nation

Indiana is a standout nationally -- known all over for its refusal to adopt daylight-saving time.  quot;And then there is Indiana, quot; the publisher of the Information Please almanac notes on its Web site (www.


Election Will Dominate Wall Street #39;s Moves

Does Wall Street like Bush or Kerry? At this point, investors would be happy with having a clear winner by the opening bell on Wednesday, no matter who it might be.


Airbus to Buy More Parts, Build Base in China, Official Says

Airbus SAS, the world #39;s biggest aircraft maker, plans to source more parts for its planes from China and to set up an engineering base there, the head of the company #39;s operations in the country said.


Nextel leader Busch goes out early with blown engine

HAMPTON, Ga. -- The Nextel Cup championship playoff got a major shakeup Sunday when points leader Kurt Busch went out with a blown engine early in the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.


Arab TV airs video of 3 UN hostages in Afghanistan

DUBAI: Al Jazeera television aired a video yesterday of three UN employees held hostage in Afghanistan by kidnappers who are threatening to kill them unless Taliban and al Qaeda prisoners are freed.


Second group claims bombing

A PREVIOUSLY unheard of militant group claimed responsibility today for a car bombing outside the Baghdad offices of al-Arabiya TV that killed seven people, including five of the station #39;s Iraqi employees.


Chechen Warlord Issues Warning to Russia

Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev, who claimed responsibility for last month #39;s Beslan school hostage-taking, warned Sunday that he was ready to fight Russia for a decade and insisted civilians remained a fair target.


Price freeze may cost oil firms Rs 10,000 cr

Oil companies are estimating an under-recovery of over Rs 10,000 crore during the current financial year, with the government deciding against allowing oil companies to increase petrol and diesel prices for the fortnight beginning November 1.


Financier #39;s bet on steel pays off big

and the steel industry will never be the same because of it. Ross, the financier who in less than three years cobbled together his International


Busch looks to increase points lead

Kurt Busch is the only driver among the 10 in NASCAR #39;s Chase for the Championship who #39;s done everything right. But he admits that may not be enough to help him win his first championship.


UN Repeats Appeal For Hostages #39; Release

31 October 2004 -- The United Nations has again appealed for the kidnappers of three UN workers in Afghanistan to release them unharmed.


Wall St. Wants a Quick, Clean Election

It won #39;t be just a sigh of relief on Wall Street but an ovation if the US presidential election on Tuesday produces a clear winner and avoids a repeat of the chaotic 2000 results.


Watney moves to the front

Former Fresno State standout Nick Watney recovered from a double-bogey on the seventh hole to shoot 1 under and tie for the third-round lead Saturday in the Nationwide Tour Championship at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Prattville, Ala.


Bolton end Souness honeymoon

BOLTON returned to fourth place in the Premier League with a win that ended the vistors #39; unbeaten run under manager Graeme Souness.


Nigerian unions threaten to resume strike over fuel price hike on <b>...</b>

Nigerian workers will go on strike protesting recent 25 percent increase of petroleum products from Nov. 16, a leading trade unionist said here Sunday.


Chavez allies and opposition vie for key posts as Venezuelans vote <b>...</b>

Allies of President Hugo Chavez and opposition candidates competed for key gubernatorial and mayoral posts in elections Sunday, with tens of thousands of police and soldiers on hand to prevent politically fueled clashes.


No petrol, diesel price hike for now

NEW DELHI, OCT 31: No increases in petrol and diesel prices are expected this fortnight. According to official sources, the government has decided to wait till after the US presidential polls before initiating any hikes.


China May Avoid Sudden Slowdown as Rates Rise, Survey Shows

China may avoid a sudden economic slowdown after the central bank raised benchmark interest rates for the first time in nine years last week, a survey showed.


Steel #39;s New Spring

A once-ailing heavy industry is now in heavy demand. The next step? Global consolidation. For the last decade, much of the West #39;s steel industry has been in the doldrums.


Youzhny Wins St. Petersburg Open

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia - Mikhail Youzhny of Russia won the St. Petersburg Open on Sunday, defeating Karol Beck of Slovakia 6-2, 6-2 for the second title of his career.


Bolton on the move after Newcastle win

London, England (Sports Network) - In Sunday #39;s only Premiership match, Bolton Wanderers moved back into the league #39;s fourth position after beating Newcastle United 2-1.


Killing of Japanese hostage by militants in Iraq pressures Japan #39;s <b>...</b>

The beheading of a Japanese hostage in Iraq renewed pressure on Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to withdraw his country #39;s troops, as the opposition blamed his pro-US policy for the slaying.


No oil price hike before US polls

NEW DELHI: The government on Sunday decided to hold back any hike in fuel prices. Under the price-band mechanism, there #39;s room to raise prices of petrol by 66-67 paise/litre and diesel by Rs 1.88/litre.


Schilling delivers for Bush; team execs shill for Kerry

Curt Schilling wasnt supposed to pitch again this year, but hes endorsing President Bush in automated phone calls being made in three battleground states through Election Day.


Moss #39; hamstring forces another early exit

Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss was in the starting lineup Sunday when the team hosted the New York Giants, but the star wideout was again removed from the game due to his sore hamstring.


Car bomb targeting Chechen security force injures 17 after earlier <b>...</b>

A car bomb exploded outside the main hospital in Chechny #39;s capital, Grozny, on Sunday, injuring 17 people in an attack apparently targeting members of a Chechen security force bringing in wounded from an earlier explosion


England: Bolton too strong for Newcastle

BOLTON, Oct 31 (SW) - Bolton Wanderers keep on impressing in the English Premier League, giving Newcastle United their third defeat of the season on Sunday.


A Whole New Line

Pakistani editors invited to break the Ramadan fast last week with President Pervez Musharraf were treated to palm dates, curried pastries - and a radical new approach to Pakistan #39;s bitter, 57-year-old dispute with India over Kashmir.


The Nation #39;s Weather

Heavy rain dampened parts of Minnesota and a warm front brought showers and thunderstorms to parts of the Northeast on Saturday as a lingering front generated heavy rain, lightning and strong wind in parts of Texas.


World Series items head to Cooperstown

It won #39;t be long before the Red Sox #39;s historic World Series win is immortalized in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.


Youzhny ends title drought

ST PETERSBURG, Oct. 31. - Russias Mikhail Youzhny overwhelmed Karol Beck of Slovakia 6-2, 6-2 here today in the final of the one-milliondollar ATP tournament to record his first title win of the season.


Curt Schilling wasn #39;t supposed to pitch again this year, but he #39;s endorsing President Bush in automated phone calls being made in three battleground states through Election Day.


Kaiserslautern save coach with late win over Bielefeld

Kaiserslautern saved coach Kurt Jara #39;s job with two late goals fom Selim Teber to upset Arminia Bielefeld 2-1 in the Bundesliga on Sunday.


Allawi Warns of Low Patience on Fallujah

Iraq #39;s interim prime minister on Sunday warned that efforts to resolve the standoff in Fallujah peacefully have entered their  quot;final phase quot; and said he will not hesitate to


Mortars hit British army camp in restive Iraq province, no <b>...</b>

Two mortars hit a military base in a restive region south of Baghdad on Sunday where a battle group of British soldiers have recently arrived, causing no casualties, a spokesman said.


Voters stick with ruling party

BOTSWANA #39;S ruling party had won a majority of seats in parliamentary elections, handing President Festus Mogae a second and final term in office, election officials said today.


Office Depot Plans to Cut 900 Jobs

Office Depot Inc. plans to cut 900 jobs as it consolidates operations at eight call centers and offices in six states. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Office Depot - the nation #39;s second


Legal concerns delay Canadian version of US-style terror list for <b>...</b>

A Canadian version of the US no-fly list that infamously had folksinger Cat Stevens deported and Ted Kennedy hassled at airports is running into legal turbulence.


Beetles used to make Smarties

THERE are green ones, yellow ones and even blue ones. But how many beetle-coloured Smarties have you tried? Red Smarties get their bright colour from a dye made from dried and crushed insects.


Fragile Arctic region endangered by greenhouse gases: report

Greenhouse gases have contributed to a gradual warming of the ecologically-fragile Arctic region, causing massive climate changes, including melting glaciers and sea ice, according to a soon-to-be-released environmental study.


Voters Checking Out Other Sides #39; Sites

Are right-leaning voters spending all their online time on Rushlimbaugh.com? Are left-leaning voters locked into the like-minded Talkingpointsmemo.


Ghostzapper to return in 2005; Azeri might retire after two more <b>...</b>

There is no question in trainer Bobby Frankels mind who will claim Horse of the Year honors when the Eclipse Awards are handed out in January.


Johansson, Novak, Youzhny take tennis titles

Sweden #39;s Thomas Johansson claimed his first title since the 2002 Australian Open with a come from behind 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 victory over American top seed Andre Agassi in the final of the Stockholm Open overnight.


Eagles WR scores winning TD in grudge match against Ravens

Terrell Owens found a new way to celebrate touchdowns: He mocked Ray Lewis. Owens had an 11-yard TD catch and David Akers kicked three field goals, helping the Philadelphia Eagles beat


Northwestern Notebook

There may have been more to Kyle Orton #39;s departure from Saturday #39;s game at Northwestern than just a left hip flexor. Listen to Purdue head coach Joe Tiller, and it sounds as if Orton #39;s physical


Powerful blast kills 15 Iraqis in Tikrit

A huge explosion rocked the northern Iraqi city of Tikrit, killing 15 Iraqis, police and doctors have said. Eight others were seriously wounded in the blast, which occurred around 17:00 GMT on Sunday, local doctors have said.


Arctic endangered by greenhouse gases: report

WASHINGTON: Greenhouse gases have contributed to a gradual warming of the ecologically-fragile Arctic region, causing massive climate changes, including melting glaciers and sea ice, according to a soon-to-be-released environmental study.


Packers 28, Redskins 14

Playing with a sprained hand and a major personal distraction, Brett Favre started on a roll and survived a rocky finish. Favre and the Green Bay Packers won their third straight game Sunday, beating the Washington


Challenger takes lead in Ukraine vote

plunging a heated debate between the two rivals over the country #39;s future into a run-off. Minister Viktor Yanukovich, who is backed by Ukraine #39;s establishment oriented towards neighbouring Russia.


Check 21 law to process checks faster

Every night, millions of cashed checks fly around the country, headed for their home bank. Starting Thursday, technology will begin grounding many of those flights.


Novel Approach Targets Alzheimer #39;s Development

A new technique may someday be able to stop Alzheimer #39;s disease (news - web sites) before it starts. Tapping into the  quot;Trojan horse quot; strategy, scientists


No mas: Giants stomp Moss-less Vikings

Thanks to a swarming defense, some tough runs by Tiki Barber, a few big catches by Jeremy Shockey and a turnover-free afternoon by Kurt Warner, the Giants beat the Vikings 34-13 on Sunday.


Green Bay Packers

LANDOVER, Maryland (Ticker) -- The Green Bay Packers did not wait long to take advantage of some good fortune. Cornerback Al Harris intercepted Mark Brunell one play after the Washington Redskins  #39; potential


First Russian IPO on NYSE since 2002

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Mechel Steel priced its American depositary shares at \$21 each Friday, in the first initial public offering from Russia in 2 1/2 years.


US indict 19 on ID theft charges

FEDERAL authorities have indicted 19 people in the United States and abroad on charges related to a website investigators claimed was one of the largest online centers for trafficking in stolen identity information and credit cards.


Testaverde #39;s scramble sparks Cowboys

IRVING, Texas - The Dallas Cowboys finally got some big plays from the old legs in their running game, only they didnt come from 33-year-old Richie Anderson or 31-year-old Eddie George.


Tests on Arafat reveal no signs of leukemia

Initial results from a battery of tests on Palestinian President Yasser Arafat have uncovered no signs of leukemia, Palestinian officials said, but blood doctors were still probing the cause of his dramatic deterioration in health.


Japanese official arrives in Kuwait to repatriate Koda #39;s body

KUWAIT CITY : Japan #39;s Senior Vice Foreign Minister Shuzen Tanigawa arrived in Kuwait to supervise arrangements for the repatriation of the body of Japanese tourist Shosei Koda who was beheaded by militants in Iraq.


ATP Stockholm Sunday results

Thomas Johansson denied top-seeded American Andre Agassi his second title of the year in a riveting three-set match while he collected his second If.


Golf: Grace Park cheers home fans with LPGA victory

JEJU, South Korea : Grace Park of South Korea won an LPGA Tour tournament, firing a seven-under-par 65 in the final round of the 1.35-million dollar CJ Nine Bridges Classic.


Compromise Said Possible on Iran Nukes

Defiant lawmakers - shouting Death to America #39; #39; - unanimously voted Sunday to approve the outline of a bill requiring the government to resume uranium enrichment, a


Valencia: Rossi wins 2004

2004 MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi wrapped up the BMW 2004 MotoGP Best Qualifier Award this afternoon at the circuit of Valencia after speeding to another front row start.


Chelsea have destroyed me, complains Mutu

Disgraced Romanian striker Adrian Mutu has blasted English Premier League side Chelsea for their haste in sacking him after he tested positive for a banned substance.


Novak outlasts Nalbandian in Basel

David Nalbandian has lost his first match in three successive visits to the Swiss Indoors in Basel, beaten in an three-hour, five-set final by Czech Jiri Novak.


Martin holds on for third win in Rally Catalunya

Motorsport.com. Markko Martin, never known as a tarmac specialist, took his second win in a row, and again on an asphalt rally, claiming the win Rally Catalunya by 23.


Texans 20, Jaguars 6

Byron Leftwich sealed yet another victory with a touchdown throw in the game #39;s final minute. This time, he did so for the other team.


Koda #39;s Iraq trip was driven by sheer curiosity

TOKYO - Shosei Koda was a student learning English in New Zealand before entering Iraq, but his self-searching trip to one of the most dangerous places in the world without proper preparation ended in tragedy as the Japanese government confirmed Sunday


Topsy-TURVY Baseball World Entices Fans

The World Series has been over less than 48 hours and already I can #39;t wait for the free-agent signing period to commence, for the Winter Meetings to unfold, for tensions between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees to escalate to unprecedented levels.


Poulter turns around frustrating year at Volvo

Ian Poulter won for the first time since last year #39;s Nordic Open, when he parred the first extra hole at the Volvo Masters Andalucia to edge out local hero, Sergio Garcia.


Bolton 2-1 Newcastle

Bolton climbed to fourth in the table as Newcastle slipped to their first loss under manager Graeme Souness. After a insipid first-half, El-Hadji Diouf gave Bolton a 52nd minute lead, bravely heading home


Novak takes Swiss Indoors crown

Jiri Novak won his second title in three weeks with a battling performance against David Nalbandian in the final of the Swiss Indoors on Sunday.


Lions #39; Williams sidelined in Dallas

Irving, TX (Sports Network) - Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Roy Williams was inactive for Sunday #39;s game against the Dallas Cowboys.


Cisse suffers suspected leg break

Liverpool #39;s Djibril Cisse was taken to hospital with a suspected broken left leg after being stretchered off against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.


NFL Game Summary - Indianapolis at Kansas City

Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - Trent Green threw for 389 yards with three touchdowns and Priest Holmes ran for 143 yards with three scores, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a 45-35 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in another shootout at Arrowhead


Leftist Coalition Predicted to Win Uruguay #39;s Presidency

A coalition of leftist elements is predicted to win Uruguay #39;s presidential election on Sunday - ending the conservative parties #39; dominance of more than 170 years.


Video games muscle in on movies

Traces of the word  quot;video quot; linger beneath a new sign that just went up on a suburban Blockbuster store here. In its place hangs


WIDELOAD GAMES ANNOUNCES FIRST TITLE

Aspyr Media, Inc., an entertainment publisher delivering fun in the form of games, music and DVDs, and game developer Wideload Games, Inc.


Singh tops \$10 million with win

Singh claimed his ninth win Sunday - the most on the PGA Tour in 54 years - as he cruised to a five-stroke victory at the \$5 million Chrysler Championship.


Chiefs spoil Manning #39;s big day

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Peyton Manning threw for a career-high 472 yards and five touchdowns on 25-of-44 passing, but his last-ditch comeback attempt ended with an interception in the end zone in the closing minutes as Kansas City outlasted Indianapolis 45-35


15 killed in rocket attack on Tikrit hotel

Fifteen civilians were killed after a rocket slammed into a hotel Sunday night in the northern Iraqi city of Tikrit. Eyewitnesses said the blast at the Sunubar Hotel sent frightened bloodstained guests running into the streets for help.


Withdrawl of nominee eases crisis for Europe

BRUSSELS The decision by Rocco Buttiglione to relinquish his claim on the European Commission #39;s justice and security portfolio means Jos Manuel Barroso, the incoming president, will be able to get Parliament #39;s approval for a new college of commissioners


Afghan group makes demands for hostages

KABUL Militants holding three foreign United Nations staff members in Afghanistan released a video Sunday of their hostages and said they would be killed if demands for release of prisoners and withdrawal of foreign troops were not met by noon Wednesday.


Credit where it #39;s due?

LONDON The corporate restructuring of the RoyalDutch/Shell Group is one of the year #39;s largest financial transactions. Controversy is building in London over the answer to that question, illustrating yet again


In Britain, no more hiding behind The Times

LONDON For a newspaper nicknamed  quot;The Thunderer, quot; the move was disclosed sotto voce: The Times of London, for more than two centuries the confident voice of the English establishment, is going fully tabloid as of Monday, dropping a broadsheet version that


Aussie scientists see palaeontology gold rush

Australian scientists predicted a  quot;palaeontological gold rush quot; after the discovery of a new species of tiny human in neighbouring Indonesia in a find that will re-draw the human family tree.


Apple rolls out iPod Photo

Apple Computer Inc has rolled out a new iPod that allows users to view and share photos as it opened nine new iTunes music stores in Europe, spurring its rivalry with Microsoft Corp and others.


Heels savor 1st win over top 5 opponent

North Carolina coach John Bunting never lost faith in his players, unabashedly supporting them even while their mistakes and poor play led to more losses.


Tony Blairs office plays down reports of Feb elections

LONDON: Tony Blairs office played down reports on Sunday that the British prime minister plans to call a snap general election in February.


Australia #39;s Incitec Pivot FY04 Net A\$75.1 Million -2-

MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Australian fertilizer interest Incitec Pivot Ltd. (IPL.AU) on Monday reported a net profit, including one-time items, of A\$75.


Companies Scramble to Deal With Spyware

The people who call Dell Inc. #39;s customer service line often have no idea why their computers are running so slow. The ones who call America Online Inc.


Bright star: Fresh insight into historic find

A supernova spotted by the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe more than four centuries ago that changed the course of human knowledge has just yielded a further discovery - the apparent discovery of the companion star that triggered the great event.


Singh is first \$10 million man

Palm Harbor, FL (Sports Network) - Vijay Singh, the top-ranked player in the world, fired a six-under 65 on Sunday to cruise to victory at the Chrysler Championship.


Football loss signals Kerry win

JOHN Kerry supporters have a welcome omen for their US presidential candidate: The Green Bay Packers defeated the Washington Redskins yesterday.


Crude oil futures may fall: survey

Crude oil futures may fall on speculation China #39;s first interest rate rise in nine years will slow demand growth amid rising US inventories, a Bloomberg survey shows.


Singh becomes first \$10 million man in golf

The guy who once gave \$10 lessons as a club pro in Borneo is now the first \$10 million man in golf. Singh once found work as a bouncer in a Scottish night club when he failed to get through European qualify school.


First defeat tastes so sour for Souness

QUESTIONS WERE ASKED ABOUT Sam Allardyces ambition when, having spent years bemoaning the lack of opportunities for British managers, he politely told Newcastle United to look elsewhere in their search for a successor to Sir Bobby Robson.


History says Redskins defeat the end for Bush

Washington - The Washington Redskins has lost to the Green Pay Packers on Sunday and thus, according to a sporting legend that has proved eerily accurate, President George Bush is bound to lose the White House.


GOLDBERG ON FOOTBALL: The Eagles gain by winning small

If the Philadelphia Eagles finally reach the Super Bowl this season, their tight victories the last two weeks will probably have more to do with it than their first five easy victories.


Reinsurance firm confident on future prospects in China

Unreasonably low premium rates in China #39;s non-life insurance sector, coupled with inadequate awareness of insurance protection, is hampering the hugely promising industry #39;s long-term growth, reported China Daily on Monday.


Russian oil exports to go north

Russia, the world #39;s second-biggest oil exporter, next month will increase northern Baltic port loadings on expectations winter storms in the Black Sea and traffic in the Bosporus


Australia #39;s Natl Foods Confirms Rejection Of Fonterra Bid

MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Takeover target National Foods Ltd. (NFD.AU) on Monday reiterated its opposition to a hostile bid from its biggest shareholder, New Zealand #39;s Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd.


Beware abuses of 529 plans

In an effort to protect investors, the leading private-sector provider of financial regulatory services, the NASD, routinely scans the investment horizon and issues Investor Alerts when potential abuses pop up.


Mauresmo Gunning for No. 1 Again at ATP Linz

Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo, who briefly rose to No. 1 following the US Open and says she is playing Linz this week in a late-year effort to regain the top spot, barely edged upset-minded Serb Jelena Jankovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 Saturday to advance to the final.


No Safin, But Alt-Russian Youzhny in ATP St. Petersburg Final

Although top-seeded Russian Marat Safin couldn #39;t deliver, the hometown fans at the ATP stop in St. Petersburg got a homie in the final Saturday when No.


Owens Has Last Laugh on Ravens as Eagles Improve to 7-0

Terrell Owens scored a touchdown and David Akers kicked three field goals to lead the Philadelphia Eagles to their fifth straight win, 15-10 over the Baltimore Ravens in National Football League play Sunday.


Iran votes to resume nuclear programme

The Iranian parliament, which is dominated by hardliners, passed a bill yesterday obliging the government to press ahead with efforts to develop a nuclear energy programme.


Milburn uses election to galvanise Labour

Labour MPs were put on a war footing yesterday for the next general election by Alan Milburn, the Prime Minister #39;s election strategist, to quell unrest in the party #39;s ranks.


Nigerian Strike to Target Oil Exports

Nigeria Unions Declare Royal Dutch/Shell an  #39;Enemy, #39; Say Nov. 16 Strike Will Target Oil Exports. President of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) Adams Oshiomhole speaks to journalist in Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004.


China Reissues Information Of Internet Cafe Closures

China #39;s state media have again issued a release stating that local governments have closed 1600 Internet cafes between February and August this year.


Xbox owner sues over defective disk drives

LOS ANGELES - A video game fan upset over a failed disc drive in his Xbox video game console has sued Microsoft Corp. on behalf of all Xbox owners across the United States.


Golf: Vijay clinches ninth win of season with Chrysler <b>...</b>

PALM HARBOR, United States : Vijay Singh shot a six-under par 65 to post a five-stroke victory at the Chrysler Championship and claim his ninth tournament win of the season.


Owens shows Ravens what they #39;re missing

Eagles coach Andy Reid said he missed what Terrell Owens did in the end zone when he scored the touchdown that would win the game for the Eagles on Sunday.


Allawi: Major military action in Falluja imminent

Iraqi interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said Sunday that he was getting closer to authorizing major military action against insurgents in the restive city of Falluja, in Anbar province west of Baghdad.


Uruguay #39;s left headed for poll win

Uruguay #39;s leftist candidate Tabare Vazquez is headed for victory in presidential elections with an estimated 50.9 to 53 percent of the vote, exit polls and pollster projections showed.


Int #39;l aviation  amp; aerospace exhibition to open in Zhuhai

A mechanician examines a plane of Chinese Bayi aerobatics team at an airport in Zhuhai, Guangdong, Oct. 31, 2004. The 5th China International Aviation  amp; Aerospace Exhibition during which five aerobatics teams


Johnson Electric Acquires Majority Stake In Nanomotion

China-based Johnson Electric announced that it has acquired 51 of Israeli start-up Nanomotion for \$20 million in cash. Nanomotion develops and manufactures motors with the ability to achieve precise positioning


Vijay breaks \$10m mark

Already having set a single-season record for prizemoney, he became the game #39;s first \$10m man as the \$900,000 first prize pushed his 2004 earnings to \$10.


Revolution Make Eastern Conference Finals

Columbus Crew #39;s Frankie Hejduk (2) beats New England Revolution #39;s Shalrie Joseph (21) to the ball during the first half of their Eastern Conference playoff semifinal game in Columbus, Ohio Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004.


Lions #39; miscues let Cowboys slip by, 31-21

A defense so porous the 40-year old quarterback completed all except five of his 24 pass attempts against the bad Lions. And so it went as the game and the opportunities slipped away.


Uruguay #39;s Vazquez Wins Presidency in 1st Round, Exit Polls Show

Uruguayan opposition candidate Tabare Vazquez captured enough votes to win the presidency in today #39;s first-round vote, exit polls from the country #39;s four-biggest pollsters showed.


Incitec rakes in \$75.1m profit

Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL) said today that the outlook for the company was positive due to a major supply agreement for its Brisbane plant and a possible overseas joint venture.


Japan #39;s Nikkei Average, Topix Fall; DoCoMo, Canon Lead Decline

Japan #39;s Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 39.75, or 0.4 percent, to 10,731.67 at 9:02 am in Tokyo. The broader Topix index dropped 3.93, or 0.4 percent, to 1081.


Goldman mulls fresh offer for Warner Chilcott

A consortium headed by Goldman Sachs, which lost out in the 1.6bn bidding war for Warner Chilcott last week, is considering coming back with a higher offer for the women #39;s healthcare company.


M amp;G #39;s McLintock touted as potential Bloomer successor

Leading Prudential shareholders will this week attempt to garner support for a campaign to replace the insurer #39;s chief executive, Jonathan Bloomer, and Michael McLintock, who runs the group #39;s


AMD expands global reach

To foster the rapid adoption of technology in high-growth markets throughout the world, AMD (www.amd.com) has unveiled a business strategy with initial participants in India, Mexico and the Caribbean to enable 50 percent of the world #39;s population with


Focused Poulter keeps his cool

WHEN Sergio Garcia made a muddle of the first play-off hole at Valderrama and ran up 5 after Scotlands Alastair Forsyth had slipped out of contention during the closing round, Ian Poulter was able to demonstrate a cool head and steady nerves to win the


Johansson beats Agassi to win Stockholm Open

Local favorite Thomas Johansson upset top seed Andre Agassi 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 to win the Stockholm Open title on Sunday. Johansson, the Australian Open titlist in 2002, had lost


Chelsea chief: We #39;re right to sack Mutu

Chelsea chief Peter Kenyon says the club had no option but to sack Adrian Mutu last week. Kenyon claimed today that Mutu rejected offers of assistance from the club and lied to his employers, leaving Chelsea


Redskins Loss: Bad News for Bush, Touchdown Kerry

The Washington Redskins lost their final home football game before the US presidential election on Sunday -- and that #39;s great news for Democratic Sen. John Kerry and bad news for President Bush.


NFL Game Summary - Oakland at San Diego

San Diego head coach Marty Schottenheimer improved to 22-7 in his career against Oakland...Tomlinson surpassed Chuck Muncie, who ran for 43 touchdowns from 1980-84...Brees finished one TD pass shy of Dan Fouts #39; club record of six, set against the Raiders


Will Colts defense ever catch up?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It has come to this: Peyton Manning #39;s offense is now playing against two defenses every week. The other team #39;s defense, and its own -- the latter group being the tougher challenge.


Japan to stay in Iraq despite beheading

TONY EASTLEY: The Japanese Government says it will continue its mission in Iraq, despite the beheading of one of its citizens. The troop deployment is unpopular in Japan, but surprisingly, the political fallout


More quakes rock Japan

TWO more earthquakes hit the central region of Japan today, where thousands of residents are still living in emergency shelters after a major quake more than a week ago.


Liverpool confirm Cisse out for season

Liverpool and France striker Djibril Cisse has been ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg in Saturday #39;s 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers.


UK PRESS: Goldman-Carlyle Mull Warner Chilcott Counterbid

LONDON (Dow Jones)--Goldman Sachs (GS) and private equity company Carlyle Group are considering a GBP1.6 billion-plus counter offer to halt the sale of Northern Ireland pharmaceutical company Warner Chilcott (WCRX, WCRX.


China #39;s oil company sues Yukos over failure to resume shipments

China #39;s state-owned oil conglomerate has filed a lawsuit seeking compensation from troubled Russian oil company Yukos for failing to fulfill its export contracts, state media said.


Pru investors seek to vent frustration

DISGRUNTLED shareholders of Prudential will this week demand urgent talks with Rob Rowley, the companys senior independent director, to express their frustration at the insurers decision to raise 1 billion in a rights issue.


Poulter wins Volvo Masters in playoff

Ian Poulter of England won the Volvo Masters on Sunday, beating Sergio Garcia with a par on the first playoff hole. Garcia missed a 3-foot putt on the final hole of regulation that would have given the Spaniard the victory.


Champion Loeb forced to drop out

VIC, Spain -- New world champion Sebastien Loeb pulled out of the Catalunya Rally with a mechanical breakdown after winning the first leg on the second day.


Molik secures back-to-back titles

Australian tennis player Alicia Molik stormed to her second title in two weeks with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Russian Dinara Safina in the final of the WTA event in Luxembourg overnight.


NFL Today, Week 8

Miami (1-6) at NY Jets (5-1) (9 pm EST). Dolphins got their first victory last week, already have lost to Jets at home 17-9 this season.


Red Devils prepare Arsenal dossier

Manchester United #39;s on-going feud with Arsenal will spill over into Soho Square next week when Red Devils officials dump an explosive dossier on the Football Association chronicling Sunday #39;s match at Old Trafford.


Time Running Out in Fallujah, Warns Allawi

BAGHDAD, 1 November 2004 - Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi warned time was running out for peace in Fallujah as the US military continued to target suspected insurgents yesterday.


Labour denies plan for February poll

LABOUR officials yesterday dismissed reports that Tony Blair is contemplating a snap general election in February and insisted that May remained the most likely time for the poll.


China vows to push for rapid reform of aviation industry

ZHUHAI, China : China will push for a rapid reform of its aviation industry to meet the demands of its fast-growing economy and to boost competitiveness, a senior official said at an aerospace forum in this southern Chinese city.


Ruths curse may be dead, but other fun ones live on

You have to admit the Curse was fun. Talking about it, laughing about it, lying about it, those thrills are gone now, at least as they pertain to the Boston Red Sox.


Cisse injury leaves Benitez facing striker crisis

Djibril Cisses leg-break horror has left Rafael Benitez facing a severe striker crisis ahead of Wednesday nights crucial Champions League showdown with Deportivo La Coruna.


Gridiron prediction: Kerry

WASHINGTON _ Forget the polls, the football verdict is in and it goes to John Kerry. In every presidential election since 1936, the Washington Redskins #39; last home game before the election has accurately predicted the winner.


Five things to watch

1. A SIGHT FOR SORE GROINS: If anything can cure LaDainian Tomlinson, it should be the sight of the Raiders across the line of scrimmage.


Cybercrime Marketplace Shut Down, 28 Arrested

The Secret Service targeted a Web site, shadowcrew.com, hosted outside the United States, that acted as a kind of one-stop shop for stolen information and false documents.


Voters see both sides online

Are right-leaning voters spending all their online time on Rushlimbaugh.com? Are left-leaning voters locked into the like-minded Talkingpointsmemo.


Wary Martin gets the drop on Loeb

The Estonian Markko Martin, a candidate for the most disappointing driver of the season a month ago, could finish runner-up in the world championship after defeating the new champion Sebastien Loeb to take the Catalonia Rally and his second consecutive


GIC wants to sell stake to private insurers

MUMBAI, OCTOBER 31: In a novel disinvestment plan, the Rs 12,000 crore General Insurance Corporation (GIC), the countrys official reinsurer, has asked the government to allow domestic private sector insurers to pick up stakes in the state-owned body.


Owen on target for Real

MADRID: England striker Michael Owen scored in his fourth consecutive game for Real Madrid as the Spanish giants comfortably beat their newly-promoted local rivals Getafe 2-0 yesterday.


Ukrainians vote for president amid fears of rigging and unrest

Ukrainians cast ballots in a presidential election Sunday that has raised fears of post-election unrest in this ex-Soviet republic, and the opposition complained of election violations just hours into the voting.


Singh breaks \$10 million mark

World number one Vijay Singh became the first golf player to earn season winnings of over 10 million US dollars after he won his ninth victory this year at the Chrysler Championships


EAGLES 15, RAVENS 10 Owens Breaks Some Tackles and Burns More <b>...</b>

He had read the comments on the Internet and watched television, and real or imagined, the harsh words had their effect. Eagles receiver Terrell Owens is not one to


Lions hit a bump in the road

The Lions wore the wrong costumes to Texas Stadium to play the Dallas Cowboys on Halloween. The Lions showed up as contenders, but played like pretenders -- and didn #39;t fool anybody.


Allawi threatens Fallujah with military assault

TONY EASTLEY: Residents of Fallujah, west of Baghdad, are bracing themselves for a big military assault, after Iraq #39;s interim prime minister warned that time for negotiations was running out.


Video threat to kill UN hostages

Three United Nations workers, held hostage and pictured in a video released yesterday, will be executed on Wednesday unless British forces leave Afghanistan and Muslim prisoners are released from Guantnamo Bay, their Taliban kidnappers demanded yesterday


Kuwait hit by blackout

KUWAIT CITY: A nationwide blackout hit Kuwait yesterday, forcing it to shut its three oil refineries and halt exports of refined products like gasoline, but crude production and exports were proceeding normally, top energy officials said.


Tokyo Stocks Fall as Exporters Sag

The Nikkei average fell 0.69 percent by mid-morning on Monday as caution about the dollar #39;s weakness and the US presidential election prompted selling of exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp.


Tests Continue on Arafat

Yasser Arafat spent Sunday talking to colleagues in the West Bank, reading telegrams from well-wishing world leaders and sipping tea.


Nearly 50 hurt in Spanish subway crash

Two subway trains collided yesterday in Barcelona, leaving one of the drivers in serious condition and 48 other people with minor injuries, officials said.


Wenger finds soft centre hard to accept

The way Arsenal defended against a Southampton side who were the joint-lowest scorers in the Premiership made it difficult to believe that they had remained unbeaten for 49 games.


Iran Votes to Resume Nuclear Work

Iran #39;s hard-line Parliament unanimously approved a bill on Sunday supporting the resumption of uranium enrichment. The vote comes as talks with European countries over Iran #39;s


Crude Oil Rises After Nigerian Unions Call Strike to Cut Supply

Crude oil futures rose in New York after unions in Nigeria, the fifth-biggest supplier to the US, called a strike this month to disrupt the country #39;s oil exports.


Kerry claims victory after Redskins #39; loss

WASHINGTON, Oct 31 (AFP) - Senator John Kerry declared victory on Sunday in the US presidential election, staking his claim on a historical quirk linking past White House races and the Washington Redskins football team.


Broncos v. Falcons Photo Gallery Part 1

View the first in a series of photo galleries from the Denver Broncos game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons won 41-28. Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer (16) sets to throw a 80-yard touchdown


TOKYO REACTION Koizumi Vows No Japanese Withdrawal After Tourist #39;s <b>...</b>

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Sunday repeated his vow to keep about 550 troops in Iraq after the government confirmed that the decapitated body found on a street


Uruguay poised to elect leftwinger

Tabare Vazquez was poised to become Uruguay #39;s first leftwing president yesterday after campaigning for the more equitable distribution of wealth and social justice in a country crippled by a recent economic crisis.


ISPs Band Together Against Spam

UPDATED: In a coordinated attack against spammers, some of the country #39;s largest ISPs have filed new lawsuits against businesses and individuals that allegedly deluged users with unwanted and offensive e-mails.


NASA Prepares for Future Space Exploration Risk

CLEVELAND, OH -- As NASA readies the space shuttle fleet to fly again, the agencys risk management teams are also paying attention to risk issues that affect the International Space Station.


Not quite the devil in a Blues dress

When his positive dope test was confirmed, Adrian Mutu forgot to blame someone for spiking his drinks. Odd this, because athletics, swimming and cycling have taught us that


Patriots Back Among the Mortal

They were flawless for a month of Sundays, beating back opponents and, really, conventional wisdom itself. The New England Patriots had become football #39;s sterling exception


Political prisoners release a legal matter, says Aziz

ISLAMABAD: The issue of releasing political prisoners is a legal matter and it is up to the courts to decide cases against them, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Sunday.


Update 1: Tokyo Stocks Lower; Dollar Up Against Yen

Tokyo stocks fell Monday morning after a weak performance on Wall Street Friday. The US dollar was up against the Japanese yen. The Nikkei Stock Average of 225 issues dropped 43.


Google #39;s Desktop Search Could Change SEM Forever

Google was first to market a desktop search utility. Well, actually, others were first, but Google #39;s the one everyone noticed.


Thank heaven it #39;s Saturday

SATURDAY 3PM: Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all to win, surely? If it were always so, we wouldnt bother enjoying sport and would garden or go to DIY stores every Saturday afternoon instead.


Vote Expected to Bolster Chavez

Voters cast ballots for governors and mayors Sunday in elections expected to strengthen President Hugo Chavez #39;s political power two months after he overwhelmingly won a referendum on his rule.


Stock market crash course: what goes down doesn #39;t necessarily come <b>...</b>

_ The past week #39;s 75th anniversary of the 1929 stock market crash contains a lesson for today #39;s investors: just because they #39;ve lost money in recent years doesn #39;t mean stocks are destined to return soon to ever-higher levels.


Oil Extends Jump Above \$52, Eyes Vote

Oil prices extended their bounce from three-week lows on Monday, climbing back above \$52 amid jitters over thin global winter fuel stocks and this week #39;s presidential election.


Australian govt predicts positive conclusion to FTA with China

Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile has predicated a successful outcome to free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with China.  quot;We can #39;t afford not to enhan ce our relationship


Redskins swing, miss on orchestrating complete game

LANDOVER, Md. - The problems that plagued the Washington Redskins at the beginning of the season are the same ones that dog the Washington Redskins at the end of October.


Close election weighs heavily on stock markets

The close race for the presidency is depressing the stock market, which is flat to down for the year despite a recovering economy, solid profits and major new tax breaks for investors.


EMOTIONAL FAREWELL FOR SAINZ

Citroen #39;s Carlos Sainz admitted he was overwhelmed by the support he received on the Rally Catalunya. The Spanish driver, who last month announced his intention to retire from the sport, finished third on


Violence continues in Fallujah

A witness said one of the wounded was a taxi driver who was allegedly shot by American soldiers as he was driving a family back from Baghdad.


US Agent Sparks Afghan False Alarm

A US agent hidden under a head-to-toe veil on Sunday sparked fear of a suicide attack in the Afghan capital by fleeing from police who tried to search her, officials said.


A tale of two tycoons

It has been an extraordinarily eventful month for tycoon Wilbur L Ross. A few weeks ago the 67-year-old money manager turned steel baron married for the third time and friends predicted he would soon be slowing down to enjoy the  #39;finer #39; things of life.


Dogged Crying, Lower IQ Linked

Babies older than 3 months who cry uncontrollably without reason are at greater risk of suffering from lower IQ, hyperactivity and discipline problems in childhood, new research has found.


Owens Gets a Little Too Funky

Wide receiver Terrell Owens said he had a few end-zone celebrations prepared for Sunday #39;s game against the team he shunned in the offseason, the Baltimore Ravens.


Man Utd boss wants FA rap for Arsenal #39;s Bergkamp

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants the FA to punish Arsenal good guy Dennis Bergkamp for taking a swing at Alan Smith last Sunday.


Steelers end Patriots #39; winning run

The Pittsburgh Steelers ended the New England Patriots #39; remarkable 21-game winning streak with a 34-20 victory. Rookie Ben Roethlisberger was the Steelers #39; hero, throwing for 196 yards and two touchdown passes.


Moss #39; Hamstring Forces Another Early Exit

Minneapolis, MN -- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss was in the starting lineup Sunday when the team hosted the New York Giants, but the star wideout was again removed from the 34-13 loss due to his sore hamstring.


Video shows three foreign election workers kidnapped in <b>...</b>

(Kabul, Afghanistan-AP) Oct. 31, 2004 - Arab television has played a video that apparently shows three foreign election workers kidnapped in Afghanistan.


Oil prices higher in Asian trading on strike threat in Nigeria

SINGAPORE : Crude oil prices were higher in Asian trading hours on Monday after oil workers in Nigeria announced over the weekend they would launch an indefinite general strike later this month, dealers said.


GTA - training game for murderers?

On Friday, Grand Theft Auto, perhaps the most notorious of the shoot-em-up computer game genre, upped the ante again. After months of slavering speculation, its newest incarnation, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, was officially released.


Google Desktop Search Tool For Mac- Now for sure

After telling The Mac Observer 11 days ago it would seriously consider developing its desktop search tool for the Mac in the future, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said Friday his company would definitely release a version of Google Desktop for Macs, but gave no


Rain expected across most of the US

Rain was forecast for much of the country Friday, with parts of the Southeast and the central states likely to escape the wet weather.


Cheeseheads for Kerry

A George W. Bush win in Tuesday #39;s election seemed to be well in hand when Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell hooked up with tailback Clinton Portis on a 43-yard scoring play with 2:35 to go in the team #39;s game with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday


Anwar critical of Malaysian poll

Malaysia #39;s former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has called the March 2004 elections  quot;the most seriously flawed in the history of the country quot; and said he expected more reform from Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.


Australian Trade Deficit Widens as Imports Increase (Update4)

Australia #39;s trade deficit widened in September as imports of cars, food and appliances increased and record oil prices pushed up the nation #39;s energy bill.


Marxist rebels free 4 hostages

Marxist rebels in Colombia have freed four hostages, three of whom were held captive for well over three years in the jungle. The four released hostages - two men and two women were flown to Neiva, 150 miles


Update 1: China Needs to Do More to Control Spending

China needs to do more to control spending on construction, factories and other  quot;fixed assets quot; to curb growth and cool inflation, state media reported Monday, citing top government officials.


Worldwide pants: trade flap between US and China

Beijing this weekend urged Washington, DC, not to limit imports of Chinese cotton slacks. The Ministry of Commerce said such a restriction would violate World Trade Organization principles and hurt trade relations.


Ukraine Election in the Balance

Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych led the high-tension presidential race in this post-Soviet republic with about 45 of the vote, too little to clinch a first-round victory, the Central Elections Commission said early today.


Deadly clashes rock Iraqi rebel hotspots

RAMADI, Iraq (AFP) - Deadly fighting erupted on Sunday in a restive Iraqi province where eight marines were killed a day earlier, as Japan vowed to stand firm with its troops in Iraq despite the beheading of a Japanese tourist.


Kidnappers send video

Three kidnapped UN election workers appeared frightened but otherwise well in a videotape aired Sunday on the al-Jazeera satellite television network.


Musharraf #39;s Kashmir solution hypothetical: Aziz

Islamabad, Nov. 1. (PTI): With Pervez Musharraf #39;s new formulation on solving the Kashmir issue with India under flak from domestic opposition groups, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Sunday termed as


#39;Hundreds #39; killed in ethnic clashes in China

Beijing - Several people have been killed in violent ethnic clashes between the Muslim Hui minority and the Han majority in central China #39;s Henan province, officials said Monday.


Yudhoyono faces power struggle in parliament

Street Musicians perform on a makeshift stage with a portrait of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004.


Delta goes all out for China route

As Delta Air Lines Inc. struggles for its financial future, the carrier is entrenched in an intense political fight over desirable routes to China that could have an economic impact of \$400 million.


Brightest Lights Rise Together

Like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers gliding across the silver screen, the planets Venus and Jupiter dance cheek-to-cheek through our morning skies Thursday and Friday.


Real Madrid beat Getafe

Michael Owen scored his fourth goal in four games to help Real Madrid to a 2-0 win over newly promoted Getafe at the Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday night.


Park fires closing 65 for easy victory

Grace Park won the CJ Nine Bridges Classic yesterday, shooting a 7-under-par 65 for a five-stroke victory yesterday. Park finished at 16-under-par 200.


Several dead in ethnic clashes in China -resident

Several people were killed and houses were set on fire in clashes in central China between minority Muslims and members of the Han community sparked by the death of a girl in a traffic accident, a resident said.


Resident Evil 4 Exclusive No More

October 31, 2004 - It looks like the folks at Capcom Entertainment were only kidding when they sternly insisted over and over again that the GameCube action-thriller Resident Evil 4 would forever remain exclusive to Nintendo #39;s console.


SINGH ON SONG YET AGAIN

Vijay Singh #39;s magical season marches on after the Fijian claimed claimed his ninth win of the season last night - the most on the PGA Tour in 54 years - as he cruised to a five-stroke victory at the Chrysler Championship.


Tennis: Novak beats Nalbandian in five-set thriller

Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic won the Swiss Indoors title at Basel on Sunday, defeating David Nalbandian of Argentina in a thrilling five-set final.


Bergkamp Backing Van Persie to Shine

Van Persie scored a last-gasp equaliser to rescue Arsenal from the jaws of defeat against Southampton on Saturday. The visitors had looked certain to condemn Arsene Wengers side


Unions in Nigeria Call for an Oil Strike

Unions declared the top multinational oil company here, the Royal Dutch/Shell Group,  quot;an enemy of the Nigerian people quot; on Sunday and called for a Nov.


Undercover American agent sparks false alarm about Afghan suicide <b>...</b>

KABUL, Afghanistan In Kabul, a US agent wearing an Afghan burqa fled police who tried to search her on Sunday, sparking fears of a suicide attack in the capital city.


China warns rising energy prices to lead to more inflation in 2005

BEIJING : Rising energy and raw material prices are pressuring inflation and will push up the consumer price index next year, state press cited the country #39;s top statistician as saying.


China warns US against restricting imports of cotton trousers

BEIJING (AFP) - China has urged the US government not to limit imports of Chinese cotton trousers, warning such moves would violate WTO principles of free textile trade and hurt trade relations.


Giants: Without Moss, Vikings get trampled

MINNEAPOLIS With big-play wide receiver Randy Moss on the sideline in street clothes with a strained hamstring, the rest of the Minnesota Vikings were suffering from amnesia.


Residents say martial law imposed on Chinese town after deadly <b>...</b>

Martial law has been imposed on a town in central China after rioting between hundreds of members of the Han ethnic majority and Hui Muslims killed at least seven people, local residents said Monday.


N.Korea says US overture a  quot;crafty trick quot;

nuclear programmes, saying the US approach was a  quot;crafty trick quot; to win presidential election votes. ruled out fresh talks despite appeals from the other participants to come to the table.


Office Depot Says It Will Cut 900 Jobs

Office Depot plans to cut 900 jobs as it consolidates operations at eight call centers and offices in six states. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Office


World #39;s Greatest Golfer, Vijay Singh is The PGA #39;s \$10 Million Man <b>...</b>

Fijian-born Vijay Singh became golf #39;s \$10 million man on Sunday when he won his ninth 2004 PGA Tour victory of the year at the Chrysler Championship.


Now That Curse Has Ended, Marketers Love Red Sox

THE delirious fans of the Boston Red Sox are confident that last week #39;s World Series victory has  quot;reversed the curse quot; supposedly afflicting them since 1918.


Masters blow to Agassi

ANDRE AGASSI #39;s chances of qualifying for the season-ending Masters Cup suffered a setback in Stockholm today. The No.1 seed lost 3-6 6-3 7-6 to Thomas Johansson in the (\$1.


King new Windies coach

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) - Reports last week that Australian Bennett King would become the West Indies #39; first ever foreign coach were confirmed at the weekend when the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced new appointments.


Miami #39;s defense becoming costly

In the first four games of the season, the University of Miami had one of the best defenses in the country. Offseason talk was proving to be true that this group of defenders


Iran bill backs nuclear energy drive

a clear rejection of the UN atomic watchdog #39;s demand that Iran halt such activities. Uranium enrichment can be used both to produce nuclear power and to make atomic bombs.


Martial law in Chinese city after riot

BEIJING - Martial law was declared in a town in central China after at least four people died in rioting, residents said on Monday.


Singapore #39;s Unemployment Rate Falls in Q3

Singapore #39;s unemployment rate fell in the third quarter of 2004 as job creation increased in tandem with the city-state #39;s strong economic growth, the government said Monday.


Izenberg: Hats off to Derby-less Frankel

He is a mass of contradictions. In the jeweled circle of  quot;celebrity quot; trainers of thoroughbred horses, he is the face at the edge of the crowd because that #39;s as close as he wants to get to it.


Giants un-Daunted

Daunte Culpepper is this, and Randy Moss is that. The Vikings #39; offense is unstoppable. How the heck do you think you can even slow them down?


Allawi warns of new assault on Fallujah

BAGHDAD - Iraq #39;s interim prime minister said yesterday that efforts to resolve the conflict in Fallujah peacefully had entered their final phase and warned that  quot;our patience is running thin, quot; vowing to clear the city of militants who have carried out


Arafat #39;s condition improving

: Yasser Arafat telephoned his Palestinian colleagues, read telegrams from well-wishing world leaders, ate cereal and sipped tea - signs that his health may be on the upswing following three


Kerry adviser raps Australian PM over pro-Bush comments

SYDNEY : An adviser to US presidential challenger John Kerry has criticised Australian Prime Minister John Howard over  quot;inappropriate quot; public comments wishing for President George W. Bush to be reelected.


Crude Oil Rises After Nigerian Unions Call Strike to Cut Supply

Crude oil rose in New York after reports said unions in Nigeria, the fifth-biggest supplier to the US, called a strike this month to disrupt the country #39;s oil exports.


UPDATE: Singapore 3Q Unemployment Rate Falls To 3-Yr Low

SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore #39;s third-quarter unemployment rate fell to its lowest in more than three years, bettering market expectations, as more jobs were created in tandem with the city-state #39;s booming economic growth so far this year.


Office Depot cuts 900 jobs

Office Depot Inc. will outsource most of its call-center operations, a move that will affect about 900 jobs, the second-largest US office supply retailer said Thursday.


Elections to Move Stocks in Short Term

The outcome -- or lack of it -- of Tuesday #39;s US presidential contest will move stocks in the short term, but the election effect likely will wear off quickly


Not as Much Ventured, but More to Gain?

WHEN members of the Early Stage Venture Capital Alliance gathered here last month for its annual golf outing, the conversation turned - as it invariably does when venture capitalists congregate


News: Resident Evil 4 For PS2

Nov 1st 2004 06:30. In a press release, Capcom announced that the latest entry in the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 4, will be ported to the Playstation 2. Thought to be an exclusive game


They think it #39;s OK to make money hijacking my PC

A few months ago I wrote about Web browser hijacking. It #39;s a problem a lot of computer users are facing these days. You open your Internet Explorer, but instead of being directed to your homepage, you #39;re sent to some search engine you #39;ve never heard of.


Texans remain red hot

Listening intently as the national media heaped praise on the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans wondered when their time would come.


Juventus extends Italian lead

Rome, Italy (Sports Network) - Juventus stretched its lead in the Italian Serie A to five points on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Chievo.


Canes Reeling After Loss To UNC

Obviously, we #39;re very disappointed, #39; #39; Miami #39;s coach said in the wake of a shocking 31-28 loss at North Carolina.


4BR/3B Home, Convenient-

Ukrainian former Prime Minister and presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko casts his ballot as his daughter Sofia, bottom right, looks on at a polling station in Kiev, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004.


Boy escapes from jaws of croc

Darwin, Australia - A teenager in Australia #39;s Northern Territory made a narrow escape from the jaws of a crocodile that dragged him underwater, police said on Monday.


A new cousin found on island

Flores Man has a great ring to it, and it is handier than Homo floresiensis, the actual moniker of mankind #39;s newest cousin. The first of these cousins found was about 3 feet tall, but recognizably human.


New England streak ends in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who have waited since the 2001 AFC championship game to get the Patriots back in Heinz Field, ambushed the defending Super Bowl champions 34-20 on Sunday, snapping New England #39;s NFL-record 21-game winning streak.


Nikkei weakens ahead of poll

The Nikkei 225 average is down 0.4 percent by midday Monday as caution about the dollar #39;s weakness and the US presidential election prompts selling of exporters such as Toyota ahead of its earnings announcement.


Ballmer #39;s open source assault gives Linux a leg-up: OSIA

Microsoft chief executive officer, Steve Ballmer, has acknowledged Linux as the  quot;only game in town quot; when it comes to competing with the proprietary software heavyweight #39;s offerings, Australia #39;s peak open source body claims.


Middle East ; Bill backs pro-nuke energy drive in Iran

Middle East News, TEHRAN - To cries of  quot;Death to America quot; and  quot;God is Greatest quot;, Iran #39;s hardliner-dominated parliament has passed a bill obliging the government to press ahead with efforts to develop a nuclear energy programme.


Gunmen kill deputy governor of Baghdad

Gunmen killed the deputy governor of Baghdad on his way to work on Monday, Iraqi officials said. Hatim Kamil was assassinated in a drive-by shooting this morning, said Baghdad Governor Ali al-Haidari.


China confirms more Internet cafe closures

CHINA IS continuing its pogrom on the country #39;s Internet cafes and officially confirmed that it has shut more than 1,600 Internet cafes since February.


Bagle back from the dead

THE BAGLE worm is back from the dead with three new variants which are different enough to avoid some AV scanners. McAfee, Symantec and Sophos also reported intercepting many samples of the new worms and advised customers to update antivirus signatures.


#39;Perfect #39; Mauresmo cruises in

Linz - Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo of France cruised to her fourth singles title this year, beating Russian Elena Bovina 6-2, 6-0 on Sunday in the final of the Generali Ladies #39; Open.


#39;Ethnic violence #39; in China region

Martial law has been imposed in parts of the Chinese province of Henan after ethnic clashes in which witnesses say several people were killed.


Baghdad deputy governor killed

He says the deputy governor (Hatim Kamil) was on his way to work Monday when he was assassinated in a drive-by shooting. Another Iraqi official says two of the man #39;s bodyguards were wounded in the attack.


Ovitz Set for More Grilling Monday

Cross-examination of former Walt Disney Co. president Michael Ovitz at the trial of a lawsuit brought by shareholders is scheduled to resume Monday, though


Early rates rise tipped for Australia after near record imports

CANBERRA : Near record high imports increased Australia #39;s trade deficit by 10.5 percent in September, according to new data, which analysts say raises the prospects for an early rise in interest rates.


ABN Amro warns of lower op. profit on US mortgage mkt

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- ABN Amro (ABN) (NL:30110) warned 2004 operating profits will fall, hit by aa greater than expected hit from its US mortgage business.


MGM Gives Blow-By-Blow Report of Sale Process

In a filing that could dispel rumors that the recent auction for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. was not competitive, the studio said winning bidder Sony Corp.


Singh hits \$10 million

He becomes 1st to reach plateau in season earnings after win at Chrysler, his 9th of year. Vijay Singh will need time for this to sink in.