New avian flu cases confirmed in Thailand, human transmission <b>...</b>

Sep 28, 2004 (CIDRAP News) - Thailand #39;s avian influenza outbreak is drawing widespread international attention with the confirmation of two more human cases, one of which opens the possibility of human-to-human transmission.


Plane diverted to Ireland

AN Olympic Airways plane bound for New York with 295 passengers aboard was being diverted to Shannon airport in Ireland after an Athens newspaper received warning of a bomb on board, a company spokesman said.


Jordan #39;s king: Iraq elections impossible

PARIS -- The Jordanian monarch said in an interview published Tuesday that elections in Iraq are impossible in the current chaos and that he sees no chances of improvement in the short term.


New Toshiba notebooks highlight long-running trend

SAN FRANCISCO - Toshiba Corp.'s new desktop-replacement multimedia notebooks, introduced on Tuesday, are further evidence that U.S. consumers still have yet to embrace the mobility offered by Intel Corp.'s newer mobile processors.


Web Gaming Changes Social Interactions

Not so long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, Chip Collier was on a mission. "I really gotta stop bleeding and dying," the 24-year old said as he slouched in front of his computer in his ninth-floor Chicago apartment. "I'm really horrible about not paying attention to my battle fatigue."


Former Foes Russia, Turkey Eye Era of Warmer Ties

ANKARA (Reuters) - Russia and Turkey, putting to rest  lingering Cold War tensions, said Monday it was time their  political ties caught up with their booming economic links.


Survey: Net File-Sharing Doesn't Hurt Most Artists

Most musicians and artists say the Internet has helped them make more money from their work\despite online file-trading services that allow users to copy songs and other material for free, according to a study released on Sunday.


UPDATE 1-Coeur throws in towel on Wheaton bid

Coeur d #39;Alene Mines Corp (CDE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) admitted defeat on Tuesday in its \$1.8 billion bid to acquire Canadian gold and silver miner Wheaton River Minerals Ltd.


UPDATE 1-Hicks Muse pays \$194 mln for ConAgra #39;s Swift stake

ConAgra Foods Inc. (CAG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday said private equity firm Hicks, Muse, Tate  amp; Furst Inc. exercised its option to buy the company #39;s minority stake


Neiman Marcus unveils 2004 Christmas Book

Neiman Marcus on Tuesday unveiled its 2004 Christmas Book, which features an extraordinary array of gifts from a his and her bowling alley to a 230-foot-long Zeppelin.


Cloning hope for neurone disease

The scientist who cloned Dolly the sheep has applied for a licence to clone human embryos in the hope of using stem cells extracted from them to unravel the mysteries of motor neurone disease.


IXI MOBILE JOINS FORCES WITH AT amp;T WIRELESS TO LAUNCH OGOT

Redwood City, CA, 28 September 2004 - IXI Mobile and its IXI-Connect OS software have been selected by AT amp;T Wireless for Ogo, AT amp;T Wireless #39; hip, new mobile messaging device.


PARALYMPICS SOMBRE CLOSING CEREMONY

Instead of the fireworks and all night partying that usually accompanies such an event, it was a scaled back closing ceremony for the Athens Paralympics in tribute to seven teenagers killed in a bus crash on their way to the Games.


Fans to vote on Candlestick Park renaming

San Francisco #39;s iconic Candlestick Park, the home of the San Francisco 49ers, was renamed Monster Park on Tuesday in a \$US6 million deal with an electronics cable company.


Argentina: Teenage shooter slays three

An Argentine student opened fire on his classmates Tuesday killing four of them in the southern Argentina city of Carmen de Patagones.


Ex-CIA Chief Gates Warns on Cyberterror

Cyberterrorism could be the most devastating weapon of mass destruction yet and could cripple the U.S. economy, former CIA Director Robert Gates said at a terrorism conference Saturday.


Dolly Creator Applies for Cloning License (AP)

AP - The creator of Dolly the sheep, the world's first mammal cloned from an adult, applied for a human cloning license Tuesday to study how nerve cells go awry to cause motor neuron disease.


Winemaker Tests Marriage of Wine and Song (AP)

AP - Plants like being talked to, right? Well, Spanish researchers want to know if yeast used to age sherry grows better with music loosely based on its own DNA.


California Quake Area a Seismic Hot Spot (AP)

AP - The area of the San Andreas fault where a magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck Tuesday is a seismic hot spot that has produced similar temblors every two or three decades and, as a consequence, is among the most-monitored quake sites in the world.


BayStar begins selling SCO stock

Investment fund sells hundreds of thousands of shares, but still has major stake--and voice--in SCO's future.


Slowing the speed of light to improve networking

Optical fiber can deliver data fast, sometimes too fast. Slowing light might make some networking bottlenecks vanish.


Cendant nears coup for US online travel group

Cendant, the American travel group that owns car rental shops Avis and Budget, is close to acquiring online travel agency Orbitz.com in a deal said to be worth more than \$1 billion.


EU nominee defends business record, promising to be impartial

BRUSSELS Neelie Kroes, the Dutch candidate to be the European Union #39;s powerful new competition commissioner, defended her nomination in hearings at the European Parliament on Tuesday, insisting that her past membership on company boards did not imply a


Blair rallies support for 2012

London 2012 Olympic bid leaders yesterday insisted that the capital has a realistic chance of winning the right to host the next but one summer games despite starting the campaign behind the clear favourites, Paris.


Seven foreign hostages released

is all smiles as released hostages Simona Torretta (R) and Simon Pari celebrate as they arrive at Ciampino Airport in Rome September 28, 2004.


Celtic receive double boost with Sutton in and Stam out

CELTIC face a tall order in tonights Champions League match against AC Milan in Italy, but the Scottish champions were given encouragement yesterday when striker Chris Sutton declared himself fit for action.


Former BEA executives launch open source company

Three former BEA Systems Inc. executives who left earlier this year have resurfaced as founders of a Seattle startup that plans to begin integrating and supporting a variety of open source server software next year.


Small Wineries Find Ally

Supporters of interstate shipping of wine from producers to consumers see their cause as a contest between David and Goliath: mom-and-pop wineries and connoisseurs of the grape vs. powerful liquor wholesalers.


Freescale announces dual-core PowerPC processor

SHANGHAI - While much has been made of efforts by Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and Intel Corp. to bring dual-core processors to PCs and servers, Freescale Semiconductor Inc. announced Tuesday at a conference in Frankfurt, Germany, details of a dual-core PowerPC processor designed for embedded applications, such as networking and storage.


U.S. House approves tougher law against file trading

SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that could allow criminal charges to be brought against individuals who participate in file-swapping Web sites or networks.


ETA Sets Off Bombs Across Spain; No Serious Injuries

MADRID (Reuters) - The Basque separatist group ETA set off  a series of bombs across Spain Monday, but no one was seriously  injured in the resurgence of violence by the outlawed  guerrillas, Spanish officials and media said.


Breeding Captive Elephants Is Difficult (AP)

AP - Elephants in zoos are living as long as those in the wild, but their population in captivity is dwindling because it is so difficult to breed them, according to studies released Friday.


Kidnappers Release Seven Hostages in Iraq (AP)

AP - Kidnappers released two female Italian aid workers and five other hostages Tuesday, raising hopes for foreigners still in captivity. But insurgents showed no sign of easing their blood-soaked campaign against the U.S. presence in Iraq, staging a show of defiance in Samarra and striking twice with deadly force in Basra.


Cuba, Russia Agree to Condemn Terrorism (AP)

AP - The top diplomats for Russia and Cuba condemned all forms of terrorism Tuesday and renewed Russia's call last week to expand the war against the global scourge.


Sudan Warns of Tribal War in Darfur (AP)

AP - A top Sudanese official on Tuesday defended an accused ringleader of Arab militia attacks on African villagers as a legitimate tribal leader and warned any attempt to go after such men could ignite warfare that would tear the country apart.


Australian men jailed for firebombing Asian restaurants (AFP)

AFP - Two young Australian men have been jailed for more than two years for firebombing three Asian restaurants in a series of racist attacks earlier this year.


Militant Youths Shut Three Oil Flowstations

Crude oil production in the country has again been disrupted after militant youths, numbering about 200, stormed and forcefully shut down three flowstations in the swamp of Rivers State.


Edwards Appeals to Women on Terror Issue (AP)

AP - Vice presidential candidate John Edwards on Tuesday sought to blunt growing support for President Bush among women voters and others concerned about national security by campaigning with a Sept. 11 widow in two states that suffered losses in the terrorist attacks.


Traditional treatments 'do work'

Scientific tests on a range of traditional remedies have shown they have "real benefits", researchers say.


Rocco DiSpirito Is Out at Union Pacific

Union Pacific, once the jewel in Rocco DiSpirito's crown, will close at the end of the year.


Mets Beat Braves 2-1 to Open Twinbill

ATLANTA - Gerald Williams and Eric Valent hit solo home runs to give the New York Mets a 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday.    Williams broke a scoreless tie in the third with his fourth home run, a deep drive to center off Paul Byrd...


White House Opposes Sections of 9/11 Bill

WASHINGTON - The White House came out Tuesday against parts of a Senate intelligence reorganization bill, saying they would create "a cumbersome new bureaucracy" for coordinating the activities of 15 spy agencies under a national intelligence director.    Meanwhile, one of the leaders of the Sept...


Delta To Cut Wages, CEO Forgoes Pay

Delta Air Lines is to cut wages by 10 percent and its chief executive will go unpaid for the rest of the year, but it still warned of bankruptcy within weeks unless more cuts are made.


Jury in Klesch Litigation Returns Verdict in Favor of Liberty <b>...</b>

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Liberty Media Corporation announced that the jury in Klesch  amp; Company Ltd.


Yankees' El Duque Has Tired Shoulder (AP)

AP - A week before the playoffs begin, the New York Yankees are worried about the health of another starting pitcher. This time, it's Orlando Hernandez.


New Toshiba Notebooks Use Intel Desktop Chips

Toshiba #39;s new desktop-replacement multimedia notebooks are further evidence that US consumers have yet to embrace the mobility offered by Intel #39;s newer mobile processors.


The Worst Things About Tokyo

1. The toilets. What is that thing, you say? Well, its not a urinal, but rather what is known in English as a squat-toilet. It might seem hard to believe, but many people in Japan prefer using these floor holes to a standard Western toilet.


Giants #39; Hermanson suspended

NEW YORK (Ticker) - The San Francisco Giants may have to continue their quest for the postseason without their closer. Major League Baseball on Tuesday suspended righthander Dustin Hermanson three games and


Hearing Set in Bonds Baseball Lawsuit (AP)

AP - A court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in the dispute over who is the rightful owner of the ball Barry Bonds hit for his 700th home run.


Fan Sues for Barry Bonds' 700th Home Run Ball

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - As the often-quoted Hall of Fame  catcher Yogi Berra might say: "It seems like deja vu all over  again."


Yen Near 6-Week Low Vs Dollar

TOKYO (Reuters) - The yen was cornered near a six-week low  against the dollar on Wednesday as record-high oil prices  dampened investors' outlook on the Japanese economy ahead of  the Bank of Japan's survey on business sentiment.


Development: Donor Neglect Deadly - Oxfam

The world #39;s poorer nations are paying a heavy price in human lives for the failure of the rich to provide the resources they promised to fight global hunger and poverty, humanitarian agency Oxfam said in a report released Sunday.


UPDATE 2-Solectron net loss narrows on strong revenue

Contract electronics manufacturer Solectron Corp. on Tuesday posted a narrower quarterly loss, helped by a 23 percent rise in revenue but issued a forecast at the low end


Microsoft unveils simplified version of WindowsXP in Asia

World #39;s leading software developer Microsoft has announced that it will promote its cheaper and simplified version of WindowsXP in Russia and soon launch a series of marketing


Notes: Rain washes out game

Bag it. The Blue Jays and Orioles got rained out on Tuesday night, bowing to nature #39;s demands. The game will be made up on Wednesday as part of a doubleheader, starting at 3:05 pm ET.


Italian women arrive home from Iraq after hostage ordeal

ROME : Two female Italian aid workers arrived back in Rome after being released from a three-week hostage ordeal in Iraq, sparking scenes of joy at their homes and relief among world leaders.


City sees overhaul as precursor to sale, leaving group focused on <b>...</b>

P amp;O staked its immediate future as a ferry operator on the burgeoning freight market yesterday as it blamed the death of the booze cruise for the need to axe one-fifth of its workforce.


Former NatWest bankers fear  #39;unfair trial #39; if extradited to US

By James Daley in London and Katherine Griffiths in New York. Three former NatWest bankers who are fighting extradition to the US over their alleged involvement in a 4m fraud linked to the collapse of Enron


Older People Turn to Internet to Find Love (AP)

AP - Sensuous, intellectual woman, 5'3, adventurous, pretty and open, seeks a life partner who is sexy, highly intelligent and cheerful. How old is this woman? In her early 60s. That's the profile Mary Bellis Waller, now 64, posted on two Internet dating sites during her search for a companion. Waller was a pioneer of online dating among people her age, and thousands of others age 60 and older are also turning to the Internet to find romance.


Hackers Target Microsoft's JPEG Flaw (AP)

AP - In a harbinger of security threats to come, hackers have exploited a newly announced flaw in Microsoft Corp. programs and begun circulating malicious code hidden in images that use the popular JPEG format.


Patent Concerns Unlikely To Nix Munich Linux Plan

MonkeyDev writes  quot;Yahoo is reporting that Munich is ready to move forward with plans to  #39;abandon Microsoft Windows in favor of upstart rival Linux.


Future DVDs could hold 1TB of data

Future DVDs could hold about one hundred times the capacity that current discs can hold. That would mean about 472 hours of film on one disc the size of a current DVD disc.


EVD aims expansion, partnership amid challenges

The video compact disc (VCD) player was a spectacular breakthrough in the history of China #39;s electronics industry. The device, first invented by the Chinese firm Wanyan Electronics


PalmSource Introduces Latest Version Of Palm OS

PalmSource Inc. on Tuesday launched the latest version of its operating system, which targets manufacturers of the increasing number of advanced cellular phones in the market.


PSP Pricing Announced

Grey Ninja writes  quot;GC Advanced has reported from the Tokyo Game Show that the PSP will retail for \$349.99. Coupled with the previously announced price of the Nintendo DS at \$149.


Toshiba Unveils New Flat-Panel SED TV (AP)

AP - Toshiba Corp. on Tuesday unveiled a flat-panel TV that uses a new technology developed jointly by the Japanese electronics maker and the Japanese camera company Canon.


Argentinian pupil shoots four dead in classroom

A high school pupil wielding a 9mm pistol shot dead four classmates and wounded five more yesterday in Argentina #39;s worst school rampage.


Cendant Near Deal to Buy Orbitz -Source (Reuters)

Reuters - Travel and real estate heavyweight\Cendant Corp.  is nearing a deal to buy online travel\site Orbitz Inc. , which is controlled by the top five\U.S. airlines, for about  #36;1.2 billion in cash, a source close\to the talks said on Tuesday.


Schwarzenegger Signs California Anti-Spyware Bill (Reuters)

Reuters - California Gov. Arnold\Schwarzenegger signed an anti-spyware bill on Tuesday banning\unauthorized installation of deceptive software that hides in\personal computers and secretly monitors user activity.


North Korea #39;s nuclear weapons program

The Bush administration responded calmly Tuesday to North Korean claims it has turned the plutonium from 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods into nuclear weapons.


BAE Systems to Acquire Alphatech for  #36;88M (AP)

AP - British defense contractor BAE Systems PLC said Tuesday that its U.S. subsidiary will acquire software maker Alphatech Inc. for  #36;88 million cash.


IBM Releases DB2 Information Integrator (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - The company says "Masala" includes search technology that will make it "dramatically easier to access information of all different kinds" in a unified search, including e-mail files, text documents, video and audio clips.


Two Apes Arrive at Education Center (AP)

AP - Warning lights flashed atop four police cars as the caravan wound its way up the driveway in a procession fit for a presidential candidate. At long last, Azy and Indah had arrived. They even flew through a hurricane to get here.


Vertical solutions take hold in CRM (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - As the enterprise increasingly looks for vertical solutions from its CRM vendors, Kana Software with an on-premise solution and Entellium with a hosted solution, will both announce this week industry-specific best practice applications for customer service and sales force automation.


First commercial passenger flights into space?

A British multimillionaire, Richard Branson, has just signed a substantial contract with the makers of SpaceShipOne for the development and construction of passenger-carrying space vehicles.


Extradition of ex-NatWest bankers sets  #39;frightening #39; precedent

The extradition of three former NatWest bankers, being sought by US prosecutors from the Enron Task Force, would have  quot;frightening consequences quot; for the British legal system, a court heard yesterday.


Euro Disney debt plan agreement

Euro Disney, the French theme park operator, said yesterday it had won agreement from all its creditors on a modified debt restructuring plan, including a 250m (170m) capital increase, designed to haul it back from the brink of bankruptcy.


McDonald #39;s CEO gets new chemotherapy

McDonald #39;s Corp. Chief Executive Officer Charlie Bell, who underwent colorectal cancer surgery in May, said Tuesday he was back in the hospital for continued treatment.


CD #39;s future is upbeat in download decade

Reports of the death of CDs have been greatly exaggerated, according to research published yesterday which said legally downloaded music would represent only a fraction of sales in five years #39; time.


Intel introduces new mobile chip

Intel Corp., the world #39;s largest chip maker, on Tuesday introduced a powerful mobile chip running at 3.33 GHz for notebook computers.


Greece tackles road safety after crash

Greece announced stringent measures to improve safety on its roads yesterday as the country mourned seven schoolchildren killed in a traffic accident on their way to the Paralympics.


Marlins 5, Expos 2

Jeff Conine homered and Mike Lowell drove in two runs to lead the Florida Marlins over Montreal 5-2 on Tuesday night in what might prove to be the Expos #39; second-to-last game at Olympic Stadium.


Auburn wants repeat of last year #39;s play vs. Vols

After two ugly losses and two lightweight wins, the Auburn Tigers finally had a chance to prove their mettle against Tennessee last season.


Tigers 6, White Sox 4

Eric Munson hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.


2 Aid Workers Are Freed After 3 Weeks in Captivity

Two Italian aid workers kidnapped 21 days ago in an audacious daylight raid were freed Tuesday, the prime minister of Italy announced.


Second bomb threat on Greek plane

A Greek passenger jet bound for New York made an emergency landing in Ireland yesterday after a warning that a bomb was about to explode on board.


Schwarzenegger Signs California Anti-Spyware Bill

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California Gov. Arnold  Schwarzenegger signed an anti-spyware bill on Tuesday banning  unauthorized installation of deceptive software that hides in  personal computers and secretly monitors user activity.


Hurdles Remain for U.S. Voters Living Overseas

Civilians and soldiers living abroad face an unwieldy system of absentee balloting that could prevent their votes from being counted.


Delta CEO declines pay

ATLANTA Delta Air Lines Inc. #39;s chief executive said yesterday he is declining his six-figure salary for the rest of the year as he detailed a 10 percent pay cut that will affect senior officials, administrative staff and ticket and gate agents.


Neiman Marcus book features pricey gifts

Jeff Wasson thumbed the steel visor higher on his forehead so he could see out from under his suit of armor.  quot;It would be a great gift for the executive who has everything, quot; Wasson said of the shiny suit, which weighs 65 pounds.


AT amp;T Unveils Ogo, Text-Only Wireless Device

Just after unveiling a wireless network upgrade, AT amp;T Wireless has introduced a wireless messaging device called Ogo, which will provide instant messaging and e-mail from AOL, MSN and Yahoo in addition to direct text messaging.


HP sinks utility project, lays off some workers

Hewlett-Packard is getting rid of one of its high-profile utility computing projects, although much of the technology will live on in other initiatives.


Rooney scores hat trick in debut for Manchester United

In his debut for Manchester United on Tuesday, the 18-year-old England striker scored three goals as United thrashed Turkey #39;s Fenerbahce 6-2 in the second rotation of the Champions League.


Cendant Is Close to Acquiring Orbitz for \$1.1 Billion

The deal would end a daring experiment by the nation's airlines, which created Orbitz as a competitor to Expedia and online ticketing sites like it.


A Bad August Worsens Airline Financial Woes

Last month was awful for the airlines because of factors like weather and the fact that kids go back to school earlier than they used to.


School Cellphone Bans Topple (You Can't Suspend Everyone)

Rather than banning the phones outright, schools are capitulating to demands of parents and market realities, and allowing students to carry cellphones in school.


For the Splendidly Dressed Man, Web Sites to Match

About a half-dozen Web sites have emerged in the past few years to cater to interests of those immersed in the world of classical men's clothing.


Microsoft to sell Windows XP sta

Microsoft has announced that it is planning to distribute the low cost stripped down version of Windows XP in Russia, sources say.


-Posted by dan.farber  7:24 pm (PDT)

One day Hewlett-Packards Utility Data Center (UDC) is proof of the companys leadership in the emerging on demand, adaptive computing, pay-as-you-go world.


Kornheiser

Not that this is a Bandwagon column, mind you, because it most emphatically is not. Not after the Redskins lost to the geriatric Cowboys early Tuesday morning, at an hour when Vinny Testaverde and Eddie George


Spain vs US in Seville for Davis Cup title

Spain will take on the United States for the Davis Cup champion in Southern Spain #39;s Seville City on December 3-5, China Radio International reported Wednesday.


Plans in place to close up shop in Montreal, open up in Washington

The Expos president has lists prepared and plans in place to close up shop in Montreal and rebuild the franchise in Washington. He #39;ll begin to act once Major League Baseball confirms the club #39;s move, something which could happen as soon as Thursday.


Toshiba, M'shita LCD Venture to Make Big TV Panels (Reuters)

Reuters - An LCD joint venture between Toshiba\Corp. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. said on Wednesday\it would start making large TV displays early next year,\entering a rapidly expanding but crowded market.


WHO calms fears over human-to-human bird flu

The World Health Organization on Tuesday downplayed concerns over human-to-human transmission of bird flu, after authorities in Thailand confirmed that a woman who died of the virus probably contracted it from her daughter.


CNN journalist has been released

Riad Ali, who is an Israeli Arab, was handed over to Palestinian police today, nearly 24 hours after he was abducted at gunpoint from a CNN van.


Family Crisis in Divided Sudan

His gut was twisted into a knot, his head pounding, his leg searing in pain from a gunshot wound. Ibrahim Mohamed Doud, a village elder in an African tribe, remembers the day an


IBM Claims Computer Speed Title (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - IBM Corp. plans to announce today that it has built the world's fastest supercomputer at one of its facilities in Rochester, Minn., wresting the title from a system in Japan.


No Escape From E-Mail

BlackBerrys, sometimes referred to as CrackBerrys among addicted adherents, make e-mail portable, available anytime and almost anywhere. -The Washington Post


IBM Claims Computer Speed Title

IBM Corp. plans to announce Wednesday that it has built the world's fastest supercomputer at one of its facilities in Rochester, Minn., wresting the title from a system in Japan.
\-The Washington Post


Celera, Genentech Sign Cancer Drug  Deal

Celera Genomics Group of Rockville announced an agreement Tuesday to provide potential targets for cancer drugs to biotech giant Genentech Inc.\
-The Washington Post


Yen Near 6-Week Low Vs Dollar (Reuters)

Reuters - The yen was cornered near a six-week low\against the dollar on Wednesday as record-high oil prices\dampened investors' outlook on the Japanese economy ahead of\the Bank of Japan's survey on business sentiment.


Tokyo Stocks Turn Lower on Oil Worries (Reuters)

Reuters - Tokyo's Nikkei fell 0.19 percent by\midday on Wednesday, erasing initial gains and extending losses\into a ninth straight day as worry over higher oil prices and\domestic economic uncertainty hit exporters and tech stocks.


Hoenig: High Oil Will Not Derail Economy (Reuters)

Reuters - High oil prices will probably\brake U.S. growth but will not derail the economy provided\there is not another sharp spike upwards, a top Federal Reserve\policymaker said on Tuesday.


Toshiba, M'shita LCD Venture to Make Big TV Panels

TOKYO (Reuters) - An LCD joint venture between Toshiba  Corp. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. said on Wednesday  it would start making large TV displays early next year,  entering a rapidly expanding but crowded market.


Cendant Near Deal to Buy Orbitz -Source

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Travel and real estate heavyweight  Cendant Corp. CD.N is nearing a deal to buy online travel  site Orbitz Inc. ORBZ.O, which is controlled by the top five  U.S. airlines, for about \$1.2 billion in cash, a source close  to the talks said on Tuesday.


Oil Continues Climb

Crude oil prices jumped beyond \$50 a barrel Tuesday, renewing concerns that sustained high energy costs will weaken the economy.


Impact May Be Small As  Fannie, Freddie Regroup

Mortgage securities traders and strategists say if Fannie Mae does reduce the number of mortgages it buys, it could lead to a small, short-term increase in mortgage interest rates paid by consumers, probably no more than 0.1 percent.


Australia #39;s foreign exchange market booms

The Reserve Bank says there has been a sharp increase in activity on Australia #39;s foreign exchange markets over the past three years.


SEC Inspections Yield More Referrals

Risk-assessment techniques are yielding results at the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the number of enforcement referrals from SEC inspectors is up significantly in the last six months, senior SEC officials said.


Baseball Eluded Va. Despite Tax Giveaway Proposal

After a decade of lobbying, promise making and plan changing, the executives and officials trying to bring a Major League Baseball team to Virginia believed they had one last chance.


Ahlers to retire as head of Marshall Field #39;s

Linda Ahlers, president of Marshall Field #39;s, will retire effective Dec. 31, the store chain #39;s owner May Department Stores Co.


Virgin Galactic launches space tourism

Richard Branson, famed entrepreneur from Great Britain, has announced that he will launch the first passenger space service in 2007.


Italian hostages released

There was widespread rejoicing on Tuesday night in Italy at the release of two Italian female aid workers who had been held hostage in Iraq.


Britain #39;s Blair refuses to apologize for Iraq

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has admitted evidence about Saddam Hussein having weapons of mass destruction was wrong, but insists it was the correct decision to remove Saddam Hussein.


St. Helens Blast Said Possible Within Days (AP)

AP - A small explosion of rocks, ash and steam could occur within the next few days within the crater of Mount St. Helens, where earthquake activity has been steadily building for nearly a week, scientists said Tuesday.


Israeli Army Kills Gunman in Gaza Raid-Medics (Reuters)

Reuters - Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian\gunman and wounded three early on Wednesday in a raid on\militant strongholds in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian\medics and witnesses said.


Blair Defends War, Urges Labour to Unite (AP)

AP - Prime Minister Tony Blair, skirting a direct apology, acknowledged to his Labour Party Tuesday that intelligence used to justify the invasion of Iraq was wrong, but insisted the world was safer with Saddam Hussein in prison.


U.S. Returns Stolen Mexican Altarpiece (AP)

AP - The U.S. ambassador formally returned a 300-year-old wooden altarpiece to Mexico on Tuesday that thieves had tried to sell in the United States.


Dole, Gore Participate in Panel Discussion (AP)

AP - Bob Dole and Al Gore, both former presidential candidates themselves, offered their thoughts Tuesday on the upcoming debate.


Veterans for Kerry Barred From Bush Rally (AP)

AP - About 30 Oregon veterans who support Democrat John Kerry for president were rebuffed Tuesday when they showed up at a Republican rally in hopes of delivering a letter to first lady Laura Bush criticizing the war in Iraq.


A Family Crisis in Divided Sudan

The experience of Ibrahim Mohamed Doud and his two wives, one African and one Arab, illustrates the tangled ethnicity of Darfur, the scene of the violent displacement of 1.5 million people.


Ferrari Outsources F1 Engine Design Work (AP)

AP - India's top software exporter Tata Consultancy Services announced Monday it has won a multimillion dollar deal with Italian sports car maker Ferrari to design Formula 1 engines.


Tourist Hostages Freed from Inca Temple in Peru

 By Robin Emmott

 LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Peruvian special forces on Tuesdayfreed 20 foreign tourists who were briefly taken hostage byprotesting coca growers in an Inca temple in the southern cityof Cuzco, police said.


IBM Claims Computer Speed Title

IBM Corp. plans to announce today that it has built the world #39;s fastest supercomputer at one of its facilities in Rochester, Minn.


HP learns the uselessness of utility

HP is throwing in the towel and abandoning its Utility Data Center, just a month shy of its third birthday. The UDC offered self-adapting, self-healing, policy-driven automated cross-platform services: install


Hurricane Jeanne stops hot Singh

Hurrican Jeanne has pervented world number one golfer Vijay Singh from attending this week #39;s WGC tournament in Ireland. Vijay Singh has withdrawn from this week #39;s WGC-American


Federer gains second round at Thailand Open

Top-ranked Roger Federer reached the second round of the Thailand Open on Tuesday in a bid for his 10th title this season, winning 6-4, 7-6 (4) against France #39;s Nicolas Thomann, who is ranked 507th.


Braves ace listed day-to-day with bruised ankle

The Braves gasped when Jaret Wright was forced to leave in the third inning of Tuesday night #39;s game against the Mets after being struck just above his right foot with line drive.


LABOUR IN BRIGHTON: TONY #39;S TOP TEN

TONY Blair made an impassioned appeal for Labour to put Iraq behind them as he outlined 10 policy pledges to win a historic third term in power.


The Curse of Nigerian Oil

If anything should be apparent by now its that George Bush has seriously failed us. We are enmeshed in war for oil in Iraq. As demand across the world increases in the face of shrinking supply, resource exporters


Analysts can #39;t peg Google

com September 28, 2004, 9:54 AM PT. There #39;s no doubt the Internet will continue to make its mark in the world of business and technology.


Arsenal delight at rise of Reyes

It says much for the progress made by Jose Antonio Reyes that the Spain international has become an important part of Arsenal #39;s bid to win the Champions League which continues tonight against Rosenborg.


Roundup: Shock defeated in bid to defend title

Bethany Donaphin hit a turnaround jumper with .5 seconds remaining to lift the New York Liberty a 66-64 victory over the defending WNBA champion Detroit Shock on Tuesday night and into the Eastern Conference finals.


Blair battles to unify party ahead of election

Prime Minister Tony Blair said in a prepared speech yesterday that he realized the war in Iraq had divided Britain, but that he could not sincerely apologize for helping topple Saddam Hussein.


IBM supercomputer sets world speed record

An IBM machine has reclaimed the title of world #39;s fastest supercomputer, overtaking a Japanese computer that had caused shock waves at US government agencies when it set a computing speed record in 2002.


Yen Off Lows Vs Dollar as Oil Pauses

TOKYO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The yen held off from six-week  lows against the dollar on Wednesday, but traders said the  Japanese currency would likely weaken further if oil prices  keep striking record highs.


Hoenig: High Oil Will Not Derail Economy

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Reuters) - High oil prices will probably  brake U.S. growth but will not derail the economy provided  there is not another sharp spike upward, a top Federal Reserve  policymaker said on Tuesday.


Google Shares, Once Devalued, Just May Be Winners After All

Wall Street, which forced Google, the Internet search engine, to lower the price of its shares sharply in its initial public offering in August, has decided that the company is worth a lot more today than it was then.


Stocks Rise as Investors Shrug Off Oil Prices

U.S. blue chips were higher today, led by shares of major oil producers benefiting from higher crude oil prices, which broke through the \$50 a barrel mark.


Crude oil prices stay higher amid Nigerian fighting, lower <b>...</b>

Crude oil prices in New York stayed higher Tuesday after passing 50 dollars per barrel as Nigerian rebels threatened oil output and Hurricane Ivan slashed production in the US Gulf of Mexico.


Red Sox 10, Devil Rays 8, 11 innings

The Boston Red Sox crept closer to the New York Yankees in the AL East on Tuesday night, beating the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 10-8 on Kevin Millar #39;s two-out, two-run homer in the 11th inning.


Tony Blair fails to inspire his men

DEAR readers, Tony Blair #39;s speech at the annual conference of the Labour Party was billed as the most important speech of his political career, considering the grave situation that


2 Airlines #39; New Cuts Target Executives

US Airways intends to slash its executive payroll by 20 percent, reducing the pay and benefits for its 3,000 managers and eliminating some positions, sources familiar with the plan said yesterday.


IN BRIEF

Input, a Reston provider of government market intelligence, said the federal budget for first responders to attacks and disasters may decrease for the first time since the Sept.


Microsoft releases simpler version of Windows XP in Asia

Microsoft Corp., world #39;s largest software maker, announced that it has added Russia to its Windows XP Starter Edition pilot program today.


Net-centric consortium gets off the ground

Executives from 28 companies in the United States and Europe today faced the cameras and pledged their intention to work together to build interoperable systems for the Defense Department and other government agencies.


SourceLabs Receives Venture Funding

SourceLabs will use the venture capital for ongoing research and development and to expand its sales and marketing. Ignition Partners was founded by Microsoft veterans -- including


Gibbs, Parcells rekindle NFC East rivalry on Monday

BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) - Joe Gibbs and Bill Parcells are on opposite sidelines for the first time in nearly 14 years when the Washington Redskins host the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night.


American Football: Candlestick Park renamed  #39;Monster Park #39;

SAN FRANCISCO - Candlestick Park, home of the San Francisco 49ers National Football League team, was renamed  quot;Monster Park quot; today in a US\$6 million (\$9.


Another  #39;Chase #39; looms for those outside postseason cut

As much as Bobby Labonte wants to liken finishing 11th in NASCAR #39;s revised points system to winning a table centerpiece, he finds consolation in spoils such as a \$250,000 points fund


Typhoon hits southern Japan

Typhoon Meari landed on Japan #39;s southernmost main island of Kyushu on Wednesday, forcing hundreds to evacuate as it unleashed heavy rains and strong winds.


IBM Says Blue Gene Breaks Speed Record (AP)

AP - IBM Corp. claimed unofficial bragging rights Tuesday as owner of the world's fastest supercomputer.


Two Apes Arrive at Education Center (AP)

AP - Warning lights flashed atop four police cars as the caravan wound its way up the driveway in a procession fit for a foreign potentate. At long last, Azy and Indah had arrived. They even flew through a hurricane to get here.


Lanxess Moving Texas Factory to China (AP)

AP - Lanxess Corp., a chemicals and polymers unit of Bayer Corp., plans to move one of its factories from Texas to eastern China's Shandong province, state media reported Wednesday.


Activists Sue Over Calif. Forest Plan (AP)

AP - Environmental groups sued the U.S. Forest Service on Tuesday, claiming a six-year-old federal law aimed at preventing wildfires has degenerated into a backdoor effort to eventually increase logging across 340,000 acres of Sierra Nevada national forests.


Israeli Army Kills Gunman in Gaza Raid-Medics

GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian  gunman and wounded three early on Wednesday in a raid on  militant strongholds in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian  medics and witnesses said.


Telecom Italia Poised for TIM Buyout (Reuters)

Reuters - Telecom Italia plans to  use cash for a\bigger-than-expected chunk of a 20 billion-euro ( #36;26.69\billion) buyout of its mobile unit TIM, a source close to the\deal said on Monday.


'American Taliban' Seeks Commuted Sentence

SAN FRANCISCO - John Walker Lindh asked President Bush on Tuesday to commute his 20-year prison sentence for aiding the Taliban. His lawyer, James Brosnahan, said that Lindh was fighting alongside the Taliban in a civil war against the Northern Alliance, that he is not a terrorist and that he never fought against U.S...


Two Apes Arrive at Education Center

DES MOINES, Iowa - Warning lights flashed atop four police cars as the caravan wound its way up the driveway in a procession fit for a foreign potentate. At long last, Azy and Indah had arrived...


Daily News

US consumer confidence fell for the second straight month in September as the outlook for jobs deteriorated, the Conference Board said Sept.


Consumers who play float will sink

It will soon be riskier than ever to write a check if you don #39;t have money in the bank to cover it. Under a law that goes into effect Oct. 28, banks that get checks will be allowed


Official: MLB to Move Expos to Washington (AP)

AP - Major League Baseball will announce Wednesday that Washington will be the new home of the Montreal Expos, bringing the national pastime back to the nation's capital for the first time in 33 years, The Associated Press has learned.


Roon at the top - hat-trick hero Wayne makes dazzling United debut

WAYNE ROONEY launched himself into the footballing stratosphere with a debut hat-trick at Old Trafford last night. On this evidence, Sir Alex Ferguson would have made a wise investment if he had spent the


Notes: He bunts with the best of  #39;em

Ichiro Suzuki is so fast you might wonder why he doesn #39;t bunt more often. Only a handful of his 250-plus hits have been bunts and manager Bob Melvin explained that opposing


Redskins Coach Bemoans Questionable Calls (AP)

AP - Apparently even a Hall of Fame coach doesn't get a break from the officials. Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs on Tuesday reviewed the tape of the previous night's loss to the Dallas Cowboys and determined he was on the wrong side of "two awful calls."


NK Denounces South Korean Foreign Minister #39;s UN Speech

Astana - Seoul, September 29 KAZINFORM -- North Korea denounced South Korea #39;s renewed demand for the dismantlement of its nuclear weapons program through a multilateral forum, calling it  quot;an act of a thief wielding up a stick.


Pitcairn women back their men over sex trial

The women of remote Pitcairn Island in the South Pacific are proud they started having sex at 12 years of age and believe rape and sex assault charges against their men is an attempt by London to close their island home.


Shell-Shocked Palestinians Want Peace with Israel

The Palestinian uprising marked its fourth anniversary with signs that the violent Hamas group is preparing a formidable political challenge to Yasser Arafat, despite a series of devastating blows from Israel.


Minister offers apology for touchy remark

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Chen () yesterday apologized for the words used to condemn a comment by his Singaporean counterpart who warned against Taiwan independence at a United Nations meeting last week.


Montreal Expos to Relocate to Washington -Reports

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Major League Baseball is set to  announce on Wednesday that the Montreal Expos will relocate to  Washington next year, local media reported, citing city and  baseball officials.


Braves' Wright Suffers Bruised Ankle

ATLANTA (Sports Network) - Atlanta Braves starting pitcher  Jaret Wright left Tuesday's game against the New York Mets with  a bruised right ankle.


Troubled Mets Turn to Minaya

According to an executive, the Mets have reached an agreement to hire the Montreal Expos' general manager, Omar Minaya, to head the baseball office.


Hernndez's Shoulder Worries Yanks

The Yankees' game against the Minnesota Twins was rained out Tuesday night, but Orlando Hernndez, the Yankees' scheduled starter, would not have pitched anyway.


Shopping Search Tactics

Shopping search engines make it easy for people to research and buy products. They can also be a powerful and cost-effective customer acquisition channel for merchants.


Oil Clings to  #36;50, Fuel Stocks to Fall (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices hugged  #36;50 a barrel on\Wednesday on worries of potential supply disruptions and with\U.S. crude inventories expected to fall due to the lingering\effects of Hurricane Ivan.


Oil Clings to \$50, Fuel Stocks to Fall

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices hugged \$50 a barrel on  Wednesday on worries of potential supply disruptions and with  U.S. crude inventories expected to fall due to the lingering  effects of Hurricane Ivan.


Panel: Keep sage grouse off endangered list

A panel of biologists with the US Fish and Wildlife Service says sage grouse should not be listed as an endangered species. The recommendation has environmental groups threatening to sue.


WENGER FEARS FOR GILBERTO

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger last night suffered a Champions League setback as Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva (above) was left facing a long-term injury absence.


El Duque adds to gloomy NY forecast

The Yankees #39; staff infection has spread to the one man the team can #39;t afford to lose. Orlando Hernandez was scratched from last night #39;s scheduled start because


Diverted Greek plane leaves Ireland for New York after bomb alert

DUBLIN, Sept 29 (AFP) - An Olympic Airlines plane diverted to Ireland following a bomb alert, the second faced by the Greek carrier in four days, resumed its journey to New York Wednesday after no device was found on board, airport officials said.


Pitcairn Sex Abuse Trial Judge  #39;Biased #39;

Defence lawyers for seven descendants of the 18th-century Bounty mutineers accused of sexual assault on remote Pitcairn Island moved to halt the trials of the men today, claiming judicial bias.


Other Iraq developments

Suicide attack misfires: Two suicide bombers tried to ram their cars into a National Guard base in Kharma, about 40 miles west of Baghdad, on Sunday.


Group C: Makaay hits hat-trick to crush Ajax

Bayern - who disappointed in last season #39;s campaign - were back to their all-consuming best, their powerful midfield stifling the invention of Ajax #39;s talented trio of Wesleys Sonck and Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart.


Federer struggles through

US Open champion Roger Federer has begun his quest for a 10th 2004 title with a win in the first round of the Thailand Open. Stepping out for the first time since adding the Flushing Meadows Grand Slam title


Liberty Players Cringe and Watch the Game Tape

he Liberty #39;s players said yesterday that they had watched the videotape of Sunday #39;s loss to the Detroit Shock in Game 2 of the WNBA Eastern Conference playoffs and had been embarrassed by what they had seen.


China clings to diplomatic mechanism

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it remains hopeful six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear program can resolve the crisis on the peninsula.


Oil Clings to \$50, Fuel Stocks to Fall

Oil prices hugged \$50 a barrel on Wednesday on worries of potential supply disruptions and with US crude inventories expected to fall due to the lingering effects of Hurricane Ivan.


Reds 8, Cubs 3

Greg Maddux gave up three homers, including Adam Dunn #39;s 44th of the year, in an 8-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night that could cost the Cubs valuable ground in the NL wild-card race.


Wednesday #39;s preview

Points: Though it is still September, this key divisional clash could determine who represents the East Division in the Mid-American Conference title game - as it has for five of the past six years.


Iraqi kidnappers release 7

Kidnappers released two Italian women and five other hostages Tuesday, raising hopes for foreigners still in captivity. Insurgents showed no sign of easing their


Haiti #39;s hard existence made worse by Jeanne

GONAIVES, Haiti - At a local college being used as a hospital, an elderly woman named Madame Edmey Cimeus shouted  quot;Jezu! Jezu!


Fannie Mae Crisis Raises Concerns on Leadership

Fannie Maes chief, Franklin Raines, once seen as a rising star and possible future Treasury secretary, may have to reassess his ambitions.


STOCKS TO WATCH

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - Among the companies whose shares are likely to see active trading in Wednesday #39;s session is Orbitz (ORBZ: news, chart, profile).


Economy Can Withstand High Oil -Fed

High oil prices will probably brake US growth but will not derail the economy provided they do not rise sharply from current levels, top Federal Reserve policymakers said on Tuesday.


Court asked to oust Black

A judge is scheduled today to hear arguments from a Hollinger Inc. minority shareholder that wants to oust Conrad Black and his allies as senior managers of the Toronto holding company.


Court Backs Higher Valuation of HealthSouth Investors #39; Loss

he United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta has upheld the valuation by prosecutors of \$328 million in losses by investors in HealthSouth.


Consumer confidence lowest in Midwest

Despite the growing economy, consumer confidence has begun to taper off because of the weak labor market, according to a study released Tuesday by The Conference Board.


Colorized \$50 bill makes debut as \$10 bill readied

WASHINGTON - A new \$50 bill with touches of red, blue and yellow went into circulation Tuesday and soon will be showing up at banks, cash registers and wallets.


Amazon Targets Phishers in Lawsuits

Amazon.com has filed a series of lawsuits against spammers who targeted its customers with e-mails trying to defraud them, the company said yesterday.


NFL concedes mistakes by officials

Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs yesterday expressed displeasure with a pair of officiating calls in Washington #39;s 21-18 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, and the NFL responded by conceding its crew made two mistakes.


Ichiro: Two more hits

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Gil Meche continue his amazing transformation last night in the Coliseum, limiting the A #39;s to two runs in 6 2/3 innings as the Mariners beat Oakland 7-2.


MLB will call shots for club in offseason

Major League Baseball, which has operated the Montreal Expos the past three seasons, likely still will make the personnel and roster decisions for the team that will play at RFK


Bills offense in line for trouble

Here #39;s what Buffalo Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally sees when he looks at the Patriots stats, news #39; defense: They #39;re sound and have terrific coaching.


Lloyds TSB signs 500m network deal with IBM

IBM has signed a 500m, seven-year deal with Lloyds TSB to enhance the banks voice and data services. IBM is acting as the Lloyds TSBs strategic technology partner, as the bank builds a new national


#39;MOMENT OF JOY #39; AS THUGS LET 2 WOMEN HOSTAGES GO FREE TO ROME

Two female Italian aid workers were liberated yesterday after three weeks of terrifying captivity at the hands of Iraqi abductors, and flew home to tears and cheers in Rome.


Solectron posts \$45 mln Q4 loss

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Electronics contract manufacturer Solectron Corp. reported fourth-quarter revenue late Tuesday that grew 23 percent from a year ago, but gave a first-quarter forecast that fell short of Wall Street #39;s estimates.


Pitcairn women blast sex trials

A group of women on the tiny UK Pacific colony of Pitcairn criticise sex abuse trials about to start on the island.


NZ deports Israeli 'spies'

Two suspected Israeli spies convicted of trying to obtain a false passport are deported from New Zealand.


Economy Can Withstand High Oil -Fed

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Reuters) - High oil prices will probably  brake U.S. growth but will not derail the economy provided they  do not rise sharply from current levels, top Federal Reserve  policymakers said on Tuesday.


Six Flags Unveils Fastest Roller Coaster

JACKSON, N.J. - Six Flags Great Adventure is opening the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster this spring - a thrill ride that accelerates to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds and rises 456 feet off the ground...


US Air to Cut Executive Payroll 20 Pct

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US Airways UAIRQ.OB plans to cut  its executive payroll by 20 percent, reducing pay and benefits  for its 3,000 managers and eliminating positions, The  Washington Post reported on Wednesday.


Israeli Army Kills 2 Palestinians -Medics

GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli soldiers shot dead two Palestinian  militants early on Wednesday in separate raids in the West Bank  and Gaza Strip, Palestinian medics and witnesses said.


Nepal to Respond to Rebels on Talks, Strike Holds

KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Nepal was preparing a response to the  latest terms for fresh talks from Maoist rebels, a minister  said on Wednesday, as nearly half of the kingdom shut down for  a second day in a rebel-sponsored strike.


May announces executive changes

ST. LOUIS -- May Department Stores Co. said Tuesday that the president of its newly acquired Marshall Field #39;s chain of department stores will retire at the end of this year.


Neiman Marcus Christmas Book holds perfect gifts for <b>...</b>

It #39;s only September, but Neiman Marcus, which launched its annual Christmas Book yesterday, is singing a happy holiday song. And extravagant fun is the name of Neiman #39;s gift-giving tune.


11th Circuit orders resentencing for HealthSouth exec

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Former HealthSouth executive Emery Harris must be resentenced. That #39;s the ruling from the Atlanta-based 11th US- Circuit Court of Appeals.


Bankers fight extradition

Three former Natwest bankers appeared in court yesterday to fight extradition to the United States, where they are facing fraud charges for a multi-million pound deal involving disgraced US energy company Enron.


Starbucks to raise its prices beginning Oct. 6

SEATTLE - Starbucks will raise its beverage prices by 11 cents a cup on average starting Oct. 6, the world #39;s largest coffee-shop chain said Tuesday.


Update 1: Solectron Narrows Loss, Sales Up 23 Pct.

Solectron Corp., which manufactures electronics sold under other brands, reported a narrowed loss for its latest quarter as margins and revenue both improved from last year.


Cowboys persevere, but questions linger

IRVING - They never trailed and had no turnovers. They had five sacks and strong play from a rookie cornerback forced into action when a starter was hurt.


AL Wrap: Guerrero Shines as Angels Heap Pressure on A #39;s

Vladimir Guerrero hit a pair of homers and drove in five runs to lead the Anaheim Angels to an 8-2 win over the Texas Rangers in American League play in Arlington on Tuesday.


Hero British soldiers die in Basra

Two British soldiers have died trying to save comrades following an ambush near the southern Iraqi city of Basra, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.


UN pledges help for Darfur refugees, Sudan wants \$300 mln

UN refugees agency chief Ruud Lubbers said on Tuesday that the United Nations will work together with the Sudanese government to help Darfur refugees return home while


Elephant Dung Helps Track Smuggled Ivory - Study (Reuters)

Reuters - Using elephant dung and skin\samples, researchers said they were able to make a map of\elephant DNA that could help track down ivory poachers.


Yen Cuts Losses But Oil Threat Persists

TOKYO (Reuters) - The yen recouped some of its losses  against the dollar and the euro on Wednesday, but traders said  it would likely weaken further if oil prices keep striking  record highs.


Nikkei Poised to Mark 9-Day Losing Streak

TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei was down 0.26 percent by  late trade on Wednesday although it recovered slightly from  earlier lows as selling was curbed amid growing views that the  market has fallen too far too fast.


Techincal problem delays launch of Soyuz spacecraft

The next crew of the International Space Station likely will wait a few more days to blast off from Kazakhstan after Russian engineers found another technical glitch with their Soyuz spacecraft.


Real fight back to beat Roma

Real Madrid have proved there is still life at the Bernabeu after captain Raul scored twice to lead a heroic fightback and earn the home side a 4-2 victory over AS Roma in Champions League Group B.


Ichiro goes 2-for-5 in Mariners victory

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Ichiro Suzuki had two hits on Tuesday night to move within three of tying the single-season record in the Seattle Mariners #39; 7-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics.


Cardinals are left hanging

HOUSTON - Starting pitcher Dan Haren pitched well for five innings but not quite well enough against an inspired opponent. Left fielder Reggie Sanders almost gave the Cardinals their second lead of the night but didn #39;t quite make it.


Picturing the next Net exploit

As infected images plant back doors on PCs, experts see possibility of virus too.


Condominiums for Businesses Fill a Niche in California

The dot-com collapse in Silicon Valley has contributed to the emergence of a previously obscure class of office building: the commercial condominium.


Parade of Hurricanes Erode Fla. Beaches (AP)

AP - Many of Florida's beaches have taken on a different look after this year's parade of hurricanes finished shifting, eroding or completely relocating tons of sand. How to deal with that change will be a complicated and costly problem, coastal experts say.


California Counties May Ban Biotech Crops (AP)

AP - Dairy farmer Dennis Leonardi, who describes himself as a "taxpayer and law-abiding citizen," will soon harvest the genetically engineered corn he grows to feed his 400 cows.


Britain's press split over Blair speech (AFP)

AFP - Britain's press was divided after Prime Minister Tony Blair's annual speech to the Labour Party conference, some giving him credit for admitting the intelligence was wrong over Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction, while others slated him for refusing to apologise over the war in Iraq.


Kerry Association Hurting Some Democrats (AP)

AP - Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle hugged President Bush from one end of South Dakota to the other this summer. In his own campaign commercials.


Lawmaker Upset by World Bank Aid to Iraq (AP)

AP - With its ample resources and a professional staff numbering 10,000 people, the World Bank seems like an ideal instrument for getting Iraq back on its feet.


U.N. Envoy Says Rights Violations Continue in Myanmar

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A top U.N. rights envoy condemned on  Wednesday the arrest and jailing of opposition activists in  military-ruled Myanmar and said he had received credible  reports of rights violations in border areas.


Thai PM Summons Emergency Bird Flu Meeting

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra  called an emergency meeting on bird flu on Wednesday after  experts said they had probably documented Thailand's first case  of human-to-human transmission of the disease.


Giants Defeat Padres 7-5

SAN DIEGO - Edgardo Alfonzo's two-run double capped a six-run rally in the fourth inning, and the San Francisco Giants tied the Chicago Cubs for the wild-card lead by beating San Diego 7-5 on Tuesday night.    The Giants remained three games behind NL West leader Los Angeles after the Dodgers' 5-4 comeback victory against Colorado...


Tokyo #39;s Nikkei was down 0.26 percent by late trade on Wednesday although it recovered slightly from earlier lows as selling was curbed amid growing views that the market has fallen too far too fast.


Giants Defeat Padres 7-5 (AP)

AP - Edgardo Alfonzo's two-run double capped a six-run rally in the fourth inning, and the San Francisco Giants tied the Chicago Cubs for the wild-card lead by beating San Diego 7-5 on Tuesday night.


Dodgers Edge Rockies 5-4 (AP)

AP - Steve Finley's two-run single capped a five-run rally in the ninth inning that gave the Los Angeles Dodgers a wild 5-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.


Munich ignores Linux patent problems

THE MUNICH City Council is set to press ahead with a huge Linux project, despite fears of future patent problems. According to Reuters, the council is expected to take a calculated risk and approve the switch


Google agrees to Chinese censorship

SEARCH ENGINE giant Google seems to have agreed to block access to sites that the Chinese authorities think will corrupt their citizens.


Giants get push with win Durham has five hits; SF even with Cubs

San Diego -- The sports cliche about taking them one game at a time does not apply in a final-week drive for the playoffs. That, the players say, is looking too far ahead.


Expos stagger to end

MONTREAL -- If the Expos are indeed preparing to play their final game in Montreal, they certainly aren #39;t going out in style. Ismael Valdez and three relievers combined on a three-hitter while Jeff Conine


Ball Notes

- Tigers 6, White Sox 4: At Detroit, Eric Munson hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning to lead the Tigers over Chicago.


It #39;s not just bats rising to occasion

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you something from October. Don #39;t touch that dial. The Astros may remember their 88th victory more for what it wasn #39;t than what it was.


Sox are better late: Win in 11th after Lowe flops early

Derek Lowe stats, news showed last year that he is still more than capable of making major contributions out of the bullpen when he struck out Terrence Long with the


Blair defends Iraq war, urges party to heal rifts

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair tried yesterday to heal divisions over the Iraq war and unite his Labour party to fight for a historic third term in power.


Typhoon Meari Moves Over Kyushu, Flights Canceled (Update2)

Typhoon Meari, the eighth tropical cyclone to reach Japan this year, is moving over the southwestern main island of Kyushu, disrupting flights and cutting power.


D-Backs Edge Brewers 9-8 in 11 Innings (AP)

AP - Alan Zinter hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 11th to give the Arizona Diamondbacks a 9-8 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night.


P amp;O To Cut Up To 1,200 Jobs

LONDON, SEPT 29: The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P amp;O) will cut up to 1,200 jobs and slash services in a plan to salvage its loss-making ferry business, which has been hit by competition from low-cost airlines.


Capital Radio and GWR to merge

Capital Radio and GWR Group say they plan to merge in an all-share, nil-premium deal that will create the dominant company in the UK radio sector.


Delta trying to keep flying

Delta Air Lines is cutting pay, increasing employees #39; share of health-care coverage and trimming retirement benefits - all to stave off bankruptcy.


Cendant closes in on deal for Orbitz

Cendant Corp., owner of Arapahoe County #39;s CheapTickets.com and many other travel properties, is close to a deal to buy Internet travel agency Orbitz Inc.


Mitsubishi Shareholders Approve Move

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. shareholders approved a move Wednesday that was needed to accept new cash into the scandal-plagued Japanese automaker after DaimlerChrysler AG of Germany decided to withdraw further support.


INTERVIEW: Newbridge Wants To Expand Australia #39;s ALH -2-

MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--US private equity group Newbridge Capital Inc. (NBG.XX) said Wednesday it plans to expand Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group Ltd.


ConocoPhillips Set to Win \$1.9 Bln Sale of Russian Lukoil Stake

ConocoPhillips, the third-largest US oil company by sales, is set to pay at least \$1.9 billion for the Russian government #39;s remaining stake in OAO Lukoil, the nation #39;s largest oil producer.


IBM #39;s Blue Gene to topple Japanese supercomputer

BIG BLUE has pre-briefed US journalists about an announcement it will make today which means its Blue Gene supercomputer will knock NEC #39;s Earth Simulator off the top performing slot.


Microsoft open sources more code

OPEN SOURCE champion, Microsoft has released the code for its FlexWiki, under an open source licence. FlexWiki, which is a Web-based user collaboration and content management program, is the third that Vole has released under an open source licence.


Philippoussis #39; form suffers blow

The 27-year-old #39;s awful form has become so predictable this year after a memorable 2003 which included making the Wimbledon final and leading Australia to glory in the Davis Cup.


San Diego Padres News

The Giants batted around to score six runs in the fourth and held on for a 7-5 win over the Padres on Tuesday in front of 35,529 to open the three-game series.


No consensus candidate found, Pawar in fray

KOLKATA: Battlelines are drawn for the BCCI presidential election at cricket #39;s top bodys crucial annual general meeting here on Wednesday.


HP Signs Outsourcing Deal with Nokia

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hewlett-Packard Co. said on Wednesday  it had signed a five-year technology outsourcing agreement with  Nokia worth \$100 million per year, finalizing a deal first  flagged in February.


File-Spoofing Anti-Piracy Firm Expands in Europe (Reuters)

Reuters - Overpeer, an anti-piracy technology firm\best known for flooding Internet file-sharing networks with\bogus music and movie files, is expanding into Europe, the\company said on Wednesday.


Microsoft launches appeal against EU anti-trust ruling (AFP)

AFP - US software giant Microsoft is to launch its legal appeal Thursday against a stinging EU anti-trust ruling, six months after it was fined nearly half a billion euros for abusing its market dominance.


Small Islands Caution on Climate Change (AP)

AP - Small island states pleaded for more aid as they face a devastating hurricane season and warned that the threat of climate change was as urgent as the fight against terrorism and should get the same attention.


Blair Hopeful of Iran, N. Korean Compliance

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair said  on Wednesday the international community was closer than ever  to making North Korea and Iran accept its demands to halt  nuclear programs.


Northwest wins Washington airport slots

Flying to Washington will become easier for Iowa travelers in March when Northwest Airlines begins daily flights. Airline officials said Monday they won a federal lottery that gave them


Italy celebrates hostages' return

Two Italian aid workers freed after being held hostage in Iraq receive a rapturous welcome in Rome.


Dalai Lama Aides Make Secretive Visit to China

BEIJING (Reuters) - Envoys of Tibet's spiritual leader, the  Dalai Lama, have been allowed to pay a secretive visit to China  that analysts say could lead to progress in resolving his  decades-old exile.


Record hurricane losses predicted

Insurers could face their biggest-ever hurricane damages bill following a spate of storms in the Caribbean, an industry body says.


Gangs on Prowl in Storm-Wracked Haiti

GONAIVES, Haiti - Victims who lost relatives, homes and belongings in Tropical Storm Jeanne are now tormented by street gangs who attack food convoys, raid homes at night and shoot those who get in their way.    The failure of Haiti's U.S.-backed government to disarm the gangs that helped oust President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has created a climate of instability that further jeopardizes lives after the calamity Jeanne visited on Gonaives 10 days ago...


Cendant nears deal to acquire Orbitz

The Cendant Corp., which owns Avis car rental and the Days Inn hotel chain, is close to a deal to buy Orbitz, the online travel service controlled by an alliance of airlines, for about


Experts see record year for US insured losses

The four hurricanes that hit Florida this season combined to beat the record set by Hurricane Andrew for insured losses in what may be the nation #39;s costliest hurricane season ever, officials said Tuesday.


Allen-Rutan partner aims high

POWAY, Calif. -- The man whose firm built the engine expected to power SpaceShipOne into suborbital space today plans to build his own craft and compete with his more celebrated partners, Paul Allen and Burt Rutan, for the extraterrestrial turf.


Hackers target Microsoft #39;s JPEG flaw

In a sign of security threats to come, hackers have exploited a flaw in Microsoft programs and begun circulating a virus hidden in images that use the popular JPEG format.


Cisco, VoIP Star?

Today, there was another good omen that Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is fast gaining traction amongst large companies. Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) said it will switch to Internet telephones, using Cisco #39;s (Nasdaq: CSCO) equipment.


FOOTBALL: UNITED #39;S ROO MESSIAH

THEY CAME to pay homage to the new hero of Old Trafford last night, to take their first glimpse at the glorious future. And the boy-man delivered as Wayne Rooney showed exactly why Sir Alex Ferguson was willing


Monster Park elicits shiver

Losing 34-0 Sunday to the Seattle Seahawks, which included the end of the longest shutout-free streak in the NFL, apparently was not enough humiliation for the San Francisco 49ers.


Hernndez #39;s Shoulder Worries Yanks

he Yankees #39; game against the Minnesota Twins was rained out last night, but Orlando Hernndez, the Yankees #39; scheduled starter, would not have pitched anyway.


UK must build skills to avoid losing jobs to India: Blair

Brighton (England), September 29: Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Tuesday Britain must build a new skills base to avoid losing jobs to developing economies like China and India.


Argentina teenage shooter slays 4 classmates

A 15-year-old Argentine student opened fire at his classmates on Tuesday in a middle school in the south of the Buenos Aires province, leaving at least four dead and five others wounded, police said.


Rebel strike grips Nepal for second day, government considers <b>...</b>

KATHMANDU : A strike called by Maoist rebels shut down much of Nepal for the second day as the government considered calling a ceasefire to jumpstart talks to end the bloody conflict.


Sabres' Roy Happy to Be Back on Ice (AP)

AP - As much as Derek Roy would rather be wearing a Buffalo Sabres uniform, the forward was happy to be back on the ice  #151; even if it's in the minors.


Tennessee Offense Gets Push Behind Line (AP)

AP - Phillip Fulmer kept his cool when starting center Jason Respert drove off in the coach's golf cart at practice.


Nikkei Falls for Ninth Day

TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei edged down 0.27 percent to  close lower for the ninth day in a row on Wednesday, its  longest losing streak in two years, as worries over the impact  of high oil prices on earnings weighed on exporters.


Quake Hits California 11 Years Late

More than 11 years after scientists predicted it would occur, a strong earthquake rocked the central California town of Parkfield on Tuesday morning.


Deep-rooted debate stirs up Christmas tree growers

ATLANTA - Shirley Mansour looks dubious as she examines the plastic needles on the 9-foot Sedona pine.  quot;I #39;m not sure I really want to do this, quot; she says, circling the \$337.50 artificial tree at the Seasonal Concepts store in Roswell, Ga.


New Hughes Research Center to Shift Focus

The medical institute built from Howard Hughes's fortune is spending \$500 million to build a research center in Virginia that will seek to encourage top scientists to do hands-on creative work.


Fannie Mae might have to restate earnings

WASHINGTON - A day after Fannie Mae agreed to regulators #39; demands to boost its capital cushion against risk and revamp its accounting, officials said Tuesday that the possibility of the beleaguered mortgage giant having to restate its earnings had been


The final frontier

Private space travel is one of those great unfulfilled promises of the modern age -- like flying cars and video-telephones -- that futurists have promised for decades.


Intel #39;s Andy Grove to retire next year

BUSINESS WEEK runs a column called the Great Innovators and the last issue profiled Andy Grove, Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, each playing a big part in turning Intel into the engine it is today.


Buzzards overhead

MONTREAL -- The buzzards, now bored, are once again circling Olympic Stadium, waiting for the hammer, not cement, to fall on the unloved Expos.


Angels climb into tie for first

Vladimir Guerrero says he #39;s not trying to win a MVP award, that he #39;s merely trying to drive the Angels to the postseason. But it #39;s uncanny how in striving for one goal, sometimes another appears on the horizon.


Bosox won #39;t give in

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Red Sox crept closer to the Yankees in the AL East last night, beating the Devil Rays, 10-8, on Kevin Millar #39;s two-out, two-run homer in the 11th inning.


AL notebook: Sore shoulder sidelines NY #39;s Hernandez

A week before the playoffs begin, the New York Yankees are worried about the health of another starting pitcher. This time, it #39;s Orlando Hernandez.


Laimbeer #39;s team knows all about physical play

Bill Laimbeer has NBA coaching aspirations. For now, though, he is content to try to help change the way WNBA basketball is played.


LABOUR AT BRIGHTON: SORRY I JUST CAN #39;T SAY SORRY FOR IRAQ

TONY Blair refused to say sorry for the Iraq war yesterday, after a last-minute change of mind over a conference apology. In his Brighton address, the Prime Minister


Italian women freed

Iraq #39;s hostage crisis took an encouraging turn yesterday with the safe release of seven hostages, including two female Italian aid workers who were abducted three weeks ago.


Saudis to boost output as oil prices hit new highs

Oil prices hit near record levels amid a number of supply concerns, but failed to go over 50 dollars a barrel after getting some relief as Saudi Arabia promised to increase production.


Stocks rebound as investors shed fears

NEW YORK - Stocks rebounded Tuesday, with the Dow Jones industrial average rising solidly above 10,000 as investors, less anxious about volatile energy prices, focused instead on good corporate news.


Delta CEO, many workers get pay cut

Delta Air Lines Inc. #39;s CEO said Tuesday he declined his six-figure salary for the rest of the year as he detailed a 10-percent pay cut that will affect senior officials, administrative staff and ticket and gate agents.


Motorola to cut 1,000 more positions

Motorola Inc., the world #39;s second-largest maker of mobile phones, will cut 1,000 jobs as the company prepares to spin off its computer-chip business, costing \$50 million in severance payments.


FTSE 100 opens higher

The FTSE 100 has opened higher, with financial stocks in demand after a well-received trading statement from hedge fund firm Man Group.


AMERICAN LEAGUE: Angels tie A #39;s; Ichiro: 254

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Vladimir Guerrero hit two home runs, drove in five runs and went 4-for-5 on Tuesday night, and the Anaheim Angels beat the Texas Rangers, 8-2, to tie Oakland atop the American League West.


WINSLOW RULED OUT FOR SEASON

Kellen Winslow Jr #39;s rookie season is over after the Cleveland Browns placed the tight end on injured reserve. Winslow was originally expected to miss eight to 10 weeks with a broken right leg suffered on September 19 against Dallas.


BCCI elections delayed

It was a high drama at the Indian cricket board #39;s annual general meeting (AGM) here this morning as the elections to the crucial post of the president was delayed following a stay order passed by the Madras High Court.


Knock, knock: Ichrio nearing hit record after win

OAKLAND, Calif. - All that stands today between Ichiro and an unobstructed look at George Sisler is an unidentified Tim Hudson body part.


Broadband hits new high in the UK

More than five million people in the UK now have high-speed net connections, say broadband analysts.


Magna Will Close Decoma #39;s Coating Factory in Ontario (Update1)

Magna International Inc., Canada #39;s largest auto-parts supplier, will close an Ontario factory that makes polished aluminum and eliminate jobs.


KarstadtQuelle employees meet to discuss restructuring plans (AFP)

AFP - Employees of KarstadtQuelle, the ailing German department store chain, were scheduled to hold meetings at sites all across the country to discuss management's massive restructuring plans that could affect up to one job in every five within the group.


Lukoil sell-off gets under way

Bidding begins in an auction for a 7.6 government-held stake in Russian oil giant Lukoil.


Resurgent sedan muscling past SUV

Almost since the invention of the automobile, the large, elegant sedan dominated the nation's highways, symbolic of America's success and power. But the oil crises of the 1970s put a serious crimp in that gas-guzzling style, and Americans went through the '80s driving smaller, high-mileage cars, often compact and subcompact imports.


Pact to speed Navy Yard plans

The Boston Redevelopment Authority and a New York developer yesterday reached an agreement that should speed construction of housing and a marina at the Charlestown Navy Yard.


Getting back in the game

America has regained bragging rights to the world's most powerful supercomputer, after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus.


Delta chief orders 10 pay cuts

Delta Air Lines' chief executive yesterday said he is declining his six-figure salary for the rest of the year as the airline cuts by 10 percent the pay of executives, ticket and gate agents, and other nonunion workers.


Half of Mass. hospitals lost money

Fifty-three percent of Massachusetts hospitals lost money on operations during the first six months of fiscal 2004, according to a Massachusetts Hospital Association survey. The lobbying group, which surveys its members' financial health yearly, found that, on average, hospitals posted slight losses on operations, but more than made that up on investments and from philanthropy. Operating margins improved slightly from ...


When it comes to windows, todays developers are open-minded

After decades of constructing hermetically sealed buildings, developers are incorporating a new amenity into their designs: windows that open.


Patent fight may slow radio tags

As a standards-setting body readies a protocol for radio frequency identification, known as RFID, a bid for royalties from a holder of critical patents has threatened to disrupt the smooth rollout of a technology that could spawn one of the decade's biggest industries.


Recording in theaters felony under House bill

Using video cameras to record films in movie theaters would become a federal crime punishable by up to six years in prison under a bill passed yesterday by the House.


BRA plan pushes condos in Fenway

Seeking to encourage condo development in a neighborhood of mostly renters and institutions such as Northeastern University and the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Redevelopment Authority is set to vote tomorrow on new zoning rules for most of the Fenway.


American Airlines to recall 600 flight attendants

American Airlines is recalling about 600 flight attendants on furlough, effective Nov. 17, in part due to a projected increase in international flights in December.


FDA warns on drugs from Canada

The US government said yesterday that intercepted drugs purportedly sent from Canada, made and shipped elsewhere, had been subject to Canadian recall and had cheaper generic counterparts in the United States.


New \$50 bill is colorized; the \$10 is next

WASHINGTON -- A new \$50 bill with touches of red, blue and yellow will show up soon in banks, cash registers and wallets. A new \$10 also is in the works, the third greenback to get colorized in an effort to thwart counterfeiting.


Black loosens grip on Hollinger

FALLEN Press baron Lord Black has indicated he is willing to loosen control of Toronto-based Hollinger Inc amid allegations in an Ontario court filing by Canadian fund manager Catalyst.


Cleveland vs. Kansas City

KANSAS CITY 1ST: D DeJesus flied out to left. A Berroa doubled to left. A Berroa to third on wild pitch by C Lee, A Berroa scored on throwing error by catcher V Martinez.


Blair admits he erred in days before Iraq war

Brighton, England -- Prime Minister Tony Blair faced his critics at his Labor Party #39;s annual conference Tuesday and said he had erred in accepting faulty intelligence that Saddam Hussein #39;s regime possessed chemical and biological weapons.


Tech.gov: Don't Call Me, I'll Call You

A cell phone directory is in the works, along with legislation to keep it private. Is this a good thing?


Fannie Mae #39;s woes may cost home buyers

US home buyers may see a slight rise in mortgage rates if housing finance company Fannie Mae, which is mired in an accounting scandal, slows purchases of bonds backed


Rail and air sink ferries as 1,200 jobs are cut

The popularity of cut-price airlines and the Eurostar rail service to the continent is threatening to sink the ferry industry, where 1,200 job losses were announced yesterday.


Getting back in the game

America has regained bragging rights to the world #39;s most powerful supercomputer, after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. IBM Corp.


Dissidents tell Disney to  #39;walk the walk #39; or else

Dissident former directors Roy Disney and Stanley Gold on Tuesday called a temporary cease-fire in their war with CEO Michael Eisner and the Walt Disney Co.


China announces huge investments in Canada

The Chinese firm, Minmetals, owned by the Chinese government, has taken over the biggest mining company in Canada, Noranda Mining.


Don #39;t Call Me, I #39;ll Call You

Not too long ago, I was trying to meet up with friends at an outdoor concert in the park. We had chosen a really good, well-marked meeting place--which dozens of other people and their closest friends were


Toutatis to whiz past Earth

A mountain-sized asteroid will make its closest approach to Earth at 9:35 am EDT (7.05 pm IST) tomorrow, reports NASA. Although asteroid 4179 Toutatis will come no closer than four times the distance between


Munich expected to make move to Linux official

Despite concerns about software patents in Europe, Germany #39;s Munich city government make their move to Linux official according to Reuters.


Nigerian Oil Delta Rebel in 11th Hour Peace Talks

LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigerian rebel leader Mujahid  Dokubo-Asari said he arrived in the capital Abuja on Wednesday  for talks with President Olusegun Obasanjo after his group  threatened a new offensive against troops in the oil-producing  Niger delta and threatened to target oil workers.


Angels tie A #39;s in West

Ichiro Suzuki had two hits to move within three of tying the single-season record, and the Seattle Mariners pounded Tim Hudson in a 7-2 victory over the host Oakland Athletics last night.


Belief is the key, insists Wenger

Arsene Wenger accepts that his side #39;s dominance in the Premiership creates expectations in Europe, where they have never gone beyond the semi-finals.


Baseball fever: Catch it at your own risk

This week #39;s reminder comes courtesy of a lawsuit filed in San Francisco County Superior Court over ownership of another Barry Bonds home run ball.


US downplays N. Korea announcement

The Bush administration responded calmly yesterday to North Korean statements it has turned the plutonium from 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods into nuclear weapons.


Nigerian rebel leader Mujahid Dokubo-Asari said he arrived in the capital Abuja on Wednesday for talks with President Olusegun Obasanjo after his group threatened a new offensive against troops in the oil-producing Niger delta and


Kidnapped CNN producer freed

Palestinian militants yesterday released an Israeli Arab who works as a producer for CNN a day after abducting him at gunpoint in the


Iraqi resistance could be broader than US claims

During the past 30 days, more than 2,300 attacks have been directed against civilians and military targets in Iraq, in a pattern that sprawls over nearly every major population


Blair Doubts Iraq Will Cost Him Next Election

BRIGHTON, England (Reuters) - Tony Blair said on Wednesday  he believed Iraq would not be the decisive issue when Britons  come to vote at next year's expected election.


About 45 N.Koreans Enter Canada Embassy in China -Media

BEIJING (Reuters) - About 45 suspected North Koreans  climbed over a wall into the Canadian embassy in Beijing on  Wednesday, the latest in a rash of diplomatic mission break-ins  by people seeking asylum outside the isolated Communist  country.


Yen Reverses Off Lows, Keeps Eye on Oil

LONDON (Reuters) - The yen pulled back above a 6-week low  on the dollar and a 4-month trough on the euro on Wednesday, as  oil prices backed off record highs, while the euro maintained  its grip on recent gains against the dollar.


Bardot fans snap up memorabilia

More than 200 Brigitte Bardot fans descend on a memorabilia sale on the star's 70th birthday.


Kidnappers in Iraq release 7 hostages

BAGHDAD -- Kidnappers in Iraq freed seven hostages yesterday, releasing two female Italian aid workers who were abducted from their home three weeks ago, two of the women's Iraqi colleagues and three Egyptian employees of a local cell phone company.


Many at odds with Bush foreign policy

WASHINGTON -- A new survey indicates that a majority of the American public is at odds with many of President's Bush's foreign policy priorities, with overwhelming majorities favoring treaties that the Bush administration opted out of and more than half saying that the United States has the right to go to war without United Nations approval only if there is ...


Kidnapped CNN producer freed

MAGHAR, Israel -- Palestinian militants yesterday released an Israeli Arab who works as a producer for CNN a day after abducting him at gunpoint in the Gaza Strip in an unusual ordeal that underscored the spiraling lawlessness in the Palestinian territories and the precarious position of the Druze sect in Israel.


CDs 'will dominate music market'

The CD will stay the most popular music format until at least the end of the decade, according to a new survey.


US downplays N. Korea announcement

UNITED NATIONS -- The Bush administration responded calmly yesterday to North Korean statements it has turned the plutonium from 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods into nuclear weapons.


Update 1: China Vows to Keep Economy on Track

China #39;s leaders pledged at a key policy meeting to keep the economy on track next year while raising farm incomes, promoting energy conservation and holding down investment in overheated industries, state media said Monday.


Hancock, homers hurt Chicago

The Reds dealt Chicago #39;s playoff hopes a blow Tuesday night by using the Cubs #39; formula for winning: good starting pitching and home runs.


Bomb-alert plane resumes US flight

A bomb-alert Olympic Airways plane was back in the air and completing its journey to New York after being diverted to Ireland amid a bomb scare.


7 Bounty descendants to be tried in attacks

PITCAIRN ISLAND Half the men on remote Pitcairn Island, which is populated by descendants of the Bounty mutineers, go on trial Wednesday over a string of alleged sex attacks dating back up to 40 years.


AmerisourceBergen to Boost Flu Vaccine

AmerisourceBergen Corp. (ABC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday it has signed a 10-year agreement with ID Biomedical Corp.


UPDATE 1-Circuit City posts weak sales; shares fall

Circuit City Stores Inc. (CC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the No. 2 US electronics chain, on Monday reported a surprise 4.3 percent drop in quarterly sales at stores open at least


Radio Head: Station Merger Plans Unveiled

Capital Radio and GWR Group have agreed to merge in a deal that will create the dominant company in the UK radio sector. Capital Radio CEO David Mansfield and GWR executive chairman Ralph Bernard will stay in their respective roles in the merged company.


California is First to Enact Cell Phone Number Privacy Law

Californians will have the right to decide for themselves whether their cell phone number is listed in a planned wireless 411 directory under a new bill signed into law last Friday (Sept.


Left to ponder the loss amid the condos

MONTREAL - Where the Field of Dreams was supposed to be built in Montreal, there now stand dreary, functional modern condominiums.


Pitcairn sex trials delayed

The trials of seven Pitcairn Island men charged with almost 100 child sex abuse crimes have been delayed till tomorrow. Prosecution police and some court officials had arrived on the island only


World ; Three die as Maoists enforce 48 hr shutdown

World News, Kathmandu, Three people were killed, over a dozen vehicles torched and a global march to empower people at the grassroots was disrupted as Maoist insurgents Tuesday enforced a 48-hour shutdown in six regions of Nepal.


Eight captives freed in Iraq

Two Italian humanitarian workers who were kidnapped three weeks ago from their office in Baghdad were released Tuesday night, along with two Iraqi colleagues who had been


Palestinian PM Calls For CNN Producer #39;s Release

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia Tuesday said authorities were working hard for the release of a CNN producer and urged the kidnappers to free him.


Likely retail  #39;third force #39; to chew over

THERE #39;S a sense of deja vu about the Metcash takeover offer for Western Australia-based Foodland Associated, because if Andrew Reitzer and his management team can pull it off it may finally create a competitive national  quot;third force quot; in retailing to take


Barrel of oil hits \$50

Crude oil surpassed \$50 a barrel for the first time and analysts said Tuesday that prices could keep rising because of a sharp rise in global demand, tight supplies and threats to output in petroleum-producing nations such as Iraq and Nigeria.


New supercomputer called BlueGene breaks speed record, IBM says

IBM Corp. claimed unofficial bragging rights Tuesday as owner of the world #39;s fastest supercomputer. For three years running, the fastest supercomputer has been NEC #39;s Earth Simulator in Japan.


Nextel Communications Purchases 5.6 Million Nextel Partners Shares

KIRKLAND, Wash. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 -- Nextel Communications, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Motorola, Inc.


Via gives a PCI Express boost to AMD-based computers

Via Technologies Friday announced the introduction of its K8T890 PCI Express chipset for Advanced Micro Devices #39; (AMD) 64-bit processors.


Tiger in 2000: A benchmark of more than majors

Vijay Singh has one month to put the final touches on what already is a masterpiece. He won for the eighth time this year at the 84 Lumber Classic, setting the single-season earnings record with more than \$9.


Bonds #39; 700th homer ball brings lawsuit from fan

SAN FRANCISCO -- A court hearing is scheduled for today in a dispute over who is the rightful owner of the ball Barry Bonds hit for his 700th home run.


Helpful hits lift Indians

He #39;s done just fine when the Indians have scored a lot of runs. The five-game winning streak from July 20 through Aug. 14, when the Tribe scored 60 runs, and that 22-0 victory over the Yankees on Aug. 31 come to mind.


PCI Express will please serious power junkies

Computer shoppers who want and can afford the fastest machines face a dilemma as they decide just how to spend all that cash. Desktop PCs using the new PCI Express design - a faster way


Tech.gov: Don't Call Me, I'll Call You (PC World)

PC World - A cell phone directory is in the works, along with legislation to keep it private. Is this a good thing?


Italy release raises British hopes

The brother of a British engineer kidnapped in Iraq said he was encouraged by the release of two Italian aid workers held hostage in the country for three weeks, while Prime Minister Tony Blair said the British government was


Oil Prices Ease From 21-Year High But Remain Volatile

New York, Sept. 29 (NNN): Hitting fresh 21-year highs of more than \$50 a barrel a day earlier, oil prices eased slightly on Tuesday but remained quite volatile as increased fighting in Nigeria forced several


Motorla to cut jobs worldwide

Chicago - Motorola will cut 1 000 jobs and take a charge of \$50 million (R320.5 million) for severance benefits as it moves to complete a spinoff of its money-losing semiconductor unit, the company said.


Nextel buys shares from Motorola

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - Nextel Communications said Monday that it has purchased shares of its own stock and Nextel Partners from Motorola.


S3 readying GammaChrome graphics chips

DIGITIMES SAID that S3 design wins mean that cards using its  quot;GammaChrome quot; 3D graphics accelerator will start to be sold during the fourth quarter.


Wonderkid Wayne walking on water

MANCHESTER - Sir Alex Ferguson admits he has never seen a player make as impressive a debut as Wayne Rooney did on his hat-trick night for Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday.


At least Brown #39;s spirits seem good

Joe Torre had enough to deal with yesterday, what with a rainout and Orlando Hernandez #39;s tired shoulder forcing him to shuffle his starting rotation.


Update 23: Crude Prices Stay Above \$50 Per Barrel

Oil lingered above the \$50 per barrel threshold in Asian trade Wednesday, breaching the mark for the second straight day ahead of key US crude stockpile data.


Amazon, Microsoft file lawsuits against spammers

Seattle, September 29: Microsoft Corp and Amazon.com Inc jointly filed lawsuits against e-mail spammers and scams to get unsuspecting users to divulge credit card and account information, the two companies said on Tuesday.


P amp;O Cuts Some English Channel Ferry Routes

Shipping giant P amp;O said Tuesday it was scrapping four of its 13 routes across the English Channel, with the loss of about 1,200 jobs.


Hoenig: Outlook  #39;generally sound #39;

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (CBS.MW) -- The US economy is  quot;generally sound quot; and should not be derailed by higher oil prices, Thomas Hoenig, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, said Tuesday.


Stocks open higher on overnight gains in US shares

TOKYO - Stocks opened higher Wednesday on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as overnight gains in US shares prompted buybacks of recently battered Tokyo stocks.


Beware! Deadly asteroid set to hit earth

MUMBAI: The earth will have a close shave with one of the largest known potentially hazardous asteroids called  #39;Toutatis #39; on Wednesday, Nehru Planetarium senior scientist Bharat Adur said.


DNA Analysis Could Combat Ivory Poaching

To determine the origin of elephant ivory tusks, a team of researchers led by Samuel Wasser of the University of Washington in Seattle collected samples in the most important areas inhabited by African elephant herds.


Four more hits! Four more hits!

The lighter side of Ichiro Suzuki emerged Tuesday night after he moved into a tie for second place on the Major League all-time single-season hit list.


Millar #39;s homer in 11th lifts Sox

ST. PETERSBURG  The Red Sox crept closer to the Yankees in the AL East on Tuesday night, beating the Devil Rays 10-8 on Kevin Millar #39;s two-out, two-run homer in the 11th.


Diverted Greek plane leaves Ireland for New York after bomb alert

DUBLIN : An Olympic Airlines plane diverted to Ireland following a bomb alert, the second faced by the Greek carrier in four days, resumed its journey to New York after no device was found on board, airport officials said.


Seoul dismisses North #39;s nuke claims as propaganda

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korean officials on Tuesday dismissed as propaganda a top North Korean official #39;s claims that Pyongyang had made nuclear weapons from spent plutonium fuel rods, news reports said.


Shares Dip, Debt Up Amid Security Fears

LONDON (Reuters) - European shares dipped and government  bond prices rose on Monday following an attack on a U.S.  consulate in Saudi Arabia and as Friday's weak U.S. jobs data  continued to chip away at economic confidence.


Stocks Open Lower

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened lower on Monday as  oil prices rose above \$43 a barrel and the dollar held near  record lows.


Particle lab celebrates 50 years

The European research facility which invented the web and helped shape our view of matter is exactly 50 years old.


Ransom Concern Clouds Return of Italian Hostages (Reuters)

Reuters - National joy in Italy at the safe return\of two aid workers held hostage in Iraq gave way in some\quarters on Wednesday to concern that Rome had paid a ransom\for the women's freedom.


Suspected Taliban Kill Five Afghan Troops (Reuters)

Reuters - Suspected Taliban\guerrillas killed five Afghan troops in an ambush on a district\headquarters in a troubled southern province, officials said on\Wednesday, 11 days before a landmark election.


Russian Government to Discuss Ratifying Kyoto (Reuters)

Reuters - The Russian government will discuss\ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on Thursday, the government\press service said on Wednesday, in a sign Russia is finally\making up its mind to back the climate change pact.


Bush lead in polls raises Kerry's debate stakes (AFP)

AFP - Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry trailed behind US President George W. Bush in the latest polls, raising the stakes for their first debate two days before that face-to-face confrontation.


US-Led Forces Focus on South, East for Afghan Election

KABUL (Reuters) - U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan are  stepping up efforts to improve security before next month's  election, focusing on the south and southeast where militants  have been most active, a military spokesman said on Wednesday.


Britain's Blair Looks to Poll After Iraq Apology

BRIGHTON, England (Reuters) - Iraq will not be the decisive  factor for Britons in the next election, Tony Blair said on  Wednesday, as his party pondered the prime minister's  conditional apology over the war.


Israel Kills 3 Palestinians in Major Gaza Raid

JABALYA, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - Israeli forces killed three  Palestinians on Wednesday after storming into north Gaza for  the third time in as many months to quell Palestinian rocket  fire into Israel.


Mauritania thwarts 'coup plot'

Mauritanian security forces foil a coup attempt, the third in 15 months, says the interior minister.


N Koreans storm Beijing mission

A group of 40 people, thought to be North Koreans, force their way into the Canadian embassy in Beijing.


US bill aims to jail film pirates

Using video cameras to record cinema films would become a state-wide crime under a proposed US law.


Growing Pessimism on Situation in Iraq

While President Bush and others have delivered optimistic public appraisals, officials who fight the Iraqi insurgency and study it believe the rebellion is deeper and more widespread than is being publicly acknowledged, officials say.


Lindh Asks Bush to Reduce Sentence

Attorneys for John Walker Lindh, the suburban Californian convicted of fighting for the Taliban in Afghanistan, asked President Bush yesterday to commute Lindh's 20-year prison sentence.


Freescale To Launch Smaller, Faster G4 Processor

Tony Smith of The Register (UK) has published a look at Freescale #39;s upcoming smaller, faster G4 processor. Freescale is the name of Motorola #39;s spun-off


Fined and suspended

A price tag has been attached to Brad Halsey #39;s brushback pitch to Boston #39;s Dave Roberts and subsequent ejection in the bottom of the eighth inning of the Yankees #39; 11-4 loss at Fenway on Sunday.