Dow Gains; Caution Rules Before Election

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue-chip stocks ended higher on  Friday, helped by gains in energy companies, although investors  showed caution before next week's presidential election.


Economy Grows at 3.7 Percent Annual Rate

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


Black to leave Hollinger Inc. board, stock soars on privatization <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Conrad Black plans to retire as Hollinger Inc. #39;s chairman and chief executive  quot;within a matter of days, quot; a spokesman for the embattled press baron said in a statement Friday.


SOHU So Hurt by Suspension

Talk about bad timing. SOHU #39;s (Nasdaq: SOHU) earnings release yesterday came on the heels of news that the Chinese central bank increased interest rates.


Canadians Buying More Liquor, Especially Foreign-Made Beer

Canadians are buying more alcohol, including wine and beer, though less and less of the beer is being sold by domestic producers such as Molson Inc.


ISPs Take Spammers to Court

For the second time this year, an alliance of major Internet providers filed a coordinated group of lawsuits aimed at stemming the flood of online junk mail.


Teresa Vanhooser Named Co-Deputy Director of Engineering at NASA <b>...</b>

Teresa Vanhooser has been appointed co-deputy director of the Engineering Directorate at NASA #39;s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.


Approved Stem Cells #39; Potential Questioned

All of the human embryonic stem cells available to federally funded scientists under President Bush #39;s three-year-old research policy share a previously unrecognized trait that fosters rejection


Your Daily Tech News Service...

AnandTech have thrown up their Performance Preview for Nvidia #39;s nForce4 SLI MCPs using a pair of GeForce 6800GTs and 6600GTs! Here #39;s a snip.


Federer pulls out of Paris Masters

Roger Federer will miss next week #39;s Paris Masters with a torn left thigh, making Andy Roddick the tournament #39;s No. 1-seeded player.


Yankees decline options on Quantrill, Lee

The Yankees declined their 2005 option on first baseman Travis Lee on Friday and their 2006 option on reliever Paul Quantrill. Quantrill, who struggled late last season, agreed last December to a \$7 million


Veteran right-hander might be used in closer role

The Chicago Cubs exercised the option of pitcher Ryan Dempster for the 2005 season and could look at the right-hander as a possible closer.


Bin Laden: US security depends on policy

Osama bin Laden delivered a new videotaped message in which he told Americans their security does not depend on the president they elect, but on US policy.


US forces gearing up for showdown with up to 5,000 fighters in <b>...</b>

American forces are gearing up for a major operation in the insurgent bastion of Fallujah, where up to 5,000 Islamic militants, Saddam


Constitution signing a springboard for Prodi #39;s return to Italy

The signing of the European Constitution on Friday by the leaders of the 25 EU members will not only crown Romano Prodi #39;s five years as European Commission president but propel him into the political fray in his native Italy.


Gateway Computes Operating Profit

Nation's third leading PC maker is turning operations in a positive direction.


ISPs unite, sue spammers

Microsoft has joined big Internet service providers, America Online, EarthLink and Yahoo against spamming. The companies announced they are filing three new antispam


NVIDIA SLI Performance Preview with MSI #39;s nForce4 SLI Motherboard

The MSI motherboard we tested is actually the very first working sample of the K8N Neo4 Platinum/SLI; in fact, as of right now there are only 4 working nForce4 SLI samples at MSI in Taiwan, two of which happen to be in my hotel room.


Boston Prepares For Red Sox Parade

Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen O #39;Toole said officials chose not to hold a rally for the Red Sox on City Hall Plaza because of fears that it could create a  quot;dangerous situation.


Sask. looks at adopting daylight time as the country falls back this Sunday (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - REGINA (CP) - When it comes to political hot potatoes in Saskatchewan, there are few that could burn a government more than daylight time change.


Google Shares Flirt With \$200 Mark

Google Inc. shares came within a nickel of reaching \$200 on Thursday before investors buckled to weakness seen throughout the technology sector as trading came to a close.


Consumers Feed Pick-Up in Economic Growth

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. consumers fed a pick-up in U.S.  economic growth in the third quarter but a sentiment survey for  this month showed oil prices were dampening their spirits,  government and private-sector data showed on Friday.


Van Nistelrooy pleads guilty

Ruud van Nistelrooy has apologised to Arsenal #39;s Ashley Cole for his Old Trafford horror tackle on Sunday, after confirming he will not contest a Football Association charge of serious foul play.


Arab Network to Show New Bin Laden Tape

Arab television network Al Jazeera reported it would air a video from al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden Friday. The tape will address the American people and discuss the reasons for the 9/11 attacks.


US congratulates new Cambodian king (AFP)

AFP - The United States congratulated Cambodia's new king, Norodom Sihamoni, following his coronation but said it was unsure he could restore political stability in the Southeast Asian nation.


Agassi Tames Verdasco as Johansson Quits

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Top seed Andre Agassi marched into  the Stockholm Open semifinals Friday, beating Spanish eighth  seed Fernando Verdasco 7-6, 6-2 in his hardest match of the  tournament.


Update 1: Conrad Black to Step Down As Hollinger CEO

Conrad Black, the embattled press baron, said Thursday he would give up his posts as CEO and chairman of Hollinger Inc., a Canadian holding company, to ease his plan to take the company private.


ChevronTexaco Profit Up, Misses Forecasts

ChevronTexaco Corp.(CVX.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the No. 2 US oil company, rode the wave of record oil prices to post a 62 percent rise in quarterly profit on


Ontario, feds pledge to kick in \$100M each for Ford \$1B Oakville <b>...</b>

OAKVILLE, Ont. (CP) - Ford Canada #39;s \$1-billion expansion of its plant in Oakville, Ont., was promised \$100 million each from the federal and provincial governments Friday, a deal that the automaker says will save jobs and boost the economy.


AOL #39;s Viral Marketing

The Internet is pretty scary these days. I wish I could say that it was always a treat, but more often than not, you encounter plenty of tricks while surfing the Web.


E-Voting to Face Major Test Tuesday

Among the security concerns that have been raised is the possibility of someone being able to cast multiple ballots. Other concerns are about a sudden power outage and whether data would be lost in such a scenario.


Man Utd launch investigation

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger welcomed the news that Manchester United had launched an investigation into the tunnel fracas after Monday #39;s bad-tempered contest.


Pacers sign Tinsley to extension

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) - The Indiana Pacers made a commitment to their floor general Friday, signing point guard Jamaal Tinsley to a contract extension.


#39;Fever Pitch #39; Gets World Series Footage

Boston Red Sox #39;s catcher Jason Varitek jumps into the arms of pitcher Keith Foulke after beating the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 to win the World Series Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004, in St.


More than bragging rights at stake for Michigan and Michigan State

Bragging rights are at best the second-most important thing on the line for No. 12 Michigan when it plays rival Michigan State on Saturday.


Osama Bin Laden Criticizes President Bush in New Video

Al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin-Laden has threatened new attacks on the United States in a new videotape aired on al-Jazeera television.


Ailing Arafat Examined in French Hospital

Seriously ill and perhaps fighting for his life, Yasser Arafat was rushed Friday to a military hospital near Paris that specializes in blood disorders.


Canada Eyes Internet Pharmacy Sales to US

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada may have to toughen up rules on  Internet pharmacies' sales of medicines to the United States,  Industry Minister David Emerson said on Friday, amid public  concerns of shortages or price spikes despite controls.


Agassi in Semifinals

Top-seeded Andre Agassi beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (4), 6-2 Friday to reach the Stockholm Open semifinals for the first time.


Black to Quit Hollinger Inc., Stock Soars

TORONTO (Reuters) - Former press baron Conrad Black will  quit as chairman and chief executive of his Canadian holding  company, Hollinger Inc. HLGc.TO, to facilitate his offer to  take it private.


Oil: Oil rebounds on supply woes, election jitters

Oil prices bounced back on Friday, ending this week #39;s 8 per cent slide on renewed winter supply fears and jitters ahead of next week #39;s US presidential election.


The End User: What price cheaper ink?

One measure of how much consumer technology you can get for the buck, yen or euro is today #39;s lowly printer. The reproduction capability of basic inkjet models that can be had for well under 200, or even


Former US figure skating champ arrested on gun charge

Former US figure skating champion Christopher Bowman was arrested on charges he pointed a loaded gun at a friend while drunk. Police were called to Bowman #39;s apartment Wednesday night after a woman said he


Japanese hostage feared killed in Iraq

TOKYO: A body resembling a Japanese hostage who was studying English in New Zealand just weeks ago has been found in Iraq and is being shipped to Qatar for identification.


Thai PM Says Will Punish  #39;Wrongdoers #39; Over Deaths

Bomb blasts rocked southern Thailand on Friday as Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised to get to the bottom of the deaths of 78 Muslims in military custody and punish any  quot;wrongdoers.


NBA Champ Pistons Eye Another Title Shot (AP)

AP - Chauncey Billups couldn't stop a grin from slowly spreading across his face. Could the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons be even better this season? You bet.


New Internet worm spreading quickly: experts (AFP)

AFP - A new Internet worm was spreading quickly, threatening to overload computer systems around the world by generating copies by e-mail, security experts said.


Oracle CEO: His Bid to Buy 49ers Spurned (AP)

AP - Billionaire software executive Larry Ellison said Friday that he inquired about buying the San Francisco 49ers only to be told by the current owners that the team isn't for sale.


Kerry Pledges to 'Destroy' Bin Laden (AP)

AP - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry pledged Friday "to hunt down and destroy" Osama bin Laden as a new videotape of the terrorist leader surfaced four days before the election.


Al Jazeera Airs Videotape Said to Be of Osama bin Laden

Osama bin Laden said for the first time that he ordered the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, according to a tape made public today.


Sources: Sony Eyes File-Sharing Venture (AP)

AP - Sony BMG Music Entertainment and online peer-to-peer software distributor Grokster are working on a new venture that is expected to offer paid and free song downloads over the Internet, sources say.


NASA Aims for May Space Shuttle Launch (Reuters)

Reuters - NASA, recovering from the\four hurricanes that halted work at its Florida spaceport, said\on Friday it has set a launch target in May, 2005, for the\first space shuttle flight since the 2003 Columbia disaster.


First Look: Axim X50v Versus Tungsten T5

Dell and PalmOne roll out their latest pure PDAs, and heap on the extras.


McNair, Brown Questionable Vs. Bengals (AP)

AP - Injuries again kept Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair and running back Chris Brown out of practice Friday, casting doubt on their availability Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.


GM, Boeing push identity management

General Motors plans to install a global identity management system that will provide single-sign-on access to applications for about 500,000 internal and external end users, and Boeing is in the midst of a similar project -- both aimed at cutting IT costs and improving user productivity.


Bocada upgrades backup reporting software for SLAs

Bocada Inc. is releasing an upgrade of its backup reporting software tailored to help CIOs and other executives meet business goals and achieve regulatory compliance.


Webmail leaves Windows for open-source platform

Webmail.us is announcing improvements to its service next week and will migrate its core e-mail platform from Microsoft Windows to an open-source platform.


Brief: CSC signs \$1B outsourcing deal with Textron

Computer Sciences Corp. will provide Textron Inc. with infrastructure and network support services under a 10-year, \$1 billion contract, the companies announced.


Antivirus companies warn of new Bagle variants

Antivirus software companies warned of three new versions of the Bagle worm that were spreading through infected e-mail attachments.


Tech standards set tone for on-demand systems

IT vendors are championing highly integrated and flexible systems through offerings such as IBM's 'on-demand computing' initiative and HP's 'adaptive enterprise' strategy. But what's really important, users say, is support for open standards.


ISPs file more antispam lawsuits

Microsoft, AOL, EarthLink and Yahoo filed three new lawsuits to stop the spread of unsolicited e-mail.


Symantec tries to widen reach beyond security tools

Symantec is making a play for a broader market with a new "information integrity" strategy, which users and analysts said meshes with their needs for corporate security. The question is whether the vendor can execute on its wider vision.


Update: California lawmakers rip handling of data theft at university

Four California legislators want the the state's Department of Social Services to take more aggressive steps in notifying 1.4 million residents that their personal information may have been stolen by hackers.


Wiki start-up JotSpot draws crowd for product beta

Nearly 3,000 companies have signed up for test accounts to try a beta version of its wiki application for Web-based collaboration.


Decision reserved in case of Alberta woman charged with abducting son to U.S. (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - RED DEER, Alta. (CP) - The fate of an Alberta woman charged with abducting her son and fleeing to the United States hangs on the interpretation of a court order.


Henman Falls to Unseeded Novak in Basel

BASEL, Switzerland (Reuters) - World number four Tim Henman  was knocked out in the quarterfinals of the 989,750-euro Swiss  Indoors tournament Friday, falling 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 to unseeded  Czech Jiri Novak.


Brazil #39;s Globo Media Empire Reaches Deal

Brazilian media giant Globo has reached a tentative agreement with creditors on terms of a deal to restructure US\$1.3 billion of debt it racked up during the 1990s.


First Look: Axim X50v Versus Tungsten T5 (PC World)

PC World - Dell and PalmOne roll out their latest pure PDAs, and heap on the extras.


AMD #39;s Low-Cost Web Device Targets Developing World

Chipmaker AMD has developed a low-cost Web access appliance called the  quot;Personal Information Communicator quot; (PIC) that it plans to sell in developing countries.


Week in review: iPod rocks on

With all the splash and glitz of a Hollywood premiere, Apple Computer this week introduced the latest version of its popular iPod music player.


Kabul hunt for seized UN workers

By Declan Walsh in Islamabad and Duncan Campbell and Ewen MacAskill inLondon. Oct 30 (Guardian News Service):NATO troops are hunting for three United Nations workers kidnapped in Afghanistan #39;s first Iraqi-style abduction on Thursday.


First Look: Roku's Sleek Audio Streamer

SoundBridge M2000 eloquently frees your digital tunes from the PC, but it's pricey.


GDP: Not Great, but Encouragingly Solid

The pace of economic growth has been a point of contention throughout the Presidential campaign, and just in time for Election Day, the government #39;s advance report on third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) arrived on Oct. 29.


Delta Pilots Take Pay Cut as Bankruptcy Looms

Description: Delta Airline pilots agree to a 32 percent pay cut to help the airline avoid bankruptcy. Analysts say it #39;s not yet clear whether those cuts will be enough to put Delta back in the black.


Ovitz accused of leaking rumors to press in 1990s

The shareholder lawsuit against Disney leadership took a melodramatic turn Thursday as a plaintiffs #39; lawyer accused former president Michael Ovitz of leaking


Lehman Forks Out \$225 Million to Enron Shareholders

Lehman Brothers (LEH:NYSE - news - research) agreed Friday to pay \$225 million to Enron shareholders to settle allegations arising from the company #39;s 2001 insolvency.


28 Identity Theft Suspects Arrested in Transatlantic Sting

Law enforcement authorities on both sides of the Atlantic have arrested 28 people on suspicion of operating Web sites that were allegedly designed to steal, sell and forge credit cards and identification documents.


Sources: Sony Eyes File-Sharing Venture

LOS ANGELES - Sony BMG Music Entertainment and online peer-to-peer software distributor Grokster are working on a new venture that is expected to offer paid and free song downloads over the Internet, sources say.


NASA Aims for May Space Shuttle Launch

NASA, recovering from the four hurricanes that halted work at its Florida spaceport, said on Friday it has set a launch target in May, 2005, for the first


McAfee Profit Growth Offsets AOL Questions

Shares of McAfee (MFE:NYSE - news - research) were up sharply Friday on news that the antivirus software maker posted stronger-than-expected third-quarter results and boosted revenue guidance for the fourth quarter.


Monty #39;s hopes of winning are distinctly paella in the sky

There has been no shortage of media interest in Colin Montgomerie #39;s new Spanish girlfriend ( quot;Monty Bags Birdie! quot; etc), and the news that she plays off a handicap of 30 has prompted speculation


Safin upset in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Ticker) - Top seed Marat Safin of Russia met his match Friday in the quarterfinals of the \$1 million St. Petersburg Open.


Pacers extend Tinsley

Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - The Indiana Pacers announced Friday that Jamaal Tinsley has signed a contract extension with the team.


How Much Will Moss Play?

After playing only two downs last Sunday against Tennessee, Randy Moss will get another opportunity to increase his role against the Giants.


Japanese hostage reported killed in Iraq

A JAPANESE hostage abducted in Iraq has been killed, the Kyodo news agency reported last night. A body found near the town of Tikrit was identified as that of Shosei Koda, a 24-year-old


Ukraines Choice

Europe #39;s second-largest country -ill go to the polls in an election that will have a profound influence on European politics for years to come.


Pacers' O'Neal Expected to Go on Injured List (Reuters)

Reuters - Indiana Pacers forward\Jermaine O'Neal is expected to be placed on the injured list\prior to the beginning of the regular season as he continues to\suffer from a sore left foot.


This week in iPod news

Steve Jobs brings U2 on stage for an iPod photo op, and Wall Street likes what it's hearing.


Google Plans Desktop Search Tool for Apple PCs

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Google Inc. GOOG.O plans to  release a version of its desktop search tool for computers  running on the Mac operating system from Apple Computer Inc.  AAPL.O, Google chief executive Eric Schmidt said on Friday.


Red Sox Give Mueller Another Year

The Red Sox exercise their option Friday on third baseman Bill Mueller, a former batting champion who had the season-saving single against the Yankees in the ALCS.


McNair, Brown Questionable

Injuries again kept Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair and running back Chris Brown out of practice Friday, casting doubt on their availability Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.


Simpler ID management readied by Microsoft

DENVER  Microsoft is developing a portal-like interface for its identity management platform that will let users self-manage their identity information and provision network services.


Dell Expands Consumer Services to Spyware, Peripherals

A new 24-hour help desk will cover non-Dell or non-PC problems--for a charge.


Spitzer: Marsh may face more than \$500 million penalty

NEW YORK New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer says the price for settling state charges of collusion and bid rigging by the nation #39;s largest insurance broker could be  quot;far higher quot; than 500 (m) million dollars.


Dow Up; Bin Laden, Election Cloud Outlook

US blue-chip stocks finished higher on Friday, helped by gains in energy companies #39; shares, although investors showed caution before next Tuesday #39;s presidential election.


Ottawa Says Time to Stop Protecting Air Canada

The Canadian government, in a radical shift, said on Friday it was time to stop protecting national carrier Air Canada as it mulled whether to lift foreign ownership restrictions on the country #39;s airlines.


Sources: Sony Eyes File-Sharing Venture

Sony BMG Music Entertainment and online peer-to-peer software distributor Grokster are working on a new venture that is expected to offer paid and free song downloads over the Internet, sources say.


It #39;s flak jacket time for Microsoft #39;s Linux guy

What kind of E-mail is landing in Martin Taylors in-box right about now? Its probably not unlike some of the messages Ive been getting in response to a story I wrote about Steve Ballmers Oct. 27


Chelsea plea to FA over Mutu

Chelsea have asked the Football Association to hold on to Adrian Mutu #39;s registration while the club investigate ways of gaining compensation for sacking the player.


Henman crashes to Novak

British world number four Tim Henman was knocked out of the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors tournament, falling 7-6 7-5 to unseeded Czech Jiri Novak.


Boston Expects Millions at Red Sox Parade (AP)

AP - Because so many members of Red Sox Nation are expected in Boston on Saturday to celebrate the team's World Series triumph, the victory parade won't be making any stops and won't culminate with a staged rally, either.


Despite Google's Glitter, Other Dot-Coms Face Risks (Reuters)

Reuters - Internet stocks are\as volatile as ever, with growth-starved investors flocking to\the sector in the hope they've bought shares in the next online\blue chip.


Google Plans Desktop Search Tool for Apple PCs (Reuters)

Reuters - Google Inc.  plans to\release a version of its desktop search tool for computers\running on the Mac operating system from Apple Computer Inc.\, Google chief executive Eric Schmidt said on Friday.


'Sabado Gigante' Interviews Bush, Kerry (AP)

AP - President Bush and his Democratic rival, John Kerry, both gave interviews to the Spanish-language network Univision that will appear on the popular Saturday night variety show "Sabado Gigante."


'Weightless Wonder' Makes Final Flight (AP)

AP - The NASA turbojet notoriously known as the "vomit comet" for its use in training astronauts for weightlessness made its final flight Friday. Few among the two dozen seasoned passengers aboard got sick.


Black quitting posts at Hollinger Inc.

TORONTO Press baron Conrad Black says he #39;d give up his posts as head of the Toronto-based Hollinger Incorporated to ease his plan to take the company private.


Lifting of curse creates dilemma for marketers

Unbelievable as it may seem, not everyone in New England is thrilled about the Red Sox winning the World Series. Retailers of everything from T-shirts to ice cream and cookies had been making money off the team #39;s championship drought for years.


British soldier killed in redeployment

A British soldier was killed and three others injured on Friday as the Black Watch regiment travelled from southern Iraq to its more dangerous new base near Baghdad, a military spokesman confirmed.


Two bombs explode in Thailand injuring 20

: Two bombs exploded Friday near a teashop and wounded 20 people in southern Thailand, police said, asviolence continued unabated in the Muslim-majority region whereresidents are seething over the deaths of 78 men while in


Bush, Kerry Vow to Destroy Bin Laden After Tape (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush and his Democratic\White House rival John Kerry united on Friday in a promise to\hunt down Osama bin Laden after the al Qaeda leader released a\new videotape threatening fresh attacks on the United States.


Brazil's Globo Media Empire Reaches Deal

Brazilian media giant Globo has reached a tentative agreement with creditors to restructure \$1.3 billion of debt it racked up during the 1990s.


Abkhazia in Confusion After Court Reversal (AP)

AP - The high court in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia again reversed itself on whether presidential election results were valid, saying Friday an earlier ruling nullifying them should be ignored because court officials made it while being held hostage.


Berlusconi Says Will Sacrifice Buttiglione

ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi,  seeking to defuse an unprecedented crisis in the EU executive,  said Rocco Buttiglione would most likely be replaced as Italy's  candidate for the European Commission.


Google Buys Digital Mapping Company

Google has bought digital map maker Keyhole Corp., extending the search engine leader's bid to fend off rivals with a toolbox that can catalog almost anything in the world.


This week in supercomputers

A new list of the top machines is  about to be released and SGI, IBM and others are jostling for bragging rights.


Disney Nominated Ovitz to Board Before Ousting Him

Walt Disney Co. #39;s directors nominated Michael Ovitz to serve on its board for another three years at a meeting just weeks before forcing him out of his job as


Enron jury asks for index to evidence

A Houston jury Friday requested an index to dozens of exhibits in the first Enron criminal trial. US District Judge Ewing Werlein asked lawyers to prepare evidence indexes to


Update 2: Friday #39;s Commodities Roundup

Crude-oil futures rose Friday on fears of a possible terrorist attack before Tuesday #39;s US election, but the market #39;s recent downturn may continue next week.


Times drops broadsheet edition

The Times has abandoned the broadsheet edition of the newspaper, almost a year to the day since it launched a tabloid version for commuters.


Sony Announces Price On Portable Video Game Machine

TOKYO -- Sony Corp. #39;s PlayStation Portable isn #39;t in US stores yet but that #39;s not stopping Sony from putting a price tag on the much anticipated item.


Lexmark loses case on toner

Static Control Components scored a big legal win Tuesday after a US appeals court lifted a ban on sales of the Sanford company #39;s rebuilt toner cartridges.


Stubbs the Zombie: Rebel without a Pulse Announced

Former Bungie members in Wideload Games announce a new zombie game using the Halo engine. Today Wideload Games, made up of a team consisting of some former Bungie members who worked on Halo, has announced


Phaneuf wins women #39;s short program

Cynthia Phaneuf of Canada won the women #39;s short program at Skate Canada with 57.76 points on Friday. Fumie Suguri of Japan shook off a fall on a triple flip to place second with 53.


Rangers decline 2005 options on Greer, Jordan

Greer hasn #39;t played since July 11, 2002, but has collected \$21.8 million for the 2002, 2003 and 2004 seasons. He will receive a \$600,000 buyout from the Rangers, who declined a \$8,066,667 option for 2005.


NBA  #39;04- #39;05: Kobe expected to carry Lakers

It #39;s a good thing Kobe Bryant gained weight during the offseason, since it #39;s his job to carry the Los Angeles Lakers. Phil Jackson was told in June he wouldn #39;t return as coach.


Hosted E-Mail Service Leaves Windows for Linux (PC World)

PC World - Company outsources e-mail for small to medium businesses.


Putin plan for political overhaul easily passes its first vote

MOSCOW Russia #39;s lower house of Parliament took its first step on Friday toward adopting President Vladimir Putin #39;s sweeping overhaul of the country #39;s political system, despite signs of popular dissent, particularly in regions distant from the capital.


No. 9 Utes Face Last-Place Aztecs (AP)

AP - All Urban Meyer really wanted to talk about during the week was San Diego State, the next opponent for his ninth-ranked Utah Utes.


Bin Laden Casts Shadow Over Stock Market

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A video appearance by al Qaeda leader  Osama bin Laden, in which he said the United States may face  renewed attacks, cast a shadow over the outlook for the U.S.  stock market, analysts said on Friday.


Byrd Ties Sluman for Chrysler Lead

PALM HARBOR, Florida (Reuters) - Jonathan Byrd shot his  second successive five-under-par 66 on Friday and joined Jeff  Sluman on top of the leader board after two rounds at the  Chrysler Championship.


White House says bin Laden tape authentic (AFP)

AFP - The White House said that US intelligence agencies believe a newly broadcast videotaped threat by Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was authentic and recorded recently.


Fiji UN-Iraq security force to head out next month (AFP)

AFP - A 163-strong Fiji military unit will fly out to Iraq on November 7 to provide security for United Nations personnel, a Fiji Military Force statement said.


Edwards Casts Early Vote in North Carolina (Reuters)

Reuters - Democratic vice presidential\candidate John Edwards interrupted a final state-hopping\campaign blitz on Friday to cast his ballot in his home state\of North Carolina, which Democrats acknowledge the\Kerry-Edwards ticket has slim chance of carrying.


This week in Dell news

A trip by CNET News.com editors and reporters to Dell's headquarters in Texas yields a bonanza of information about the PC maker's plans and operations.


Sun to launch next version of Solaris on Nov. 15

SAN FRANCISCO - Sun Microsystems Inc. will formally launch the next major release of its flagship Solaris operating system at a press event Nov. 15 at the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, California, company officials confirmed Friday. The launch will be part of Sun's quarterly Network Computing product announcement, which is expected to include new product offerings from a variety of Sun's product groups.


Deutsche rides Germany #39;s tepid recovery

FRANKFURT Deutsche Bank said Friday that third quarter net income rose a better-than-expected 18 percent from a year earlier, to 680 million, helped by the sale of property in New York that was damaged by the Sept.


Stocks: US GPD leaves investors lukewarm

NEW YORK A lackluster report on US gross domestic product sent stocks lower Friday as Wall Street worried that a lack of jobs and high energy prices were holding back economic growth.


Clear Channel posts drop in profit, but tops forecasts

The owner of several Denver-area radio stations, and other properties in 63 countries worldwide, says third-quarter earnings dropped 59 percent from last year -- but still beat analysts #39; expectations.


Vizquel, Wickman File for Free Agency (AP)

AP - Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel and closer Bob Wickman filed for free agency on Friday after the team declined to pick up  #36;5 million options on the two veterans earlier this month.


UK Agency Report Greenlights Linux

A day after Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer sent out a missive pushing Redmond #39;s message that  quot;free software isn #39;t free, quot; the UK #39;s Office of Government Commerce (OGC) said open source software is a viable desktop alternative for most government users.


Sun Micro, the Phantom Gamer

The co-creator of Microsoft #39;s Xbox is ramping up to launch a new online subscription gaming platform with the help of Sun Microsystems (Quote, Chart), the companies said.


Chelsea lay down the law on drugs as Mutu is shown door

CHELSEA enforced a zero tolerance policy against drugs yesterday when they dismissed Adrian Mutu, the Romania striker, for gross misconduct after his positive test for cocaine.


Byrd ties Sluman for Chrysler lead

Jonathan Byrd shot his second successive five-under-par 66 on Friday and joined Jeff Sluman on top of the leader board after two rounds at the Chrysler Championship.


#39;97 Triple Crown contender will be stud overseas

MIDWAY, Ky. -- Silver Charm, who barely missed winning the Triple Crown in 1997, was sold to the Japan Racing Association and will stand at stud in that country next year.


India #39;s home rule broken at last to give Australia grand slam

THE moment that all Australian cricket fans had been anticipating for 35 years came at 4.20pm local time. It had been delayed by a frustrating last-wicket stand of 52 in seven overs, but when Zaheer Khan swung


US mum on Arafats return

MANCHESTER: The White House on Friday declined to say whether Israel should guarantee that ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat can return to the Palestinian territories after receiving medical treatment in Paris.


Oklahoma Black Leaders Upset Over Candidate Remark (Reuters)

Reuters - A Republican Senate\candidate from Oklahoma who has run into trouble over verbal\gaffes was drawing fire again on Friday for saying black men\have a "genetic predisposition" for a lower life expectancy\than whites.


Caught in a regulatory cross fire

Here's a bit of advice for those of you planning IT budgets. For the next five to 10 years, set aside 10 percent to comply with new government regulations, both from the United States and from other governments in your major markets.


Voting along party lines

Election time is an apt occasion for reflecting on what politicians refer to as your core values, and I hope to make that phrase meaningful for perhaps the first time. Four years turns out to be a pretty good cycle for such examinations, even beyond the political realm.


When good vendors go bad

The most pervasive problem in running IT is not a specific technology issue at all. Its dealing with bad vendors. Even if you have been able to reduce your IT operation down to a pure open source environment on the software side, hardware still must be purchased through commercial channels. In the post-boom IT age, the power has supposedly shifted from vendor to buyer, but IT managers continue to be manipulated by vendors who dont always act in the customers best interest. To keep vendors in line, IT managers need to stay on the ball  and punish bad behavior when it occurs by finding new suppliers.


US stocks: Dow gains, but caution rules before US election

US blue-chip stocks ended higher on Friday, helped by gains in energy companies, although investors showed caution before next week #39;s presidential election.


Competition Bureau and Air Canada end dispute over predatory <b>...</b>

MONTREAL (CP) - The Competition Bureau and Air Canada have ended their litigation over allegations that the airline engaged in anti-competitive practices against low-cost carriers WestJet and CanJet.


Midgley out of position but not out of touch for Bears

The switch to point guard has had a rather strange effect on Cal junior Richard Midgley. Typically, a move from shooting guard to the point results in fewer points, more assists, and, if things are going smoothly, fewer turnovers.


Island of the Little People

The impact on physical anthropology of the diminutive hominid Homo floresiensis cannot be understated. The discovery in a rock shelter on the Indonesian island of Flores , announced in the


Sources: Sony Eyes File-Sharing Venture

LOS ANGELES Oct 29, 2004 - Sony BMG Music Entertainment and online peer-to-peer software distributor Grokster are working on a new venture that is expected to offer paid and free song downloads over the Internet, sources say.


Aspyr, Wideload offer Rebel Without a Pulse details

In late August Aspyr Media Inc. and Wideload Games first announced plans to collaborate on a new game release. On Thursday Aspyr and Wideload Games offered the first details about the game, including platform information and a release schedule.


Internet Turns 35 Today

shadowspar writes  quot;The CBC is reporting that the Internet turned 35 today. The story talks about the less-than-prophetic beginnings of the net:  #39;In order to log in to the two-computer network, which was then


Top 10 are taking shape

It was after her heroics in Athens that I posed the question  quot;Is Kelly Holmes this nation #39;s greatest female athlete? quot; Did her middle-distance Olympic double nudge her ahead of Mary Rand (ne


Disqualification scare for Garcia

Hard to tell whether the happenings of the European Tour are stranger on the course or off it. There has been Seve Ballesteros getting into mischief with a tour official at a


Sluman slides to a 70, tied for Chrysler lead

After a course record on Thursday, the six-time tour winner manages just two birdies. Jonathan Byrd #39;s second-straight round of 66 is good for a share of the lead.


Nuggets Pick Up Nene #39;s Option

Denver Nuggets #39; Nene Hilario, right, of Brazil, and Houston Rockets #39; Juwan Howard (5) chase a lose ball during the third quarter of their preseason game Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004, in Houston.


Jahnke takes a medal to Skate Canada

Less than a week after winning his first international figure skating medal, Ryan Jahnke of Grosse Pointe Farms will compete at Skate Canada beginning tonight in Halifax, Nova Scotia.


Jackson in book: Kobe never wanted to be a sidekick

In the prologue to his just published book, The Last Season, A Team in Search of Its Soul, former Los Angles Lakers coach Phil Jackson tells, very succinctly, why he wrote the tell-all diary of last season #39;s Lakers demise.


Tigers sign LHP Walker

DETROIT (Ticker) - The Detroit Tigers on Friday agreed to terms on a one-year contract with lefthander Jamie Walker. Financial terms of the deal, which also includes a club option for 2006, were not disclosed.


Arafat undergoes tests for leukaemia after flight to military <b>...</b>

Yasser Arafat was undergoing tests for possible leukaemia at a military hospital outside Paris last night after being airlifted from his Ramallah headquarters to an anxious farewell from Palestinian well-wishers.


VIEW: Muslims, America and Israel Syed Mansoor Hussain

It is extremely important for Muslims, not only those in the US but also elsewhere, to decide whether they are against Israel because it is an oppressive occupying power that is denying Palestinians their genuine rights, or because it is a Jewish state.


Bin Laden Videotape Fires Up Bush, Kerry (AP)

AP - John Kerry criticized President Bush on Friday for failing to capture Osama bin Laden as a new videotape of the terrorist leader surfaced just before the election. Bush accused the Democrat of "shameful" second-guessing in the face of threats by America's deadly foe.


Soccer, Dec 5

Premier League: Arsenal 3 Birmingham City 0, Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 1, Blackburn Rovers 0 Tottenham Hot spur 1, Chelsea 4 Newcastle United 0, Everton 3 Bolton Wanderers 2, Manchester United 3 Southampton 0, Nor wich City 0 Fulham 1, Portsmouth 3 West


Worst-jobs list makes kissing up to the boss sound fun

If you #39;re sick of smooching the boss #39;s derriere, start puckering and consider yourself lucky. At least you #39;re not forced to get up close and personal with the infested hind ends of people you don #39;t know.


Agassi reaches Stockholm semis

Andre Agassi won his quarterfinal match at the Stockholm Open Friday, but US Open semifinalist Joachim Johansson was forced to retire.


Blazers #39; Woods in trouble again

The NBA on Friday suspended the Portland Trail Blazers #39; forward for five games for violating the league #39;s drug program. Woods will serve the penalty beginning with the first game he is eligible for in the regular season.


Tigers re-sign lefty Walker

The Tigers just took several steps toward their anticipated bullpen makeover. How far it goes will be determined in the coming days.


Ailing Arafat Faces Days of Medical Tests (Reuters)

Reuters - Yasser Arafat will undergo a\battery of medical tests on Saturday as French doctors try to\discover whether the ailing Palestinian leader is suffering\from leukemia or some other blood disorder.


Ailing Arafat Faces Days of Medical Tests

CLAMART, France (Reuters) - Yasser Arafat will undergo a  battery of medical tests on Saturday as French doctors try to  discover whether the ailing Palestinian leader is suffering  from leukemia or some other blood disorder.


Talks amid food fight

NATIONAL Foods, which is fighting off a \$1.6 billion takeover bid by New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra, said yesterday it had been in talks with food ingredients group Burns, Philp and Co during the past six months.


DreamWorks Draws a Crowd

Slaying dragons and sharks has been kid #39;s play for the company behind the popular Shrek and Shark Tale movies. Now DreamWorks Animation (NYSE: DWA) is slaying the market as well.


#39;Weightless Wonder #39; Makes Final Flight

The NASA (news - web sites) turbojet notoriously known as the  quot;vomit comet quot; for its use in training astronauts for weightlessness made its final flight Friday.


Sources: Sony BMG, Grokster in talks on new file-sharing venture

LOS ANGELES - Sony BMG Music Entertainment and online peer-to-peer software distributor Grokster are working on a new venture that is expected to offer paid and free song downloads over the Internet, sources say.


Proxima Technology Teams with Sun Microsystems on N1 Grid

DENVER - (BUSINESS WIRE) -ct. 27, 2004  -xima Technology today announced Centauri Business Service Manager(TM) software as an integral element of Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq: SUNW) much-heralded


Variant of Bagle Worm Spreading Over Internet

IT security experts have warned today that a newly intercepted variant of the infamous mass-mailing Bagle worm, dubbed Bagle.bb, has begun to spread quickly across the Internet.


Man U seek justice

Manchester United have expressed their disappointment at Arsene Wenger #39;s denials of the post-match tunnel fracas involving his players, and are launching an investigation.


Nuggets hang on to Nene

DENVER The Denver Nuggets have picked up their three million dollar option for next NBA season for forward Nene (nuh-NAY #39;) but not for Nikoloz Tskitishvili (NIH-koh-lohs skee-tish-VEE #39;-lee).


Capello fearful of player burnout

ROME: Juventus may be sitting comfortably on a five-point cushion at the top of Serie A, but coach Fabio Capello is concerned his teams hectic fixture list could eventually unseat them.


Bin Laden: U.S. Can Avoid Another Attack (AP)

AP - Osama bin Laden, publicly injecting himself into the campaign four days ahead of presidential elections, said in a videotape aired Friday that the United States can avoid another Sept. 11 attack if it stops threatening the security of Muslims.


US warns rebels to curb attacks in Darfur

The United States is increasingly worried about attacks by rebel groups in Darfur even as Sudan seems to be reining in militias on the other side of the conflict, a senior US official said on Friday.


Second Merck drug faces inquiry

WALL STREET analysts last night said a second experimental pain killer under development by Merck, the American drugs maker, could be delayed until 2007, after regulators asked for more information on the medicines safety.


Boston Expects Millions at Red Sox Parade (AP)

AP - Because so many members of Red Sox Nation are expected in Boston to celebrate the team's World Series triumph, the victory parade Saturday won't be making any stops and won't culminate with a staged rally, either.


HOUSTON Oct 29, 2004 - The NASA turbojet notoriously known as the  quot;vomit comet quot; for its use in training astronauts for weightlessness made its final flight Friday.


Jazz Sign Kirilenko to Contract Extension (AP)

AP - Andrei Kirilenko signed a 6-year,  #36;86 million contract extension with the Utah Jazz, a deal that took three months of negotiations.


Garciaparra Files for Free Agency (AP)

AP - Nomar Garciaparra filed for free agency Friday, starting the bidding process for the All-Star shortstop.


Knee injury keeps Knicks #39; Houston out

New York Knicks guard Allan Houston is unlikely to start the team #39;s season opener because of a nagging knee injury. Knicks coach Lenny Wilkens told the New York Post on Sunday he was doubtful Houston would


Bush Rejects Bin Laden Tape, Hits Kerry (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush vowed on Friday\the United States will not be intimidated by a pre-election\warning from Osama Bin Laden and called Democrat John Kerry\"shameful" for accusing him of bungling the search for the al\Qaeda leader.


Daschle in Tough, Costly Election Fight (AP)

AP - In the nation's most dramatic  #151; and most expensive  #151; Senate race, Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota is scrambling to maintain his political life as Republicans argue the Democrat is out of touch with people in a state that solidly supports President Bush.


Keeping a close eye on the election

The coming presidential election is sure to be about as close as they come, and technology is at the heart of much of the surrounding discussion.


Sun submits mystery license to open source group

A Sun Microsystems engineer chartered with directing the engineering effort to open source Solaris has published a new software licence that could be used for the open source release of Sun #39;s Unix operating system.


Google plugs hole exposing Gmail mail-boxes

SAN FRANCISCO - Google Inc. has fixed a security flaw in its Gmail Web-based e-mail service that allowed attackers to hijack users' e-mail accounts.


Thai PM Explains Detainees' Deaths on TV (AP)

AP - Facing new violence and harsh criticism, the prime minister said Friday he would set up an independent commission to investigate the deaths of 85 Muslim youths in southern Thailand, including 78 who suffocated or were crushed to death in military custody.


Kerry: Americans' Safety at Stake in Election (Reuters)

Reuters - Democratic challenger John Kerry said on\Friday the safety of Americans was at stake in next week's\election and refused to let a new Osama bin Laden videotape\overshadow his race with President Bush.


Update 1: Summary: Wall Street #39;s Major Indexes

Stocks were mixed Friday as the government #39;s gross domestic product report renewed concerns that high energy prices and a lack of jobs might hold back economic growth, and investors showed reluctance to make big commitments ahead of next week #39;s


Tomlinson Expects to Start Against Raiders (AP)

AP - Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson practiced Friday and is expected to start against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.


Report: University can #39;t financially sustain IA status

MOSCOW, Idaho -- Former University of Idaho athletic director Bill Belknap fears a divide is being creating over athletics at the state #39;s land grant college.


Tragedy still fresh, Gordon faces tough situation in Atlanta

In one sense, it would not be unprecedented for Gordon and the No. 24 team to rebound from the aftermath of Sunday #39;s Hendrick Motorsports plane crash to finish well at Atlanta; Kevin Harvick won there in 2001


Bin Laden Casts Shadow Over Stock Market (Reuters)

Reuters - A video appearance by al Qaeda leader\Osama bin Laden, in which he said the United States may face\renewed attacks, cast a shadow over the outlook for the U.S.\stock market, analysts said on Friday.


Body Resembling Japanese Hostage Found in Iraq (Reuters)

Reuters - A body resembling a Japanese hostage has\been found in Iraq and is being shipped to Qatar for\identification, Japanese officials said on Saturday, after\Tokyo refused a demand by his captors to pull out its troops.


PlayStation 3 chip goes easy on developers

SAN FRANCISCO--The  quot;Cell quot; processor that will power the next version of the PlayStation game console will also be adaptable for advanced scientific research, but you won #39;t have to be a rocket scientist to program it.


Body Resembling Japanese Hostage Found in Iraq

TOKYO (Reuters) - A body resembling a Japanese hostage has  been found in Iraq and is being shipped to Qatar for  identification, Japanese officials said on Saturday, after  Tokyo refused a demand by his captors to pull out its troops.


Move to Stop Voyeurs Mis-Using Camera Phones

Mobile phone makers need to protect people from peeping toms and blackmailers who use built-in cameras to take secret pictures, campaigners said today.


VMware aims for four-processor abilities

Software that lets computers split into virtual machines will create more powerful subdivisions.


Yankees Seek to Keep Pitcher Jon Lieber (AP)

AP - After watching their starting pitchers struggle for much of the season, the New York Yankees would like to bring Jon Lieber back for 2005.


Sacking Mutu was right insists Chelsea boss Mourinho

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has launched a strong defence of the sacking of Romanian striker Adrian Muti for testing positive for cocaine.


Kirilenko Signs Six-Year Extension with Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY (Sports Network) - Utah Jazz forward Andrei  Kirilenko signed a six-year, \$86 million contract extension  with the team Friday. The deal, which culminated three months  of negotiations, will kick in next season.


Cassini Evidence Shows Saturn Moon Alive (AP)

AP - The Cassini spacecraft is sending back evidence that Saturn's planet-size moon Titan is geologically alive, possibly with liquids moving on its surface, scientists said Thursday.


ATA Bankruptcy

October 29, 2004 -Des Moines - Their planes may be small, but ATA Connection plays a vital role in keeping air fares low for flights to Chicago and the East Coast.


China seeks to soothe markets on rate rise

BEIJING: China sought yesterday to soothe concerns over a surprise interest rate rise, its first in nearly a decade and one which is expected to start a series of increases to cool growth in the world #39;s seventh-biggest economy.


Eurotunnel to cut workforce

LONDON: Subsea rail operator Eurotunnel unveiled yesterday a  quot;Project Dare quot; plan to cut jobs and services as it tries to dig its way out of a mountain of debt in the face of falling revenues and market share.


Apple Unveils New Crop of iPods

Apple Computer has unveiled two new versions of its hugely successful iPod: the iPod Photo and the U2 iPod. Apple also has expanded


Renteria files for free agency

Cardinals shortstop Edgar Renteria filed for free agency Friday along with catcher Mike Matheny and outfielder Ray Lankford, two days after the Boston Red Sox swept St.


New Cambodia king is crowned

PHNOM PENH: In a ceremony full of pageantry and hope, KING NORODOM SIHAMONI ascended the Cambodian throne yesterday, ushering in a new royal era for a country still trying to draw a line under its bloody, genocidal past.


Mystery over hostage #39;s fate

BAGHDAD: A body found in Iraq cannot be confirmed as that of a young Japanese man taken hostage and the corpse has been sent to Qatar for identification, Japan #39;s Senior Vice Foreign Minister Shuzen Tanigawa said yesterday.


Times newspaper to go tabloid

The Times is to scrap its broadsheet edition after more than 200 years of publication and go tabloid from Monday.


Marsh CEO sees Spitzer settlement

The new boss of scandal-hit US insurance broker Marsh   McLennan says he expects to settle charges brought by New York's attorney-general.


Larkin, Vizquel and Garciaparra File for Free Agency

NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Two of the greatest shortstops  ever, Barry Larkin and Omar Vizquel, were among the 58 players  to file for free agency on Friday.


Arafat in French Hospital, Facing a Round of Tests

Yasir Arafat arrived in France as the guest of the French government and was taken to a military hospital for treatment of a mysterious ailment.


Sudanese Government, Rebels Fail to Agree on Security

ABUJA (Reuters) - Sudanese government delegates and Darfur  rebels failed to reach agreement early on Saturday on a draft  security protocol aimed at breaking a deadlock at peace  negotiations in Nigeria.


Garciaparra Among New-Minted Free Agents (AP)

AP - Nomar Garciaparra filed for free agency Friday, two days after the All-Star shortstop's former team, the Boston Red Sox, won the World Series.


Bristol-Myers Profit Lower, So Are Shares (Reuters)

Reuters - Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.  on\Friday said quarterly profit fell 16 percent on special charges\and lower U.S. sales amid competition from rival brands and\cheaper generics.


Larkin, Vizquel and Garciaparra File for Free Agency (Reuters)

Reuters - Two of the greatest shortstops\ever, Barry Larkin and Omar Vizquel, were among the 58 players\to file for free agency on Friday.


Marsh CEO sees Spitzer settlement

The new boss of US insurance broker Marsh  amp; McLennan said he is confident of settling the charges brought by New York Attorney-General Eliot Spitzer.


New Worm Variant Spreads, Clogging E-Mail (AP)

AP - At least one new variant of a worm spread rapidly from Asia and Europe to U.S. computers Friday morning, filling up people's e-mail accounts, but otherwise causing little apparent damage.


Yankees decline options on Quantrill, Lee

By RONALD BLUM AP Sports Writer. either pick up his option or not, it #39;s up to them. Jon wants to remain a. on first baseman Travis Lee and their 2006 option on reliever Paul Quantrill.


Hendrick Team Knows It #39;s More Than Just a Race

The sky was appropriately gloomy here this morning as Nascar race teams came together for the first time since the crash of the Hendrick Motorsports plane that killed 10 people last Sunday.


Botswana gears up for the polls

Supporters cheer Botswana's President Festus Mogae in the last day of campaigning before Saturday's parliamentary polls.


Survival of Fittest and Leanest Becomes Strategy for the Airlines

After half a decade of turmoil, a picture of air travel in the U.S. is starting to emerge, and it is far different from the caring image the airlines like to present.


Growth Rate of Economy Edged Higher Over Summer

The economy picked up a little more speed during the summer quarter, but some analysts and executives expressed worries over the economy's vulnerabilities.


Wenger welcomes United probe on Old Trafford food fight

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger welcomed the news that Manchester United had launched an investigation into the tunnel fracas after Sunday #39;s bad-tempered contest.


Ex-OAS Chief Ordered Held in Costa Rica (AP)

AP - A Costa Rican appeals court judge ordered the former head of the Organization of American States jailed Friday while prosecutors prepare corruption charges against him for allegedly accepting kickbacks when he was the nation's president.


The economy picked up a little more speed during the summer quarter from July through September, expanding at a 3.7 percent annual rate, the government reported yesterday.


In Atlanta, Relief That the Hometown Airline Remains Aloft

Nita Bertsche, who lives a few miles north of Atlanta and has been flying on Delta Air Lines for 20 years, was relieved this week to hear that the airline had, for now at least, managed to avoid bankruptcy.


Cingular Acquires AT amp;T Wireless, the Real Work Begins Now

On 26 October 2004, Cingular Wireless acquired AT amp;T Wireless services after receiving final clearance from the US Federal Communications Commission.


Caution! New worm on the prowl

NEW YORK: At least one new variant of a worm spread rapidly from Asia and Europe to US computers on Friday morning, filling up people #39;s e-mail accounts, but otherwise causing little apparent damage.


E-Vote Vendors Hand Over Software

In an effort to increase the integrity of next week #39;s presidential election, five voting machine makers agreed for the first time to submit their software programs to the National Software Reference Library for safekeeping, federal officials said on


Pacers #39; O #39;Neal might head to injured list

The Indianapolis Star reported Friday that All-Star forward Jermaine O #39;Neal likely will be placed on the injured list due to a strained ligament in his left foot.


Arafat arrives in Paris for medical treatment

Arafat bid farewell to his people in Palestine. 75-year-old Palestinian leader Arafat left Amman #39;s military airport aboard a French plane at around 8:00 am (0600 GMT) Friday on his way to Paris for medical treatment.


Golf: Garcia storms into lead

Spain's Sergio Garcia comes home in 31 to take a one-shot lead at the Volvo Masters.


Tricks Fool Caller ID

It wasn't long after caller ID became popular that some people signed up for telephone services to block their number from being displayed. Now comes another trick: Companies are marketing systems to help callers fool telephone identification services into thinking they are someone else entirely. -The Washington Post


Southwest plans Chicago expansion

Southwest Airlines plans to step up operations at Chicago Midway Airport due to the bankruptcy of low-cost rival ATA Airlines and may also bid on some of the troubled carrier #39;s assets, said the Southwest Chief Executive Gary


Small Gains, Led by Energy Shares, Ahead of the Election

Blue-chip stocks ended higher yesterday, helped by gains in energy companies, although investors showed caution before next week #39;s presidential election.


Email worm clogs accounts

AP - At least one new variant of a worm spread rapidly from Asia and Europe to US computers, filling up people #39;s email accounts, but otherwise causing little apparent damage.


NASA #39;s  #39;Weightless Wonder #39; makes final flight

HOUSTON The NASA four-engine turbojet notoriously known as the  quot;vomit comet quot; for its use in training astronauts for weightlessness made its final flight today.


NASA will attempt to launch a shuttle in mid-May

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER Still plagued by problems after the Columbia shuttle disaster, NASA has announced a new target date for getting its spacecraft off the ground.


Sony-BMG, Grokster deal

p2pnet.net News:- News of Mashboxx, a major deal involving Grokster, former Grokster and Blubster ceo Wayne Rosso, Sony-BMG and Shawn Fanning #39;s Snocap, is now doing the rounds.


Vince returns to SC court Monday

Carter scored 20 points to lead six players in double figures as the Toronto Raptors posted a 100-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the preseason finale for both teams.


Australia close India file at last

Steve Waugh described India as the final frontier and it was crossed yesterday by a locum captain and an ageing team as Australia won a series here for the first time in 35 years.


What a difference a day makes: Chargers game televised locally

Fans of the Chargers and Raiders can relax: Sunday #39;s game between the two teams at Qualcomm Stadium will be televised locally.


Indonesian Court Opens Bashirs Trial

JAKARTA, 29 October 2004 - Indonesian Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Bashir went on trial yesterday accused of leading an Al-Qaeda-linked network and of planning or inciting others to carry out attacks in the worlds most populous Muslim nation.


This Kansan Made Good, Maybe Too Good, Some Say

Federal prosecutors are seeking to seize the assets of David Wittig, former chief executive of Kansas' largest electric utility, Westar Energy.


Prospects Brighten for Maker of Nasal Flu Vaccine

Although government officials asked MedImmune to help with the flu vaccine shortage, the maker of a nasal anti-flu spray will lose money on every dose it sells.


In Video Message, Bin Laden Issues Warning to U.S.

Osama bin Laden said that the best way for the U.S. to avoid a repeat of 9/11 was to stop threatening Muslims' security.


Taylor Sent Home

Joe Gibbs told Sean Taylor to take the weekend off and report back on Monday following Taylor's drunken-driving arrest Thursday.


Just Another Game

Coach Peter Nowak said the team is approaching their match against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars like any other game.


Taylor to Be Tested

Ravens running back Chester Taylor, filling in for Jamal Lewis, will face a stern test in the undefeated Philadelphia defense.


Sorry Homecomings

Navy has lost its last five homecoming games, including a 21-17 loss to Division I-AA Delaware last season.


Bison Changing QBs

After Marcos Moreno threw four more interceptions in last week's 14-13 overtime loss at N.C. A T, Bison Coach Ray Petty will start Antoine Hartfield against Norfolk State on Saturday.


A Change of Course

The first thing veteran Marine Corps Marathon runners will notice about this year's course is an about-face.


Aiming High

Terry Shea, Carl Rundell, and Bob Busquaert have  joined the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project with hopes it will help them finish the Marine Corps Marathon with times at or below 2 hours 20 minutes.


Bush is Weak, Inept, and Unfit to Lead

\\Of course Russell  is correct...\\"Personally, when I saw this video I was completely amazed. Osama is still\around? It's hard to believe, but not only is he alive and well, but still\threatening the U.S. Incredible! Regardless of my political feelings, I had\the sense that Osama was in some cave somewhere barely alive, or permanently\crippled or something. He seemed fine to me on television."\\"So here's the October surprise which will be spun incredibly by both\parties. But honestly, this is incontestable proof that George Bush is a\shamefully inept leader and a person who cannot protect America. Bin Laden\should not be on TV threatening us, he should be dead. The reason he's not?\Because  ...\\


More Voter Supression Rules

\\I love these NeoCon vote supression rules.  They're *sooooo* cute!\\I have some more:\\ - If you've ever traveled outside of the US you can't vote.\\ - If you have a graduate degree you can't vote.\\ - If you make less than 6 figures you can't vote\\ - If you can spell Nuclear and pronounce it correctly then you can't vote.\\ - If you haven't accept Jesus as savior then you can't vote.\\ - If you've never ordered anything from Bass Pro Shops then you can't vote.\\This is fun... if you can think of anymore please add a comment!\\


Baseball Expected to Query Franco on Crime Figures

Major League Baseball is expected to interview Mets pitcher John Franco in light of news reports that Franco had given crime family members tickets to a Mets game.


Economic Growth Chugs On

The economy grew at a solid annual rate of 3.7 percent in July, August and September, driven by swelling demand for automobiles and other big-ticket items


WR Grace Targeted in Mining Probe

WR Grace  amp; Co. said yesterday that the company and several current and former senior-level employees are targets of a federal grand jury investigation in Montana stemming from its past mining activities there.


Eurotunnel to cut services

Eurotunnel is to cut the regularity of its shuttle services through the Channel tunnel, in a move which could involve mothballing several of its unique trains, as it struggles to compete with cut-price ferry operators.


New Human Species Discovered

Description: Researchers report this week that they have found the remains of a group of small hominids that may be a new species of human -- one that may have existed on an island near Indonesia as late as 14,000 years ago.


Saturn #39;s Moon Titan May Hold Methane Lake

Cassini has photographed icy volcanic flows and a large lake of what could be methane on Saturn #39;s mysterious moon Titan. The observations suggest Titan is geologically active and, and its environment


UN forces patrol Monrovia, Liberia

UN forces have been deployed to restore calm in Liberia #39;s capital of Monrovia where sectarian violence sparked widespread looting and destruction.


Telstra to stay in Aussie hands

TELSTRA will remain firmly in Australian hands even after the Government sells its shares in the company, Treasurer Mr Peter Costello said yesterday.


BASEBALL ROUNDUP Red Sox Decide Dropping Mueller Is Not an Option

By The Associated Press. Two days after winning the World Series and a day before a parade in Boston to toast the achievement, the Boston Red Sox exercised their option yesterday on


O #39;Neal

The Indianapolis Star reported Friday that the Pacers likely will place All-Star forward Jermaine O #39;Neal on the injured list due to a strained ligament in his left foot.


* Prospects of tighter monetary policy played down

Japan #39;s central bank yesterday predicted the economy would shift into inflation for the first time since 1997 during the next fiscal year, though it strongly signalled that this would not trigger a tightening of monetary policy.


Bush Agrees to Consider Textile Limits

On Friday, just days before the presidential election, the Bush administration agreed to consider a petition from a coalition of embattled textile manufacturers that would limit some imports from China.


Lehman Settles Suit Over Enron

Lehman Brothers has agreed to pay \$222.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit contending that it and other brokerage firms and banks helped Enron mislead investors.


More Krazy Kutaragi

October 29, 2004 - You know you #39;re powerful when you get three articles devoted to you on IGN in one day! Ken Kutaragi, head of Sony Computer Entertainment, you #39;re all right!


Ghostzapper Has Speed to Burn

The most brilliant American racehorse in years has labored in relative obscurity until now. But when he runs Saturday in the Breeders #39; Cup Classic at Lone Star Park, Ghostzapper can demonstrate


Giants Look to Repeat Success Against Vikings

At the time, seven games into the 2003 season, a victory over previously undefeated Minnesota seemed momentous, as if the Giants #39; seesaw season had finally lurched in the right direction.


The Man With The Golden Arm

How is it possible that Brett Favre has never played in Washington, not at RFK, not at FedEx Field, not in the preseason, not the regular season, not the playoffs?


Whipper can crack it in Mile

There is a sense in which 99 of the runners at the Breeders #39; Cup tonight are visitors. The course has never staged this meeting before - in fact, it is less than a decade since they dug Lone Star Park #39;s foundations


Intense Campaign Down To the Wire in Ukraine

Viktor Yushchenko, the leading opposition candidate for the presidency of Ukraine, planned to hold a rally on Tuesday in a central square in this small city.


Colombian church, congress support humanitarian exchange with FARC

The Catholic Church and the Colombian Congress termed as positive the proposal of President Alvaro Uribe to negotiate the liberation of individuals kept as hostages by the FARC


Drug-dispensing Contact Lens Developed

Drug-loaded contact lenses have been developed that could treat eye conditions such as glaucoma far more effectively than drops. Usually sufferers of glaucoma and many other eye conditions are prescribed eye drops.


DUI Case Leaves Hole in Redskins #39; Secondary

A day after skipping practice following his arrest on a drunken-driving charge, the Washington Redskins #39; rookie safety Sean Taylor was granted an excused absence yesterday, and the team told him to stay away until Monday.


Ex-dancer crowned new Cambodia king

Norodom Sihamoni was crowned yesterday as Cambodia #39;s first new king in 50 years, in ornate ceremonies that formally ended the reign of one of Asia #39;s longest-serving and best-known rulers.


More powers for Russia #39;s President

Russia #39;s Parliament has overwhelmingly approved President Vladimir Putin #39;s plan to reinforce control over Russia by replacing popular elections of regional leaders with a central selection process.


Test Flights for Shuttle Could Begin Next Spring

NASA officials said on Friday that the space shuttle Discovery could take off for the International Space Station in May or June in the first of two test flights aimed at resuming normal shuttle operations.


Democratic faithful see omens pointing to Kerry win

A lunar eclipse. A World Series victory after 86 years for the Boston Red Sox. For the Democratic faithful, it was an unmistakable omen: Senator John Kerry, locked for weeks in a dead heat with US President George W. Bush, now had the stars on his side.


Longtime St. Peter #39;s basketball coach Kennedy dies at 97

Don Kennedy, who led St. Peter #39;s basketball team from a small-time program to major college status during his 22 years as head coach, has died.


Carter leads Raptors past Cavaliers

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Vince Carter scored 20 points as the Toronto Raptors completed their NBA pre-season with a 100-92 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre on Friday.


Arafat in French hospital

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat was admitted yesterday to a French military hospital near Paris for urgent treatment for what is said to be a potentially fatal blood disorder.


New study puts civilian deaths in Iraq at 100,000

An estimated 100,000 civilians have died in Iraq as a direct or indirect consequence of last year #39;s US-led invasion, according to a new study by a research team at the Bloom-berg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.


Novak topples Henman to advance to semi-finals

Jiri Novak made Tim Henman #39;s life as miserable yesterday as he did at this summer #39;s Olympics, toppling the second-seeded Briton 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the quarterfinals of the euro989,750 (US\$1.


Thousands flock for glimpse of new Cambodian king as coronation <b>...</b>

PHNOM PENH : Thousands of Cambodians flocked to the royal palace to catch a glimpse of new King Norodom Sihamoni as his formal coronation period ended with the extinguishing of a candle.


Annan asks traditional leaders to UN efforts to restore calm in <b>...</b>

29 October 2004 - Reacting to an upsurge of violence and disturbances in Liberia #39;s capital, Monrovia, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on the local leaders there to lend their support to United Nations efforts to restore calm.


US economy grew at 3.7 percent in summer

The economy grew at an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the summer as a big rebound in auto sales offset weakness from an expanding trade deficit, soaring


By: DEBRA COTTERILL, Family and Consumers Sciences Agent Mason <b>...</b>

Many people who have never bounced a check in their life could soon bounce their first check if they write checks to pay bills a couple of days before their paycheck is deposited into their checking account.


Post Co. Profit Jumps to \$82.5 Million

Profit at The Washington Post Co. was \$82.5 million in the fiscal third quarter (\$8.57 per share) compared with \$19.9 million (\$2.


Big Arctic Perils Seen in Warming

A comprehensive four-year study of warming in the Arctic shows that heat-trapping gases from tailpipes and smokestacks around the world are contributing to profound environmental changes


Hacking pleads not guilty in killing of wife in July

SALT LAKE CITY - Mark Hacking pleaded not guilty yesterday to murder in the death of his wife, Lori, whose remains were found in a landfill weeks after her disappearance.


Schilling cant step onto campaign trail

The injured Red Sox hurler backed off from taking the stage to appear with President Bush at two Granite State campaign events yesterday.


Australians win first series on Indian soil in 35 years

Australia #39;s 35-year wait for a test series triumph on Indian soil ended yesterday when its fast bowlers ripped through the India #39;s defenses to clinch a massive 342-run victory in the third test.


A monkey off their back

Nagpur: It is fitting that Australia won their battle against the Indian demon in Nagpur, here at the Vidarbha Cricket Association ground.


Thailand Commission to Investigate Muslim Deaths

Facing new violence and harsh criticism, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has promised to set up an independent commission to investigate the deaths in southern Thailand of 85 accused Muslim rioters, including 78 who died in military detention.


Update 6: Oil Prices Ease Further Amid China Moves

Oil prices bounced higher Friday following two days of sharp declines that came on the heels of rising inventories of crude in the United States and a move by China to cool its economy.


New rules: No more floating checks

Legal or not, many of us have  quot;floated quot; payment with a check at some point in our lives. If this is the way you have paid your bills, today is the day to quit cold-turkey.


Black to quit posts soon at Hollinger

TORONTO (Agence France-Presse) - Media baron Conrad Black, facing battles with shareholders in the United States and Canada, will quit as chairman and chief executive officer of the Canadian holding company Hollinger Inc.


Lehman agrees to pay \$222.5m to settle Enron suit

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Lehman Brothers agreed to pay \$222.5 million to settle an Enron securities class action suit, the University of California said Friday.


Bad news (and good) on Arctic warming

NEW YORK The first thorough assessment of a decades-long Arctic warming trend shows the region is undergoing profound changes, including sharp retreats of glaciers and sea ice, thawing of permafrost, and shifts in ocean and atmospheric conditions that are


Zero-gravity jet simulates space for regular folks

Space is the one frontier that #39;s out of reach to the average person, but the feeling of space travel is now a little less elusive.


Adjustment Buoys Byrd

PALM HARBOR - Jonathan Byrd was taken aside by his coach and his caddie at the 84 Lumber Classic in September, and told he needed to work on his demeanor.


Novak topples Henman

JIRI Novak made Tim Henman #39;s life as miserable overnight as he did at the Athens Olympics by toppling him 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 in the quarterfinals of the 989,750 euro (\$1.


Hendrick team working through pain

For those involved in NASCAR, racing is more than a sport. It is a way of life. It is a way of conducting one #39;s self throughout life, and eventually getting through the toughest part of life: dealing with death.


Controversy mars EU constitution signing

Twenty-five leaders representing all of the members of the newly expanded European Union on Friday signed the bloc #39;s first-ever constitution, a document that aims to create a more federal-type government in Europe.


Liberia tightens curfew after capital riots as arms deadline looms

MONROVIA (AFP) - The Liberian capital Monrovia was under curfew after citywide riots killed at least five people two days before the end of a UN disarmament effort, provoking fears of a return to conflict in the west African state.


Oil price dip propels stocks to mixed finish

Wall Street ended an otherwise strong week with a mixed finish yesterday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 22.93, or 0.23 percent, to 10,027.


GDP rise slight in quarter

The economy grew at an annual rate of 3.7 percent this summer as a big rebound in auto sales offset weakness from an exploding trade deficit, soaring oil


Crude Oil Falls a Third Day in London as China May Slow Demand

Crude oil fell in London, leading to its biggest three-day drop in a month, on rising US stockpiles and concern China is taking steps to slow demand in the world #39;s second-largest oil consuming nation.


Feds delay decision on Merck painkiller

Merck can #39;t expect any immediate relief from the medicine that was supposed to replace Vioxx, the pain medication it took off the market.


US to Consider Limiting Pants Imports From China

The Bush administration, sending another signal that it intends to limit imports of clothing from China next year, announced yesterday that it will consider a request by the US textile industry


Cassini #39;s Titan Photos Stump Scientists

Description: We take a trip out to Saturn #39;s moon Titan. The Cassini space probe paid a close call to the moon this week, and sent back some pictures of the mist-covered planet that have scientists puzzled.


DAILY DIGEST

Washington - Four of the nations largest Internet providers Thursday announced a new round of lawsuits designed to thwart email spammers, including the first major case involving spam sent via an instant messaging service.


U2 online deal hastens last spin for the CD

THE new album by the rock veterans U2 is called How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. An alternative could have been How To Kill The Compact Disc And Make Two Billion Dollars.


Henman crashes out to Novak

Tim Henman was defeated in the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors in Basle last night by the Czech, Jiri Novak. The British No 1 must now pick up ranking points at the Paris Masters to ensure qualification


Notebook: Hendrick drivers to speak about plane crash

HAMPTON - Even as teams prepared for Sunday #39;s Nextel Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the NASCAR community continued to focus on last week #39;s plane crash.


Redskins #39; Taylor won #39;t play Sunday

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - Following a poor decision off the field, rookie safety Sean Taylor will be on the sidelines when the Washington Redskins take the field Sunday.


Toomer, O #39;Hara still questionable for Giants

New York Giants receiver Amani Toomer returned to practice Friday and participated in some individual drills, but his status for Sunday #39;s game against the Minnesota Vikings is still undecided.


Labor targets Chinese textiles

The Bush administration yesterday accepted a petition for new quotas on Chinese-made pants, one in a series of decisions that may lead to extensive protection for US textile and apparel


Plans encourage full schedule; shuttle launch goal still mid-May

NASA is studying the possibility of reducing the number of missions it will fly before retiring its three-orbiter space shuttle fleet, agency officials said Friday.


After 216 years,  #39;Times #39; to stop printing as broadsheet

The Times is to ditch its broadsheet edition and publish in a compact-only format starting on Monday. Almost a year ago, The Times followed in the footsteps of The Independent


Traders downplay China move; supply concerns linger

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Crude futures closed higher Friday to tally a gain of 5 percent for the month, lifted by growing doubt that China #39;s interest rate hike will dampen energy demand and the ever-existing possibility that supply disruptions could


Miami paying a visit to the Tar Heels

In his 24 seasons studying college quarterbacks - including a pair as a secondary coach at Ohio State -arry Coker has developed a relatively simple outlook on The Scrambler.


Taylor Told To Take the Weekend Off

Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor did not practice yesterday and Coach Joe Gibbs said he was told to take the weekend off and report back to Redskins Park on Monday in the aftermath of


Spurrier should pass on returning to Florida

Wanted: one football coach. Prior head-coaching experience required (fool us once, shame on us). Must be able to win big yesterday.


Afghan Militants Threaten to Kill Hostages

A militant group claiming to have kidnapped three foreign election workers in Afghanistan said Friday that it would execute the hostages if the authorities pursued their search for the kidnappers.


US growth bounces up before vote

The US economy picked up speed in the third quarter to expand at a 3.7 percent annual rate, the government reported Friday in the last significant look at the economy before Election Day on Tuesday.


Shuttle missions could be reduced

NASA confirmed Friday that space shuttle missions will resume as early as May, but agency officials said they will study how to cut future missions that would hasten the spacecraft #39;s retirement.


Lexmark Loss Good for Consumers

Until earlier this week, some electronics companies were wielding the Digital Millenium Copyright Act -- a law that tries to curtail piracy of music and movies -- as a shield to protect their businesses from competition.


Foundation built for Sox to succeed

Years ago, the uniform numbers on the right-field roof at Fenway Park were displayed in the order in which they were retired. From left to right, the numbers read 9-4-1-8.


It #39;s Texas #39; turn for a fall classic

From a Texas perspective, it will be the most significant day of horse racing in the state #39;s history. A crowd of over 50,000 people will pack Lone Star Park today for the Breeders


Prediction: Miami-Florida 38, North Carolina 15

GAME NOTES: The fourth-ranked Miami Hurricanes head to the Tar Heel State for the second straight week, as they invade Chapel Hill on Saturday, where they will meet up with the North Carolina Tar Heels in ACC action from Kenan Stadium.


Bonds gives reporters silent treatment

ST. LOUIS Giants slugger Barry Bonds was at last night #39;s World Series game but refused to answer questions about the scandal surrounding him involving performance-enhancing drugs.


Mourning plays for first time since kidney transplant

Playing in an NBA game for the first time since a kidney transplant was like riding a bike for Alonzo Mourning. Once he was on the court, the veteran center looked like he had never left.


Body resembling Japanese captive found

A body resembling a Japanese captive has been found in Iraq and is being shipped to Qatar for identification, Japanese officials have said.


Jury ready to view Enron evidence

A jury in the first Enron criminal trial appears to be ready to sift through the evidence as they asked the judge Friday afternoon for an index to the dozens of exhibits.


Nene leads Nuggets past banged-up Pacers

It didn #39;t take long for Austin Croshere to figure out that the Indiana Pacers lost another one of their stars to injury.  quot;I saw the look on the X-ray guy #39;s face when he walked out, quot; Croshere said.


Franco #39;s Relationship With Alleged Mobsters to Be Examined

The baseball commissioner #39;s office will wait until after a government investigation to examine whether there has been a relationship between New York Mets reliever John Franco and alleged mobsters.


Costa Rican ex-president Ridriguez jailed

Costa Rica #39;s former president Miguel Angel Rodriguez was jailed on Friday for six months pendinginvestigation of corruption charges against him.


In Arafat #39;s absence

THROUGH THE different stages of his life as chief of Fatah, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and president of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat #39;s one consistent principle has been to keep the reins of power wrapped tightly around


NTT DoCoMo Says Profit Declined 6 in First Half

NTT DoCoMo reported today that its profit fell 6 percent for the most recent six-month period from a year earlier as price-cutting rivals lured customers away from the company, Japan #39;s top provider of mobile phone service.


Internet expands political exposure, study finds

In its third presidential election, the Internet has finally reached political adolescence. Candidates use it to raise millions and rally their followers.


Racers return to the track to let the healing process begin

Brian Vickers struggled to contain his grief Friday for the 10 people killed in the Hendrick Motorsports plane crash last weekend.


All-out US attack on Sunni Triangle is imminent

Marines just outside the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah were making final preparations Friday for a large-scale offensive that US commanders


Surge in car sales spurs economy

The final snapshot of the economy before Election Day showed yesterday that growth picked up to a 3.7 percent pace this summer, fired by a consumer spending splurge on cars and sport utility vehicles.


DISNEY BOARD BACKED OVITZ

Directors at Walt Disney nominated Michael Ovitz to serve on its board for three years at a 1996 meeting just weeks before forcing him out of his job as president, Ovitz told a Delaware court yesterday.


The bubbles start bursting at Innisbrook

Jeff Sluman was eight shots worse and walked off the final green with a share of the lead. Paul Azinger was seven shots better and left Innisbrook in a state of shock.


Pleasantly Perfect tries to repeat as Breeders #39; Cup Classic winner

There #39;s more at stake for Pleasantly Perfect in the \$4 million Breeders #39; Cup Classic than trying to repeat last year #39;s victory.


Newman Claims Eighth Pole

HAMPTON, Ga. - Ryan Newman blew to his third pole position in as many races Friday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway, but not without a challenge from red-hot Joe Nemechek.


Historic vote on Gaza a boost for democracy

Ideally, Israel would be withdrawing from the Gaza Strip as part of a negotiated settlement with the Palestinians. Ideally, there would be no suspicion that the withdrawal is part


Ukraine vote a threat to West

Ukraine #39;s extremely important national elections tomorrow are causing deep concern among Canada #39;s ethnic Ukrainian communities and, far too late, in Europe and the United States.


Gateway Computes Operating Profit

It has never bothered me that I have been the only person I know who loves my eMachines computers. The computers are inexpensive and they are more than adequate for my word processing


Court overturns Lexmark DMCA case injunction

In a blow to printer company Lexmark International, a federal appeals court overturned on Tuesday an order that barred a North Carolina company from making computer chips for ink cartridge replacements.


On parade route, cash registers brace for workout

Saturdays at Jack #39;s Drum Shop on Boylston Street are usually the slowest. But with the Red Sox victory parade passing by this morning, the shop will


Threatment of Arafat continues in Paris

Doctors in France treating the Palestinian leader, Yassar Arafat, have told him that it will be several days before they know exactly what is wrong with him.


Body Resembling Japanese Hostage Found in Iraq

A body resembling a Japanese hostage has been found in Iraq and will be flown to Kuwait or Qatar for identification, officials said on Saturday, after Tokyo refused a demand by his captors to pull out its troops.


Kuchma urges candidates to cool down, pledges national stability

He called on candidates and election staffs to cool down. The one who carries out the election struggle with dignity and finds the shortest way to the minds and hearts of voters will become the president of Ukraine, Kuchma said.


Titan #39;s surface like an icy eggshell, images show

The surface of Titan, Saturn #39;s largest moon, looks like a cracked eggshell, a windblown landscape dotted with propane lakes, according to images that NASA released Thursday.


TAMARA AUDI: Sox fan oddly troubled by Series

quot;C #39;mon Cardinals! Don #39;t let  #39;em walk over you like this! quot; It was 10:15 pm Wednesday, 3-0 Red Sox. What #39;s wrong with that?


Japan struggles to identify body found in Iraq as civilian hostage <b>...</b>

By Natalie Obiko Pearson, Associated Press, 10/30/2004 01:52. TOKYO (AP) A body resembling a Japanese hostage held by Islamic militants has been found in Iraq, the government announced Saturday, and officials


US GROWTH IS CRIMPED BY OIL

October 30, 2004 -- The US economy grew at a slower-than-expected 3.7 percent annual rate in the third quarter as rising oil prices contributed to a record trade deficit and companies added less to inventories.


Century Casinos #39; profits rise

Colorado Springs-based Century Casinos Inc. said third- quarter profits rose 35 percent to \$1.23 million, or 9 cents a share, from \$914,000, or 7 cents a share, in the year-ago period.


432 years lapse before Supernova perpetrator is identified

On 11th November 1572 the renowned Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe witnessed a titanic supernova explosion, although at the time he was unaware of the phenomena he was seeing.


Pacers #39; Miller breaks bone in hand

INDIANAPOLIS  Guard Reggie Miller broke a bone in his left hand in the Pacers #39; a 98-79 loss Friday to the Denver, the exhibition finale for both teams.


Raps coach wants team to believe

TORONTO -- The Toronto Raptors have to believe. That was coach Sam Mitchell #39;s message after the Raptors held on to win their final NBA preseason game 100-92 over the Cleveland Cavaliers last night.


Economy grows at a 3.7 rate in third quarter

The national economy grew at a solid rate in the last three months, boosted by a rebound in consumer spending and another strong quarter of business investment, the Commerce Department reported yesterday.


Update 1: Venezuela, Colombia Mull Gas Pipeline

The world #39;s oil producers don #39;t have much capacity to increase output, which should keep prices high throughout 2005, Venezuela #39;s oil minister said Thursday.


Landing Site for Huygens

On January 14, 2005, the Huygens probe will try to descend to the surface of Saturn #39;s largest moon, Titan--a biochemically rich moon dominated by hydrocarbons like methane and ethane.


RIAA Files 750 Infringement Suits

The Recording Industry Association of America yesterday (Oct. 28) brought a new round of copyright-infringement lawsuits against 750 file sharers, including 25 users on 13 university campuses.


Plane #39;s exit chokes  #39;em

The NASA turbojet notoriously known as the  quot;Vomit Comet quot; for its use in training astronauts for weightlessness made its final flight Friday.


Byrd rides birdies to share of lead

In the PGA Tour #39;s last full-field tournament of the year, Jeff Sluman and Jonathan Byrd are tied for first after two rounds. Byrd birdied five holes on the back nine


FOOTBALL: I ASKED MUTU: ARE YOU TAKING COCAINE? HE JUST LAUGHED IN <b>...</b>

JOSE MOURINHO revealed last night that he accused Adrian Mutu of being a coke-head the very first time he met the Romanian striker.


NOW IT #39;S SUED VAN NISTELROOY

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has accused Arsene Wenger of having a  quot;mental problem quot; with Ruud van Nistelrooy after the Arsenal boss branded the United striker a cheat.


Notebook: Breeders #39; Cup gives title hope to several

The landscape has changed since Smarty Jones #39; meteoric rise from obscurity to stardom last spring, when the colt from Pennsylvania appeared to be


Arafat #39;s condition checked

It will be at least Monday before French doctors know what #39;s ailing Yasser Arafat, a hospital spokesman said yesterday, hours after the Palestinian leader arrived in Paris for


Iraq body  #39;not Japanese hostage #39;

A body found in Iraq first thought to be that of 24-year-old Japanese hostage Shosei Koda is now likely to be someone else, according to Japanese officials.


Soldier killed in Iraq convoy crash

The bulk of an 850-strong group of British troops are gathering near their new base in a US-controlled area of Iraq. Soldiers from the Black Watch regiment will join up with the first wave of their colleagues


Decatur resident becomes key figure in space shuttle travel

Decatur resident Chris Singer was recently appointed co-deputy director of the Engineering Directorate at NASA #39;s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.


Notebook: Nomar decides to become free agent

Nomar Garciaparra filed for free agency yesterday, two days after the All-Star shortstop #39;s former team, the Boston Red Sox, won the World Series.


Report shows economy advancing

In the last major economic report before Tuesday #39;s presidential election, the government reported Friday that the economy looked solid in the third quarter - just not as strong as most analysts had expected.


Don #39;t get snared by Check 21

The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act - commonly known as Check 21 - went into effect on Thursday. It #39;s important for you to know about this important change in the nation #39;s banking practices.


It #39;s violent - and teens will want it

ONE of the most violent computer games ever made is also set to be the most popular ever, grossing more than the blockbuster movie Titanic, early sales predictions have suggested.


Boston readies for parade

Because so many members of Red Sox Nation are expected in Boston to celebrate the team #39;s World Series triumph, the victory parade today won #39;t be making any stops and won #39;t culminate with a staged rally, either.


Fergie blasts  #39;mental #39; Wenger

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has accused Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger of having a mental problem when it comes to Ruud van Nistelrooy.


Red Sox take camaraderie to new level

It used to be said that there was so little camaraderie on the Boston Red Sox that they needed 25 cabs for 25 players after their games.


Japan Says Body Found Not Iraq Hostage

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda, center, is surrounded by reporters as he speaks on a body found in Iraq at the prime minister #39;s official residence in Tokyo Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004.


No agreement reached on Sudan security

The Sudanese government and rebels in Darfur have failed to agree on a security protocol that would restart talks to end the conflict in the region.


Afghan drug statistics to show big rise: Straw

Reuters London Oct 29: UN figures on Afghanistan will show a big rise in drug cultivation and production in the past year, the British Foreign Secretary, Mr Jack Straw has said, as he chided international donors for not meeting their pledges.


Black quits his media empire

Disgraced newspaper baron Conrad Black is calling it quits. Black is set to step down from the chairman #39;s post of his newspaper empire Hollinger Inc.


Check is in the mail? But different on arrival

As of Thursday, when you write a check you #39;d better have the funds in the bank to cover it. The reason? New rules on check-processing will result in checks clearing more quickly than in the past.


More data requested on Vioxx successor

Merck  amp; Co., which withdrew the Vioxx painkiller last month because of a heart risk, said yesterday that US regulators have asked for more safety data before they will approve the medicine #39;s successor, Arcoxia.


Crude oil prices  #39;will keep falling #39;

THE president of Opec, the oil producers #39; cartel, called an end to the season of high crude oil prices by stating that stocks had returned to normal levels.


Calif. AG Launches Probe Into Ins. Cos., Broker Practices

Attorney General Bill Lockyer announced he has launched a formal investigation into possible antitrust violations and fraud by insurance companies and brokers, and said the probe #39;s initial focus will be on bid-rigging and other anti-competitive conduct in


Ex-Hearts boss Levein unveiled at Leicester

Levein informed Hearts players at training yesterday that he and Peter Houston would be joining Leicester. The former Scottish international replaces Micky Adams at The Walkers Stadium following his departure earlier this month.


In race for top horse, still shot to get Smarty

GRAND PRAIRIE, Tex. - In midsummer, most people thought the Horse of the Year had already been cinched by Smarty Jones and his thrilling Triple Crown try.


Grace Park, Koch share lead in Korea

Jeju Island, South Korea (Sports Network) - Grace Park and Carin Koch posted matching rounds of six-under-par 66 on Friday to share the lead after the first round of the CJ Nine Bridges Classic.


Nittany Lions face Buckeyes team with its own share of troubles

Joe Paterno points to the four freshman he has played this season as proof of his willingness to do so. Jim Tressel, meanwhile, has had less choice.


EU authorities, facing a crisis in leadership, sign 1st charter

ROME -- European Union leaders on Friday signed the EU #39;s first constitution, an ambitious charter that aims to raise the union #39;s profile on the world stage.


Delta: hard choice wont protect from bankruptcy?

Delta Air Lines may still face bankruptcy despite of tentative agreement with its pilots dated late Wednesday. Late Wednesday, Delta reached an agreement with its pilots to cut costs in order for the carrier to survive.


Millions expected to cheer their Sox

BOSTON Red Sox Nation converges on Boston today to celebrate their team #39;s first World Series win in 86 years. The  quot;rolling rally quot; begins near Fenway Park at ten am, continuing through parts of the city and into the Charles River.


Nets make sure Storey has a happy ending

Not too many 27-year-old rookies come down the pike in the NBA. But Nets coach Lawrence Frank wasn #39;t concerned that Awvee Storey #39;s only previous NBA experience was a summer camp with the Dallas Mavericks.


Thailand to free 900 protesters

The Thai authorities say they are to release 900 people detained six days ago during a protest in the south of the country in which 85 Muslims died.


Netanyahu Presses for Referendum After Knesset Approves Gaza <b>...</b>

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon won an  quot;historic quot; vote in the Knesset Tuesday evening for his disengagement plan, but the uprooting of Jewish communities in Gaza is still far from a done deal after Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu immediately led a


Government, rebels might swap prisoners

Reviving hopes for an exchange of jailed rebels for kidnapping victims, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said his government is prepared to meet with the country #39;s main guerrilla group about a swap, but said he wants some kidnap


Patten: Buttiglione should step down

Rocco Buttiglione should be replaced as Italy #39;s candidate for the European Commission to defuse a crisis in the EU executive, outgoing commissioner Chris Patten said on Saturday.


NASA to fly again in May 2005

THE US space agency has given a green light for the resumption of space shuttle flights in May 2005, more than two years after seven astronauts died in the mid-air disintegration of space shuttle Columbia.


The Arafat void

Even as a gravely ill Yasser Arafat receives medical aid in France, the Palestinian leader #39;s refusal to name a successor will mean further disruption to the Middle East when he does die.


Hendrick team tries to grieve at track

Drivers try to focus on racing with the tragedy that killed 10 still weighing on their minds. By BRANT JAMES, Times Staff Writer. HAMPTON, Ga.


Guarded hopes in Israel

Israelis were up at dawn Friday, just to see live television coverage of Yasser Arafat leaving his compound in Ramallah and flying out of the Middle East.


Botswana elections to hand victory to party in power since <b>...</b>

GABORONE : Voters went to the polls in diamond-rich Botswana in elections that are expected to hand victory to the party in power since independence in 1966 in one of Africa #39;s most stable countries.


Lucier #39;s in for O #39;Hara

Giants center Shaun O #39;Hara remained hospitalized Friday afternoon with an infection in his left leg, making his chances of playing Sunday against the Vikings remote.