'Wikis' Offer Knowledge-Sharing on the Web

By ANICK JESDANUN    NEW YORK (AP) -- Taran Rampersad didn't complain when he failed to find anything on his hometown in the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. Instead, he simply wrote his own entry for San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago...


Adobe Plans New Format Standard for Digital Photos

By MAY WONG    SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Adobe Systems Inc...


Microsoft Ready to Comply if EU Appeal Lost

By PAUL GEITNER    BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) said Monday it is ready to put a stripped-down version of Windows on the market if it fails this week to persuade a judge to suspend a landmark European Union antitrust decision...


Spy Imagery Agency Watching Americans

In the name of homeland security, America's spy imagery agency is keeping a close eye, close to home. It's watching America. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, about 100 employees of a little-known branch of the Defense Department called the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency have focused on observing what's going on in the United States.


No price cut as Virgin unveils US music download service

LONDON - Virgin launches its rival to Apple #39;s iTunes and Roxio #39;s Napster in the US today, although consumers will get no break on price because the service charges the same 99 cents a song to download.


Sweet emotion

Bee Staff Writer. When that last knee-knocking 2-foot putt found the hole, Christina Kim dropped to her knees in tears, then got up to begin a celebration worthy of her flamboyant personality.


Bucs discount revenge factor

Bee Staff Writer. They knew, when the 2004 NFL schedule came out, there would be a revenge angle of sorts attached to the teams #39; first meeting since the Buccaneers #39; Super Bowl rout of Oakland two years ago.


Nascar: Newman cruises at Dover

It didn #39;t take Ryan Newman long to figure out he had an awesome race car Sunday - one that would be capable of winning the MBNA America 400 race at Dover International Speedway.


Packers Lose Shootout with Colts

It is well known that Brett Favre doesn #39;t have a good record in domes. But only looking at his performance at Indy on Sunday, one would think that the Packers would have won the game.


HP drops Itanium workstations

Citing market conditions for the move, HP has dropped the processor just two months after Intel started shipping the 64-bit architecture for x86 systems.


German leaders avoid big losses in electoral test

BERLIN - Germanys governing Social Democrats avoided major losses in local elections Sunday in the countrys most populous state, while the conservative opposition lost votes but stayed well ahead in a traditional stronghold for Chancellor Gerhard


Second Thai woman has bird flu

A 32-YEAR-OLD Thai woman was today confirmed to be suffering from bird flu, the second confirmed human case of the disease since the country #39;s latest outbreak started in July.


Lubbers suggests Darfur autonomy

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ruud Lubbers, has suggested that the Sudanese government should grant more autonomy to the Darfur region in an effort to end the violence there.


Referendum on Swiss Citizenship Takes Place Sunday

Swiss voters go to the polls Sunday to vote in a referendum on making it easier for children and grandchildren of foreigners living in the country to gain citizenship.


Israeli Troops Enter West Bank Hospital

Israeli troops hunting militants raided a West Bank hospital Monday, searching rooms and calling on fugitives over loudspeakers to surrender, and in Gaza soliders


Virgin Music Download Service Aims to Bite Apple, MSN, Yahoo\\On Monday Virgin launched a digital music download service which is expected to challenge Napster, iTunes, MSN Music Store, and Yahoo as the first digital music download service with two big brother backing it up, the Virgin Music Store Chain and ...


The Broadband Market Rises in the UK (Reuters)

Reuters - More than one of every five UK\households has a broadband connection, according to a new study\on Monday, indicating that falling prices have made Britain one\of the fastest growing markets for high-speed Internet access.


Greek School Bus Crash Kills Seven, Injures 24 (Reuters)

Reuters - A bus carrying school\students and teachers to the Athens Paralympic Games collided\with a truck in central Greece on Monday killing at least seven\people and injuring 24, officials said.


Japanese Leader Reshuffles Cabinet (AP)

AP - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi replaced key ministers and ruling party leaders in a shuffle Monday aimed at solidifying his power and building momentum for his troubled reforms program.


Carter foresees unfair vote in Florida (AFP)

AFP - A repetition of problems that plagued the 2000 US presidential election is likely, former US president and veteran elections monitor Jimmy Carter said, charging that  quot;basic international requirements quot; for a fair vote are missing in Florida.


Seven die in Greek bus crash

At least seven school children die when their bus crashed as they were travelling to the Paralympics Games in Athens.


US 'buys town for terror drills'

The US Department of Homeland Security is buying an entire town for anti-terror  training, reports say.


Global box office rise forecast

Global cinema takings will rise steadily to \$22.8bn (12.6bn) by the end of 2004, a research body predicts.


Campaigns Aim to Lower Debate Expectations

CRAWFORD, Texas - It's a classic pre-debate dance, maybe as important as the matchup itself: lower expectations for your candidate's performance and jab the other guy while you're at it. While President Bush and Democrat John Kerry remained secluded half a country apart on Sunday in preparation for their prime-time showdown Thursday, representatives for each side employed their own double-barreled debate strategy...


Stocks to Open Lower on Rising Oil Prices

NEW YORK - U.S. stocks are seen slightly lower at the open as investors stay on guard with oil pushing near the \$50-a-barrel level...


Building Collapses at Dubai Airport

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A large wall in a building under construction at Dubai airport collapsed Monday, killing more than eight people and injuring many more, a contractor said.    Workers at the site said they saw up to 40 casualties being taking away, but there was no confirmation of the number of wounded...


108-Year-Old Man Starts Smoking Again

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - A 108-year-old man has taken up smoking again, encouraged by gifts of cigars from as far away as London...


Hurricane Jeanne Continues to Ravage Fla.

MELBOURNE, Fla. - Hurricane Jeanne tore a fresh path of destruction and despair as it continued its march up storm-ravaged Florida, where the fourth major hurricane in six weeks shut down much of the state and prompted recovery plans on a scale never before seen in the nation...


Powell Says Situation in Iraq 'Getting Worse'

Secretary of State Colin Powell sees the situation in Iraq "getting worse" as planned elections approach, and the top U.S. military commander for Iraq says he expects more violence ahead.


Why are oil prices so high?

US crude prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange have hit fresh record highs, hitting \$49.45 a barrel, up more than 50 percent from the start of the year.


Bombardier Says Air Canada May Buy up to 90 Aircraft (Update1)

Bombardier Inc., the world #39;s third- biggest maker of commercial aircraft, said Air Canada ordered 45 planes and may buy 45 more in an agreement with a potential value of \$2.


Before the Bell - Fannie Mae down 2 pct

Shares of Fannie Mae (FNM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) fell 2 percent in premarket trading on Monday, a day after reports said the embattled mortgage finance giant was close to a deal with regulators.


AT amp; Wireless unveils messaging-only handheld

AT amp;T Wireless on Monday seemed to be trying to turn back the clock on cell phone design trends when it introduced the Ogo, a messaging-only handheld.


Adobe Systems to introduce new format for digital photos

SAN JOSE, Calif. Adobe Systems is introducing a new format today for digital photos it hopes will create a standard in the industry.


House Arrest Ends for Ex-Parmalat Chief

With his period of house arrest over, former Parmalat boss Calisto Tanzi took a walk in the garden of his villa Monday, following nine months of detention and questioning over the fraud scandal that engulfed his company.


A hit in Motown

All guys he played with in San Francisco. All guys who made up one of the greatest offenses in NFL history. All guys who remind him of what he has now.


USC Thrives in Adversity, Tops Stanford (AP)

AP - Though Southern California went to halftime down 11 points, Matt Grootegoed knew the Trojans were going to win as soon as he stepped into the locker room.


Dubai terminal construction collapse

Officials can not estimate all casualties as some people still remain under the ruins. The wall of the new airports terminal collapsed in United Arab Emirates  capital at 11 am.


Fannie Mae in Deal to Hike Capital (Reuters)

Reuters - Embattled mortgage finance company\Fannie Mae  agreed to keep billions of dollars more cash\on hand while it corrects accounting problems, its government\regulator said on Monday.


Cemex Buys 18.8 Percent Stake in RMC (Reuters)

Reuters - Mexican cement company Cemex said on\Monday it had spent about 432 million pounds ( #36;780 million)\buying an 18.8 percent stake in RMC Group  as part of\its planned takeover of its British rival.


Citigroup's Thomson, Krawcheck Swap Posts (Reuters)

Reuters - Citigroup Inc.  on Monday said\Todd Thomson, its chief financial officer and head of strategy,\will swap posts with Sallie Krawcheck, Smith Barney's chairman\and chief executive officer.


Cemex Buys 18.8 Percent Stake in RMC

LONDON (Reuters) - Mexican cement company Cemex said on  Monday it had spent about 432 million pounds (\$780 million)  buying an 18.8 percent stake in RMC Group RMC.L as part of  its planned takeover of its British rival.


Citigroup's Thomson, Krawcheck Swap Posts

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Citigroup Inc. C.N on Monday said  Todd Thomson, its chief financial officer and head of strategy,  will swap posts with Sallie Krawcheck, Smith Barney's chairman  and chief executive officer.


T-W, Comcast in Pact on Cable Unit Stake

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Time Warner Inc. TWX.N and Comcast  Corp. CMCSA.OQ on Monday agreed to a pact giving Comcast an  option to cut its stake in Time Warner's cable unit, opening  the door for Comcast to unwind the entire partnership.


The Dollar Hits a 6-Week High vs. the Yen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar climbed to six-week highs  against the yen on concern over the impact of high crude prices  on the oil-dependent Japanese economy.


Man Utd warns of lower TV revenues

Manchester United has warned that lower TV revenues will hit earnings this year, after posting a dip in annual profits. The world #39;s richest soccer club and the subject of


AT amp;T Wireless Sells Dedicated Messaging Device

AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc. (AWE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) launches a mobile e-mail and messaging device without voice service on Monday, aiming to use a low price to tempt young consumers.


Mozilla Now Strong Challenger to Internet Explorer

Clearly the hottest up-and-coming alternative to the Internet Explorer is Mozilla #39;s Firefox Web browser. Firefox, a free download, has tricks up its sleeve that Internet Explorer has not yet caught on to.


VoIP, Inc. To Pursue Cable Companies for Virtual Service Provider <b>...</b>

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 -- VoIP, Inc. (OTCBB:VOII) today announced that it plans to help cable companies capture a share of the Internet phone services business.


Stealth dino

A newly discovered fossil may be the remains of one of the first stealth hunters, a swimming dinosaur that could use its long neck to sneak up on prey and strike without warning.


ROY JONES JUNIOR.. A LEGEND THAT TIME CAUGHT UP WITH..

In his prime, Roy Jones was the greatest pound for pound fighter in the world. He dazzled us with electrifying speed, unmatched lateral movement, boxing smarts, and mad slipping ability.


NFL Wrap: McNabb Sparkles for Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles thumped the Detroit Lions 30-13 Sunday in a clash of two previously unbeaten teams. Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, the NFL #39;s top-rated passer, had a huge part


Under the Gunners #39; spell

Forty seven games and counting - that #39;s Arsenal #39;s unbeaten league record after the weekend victory at Manchester City. The Gunners are drowning in an avalanche of plaudits, the majority of them deserved, while


Time Warner, Comcast enter cable pact

Time Warner Inc. and Comcast Corp. agreed to a deal Monday giving Comcast an option to cut its stake in Time Warner #39;s cable unit, opening the door for Comcast to unwind the entire partnership.


Counting the cost of Hurricane Ivan

Hurricane Ivan has left a trail of destroyed homes and wrecked lives across the Caribbean and parts of the United States. Julia Botfield visited the island of Grenada for BBC Breakfast TV to see how the inhabitants


Stocks Open Lower as Oil Nears \$50/barrel

US stocks opened lower on Monday as investor concerns were fueled by oil prices hitting a fresh record high, marching closer to \$50 a barrel, on supply concerns emerging from Nigeria.


Big, Beefy Billionaires

I always get a kick out of the annual list published by Forbes singling out the richest people in the country. It #39;s almost as amusing as those on the list bickering over their placement.


The next big thing for government

In a discussion that lasted for more than an hour, experts batted around a multitude of ideas that included wireless technology and the reason it will be so big, information security and assurance, and how to deal with budget tightening.


Intel: no WiFi in  quot;grantsdale quot; chipset

Intel Corporation has decided not to enable the wireless access-point function in its new Intel  quot;Grantsdale quot; chip. A company spokesman confirmed that Intel has decided to phase


Huge Asteroid to Fly Past Earth Wednesday

The largest asteroid ever known to pass near Earth is making a close celestial brush with the planet this week in an event that professional and backyard astronomers are watching closely.


Eight killed as Dubai airport wall collapses

At least eight people were killed after a wall collapsed at a building site at Dubai airport today. Workers said they saw up to 40 casualties being taken from the scene of the collapse, with some people reported to be trapped under the debris.


India to celebrate Taj Mahal #39;s 350th anniversary

INDIA - 350-year-anniversary celebrations devoted to the jubilee of the famous mausoleum Taj Mahal will start tomorrow in India. The worldwide known historic architectural gem, the snow-white Taj Mahal, was


Thailand confirms second case of bird flu

Bangkok, Sept 27.(PTI): Thailand today announced that a 32-year-old woman is suffering from Avian Flu, the second confirmed human case of the disease since the latest outbreak started in July.


Google Conforms to Chinese Censorship

Google Inc.'s recently launched news service in China doesn't display results from Web sites blocked by that country's authorities, raising prickly questions for an online search engine that has famously promised to "do no evil."


All I Wanted Was a Pepsi

Pepsi is ready to post earnings; let's hope it doesn't follow in Coke's footsteps.


AT  Wireless unveils messaging-only handheld

The company says the device, dubbed the Ogo, won't be bogged down by features that are "hardly used."


Fannie Mae to Correct Accounting and Boost Capital (Update2)

Fannie Mae, the biggest buyer of US mortgages, will correct its accounting and boost capital to a level 30 percent above the required minimum after its federal regulator found errors


Nortel names chief marketing officer

Nortel Networks Corp. named its first chief marketing officer on Monday in keeping with the new initiatives announced last month by CEO William Owens.


Stocks in Retreat As Oil Nears \$50 Mark

As crude oil futures head toward \$50 per barrel, stocks are in retreat. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 31 points in today #39;s early going.


Multiplex secures Ronin bid

MULTIPLEX Group has seen off a late challenge to its takeover of Ronin Property Group, yesterday securing a crucial stake that all but guarantees a successful bid and a re-rating of the developer #39;s shares.


Citigroup #39;s Krawcheck Named Finance, Strategy Chief (Update1)

Citigroup Inc., the world #39;s biggest bank, named Sallie Krawcheck chief financial officer and head of strategy, making her the highest-ranking woman on Wall Street.


UPDATE 1-Tommy Hilfiger shares fall 24 pct on US probe

Shares of Tommy Hilfiger Corp. (TOM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) fell 24 percent on Monday morning after the clothing maker said a federal grand jury subpoenaed documents from


Branson unveils deal for first commercial space flights

The Virgin chief Sir Richard Branson announced his company has signed an agreement potentially worth 14 million to secure the world #39;s first commercial flights to space.


IBM plans a big push into logistics

IBM was to announce on Monday that it would invest \$250 million over the next five years and employ a thousand people in a new business unit to support products and services related to sensor networks.


Roosters setback

THE Sydney Roosters have been dealt a cruel double blow with Chris Flannery - the man most likely to replace Luke Ricketson if he is suspended - rushed to hospital yesterday.


7 students killed in Greek crash

A bus taking Greek high school students to watch the Paralympics smashed into a truck loaded with glass Monday, killing seven teenage passengers and injuring 30 other people, police said.


Workers die in collapse at airport

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates A collapse at a construction site at the Dubai airport on Monday killed five people and injured a dozen, the Department of Civil Aviation said.


Koizumi moves to sell off Japan Post

TOKYO With Japan #39;s banking crisis coming under control, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi shifted his economic repairman on Monday to Japan #39;s next gargantuan task: privatizing the world #39;s largest bank.


Iranian diplomat held hostage in Iraq freed: embassy

An Iranian diplomat who was kidnapped in Iraq has been freed and is in the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad, diplomatic sources told Xinhua on Monday.


New case of bird flu puts Thais on alert

HONG KONG Officials in Thailand announced Monday that a 32-year-old woman had been hospitalized with the country #39;s second human case of avian influenza since the disease began a resurgence in July and said that two family members of the sick person had


Four Palestinian shot dead; Israelis mount search operation in <b>...</b>

JENIN, West Bank, Sept 27 (AFP) - Four Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire in the occupied territories on Monday, while the Jewish state #39;s army pressed a large search and arrest operation in Jenin, security sources said.


UPDATE 8-US oil near \$50, supply fears shift to Nigeria

Oil prices surged to new record highs on Monday near \$50 for US crude as Nigeria emerged as the latest focus for worries about supply security on world energy markets.


Citigroup #39;s Krawcheck to Get No. 2 Post

Citigroup Inc. (CN: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said one of its fast-rising executives, Sallie Krawcheck, will take over the No.


Fannie Mae to increase capital WASHINGTON, Sept 27 (Reuters)

Fannie Mae would have to maintain 30 percent more capital than current rules demand it hold on its balance sheet, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, said in a statement.


US probe weighs on Tommy Hilfiger

Shares sink as a federal grand jury continues its investigation into commission rates, tax benefits. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Shares of Tommy Hilfiger Corp.


AT amp;T Wireless ships mobile IM gadget

US mobile network operator AT amp;T Wireless today launched Ogo, its first non-voice messaging device, pitched at the  #39;yoof #39; market - in particular those who only like to communicate by text.


Cochlear Implants Recalled For Malfunction Risk

WASHINGTON -- A worldwide recall has been issued for two brands of cochlear implants. The recall only includes the estimated 440 devices that have not yet been implanted.


Sony gets top cast in MGM \$US3bn show

Sony is hiring some big guns to capture movie giant Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Photo: AP. Unlike the old days, Sony is seeking outside support in its tilt at MGM, writes William Pesek.


Virgin to offer space flights

High-flying Brit entrepreneur Richard Branson today announced the imminent take-off of the  quot;VSS Virgin quot; - a scaled-up version of Burt Rutan #39;s SpacShipOne - which will offer well-to-do wannabe astronauts the chance of zero-grav flights for a mere 100,000


E-Commerce Attacks on the Rise

Symantec recently issued its biannual Internet threat report, which notes, among other trends, that e-commerce sites were the most targeted by hackers in the first six months of this year.


Cheap thrills

Sven Jaschan, who may face five years in prison for spreading the Netsky and Sasser worms, is now working in IT security. Photo: AFP.


World No. 1 Singh beats Tiger Woods earnings record

Vijay Singh, who knocked Tiger Woods off the top of the world rankings this month for the first time in over five years, surpassed Woods #39; earnings record for a single season when he won the 84 Lumber Classic on Sunday.


YOUTH IS KEY TO DAVIS CUP FUTURE - BATES

Captain Jeremy Bates insists there are grounds for optimism despite fears over Great Britain #39;s Davis Cup future. The British team remain stuck in the wilderness of the Euro-African zone after crashing 3-2 to Austria in Portschach.


Ullrich out of world championships time trial

Former Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich will not compete in Wednesday #39;s time trial of the world cycling championships in Italy because of a stomach problem.


Palestinians bury slain Hamas member in Syria amid cries for <b>...</b>

Thousands of Palestinians, many shouting calls for revenge, on Monday buried a member of the militant group Hamas who was killed in a car bomb assassination in which Israeli security officials acknowledged they had a hand.


Brown speaks of sympathy for Bigley

Gordon Brown has extended his sympathies to the family of Kenneth Bigley, the British hostage being held in Iraq, as Mr Bigley #39;s brother criticised Tony Blair.


World Oil Prices Hover Near Record Highs In Monday Trading

Crude oil prices rose to a record high in London trading and hit near-record levels in New York on Monday. London #39;s benchmark Brent crude oil hit a record of \$46.


Tommy Hilfiger gets Grand Jury subpoena

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Tommy Hilfiger USA said Friday that it received a federal grand jury subpoena seeking documents related to commissions the company paid to a non-US subsidiary since 1990.


Net Attacks Down, Bot Networks Up

The average daily volume of Internet attacks declined in the last six months, according to Symantec Corp. #39;s Internet Security Threat Report.


Perens hits out at Sun over OpenOffice

Open source developers who contribute to OpenOffice should stop donating their code to Sun Microsystems, open source advocate Bruce Perens has urged.


Christina Kim gets first win on LPGA Tour

Christina Kim got her first win on the LPGA Tour Sunday when she shot a six-under 65 to capture the Longs Drugs Challenge. Kim wound up with 18-under-par 266, one stroke better than runnerup Karrie Webb.


Virgin Group to launch US online music service

LOS ANGELES, California, United States of America - Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Group said Monday it was jumping into online music, with a  quot;Digital Megastore quot; for US customers offering song downloads for 99 cents.


IE updates no longer free for older Windows users

Internet security may be priceless, but people who want a safer web browser with their older versions of Windows will pay \$239. Until last month, the software giant #39;s security-challenged Internet


FDIC warns consumers on e-mail scams

The FDIC Friday issued an alert about an increasingly common e-mail scam designed to steal personal information and money from millions of unwary consumers.


Gill Defends Payments to Agents

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has strongly defended payment of 5.5million to agents over the past 12 months. The extraordinary figure, which does not include a payment


Indian coverage to go ahead

Any lingering doubts over the television coverage of the India-Australia Test series appeared to have been erased yesterday, with a report that a local network would be appointed as broadcaster.


Convoy raid kills Pakistan troops

At least three Pakistani soldiers have been killed in an attack on a convoy in South Waziristan, the army says.


Oil Near \$50, Supply Eye Nigeria Turmoil

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices surged to new record highs on  Monday near \$50 for U.S. crude as Nigeria emerged as the latest  focus for worries about supply security on world energy  markets.


New Home Sales Jump 9.4 Pct in August

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. new home sales jumped a  surprising 9.4 percent in August, the fastest acceleration of  sales in almost four years, as a fresh dip in mortgage interest  rates attracted buyers, a government report showed on Monday.


U.S. Stocks Down as Oil Edges Higher

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Monday as oil  prices hit a record high, spurring worries that energy costs  will eat into corporate profits.


Citigroup's Krawcheck to Get No. 2 Post

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Citigroup Inc. C.N on Monday said  one of its fast-rising executives, Sallie Krawcheck, will take  over the No. 2 position at the world's biggest financial  services company, replacing Todd Thomson who will take her job  as head of brokerage Smith Barney.


Dollar Hits 6-Wk High Vs Yen: Oil Eyed

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar climbed to six-week highs  against the yen on concern over the impact of high crude prices  on the oil-dependent Japanese economy.


Air Canada to Buy 30 Bombardier Jets

MONTREAL (Reuters) - Air Canada has agreed to buy 30  Canadair Regional Jets from Bombardier Inc. BBDb.TO in a  contract valued at \$821 million, the companies said on Monday,  but the order falls 15 jets short of an earlier plan.


U.S. Jets Pound Militant Positions in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. jets pounded suspected Shiite militant positions in the Baghdad slum of Sadr City on Monday, killing at least five people and wounding 40...


Wall Collapses at Dubai Airport

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A wall collapsed at an airport construction site Monday, killing more than eight workers and injuring many more, a contractor said.    Workers at Dubai airport said they saw up to 40 casualties being taking away, but the toll could not be immediately confirmed...


U.S. jets pounded suspected Shiite militant positions in the Baghdad slum of Sadr City on Monday, killing at least five people and wounding 40. Elsewhere, insurgents detonated a car bomb and fired rockets, killing at least four National Guardsmen, in separate attacks targeting Iraq's beleaguered security forces.


Israel Accuses Syria of 'Directing Terrorism'

Israel accused Syria on Monday of "directing terrorism" and warned it could face pre-emptive strikes against militants on its territory, but stopped short of saying it killed a Hamas leader in Damascus.


Citigroup #39;s Krawcheck gets No. 2 post

Fast rising exec replaces CFO Todd Thomson, who will take her job as head of brokerage Smith Barney. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Citigroup Inc.


Greek School Bus Crash Kills 7, Injures At Least 24

In Greece, a schoolbus filled with teenage students bound for the Paralympic Games has crashed on the way to Athens, leaving seven passengers dead and at least 24 injured.


Comcast, Time Warner announce financial deal

Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Inc. on Monday announced an agreement on what could be the first step of giving Comcast a way to redeem its stake in Time Warner Cable Inc.


Microsoft withdraws Outlook support for hotmail

Microsoft has outlaid plans that involve charging people for accessing their email via its email application Outlook. However Microsoft is not citing the urge to make even more cash, but an attempt to quell


Philips and Cirrus cut forecasts as chip gloom deepens

Clouds continued to gather over the chip sector last week after Philips confirmed a bleaker outlook for sales, and analog and DSP chip vendor Cirrus Logic Inc sharply downgraded its forecast for the current quarter because customers want to reduce


T-Online Takes Over German Music Portal (Reuters)

Reuters - Germany's music industry has switched\efforts to sell music over the Internet to Deutsche Telekom's\(DTEGn.DE) Web unit T-Online (TOIGn.DE) from a previous\collaboration with another Telekom division, it was announced\on Monday.


iBeam adds laser pointer, flashlight to iPod (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Griffin Technology Inc. on Monday unveiled the iBeam, a new flashlight and laser pointer combination designed to work as a snap-on package for iPods and iPod minis. The flashlight and laser pointer are two separate devices that feature protective caps and can be clipped on to a keychain when not in use. The devices plug in to the iPod's headphone jack. The package will cost US #36;19.99 when it ships by the end of October.


Paralympics Scrap Closing Celebrations After Crash

The Athens Paralympics canceled celebrations at its closing ceremony after seven schoolchildren traveling to watch the event died in a bus crash on Monday.


Microsoft Ready to Remove Media Player (PC World)

PC World - Software giant will follow court orders and comply with EU's demands if necessary.


Calif. Classic Car Lovers Dismayed by New Law (Reuters)

Reuters - Lovers of California's classic\cars, celebrated in the Beach Boys song for "fun, fun, fun,"\worried that a new state law could take their T-birds and\little deuce coupes away.


Sri Lanka Seeks Peace - This Time with Elephants (Reuters)

Reuters - Wild elephants and farmers\are killing each other at an alarming rate in Sri Lanka, so\hundreds of wildlife officers and villagers fanned out into\forests on Monday to find ways to broker peace.


NTL 'sorry' over abusive message

The NTL phone company apologises after an abusive recorded message is left on their faults line.


Tommy Hilfiger Down 24 Pct on U.S. Probe (Reuters)

Reuters - Shares of Tommy Hilfiger Corp. \fell 24 percent on Monday morning after the clothing maker said\a federal grand jury subpoenaed documents from its U.S. unit\regarding commissions paid to a subsidiary outside the United\States.


FDA KOs Allergan Psoriasis Treatment

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. regulators won't approve Allergan  Inc.'s AGN.N experimental treatment for the skin disorder  psoriasis based on the data submitted, the company said on  Monday.


Avici Sees Revenue Shortfall, Shares Drop

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Avici Systems Inc. AVCI.O, which  makes equipment that directs traffic over the Internet, on  Monday slashed its revenue outlook for the current quarter  because customers have delayed network expansions, and its  shares lost nearly a third of their value.


Picture of North Sea fish decline

A model of the North Sea's ecosystem suggests the total fish stock has dropped from 26 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes in just over a century.


New Home Sales Climb 9.4 Percent in August

Mortgage interest rates remained at low enough levels, it seemed, to continue enticing buyers worried about future rate hikes.


Mexico stocks dragged by Cemex acquisition news

Mexican stocks fell early Monday, dragged lower by cement giant Cemex (CX) after it announced a multibillion dollar acquisition of a British company, the largest by a Mexican firm ever.


US junior rider wins silver at cycling worlds

Rebecca Much of the United States won the silver medal in the junior time trial Monday at the road cycling world championships. Tereza Hurikova of the Czech Republic was the winner, following her bronze medal on a mountain bike Sept.


Entertainment part of Paralympic Games closing ceremony canceled

The organizing committee for 2004 Athens Paralympic Games has decided to cancel the entertainment part of the closing ceremony due to a car accident which killed atleast seven students early Monday morning.


Lions can #39;t play with big boys yet

The Lions stepped up to see if they could play with one of the NFC #39;s best teams and they got their ears boxed. The Philadelphia Eagles roared away to a 21-point lead with three touchdowns


Jaguars finally get win over Titans, knock out McNair

Fred Taylor ran for a 1-yard touchdown with nine seconds left Sunday, and the Jaguars earned their first victory ever in Nashville.


AT T Wireless unveils messaging-only handheld

The company says the device, dubbed the Ogo, won't be bogged down by features that are "hardly used."


Slain Hamas member buried in Syria

Thousands of Palestinians, many shouting calls for revenge, today buried a member of the militant group Hamas who was killed in a car bomb assassination in which Israeli security officials acknowledged they had a hand.


UN peacekeepers rush to storm-ravaged Gonaives to stop looting

UN peacekeepers rushed to this storm-ravaged city Monday to guard against looters stealing food aid while military doctors performed operations on howling patients and hundreds of weary victims, after a miserable night spent out in


IBM sheds light on next Notes/Domino

IBM/Lotus is stepping up efforts to reassure users that its Notes/Domino collaboration platform isn't on the chopping block and will survive well into the future.


PalmSource unveils Cobalt 6.1 OS

PalmSource will ratchet up the competition among wireless OS vendors this week by announcing Cobalt 6.1, the latest version of its mobile operating system. The main emphasis of the new PalmSource OS is on wireless connectivity, putting it on a par with Microsofts Windows Mobile and Nokias Symbian mobile OSes.


Oracle brings SMB suite to North America

Oracle Corp. is finally bringing to the North American market its Oracle E-Business Suite Special Edition, a midmarket-aimed package of pre-installed, preconfigured software from its 11i suite of business applications.


Tech companies building bridges with China

BEIJING -- John Chambers, the chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Cisco Systems Inc., doesn't care when economists think China is going to become the world's largest economy. He's just thinking about what needs to be done for Cisco to tap into that market.


Microsoft to charge for Hotmail-Outlook link

Microsoft Corp. on Monday will start charging for a Hotmail feature that allows users of the Web-based e-mail service to access their e-mail using the Outlook e-mail client.
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SBC Case Study: Crate   Barrel
What sold them on improving their network? A system that could cut management costs from the get-go. Find out more.


Microsoft Ready to Remove Media Player

Software giant will follow court orders and comply with EU's demands if necessary.


Toshiba Readies 60GB Gigabeat

Upcoming device will be the first audio player to use Toshiba's 60GB hard drive.


Holidays That are Out of This World

It used to be that a trip to Africa or Antarctica qualified as an exotic tourist destination. But cash-rich tourists seeking adventure are now rejecting earthly adventures for destinations that are more out of this world.


Ricketson needs a downgrade

DEVASTATED Sydney Roosters lock Luke Ricketson this morning will meet club officials to formalise a defence against a striking charge which, if unsuccessful, will see him miss Sunday #39;s grand final.


Pakistan dealt crushing blow to Al Qaeda

Pakistan said that it had dealt Al-Qaeda network a crushing blow after killing senior Al Qaeda operative, Amjad Farooqi, who is accused of hiding the chief plotter of Sept.


9/11 fireman tells of plane alert ordeal

A NEW York fireman involved in the 9/11 rescue effort today told of his ordeal on board a plane diverted to the UK in a bomb alert.


One French was killed by bullets in Jeddah

The Saudi authorities said that one French citizen was killed in Jeddah city yesterday at dawn in the second incident of its kind this month suspected to be carried out by members of al Qaida organization.


Do Search Engine Spiders Pick Up Urls in a Javascript Menu?

Do Search Engine Spiders Pick Up Url's in a Javascript Menu?\\This subject has been discussed before in length, but solutions have remained personal opinion. A thread over at Highrankings addresses some interesting issues regarding whether or not a search engine spider can extract links from a javascript menu. If the ...


Kidd to Make Season Debut Versus Raptors

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (Sports Network) - New Jersey guard  Jason Kidd is expected to make his season debut Monday, when  the Nets host the Toronto Raptors at Continental Airlines  Arena.


Freescale Wins 200 Mln Euro Siemens Supply Deal (Reuters)

Reuters - Freescale Semiconductor Inc. has won\a long-term contract worth more than 200 million euros ( #36;246\million) to supply car components to Siemens, the companies\said on Monday.


Turner in Deal with Akimbo for Video-On-Demand (Reuters)

Reuters - Akimbo, a provider of video on demand\services via the Internet, on Monday said Turner Broadcasting\System Inc. agreed to provide Akimbo subscribers with\programming from networks such as CNN and Cartoon Network.


Freescale Wins 200 Mln Euro Siemens Supply Deal

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Freescale Semiconductor Inc. has won  a long-term contract worth more than 200 million euros (\$246  million) to supply car components to Siemens, the companies  said on Monday.


Move Over Sniffer Dogs, Here Come Africa's Rats (Reuters)

Reuters - Tom sits patiently in a cage\while Jerry, tethered by a harness, scuttles around sniffing\and scratching the earth.


Tories accuse Labour of dirty tricks in cyberspace (AFP)

AFP - The ruling Labour Party was accused of planning dirty tricks by registering three Internet domain names which use the name of the leader of the main opposition Conservatives.


Carter Predicts Florida Poll Will Again Be Flawed (Reuters)

Reuters - Former President Jimmy Carter, who\has monitored elections throughout the developing world,\predicted on Monday the U.S. presidential vote in Florida would\be as flawed as the 2000 poll there.


U.S. Officials Differ on Iraqi Elections (AP)

AP - Top U.S. officials differed Friday over key details of planned Iraqi elections in January, including the unresolved issue of whether all Iraqis will be able to vote and who will protect them from their country's worsening violence.


Paralympics Scrap Closing Celebrations After Crash

ATHENS (Reuters) - The Athens Paralympics canceled  celebrations at its closing ceremony after seven schoolchildren  traveling to watch the event died in a bus crash on Monday.


Kidnapped Iranian Diplomat Released in Iraq - TV

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iranian diplomat Fereidoun Jahani,  kidnapped in Iraq last month, has been released, the Iranian  embassy in Baghdad said on Monday, adding he was in good health  but tired.


India Celebrates 350th Birthday of Taj Mahal

AGRA, India (Reuters) - Hundreds of schoolchildren gathered  outside India's Taj Mahal on Monday, releasing heart-shaped  balloons and setting free white pigeons to mark the 350th  birthday of the world's most famous monument to love.


Sweden to save 'sinking' town

Sweden is to move the northern town of Kiruna to prevent it sinking into a hole left by iron ore mines.


War threatens Uganda Aids success

HIV/Aids is twice as common in the war-torn north of Uganda as in the rest of the country, an aid agency says.


Picture of North Sea fish decline

A scientific model of the North Sea's ecosystem suggests the total stock of fish has dropped from 26 million tonnes to 10 million t in just over a century.


Multiplex makes Ronin bid official

Multiplex Group yesterday officially launched its takeover offer for Ronin Property Group and its bid to become Australias fourth largest property trust listed on the ASX.


Update 1: Yukos Unit Evaluated for Sale to Pay Bill

Assets of Russia #39;s beleaguered Yukos oil company should fetch at least \$15 billion, a senior official said Monday, as the company #39;s main production unit is evaluated for sale to offset a crushing back-tax bill.


Walgreen posts higher quarterly profit

Walgreen says its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings topped forecasts, rising 18 percent on higher prescription sales at stores open at least one year.


Manchester United Reports Big Drop in Annual Profits

English football (soccer) team Manchester United has reported a nearly 30 percent fall in its annual profits and warned that future results would be affected by a drop in media revenues.


Nortel Networks Names Clent Richardson Chief Marketing Officer

Nortel Networks Corp., North America #39;s bigger maker of phone equipment, named Clent Richardson as its chief marketing officer, filling a position that was vacant for almost two years.


Oil Prices Soar on Supply Shortage Fears

Oil prices soared to new highs on both sides of the Atlantic today as traders fretted over increasingly short supplies. The cost of crude in New York broke through the


Ingram to acquire TechPac

Ingram Micro is all set to acquire Tech Pacific, in a move that will significantly impact the Indian IT distribution and channels sector.


Microsoft braces for EU anti-trust appeal

US software giant Microsoft said it will abide by whatever ruling is handed down by a European appeal court hearing due to start this week against an EU condemnation for abusing its market dominance.


Sports Court Hears Hamm Gold Medal Appeal (AP)

AP - Paul Hamm appeared before the sports world's highest court Monday to argue why he should keep his Olympic gymnastics gold medal.


Groundwork Laid for Spaceline

LONDON-September 27, 2004 - A ticket may soon be all that separates you from a dream voyage to the final frontier. British entrepreneur Richard Branson says Virgin company plans to start offering commercial space flights over the next few years.


Last-minute delay for X Prize rival

The countdown to the conclusion of the privately funded race for space is producing some last-minute surprises, with a key competitor postponing its bid just days before its scheduled flight.


Singh has Tiger running scared

HAVING overtaken Tiger Woods as the world #39;s premier golfer, Vijay Singh pushed Woods further into his wake yesterday (AEST) by claiming the PGA Tour #39;s single-season money record.


What we learned

Detroit: They #39;re good enough to beat Chicago and Houston but they #39;re nowhere near the level of the Eagles. This game was over by the end of the first quarter, when Philadelphia led 14-0, and as one Eagle said


Tennis: Tim slams Cup rules after defeat

TIM Henman blasted the Davis Cup rule book as Great Britain today had to face up to another failure to reach the World Group. Henman and Greg Rusedski slumped to a 3-2 defeat over two days in Austria to be relegated to the Euro-African zone.


Emblem of radical Palestinian organisation Hamas

The killing of Hamas leader Izz ed-Din al-Sheikh Khalil in Damascus on Sunday marks another step in the struggle between Israel and the radical Islamic Hamas organisation which has been responsible for a recent spate of suicide attacks.


SC declines consent for Taj Mahotsav

A grand festival marking 350th year of Taj Mahal, beginning on Monday, ran into rough weather as the Supreme Court said that it cannot permit the UP Government to go ahead with the celebrations near the World Heritage Monument.


Turkey reforms penal code with eye on EU

ANKARA: Turkey #39;s bid for membership of the European Union is back on track after the parliament passed far-reaching penal code reforms designed to improve the Muslim nation #39;s human rights record.


Three British Muslims join Zarqawi terrorist group in Iraq

The revelation by a resistance leader that three British Muslims have joined the terrorist group holding the Liverpool engineer Kenneth Bigley hostage in Iraq has not only shocked most people in Britain but could cause further fracture in the already


Treasuries Up as Oil Nears Record Highs (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. Treasury debt prices rose on\Monday as investors figured that oil prices near record highs\could slow the economy and stall monetary tightening.


Intervoice's Customers Come Calling

Intervoice gives companies a cost-effective way to deal with customer calls.


California Calls the Shots

California is enacting environmental legislation that could shape the U.S. auto market.


Time Warner signs deal to allow Comcast reduce stake in cable unit

NEW YORK, September 27 (newratings.com) - Time Warner Inc (TWX.NYS) has reached an agreement with Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) that allows Comcast to reduce its interest in Time Warner Cable.


Adobe proposes new format for images

Adobe plans to introduce a new format for digital photos tomorrow in an attempt to create an industry public standard to make the archiving and editing process compatible across all types of cameras and software.


Hilfiger shares plunge on news of probe

NEW YORK -- Clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger Corp. saw its stock unravel as much as 26 percent in Monday trading after the company last week said a federal grand jury is investigating commissions it has paid since 1990.


Branson Plans Commercial Space Flights

British airline magnate Richard Branson says his company will begin launching paying customers into outer space by 2007 on the world #39;s first commercial space flights.


Rooney #39;s ready for Europe - Fergie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists Wayne Rooney will feel right at home in the Champions League. Rooney: Likely to start from the bench against Fenerbahce.


New IPC Athletes #39; Committee members announced

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced here on Monday the list of the newly-elected Athletes #39; Committee. An IPC official at once claimed it a balanced unit and


PSU REPORT CARD

The quarterback drops back to pass on the first play of the game on enemy turf and floats a picturesque 49-yard bomb to the team #39;s most dangerous player.


Pakistan claims crushing blow to Al-Qaeda

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistan claimed Monday it had dealt Al-Qaeda a crushing blow after killing a top militant said to have masterminded attempts on President Pervez Musharraf #39;s life and to have arranged the beheading of US reporter Daniel Pearl.


RPA condemns killing of Tabara

Commanders of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA) immediately condemned the killing of their leader, Arturo Tabara, chairman of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa


IDC raises 2004 PC growth view, but trims 2005

Shipments of personal computers this year will be higher than previously anticipated, boosted by demand from businesses, research firm IDC said Monday.


Update 1: VNU Sells Directories Unit for \$2.6B

The Dutch publisher VNU, which owns the Nielsen TV ratings service, said Monday it signed a deal to sell its World Directories unit for \$2.


UPDATE 1-Mexico #39;s Cemex shares tumble on RMC deal

Shares of Mexico #39;s Cemex slumped on Monday after the world #39;s No. 3 cement maker agreed to buy Britain #39;s RMC Group in the largest ever acquisition by a Mexican firm.


UPDATE 3-Nastech in obesity treatment pact with Merck

Shares of Nastech Pharmaceutical Co. Inc. (NSTK.O: Quote, Profile, Research) jumped as much as 43 percent on Monday after it said it formed an alliance with Merck  amp; Co.


Microsoft Prepared to Strip Its Player

Microsoft (Quote, Chart) plans to push for a negotiated settlement of its antitrust dispute with the European Union (EU), even if it means deleting the Windows Media Player (WMP) from its operating system.


Adobe offers standard for raw photo formats

com September 27, 2004, 8:25 AM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.


Virgin Enters Digital-Music Fray

British entrepreneur Richard Branson is aiming for a piece of the digital-music market, launching Virgin Digital in the US The online Megastore will offer music-download fans about one million songs from which to choose, at 99 cents each.


1 Terabyte Optical Storage Disks

fenimor writes  quot;Physicists at Imperial College London described a new method for potentially encoding and storing up to one Terabyte of data, or 472 hours of film, on one optical disk the size of a CD or DVD.


HP drops Itanium workstation line

It was obvious that the one-two punch of Opteron and then Intel #39;s adoption of x86-64 would spell trouble for Itanium, and now HP, the (for all intents and purposes) originator of IA-64, has axed its Itanium 2 workstation line so that they can focus on


Campbell eyes European test

Arsenal defender Sol Campbell is desperate to face Rosenberg in the Champions League on Wednesday. Campbell played his first game of the season at Manchester City after recovering from an Achilles injury and is ready for a heavy workload.


UPDATE 1-Sweden #39;s Stenson holds firm to win Heritage title

Sweden #39;s Henrik Stenson ended a three-year barren spell with a four-stroke victory in The Heritage on Sunday to take his second European Tour title.


Ground boost for Liverpool

Liverpool #39;s plans to build a new 60,000-seater have been approved by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. The Premiership club received planning approval in July but needed Prescott to rubber stamp the project


Fatal crash casts pall over Paralympics

The festive segment of the Paralympic closing ceremony was cancelled today after seven teenagers were killed in a bus accident on the way to the games.


Israelis Kill Seven in West Bank and Gaza Violence

An Israeli helicopter blasted a car in Gaza with a missile today, killing one person and seriously wounding a militant leader, hospital officials said, on a day when Israelis killed seven Palestinians.


Branson to launch space tourism

Entrepreneur and part-time daredevil Richard Branson plans to launch the world #39;s first passenger service to space in 2007, offering zero-gravity flights for 110,000 pounds.


Optical technique promises terabyte disks

A novel method of optical data storage could soon be used to hold a terabyte of data on a disk the size of a normal DVD, say researchers at Imperial College London, UK.


Heart-health lessons from Clintons case

Former President Bill Clintons quadruple bypass surgery two weeks ago sent many middle-aged men rushing to have their hearts checked.


Paralympics scrap closing celebrations after crash

The school bus, on its way to Athens from central Greece, collided with a truck. Thirty people were injured, 26 of them pupils in their.


Voeller quits as boss of Roma

Rudi Voeller has confirmed his decision to step down as coach of struggling Serie A giants Roma. Voeller, who took over from Cesare Prandelli in the summer, tendered his resignation immediately after yesterday #39;s 3-1 defeat at nine-man Bologna.


#39;Wayne Rooney era begins at Manchester United #39;

Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson, calls him the best English player in the last 30 years, and he #39;s expected to debut for the club tomorrow in its Champions League match at Old Trafford against Turkey #39;s Fenerbahce.


Liverpool #39;s stadium plan approved

The government has approved Liverpool #39;s plan to build a new stadium next to its current Anfield home. The decision means Liverpool can start building the 60,000-seat project next spring.


IDC Raises '04 PC Outlook, Trims Forecast (Reuters)

Reuters - Market research firm IDC has raised\its 2004 forecast for global personal computer sales growth to\14.2 percent from 13.5 percent, driven by high commercial\demand, it said on Monday.


IBM, HP Chasing Tag Technology (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Technology giants IBM and Hewlett-Packard are injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into radio-frequency identification technology, which aims to advance the tracking of items from ho-hum bar codes to smart tags packed with data.


New EarthLink Mac software fights phishing scams (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Internet Service Provider (ISP) EarthLink on Monday launched TotalAccess 2005 for Macintosh, a new version of the access software EarthLink offers its subscribers. It works with EarthLink's broadband and dialup services and is available for download now. ...


Long-Necked Sea Monster Snuck Up on Victims (Reuters)

Reuters - A long-necked sea reptile that lived\millions of years ago in what is now China may have used its\stiff neck to sneak up on unsuspecting prey and suck them in,\scientists said on Friday.


Citigroup #39;s Krawcheck to Get No. 2 Post

Citigroup Inc. (CN: Quote, Profile, Research) appointed Sallie Krawcheck as its No. 2 executive on Monday in a surprise management shuffle designed to cultivate


Branson reaches for the stars

Sir Richard Branson announces that he has signed an agreement to develop the world #39;s first privately funded space travel. Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA.


Freescale Wins 200 Mln Euro Siemens Supply Deal

Freescale Semiconductor Inc. has won a long-term contract worth more than 200 million euros (\$246 million) to supply car components to Siemens, the companies said on Monday.


Hotmail Hopes To Block Spam with New Fee

or Web-based distributed authoring and versioning -- allows Hotmail users to write scripts that use e-mail clients, such as Outlook, to address and send many e-mails quickly.


Silva could miss group stage of Champions League due to bad back

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva could miss the entire group stage of the Champions League plus a handful of Premier League games due to an ailing back.


Entertainment part of Paralympics closing ceremony canceled <b>...</b>

The Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) has decided to cancel the planned entertainment part of the closing ceremony due a traffic accident which killed at least seven people early Monday morning.


Davies appointed Preston manager

Former Motherwell manager Billy Davies was appointed Preston #39;s full-time boss Monday after taking over the club last month on an interim basis.


Palestinians bury slain Hamas member

Thousands of Palestinians, many shouting for revenge, buried a Hamas leader who was killed in a car bomb assassination blamed on Israel, while Israel on Monday threatened strikes


World Squabbles Over UN Security Council Seats

THE United Nations #39; quest to reform the Security Council has turned into a public brawl between aspiring powers seeking a permanent seat at the top table and a larger number of jealous neighbours seeking to keep them out.


IBM, HP Chasing Tag Technology

The tech giants are injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into RFID technology, which aims to advance the tracking of items from ho-hum bar codes to smart tags packed with data.   -washingtonpost.com


Sterling loses ground against euro (AFP)

AFP - Sterling slipped against the euro in the wake of further evidence that the housing market boom is coming to an end, suggesting that interest rates are close to their peak.


Musharraf "very happy" about killing of top Al-Qaeda militant (AFP)

AFP - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf welcomed the death of a top Al-Qaeda militant, Amjad Farooqi, said to have masterminded attempts on his life and to have been behind the murder of US reporter Daniel Pearl.


IDC Raises '04 PC Outlook, Trims Forecast

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Market research firm IDC has raised  its 2004 forecast for global personal computer sales growth to  14.2 percent from 13.5 percent, driven by high commercial  demand, it said on Monday.


Daschle Faces Tough Test in Tight South Dakota Race (Reuters)

Reuters - South Dakota truck driver Mark\Monahan says he's had enough of Tom Daschle. So do top\Republicans who have made the U.S. Senate's No. 1 Democrat a\bull's-eye target for removal from the national scene.


Court: Ohio Should Have Held Election (AP)

AP - A federal appeals court ruled Monday that Gov. Bob Taft should have ordered a special election to fill the vacancy created when James A. Traficant Jr. was kicked out of Congress for a bribery and racketeering conviction.


Arab State May Have Helped in Syria Killing -Hamas

AL-YARMOUK CAMP, Syria (Reuters) - The militant Palestinian  group Hamas said on Monday an Arab country might have helped  Israel assassinate one of its leaders in Damascus, an act it  called "treason."


Syria, at UN, Says Israel Behind U.S. War on Iraq

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Syria on Monday accused Israel  of inciting the United States to invade Iraq to distract  attention from its own actions in the region, where it retains  its grip on the Palestinian territories won in a 1967 war.


IDC Raises 2004 PC Outlook, Trims 2005 Forecast


Fassie CD to boost Mandela fund

A greatest hits album by late South African singer Brenda Fassie will help Nelson Mandela's Aids project.


Hints About Water Loss in the Martian Atmosphere

European Space Agency -- Recent results from the ASPERA-3 instrument on board Mars Express confirm that a very efficient process is at work in the Martian atmosphere which could explain the loss of water.     Water is believed to have once been abundant on the Red Planet...


The Tragedy of Sudan

Fifty thousand are dead, thousands more will die, and more than 1 million have lost their homes. Simon Robinson visits Darfur and witnesses what is happening while the world dithers


Adobe offers standard for raw photo formats

The company is also offering a free tool to convert photos stored in other formats to the new Digital Negative specification.


Saluting the data encryption legacy

Security technologist Bruce Schneier explains that while cryptography is one of the most basic tools of computer security, it barely existed as an academic discipline 30 years ago.


Russia gets budget version of Windows

com September 27, 2004, 5:00 AM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.


Lions get a reality check

Detroit head coach Steve Mariucci knew that they had an uphill climb on tap against Philadelphia on Sunday. It would have taken a perfect effort to beat the red hot Eagles at Ford Field.


Happy 350th, Taj Mahal

AGRA, INDIA - India on Monday began celebrating the 350th anniversary of the Taj Mahal, the world-famous example of Indo-Islamic architecture visited by millions of tourists every year.


Accident at building site at Dubai airport kills at least eight

Arabic television says a wall at a construction site in Dubai airport in the United Arab Emirates has collapsed, killing at least eight workers.


Country on high birdflu alert following new case

The Public Health Ministry yesterday confirmed the second case of human bird flu in a new wave of the deadly disease and announced it was putting all parts of the country on high alert for the epidemic.


Cisco switch products target small business

Company aggressively addresses smaller businesses with products that reduce the cost and complexity of operating a Cisco network.


Hamm Admits He Will Be Shocked if He Loses Gold

LONDON (Reuters) - Olympic all-round champion Paul Hamm  admitted he would be stunned if he lost the gold medal he was  awarded in Athens following a judging error.


IronPort updates e-mail security appliances

E-mail security systems vendor IronPort Systems Inc. is releasing new versions of its C-Series line of Email Security Appliances, with features that make it easier for administrators to predict new virus outbreaks and manage e-mail security across corporate networks, the company said Monday.


Merck gets rights to obesity drug

Merck has obtained rights to license an experimental drug to treat obesity that has generated scientific interest because it is based on a hormone used by the body to signal that it has eaten enough.


YUKOS should be sold for \$15bn, official says

RBC, 27.09.2004, Moscow 15:49:32.YUKOS #39;s assets should be sold for about \$15bn, Ivan Materov, Deputy Minister for Industry and Energy of the Russian Federation, said at an economic conference  quot;Russia: investments in the economy of growth quot;.


JP Morgan Chase buys stake in hedge fund

New York #39;s JP Morgan Chase is buying a majority stake in Highbridge Capital Management, a hedge fund, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.


Vodafone to hand back more cash

VODAFONE chief executive Arun Sarin today promised to return more cash to shareholders in the form of bigger dividends or share buybacks.


Czech rider Hurikova wins first gold medal at cycling worlds

BARDOLINO, Italy (CP) - Tereza Hurikova of the Czech Republic won the junior time trial to take home the first gold medal and rainbow jersey of the world road cycling championships Monday.


Atlanta Braves Team Report - September 27

(Sports Network) - The NL East champion Atlanta Braves aim for their fourth straight victory as they start a three-game series versus the New York Mets tonight at Turner Field.


Govt Confident UN Seat Won #39;t Spark Diplomatic Row

Government has dismissed speculation that declaring its readiness to serve as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) could spark a diplomatic row with certain African countries.


Oil Near \$50 on Supply Fears in Nigeria

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices surged to new record highs on  Monday near \$50 for U.S. crude as Nigeria emerged as the latest  focus for worries about supply security on world energy  markets.


Harrah's, Caesars to Sell Four Casinos

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Harrah's Entertainment Inc. HET.N  and Caesars Entertainment Inc. CZR.N on Monday said they have  agreed to sell four casinos for \$1.24 billion to privately held  Colony Capital in a deal expected to ease anti-trust concerns  for Harrah's planned takeover of Caesars.


Oil Prices Drive Concerns for Airlines

LONDON (Reuters) - European airlines hoping for a 2005  industry recovery face new hurdles as record high oil prices  threaten to drive up costs and fuel surcharges for passengers,  officials said.


Oil firms in talks to end Nigerian jobs protest

Multinational companies began talks Monday with Nigerian villagers occupying three oil platforms in a dispute over jobs which shut 90,000 barrels per day of oil production.


Will Hedge Funds Take a Dive?

Investors are pouring billions of dollars into these unregulated investments, shooting for high returns. Here's what to watch out for


Vijay Sings Yet Another Victory Tune

For the eighth time this year, Vijay Singh stepped up to the winners podium to accept the hardware following another PGA Tour victory.


Hamm Defends Gold Medal in Court

Olympic gymnastics champion Paul Hamm has appeared before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne in a bid to retain the gold medal he won in the mens all-round competition in Athens.


IDC raises estimate for PC sales

Researcher IDC has raised its estimate for the number of PCs that will be sold in 2004, saying it now expects sales of 176.5 million units, the company said Monday.


Walgreen: Prescription for Success

Walgreen (NYSE: WAG), a company that has built a business largely on prescription drugs, reported its 30th consecutive year of record sales and earnings today.


Comcast in deal to cut Time Warner stake

Time Warner Inc. and Comcast Corp. have signed an agreement that gives Comcast the option to cut its stake in Time Warner Cable, paving the way for the two companies to disentangle their partnership.


Commercial Joyrides into Space

Sept. 27 - British billionaire Sir richard Branson announced today (Monday) his latest venture will be out of this world. Branson is launching  quot;Virgin Galactic quot;, which will build 5 space craft capable flying more than 80 miles above the earth.


Virgin Group to launch US online music service

LOS ANGELES : Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Group said it was jumping into online music, with a  quot;Digital Megastore quot; for US customers offering song downloads for 99 cents.


A eureka moment at the CRTC

There #39;s no better cure for insomnia than slapping on computer headphones and listening to a CRTC hearing via Webcast. The jargon is mind-numbing and a new layer of glaze coats the eyes with each acronym spoken


Canas wins on opening day of Shanghai Open

Third-seeded Guillermo Canas defeated Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain 7-6 (1), 6-3 Monday on the first day of the Shanghai Open on Monday.


Olympic all-round champion Paul Hamm admitted he would be stunned if he lost the gold medal he was awarded in Athens following a judging error.


Penn State #39;s Robinson doubtful for game

Penn State junior quarterback-wide receiver Michael Robinson is listed as doubtful for this week #39;s game against No. 19 Minnesota after suffering a concussion in Saturday #39;s game at Wisconsin.


Sources: Palestinian militant killed in Israeli airstrike

An Israeli aircraft attacked a car near Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Monday, killing a Palestinian militant and wounding four others, Palestinian security sources said.


Iranian Diplomat Freed in Iraq, Hopes Raised for Others

An Iranian diplomat taken hostage in Iraq last month was released by his captors on Monday but the fate of at least 11 other foreigners, including a Briton threatened with beheading, remained unclear.


Israeli air strike kills two militants in Nablus

Two Palestinian militants were killed on Monday as Israeli Apache helicopters hit their car, Palestinian witnesses and medical sources said.


Incentives Likely to Boost U.S. Car Sales (Reuters)

Reuters - A month-end sales blitz of incentives\by General Motors Corp.  and Ford Motor Co.  to\clear out older vehicles will spur a slight rise in U.S. car\and truck sales for September, analysts said.


Walgreen: Prescription for Success

The leading drugstore retailer is leveraging prescription sales to produce record results.


Microsoft Gives In -- Almost

The company said it will comply with the EU's antitrust decision if it loses an appeal this week. Also: New AT   #038;T Wireless Services device works for e-mail and messaging, minus voice service   hellip;. Comcast will cut its interest in Time Warner Cable   hellip;. and more.


Ingram Micro Expands Asia Pacific Presence

Ingram Micro Inc. today announced during a conference call that it has entered into an agreement that will increase its reach in the Asia Pacific region.


Yukos Unit Evaluated for Sale to Pay Bill

MOSCOW Sept. 27, 2004 - Assets of Russia #39;s beleaguered Yukos oil company should be sold for at least \$15 billion, a senior official said Monday, as the company #39;s main production unit is evaluated for sale against a crushing back-tax bill.


Richard Branson Plans Space Tourism Company

Summary - (Sep 27, 2004) Entrepreneur Richard Branson announced today that his company, Virgin Galactic, will be taking Scaled Composite #39;s SpaceShipOne to the next logical step, and offer flights to the public.


HP To Stop Selling Itanium-Based Workstations

HP says it is still committed to the Itanium processor, but it has decided to stop equipping workstations with the chip, due to demand for processors that run in both 32- and 64-bit environments.


Security firms merge to form Cybertrust

A new managed security behemoth has been created by the merger of three security vendors. Betrusted Holdings, TruSecure Corporation and Ubizen (a subsidiary of Betrusted) will amalgamate and form a new company, known as Cybertrust.


Intel cans Grantsdale WLAN plan

The chip giant will now not ship the promised add-in module which would allow PCs based on its i915 and i925 families of chipsets to operate as WLAN access points, primarily to enable the sharing of broadband internet connections.


Dodgers Leave the Bay with NLW Lead

In a game that mirrored the 115-year history of the bitter rivalry, the Dodgers outlasted the Giants 7-4 to win a rare September series in San Francisco.


Poor roads, looters keep Haiti victims from aid

Getting aid to those who need it remain a big problem in storm-ravaged Haiti, where up to 1,500 were killed in flooding and 300,000 people were left homeless.


After six-month grind, three races left to be decided in season #39;s <b>...</b>

SAN FRANCISCO -- Peter Magowan knows all of the schedules by heart -- when everybody plays, who they play, where they play. He knows the standings, too, obviously.


February check on 2012 bid

Inspectors will assess London #39;s bid for the 2012 Olympics during a visit to the capital early in 2005. The International Olympic Committee said its evaluation commission will be in London from 16 to 19 February.


France to Punish Police for Bungled Drug Exercise

France #39;s police minister vowed on Monday to punish officers who planted explosives in an unwitting plane passenger #39;s luggage to test their sniffer dogs but then lost the  quot;bomb, quot; which remains missing after a three-day hunt


Pointlessly, Imperfectly Portable (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The Portable Media Center -- a new, Microsoft-conceived handheld device that presents video and photos as well as music -- would be a decent idea if there weren't such a thing as lampposts. Or street signs. Or trees. Or other cars.


Airbus' Magic In-flight Cell Phone Technology May Be Make-Believe (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Airbus makes it possible to make in-flight cell phone calls. Is it a real technology advancement, or does it work like my anti-lion powder?


IBM Ordered to Pay Some of Compuware Costs (AP)

AP - A federal magistrate has ordered IBM Corp. to reimburse software maker Compuware Corp. for costs relating to evidence that IBM produced only three months before Compuware's lawsuit was scheduled to go to trial.


Huge Asteroid to Fly Past Earth Wednesday (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - The largest asteroid ever known to pass near Earth is making a close celestial brush with the planet this week in an event that professional and backyard astronomers are watching closely.


No Major Engine Changes for SpaceShipOne, Builder Says (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - The rocket\engine behind the privately built, piloted spacecraft SpaceShipOne will carry\more propellant and burn longer during a Wednesday space shot, but has not\undergone any serious modifications since its historic June flight, according\to its developer.


Tokyo showcases gaming goodies

Tokyo has played host to an exhibition showcasing the latest attractions for gamers.


2004 Hurricane Season May Be Costliest on Record

The arrival of Jeanne, the fourth powerful hurricane to slam into Florida in two months, makes it likely that 2004 will be the costliest hurricane season in U.S. history.


Solar Car Racing Competition Heats Up

Pick your vehicle #151;stock car, motorcycle, pickup truck, riding lawn mower #151;and competitors in the United States race them. So, too, the solar-powered car.


Why Does Earth's Magnetic Field Flip?

Earth's magnetic field has flipped many times over the last billion years. But only recently have scientists developed computer models to reveal how these reversals occur.


Asteroid Close Encounter Coming Wednesday

Tumbling through space like a fumbled football, a peanut-shaped asteroid named 4179 Toutatis is expected to pass within a million miles (1.6 million kilometers) of Earth on Wednesday.


Plants Perform "Green Clean" of Toxic Sites

Many plants can naturally clean chemically contaminated soil and groundwater. Researchers are now helping them do a quicker, better job of rehabbing polluted sites.


Iraqi Judge Drops Case Against Leading Exile Figure

A senior Iraqi judge said today that he had closed a case brought against Ahmad Chalabi, the former exile once backed by the Pentagon.


Air Canada announces deal to buy at least 30 Bombardier regional <b>...</b>

MONTREAL (CP) - Air Canada, due to emerge from bankruptcy-court protection this week, announced a revised deal with aircraft maker Bombardier on Monday that includes fewer firm orders.


Virgin to offer commercial space flights; expands into online <b>...</b>

LONDON, September 27 (newratings.com) - Virgin Group Limited, owned by the British billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson, is planning to launch the world #39;s first passenger flight service to space in 2007, with seat prices starting at about \$198,600.


HP Spurns Intel

Add a chapter to the sad tale of Intel #39;s (Nasdaq: INTC) sorry 2004. Today, longtime partner HP (NYSE: HPQ) admitted it would be dropping the beleaguered, 64-bit Itanium chip from its workstation lineup.


Cisco Goes For the Small-Business Market

New IP switches and routers that can be used to build converged voice, video, and data networks are aimed at business with limited IT resources.


Simpsons swallowed whole by DVD of the future

A new technology capable of storing the equivalent of 100 DVDs on a single DVD-sized disc has been unveiled by researchers from London #39;s Imperial College.


IBM puts faith in smart tags

IBM plans to announce that it will invest \$US250 million (\$350million) over five years and employ 1000 people in a new business unit to support products and services related to sensor networks and radio identification tags.


Gone in 30 seconds: your money

Your credit card information is coming under more frequent attack on the Internet than ever before. A study by Symantec Corp. says electronic commerce has become the favourite target of computer hackers.


HP to spend \$210m enhancing its radio sensors

Hewlett-Packard said it will invest \$US150 million (\$210million) over five years in radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies, to appeal to large corporate customers such as retailers Wal-Mart Stores and Best Buy.


Perens Hits Out at Sun over OpenOffice

Perens said the legal arrangement between Sun and Microsoft was  quot;creepy. quot; The agreement, he added,  quot;essentially says that Sun will not stand together with the open source developers who contributed


Singh takes aim at greatest modern-day season

Maybe the long overseas flight will take something out of him. Perhaps the bland food will leave him feeling less than his best. There #39;s always the chance that a leprechaun could emerge from the Irish woods to distract him.


Palestinian gunmen kidnap CNN producer

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Palestinian gunmen abducted a CNN producer in Gaza City on Monday, the network said. The network said Riyadh Ali was taken away at gunpoint from a CNN van.


Johansson ousts Lopez in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand (Sports Network) - Former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson of Sweden upended sixth-seeded Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in Monday #39;s opening-round action at the \$550,000 Thailand Open.


Koukalova among opening-round winners in China

Guangzhou, China (Sports Network) - Eighth-seeded Klara Koukalova was one of three first-round winners Monday at the inaugural Guangzhou International Women #39;s Open tennis tournament.


Weingartner, Washington fall in Seoul

Seoul, Korea (Sports Network) - Third-seeded German Marlene Weingartner and fourth-seeded American Mashona Washington were a pair of opening-round upset victims Monday at the inaugural Korea Open Tennis Championships.


Bucs #39; RB Garner out for rest of year

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers confirmed Monday that running back Charlie Garner will miss the rest of the season with a torn patellar tendon in his right knee.


Pakistani Militant Farooqi had Links With Top Al-Qaeda Leaders

Amjad Farooqi, a Pakistani militant killed by the country #39;s security forces yesterday, had links with top al-Qaeda leaders who instructed him to target westerners and top Pakistani leaders, a Pakistani minister said.


Birthday surprise has Indian leader smiling

New Delhi - A meeting with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf brought an unexpected birthday present for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.


Mass. AG Praises EU On Microsoft

(CBS/AP) The attorney general for the only holdout state in the US antitrust case against Microsoft Corp. is praising dramatic sanctions imposed this week by European regulators against the world #39;s largest software company.


Harrah #39;s, Caesars to sell four casinos

CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- The soon-to-be-merged Harrah #39;s Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment announced their first asset disposals Monday, inking a deal to sell four casinos to Colony Capital for a total of \$1.


Congress plans hearings on Fannie Mae accounting, lawmaker says

Fannie Mae, the largest US mortgage finance company, will be the subject of an Oct. 6 hearing by the House Financial Services Committee over its accounting and management, said Representative Richard Baker, a Louisiana Republican.


Defective Hearing Implants Recalled

An unspecified number of cochlear implants to help people with severe hearing loss are being recalled because they may malfunction due to ear moisture, the US Food and Drug Administration announced.


Contact stake a bargain at \$1.6b

Australian energy company Origin bought its 51 per cent stake in Contact Energy at a discount of nearly \$200 million, says an independent valuation released yesterday.


Adobe proposes new file standard for digital cameras

It could turn out to be a revolutionary step in the field of digital photography - if everyone adopts it, anyway. Adobe Systems plans to introduce a new format for digital photos.


Mashburn out for the entire 2004-05 NBA season

Former All-Star forward Jamal Mashburn will miss the entire 2004-05 NBA season because of a knee injury that could end his career.


Angels ponder life without Guillen

ANAHEIM ---- Angels management was so disturbed by Jose Guillen #39;s backlash at manager Mike Scioscia after Guillen was removed for a pinch runner Saturday that the team is willing to chase a playoff berth without its slugging left fielder.


CDs to Dominate for Years Over Net Downloads-Study (Reuters)

Reuters - The compact disc has at least another\five years as the most popular music format before online\downloads chip away at its dominance, a new study said on\Tuesday.


Slovak Telecom to gain control of Eurotel (FT.com)

FT.com - Slovak Telecom, the fixed-line operator controlled by Deutsche Telekom of Germany, has agreed to buy out AT amp;T Wireless and Verizon from its mobile arm Eurotel for an undisclosed price.


CDs to Dominate for Years Over Net Downloads-Study

LONDON (Reuters) - The compact disc has at least another  five years as the most popular music format before online  downloads chip away at its dominance, a new study said on  Tuesday.


IMF Cuts World '05 Growth Forecast-Source (Reuters)

Reuters - The International Monetary Fund has cut\its forecast for global growth next year slightly amid\expectations that the U.S. and Chinese economies will not\expand as strongly as previously thought.


Fast Forward Live

Fast Forward columnist Rob Pegoraro will be online to discuss recent reviews, including Portable Media Centers and Apple's iMac G5. He'll also answer your personal tech questions.


Tommy Hilfiger Down 26 Pct on U.S. Probe (Reuters)

Reuters - Shares of Tommy Hilfiger Corp. \fell as much as 26 percent on Monday after a federal grand jury\subpoenaed documents on commissions paid to a foreign\subsidiary of the clothing maker.


Soon \$200,000 Will Get You a Trip to Space

British entrepreneur and adventurer Richard Branson, owner of the Virgin Group, announced Monday he has signed a deal with US company Mojave Aerospace Ventures (MAV) to put paying travelers into space.


Mashburn reportedly to miss next season

The New Orleans Hornets #39; Jamal Mashburn will sit out all of next season on the injured list to ready himself for a final comeback attempt in 2005-06, NBA sources told ESPN.


Clijsters set to return

Kim Clijsters returns from injury in front of her home fans this week at the Gaz de France Stars event in Belgium. The former world number one has been out of action for five months with a wrist injury.


Conan O'Brien to Replace Jay Leno in 2009

NBC will announce today that Conan O'Brien will succeed Jay Leno as host of the Tonight'' show at the end of Mr. Leno's current five-year contract, in 2009.


Sun offers help in academic networking

The new program includes grants and classes to help research and academic institutions manage their network systems.


Briefly: Avici extends AT T contract

roundup Plus: IronPort spam shield gets steelier...Via brings PCI Express to AMD PCs...Rice lab makes nano parts less toxic.


IDC raises estimate for PC sales

Growth in commercial PC shipments in the second quarter was the highest in that segment since 1999, the researcher says.


E-mail firm baits hackers with security challenge

Avecho offers \$18,000 prize to anyone who can sneak a virus past its GlassWall product.


Can Skype remain more than free phone hype?

The first-year growth rate for the Net phone start-up was "sky high." Now it has to avoid a sophomore jinx.


AOL wants developers to get the message

The push is on to get Instant Messenger software on more and more mobile phones.


Who Will Be The First Virgin Bride on Virgin Galactic #39;s First <b>...</b>

Today, adventurous British entrepreneur Richard Branson formally announced that his Virgin transport, entertainment and communications company plans to launch commercial sub-orbital space flights by 2007.


Avici extends AT T contract

The extension of the partnership comes as Avici continues to struggle to win new customers.


Singh Wins 84 Classic, Breaks Woods #39; Record

FARMINGTON, Pa. -- Vijay Singh held off Stewart Cink #39;s fast finish to win the 84 Lumber Classic by one shot Sunday and break Tiger Woods #39; one-year PGA Tour money record.


Mississippi State #39;s Conner out with knee injury

Starkville, MS (Sports Network) - Mississippi State quarterback Omarr Conner is expected to miss at least three weeks after spraining a ligament in his right knee during Saturday #39;s 51-0 drubbing to LSU.


Thailand confirms woman has bird flu, second case in latest <b>...</b>

A woman was confirmed Monday to be suffering from avian flu, the second known human victim of the disease in Thailand since July, but officials said there is no evidence it was the result of human-to-human transmission.


Ivory keys in mainframe apps to Web services

GT Software next week will formally unveil its platform for outfitting mainframe applications with Web services functionality and linking legacy data into SOAs (service-oriented architectures).


Rebirth for the x86

Your basic everyday x86 server doesn't look so average anymore. In fact, with 64-bit extensions on the table and multi-core processors in the works, this venerable PC server is looking downright jazzy.


IDC Forum: Is IT creativity dead?

Pouring fuel on the debate over whether IT provides a competitive advantage to corporations, a pair of prominent industry observers Monday offered starkly different views of the role computer technology can play in transforming business strategy.


New Palm System Targets Smart Phones (AP)

AP - PalmSource Inc. has finally answered the smart-phone call.


Virgin Group to launch US online music service (AFP)

AFP - Richard Branson's Virgin Group said it was jumping into the increasingly crowded market for online music, with a  quot;Digital Megastore quot; offering US customers song downloads for 99 cents.


Russia Introduces Terror Resolution (AP)

AP - Russia introduced a draft resolution Monday calling for a new list of suspects who would be subject to extradition in a stepped-up global campaign against terrorism. China welcomed it but Pakistan and other Security Council members eyed the proposal with caution.


Palestinian Gunmen Kidnap CNN Producer (AP)

AP - Palestinian gunmen abducted a CNN producer in Gaza City on Monday, the network said.


Trial Ordered in Fla. E-Ballot Lawsuit (AP)

AP - A federal appeals court on Monday revived a lawsuit seeking a paper trail for Florida's new touchscreen voting machines with only five weeks left before the presidential election.


Campaigns Leave Red State Arizona Behind (AP)

AP - The presidential campaign has left Arizona behind. Democratic Sen. John Kerry made four visits and spent nearly  #36;4 million on television commercials in an attempt to make the state competitive. But polls this fall show President Bush with a comfortable lead, and Kerry has tabled plans for advertising in the first week of October.


Congress Probing U.N. Oil-For Food Program (AP)

AP - Congressional investigators examining "a semitrailer truck load" of subpoenaed documents are trying to determine whether lax monitoring at a French bank that held more than  #36;60 billion for the U.N. oil-for-food program facilitated illicit business deals by the former Iraqi government, officials told The Associated Press.


China, Singapore Say World Must Help Calm Taiwan Row

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - China and Singapore on Monday  urged the international community to help calm Beijing's  dispute with Taiwan over its push for independence.


N. Korea Sees 'Snowballing' War Danger, Slams U.S.

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - North Korea said Monday the  danger of war on the Korean peninsula is "snowballing" and  accused the United States of destroying the basis for  negotiations on Pyongyang's nuclear program.


ElBaradei Confirmed Seeking Third Term at IAEA

VIENNA (Reuters) - The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog,  Mohamed ElBaradei, is seeking a third term at the helm of the  International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a note circulated to  the agency's governing board on Monday confirmed.


The Fight of His Life

Kofi Annan built a reputation as the world #39;s most trusted diplomat, but the oil-for-food scandal has riled US critics. Is his job in jeopardy?


Pakistanis Arrest More Militant Suspects

KARACHI, Pakistan - Pakistani forces following up on a raid that killed a top al-Qaida fugitive arrested four more suspected extremists Monday, while the U.S. Embassy warned that security constraints could keep its staff from helping citizens who get into trouble outside big cities...


Palestinian Gunmen Kidnap CNN Producer

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Palestinian gunmen abducted a CNN producer in Gaza City on Monday, the network said.    The network said Riyadh Ali was taken away at gunpoint from a CNN van...


NY Crude Oil Rises to Record \$49.74 on Nigerian Supply Threat

Crude oil rose to a record \$49.74 a barrel in New York amid concern rebel attacks in Nigeria will reduce production and US refiners will struggle to replenish supplies disrupted by Hurricane Ivan.


IBM ordered to pay some of Compuware costs

A federal magistrate has ordered IBM Corp. to reimburse software maker Compuware Corp. for costs relating to evidence that IBM produced only three months before Compuware #39;s lawsuit was scheduled to go to trial.


AT amp;T Wireless Goes With Ogo

AT amp;T Wireless #39; messaging device and service was unveiled, targeting teens and young adults who are heavy users of instant messaging (IM).


Hurricane Keeps Singh From Ireland Trip (AP)

AP - Vijay Singh withdrew Monday from the American Express Championship, wanting to stay home with his family in Florida and cope with the damage left by Hurricane Jeanne.


Allen licenses commercial space flight technology

Paul Allen #39;s backing of commercial space flight received a boost Monday, as a startup called Virgin Galactic plans to build an aircraft based on the technology used by SpaceShipOne, the Allen-backed plane that flew into space in June.


Virgin digital goes live

Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Digital went live today offering some 1,000,000 tracks - This being 250,000 more than iTunes. In March Branson said he will be adding digital music to his Virgin brand at the time


HP Deals to Aid RFID Push Into Retail, Manufacturing

Hewlett-Packard Co., one of the  quot;initial eight quot; product distributors in the Wal-Mart RFID trials, will unveil on Monday pacts with systems integrator BearingPoint Inc.


Shortages May Force Space Station Evacuation

The station #39;s primary oxygen generator has barely worked this month despite repair efforts by the two astronauts on board. The men have had to tap into backup oxygen supplies.


CORRECTED-CNN producer seized in Gaza

In GAZA story headlined  quot;CNN producer seized by armed men in Gaza quot;, please read name in paragraph 3 as ... Ben Wedeman ... instead of ... Ben Wedemen ... and make conform throughout). By Nidal al-Mughrabi. GAZA


Hornet #39;s goal: Comeback attempt in 2005-06

The New Orleans Hornets are moving to the Western Conference without Jamal Mashburn ... for at least one season. Mashburn and the Hornets will announce later Monday that the former All-Star will


Jamal Mashburn Out for Entire NBA Season (AP)

AP - Former All-Star forward Jamal Mashburn will miss the entire 2004-05 NBA season because of a knee injury that could end his career.


Workers #39; safety queried in Dubai

The deaths of five labourers at the construction site of the new airport terminal in Dubai will renew questions about conditions in which migrant workers toil in the United Arab Emirates.


Talks with Musharraf very good: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described his talks with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf as  quot;very good quot;. He said the two had agreed to carry forward the composite dialogue process which  quot;augurs well quot; for the bilateral relations.


Johansson Advances at Thailand Open (AP)

AP - Thomas Johansson of Sweden overcame his frustrations with a linesman to beat sixth-seeded Feliciano Lopez of Spain 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 (5) in the first round Monday at the Thailand Open.


Can Skype live up to the Net phone hype?

The first-year growth rate for the no-cost phone service was "sky high." Now it has to avoid a sophomore jinx.


MLB, Angelos Talk

MLB officials and Orioles owner Peter Angelos are set to continue negotiations that would bring the Expos to Washington in 2005.


IMF Cuts World '05 Growth Forecast-Source

LONDON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund has cut  its forecast for global growth next year slightly amid  expectations that the U.S. and Chinese economies will not  expand as strongly as previously thought.


JPMorgan to Buy Stake in Highbridge Fund

NEW YORK (Reuters) - J.P. Morgan Chase   Co. JPM.N plans  to buy a majority stake in the hedge fund Highbridge Capital  Management, the companies said on Monday, a sign that Wall  Street is seeking a bigger role in the rapidly growing  hedge-fund industry.


Comcast Says in Talks to Buy Adelphia

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Comcast Corp. CMCSA.O on Monday said  it is in talks with Time Warner Inc. TWX.N to explore a  possible deal to acquire bankrupt cable company Adelphia  Communications Corp. ADELQ.PK


Cemex buying UK #39;s RMC Group

Mexico #39;s Cemex, one of the world #39;s largest makers of concrete will pay \$4.1 billion for British rival RMC Group, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.


Time Warner, Comcast in Talks on Adelphia Deal

Comcast Corp. on Monday said it is in talks with Time Warner Inc. to explore a possible deal to acquire bankrupt cable company Adelphia Communications Corp..  quot;Comcast is in discussions


Airline Stocks Sink on Gloomy Outlook

The airline sector, clouded by US Airways Group Inc. #39;s recent bankruptcy and Delta Air Lines Inc. #39;s impending financial shortfall, sank deeper in Monday trading as low-cost carriers took a hit from lowered analyst ratings.


Federal court orders trial in Florida e-ballot lawsuit

A federal appeals court on Monday overturned a judge who had thrown out a lawsuit seeking a paper trail for that state #39;s new touchscreen voting machines.


HP Bolsters RFID Offerings With Partners

The vendor is teaming with OATSystems and BearingPoint to launch new RFID systems and services. By Elena Malykhina. Hewlett-Packard is teaming up with OATSystems Inc.


=== Mashburn to sit out 2004-05 campaign ===

New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - New Orleans Hornets forward Jamal Mashburn will sit out the 2004-05 season due to a patella femoral irritation of his right knee.


Officials: Snohomish County preferred site for NASCAR track

Snohomish County and state officials announced Monday that International Speedway Corp. has chosen a 850-acre site about 30 miles north of Seattle as the preferred site for a NASCAR racetrack.


Seven Palestinians killed in Mideast unrest as Israel warns Syria

GAZA CITY, Sept 27 (AFP) - Seven Palestinians were killed in a series of violent incidents across the occupied territories Monday as Israel warned Syria to stop harbouring  quot;terrorists quot; after the slaying of a Hamas leader in Damascus.


Haitian Hearts braves Jeanne #39;s wrath

Tropical Storm Jeanne was just the last straw for the Caribbean island nation of Haiti. are eating dirt and mud due to an iron deficiency ... quot; said Dr. John Carrol of Haitian Hearts.


US ambassador rejects allegation of involvement in Afghan election

US ambassador to Afghanistan ZalmayKhalilzad on Monday rejected the reported allegations of interfering in the ongoing presidential election process in the post-war nation.


Origami peace gesture met with violence in Thailand

A creative peace offering has been met with renewed violence in the troubled south of Thailand. Hours after 50 Thai army planes dropped some 100 million Japanese-style origami cranes over the predominantly


Microsoft: Ready To Comply With EU Order If Appeal Fails

Even as Microsoft appeals a finding that it broke antitrust rules, the company says it has spent millions to make a stripped-down version of Windows.


Federated Hurt by Hurricane Jeanne

Federated Departments Stores Inc. said Monday that Hurricane Jeanne will hurt third-quarter earnings by 1 cent to 2 cents per share, further lowering an outlook already cut because of lost sales from Hurricane Frances.


Merck Partnering With Nastech On Nasal Spray Obesity Drug

Whitehouse Station-based Merck is joining with a company that last year began small-scale testing of a nasal spray drug designed to make the stomach feel full faster.


Colony Capital to buy 4 Harrah #39;s, Caesars casinos

An affiliate of Colony Capital LLC will buy Harrah #39;s casinos in East Chicago, Ill., and Tunica, Miss., and Caesars-owned Bally #39;s casino in Tunica and the Atlantic City Hilton in New Jersey for \$1.


Sender ID working group disbanded

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has wound up its working group on Sender ID, the proposed spam-cutting standard. The purpose of Sender ID technology is to help verify the source of emails by authenticating domain addresses as valid.


FSU quarterback Rix to miss at least two weeks

Tallahassee, FL (Sports Network) - Florida State quarterback Chris Rix will miss at least two weeks with a sprained right ankle. Rix suffered the injury during the first quarter of last Saturday #39;s 41-22 victory against Clemson.


Cubs seek to stay atop wild-card race

The Chicago Cubs can afford few mistakes in their quest for a playoff spot over the seasons final week. Chicago will look to remain atop the NL wild-card race when it opens a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.


Several Killed in Dubai Airport Collapse

A wall has collapsed at Dubai #39;s airport construction site, killing at least five workers and injuring many more. Workers said they saw up to 40 casualties being taken away on Monday, but the toll could not be confirmed.


Dell, AOL Team Up in Schools Initiative (AP)

AP - Dell Inc. and America Online Inc. announced a partnership Monday to provide 5,000 low-income students with free refurbished personal computers and a year's worth of Internet access.


Wind and Nuclear Power -- a Generation Gap? (Reuters)

Reuters - In this north German town\a huge crane is helping to build the world's largest wind power\plant, a prototype for offshore wind farms from 2006.


Fannie Mae to Meet Higher Capital Goal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Embattled mortgage finance company  Fannie Mae FNM.N agreed to keep billions of dollars more cash  on hand while it corrects accounting problems, its government  regulator said on Monday.


Stocks Fall on Oil, Chip Downgrade

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Monday, with the Dow  slipping briefly below 10,000 as a further rise in oil prices  clouded the corporate profit outlook, and a brokerage downgrade  hurt semiconductor shares.


IDC Raises '04 PC Growth View, Trims '05

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Shipments of personal computers  this year will be higher than previously anticipated, boosted  by the strongest demand from businesses in five years, research  firm IDC said on Monday.


TW, Comcast in Talks on Adelphia Deal

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Comcast Corp. CMCSA.O on Monday said  it is in talks with Time Warner Inc. TWX.N to explore a  possible deal to acquire bankrupt cable company Adelphia  Communications Corp.ADELQ.PK.


Iranian MPs vote for Turkish veto

Iran's hardline parliament approves a law giving it the right to block two huge foreign investment contracts awarded to Turkish companies.


Mars Orbiter Sees Rover Tracks Among Thousands of New Images

Jet Propulsion Lab -- NASA's Mars Global Surveyor, starting its third mission extension this week after seven years of orbiting Mars, is using an innovative technique to capture pictures even sharper than most of the more than 170,000 it has already produced.     One dramatic example from the spacecraft's Mars Orbiter Camera shows wheel tracks of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit and the rover itself...


SEC's Spotlight on Morningstar

The mutual fund information provider receives a Wells Notice over incorrect data.


Googling Myself to Sleep

How some companies neglect simple marketing rules in Search Engine Optimization.


Oracle looks beyond big-ticket contracts

The small-business push is aimed squarely at Microsoft, executives for the database giant acknowledge.\


Endangered NHL season to hit ice via video games

Cable channel G4techTV promises to make the 2004-2005 season happen one way or another by staging reproductions of key games.


PalmSource to unveil smart phone OS

An operating system for smart phones might make up for a rough quarter and Microsoft nipping at its heels.


Martha is now inmate #55170-054

NEW YORK (CNNfn) - The Bureau of Prisons has assigned Martha Stewart an inmate register number, 55170-054, and its inmate locator Web site says Stewart is  quot;in transit.


IDC: Commercial PC Demand Grows

An increase in commercial PC demand growth has caused market research firm IDC to revise its forecast for 2004 PC shipments, the firm announced today.


Air Canada to Buy 30 Bombardier Jets

Air Canada has agreed to buy 30 Canadair Regional Jets from Bombardier Inc. (BBDb.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) in a contract valued at \$821 million, the companies said on Monday, but the order falls 15 jets short of an earlier plan.