Pope Condemns Unethical Science, Cloning (AP)

AP - Pope John Paul II warned in a statement released Sunday that humanity's speedy progress in science and technology risks overlooking moral values, citing with particular concern experiments in human cloning.


U.S. Aircraft Hit Militias in Najaf as Tanks Near Shrine

NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. helicopter gunships pounded  Shi'ite militias in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf on Sunday as  tanks rumbled to within 800 meters (yards) of a holy shrine at  the center of a near three-week insurgency.


U.S. Rolls Into Softball Gold-Medal Game

ATHENS, Greece - Right now, the Americans aren't just a Dream Team - they're more like the Perfect Team. Lisa Fernandez pitched a three-hitter Sunday and Crystl Bustos drove in two runs as the Americans rolled to their eighth shutout in eight days, 5-0 over Australia, putting them into the gold medal game...


U.S. Soldiers, Militiamen Clash in Najaf

NAJAF, Iraq - U.S. warplanes bombed Najaf's Old City and troops clashed with Shiite militiamen Sunday amid fears a plan to end the standoff could collapse...


Auction Remains Dutch Mainstay

Google #39;s so-called Dutch auction may have intrigued Wall Street, but nobody here was buying it, figuratively or literally. Instead, Dutch people, the butts


Making A Splash

What a week! Here #39;s to Phelps, Thorpe and all the other breakout stars - especially the unheralded Africans. It was an irresistible formula for concocting the most popular Olympic event of the first week.


Mactier collects pursuit silver

Australian cyclist Katie Mactier has won silver behind New Zealand world champion Sarah Ulmer in the women #39;s 3000 metre individual pursuit at the Athens Olympics.


Lack of a successor clouds future after Arafat

YASSER Arafat seems to have held off one more challenge to his rule. But his latest victory does not answer the question of what will happen when he finally does leave the political scene.


Stocks #39; second thoughts

Indexes are up so far this week, but another record oil price could put some of those gains at risk. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - US stock markets were set for a little slip at Friday #39;s open, but it would take a


The biggest Mac is resting

THE Australian chief executive of McDonald #39;s is recuperating after more surgery, the world #39;s largest fast-food company said.


Schwarzenegger, auto dealer settle

An Ohio auto dealership and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have settled a legal dispute over the use of his photograph in a series of car advertisements, officials announced Friday.


EA Video Game  #39;Madden #39; Tops 1.3 Million First Week

quot;Madden NFL 2005, quot; the latest version of Electronic Arts Inc. #39;s pro football video game franchise, sold more than 1.3 million copies in its first week of release, the company said on Thursday, citing internal figures.


Seiko Epson unveil updated micro flying robot

Seiko Epson have unveiled their latest wireless flying micro-robot named the FR-II. The successor to the FR robot the latest micromechatronic contraption has a number of improvements.


Powerful Nesterenko seizes the moment

It was the final of the forgotten. Those who raced it, this weirdest of women #39;s 100-metres dashes, were a largely unknown lot; the winner, Yuliya Nesterenko, ran into history from the comfortable starting blocks of near-total anonymity.


#39;Who says we can #39;t play? #39; say goldstruck British papers

From tail-dragging despair to unabashed joy, Britain #39;s newspapers rebounded on Sunday, swelling with pride after five gold medals in one day erased the pain of the first Olympic week in Athens.


Patterson answers history and defending champ

ATHENS - She did not have the magnetic power of Mary Lou Retton, or the dizzy charm of Sarah Hughes, but Carly Patterson did have one final dance in front of her, one last chance to prove that her face belonged on those 70 million McDonald #39;s bags and


Straw to press Sudan on violence

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw will seek to intensify the pressure on the government of Sudan to tackle the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Darfur region.


Car bomb kills two in Baghdad

A car bomb exploded north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad today, killing two people and injuring four others, including a deputy provincial governor, police said.


Abdullah flies flag of Mid-East reform

HIGH above white-walled, seven-hilled Amman, in the heart of the Jordanian royal palace compound, a national flag flies in the desert breeze.


Greek Weightlifter Out

Greek weightlifter Leonidas Sampanis is stripped of his bronze medal and expelled from the Olympics for a doping offense.


Still Under Wraps

Although Joe Gibbs is back in Washington, we're unlikely to see any elements of his offensive system on display until Opening Day.


Emmons Loses Gold

American shooter Matt Emmons fired at the wrong target on his final shot Sunday, blowing a commanding lead in the Olympic 50-meter three-position rifle event and allowing Jia Zhanbo of China to take the gold


New Doping Scandal at Games

ATHENS (Reuters) - Almost 100 runners set out on Sunday to  recreate history's legendary Marathon while a modern day doping  scandal threatened the gold medal won by Russia at the first  Olympic event held at Ancient Olympia in 1,600 years.


Vegetable prices shoot up due to truckers #39; strike

Prices of vegetables, fruits and other perishable commodities shot up on Sunday though movement of essential goods across the country by and large remained unaffected as the truckers #39; strike to protest imposition of service tax entered the second day.


SAP migration part of Nortel #39;s cost-cutting plans

A standartisation to SAP is part of Nortel Networks #39; restructuting plans and is part of a move that will also see 10 of its workforce, or around 3500 jobs, eliminated.


Nesterenko surprises field with speed

Winning the 100 meters at the Olympics isn #39;t simply a tradition carried on by generations of American women sprinters, it #39;s an exercise in domination.


Mental lapse costs American shooting gold

An almost unthinkable lapse of concentration Sunday cost American Matt Emmons an Olympic shooting gold medal. Emmons, far ahead going into his final shot in the three-position


OBL still untraced, says Pakistan

Pakistan said Sunday it still has no information about the whereabouts of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and his close associates.


One dead, six missing after Maoist attack

More than 1000 Maoist rebels stormed a district headquarters in Nepal #39;s north-western mountains, bombing government buildings and killing at least one soldier, as they kept up a blockade


Israel PM vows to bring Labour into government despite vote by <b>...</b>

JERUSALEM : Beleaguered Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon persisted with plans to form a new government including the main opposition Labour party, bolstered by Washington #39;s backing for the expansion of West Bank settlements.


25 dead in Venezuela military plane crash

CARACAS : A military airplane crashed in a mountainous region in northeastern Venezuela killing all 25 passengers, a spokesman for the air rescue service told AFP.


Thousands Registered to Vote in 2 States-Report (Reuters)

Reuters - About 46,000 people are registered to\vote in two states, New York and Florida, a violation of both\states' laws that could affect the outcome of the November\presidential election, according to an investigation by the\Daily News.


Dollar May Fall on Concern Climbing Oil Prices Will Slow Growth

The dollar may fall against the euro for a third week in four on concern near-record crude oil prices will temper the pace of expansion in the US economy, a survey by Bloomberg News indicates.


Our swimming saviours

A FAST finish in the pool at Athens has delivered Australia #39;s best swimming medal haul since the 1956 Melbourne Games. A heroic butterfly leg from Petria Thomas in the women #39;s medley relay yesterday snared the team #39;s seventh and final gold medal.


Ulmer wins gold in pursuit cycling

Sarah Ulmer of New Zealand continued her dominance of pursuit racing Sunday, breaking her own world record to win the Olympic gold medal.


Moore And List Advance To US Amateur Final

Mamaroneck, NY - Ryan Moore, 21, of Puyallup, Wash., the NCAA Division I champion who has won all four golf events he has entered since late May, and Luke List, 19, of Ringgold, Ga.


Car bomb explodes near military convoy

A car bomb detonated near a US military convoy on Sunday outside the northern city of Mosul, the military said. There were no immediate reports of casualties.


Arafat refuses to sign anti-corruption legislation

Ramallah (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Yasser Arafat refused to sign anti-corruption legislation as demanded by Palestinian law-makers. In a long and tense speech to the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), the


Let UN chief get on with job: Blair

TONY Blair threw his weight behind Kofi Annan yesterday amid a growing clamour in the US for the UN Secretary-General to resign over the Iraq oil-for-food scandal.


U.S. Rolls Into Softball Gold-Medal Game

ATHENS, Greece - Right now, the Americans aren't just a Dream Team - they're more like the Perfect Team. Lisa Fernandez pitched a three-hitter Sunday and Crystl Bustos drove in two runs as the Americans rolled to their eighth shutout in eight days, 5-0 over Australia, putting them into the gold-medal game against the Aussies...


Pursuit team secure medal

Britain's team pursuit quartet will race off for gold against Australia on Monday.


UK takes lead role in stem cell research

POTTERS BAR, England At the end of a winding country road lined with hedgerows and tidy brick homes sits a new prefabricated building chock-full of monitors and filters.


User, beware of new XP patch

Microsoft has a massive patch for some of the many bugs and security holes in Windows XP. If you #39;re using Windows XP, you might want to download the software patch and install it.


Ulmer wins gold in cycling

Athens, Greece (Sports Network) - Sarah Ulmer of New Zealand won the women #39;s individual pursuit competition in track cycling Sunday at the Olympics.


#39;Sold out #39; signs going up at Games events

In the midst of the heaving throng of more than 100,000 who turned out in Athens to welcome home the victorious Greek soccer team last month, someone asked how Athens would deal with the crowds during the Olympics.


China #39;s Zhang a gold medalist again in table tennis

Athens, Greece (Sports Network) - China #39;s Zhang Yining, already a gold medalist here with doubles partner Wang Nan, won the women #39;s singles title Sunday with a four-set victory over Hyang Mi Kim of North Korea.


Travelers Could Soon Report to Work Mid-Flight (Reuters)

Reuters - Business travelers will be able to\surf the Web securely on long-distance flights by combining\services from Boeing Co. (BA.N) and iPass Inc. (IPAS.O), the\companies plan to announce on Monday.


Brands Change Course to Combat Atkins

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The biggest U.S. weight loss companies  are taking aim at the low-carb diet craze with new programs,  products and marketing campaigns they hope will boost  membership rolls and revitalize sales.


U.S. Planes Hit Militias as Tanks Near Najaf Shrine

NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. helicopter gunships pounded  Shi'ite militias in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf on Sunday as  tanks rumbled to within 800 meters (yards) of a holy shrine at  the center of a near three-week insurgency.


Travelers Could Soon Report to Work Mid-Flight

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Business travelers will be able to  surf the Web securely on long-distance flights by combining  services from Boeing Co. BA.N and iPass Inc. IPAS.O, the  companies plan to announce on Monday.


Not All Dutch Auctions Are Equal

Jeff Stacey, managing director of researcher IPO Monitor in Los Angeles, says Dutch auctions are designed to set the price accurately right away.


Update 1: Net Rivals Rise and Fall on Google IPO

Rivals to Internet search giant Google Inc. rode the momentum of its long-awaited initial public offering and saw mixed gains in early trading Thursday, but sank near the closing bell as Google #39;s shares remained


American hits wrong target and loses gold

Matthew Emmons is a trained accountant but he got his numbers terribly wrong at the Olympics. The American sharpshooter was just one shot away from a second Olympic gold


Car bomb explodes near military convoy

A car bomb detonated near a US military convoy on Sunday outside the northern city of Mosul, the military said. Two children were injured in the blast, said Dr.


Iran delays nuclear plant opening

Iran says it has delayed plans to start up its first nuclear reactor by a year - but it plans to build more plants with Russian help.


Singapore backs Beijing on Taiwan

SINGAPORE #39;S new leader tried to mend fences with China today, saying the city-state would back Beijing if Taipei  quot;provoked quot; armed conflict across the Taiwan Strait.


Blazers' Randolph Questioned by Police (AP)

AP - Portland Trail Blazers forward Zach Randolph was questioned by police after witnessing the shootings of three men inside a bar early Sunday.


British Airways plane makes emergency landing in Montreal (AFP)

AFP - A British Airways 747 en route from Phoenix, Arizona to London made an emergency landing in Montreal following a mechanical problem with the plane, a company spokesman told AFP.


I spy with my little...

This state-of-the-art spy helicopter features its own computer, a digital camera and Bluetooth wireless technology so it can transmit instant pictures.


Ulmer gives New Zealand historic gold

Athens - Sarah Ulmer gave New Zealand their first ever Olympic cycling gold medal and only their second of the Athens Games on Sunday, breaking her own world record for the women #39;s 3-km individual pursuit in the process.


Celtic tunes up with win over Inverness

Aberdeen, Scotland (Sports Network) - Celtic remained perfect in Scottish Premier League play this season with a 3-1 win over Inverness at the Pittodrie.


Injured Gail Devers Can't Finish Hurdles (AP)

AP - Gail Devers, the most talented yet star-crossed hurdler of her generation, was unable to complete even one hurdle in 100-meter event Sunday  #151; failing once again to win an Olympic hurdling medal.


Martin meeting with Liberal caucus early test in art of compromise (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - This week's gathering of federal Liberals will allow Paul Martin to hone his skills for the consensus-building exercise that is minority government.


Senate Republicans Weigh Dismantling CIA

WASHINGTON - Senate Intelligence Committee Republicans proposed removing the nation's largest intelligence gathering operations from the CIA and the Pentagon and putting them directly under a new national intelligence director.    Sen...


Palestinians Chide U.S. Over Settlements

JERUSALEM - Palestinian leaders reacted angrily on Sunday to Washington's apparent readiness to allow construction inside Israeli settlements in the West Bank, warning that it would destroy the peace process.    U.S...


Injured Gail Devers Can't Finish Hurdles

ATHENS, Greece - Gail Devers, the most talented yet star-crossed hurdler of her generation, was unable to complete even one hurdle in 100-meter event Sunday - failing once again to win an Olympic hurdling medal.    Devers, 37, who has three world championships in the hurdles but has always flopped at the Olympics, pulled up short and screamed as she slid under the first hurdle...


Audit of referendum supports Chavez

An audit by international observers supported official elections results that gave President Hugo Chavez a victory over a recall vote against him, the secretary-general of the Organisation of American States announced.


M amp;S overtaken as top UK clothes retailer

Marks  amp; Spencer is no longer the UKs largest clothing retailer after losing its crown to supermarket chain Asda, it was reported today.


TXT-to-pay parking gets green light

Wellington City Council will this week start replacing 1300 parking meters with 300 pay-and-display machines that can accept payments from mobile phones or credit cards.


Judge #39;s ruling too close to home

quot;IG has verified that Colombian judge Oscar Buitrago Reyes, one of three officials suspended by the FIG (world gymnastics body) on August 21, has lived and worked in Ohio for several years, quot; the magazine #39;s website said on Sunday.


Rowing: Pinsent #39;s emotions run free after gold medal No 4

and it beat anything the 20th could offer either. A fourth successive gold medal for Matthew Pinsent by only just 0.08s. Barney Williams


Bears, Dolphins swap former Pro Bowlers

The Chicago Bears have sent wide receiver Marty Booker and a 2005 third-round draft pick to the Miami Dophins for disgruntled defensive end Adewale Ogunleye.


Celtic reclaim lead with 3-1 win over 10-man Inverness

Celtic returned to the top of the Scottish Premier League on Sunday with Wales striker John Hartson scoring twice for the champions in a 3-1 win over 10-man Inverness Caledonian Thistle.


Aggressive Springboks revive memories of World Cup win

Two discards held centre stage yesterday as the Springboks revived memories of their World Cup triumph when they nailed the Tri-Nations title.


Palestinians say US destroys hope over settlements

RAMALLAH: Palestinians yesterday accused the United States of destroying hopes of negotiations with Israel for a Palestinian state, after the US signalled it could accept some growth of settlements in the West Bank.


This gold tarnished

Federation rules that judges #39; mistake cost S. Korea #39;s Yang a victory, but Hamm gets to keep medal. ATHENS, Greece - Paul Hamm was erroneously awarded the gold medal in the men #39;s all-around Wednesday night because


Hungarian fencing referee suspended for two years

A Hungarian fencing referee was expelled from the Olympics and suspended for two years Sunday after making several errors during Saturday night #39;s gold-medal match in men #39;s team foil.


Injured Devers Can't Finish Hurdles (AP)

AP - Gail Devers, the most talented yet star-crossed hurdler of her generation, failed once again in the Olympics as she was struck by injury before the first hurdle. Devers, 37, who has three world championships in the 100-meter hurdles, pulled up short and screamed as she slid under the first hurdle. She sat on the track for about two minutes, rubbing her left leg and grimacing.


Pope Condemns Unethical Science, Cloning

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy - Pope John Paul (news - web sites) II warned in a statement released Sunday that humanity #39;s speedy progress in science and technology risks overlooking moral values, citing with particular concern experiments in human cloning.


Greek weightlifter stripped of bronze for doping

In another embarrassing incident for the Olympic host nation, a Greek weightlifter has been stripped of his bronze medal for a doping offence.


Ulmer surprised with record time

Sarah Ulmer #39;s blitzing gold medal ride at the Olympic Velodrome on Monday has left her eating her own words. Ulmer broke the women #39;s 3000m individual pursuit world record for the second time in two days in the final.


Paula Radcliffe gives up

Paula Radcliffe has withdrawn in tears after just over two hours of the Olympic women #39;s marathon. The world record holder and big favourite was in fourth place at the time but was losing ground.


Jaguars Release Sack Leader Brackens (AP)

AP - The Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday released defensive end Tony Brackens, the team's all-time sack leader.


Chicago Orders Cubs to Fix Wrigley Field (AP)

AP - The protective netting in place to protect fans from falling concrete at Wrigley Field must be replaced with a permanent solution if the Chicago Cubs want to play at the stadium next spring.


Halliburton Awaits Decision on Payments (AP)

AP - After a week of flip-flops by the Army, Halliburton is waiting for a final decision on whether the military will withhold 15 percent of payments for some of its work in Iraq.


IOC Taking Back Women's Shot Put Gold

ATHENS (Reuters) - Women's Olympic shot put champion Irina  Korzhanenko of Russia will lose her gold medal after testing  positive for a banned steroid, the head of the Russian Olympic  Committee's anti-doping body said Sunday.


Radcliffe suffers marathon agony

An exhausted Paula Radcliffe fails to finish in Athens as Japan's Mizuki Noguchi wins the women's marathon.


Google #39;s woes shouldn #39;t bury IPO auction idea

Google Inc. #39;s stumbles shouldn #39;t be used to write off the idea of employing auctions to sell stock to the public. Certainly, the initial public offering of the Internet search


Arsenal equal record

Arsenal came back from two goals down to equal Nottingham Forest #39;s 42-match unbeaten run that has stood for 25 years. The Gunners went ahead in the 26th minute through Thierry Henry, but Arsenal were stunned


Dope tests catch medallists

A Greek Olympian has been stripped of his bronze medal after testing positive for drugs, and a Russian gold medallist has also reportedly failed a test.


Olympics: Ulmer smashes world record to bag pursuit cycling gold

ATHENS : New Zealand #39;s Sarah Ulmer smashed her second world record in as many days on the way to claiming the 3000-metre individual pursuit cycling gold medal at the Athens Olympics.


Kastor takes bronze in marathon; Japan #39;s Noguchi wins

American Deena Kastor crosed the finish line crying as she captured the bronze medal in the marathon Sunday. She finished the course in 2 hours, 27 minutes, 19 seconds.


Boston at Chicago Sox, 8:05 PM

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox will go for a three-game sweep when they face the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field on Sunday night.


Mob sets Bangladesh train alight

An angry mob set fire to a passenger train in central Bangladesh yesterday as they protested against a grenade attack on an Opposition rally that killed at least 18 people and injured hundreds.


Kadyrov absolutely rejected extreme forms of Wahhabism  Putin

MOSCOW, August 22 (Itar-Tass) --Akhmad Kadyrov was absolutely against the extreme forms of Wahhabism, which some forces are still trying to plant on our land, President Vladimir Putin said in the RTR documentary, Akhmad Kadyrov.


Journalist Kidnapped in Iraq Is Released (AP)

AP - U.S. journalist Micah Garen, who was kidnapped in Iraq more than a week ago, was released Sunday in the southern city of Nasiriyah. Garen spoke to Al-Jazeera television, confirming he was freed.


Noguchi Reduces Radcliffe to Tears, Kastor Wins Bronze

ATHENS (Reuters) - Japan's diminutive Mizuki Noguchi put on  an extraordinary display of front-running to win the Olympic  women's marathon title on Sunday as Paula Radcliffe's challenge  ended in bitter tears.


Murkowski Braces for Alaska Sen. Primary (AP)

AP - Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she has not asked Alaskans to like the way she got her job  #151; she was appointed by her father, Gov. Frank Murkowski.


Singapore 'would not back Taiwan'

Singapore's new PM says he would not back Taiwan if it provoked a war with China over independence.


Irish sunken wreck likely Cromwell's flagship, archaeologists say (AFP)

AFP - The wreck of a 17th-century ship found preserved in a sandbar in southern Ireland five years ago could well be the navy flagship of England ruler Oliver Cromwell, according to a Irish government archaeologist.


25 People Killed in Venezuela Plane Crash (AP)

AP - A military plane crashed into a mountain in central Venezuela, killing 25 people, including five children, the air force rescue team said in a statement Saturday.


Injured Devers Can't Finish Hurdles

ATHENS, Greece - Gail Devers, the most talented yet star-crossed hurdler of her generation, failed once again in the Olympics as she was struck by injury before the first hurdle. Devers, 37, who has three world championships in the 100-meter hurdles, pulled up short and screamed as she slid under the first hurdle...


U.S. Prepares for Guantanamo Arraignments

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba - One man allegedly worked as an al-Qaida accountant. Another, a poet, is accused of crafting terrorist propaganda...


Henry wants silverware

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry insisted there must be an end product to the Gunners #39; record-breaking run. As Arsenal equalled Nottingham Forest #39;s 42-game unbeaten League run Henry said:  quot;Even on the pitch we didn #39;t realise what we had done.


Ticket Scalpers Not Doing Good Business in Athens

The perennial Olympics pariah, commonly known as the ticket scalper, is having a hard time in Athens. Scalpers normally buy hard-to-get tickets, with hopes of selling them later at highly inflated prices.


Swiss Pair Eliminates Holdren, Metzger

Dax Holdren could only watch helplessly as partner Stein Metzger made a desperate dive for the ball, screaming as if the noise could stop it from hitting the sizzling sand.


Family #39;s farewell to Amelie

The devastated parents and sister of murdered French woman Amelie Delagrange left a heart-rending farewell at the scene where she was brutally attacked.


Singapore #39;s PM Backs China Over Taiwan Independence

Singapore #39;s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has warned Taiwan against moving toward independence, saying he supports the  quot;one China quot; policy.


Oil addicts

It lubricates all our lives. But can we live without the black stuff, asks Heather Stewart. Sky-high oil prices are already taking their toll, eating into consumers #39; spending power and squeezing corporate margins


Olympians pursuit of marketing gold begins long before medals <b>...</b>

For millions of Americans, gymnast Paul Hamm #39;s fame began only when the broad-shouldered Olympian shrugged off a fall in the vaulting competition last week and made an inspired comeback to win gold.


Reporting to Work Mid-Flight

Business travelers will soon take advantage of airborne internet if two companies have their way. Boeing and software maker iPass plan to use satellite and Wi-Fi to connect high fliers to the office.


Arsenal matches record of 42 league games without a loss

Defending champion Arsenal matched a 25-year-old record of 42 league games without a loss in the top tier of English soccer by rallying past Middlesbrough 5-3 Sunday.


Najaf police: a thin blue line between foes

US troops encircled the Shrine of Ali Sunday as fighting resumed. The standoff leaves Iraqi police with few allies. By Scott Baldauf  Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor.


Iran Announces Delays in First Nuclear Reactor Coming on Line

Iran says its first nuclear reactor, being built with the help of Russia, will not go on line until October 2006, a year later than planned.


Family mourn  quot;angel quot; slain in London

The family of a French woman who police think might have been slain by a serial hammer killer have paid tribute to an  quot;angel quot; who found happiness during her time in London.


25 people killed in Venezuela plane crash

A military plane crashed into a mountain in central Venezuela, killing 25 people, including five children, the air force rescue team said in a statement Saturday.


Venezuelan Vote Audit Backs Chavez, Finds No Fraud

An audit of Venezuela #39;s referendum results has confirmed President Hugo Chavez won the poll fairly and found no evidence to support the opposition #39;s claims


Venezuela plane crash kills 25

A Venezuelan air force plane carrying three crew members and 22 passengers has crashed in bad weather in central Venezuela, killing all on board, an aviation official said Sunday.


Injured Devers Can't Finish Hurdles (AP)

AP - Gail Devers failed once again in the Olympic 100-meter hurdles, falling to injury just steps into her first race. Devers, 37, who has three world championships in the event, pulled up short and screamed as she slid under the first hurdle Sunday.


Japanese Woman Wins Marathon; Kastor Third (AP)

AP - Mizuki Noguchi of Japan held on for the gold and American Deena Kastor used a late burst for a stunning bronze medal finish Sunday night in the Olympic marathon. Kastor's third place gave the United States its first marathon medal since Joan Benoit's gold in Los Angeles 20 years ago.


AP Reporter Recalls Deng for His Humor (AP)

AP - Many Americans remember the late Deng Xiaoping as a little man with big ideas at a Houston, Texas, barbecue grinning up at the cameras from under a ten-gallon hat.


Women's Hoops Cruises

America's Katie Smith reinjures her right knee early in a dominating 100-62 women's basketball victory over China on Sunday.


A Rash Product That Sells Itself

COVINGTON, La. - Retired Louisiana pharmacist George Boudreaux hasn't needed Madison Avenue pitchmen to get the word out about his concoction to treat diaper rash...


4 U.S. Marines Killed in Iraq Incidents

NAJAF, Iraq - Four U.S. Marines assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force have been killed in separate incidents in Iraq's volatile Anbar province, the military announced Sunday...


Smith Reinjures Knee in U.S. Hoops Win

ATHENS, Greece - This latest victory for the U.S. women's basketball team came with a scare - from an injury, not the opponent...


Injured Devers Can't Finish Hurdles

ATHENS, Greece - Gail Devers failed once again in the Olympic 100-meter hurdles, falling to injury just steps into her first race. Devers, 37, who has three world championships in the event, pulled up short and screamed as she slid under the first hurdle Sunday...


General Growth to become stronger with acquisition of Rouse

General Growth Properties, the company that owns Ala Moana Center, Victoria Ward Ltd., and Hilo #39;s Prince Kuhio Plaza, stands to gain even more leverage with national retail chains after acquiring the Rouse Co.


Santos May Report 40 Drop in First-Half Profit as Output Fell

Santos Ltd., Australia #39;s biggest natural gas producer, may report first-half profit fell 40 percent after a fire on New Year #39;s Day at its gas processing plant in central Australia cut production.


Agfa-Gevaert quits camera film business

One of the best-known names in camera film, Agfa-Gevaert, is quitting the industry due to the booming popularity of digital cameras.


Santos increases gas fields

SANTOS has moved to consolidate its gas exploration and production business in offshore Victoria, picking up a dominant position in the southern Gippsland Basin.


Microsoft pays dearly for insults through ignorance

INSENSITIVE computer programmers with little knowledge of geography have cost the giant Microsoft company hundreds of millions of dollars in lost business and led hapless company employees to be arrested by offended governments.


Travel sites agree to changes for the blind

Priceline.com and Ramada.com have agreed to make their Web pages easier to navigate for the blind and visually impaired as part of a settlement with New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.


Noguchi wins marathon, Kastor gives United States a surprising <b>...</b>

Mizuki Noguchi of Japan held on for the gold and American Deena Kastor used a late burst for a stunning bronze medal finish Sunday night in the Olympic marathon.


US Pressures Rebels in Najaf as Talks to End Fighting Stall

As negotiations between Moktada al-Sadr and the interim Iraqi government stalled today, American forces intensified pressure on rebels loyal to Mr.


Murder shows parallels with Marsha killing

In a murder case echoing that of student Marsha McDonnell, police found the body of a young woman bludgeoned to death in Twickenham.


Make our case

Last week, Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz submitted a reportedly dire study to the government on the ramifications of the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the security fence, and warned that it could result in sanctions against Israel.


Car blast targets Iraqi official

A car bomb has exploded north of the Iraqi capital, killing two people and injuring four others, including the deputy provincial governor of Diyala.


Indictment Said Issued in Colo. Scandal (AP)

AP - A state grand jury has handed down an indictment regarding the use of prostitutes to entice football recruits to the University of Colorado, according to a published report.


Sudan Delegations in Nigeria for Peace Talks (Reuters)

Reuters - Sudanese Darfur rebels arrived in Nigeria\on Sunday ahead of peace talks under the African Union (AU) to\resolve a conflict that has killed up to 50,000 and displaced\more than a million people.


El Guerrouj and Kaouch Lead Into 1,500 Final

ATHENS (Reuters) - Moroccan duo Hicham El Guerrouj and Adil  Kaouch led the way into the Olympic men's 1,500 meters final  when they each won one of Saturday's semi-finals.


Sudan Delegations in Nigeria for Peace Talks

ABUJA (Reuters) - Sudanese Darfur rebels arrived in Nigeria  on Sunday ahead of peace talks under the African Union (AU) to  resolve a conflict that has killed up to 50,000 and displaced  more than a million people.


Jones Leads Cowboys to Stunning Win Over Seahawks

Julius Jones scored on a 17-yard touchdown run with 37 seconds left as the Dallas Cowboys scored two touchdowns in the last two minutes to stun the Seattle Seahawks 43-39 in the National Football League Monday.


Ringtone chartshow to air on British TV (FT.com)

FT.com - A new weekly music television show that will showcase charts for mobile phone ringtones and music downloads is to be aired on ITV1 in a sign of the growing influence of both the mobile phone and the internet on music sales.


Evocative, and Steamy, Marathon Goes to Japanese Woman

ATHENS, Aug. 22  The marathon was inspired by suffering, and on the day an event that is as much a test of character as a test of endurance returned to its Olympic roots, the suffering returned, too.


Asda Tops Mark  amp; Spencer on UK Clothing Sales, Telegraph Says

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. #39;s Asda, the UK #39;s second biggest supermarket chain, surpassed Marks  amp; Spencer Group Plc as Britain #39;s largest clothing retailer in the last three months, according to the Sunday Telegraph.


Olympics: New Doping Scandal, Judging Scandals at Games

Japan #39;s Mizuki Nogushi won the first Olympic marathon raced from the historic site in 108 years on Sunday, but for Britain the race turned into heartbreak as its top runner quit in tears.


Khorkina Bitter at All-Around Defeat

Svetlana Khorkina, who was second to American Carly Patterson in the women #39;s all-around gymnastics competition, has accused the judges of robbing her of the gold medal and said  quot;everything was decided in advance.


Clashes break out in Najaf, but government says it hopes to <b>...</b>

By Abdul Hussein Al-Obeidi, Associated Press, 8/22/2004 15:32. NAJAF, Iraq (AP) Explosions and gunfire shook Najaf #39;s Old City on Sunday in a fierce battle between US forces and Shiite militants, as negotiations


Putin Flies to Chechnya Ahead of Vote

A week before the Chechen presidential election, President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Chechnya on Sunday to lay red carnations on the grave of slain Chechen leader Akhmad Kadyrov.


E-Vote Machines: Secret Testing

Even though tax money pays for voting machines, the three companies that certify the nation's voting technologies operate in secret. The reason? Their contracts with the voting machine makers specify secrecy.


Athletics: Powell leads the way into wide-open 100 final

ATHENS - Asafa Powell led the way into what appears to be a wide-open Olympic 100m final on Sunday as the Jamaican won his semifinal in 9.95 seconds.


Australian Newbery wins women #39;s platform Olympic gold

Chantelle Newbery won Australia #39;s first gold medal in diving since 1924 Sunday night, easily holding off China #39;s Lao Lishi and Aussie teammate Loudy Tourky in women #39;s 10-meter platform.


Sudanese Darfur Rebels Arrive for Peace Talks

Rebel delegates from Sudan #39;s western Darfur region have arrived in Nigeria for talks with Sudanese officials on ending violence sparked by a rebel uprising 18 months ago.


Munch's famous painting The Scream stolen from Norway museum - again (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OSLO, Norway (AP) - Armed men stormed into an art museum Sunday, threatened staff at gunpoint and stole Edvard Munch's famous paintings The Scream and Madonna before stunned museum-goers.


Mets Recall Ginter, Option 1B Brazell (AP)

AP - The New York Mets recalled right-hander Matt Ginter from Triple-A Norfolk in time for him to start Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants.


Leg Injury Knocks Devers Out of Hurdles

ATHENS, Greece - Gail Devers failed once again in the Olympic 100-meter hurdles, falling to injury just steps into her first heat. Devers, 37, who has three world championships in the event, pulled up short and screamed as she slid under the first hurdle Sunday...


Boudreaux's Butt Paste Sells Itself

COVINGTON, La. - Retired Louisiana pharmacist George Boudreaux hasn't needed Madison Avenue pitchmen to get the word out about his concoction to treat diaper rash...


Amazon buys into growing Chinese online retail market

Amazon.com, the world #39;s biggest online retailer, is to buy Chinese rival Joyo.com for about \$75m in a deal that will give it a substantial presence in China #39;s growing internet market.


Michael Phelps Wins 6 Gold Medals in Swimming in Athens

The eight days of Olympic swimming competition ended Saturday night at the Athens Summer Games. And the big star was American Michael Phelps.


Gatlin Wins 100 Meters; Greene Third

Justin Gatlin ran the race of his life, barely holding off the field Sunday night to win the 100 meters in 9.85 seconds. Francis Obikwelu of Portugal got the silver


Ulmer has golden glow

Exhausted cyclist Sarah Ulmer is still on a high from taking gold at the Olympics in world record time. She is back at the Olympic village and still cannot believe the number of New Zealanders at the velodrome to cheer her on.


Lleyton Hewitt beats Gilles Muller to win title in Washington

Lleyton Hewitt strong first serve and excellent court coverage ended the best week of Gilles Muller #39;s career. Hewitt beat the Luxembourg player 6-3, 6-4 Sunday in the final of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic.


Newbery Wins Platform Diving Gold for Australia

Chantelle Newbery became the first Australian to win the Olympic women #39;s platform diving title with a clearcut victory in the final on Sunday.


Molina ties career high with four hits

BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- Kelvim Escobar was the latest Anaheim Angels #39; pitcher to subdue the New York Yankees. Escobar pitched seven strong innings and Bengie Molina tied a career-high with four hits, including


Bears have edge in Ogunleye trade

(Aug. 22, 2004) -- The Miami Dolphins desperately needed a receiver. The Chicago Bears desperately needed a defensive end. But take a closer look, and it seems clear that the Bears came out on top in the deal -- by a lot.


Group frees US journalist hostage in Iraq

fiance who spent three months with me in Nassiriya, quot; Garen told Arab satellite television Al Jazeera by telephone. He was speaking from the Nassiriya office of rebel Shi #39;ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.


Tramps victim to suspected Brazil death squad

One vagrant died and three were badly beaten in overnight attacks in Brazil #39;s biggest city of Sao Paulo, raising the number of victims of a suspected death squad to 14 in four days.


Wood, Baker, Oswalt Tossed From Game (AP)

AP - Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, manager Dusty Baker and Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt were ejected Sunday during the NL Central rivals' final game of a three-game series.


Pakistan defeats Chairman #39;s XI at Lilac Hill

An impressive century by opening batsman Salman Butt helped Pakistan notch up their first tour win with a 43-run victory over a Cricket Australia Chairman #39;s XI at Lilac Hill in Perth.


Noguchi wins Olympic marathon as tearful Radcliffe crashes out (AFP)

AFP - Mizuki Noguchi kept the Olympic Games women's marathon title in Japan when she clinched gold here in a time of 2hrs 26min 20sec.


9/11 Commission Details Lax U.S. Controls (AP)

AP - A new report from the now-defunct Sept. 11 commission details the lax controls on immigration and customs that the hijackers exploited to carry out their plot.


In Mr. Bush's Neighborhood, a Peculiar Intersection

The relationship between President Bush and Wall Street has always been layered with paradox and outright contradiction.


Oil price a concern for US economy

High oil prices, which have been a factor in virtually all US recessions over the past three decades, are surging again this year.


Taste solution to pigeon predators

Pigeon fanciers in Britain, tired of having their prize racing birds snatched by predators, have a plan to save them - by making them taste too nasty for other birds to eat.


Can Radcliffe Rise from Athens Ashes?

So Paula Radcliffe is mortal, and probably now destined never to win an Olympic gold medal. For the past two years she has run like a goddess inexorably heading towards Athens glory.


Stefan Holm win #39;s high jump gold

Stefan Holm of Sweden won the Olympic high jump Sunday, clearing 7 feet, 8 inches (2.36 meters) as Sweden took three gold medals in the first two days of competition.


Raffarin pledges to be  quot;extremely severe quot; against anti-semitism <b>...</b>

French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin declared Sunday that  quot;France will be extremely severe against those who perpetrate anti-semitism, quot; after visiting the Jewish social


Blue Jays Beat Orioles 8-5 for Sweep (AP)

AP - Eric Hinske and Vernon Wells homered, and the Toronto Blue Jays completed a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles with an 8-5 victory Sunday.


Gatlin Takes 100 Meter Gold

ATHENS (Reuters) - American Justin Gatlin shot to victory  in the Olympic 100 meters final on Sunday in an atmosphere of  fevered excitement.


Gatlin Wins 100 Sprint

America's Justin Gatlin runa the race of his life, barely holding off the field Sunday to win the 100 meters in 9.85 seconds.


Blue Jays Sweep O's

Miguel Tejada went 4 for 5 with a homer, three doubles and five RBI for the Orioles, but it could not prevent the O's from being swept by the now hot-hitting Blue Jays, 8-5, on Sunday.


Gatlin Takes 100 Meters Gold


New Afghan Army asserts itself

Rivals in western Afghanistan agreed to a cease-fire last week after the arrival of the Afghan National Army.


Series of explosions mark ETA's return

At least seven small bombs have exploded in Spain's seaside resorts this month.


Moscow on the Mediterranean? Russia's yacht craze

Yachting is one of the new luxuries for Moscow's superrich.


France: A year after the heatwave

Is the country better prepared to prevent a repeat of last August's deadly crisis?


Doctor, heal thyself

During a recent visit to Jaipur I was informed that in the last two years the clinics and nursing homes of over 30 doctors had been attacked by attendants and friends of patients and the public.


Novell Turns A Q3 Profit

Novell Inc. is reporting a big turnaround in its financial picture. The networking company is reporting a third-quarter profit of \$23.


Evocative, and Steamy, Marathon Goes to Japanese Woman

The marathon was inspired by suffering, and on the day an event that is as much a test of character as a test of endurance returned to its Olympic roots, the suffering returned, too.


US hold on 100 broken

ATHENS - Lauryn Williams never heard of Yuliya Nesterenko until this weekend. The same might be said about the Belarussian #39;s knowledge of the 20-year-old American.


Sudan jails some Darfur security forces - report

Sudan said it had imprisoned some Darfur militia and police for crimes including rape, the first admission that government security forces have committed human rights abuses there, a Khartoum daily said on Sunday.


Pakistan Details Suicide Attacks Plot

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan Aug. 22, 2004 - Security forces hunted for more terror suspects, officials said Sunday, as Pakistan revealed it has arrested a dozen al-Qaida-linked militants planning to launch simultaneous


War Crimes Hearings to Begin for 4 Guantanamo Prisoners

Four suspected al Qaeda fighters will be formally charged with war crimes this week as the US military opens the first legal hearings for foreign


Dole Questions Kerry's Vietnam Wounds

CRAWFORD, Texas - Former Republican Sen. Bob Dole suggested Sunday that John Kerry apologize for past testimony before Congress about alleged atrocities during the Vietnam War and joined critics of the Democratic presidential candidate who say he received an early exit from combat for "superficial wounds." Dole also called on Kerry to release all the records of his service in Vietnam...


Munch's Iconic 'Scream' Stolen in Norway

OSLO, Norway - Armed, masked thieves burst into a lightly guarded Oslo museum Sunday and snatched the Edvard Munch masterpiece "The Scream" and a second Munch painting from the walls as stunned visitors watched in shock.    It was the second time in a decade that a version of the iconic "Scream," which depicts an anguished, opened-mouthed figure grabbing the sides of its head, had been stolen from an Oslo museum...


Gatlin Takes 100 Meter Gold

American Justin Gatlin shot to victory in the Olympic 100 meters final on Sunday in an atmosphere of fevered excitement. Gatlin flew across the line in 9.85 seconds, one


Underneath the competition, sportsmanship ethic prevails

Many athletes exude ideals of Games, from embraces in the pool to a fencing timeout. By Mark Sappenfield  Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor.


Sharing the Gold

After years of sacrificing, athletes don #39;t come to the Olympics to put self-interest aside; they come to be No. 1. Get all of today #39;s headlines, or alerts on specific topics.


Americans lose again

ATHENS, Greece - Lithuanian guard Sarunas Jasikevicius, whose off-target three-pointer kept his team from pulling off the biggest upset of the Sydney Olympics, didnt miss when it counted on Saturday night against the Americans in a thrilling 94-90


US jets hit Sadr men as tanks near Najaf shrine

NAJAF (Iraq) - US helicopter gunships pounded supporters of Moqtada Al Sadr in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf yesterday as tanks rumbled to within 800 metres of a holy shrine at the centre of a near three-week insurgency.


Singapore  #39;would not recognise #39; independent Taiwan

Singapore #39;s new Prime Minister, in his first policy speech since taking office, has warned of the dangers of war if Taiwan makes a miscalculation in its relations with China.


A monkey off their back

Danielle Rhoades still remembers the taste of debt: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and tuna fish. That #39;s mainly what she subsisted on for a year - after living more extravagantly during her first year


Record-breaking Kiwi relegates Mactier to silver

Southern stars: 3000 metres women #39;s pursuit gold medallist Sarah Ulmer, right, hug #39;s Australia #39;s silver medallist Katie Mactier after beating her in a record breaking final.


Sri Lankas finest hour

Sri Lankas emphatic victory over the South Africans must count among the finest in their cricketing history. Graeme Smiths side were taken apart with the efficiency of crew changing tyres at a car race.


UPDATE 2-Gibernau beats Rossi in Czech GP revenge

Spaniard Sete Gibernau cruised to his third win of the season in the Czech MotoGP Grand Prix on Sunday, holding off a tough challenge from championship leader Valentino Rossi.


Ramirez Hits 3-Run Homer, Cubs Beat Astros (AP)

AP - Aramis Ramirez hit a three-run homer, Moises Alou also homered and the Chicago Cubs beat the Houston Astros 11-6 on Sunday in the testy conclusion of a three-game series between the NL Central rivals.


Islamic group posts alleged pictures of Nepalese abducted in Iraq (AFP)

AFP - An Islamic militant group published on a website the alleged pictures of twelve Nepalese citizens whom it said it had abducted for cooperating with US forces in Iraq.


Gymnastics: Misery for Hamm, Khorkina

ATHENS (Reuters) - All-round champion Paul Hamm's Olympic  fortunes took a downward turn on Sunday when he was outdone by  the mastery of Kyle Shewfelt and Teng Haibin in the men's  apparatus finals.


Bush campaign aide resigns amid controversy over campaign ads (AFP)

AFP - The highly-charged debate over John Kerry's record in the Vietnam War raged, after a veteran working to help re-elect incumbent president George W. Bush resigned, while the Democratic challenger lodged a formal complaint with election authorities.


Exhausted Agassi Withdraws from Long Island Tournament

NEW YORK (Reuters) - American Andre Agassi has withdrawn  from the TD Waterhouse Cup, starting on Monday on Long Island,  citing fatigue.


Nigeria Wants AU Troops to Disarm Darfur Rebels

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on  Sunday proposed to give a greater role to African Union (AU)  troops in restoring peace to Sudan's Darfur region on the eve  of talks between the Sudanese government and rebels.


U.S. Planes Hit Militias as Tanks Near Najaf Shrine

NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. helicopter gunships pounded  Shi'ite militias in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf on Sunday as  tanks rumbled to within 800 meters (yards) of a besieged shrine  at the center of a near three-week insurgency.


India reduces steel import tax to rein in prices

MUMBAI India has cut the import tax on steel for a third time this year and canceled customs duty on raw materials to contain prices after they rose to their highest in a decade.


Foul Taste to Keep Pigeons Safe

Racing pigeon owners are planning to make their birds less tasty in a bid to stop them being eaten by peregrine falcons, it was revealed today.


100-meter winners are new crew

ATHENS Justin Gatlin of the United States held off a late charge by Francis Obikwelu, a Nigerian-born Portuguese, on Sunday to win one of the fastest 100-meter finals in Olympic history.


Where it all began, Noguchi wins marathon

ATHENS The marathon was inspired by suffering, and on the day an event that is as much a test of character as a test of endurance returned to its Olympic roots and the evocative marble horseshoe that is Panathanaiko stadium, the suffering returned, too.


Cyclist gets gold plus the record

ATHENS Capping a perfect year, Sarah Ulmer of New Zealand set a stunning world record and won Olympic gold to add to her world title in the three-kilometer pursuit on Sunday.


I was robbed, Khorkina tells Russian paper

MOSCOW Russia #39;s Svetlana Khorkina, who was second to Carly Patterson of the United States in the women #39;s all-round gymnastics competition, has accused the judges of robbing her of the gold medal, saying  quot;everything was decided in advance.


Strike is averted by deal with British Airways

LONDON British Airways and union leaders said over the weekend that they had agreed to a three-year pay deal for check-in employees and baggage handlers and that a strike scheduled for Friday had been suspended.


Basketball: U.S. Women Win Again, Greece Qualify

ATHENS (Reuters) - The United States ran their preliminary  round record to a perfect 5-0 with a 100-62 drubbing of China  at the women's Olympic basketball tournament on Sunday,  remaining on course for a third consecutive gold medal.


Angels Take Third Straight From Yankees

Bengie Molina went 4-for-4 with a three-run homer, Kelvim Escobar outpitched Kevin Brown and the Anaheim Angels completed a three-game sweep.


Update 12: Judge Won #39;t Block United Pension Plans

A federal bankruptcy judge approved United Airlines #39; amended financing plan Friday, rejecting union arguments that United didn #39;t try hard enough to come up with an alternative that would continue company contributions to employee pension funds.


German group Nanno and two US groups buy Agfa-Gevaert photo <b>...</b>

German private equity firm Nanno and two US groups have reportedly joined forces to back the management buy-out of the troubled consumer photo business from Belgian-based Agfa-Gevaert for a reported E175m.


Tribe has great excuse for poor math skills

Some people have a great excuse for being bad at math -- their language lacks the words for most numbers, US-based researchers reported on Thursday.


No news is good news on Athens #39; security front

The 17-day Olympic Games passed the halfway point this weekend, and the best news on the security front was that there was no news at all.


Final scores from 2004 US Amateur

Semifinals - Saturday, August 21 ----- Ryan Moore (1) def. Jeff Overton (20), 2 and 1 Luke List (6) def. Chris Nallen (10), 19 Holes.


Twins finish homestand with sweep

Brad Radke pitched seven strong innings while Torii Hunter had three hits and three RBIs as the Twins knocked down the Indians again with a 7-3 victory Sunday.


Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday proposed to give a greater role to African Union (AU) troops in restoring peace to Sudan #39;s Darfur region on the eve of talks between the Sudanese government and rebels.


Bogus Degrees Lawsuit

An online university that supposedly granted a business degree to a cat has been sued for consumer fraud. The lawsuit was filed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General #39;s Office against Dallas-based Trinity Southern


India News: Truckers #39; strike enters second day (NIGHT LEAD)

The finance minister said he suspected a role for transport booking agents in misguiding the truck operators and inciting them to go on strike.


ZOYSA PUTS SOUTH AFRICA TO THE SWORD

Nuwan Zoysa ripped through South Africa #39;s upper order to power Sri Lanka to a 37-run victory in the second One Day International in Colombo.


Fierce gunfire erupts in Najaf after mortar fire

NAJAF: A fierce gunbattle erupted between US troops and radical Shi #39;ite militants near Najaf #39;s holy shrine this morning, a Reuters witness said.


Three Dead In Roadblock Incident In Afghanistan

22 August 2004 -- The US-led coalition forces said that troops fired on a truck that attempted to run through a joint Afghan National Army and coalition checkpoint near Ghazni, killing three and wounding two others.


Moribund 'lad mag' market in Britain gets a boost (AFP)

AFP - A decade ago, Britain's magazine market was shaken up by a series of men's titles which offered an unsubtle mix of football, humour and scantily-clad women. Now a new revolution has begun, using much the same formula.


Fiorentina, Atalanta Win at Italian Cup (AP)

AP - Fiorentina, Atalanta, Messina and Livorno all won their first-round matches of the Italian Cup on Sunday, stepping closer to qualification for the next round.


Kerry, Bush battle for crucial military vote (AFP)

AFP - Republican President George W. Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry are battling feverishly for the support of soldiers and veterans, but Bush seems to have gained the upper hand as Kerry's military past comes under attack.


Shuttle repair plan remains in the works

The space shuttle may begin flying before NASA has a reliable plan to fix damage similar to that which doomed the Columbia shuttle in February 2003, the manager of the shuttle program said Monday.


Transport owners wrongly advised: FM

NEW DELHI: Union finance minister P Chidambaram on Sunday said truck operators and owners, who are on strike protesting the imposition of service tax, have been wrongly advised and misguided by goods transport agents even as the government


Pope Condemns Human Cloning and Arrogance of Man

Pope John Paul on Sunday condemned human cloning as an arrogant attempt to improve on God #39;s creation.  quot;The sense of power that every technical progress inspires in man is


Sony tries to win back flat-panel TV market

TOKYO - Sony Corp is attempting to claw back market share of the domestic flat-panel TV market with the launch of eight new televisions.


One, two, ... er, too many

Researchers claim to have solved the mystery of the people who simply do not count. It could be because they are lost for words. The Piraha of the Amazon have almost legendary status in language research.


Web sites agree to be accessible to blind

In one of the first enforcement actions of the Americans with Disabilities Act on the Internet, two major travel services have agreed to make sites more accessible to the blind and visually impaired.


Earnings Grow at Salesforce

Salesforce.com (CRM:NYSE - commentary - research), a provider of Internet-based customer relationship management software, posted its first quarterly profit as a public company after the bell Thursday.


Hewitt ends drought

LLEYTON HEWITT further fine-tuned his game ahead of the US Open with a convincing 6-3 6-4 win over Gilles Muller to capture the Washington Open today.


Mactier #39;s pursuit halted by Kiwi gold

CHAMPION Kiwi cyclist Sarah Ulmer denied Victorian Katie Mactier the Olympic Games 3000m individual pursuit gold medal today by smashing the world record.


Super Saturday

Britain finally struck gold at the Athens Games. Germany lost two golds but won one more in equestrian. Swimming events concluded and track and field heated up on day eight.


Arsenal win thriller, equal Notts record

LONDON, AUGUST 22: Arsenal equalled Nottingham Forests 42-match unbeaten league record in heart-stopping style on Sunday when the Premier League champions roared back from 1-3 down to beat Middlesbrough 5-3 at Highbury.


Edgar powers streak to four

The Cardinals may or may not ever see the dominant Matt Morris of 2001 ever again, the pitcher who finished third in Cy Young balloting and was the undisputed No.


Violence erupts following Bangladesh attack

Sporadic violence has erupted in Bangladesh in response to a deadly grenade attack on an opposition rally, which killed at least 19 people and wounded more than 100.


Calling the shots

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 22: Nabil bank chairman Satyendra Shrestha, who earlier headed the RBI equivalent, the Rashtra Bank of Nepal, cant understand that the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA), which is performing wonders under the UN mission in Congo, is still to


Report: Consumers tuning in to plasma TVs

First-quarter shipments of plasma televisions in the United States more than doubled from the previous year, according to research firm iSuppli.


Helicopter Stunt Pilots to Snag Stardust for NASA

NASA has recruited two Hollywood helicopter stunt pilots for an especially tricky maneuver -- snagging a capsule full of stardust as it parachutes back to Earth next month, mission managers said on Thursday.


US e-commerce sales rise in second quarter

WASHINGTON - US retail sales over the Internet rose 0.9 percent in the second quarter of 2004 and gained 23.1 percent compared with the same period last year as consumers continued to turn to e-commerce to make purchases, a government report showed on


quot;Microsoft #39;s Actions Validate Our Linux Strategy Every Day, quot; Says <b>...</b>

Novell earned \$23 million, or six cents a share, on revenues of \$305 million in its fiscal third quarter ended July 31. It derived \$12 million in revenues from its presumably unprofitable SUSE Linux business


American Gatlin becomes world #39;s fastest man

Justin Gatlin of the United States became the fastest man in the world after winning the men #39;s 100 meters dash at the 28th Olympic Games here on Sunday.


Surfing rides new wave of popularity in Britain's lukewarm seas (AFP)

AFP - The teenage girls squint into the sun, watching the surfer expertly ride a rolling wave into the shoreline. "He's good," one says to the other. "And cute," comes the giggled response.


AL Wrap: Molina Leads Angels to Sweep of Yankees (Reuters)

Reuters - Bengie Molina had four hits, including\a three-run homer, as the Anaheim Angels completed a three-game\series sweep with a 4-3 win over the New York Yankees on\Sunday.


Music Mogul Davis Challenges Retailers (AP)

AP - Legendary music mogul Clive Davis has some advice for music retailers looking to persuade music fans to return to traditional record shops: Make shopping more fun.


AL Wrap: Molina Leads Angels to Sweep of Yankees

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bengie Molina had four hits, including  a three-run homer, as the Anaheim Angels completed a three-game  series sweep with a 4-3 win over the New York Yankees on  Sunday.


Blasts, Gunfire Shake Najaf As Talks Drag

NAJAF, Iraq - Explosions and gunfire shook Najaf's Old City on Sunday in a fierce battle between U.S. forces and Shiite militants, as negotiations dragged on for the handover of the shrine that the fighters have used for their stronghold...


U.S. Gymnasts Win 3 Medals; Hamm Angry

ATHENS, Greece - Three got medals, and Paul Hamm got mad. The United States upped its gymnastics medal haul to seven Sunday night, the most since the Americans won 16 at the boycotted Los Angeles Games in 1984...


Thieves Grab 'The Scream' From Museum

OSLO, Norway - Armed, masked thieves burst into a lightly guarded Oslo museum Sunday and snatched the Edvard Munch masterpiece "The Scream" and a second Munch painting from the walls as stunned visitors watched in shock.    It was the second time in a decade that a version of the iconic "Scream," which depicts an anguished, opened-mouthed figure grabbing the sides of its head, had been stolen from an Oslo museum...


Venezuelan president appeals for unity

Pledging to respect private wealth and fight corruption, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has told his opponents they should not fear his left-wing  quot;revolution quot;.


#39;Dutch auction #39; finds few takers in the Netherlands

NIJMEGEN, Netherlands Google #39;s so-called Dutch auction may have intrigued Wall Street, but nobody here was buying it, figuratively or literally.


Sony unveils new flat-screen TVs

TOKYO - Electronics conglomerate Sony have unveiled eight new flat-screen televisions in a product push it hopes will help it secure a leading share of the domestic market.


Climbing Back Up

Mary Meeker can tell you first hand about bubbles bursting. For much of the 1990s, she was called  quot;Queen of the Net, quot; for her knack for picking tech stocks and helping companies like Netscape go public.


Outsider wins marathon

JAPAN #39;S Mizuki Noguchi foiled premature British celebrations to win the women #39;s marathon today, beating world record-holder and scorching favourite Paula Radcliffe.


Men #39;s Singles : Interview with N. MASSU (CHI)

NICOLAS MASSU: Yeah, I think it #39;s  I #39;m so happy and I cannot believe this. Is too much in two days to win two medals, gold medals.


Olympic Basketball: Lithuania Guard Shoots Down US

The United States crashed to its second defeat in the Olympic men #39;s basketball tournament Saturday when a late shooting spree by Sarunas Jasikevicius propelled Lithuania to a 94-90 victory.


Silver to McGee, Mactier into final

There were a couple of near misses for Australia on the second night of track cycling competition, with a silver medal to Brad McGee in the 4000m individual pursuit and fourth place to the team sprint trio.


Track and field: Big night for Lauryn Williams

Moments after the women #39;s Olympic 100-meter final last night, US sprinter Lauryn Williams looked up at the giant scoreboard in Olympic Stadium and saw an inspiring image, captured


Four-in-row to Davenport

AMERICAN Lindsay Davenport won her fourth consecutive title of the year today, beating second seed Vera Zvonareva 6-3 6-2 in the final of the Cincinnati Open.


Arsenal fight back to match record

Arsenal equaled Nottingham Forest #39;s 42-match unbeaten league record by battling back from 3-1 down to beat Middlesbrough 5-3 at Highbury, with French international striker Thierry Henry scoring twice.


Biffle, Martin give Roush 1-2 punch at Michigan

BROOKLYN, Mich. (SportsTicker) - Greg Biffle took over the lead with 17 laps left and held off teammate Mark Martin to win the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday.


Key moments in the Darfur rebellion

KHARTOUM, Aug 22 (AFP) -- Since early 2003, Sudan #39;s western Darfur region has been in the throes of armed conflict between government forces backed by Arab militias and several rebel movements.


PA in talks with World Bank over Gaza after pullout

The Palestinian Authority is negotiating with the World Bank and, indirectly, with Israeli representatives, regarding economic and administrative arrangements for the post-disengagement Gaza Strip.


Braves Score 8 in 2nd Inning, Beat Dodgers (AP)

AP - Chipper Jones' three-run homer capped an eight-run second inning, J.D. Drew hit a two-run double and the Atlanta Braves beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-1 on Sunday for a split of the four-game series.


U.N. Says Darfur Camps in Chad Close to Capacity (Reuters)

Reuters - Refugee camps in Chad housing\200,000 Sudanese fleeing fighting in Darfur are near capacity\and placing a huge burden on Sudan's impoverished western\neighbor, the United Nations said Friday.


Apple recalls 15in PowerBook batteries

Apple has asked anyone who has a certain 15in PowerBook G4 models to return the battery, which could be faulty. The recall follows four complaints made to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding batteries that have overheated.


BHP Billiton, Alcoa to Sell Shares in Metal Distribution Unit

BHP Billiton, the world #39;s biggest mining company, and Alcoa Inc. said they plan to sell shares in their metal-processing and distribution venture.


Santander plans 2,500 Abbey cuts

Banco Santander will today tell Abbey National #39;s union that about 2,500 jobs will go if the Spanish bank is successful in its takeover bid.


Most allowed to return home after gas fire

MOSS BLUFF -- Hundreds of people who were evacuated last week when a tower of burning natural gas began roaring from an underground storage cavern were allowed to return home this morning.


Cink cruises to wire-to-wire victory

If anyone had questions about Stewart Cink being chosen for the Ryder Cup team, he answered them with authority Sunday at the NEC Invitational, never letting anyone within two shots and becoming the first wire-to-wire winner this year on the PGA Tour.


NEWBERY DIVES AND BINGS UP GOLD

Chantelle Newbery has jumped into sporting history by winning Australias first Olympic diving gold medal since 1924 in the women #39;s 10 metre platform in Athens.


Major attack by rebels on Nepalese town

KATHMANDU - Hundreds of Maoist rebels stormed a town in the north-west of Nepal yesterday, bombing government buildings and killing a soldier, while others kept up a blockade on roads surrounding the capital, Kathmandu, for a fifth day.


Hicks #39; dad just wants to hug son

THE parents of Australian terrorist suspect David Hicks are headed for Cuba for an emotional reunion with their son, who has been in US military detention for almost three years.


Pavano Homers As Marlins Beat Padres 8-3 (AP)

AP - Carl Pavano pitched six solid innings, hit a home run and drove in two runs to lead the Florida Marlins to an 8-3 win over the San Diego Padres on Sunday.


Truckers #39; stir evokes mixed response

New Delhi, Aug 21.(PTI): The indefinite nationwide truckers #39; strike protesting the imposition of service tax today evoked mixed response with a section of transporters in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu staying away from the protest.


Gold a family affair for champion Newbery

Chantelle Newbery gave up diving after her son was born, but she returned to the sport, and on Monday morning she became the first Australian to win an Olympic diving title in 80 years.


Secrecy shrouds US e-vote machines

THE three companies that certify the US #39; voting technologies operate in secrecy, and refuse to discuss flaws in the ATM-like machines to be used by nearly one in three voters in the presidential poll in November.


Foster #39;s Group Probably Turned to Second-Half Loss on Charges

Foster #39;s Group Ltd., Australia #39;s biggest beer and winemaker, probably turned to a loss in the second-half after taking charges to restructure its Beringer Blass wine business, analysts said.


Cink eases to four-shot win at NEC Invitational

Stewart Cink maintained his composure to register an even par final round score of 70 for a four-shot victory at the \$7 million WGC-NEC Invitational on Sunday, his second win of the season.


Gatlin Wins Olympic 100 Meters; Greene Finishes Third (Update4)

Justin Gatlin of the US ran the fastest time in the world this year to become the youngest Olympic 100 meters champion for 36 years.


Arsenal equal record

Arsenal matched Nottingham Forest #39;s record of 42 consecutive league games without defeat at Highbury on Sunday afternoon after defeating a stubborn Middlesbrough side in an extraordinary eight goal thriller.


Tanks close in on sacred shrine as US launches fresh assault on <b>...</b>

US forces renewed their assault yesterday on Mehdi Army positions in and around Najaf #39;s old city with an early morning bombing raid and an advance which brought tanks at some points


Violence spreads after rally ends in 19 deaths

Violence spread across Bangladesh yesterday, as mobs set railway coaches on fire and smashed cars in retaliation for grenade attacks on an opposition rally in Dhaka that left 19 people dead and 200 injured.


Vet and three children show no bird flu symptoms

SEREMBAN: A veterinarian and three of her children, who have been warded for observation at the Kota Baru Hospital, do not have a persistent fever or sore throat - the common symptoms of avian influenza.


Karzai set for visit to Pakistan

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is due to arrive in Pakistan on Monday for a two-day official visit, originally scheduled for last month.


Crude Oil Steady as Fighting in Southern Iraq Limits Exports

Crude oil futures were little changed in New York after falling Friday on expectations reduced fighting in Iraq #39;s holy city of Najaf may enable the country to restore oil exports to full capacity.


Strike Ends at VW Factory in Mexico

Workers at Volkswagen #39;s Mexico plant agreed to end a three-day-old strike Saturday and accept a pay package very close to the company #39;s original offer, officials


Japanese Stocks May Gain After Oil Declines; Toyota May Advance

Japanese stocks may rise after oil prices fell from a record in New York, easing concern higher energy costs will damp consumer spending and corporate profits.


Sorry Hamm Flops on Apparatus

Paul Hamm had hoped to continue the American gymnastics carnival at the Olympics Games on Sunday. Instead, as well as facing a battle to hold onto the individual gold that


Noguchi wins marathon as Radcliffe pulls up

World record holder Paula Radcliffe pulled up in tears before the end of the women #39;s marathon today as Mizuki Noguchi ensured the gold medal would be returning to Japan.


Parks Canada sends managers from Ottawa to Alberta to help during strike (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - BANFF, Alta. (CP) - Parks Canada brass from Ottawa are trading their three-piece suits for park uniforms to help relieve managers in Alberta who have been working without a break since a strike began over a week ago.


Jolts of Electricity Reviving Coral Reef (AP)

AP - As the late-afternoon sun bathes the beach with a soft warmth, gentle waves lap quietly at the shore  #151; and strollers occasionally stumble over a thick wad of white cables embedded in the fine, black sand.


NL Wrap: Ramirez Lifts Cubs Over Astros After Wood Exit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Aramis Ramirez hit a three-run homer  as the Chicago Cubs survived the ejection of starting pitcher  Kerry Wood to defeat the Astros 11-6 in National League play in  Houston on Sunday.


Bush advisers wary of oil

In shift of tone, White House says high energy prices are now dragging on US economy. CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters) - President Bush #39;s economic advisers are warning that high energy prices have become a drag on


10 seconds that change everything

ATHENS - Ten seconds. Barely time enough to tie a shoe, wash a glass, get the paper off the porch. But when the moment comes, and eight men kneel at their blocks and peer down the empty, waiting track, it is as if the entire Olympics stop to watch.


Giant Gilles slays Andre

WASHINGTON: Luxembourg #39;s Gilles Muller stunned top-seeded Andre Agassi 6-4, 7-5 to reach the final of the Washington Classic on Saturday, depriving the American veteran an opportunity of picking up a sixth victory at this event.


Wenger #39;s dashing Musketeers cut Middlesbrough to pieces

Try telling Arsenal the Premiership is a marathon not a sprint. The champions have come out of the blocks at an extraordinary pace, racking up nine goals in two games and


Juanjo #39;s early exit paves way for Celtic joy

Cliches and elbows were out in force yesterday.  quot;I honestly didn #39;t see it, quot; said Celtic manager Martin O #39;Neill, but Caley coach John Robertson did.


Franchitti wins Pikes Peak after pit mishap

Although Dario Franchitti was criticized for making the jump to the IRL from the former CART series, his decision is starting to look like a good one.


Nine held in plot to attack key buildings

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Sunday that law enforcement agencies had arrested nine people including Farooq Usman and Ghulam Mustafa in connection with the plot to blow up key buildings in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.


SOMALIA ENDS 13 YEARS OF ANARCHY

International mediators have sworn in all the main warlords who will become members of Somalia #39;s new parliament in a major step towards ending 13 years of anarchy.


Settlers #39; compensation board formed

A disengagement administration that would handle compensation to the evacuated Gaza Strip and northern West Bank settlers was established Sunday.


Analysts Debate Effect of High Oil Prices

High oil prices, which have been a factor in virtually all US recessions over the past three decades, are surging again this year.


Child soldiers square up to US tanks

Struggling to lift a Kalashnikov, a 12-year-old with the Mahdi army militia said he could do anything in battle except fly a helicopter.


Four Dead After Attack on Homeless Man

Four homeless men were bludgeoned to death and six were in critical condition on Friday following early morning attacks by unknown assailants in downtown streets of Sao Paulo, a police spokesman said.


Cink Eases to Four-Shot Win at NEC Invitational

AKRON, Ohio (Reuters) - Stewart Cink maintained his  composure to register an even par final round score of 70 for a  four-shot victory at the \$7 million WGC-NEC Invitational on  Sunday, his second win of the season.


Tokyo Stocks Open Higher

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 0.67 percent  at the opening on Monday after crude oil dropped back from  record highs above \$49 a barrel, encouraging some investors to  return to the Tokyo stock market in search of bargains.


Beach Volleyball: Brazil Veterans Reach Semis

ATHENS (Reuters) - Veterans Adriana Behar and Shelda Bede  beat Sandra Pires and Ana Paula Connelly in an all-Brazil  women's beach volleyball contest on Sunday, showing experience  counts as they advanced to the Olympic semi-finals.


Underwater Archaeologists Dig for History (AP)

AP - Instead of wearing khakis, students this summer at Croton Point Park donned wet suits and scuba gear as they dug up discoveries beyond the reach of landlocked archaeologists.


More Tramp Victims of Suspected Brazil Death Squad

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - One vagrant died and three  were badly beaten in overnight attacks in Brazil's biggest city  of Sao Paulo, raising the number of victims of a suspected  death squad to 14 in four days.


Gatlin Blazes to 100 Gold; Greene Third

ATHENS, Greece - Justin Gatlin ran the race of his life Sunday night, barely holding off the fastest Olympic 100 field in history to win the gold in 9.85 seconds. Francis Obikwelu of Portugal got the silver in 9.86...


Parks Canada sends managers from Ottawa to Alberta to help during <b>...</b>

BANFF, Alta. (CP) - Parks Canada brass from Ottawa are trading their three-piece suits for park uniforms to help relieve managers in Alberta who have been working without a break since a strike began over a week ago.


Blumenthal to examine hospital medical supply charges

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is working with federal investigators to examine whether Yale-New Haven Hospital and other nonprofit hospitals in Connecticut are overcharging government agencies for medical supplies.


Google #39;s debut in the stock market sends a mixed signal

A weaker-than-expected premarket auction, followed by two brisk days of trading, tell a tale of tech IPO market. By Daniel B. Wood  Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor.


Daiei slipping away

The latest twist on the thrashings of dying retail giant Daiei developed last week when it emerged that Wal-Mart has been in talks with the IRCJ, the government #39;s turn-around fund, to possibly taking a position in Daiei.


Make inheritance tax fairer, urges thinktank

Tony Blair and Gordon Brown will today be urged to risk the wrath of wealthier voters by reforming the tax laws on inheritance so as to close loopholes on gifts that allow the better-off to escape the Treasury #39;s grip.


Qantas in talks with Singapore Air on A380 cost cuts

SYDNEY: Australia #39;s flagship carrier, Qantas, said yesterday it is talking with Singapore Airlines on ways to cut costs as both prepare to roll out the colossal A380 jet.


College-savings plan will gain flexibility

The tax-sheltered plan, cited as one of the nation #39;s worst by researcher Morningstar Inc., could feature mutual funds from Fidelity Investments by early 2005, and more flexible account options are on the way.


Kiwi gold beats Mactier #39;s effort

SARAH ULMER gave New Zealand its first ever Olympic cycling gold medal and only their second gold of the Athens Games overnight. And she broke her own world record for the women #39;s 3km individual pursuit.


Shot put earns a dubious distinction as first and last test <b>...</b>

The executive board of the IOC will meet at 5am for the second day running, this time to take away the women #39;s shot put gold medal from Russian Irina Korzhanenko.


Evening Attire spoils Funny Cide homecoming

The other gutsy gelding in the field ruined Funny Cide #39;s homecoming Sunday at Saratoga. Evening Attire, a 6-year-old gelding, ended a year of frustration by returning


NL Wrap: Ramirez Lifts Cubs Over Astros After Wood Exit

Aramis Ramirez hit a three-run homer as the Chicago Cubs survived the ejection of starting pitcher Kerry Wood to defeat the Astros 11-6 in National League play in Houston on Sunday.


European team starts to take shape

Luke Donald made an early charge in a late bid to make his first Ryder Cup team, but now must wait one week to see if European captain Bernhard Langer finds him worthy of a captain #39;s pick.


Singapore announces relaxation of rules on political expression

Singapore #39;s new Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, has announced a partial relaxation of rules on political expression. But, he warns race and religion will remain sensitive issues subject to restrictions.


25 arrested ahead of Karzais visit

ISLAMABAD: Twenty-five people were arrested in raids at Afghan slums on the outskirts of Islamabad on Sunday and illegal weapons were seized from them, police said.


News in brief

More than 20 passengers were injured when a train was set ablaze yesterday near Bhairab, 50 miles east of Dhaka in central Bangladesh, apparently in retaliation for 22 deaths and hundreds of injuries caused by explosions at an opposition rally.


Arson attack raises fears of anti-Semitic epidemic in France

An arson attack destroyed a Jewish social club in the heart of Paris yesterday, alarming and infuriating French politicians and Jewish leaders who are struggling to halt an epidemic of anti-Semitic incidents across France.


Somalians sworn in

NAIROBI International mediators swore in members of Somalia #39;s new Parliament on Sunday, a move seen as a crucial step toward establishing the first central government in the country since 1991.


Pakistan and Egypt favourites for World Team Squash title

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Egypt will start their campaign as top seeds for the 22-country 13th PIA World Junior Mens Team Squash Championship starting at the Mushaf Squash Complex on Monday (today).


Arkansas Farm Produces Most U.S. Goldfish (AP)

AP - There is a good chance that the colorful carp you won at the county fair or picked up at the local pet shop came from Pool Fisheries, which sits in the middle of an Arkansas field in Lonoke County, the self-proclaimed baitfish capital of the world where more than 6 billion minnows and goldfish are bred each year.


Agassi Withdraws from Long Island Tournament

NEW YORK (Reuters) - American Andre Agassi has withdrawn  from the TD Waterhouse Cup, starting in Long Island on Monday,  citing fatigue.


Biffle Dominates at GFS Marketplace 400

Greg Biffle drove to an easy victory, pulling away from gambling teammate Mark Martin at the end of the Nascar Nextel Cup race Sunday in Michigan.


Tokyo Stocks Open Higher

Japan #39;s Nikkei average rose 0.67 percent at the opening on Monday after crude oil dropped back from record highs above \$49 a barrel, encouraging some investors to return to the Tokyo stock market in search of bargains.


Will hydrogen soon kill Middle East crude?

driven by the continuing power struggle in Iraq, by fears for the solvency of the Russian oil giant Yukos, and by surging demand for oil in Asia, notably in China.


Australia #39;s Fortescue China Deal On Pilbara Rail

MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Australian iron ore company Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. (FMG.AU) said Monday it has entered into a contract with China Railway Engineering Corp.


Shewfelt's shining moment: Calgary gymnast gives Canadians reason to cheer (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - (CP) - Kyle Shewfelt is Canada's golden boy.


Gatlin Sprints from Unknown to Olympic Gold

American Justin Gatlin roared from virtual unknown to win the blue ribband Olympic men #39;s 100 meters race on Sunday, upstaging defending champion Maurice Greene and other more illustrious rivals.


Roundup: Colts receiver Walters might need surgery

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Troy Walters might need surgery on his broken right arm that he injured in Saturday #39;s night preseason game against the New York Jets.


Graham Admits Sending THG Syringe to USADA

Trevor Graham, the coach of Olympic 100 meters champion Justin Gatlin, admitted on Monday he had been the unidentified coach who sent a syringe of the designer steroid THG (tetrahydrogestrinone) to the United States Anti-Doping Agency


Human rights group have criticised hearings

Four suspected al Qaeda fighters held at Guantanamo Bay will be formally charged with war crimes this week. The men, captured during the war in Afghanistan, will be arraigned before a panel of US military officials on Tuesday at the base in Cuba.


Deng work goes on, says Hu

The achievements and theories of the late leader Deng Xiaoping will continue to change and influence China and the world, President Hu Jintao said yesterday.


Independent judges vital

A series of prohibitions recently issued by the Higher People #39;s Court of the Beijing Municipality on judges #39; dealings with cases are expected to help maintain justice if strictly implemented, says an article in Beijing Youth Daily.


Marks And Spencer Loses Crown As Britain #39;s Top Clothing Retailer

LONDON, Aug 22 (AFP) - Marks and Spencer has been overtaken as Britain #39;s biggest clothing retailer by supermarket giant Asda, which is owned by the world #39;s largest retail store Wal-Mart, industry figures showed Sunday.


Mizuki Noguchi of Japan wins women #39;s marathon gold

Japan #39;s Mizuki Noguchi captured the gold medal in the women #39;s marathon at the Olympic Games in Athens on August 22. Noguchi, silver medalist in last year #39;s world championships in Paris, took over the lead


Hearn Earns First Nationwide Tour Victory (AP)

AP - David Hearn of Canada earned his first Nationwide Tour victory Sunday, closing with a 1-under 71 and beating David Mckenzie by a stroke at the Alberta Classic.


Santander soothes unions #39; fears over Abbey jobs

The chairman of Santander Central Hispano, the Spanish bank which is bidding for Abbey National, will tell unions today that a successful acquisition by his company will result in less than


Snapshots from the men #39;s 100

I wrote down my picks before the race started and I had them in this order: Asafa Powell, Shawn Crawford, and Maurice Greene. I picked Justin Gatlin for fourth.


#39;She isn #39;ta quitter... it was heartbreaking sight #39;

The former mile world record holder Steve Cram claimed last night that Paula Radcliffe should not be considered  quot;a quitter quot; for failing to complete the marathon in Athens yesterday.


Athletics: Suspended judge lives near Hamm

ATHENS - The Colombian judge suspended for giving South Korea #39;s Yang Tae-young an incorrect score in the Olympic men #39;s all-round event lives in gold medallist Paul Hamm #39;s home state, International Gymnast magazine reported on Sunday.


The Sputtering Yankees Look for a Jump Start

ne bad breaking ball did in the Yankees yesterday. Usually, one mistake does not cost them so dearly, but the Yankees are not usually scrounging for hits either.


Insider Racing News

Nextel Cup and NASCAR are registered trademarks of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. This web site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NASCAR.


China celebrates Deng anniversary

BEIJING, China -- China has hailed its late former leader Den Xiaoping on the 100th anniversary of his birth. President Hu Jintao praised Deng as a man who made the people #39;s interests a priority.


US Forces Kill 3 Afghans at Checkpoint

KABUL, Afghanistan Aug. 22, 2004 - US soldiers sprayed a pickup truck with bullets after it failed to stop at a roadblock in central Afghanistan, killing two women and a man and critically wounding two other


Germany repeats rowing glory in Athens

German rowers repeated their Olympic glory in Athens with two gold medals in women #39;s quadruple sculls and women #39;s single sculls.


NYMEX Oil Ticks Higher on Iraq Fighting (Reuters)

Reuters - NYMEX crude  futures traded\slightly higher on Sunday amid fresh violence in the holy Iraqi\city of Najaf.


Palestinians Cheer 'Superstar' Contestant (AP)

AP - Worn down by four years of bloody conflict with Israel, Palestinians found a welcome diversion Sunday: watching Ammar Hassan, one of their own, compete for the title of best singer in the Arab world.


Report: Indictment in Colo. Football Case (AP)

AP - A state grand jury has handed down an indictment regarding the use of prostitutes to entice football recruits to the University of Colorado, according to a published report.


Tokyo Stocks Firmer as Oil Drops Back

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 0.91 percent  in early trade on Monday after crude oil dropped back from  record highs above \$49 a barrel, encouraging some investors to  return to the Tokyo stock market in search of bargains.


Mother of Dead UK Soldier to Sue Government -Report

LONDON (Reuters) - The mother of a young British soldier  killed in Iraq plans to sue the government for breaching its  duty of care to her son by not supplying key defensive  equipment, the Guardian newspaper reported on Monday.


Tokyo Stocks Open Up on Oil Price Retreat

TOKYO - Tokyo stocks opened higher Monday as investors regained confidence from Wall Street's rally and a retreat in surging oil prices. The U.S...


Tata Steel springs surprise price cut

Mumbai, Aug. 22: Ratan Tata rousted industry shoguns out of their Sunday siestas with the announcement that Tata Steel would reduce prices by Rs 2,000 per tonne in a decision that takes immediate effect.


Overtime Rules Change

I have been talking about this for a month, and I am finally starting to see more stories about the remarkable changes that begin today.


Qantas  #39;must open its register #39; if BA sells

QANTAS should open up its share register rather than seek another airline owner if British Airways ever decided to sell its stake, Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon said yesterday.


Rail defect likely case of Pilbara derailment

The company managing Rio Tinto iron ore #39;s rail lines in the Pilbara, in north-west Western Australia, says equipment failure rather than human error is to blame for a major derailment last week.


Stock market advances

THE local stock market advanced today after a slide in oil prices sparked a rally on Wall Street on Friday. A fall in the price of crude oil was expected to ease investor concerns about high fuel costs crimping


New dossier fans flames of Collins Stewart row with analyst

The battle between Collins Stewart and its former employee James Middleweek took yet another bizarre twist this weekend, as a new dossier containing refuted allegations of insider dealing against


How Google floated past Wall St

By going Dutch, the geeks of the search engine taught the bankers a lesson in finance, writes John Naughton. If you were seeking a case study in schadenfreude, then last week #39;s coverage of the Google flotation


Fertilizer thieves targeted with stain

Farmers fed up with methamphetamine cooks stealing their fertilizer may soon catch them pink handed, thanks to a new dye developed by a Southern Illinois farmer.


Cink wins by four shots

STEWART CINK cruised to a comfortable four-shot win at the NEC Invitational in Akron, Ohio today. Cink started the day with a five-shot cushion and, while it wasn #39;t all smooth sailing, Rory Sabbatini was the


SA coach Simons could quit

South Africa coach Eric Simons is considering resigning because of the team #39;s poor performances in Sri Lanka. South Africa drew the first Test but lost the second by 313 runs and they have already been defeated in the first one-day international.


Oswalt #39;s ejection untimely

Roy Oswalt received the backing of his teammates when it looked like Michael Barrett was heading toward the mound for an unfriendly visit.


Nepalese struggle to break rebel hold on capital

Essential supplies were being ferried into Kathmandu yesterday under the protection of military helicopters, after Maoist rebels cut off Nepal #39;s capital from the rest of the Himalayan kingdom for the fifth day.


We Are the People

For politicians who remember 1989 and the fall of the Berlin wall, the historic echo must be deafening. It all began in Leipzig, where in a Monday-night ritual marchers took


Captured mercenaries escape mass execution

Seventy suspected mercenaries standing trial in Harare escaped a possible death sentence yesterday when Zimbabwe announced that they will not be extradited to Equatorial Guinea.


Mystery of Wales turtle 'solved'

Scientists think they may know why the world's largest leatherback turtle was washed up on a Welsh beach.


Santander may cut 4,500 jobs as part of 8bn Abbey National <b>...</b>

Emilio Botin, head of Banco Santander Central Hispano, is today expected to tell union officials that the Spanish bank #39;s 8bn takeover of Abbey National might cause up to 4,500 job losses over three years.


Why Bush is on the carpet with Hoover

We are likely to hear a lot about former United States president Herbert Hoover in the coming months as the US election approaches in November.


Catching Meth Cooks Pink-Handed

WICHITA, Kan. -- It may fall a shade shy of catching thieves redhanded, but for farmers fed up with methamphetamine cooks filching their fertilizer, staining them pink will do just fine.


Gatlin dethrones Greene in 100 meters

ATHENS, Greece -- Greek  quot;sirtaki quot; music that starts slow and finishes fast whipped the Olympic Stadium audience into a frenzy Sunday night before the most exciting 10 seconds in sports.


Questions Remain for the Jets

ith half the preseason over and the annual ritual of facing the Giants looming, the Jets seem to possess a powerful offense, but their now-speedy defense is still having trouble halting the run.


Germans mass against benefit changes

Tens of thousands of Germans are expected on the streets of Berlin today for the latest of a series of demonstration which the organisers say will continue until the government withdraws its plans to cut social benefit payments.


Mugabe refuses extradition

Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe #39;s president, has rejected a request from Equatorial Guinea for the extradition of 70 alleged mercenaries accused of plotting a coup in the west African country.


U.S. Gymnasts Win 3 Medals; Hamm Angry (AP)

AP - Three got medals, and Paul Hamm got mad. The United States upped its gymnastics medal haul to seven Sunday night, the most since the Americans won 16 at the boycotted Los Angeles Games in 1984. And they might not be finished yet.


Asian Stocks Rise After Oil Drops From Record; Toyota Gains

Asian stocks advanced after oil prices fell from a record Friday in New York, easing concern higher energy costs will damp consumer spending and corporate profits.


Brown accused of  #39;baby bonds bribe #39;

A treasury plan to distribute baby bond vouchers worth almost 1 billion weeks before the likely date of the next election was condemned by the Tories last night as a  quot;cynical bribe quot;.


Chilean #39;s Endurance Feat Frustrates the US Again

Somehow, Nicolas Massu of Chile summoned the strength and the shots to win his second gold medal of the Olympic Games. That is twice as many medals as the entire United States tennis team won.


Gatlin turns on the power to take gold

When Justin Gatlin became entangled in the drug-testing net three years ago, he managed to wriggle out of it on the grounds of suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.


Franchitti climbs to IRL triumph at Pikes Peak

FOUNTAIN, Colo. (SportsTicker) - It appears Dario Franchitti is getting the hang of the Indy Racing League. Franchitti dominated Sunday #39;s Honda Indy 225 at Pikes Peak International Raceway for his second IRL win of the season.


Sunday #39;s Golf Capsules

Stewart Cink closed with an even-par 70 to beat Tiger Woods and Rory Sabbatini by four strokes Sunday at the NEC Invitational, becoming the first wire-to-wire winner on the PGA Tour this year.


The Call Is Cheap. The Wiretap Is Extra.

Wiretapping Internet phones to monitor criminals and terrorists is costly and complex, and potentially a big burden on new businesses trying to sell the phone service.


Google Is One for the Books, Leaving Some With Regrets

Top Silicon Valley venture capitalists who missed out on the Google deal are scratching their heads.


Ideas for Buyers and Renters

An idea to make it easier to purchase a house, and another idea to make it easier to pay rent.


Fantasy Leagues Attract Money From Advertisers

Free or low-cost services from AOL, NFL.com and even Best Buy are attracting advertising dollars for fantasy sports leagues.


Lawsuit Claims Free Speech for Online Casino Ads

An Internet company that publishes information about online gambling has asked a judge to decide whether advertisements for Internet casinos are protected forms of speech.


Arsonists Destroy Jewish Center in Paris (AP)

AP - Arsonists destroyed a Jewish community center in eastern Paris before dawn on Sunday, leaving behind red graffiti with menacing anti-Semitic messages such as "Jews get out."


Panthers Contending With Banged Up O-Line (AP)

AP - Once considered a rebuilding project, the Carolina Panthers' offensive line has become a concern as injuries mount.


U.S. Journalist Held in Iraq Is Released (AP)

AP - U.S. journalist Micah Garen, who was kidnapped in Iraq more than a week ago, was released Sunday in the southern city of Nasiriyah. Garen spoke to Al-Jazeera television, confirming his release.


Sudan says it will cut number of paramilitary forces operating in Darfur (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) - In a goodwill gesture on the eve of peace talks in Nigeria, Sudan said Sunday it will cut the number of paramilitary forces operating in Darfur by 30 per cent in a bid to ease tensions in the troubled region, where an 18-month conflict has claimed the lives of an estimated 30,000 people.


A New Way to Spell Pain Relief: M-I-N-T-Y F-R-E-S-H

Tylenol Cool Caplets, adult-strength headache tablets with a strong mint taste, are hoped to make the brand more hip.


Trip to Olympics or Feel-Good Talk? The Answer Was a Surprise to Many

Michael Weisman, producer of some of the biggest games in sports, has become the executive producer of "The Jane Pauley Show."


Wal-Mart Unit Passes Rival in Britain

Asda, a unit of Wal-Mart, has overtaken Marks   Spencer as Britains biggest clothing retailer, industry figures showed.


Supermarket giant usurps title

MARKS  amp; Spencer has lost its much-coveted crown as the UKs largest clothing retailer, to the supermarket chain Asda. Industry figures for the 12 weeks to 25 July show that Asda now has a leading 9.4 per


New twist in Middleweek saga as FSA enters fray

FINANCIAL regulators will today examine fresh allegations about the professional conduct of James Middleweek, the analyst who has been embroiled in a bitter feud with former employer Collins Stewart.


Post-9/11 Mergers Brought Problems

Government service firms often leaped before they looked as they scrambled to buy their way into the booming intelligence and anti-terrorism field.
-The Washington Post


Toyota's Prius Proving to Be the Hotter Hybrid

The trouncing of the Civic calls into question the depth of the hybrid phenomenon, suggesting that what seems like a new consumer appetite for clean technology could be more a hunger for one cool car.
-The Washington Post


California Beats N. Carolina 9-2 in LLWS (AP)

AP - Danny Leon hit a two-run homer, and Tyler Carp and John Lister added solo homers to lead Conejo Valley Little League to a 9-2 victory over Morganton, N.C., on Sunday in the Little League World Series.


Rookie Taylor Wins Playoff at Reno-Tahoe (AP)

AP - Rookie Vaughn Taylor claimed his first PGA Tour victory Sunday, rolling in an 11-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole to win a four-way playoff at the Reno-Tahoe Open.


Death and taxes are certain - but so are con tricks

quot;INHERITANCE tax to rise 50 per cent, quot; thundered some Sunday newspapers.  quot;Blair plans relief from inheritance tax, quot; suggested others.


Parks strike helping Alta. town business

The rotating strike by workers at Canada #39;s national parks is having an unexpected impact in some places: it #39;s helping -- not hurting -- business.


t first glance, it might seem like the simple extension of a standard tool in the fight against the bad guys. But in fact, wiretapping Internet phones to monitor criminals and terrorists is costly


Thwarting Meth

Kansas could be getting some help soon in its fight against methamphetamine. That #39;s thanks to a new product that could deter thefts of the fertilizer anhydrous ammonia, a component of meth production.