Taiwan Semi Outlook Cautious

The powerful chip rebound anticipated in stock prices last year materialized in the quarter reported Tuesday by Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM:NYSE - news - research), which said earnings nearly doubled on a 27 surge in revenue.


A cosmic picture gallery

Images began streaming into the Cassini space mission #39;s imaging team Tuesday night, bringing detailed pictures of Titan #39;s surface.


Lunar eclipse due tonight

Stay awake for long enough tonight and you will witness one of the sky #39;s most amazing natural phenomena - a total lunar eclipse.


Apple opens Euro iTunes stores

Apple has launched the iTunes Music Store #39;s pan-Europe incarnation, as it promised to do last June when it opened UK, French and German online stores.


Players union seeks revenue

NEW YORK - The NFL players union wants major additions to the revenue pool used to determine player salaries, making negotiations to extend the current contract more difficult than in the past.


Lukas goes  #39;all-in #39;; Azeri goes to Classic

Azeri, the queen of thoroughbred racing for the past three years, could exit the game royally flush or as a royal bust in the Breeders #39; Cup World Thoroughbred Championships here Saturday.


Wally in the mix

The Diamondbacks will interview Wally Backman for Arizona #39;s managerial position for a second time today. But Diamondbacks GM Joe Garagiola also granted the Mets permission yesterday to speak


Japan televises appeal for hostage #39;s release

Japan #39;s Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura has urged Islamic militants in Iraq to release a Japanese hostage, in an interview with the Arabic satellite network Al-Jazeera.


British Military Begins Deployment in Iraq

British Army soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington Regiment, move toward the center of Basra, southern Iraq, Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, during clashes with armed gunmen.


Oil Holds at \$55, Braced for Winter

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices held firm around \$55 a barrel  on Wednesday as traders braced for the start of the northern  winter with thin heating oil supplies.


Insurance Broker's Cozy Ties May Prove Hard to Untangle

As scrutiny of the insurance industry intensifies, investigations are likely to underline the web of relationships between insurers and Marsh   McLennan.


New Hummer Is Slimmer and Cheaper

General Motors will unveil a new Hummer on Wednesday that will be smaller, cheaper and less gas-hungry than its predecessors.


Surging Oil Prices Lift BP's Quarterly Profit 43

The world's second-biggest publicly traded oil company forecast that oil prices would stay above \$30 a barrel, and possibly higher, for years to come.


Glastonbury tribute to John Peel

The new bands tent at Glastonbury Festival will be named the John Peel Stage to honour the Radio 1 DJ.


Muslims attend Bangladesh prayer

About four million Muslims have ended an annual gathering in Bangladesh considered the faith #39;s second largest congregation after the Hajj pilgrimage.


Lawmakers Back Sharon on Plan for Leaving Gaza

The vote, in an atmosphere of high drama and tension, with thousands of settlers demonstrating outside, was 67 to 45.


As Voting Rolls Increase, So Do the Wild Cards

Many newly registered voters with uncertain allegiances are the focus of an intense tug of war in closely contested states.


Military Assault in Falluja Is Likely, U.S. Officers Say

The military offensive would be the largest and potentially the riskiest since the end of major combat in May 2003.


Poor Lucene Ranking for Short Text

\\I've never seen a solid explanation of why Lucene always prefers shorter\documents rather than longer documents.  This seems like a *major* problem but\I've never seen it addressed.\\For example lets assume you have 3 documents:\\Document 1.txt contains\\"foo"\\Document 2.txt contains\\"foo foo"\\Document 3.txt contains\\"foo foo foo"\


ATA bankruptcy a blow to local economy

Our position is: ATA was caught in forces that are pounding the entire airline industry. Indianapolis-based ATA Airlines, which declared bankruptcy Tuesday, was caught in a convergence of business forces that


Glum #39;s the word for how it is now

A sluggish job market and rising oil prices have dampened the public #39;s mood this month, pushing consumer confidence to its lowest point since March.


Unilever Sales Decline Accelerates on Competition (Update1)

Unilever, the maker of Lipton tea and Dove soap, said its sales decline accelerated in the third quarter as demand in Western Europe fell and competitors cut prices.


Taiwan #39;s Key Index Falls Modestly

Taiwan #39;s key stock index fell modestly Wednesday after the island #39;s top producer of made-to-order chips issued a gloomy outlook for the fourth quarter, indicating the technology sector could be in for tough times.


Titan #39;s First Close-Up

This image is one of the closest ever taken of Saturn #39;s hazy moon Titan. It was captured by Cassini #39;s imaging science subsystem on Oct. 26, 2004, as the spacecraft flew by Titan.


Peace summit to end feud

Directors at Arsenal and Manchester United are considering calling a peace summit to bring an end to the damaging feud between the two clubs.


F1 rivals line up on the grid

FORMULA One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone is in the tightest spot of his long career as leading Formula One car manufacturers plough ahead with threats to set up a rival series.


Massacre Of Iraqi Army Troops Investigated

27 October 2004 -- Iraqi authorities say an investigation has been launched into the massacre of 49 newly trained Iraqi Army recruits.


Oil to hit euro growth next year

The European Commission yesterday cut its growth forecast for 2005 and warned that nearly half of euro zone members were set to breach their own budget rules, as surging oil prices hit a fragile recovery.


Martinez's Series Win Has Boston Buzzing (AP)

AP - He has been loved and revered, maligned and smeared.


Laxman departs, India in trouble, 75 for four

Nagpur, October 27: Laxman was out for 13. India were reduced to 75 for four in reply to Australia #39;s first innings 398 on the second day of the third Test on Wednesday.


Powell: US not to support Taiwan independence

US Secretary of State Colin Powell reiterates that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is not a sovereign nation, China Radio International reported Wednesday.


VW Exec Says Job Cuts May Be Necessary (AP)

AP - The head of personnel at Volkswagen AG said the automaker will have to make dramatic reductions in jobs in Germany if it doesn't get the labor-cost savings it wants in ongoing wage talks, a newspaper reported Wednesday.


TiVo, NFL Tackle Tech Discord (Reuters)

Reuters - Television recording\technology company TiVo Inc. and the NFL have reached an\agreement on a potential new technology that the league feared\would endanger its regional schemes and multibillion-dollar TV\contracts.


EU clears Oracle-PeopleSoft (TheDeal.com)

TheDeal.com - The approval after a year-long investigation clears the path for more software industry mergers.


Biotechnology Shaking Up the Pet World (AP)

AP - The biotechnology revolution is shaking up the pet world.


EU clears Oracle bid for PeopleSoft

The European Commission has given the green light to the proposed Oracle acquisition of PeopleSoft, European Union Competition commissioner Mario Monti said.


Unilever reviews earnings targets

Unilever has reported a three percent rise in third-quarter earnings but warned it is reviewing its targets up to 2010, after issuing a shock profits warning last month.


Honda raises forecast on strong demand

Honda Motor Co., Japans third-biggest car maker, reported a 9.2 percent rise in quarterly operating profit thanks to improved domestic and Asian sales and raised its full-year forecast by 7 percent.


Can EMC Find Growth Beyond Hardware?

It has outgrown mere storage. Now it wants to manage every part of the corporate data flow. Has any computer company had a more dramatic reversal of fortune in the past three years than EMC Corp.


Teams threaten Ecclestone #39;s empire

Bernie Ecclestone #39;s formula one empire was under threat last night after an alliance of car manufacturers announced they would set up a rival world championship series by 2008 to give a fairer financial deal to all the competing teams.


College Football Notebook: Florida #39;s players blast decision to <b>...</b>

The decision to fire Florida coach Ron Zook was welcomed by Gator fans around the country. It didn #39;t get the same reception in the locker room.


India tests medium-range missile

India successfully test-fires a naval version of its Prithvi-III nuclear-capable missile, defence sources say.


Missouri Home to Seismic Hot Spot

Nearly 200 years ago, a Mississippi River town experienced some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history. Today, scientists say it's hard convincing people that major shakers can hit anywhere but the West Coast. Michelle Delio reports from New Madrid, Missouri.


Phone Choices May Affect Polls

Political polling outfits exclude cell phone users from this year's presidential surveys. But a new survey indicates that mobile phone users are a distinct voting group whose ballot preferences might not be reflected in traditional polls. By Elisa Batista.


Boomboxes Are Hip Again

The portable stereos that ruled city streets in the 1980s aren't shipping in high volumes anymore. But some sound artists are finding new ways to incorporate the devices into performances and ad-hoc radio networks. By Elizabeth Biddlecombe.


Voter Polls Don't Count for Much

Pollsters missed the mark in predicting the outcome of the 2000 presidential election. This year, with major polling groups forecasting significantly different results in the race for president, expect more of the same. By Adam L. Penenberg.


The Remix Masters

Hip-hop pranksters. Pop culture giants. Digital music pioneers. A conversation with the Beastie Boys. By Eric Steuer from Wired magazine.


Advent of the Robotic Monkeys

Researchers train a monkey to feed itself by guiding a mechanical arm with its mind. It could be a big step forward for prosthetics. By David Cohn.


Militants kill 11 Armymen in Kashmir blast

SRINAGAR: Militants set off a powerful landmine in Kashmir killing eleven, including an Army Major, a civilian and nine soldiers in one of the biggest attacks in recent weeks, police say.


IPod Bloody IPod

At a special event with two U2 band members, Apple introduces a U2-branded iPod and a color photo iPod. Leander Kahney and Katie Dean report from San Jose, California.


E-Vote Vendors Hand Over Software

To help increase voter confidence in electronic voting systems, a federal agency establishes a voting software library. All of the major voting-equipment makers are submitting their software. The hope is the library will help ensure that no one alters voting code without it being detected. By Kim Zetter.


Lifting the Veil on Titan

NASA scientists and their colleagues at the European Space Agency await the first reports from their spacecraft and probe, which will pass closer to Saturn's icy moon than ever before.


Black Watch prepares to fly home for Christmas

Black Watch troops are preparing to fly home to Britain to be reunited with their families in time for Christmas. The 850 strong battle group pulled out of Camp Dogwood and returned to Basra yesterday, marking the end of their month long mission.


Camera phones are 'must-haves'

Four times more camera phones will have been sold in Europe by the end of 2004 than last year, say analysts.


Blogger grounded by her airline

A US airline attendant is fighting for her job after she was suspended over postings on her blog.


Genzyme CEO's pay was tops in biotech

Genzyme Corp. chief executive Henri A. Termeer's salary of \$1.2 million last year was the highest of any in the biotechnology industry, according to a survey released yesterday.


Opec seeks US help to ease oil price

THE head of oil cartel Opec today revealed that he had urged the United States to release crude stocks from its strategic reserve to bring down sky-high oil prices.


News Corp shareholders okay US reincorporation

MUMBAI: The Rupert Murodch owned media conlgomerate News Corporation has announced that its shareholders and optionholders have approved the companys reincorporation in the US.


Unilever warns of extra costs

Unilever has warned that restoring profitable growth will involve rising marketing spend and a big jump in restructuring charges in the fourth quarter.


Moon takes dark journey tonight

For about three hours, the moon will traipse through Earth #39;s light and dark shadows, a lunar eclipse. At dusk, the moon will rise in the east.


Army waits for Bush to deploy missile defense

At the press of a button, Army Maj. Gen. John Holly can look down on Fort Greely in Alaska through a fiber-optic-linked camera and a large, flat-screen, color monitor mounted on his office wall in Huntsville.


Rusty Ortiz #39;s play at first picturesque

ST. LOUIS -- The long-awaited sight of David Ortiz playing first base for the Red Sox finally arrived in Game 3 of the World Series on Tuesday night.


Henman in Basel brush

Tim Henman was due to began his bid for a third Swiss Indoors title in Basel today as the top-ranked player following the withdrawal of Roger Federer with a thigh injury.


UL solid pick as No. 1

Rick Pitino believes his 2004-05 Louisville Cardinals basketball squad can meet some lofty expectations this season - if the Cardinals stay healthy.


Liverpool Fans  #39;Sickened #39; by Millwall Taunts

Liverpool FC supporters said they were sickened today after Millwall fans taunted them with chants about the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster.


Mugabe hints at woman successor

Harare - Joyce Mujuru, who was elected vice president of Zimbabwe #39;s ruling party at the weekend, is the first woman to hold a post of high political office in the southern African country.


PE firms have palms out in Europe (TheDeal.com)

TheDeal.com - A cadre of buyout shops are expected to try to raise a total of  #36;45 billion for new European funds in the next year and a half.


EU clears Oracle bid for PeopleSoft

EUROPEAN antitrust regulators have cleared Oracle to pursue its hostile \$US7.7 billion bid to buy PeopleSoft, but the legal breakthrough wasn #39;t expected to end the stalemate between the bitter business software rivals.


Instability looms as currencies slide

Economic instability looms as major currencies seem to be racing each other to the bottom of the pile. This is the flavour of the markets at the moment.


Oil prices: OPEC urges US to act

OPEC president Purnomo Yusgiantoro said Wednesday he had urged the United States to use its strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) to bring down oil prices.


Shire boosted by US approval of kidney drug

Fosrenol is Shires biggest new drug hope as it looks to reduce its reliance on hyperactivity drug Adderall XR, which accounts for about 40 percent of revenues but could face cheap, generic competition from 2006 or 2007.


Update 5: Tokyo Stocks End Higher, US Dollar Lower

Tokyo stocks edged higher Wednesday in cautious trading amid continued aftershocks from an earthquake that rocked northern Japan and news of a Japanese citizen kidnapped in Iraq.


Abbey notes progress as takeover looms

The Abbey National turnaround plan which the board has been surrendered in favour of takeover by Santander Central Hispano was beginning to bear fruit.


Owen hails his best week at Real Madrid

Michael Owen hailed his best week so far at Real Madrid after scoring his third goal in as many games in Tuesday #39;s 2-1 King #39;s Cup victory over third division Leganes.


Ross #39; fate still pending

Senior tailback Lydell Ross resumed practicing Tuesday, but his full reinstatement to the Ohio State roster remains undetermined pending possible charges for theft by deception.


Black Watch troops move north

Union flag-bedecked Land Rovers of the Black Watch regiment stand ready for deployment. Photograph: Warrant Officer Giles Penfound/PA.


Sudan atrocities need more than label

The world was astounded when Secretary of State Colin Powell labeled the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan, as genocide. While the United States elevated what the United Nations referred


Thai air force drops 97 million origami birds on southern Thailand

HAT YAI, THAILAND - The Thai air force launched one of its biggest military operations in recent history on Sunday, dispatching 51 aircraft to drop 97 million origami paper cranes on Thailands troubled deep south to bring peace to the region.


Is AIG #39;s Hank Greenberg next?

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The recent federal and state investigations aimed at global insurer American International Group are leading investors to wonder if Chairman Maurice  quot;Hank quot; Greenberg may soon retire due to so-called regulatory fatigue.


AT amp;T, Cingular get OK to merge

Northern Nevada customers of Cingular Wireless and AT amp;T Wireless will see no changes in existing rates after Tuesdays approval of their \$41 billion merger, officials said.


ATA CHECKED FOR DEPARTURE

ATA, the biggest airline at Chicago #39;s Midway Airport, filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday and said it will unload its Midway hub to AirTran Airways.


Oil prices to cool off EU growth

BRUSSELS The European Union #39;s executive arm issued a bleak economic report on Tuesday, warning that the sharp rise in oil prices would  quot;take its toll quot; on economic growth next year while the euro #39;s renewed climb could threaten exports.


Foster #39;s sells ALH shares to Bruandwo

Global beverages firm Foster #39;s Group has sold its 10 per cent stake in pubs and bottleshops operator Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group Ltd (ALH) to Woolworths-led Bruandwo for \$3.


Cassini Snaps Photos of Saturn #39;s Moon

The international Cassini spacecraft began unveiling Saturn #39;s mysterious sidekick Titan with a stream of increasingly sharp pictures of the surface taken during a flyby within 745 miles of the hazy moon.


Apple gears up for the holidays

Gearing up for the holidays, Apple is coming up with new versions of its leading musical products. Its iTunes site with its online charging for downloaded music will become available in 10 new countries, including Canada and Belgium.


Wenger takes second swipe at Ruud

DESPITE Ruud van Nistelrooy #39;s apology to Ashley Cole, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may be reluctant to let the dust settle on the second successive  #39;Battle of Old Trafford #39;.


Marsh  amp; McLennan  quot;underweight quot;

NEW YORK, October 27 (newratings.com) - Analyst Jay H Gelb of Prudential Financial maintains his  quot;underweight quot; rating on Marsh  amp; McLennan Companies (MMC.


German Medical Company Receives Subpoena

German medical equipment company Fresenius Medical Care AG said Wednesday it has received subpoenas from the US Department of Justice calling on it to hand over documents about hormone-level testing and vitamin D therapies.


Warner Chilcott agrees takeover

Northern Irish drugmaker Warner Chilcott has agreed to a 1.62 billion pound takeover by the private equity arms of investment banks CSFB and JP Morgan, spurning two rival suitors.


Qaeda-Linked Militants Killed in Pakistan Shootout (Reuters)

Reuters - Three al Qaeda-linked militants\were killed and three were wounded on Wednesday in a clash with\Pakistani security forces in a troubled tribal region near the\Afghan border, the military said.


Blunkett  quot;must go quot; if claims true

Conservative politicians have stepped up the pressure on Home Secretary David Blunkett over accusations he abused his position by speeding up a visa for his ex-lover #39;s nanny.


Israel #39;s Knesset Approves Gaza Withdrawal

After two days of discussion, the Knesset approved Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s withdrawal plan yesterday. The plan envisages the Israeli army #39;s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four settlements in the West Bank.


Pakistan tribal deaths rise to 11

The death toll in a mortar attack on tribesmen in Pakistan's South Waziristan region rises to 11, officials say.


RP bet in top 5 in Miss World; Peruvian wins

SANYA, ChinaMiss Philippines Maria Karla Bautista made it to the top five of the Miss World 2004 competition Saturday in one of the most respectable finishes of the country in the annual pageant.


iTunes, iTunes ain #39;t calling for Ireland

Workers at Apple #39;s Irish operations in Cork remain gloomy this morning over one European country that remains outside the reach of iTunes Europe - Ireland.


Moon to turn blood-red on account of total lunar eclipse tonight

A total lunar eclipse expected to create views of a blood-red moon will be visible tonight throughout most of North America, weather permitting.


Student Killed in Partying Mourned

Hundreds of mourners paid their final respects Tuesday, in East Bridgewater, Mass., to a college student killed when police fired pepper-spray pellets into a raucous crowd after the Boston Red Sox won the American League pennant.


Thai PM apologizes for riot  #39;mistakes #39;

BO THONG, THAILAND - Thailand #39;s prime minister has admitted that the army made mistakes dealing with an anti-government demonstration that left dozens of people dead.


Sharp net profit up 40 percent in first half on robust LCD TV sales (AFP)

AFP - Leading electronics maker Sharp said interim net profit rose 40.7 percent to a record high on robust sales of liquid crystal display TVs and camera-equipped cellphones but it cautioned on the outlook due to the possible impact of high oil prices on global economic growth.


EU, Iran Deal Uncertain as Talks Resume

VIENNA (Reuters) - The European Union pressed Iran on  Wednesday to scrap its uranium enrichment program in exchange  for nuclear technology, but diplomats said it was unclear if  Tehran would agree.


Eagles' Westbrook Could Miss Some Time

PHILADELPHIA (Sports Network) - Eagles running back Brian  Westbrook could miss some time with a broken rib, a  Philadelphia television station reported Tuesday night.


NRC Closes Web Library For Security Review

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has closed public access to its online document library to protect sensitive documents that might be useful to terrorists, the agency said Tuesday.


Robotic Craft's Launch Delayed At Least 2 Days

NASA postponed for at least two days the launch of its robotic satellite-chasing spacecraft because the target satellite temporarily lost reception of a key navigational signal, the agency said Tuesday.


ATA Is Latest Airline to File For Protection

ATA Holdings Corp., parent of ATA Airlines, the nation's 10th-largest carrier, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization yesterday, becoming the third U.S. airline operating under court protection.


Russian President Putin left India for Turkey

After winding up his three-day visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin left India #39;s southern city of Bangalore Sunday afternoon for Turkey.


Darfur families face food misery

A World Food Programme survey says almost half of all families in Darfur are hungry, confirming aid agency fears.


Eagles' Westbrook Could Miss Some Time (Reuters)

Reuters - Eagles running back Brian\Westbrook could miss some time with a broken rib, a\Philadelphia television station reported Tuesday night.


ATA seeks bankruptcy protection

ATA Holdings Corp., the biggest airline at Midway Airport, sought bankruptcy protection Tuesday amid high fuel costs and losses, and agreed to transfer its Chicago operation and some other assets to AirTran Holdings for \$87.


EU clears way for PeopleSoft takeover

The European Commission said Tuesday that it has approved Oracle Corp. #39;s \$7.7 billion bid for PeopleSoft Inc., removing the last antitrust obstacle to the hostile takeover attempt.


Delta #39;s Decision On Bankruptcy Expected Today

Delta Air Lines Inc. hit a selfimposed deadline Tuesday for some of its debtholders to respond early to an exchange offer meant to give the carrier breathing room as it seeks to avoid bankruptcy.


Apple snaps at Vaio Pocket with iPod Photo

Apple today peeled the wraps off its latest iPod, promising that the iPod Photo will allow customers to take their entire music and photo library with them wherever they go.


Fallen space explorers honored with superfast tribute

Two years ago, scientists at the NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field were stunned when the Columbia space shuttle came apart as it returned to Earth.


If clouds part, blood-red moon will be seen during eclipse tonight

A total lunar eclipse expected to create views of a blood-red moon will be visible tonight throughout most of North America -- weather permitting.


Expert says White House stifling global warming facts

IOWA CITY, IOWA - A NASA scientist said Tuesday that the Bush administration is trying to hush up scientific evidence of global warming and keep the public uninformed.


Wireless network links researchers in panda preserve

Giant pandas might prefer bamboo to laptops, but wireless technology is helping researchers in China in their efforts to protect the endangered animals in the Wolong Nature Reserve.


Australia #39;s Warne Strikes Early as India Slumps to 95-4 in Test

Shane Warne took a wicket with his second ball as India #39;s cricketers, trailing 1-0 in the four-match series, slumped to 95-4 at tea after bowling out Australia for 398 on day two of the third Test at Nagpur.


Lukas gambles on another Breeders #39; Cup victory with Azeri

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas Trainer D. Wayne Lukas has pulled off a surprise by entering Azeri in the four (M) million-dollar Breeders #39; Cup Classic.


CAL NOTEBOOK Mystery rushers, QB threaten Bears

Cal coach Jeff Tedford knows Arizona State will run some in Saturday night #39;s game at Memorial Stadium. He #39;s just not sure who will carry the ball.


Fregosi wants to guide a winner

The ex-Phillies skipper, 62, doesn #39;t want to manage a team that #39;s five years away. By Don Bostrom. That #39;s what the Phillies might decide to do if they hire Jim Fregosi for a second tour of duty as their manager.


Three Japan Quake Victims Found After Four Days

In a drama that gripped Japanese watching on live television, a two-year-old toddler was pulled alive from a car that had been buried under tons of rock and mud for nearly four days after a deadly earthquake.


UK troops in Iraq start moving north

A battle group of British troops began to roll out of southern Iraq Wednesday on a US-requested mission to deadlier areas near Baghdad in a major political gamble for British Prime Minister Tony Blair.


Cosatu defiant, enters Zim for talks

The delegation from the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), a partner in the ruling African National Congress government, was held up for nearly an hour by officials at Harare #39;s international airport on arrival for a visit Mugabe #39;s government


Intel bets on WiMax by backing Clearwire (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - Intel and cellular phone billionaire Craig McCaw have joined forces to deliver a new high-speed wireless Internet service.


Mobile-device safety (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - Downloading games, ring tones and screen savers to a mobile device can be fun. But like any Internet-connected gadget, a cell phone or a handheld computer can quickly become a target for viruses, worms and other bugs that wreak havoc.


HP joins radio-ID competition (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - Hewlett-Packard has jumped on the RFID bandwagon, embracing the wireless tracking technology aimed at replacing the decades-old product bar code.


Symantec to wrap products in services (SiliconValley.com)

SiliconValley.com - Computer-security software maker Symantec today plans to unveil a new strategy for offering large businesses more services along with software for managing their computer networks.


Shrugging Off Mutiny, Sharon Rejects Gaza Referendum

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli leader Ariel Sharon rejected  calls from within his mutinous cabinet Wednesday for a  referendum on leaving Gaza after winning parliament's support  to uproot settlements from land claimed by Palestinians.


Democrat ad presses Iraq attack

John Kerry accuses President George W Bush of incompetence over Iraq in a hard-hitting TV campaign ad.


One last mile to go before they sweep

Pedro Martinez dazzles for seven as Boston takes a seemingly safe three games to none lead. By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer. ST.


Japan refuses to withdraw troops in hostage drama

Japan today refused to withdraw its troops from Iraq despite demands by Iraqi militants who have taken a Japanese civilian hostage and threatened to behead him unless the soldiers left.


British Troops Head North for Mission Near Baghdad

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - British troops moved north from Basra  Wednesday to take over a deadly area near Baghdad and free up  U.S. troops for a possible attack on Falluja.


Middle East bid for UK water firm

A unit of First Islamic Bank makes a 142m bid to take over South Staffordshire Water, company officials say.


Russia's upper house backs Kyoto

Russia's upper house of parliament votes to ratify the international treaty on climate change.


OPEC asks US to use oil reserves

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has asked the United States to use its strategic petroleum reserves to help reduce oil prices, the cartel #39;s president said Wednesday.


Weather dampens Unilever sales

Unilever, the consumer products giant, said today that profits had slipped during the third quarter - as had sales of its top 400 brands.


Comcast Posts Profit; Hi-Speed Subs Rise (Reuters)

Reuters - Comcast Corp., the largest U.S. cable\operator, on Wednesday posted a third quarter profit, boosted\by high-speed Internet customer gains that offset slower growth\in basic video subscribers.


Mortgage Applications Off in Oct. 22 Week (Reuters)

Reuters - New applications for U.S. home loans\fell last week even as average 30-year mortgage rates decreased\from the previous week, an industry group said on Wednesday.


Cassini snapshots murky moon Titan

The Cassini probe got the first close-up photos of Saturn #39;s murky moon Titan on Tuesday and began sending them back to Earth. This image is one of the closest ever taken of Saturn #39;s hazy moon Titan.


Moon will play hide and seek with us tonight

To tune in, turn off that TV and head outside about 8:45 tonight, because the best show of the evening is going to be hanging in the sky.


Milosevic Defense Team Asks to Withdraw from Case

Former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic #39;s two court-assigned defense lawyers have asked to be withdrawn from his case, The Hague war crimes tribunal said Wednesday.


Arafat doctors say he doesn #39;t have cancer

RAMALLAH, West Bank Yasser Arafat #39;s doctors have been looking over the results of his blood tests and they #39;re ruling out cancer.


Stocks Headed Lower; Oil Holds Above \$55

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures pointed to a lower  market open on Wednesday as investors appear to be pulling back  after Tuesday's rally, with oil prices holding above \$55 a  barrel.


Mortgage Applications Off in Oct. 22 Week

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New applications for U.S. home loans  fell last week even as average 30-year mortgage rates decreased  from the previous week, an industry group said on Wednesday.


Blockbuster Posts Big Loss on Charge (Reuters)

Reuters - Blockbuster Inc.  on Wednesday\posted a  #36;1.42 billion quarterly loss due to a charge, while\profit from its operations slid due to higher marketing costs,\falling rental demand and escalating competition.


Cingular hopes to simplify pricing (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Cingular said it closed its  #36;41 billion purchase AT amp;T Wireless on Tuesday. Cingular received approval for the deal earlier in the day from the Federal Communications Commission. The Department of Justice approved the acquisition on Monday.


Oracle gets Europe's approval to buy PeopleSoft (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - The European Commission on Tuesday cleared Oracle's hostile  #36;7.7 billion bid for rival business-software maker PeopleSoft, lowering the last antitrust hurdle to the contested deal. "There is an absence of sufficient evidence of competitive harm," regulators said in a statement.


Iran's Clerics Lean Towards Kerry to Ease Pressure (Reuters)

Reuters - Iranian officials like to portray U.S.\presidential elections as a choice between bad and worse but\there is little doubt they would prefer Democratic challenger\John Kerry to win next week.


Child porn threat to betting site

Criminals threaten to send out a flood of child pornography e-mails purporting to come from UK gambling website Blue Square.


US consumer confidence declines for third straight month

NEW YORK, October 27 (newratings.com) - US consumer confidence has declined to a seven-month low this month on persisting job concerns, according to the Conference Board.


Abbey  #39;distracted #39; by Santander tie-up

Abbey National admitted today that progress in recent months had been disrupted as a result of its planned takeover by Spain #39;s largest bank.


Mitterrand furniture sale to help son in distress (AFP)

AFP - A Paris auction of furniture belonging to late French president Francois Mitterrand has raised 80,200 euros (102,000 dollars), most of which is to go to help a son of the former leader who is drowning under waves of criminal allegations.


Cassini beams close-up images of Saturn #39;s giant moon Titan

The US-European spacecraft Cassini has begun beaming close-up images of Saturn #39;s giant moon Titan to Earth. Cassini reached the point of closest approach, 1,198 km, at 10.


Grand Theft tipped to top games chart

When the violent video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas hits stores on Tuesday, its sales could eclipse Hollywood #39;s most successful films, even as it draws the ire of critics.


Eagles #39; Westbrook Could Miss Some Time

PHILADELPHIA (Sports Network) - Eagles running back Brian Westbrook could miss some time with a broken rib, a Philadelphia television station reported Tuesday night.


C-USA to undergo transition

Across the country, college basketball coaches and media members are meeting at conference media days. In Birmingham, Ala., the University of Kentucky #39;s Tubby Smith and other Southeastern


FA:  #39;Keegan charged over ref rage #39;

The FA has attempted to clarify the charge being levelled against Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan. Keegan himself appeared confused about the precise nature of the charge yesterday when he revealed he would


US balks at Mush #39;s Kashmir proposal

Pakistan #39;s President Pervez Musharraf surprised many by suddenly suggesting new proposals to resolve the more than 50-year dispute over Kashmir and Jammu.


Arafat in good health, doctor says

The private doctor said Wednesday Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is in good health and tests showed his stomach is normal. Ashraf Kurdi, a neurologist and former Jordanian


S.Korea Probes DMZ But Some Doubt Defector Fled

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea conducted a follow-up  investigation Wednesday into holes cut in fences in the  Demilitarised Zone border, but diplomatic sources questioned  whether a civilian defected to the North as Seoul has said.


Dell angles for the best seat in the living room

PC maker wants to be your supplier of high-end home electronics as well as installation services and, someday, movies.


Warner Chilcott Backs 1.6BN Takeover

Drugs group Warner Chilcott today gave its blessing to a 1.62 billion takeover by a private equity consortium. Directors of Warner announced they were recommending an


Quiet period rule on table; hedge fund supervision OKd

Federal regulators proposed Tuesday to loosen the  quot;quiet period quot; rule, a Depression-era regulation meant to prevent companies poised to sell stock or bonds to the public from promoting the securities.


Millwall: We #39;re not to blame

The FA confirmed today that they will launch an investigation into the incidents, which began late in the second half as away fans alleged Millwall supporters had made taunts about the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.


Kashmiri militant leader criticises Musharraf plan (Reuters)

Reuters - The head of a leading Kashmiri guerrilla group on Wednesday criticised President Pervez Musharraf's proposals to end the decades-old Kashmir dispute with India, saying it was a sign of weakness.


Cricket: Aussies dominate India

Australia tighten their grip on the third Test and the series after dominating India on day two in Nagpur.


Football: Navy marches over Army for 42-13 victory

Ross, in his first season at West Point, stated matter-of-factly that Navy had surpassed Army on the football field and that his program had a lot of catching up to do.


Taiwan AU's profit shrink sharply in third quarter amid dim outlook (AFP)

AFP - AU Optronics Corp, the world's third largest flat-panel maker, said its net profit in the third quarter plunged to 4.13 billion Taiwan dollars (122.6 million US) from 14.39 billion in the second.


ND adrift after sudden decision

As night fell last Sunday, the drowsy effects of a long holiday weekend spread across the University of Notre Dame campus like a yawn.


Amnesty Condemns U.S. for War on Terror Torture

LONDON (Reuters) - The United States has manifestly failed  to uphold obligations to reject torture and cruel, inhuman or  degrading behavior in the "war on terror" launched after Sept.  11, 2001, Amnesty International said Wednesday.


E-Voting Firms Reveal Software to Feds

The nation's largest voting machine companies are submitting millions of lines of code to the National Software Reference Library to address sharp criticism from computer scientists about the secret software used in elections.


New Supercomputer Claims to Be Fastest

The builders of a new NASA supercomputer claim the 10,240-processor machine is the fastest in the world - an exciting prospect for researchers even if the speed title has yet to be officially bestowed.


Apple Rolls Out IPod Photo, Rocks with U2

\

 By Duncan Martell

 SAN JOSE, Calif. (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. rolled out\on Tuesday a new iPod that allows users to view and share\photos as it opened nine new iTunes music stores in Europe, \spurring its rivalry with Microsoft Corp. and others.


High Oil Prices Might Be A Blessing In Disguise

The absolute price of oil has reached a new high. The growth     of the economies in China, India and the rest of Asia are increasing the demand     for oil. There are production problems in Venezuela (strikes and sabotage), Norway (strikes), Nigeria (civil war), Iraq (sabotage) and Russia (internal politics). Hurricane Ivan and other hurricanes this year disrupted     production in the Gulf of Mexico and transportation of oil in the Atlantic.     In the next decade Eastern Europe will also require more oil to feed its growing economies. The price of crude oil has led to     prices of above \$55 a barrel and lifted heating oil to a record and     natural gas to a 20-month high. Though prices may eventually fall a bit, they are likely to remain higher than we were once     accustomed.    However, all is not gloom and doom.


Oil, Gas Prices Lift Amerada Hess Profit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Amerada Hess Corp. AHC.N on  Wednesday reported higher quarterly profit, spurred by record  oil and gas prices.


Apple launches new iPod versions - Photo and U2 Special

NEW YORK, October 27 (newratings.com) - Apple Computer (AAPL.NAS) has introduced a new version of its popular iPod digital music player, iPod Photo, with a capacity of 25,000 digital pictures and 15,000 songs.


Life (Insurance) Is Cheap -- for Now

The cost of term life insurance has never been cheaper. On that, industry experts agree. Over the past decade the price of term life insurance, the plain vanilla type that offers coverage only for a set number


World energy demand to rise 60 by 30

London: World energy demand is expected to rise by some 60 per cent by 2030, two-thirds of which will come from developing countries such as China and India, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday.


Friend to testify in court about OJ Simpson #39;s finances

SANTA MONICA, Calif. One of OJ Simpson #39;s friends is being ordered to testify about the former football star #39;s finances. The order to appear in court was issued yesterday at the request of Fred Goldman, whose


San Francisco hotels continue lockout of unionized workers

SAN FRANCISCO Fourteen hotels in San Francisco are ignoring the mayor #39;s call for a cooling-off period and are still locking out unionized workers.


JPMorgan, CSFB to Buy UK Drugmaker Warner Chilcott (Update2)

A group led by JPMorgan Chase  amp; Co. agreed to buy UK drugmaker Warner Chilcott Plc for 1.62 billion pounds (\$3 billion), outbidding two other private equity firms.


Cassini takes first close-ups of Titan

The Cassini spacecraft has sent back the first detailed pictures of the Saturns largest moon, Titan, showing a sharply-defined but nevertheless mysterious landscape of light and dark regions.


World Series #39; Game 4 vs. total eclipse of the moon tonight

The nation may be more divided tonight than most Americans realize as baseball fans and sky watchers pursue their choice of pastimes: watching Game 4 of the World Series or one of the best total lunar eclipses in years.


Products unveiled at storage networking show

Several storage suppliers are adding to their arsenal of products and technologies aimed at IT managers dealing with the explosion of data storage at Storage Networking World in Orlando this week.


Web-searching giant now lets users browse their own PCs

It should be as easy to search a computer as it is to search the Web. And Google, the current king of Web-searching, recently introduced a new desktop program for Windows


Pedro dazzles; Sox up 3-0

The celebration could come tonight. And then the church bells can ring, the car horns can blare, the corked bottles of champagne gathering dust since 1986 can be popped, and the hallelujahs


Wenger extends Arsenal contract until 2008

Manager Arsene Wenger has extended his contract at Arsenal until May 2008, the English champions said on Wednesday. Wenger, 55, arrived at Highbury in 1996 and has led the London


Fleming double ton

CAPTAIN Stephen Fleming struck a fine double-century as New Zealand looked on their way to notching up another win over Bangladesh in the second and final Test in Chittagong today.


Wolfsburg gear up for Munich showdown

HAMBURG - Frontrunners VfL Wolfsburg travel to third-placed Bayern Munich in one of two major midweek Bundesliga showdowns and will not be afraid of the Bavarians although they have never won there.


UPDATE 3-Pinpoint McGrath puts Australia in command

Glenn McGrath celebrated his 100th test by grabbing two key wickets and putting Australia on course for a rare series victory in India on the second day of the third test on Wednesday.


IOC Urges Beijing Not to Copy Athens

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged Beijing to ensure the city is ready to host the 2008 Games well in advance, an official said on Wednesday.


British troops on the move in Iraq

Some 850 of Britain #39;s Black Watch troops set out from the southern Iraqi city of Basra Wednesday to replace US troops south of Baghdad.


Jimenez victorious at Omega Hong Kong Open

Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez claimed his fifth title of the year when he outgunned Padraig Harrington of Ireland and South African James Kingston to lift the US\$800,000 Omega Hong Kong Open by one stroke after a thrilling final round today.


Classy McGrath puts Australia on top in third India Test (AFP)

AFP - Glenn McGrath destroyed India's top order in his 100th Test match here to bring world champions Australia closer to their first series win on Indian soil in 35 years.


Last Chance Until 2007: Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight! (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - Skywatchers on half the planet are gearing up to watch Earth's shadow consume a blood-red Moon tonight in the last total lunar eclipse until 2007.


Kerry Promises 'A More Balanced' NASA (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - WASHINGTON -- One week before the U.S. elections, \Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) is blasting \President George W. Bush's space exploration vision as a purely political \stunt that threatens to gut other NASA programs.


Taiwan's UMC sees higher profit on strong demand

United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC), the world's second-largest contract chip maker, announced Wednesday that strong demand and higher capacity helped its net income for the third quarter more than double from the same period a year ago.


Berlin cheers winning bid for 2009 championships

Berlin was celebrating on Sunday after winning its bid to host the 2009 world athletics championships, a decision that capped a week of triumph for Germany #39;s capital city.


Defendants Accused of Sending Spam (AP Financial News)

AP Financial News - Three people who allegedly sent America Online customers millions of junk e-mail messages touting penny stocks and other Internet gimmicks went on trial Tuesday in the nation's first such felony case.


Kerr McGee Posts a Drop in Profit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil and gas producer Kerr-McGee Corp.  KMG.N on Wednesday reported a fall in quarterly profit,  citing a writedown related to a pigment plant and higher  environmental charges.


England set Zimbabwe 262 victory target

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (AFP) - England captain Michael Vaughan and Geraint Jones put in a superb 150 partnership on their way to setting Zimbabwe a 262 target to avoid a 4-0 series whitewash.


Procter  amp; Gamble profit up on sales growth

CINCINNATI -- Procter  amp; Gamble Co. said net income rose 14 percent in the first quarter on solid sales growth in all the company #39;s markets.


After the battle comes the war

The three-way battle for Warner Chilcott reached a new pitch this morning when the company recommended a 1.6 billion bid tabled by a US-led private equity team.


Credit demand helps ANZ profit leap 18

AUSTRALIA and New Zealand Banking Group has seen its second-half profit jump 18 per cent following the acquisition of New Zealands biggest bank, coupled with a strong demand for credit.


Alcoa, BHP to sell Integris Metals

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Alcoa Inc. and Australia #39;s BHP Billiton have agreed to sell Integris Metals to Ryerson Tull for \$410 million in cash, plus assumption of \$250 million in debt, the companies said late Tuesday.


Shoaib may miss Sri Lanka test with shoulder injury

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar may miss the second test against Sri Lanka starting on Thursday because of a shoulder injury.  quot;I have acute pain in my right shoulder which is very stiff.


Japanese PM stands firm on hostage demand

Japan #39;s prime minister today refused to bend to demands by militants who have taken a Japanese civilian hostage in Iraq and threatened to behead him unless Tokyo withdraws its soldiers.


Union threatens Zimbabwe blockade after deportation

South Africa #39;s main labour federation is threatening to blockade a border crossing with Zimbabwe after President Robert Mugabe #39;s Government deported a union fact-finding team accused of aiding his enemies.


Defendants Accused of Sending Spam (AP)

AP - Three people who allegedly sent America Online customers millions of junk e-mail messages touting penny stocks and other Internet gimmicks went on trial Tuesday in the nation's first such felony case.


New Crop of Portable Players Nips at IPod (AP)

AP - At least a dozen portable music players are angling to steal sales away from Apple Computer Inc.'s wildly popular line of iPods this holiday season. In the past month alone, five companies have unveiled their iPod challengers  #151; pocket-sized players with hard disks that can store anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 songs.


Iran to respond to EU nuclear offer, diplomats pessimistic (AFP)

AFP - Iran returned to talks with Europe's three heavyweight countries aimed at resolving a long-running dispute over its nuclear program, although diplomats were sceptical of a breakthrough.


Biotech Firm Promises Hypo-Allergenic Cats

The biotechnology revolution is shaking up the pet world. First came a cloned cat. Then came the fish genetically engineered to glow. Now, a Los Angeles company is exploiting the latest in biotechnology to create cats genetically engineered to be nearly free from the allergy-causing proteins that plague millions of people.


Comcast Up, Blockbuster Off Before Bell

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Comcast Corp. CMCSA.O rose  2 percent before the bell on Wednesday after the largest U.S.  cable operator posted a quarterly profit below Wall Street  estimates but reported better-than-expected gains in high-speed  Internet customers.


Comcast High-Speed Customers Up Strongly

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Comcast Corp. CMCSA.O, the largest  U.S. cable operator, on Wednesday posted a quarterly profit  that fell short of Wall Street forecasts but reported  better-than-expected gains in high-speed Internet customers.


P G Profit Climbs, Outlook Maintained

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Procter   Gamble Co. PG.N on  Wednesday said quarterly profit jumped 14 percent, boosted by  strong sales and a gain from the recent divestiture of its  juice business.


Increased Sales Power Tool Company Profit

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Black   Decker Corp. BDK.N on  Wednesday reported a 51 percent increase in third-quarter  profit, topping estimates, as sales and profit margins improved  in power tools and home hardware.


Comcast Up, Blockbuster Off Before Bell (Reuters)

Reuters - Shares of Comcast Corp.  rose\2 percent before the bell on Wednesday after the largest U.S.\cable operator posted a quarterly profit below Wall Street\estimates but reported better-than-expected gains in high-speed\Internet customers.


Durable Goods Orders Up 0.2 Percent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. orders for long-lasting durable  goods rose by a smaller-than-expected 0.2 percent in September,  held back by another sharp fall in commercial aircraft,  government data showed on Wednesday.


Northrop Third-Quarter Profit Rises

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Northrop Grumman Corp. NOC.N  reported higher third-quarter earnings on Wednesday and an 11  percent increase in sales on strength in its mission systems,  integrated systems, ships and space technology businesses.


NTT DoCoMo, IBM, Intel team to secure mobile devices

With an eye towards making mobile devices and the commerce services that run over them more secure, NTT DoCoMo Inc., Intel Corp. and IBM Corp. on Wednesday published a jointly developed security specification called the Trusted Mobile Platform.


Profit Climbs at Procter and Gamble

Procter   Gamble, the consumer products company, said quarterly profit jumped 14 percent, boosted by strong sales and a gain from the sale of its juice business.


Germans seek savings through Linux in tough economic times

FRANKFURT, Germany-- Tough economic times in Germany have made Linux and other open source software products appear tantalizing to local businesses. Yet many remain hesitant to dump their Microsoft Corp. software completely, if for no other reasons than it performs relatively well, and nearly everyone in corporate Germany uses it. That was the general impression from speakers delivering presentations Tuesday at the LinuxWorld conference in Frankfurt.


ConocoPhillips Third-Quarter Profit Rises

NEW YORK (Reuters) - ConocoPhillips COP.N, the No. 3 U.S.  oil company, on Wednesday reported a rise in quarterly profit,  boosted by soaring oil and gas prices.


Durable Goods Up on Communications Demand (AP)

AP - Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket durable goods, propelled by a jump in demand for communications equipment, edged up 0.2 percent in September.


Three on Trial in Loudoun in Felony Spam Case (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - A North Carolina man and his two confederates illegally flooded America Online e-mail accounts in July 2003 with millions of advertisements hawking penny stocks and work-from-home schemes, Virginia prosecutors told jurors yesterday.


Neville Calls for  #39;Ruthless Streak #39;

Gary Neville congratulated his Manchester United team-mates on their second successive three-goal Barclays Premiership win - but then told them Chelsea and Arsenal will not start


Santander Posts 64 Percent Profit Rise

Santander Central Hispano SA said Wednesday that net profit for the third quarter nearly doubled to euro1.17 billion (\$1.49 billion), with much of the gain coming from the sale of its stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland.


Cassini Orbiter Gets Closeup Shots

Oct. 27 - Scientists are getting a closer look at one of the most mysterious moons in space, Saturn #39;s largest moon, Titan. The Cassini orbiter flew within 750 miles of the cloud covered moon Tuesday.


Walker not interested in rival series

Motorsport.com. Australian Grand Prix chairman Ron Walker doubts that the Grand Prix World Championship (GPWC) will come to much and claimed he will stick with Formula One.


Arizona, Stanford favored to share conference crown

UCLA is placed third in the Pac-10 preseason women #39;s basketball media poll; Quinn a preseason all-conference pick. By Janie McCauley.


#39;Perfect #39; opportunity

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas announced yesterday he will enter champion mare Azeri against the males in Saturday #39;s Breeders #39; Cup Classic at


Broncos #39; Griffin reportedly out for season

Denver Broncos running back Quentin Griffin will miss the rest of the season after an MRI showed he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Monday night #39;s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a published report.


Three survive four-day ordeal as strong tremor rattles quake-hit <b>...</b>

TOKYO : A woman and two young children buried for four days after a deadly earthquake in central Japan have been pulled alive from the rubble Wednesday as another powerful temblor rocked the region.


Iran to respond to European offer as nuclear talks resume

VIENNA : Iran began talks with the European Union #39;s three heavyweight nations to give its response to an offer to avoid possible UN sanctions by indefinitely suspending uranium enrichment, a French diplomat said.


Paying China for pressuring Pyongyang

The use of pressure tactics is one of the ancient principles of diplomacy. Not many nations practice it as effectively as the United States, the lone superpower.


Chirac says Turkey #39;s EU bid  #39;not a done deal #39;

PARIS : French President Jacques Chirac said Wednesday that Turkey #39;s EU membership bid was  quot;not a done deal, quot; although he believed it was in Europe #39;s best interests, a government spokesman reported after a cabinet meeting.


Web Server Takedown Called Speech Threat

Devin Theriot-Orr, a member a feisty group of reporter-activists called Indymedia, was surprised when two FBI agents showed up at his Seattle law office, saying the visit was a "courtesy call" on behalf of Swiss authorities.


Apple launch new iPod

APPLE launched the IPOD PHOTO in the US yesterday (October 26), allowing users to take their entire digital photo library on the move.


Cassini takes a close look at Titan

The international Cassini spacecraft began unveiling Saturn #39;s mysterious sidekick Titan with a stream of increasingly sharp pictures of the surface taken during a flyby within 745 miles (1,198 kilometers) of the hazy moon.


Last Chance Until 2007: Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight!

Skywatchers on half the planet are gearing up to watch Earth #39;s shadow consume a blood-red Moon tonight in the last total lunar eclipse until 2007.


Sony Announces PlayStation Portable Price (AP)

AP - Sony Corp. announced a price more fitting of a video-game machine than a slick movie-playing gadget for its new PlayStation Portable  #151; 19,800 yen ( #36;186).


Davidoff Swiss Indoors, Basel

British number one Tim Henman is currently facing world number 80 Anthony Dupuis of France at the Davidoff Swiss Indoors event in Basel.


Gaza withdrawal a victory - Hamas

Israel #39;s planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, which won parliamentary approval Tuesday, will prove to be a victory for the Palestinian resistance against occupation, the militant Hamas movement said on Wednesday.


Durable Goods Orders Edge Up in September (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. orders for long-lasting durable\goods rose by a smaller-than-expected 0.2 percent in September,\held back by another sharp fall in commercial aircraft,\government data showed on Wednesday.


Powell Remarks Stir Up China

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell was in China less than 24 hours this week, but that was enough to stir up a diplomatic tempest with some unorthodox and apparently unintended remarks about U.S. policy on Taiwan.


Durable Goods Orders Edge Up in September

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. orders for long-lasting durable  goods rose by a smaller-than-expected 0.2 percent in September,  held back by another sharp fall in commercial aircraft,  government data showed on Wednesday.


Boeing Quarterly Earnings Jump 78 Percent

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Boeing Co. BA.N on Wednesday topped  expectations with a 78 percent jump in quarterly profit on  strength in its defense operations, and raised its earnings  forecast for 2004.


P G's Earnings Climb, Maintains Outlook

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Procter   Gamble Co. PG.N on  Wednesday said quarterly profit rose 14 percent, boosted by  strong sales and a gain from the recent sale of its juice  business.


Cingular, AT amp;T complete merger

Cingular Wireless today announced it has completed its previously announced merger with AT amp;T Wireless, creating the nation #39;s biggest wireless carrier with the


OPEC asks US to tap oil reserves

JAKARTA The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has called on the United States to dip into its strategic petroleum reserve to help deflate oil prices, the cartel #39;s president said Wednesday.


Comcast High-Speed Customers Up Strongly

Comcast Corp. (CMCSA.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , the largest US cable operator, on Wednesday posted a quarterly profit that fell short of Wall Street forecasts but reported


Ovitz tells trial Eisner undercut him at Disney

GEORGETOWN, Delaware Michael Ovitz, the former president of Walt Disney, has vigorously defended his 14-month tenure, saying his efforts to expand and improve the company were undercut at nearly every turn by recalcitrant senior executives and the man who


Former US attorney to probe Boston police pepper ball shooting

An independent panel headed by former US Attorney Donald K. Stern will investigate the death of a college student who was shot by police using pepper pellet guns to subdue rowdy Red Sox fans after the team won the American League pennant.


Google Market Value Tops Yahoo

Google Market Value Tops Yahoo\\Google market value surges past \$50B, tops Yahoo so now they're worth more in dollar value than Yahoo. That goes right in line with being worth more in search value and relevance. I've written before that Yahoo has their fingers in so many pies that they ...


NASA Claims New Supercomputer Is World's Fastest

The cluster of 20 computers working as one will be used to speed up spacecraft design, environmental prediction and other research.


Micron Sees Robust DRAM Memory Chip Demand in 2005 (Reuters)

Reuters - Computer memory chip maker Micron\said on Wednesday it had indications that demand for DRAM\memory chips, used mainly in personal computers, would be\robust enough to soak up rising supply in 2005.


VMware previews virtual server

Hoping to keep the heat on archrival Microsoft, VMware on Wednesday will give developers a glimpse of an early version of its Virtual SMP product that allows a single virtual machine to work with as many as four processors, which in turn can more effectively drive mission-critical applications.


SAP, HP team on hosted ERP offering

German software giant SAP AG is teaming with Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) to offer midmarket companies in the U.S. a hosted software offering that includes applications, maintenance, services, and support for a monthly fee.


Global Markets: U.S. Treasuries Pare Gains

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasuries pared gains on Wednesday  as investors read the latest U.S. durable goods orders as  mildly positive despite lower-than-expected headline numbers.


VMware previews virtual server (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Hoping to keep the heat on archrival Microsoft, VMware on Wednesday will give developers a glimpse of an early version of its Virtual SMP product that allows a single virtual machine to work with as many as four processors, which in turn can more effectively drive mission-critical applications.


British Troops Head North for Mission Near Baghdad

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - British troops rolled north from Basra  Wednesday to take over a deadly area near Baghdad and free up  U.S. troops for a widely expected attack on Falluja.


OPEC urges the US to use emergency oil reserves

NEW YORK, October 27 (newratings.com) - The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has asked the US government to release oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to help ease the rising oil prices.


Boeing Co. (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday topped expectations with a 78 percent jump in quarterly profit on strength in its defense operations, and raised its earnings forecast for 2004.


Santander Net Soars on Consumer Banking, Stake Sale (Update5)

Santander Central Hispano SA, the largest bank in Spain and Latin America, almost doubled third- quarter profit on gains at its European consumer lending business and the sale of a stake in Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc.


Kerr McGee Posts a Drop in Profit

Oil and gas producer Kerr-McGee Corp. (KMG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday reported a fall in quarterly profit, citing a writedown related to a pigment plant and higher environmental charges.


Micron Sees Robust DRAM Memory Chip Demand in 2005

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Computer memory chip maker Micron  said on Wednesday it had indications that demand for DRAM  memory chips, used mainly in personal computers, would be  robust enough to soak up rising supply in 2005.


Apple launches 60GB, 40GB iPod Photo

At a special music event featuring Bono and The Edge from U2, Apple yesterday unveiled the iPod Photo with a colour screen, available immediately in 40GB or 60GB versions.


Total lunar eclipse comes out tonight

A total lunar eclipse expected to create views of a blood-red moon will be visible tonight throughout most of North America - weather permitting.


Top supercomputer race continues with Nasa/SGI box

Engineers at Nasa #39;s Ames Research Center have staked their claim have built the world #39;s fastest supercomputer. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Nasa #39;s supercomputing facility, the US space agency unveiled its


Sun, Microsoft Cite Progress, Not Perfection

Microsoft and Sun Microsystems say they are warming up to each other, but it will take more time to deliver on the grand promises of platform interoperability announced last spring.


2 shooters said to be untrained

By Donovan Slack and Shelley Murphy, Globe Staff  October 27, 2004. Two officers who fired pepper-pellet guns near where a 21-year-old college student was fatally shot last week were not trained to use the


Cardinals top pick in C-USA

Conference USA men #39;s basketball coaches said they expected a very close and difficult conference race, but that #39;s not how they voted.


Bungling Bengals Play Running Broncos

CINCINNATI Oct 25, 2004 - Terrell Davis. Olandis Gary. Mike Anderson. Clinton Portis. Reuben Droughns. Seems like just about anybody can run for 100 yards in the Denver Broncos #39; system.


Coach praises Lankans for Aus-like fightback

Karachi: Sri Lanka #39;s Australian coach John Dyson said his side had started to emulate some of the gritty toughness of world champions Australia and was putting its new attitude to good use against Pakistan.


Baltimore starts trash talk early

The Eagles won #39;t even begin their preparations for Sunday #39;s game against the Baltimore Ravens until the players return to practice today, but Ravens linebacker Edgerton Hartwell already has fired the first salvos.


Treasuries Look Past Data to Oil, Auction

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Treasuries prices clung to modest  gains on Wednesday as the market looked past mixed data on U.S.  business investment to focus on high oil prices and an auction  of new government debt.


Japan #39;s PM determined to face down Iraq hostage-takers

TOKYO : Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has vowed not to pull out its troops in Iraq, despite reports that another of its national has been taken hostage.


Boy rescued after 4 days in Japan quake rubble

Shaken by a string of deadly earthquakes and aftershocks, Japan is in the grips of an unlikely rescue saga. Rescue teams working in Nagaoka, one of the city #39;s worst-hit by the initial earthquake on Saturday


India at bottom half of media freedom index

New Delhi: India, the world #39;s largest democracy, ranks 120th in the media freedom index of 167 countries with Denmark on top and North Korea at the bottom.


Dell tightens Linux ties

Novell's SuSE software is set to join Red Hat as a server option. Also: Is AMD in Dell's future?


Photos: SGI's Columbia supercomputer

SGI's supercomputer sets a public record which has been eclipsed by a faster result yet to be announced.


Unilever 3Q earnings rise

Food and consumer goods giant Unilever reported a three percent rise in third-quarter net profits, but warned it was reviewing its targets until 2010.


Kerr-McGee 3Q Profit Down on Charge

Kerr-McGee Corp. on Wednesday said its third-quarter profit slid on a charge related to the shutdown of a pigment plant and higher environmental and capital expenses.


Apple launches new iPod; rolls out download stores in Europe  amp; <b>...</b>

Apple has unveiled a new addition to the hugely successful iPod range, giving users more hard disc space and a colour screen for picture viewing.


Ferriss gave BoSox boost in 1946 Series

Fifty-eight years removed from pitching a shutout in Game 3 of the 1946 World Series, Mississippi #39;s Boo Ferriss was in St. Louis for Game 3 of the 2004 Series Tuesday night.


Europeans resume talks with Iran to avoid UN sanctions

VIENNA, Austria European negotiators are making a last attempt to get Iran to stop enriching uranium so that it can avoid UN sanctions.


Programs: Dubious Lure of Two Fishing Simulations

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Reuters) - If someone gives you a copy of  "Rapala Pro Fishing," throw it back.


Japan #39;s Phones Are The Coolest -- And Have The Skimpiest Profits

With their home market saturated, Japan #39;s handset makers finally look abroad. Meanwhile, margins have plunged. When NTT Docomo (DCM ) unveiled its latest third-generation mobile phones on Nov. 17, gadget lovers were not disappointed.


U.S. Urged to Use Emergency Oil Reserves

JAKARTA (Reuters) - OPEC's president has taken the  unprecedented step of urging the United States to tap its  emergency crude reserves to bring down world oil prices.


Russia to Test New Soyuz Booster on Oct. 29 (Reuters)

Reuters - Russia's military will test a\new-generation rocket booster this week that could eventually\be used to launch civilian cargoes into space, Itar-Tass news\agency said Monday.


Bush site bars overseas visitors

People based outside the US have been unable to visit the re-election website of President Bush.


Nations to discuss what to do after Kyoto treaty

The ice is melting and the heat is on for international delegates assembling in Buenos Aires this week to find new ways to confront global warming under the 194-nation treaty on climate change.


Stocks Open Near Unchanged; Boeing Up

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened flat on Wednesday,  as Wall Street mulls a mixed batch of earnings reports and  government data showing a smaller-than-expected rise in durable  goods orders.


ConocoPhillips Profit Up on Oil Prices

NEW YORK (Reuters) - ConocoPhillips COP.N, the No. 3 U.S.  oil company, on Wednesday reported a 53 percent jump in  quarterly profit, as soaring oil and gas prices offset the  impact of lower production volumes.


Boeing #39;s quarterly profits increase 78 per cent

Boeing Co., the US aerospace giant, reported a 78 per cent jump in third-quarter earnings, buoyed by a strong defence business, and raised its estimate for full-year profits due to a favourable tax outlook.


Saturn moon has scientists howling Close-ups of Titan seen for <b>...</b>

Sophisticated cameras aboard the spacecraft Cassini gave Earth-bound watchers the world #39;s first close-up view of Saturn #39;s mysterious, largest moon Titan Tuesday night, as scientists processed striking images from the spacecraft #39;s brief fly-by less than


#39;Grand Theft Auto San Andreas #39; blows away gamers, reaps criticism

Scott Wilhelm skipped school, took a day off from work, drove 15 miles and visited five stores - just so he could roam the fake streets of San Andreas and shoot people.


Microsoft Sharpens Its Software Factory Vision

VANCOUVER, British ColumbiaIn a speech at the Object-Oriented Programming, Systems, Languages and Applicationsor OOPSLAconference here, Microsoft Corp.


Azeri goes for Breeders #39; Classic

Punters and bookmakers alike have been caught on the hop after star American trainer D. Wayne Lukas revealed that Azeri is to tackle the \$4m Breeders #39; Cup Classic in Texas this Saturday.


Chat with Miami CB Antrel Rolle

Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, Miami Hurricanes cornerback Antrel Rolle will stop by to take your questions! Rolle has been a consistent force in the Miami secondary, helping hold opposing offenses to just 15.


Owen - in action against Leganes. (Getty Images)

Three starts, three goals, three victories. Michael Owen must be wondering what all the fuss was about. The England striker was forced to endure a turbulent start to his Real Madrid career with doubts surrounding his ability to make an impact in Spain.


Mahe makes most of his opportunities

Donovan McNabb drops back to pass, dumps the ball off, and his receiver gathers it in and starts darting through traffic down the field.


3 Russian officials charged with negligence in Beslan <b>...</b>

The Russian Prosecutor #39;s General Office has charged three officials in southern Russia for negligence in connection with the school hostage crisis in Beslan last month, the Itar-Tass new agency reported on Wednesday.


Battle lines drawn on protection of species

Western governors gathered last week to plan with the Bush administration and Congress how to change the Endangered Species Act, the 31-year-old law they say


Insurance sector braces for fallout from probe

Eliot Spitzer #39;s probe into bid-rigging and insurance practices is likely to usher in an era of greater transparency, decreased compensation for insurance brokers and revamped business models.


US Urged to Use Emergency Oil Reserves

OPEC #39;s president has taken the unprecedented step of urging the United States to tap its emergency crude reserves to bring down world oil prices.


Commission to approve Oracle take-over of PeopleSoft

The European Commission is expected today to approve US-based enterprise software firm Oracle #39;s hostile take-over of rival PeopleSoft.


Unilever Sales Fall 4 Percent in 3Q

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Unilever PLC reported higher earnings for the third quarter Wednesday but said its business suffered from strong competition, weak demand and poor weather, with sales of Ben  amp; Jerry #39;s ice cream and Lipton Tea falling.


Kerr McGee Posts a Drop in Profit

Oil and gas producer Kerr-McGee Corp. (KMG) on Wednesday reported a fall in quarterly profit, citing a writedown related to a pigment plant and higher environmental charges.


Honda sales hit record but strong yen limits profit growth

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan #39;s third-ranked automaker Honda Motor said sales hit a record high in the six months to September but the profit performance was undercut by a stronger yen while record oil prices are a problem going forward, especially in the key US


Manny passes field test with flying colors

Granted, Boston #39;s Manny Ramirez isn #39;t much as far as left fielders go. He has the range of a monotone. His throws have been known to spray like champagne.


Tendulkar falls cheaply as Aussies strike

Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for eight on his return to international cricket as world champions Australia left India in deep trouble in the third Test on Wednesday.


THREE-SY FOR OWEN

MICHAEL OWEN scored his third goal in three games for Real Madrid to help them to a 2-1 win over Leganes in the first round of the King #39;s Cup.


Human Rights Comment Thai PM Thaksin #39;s Contempt for Human Rights

It was yet another black day for Thaksin Shinawatra #39;s premiership. When more than 80 Thais perished at the hands of Thai troops in the deep South on Monday - six in the clash between protesters and security


China rebuffs Powell on talks with Taiwan

BEIJING, OCTOBER 25: Chinese officials Monday rebuffed Secretary of State Colin Powells suggestion they use a possibly conciliatory speech by Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian to restart cross-straits discussions, telling him in strong terms that they


Press Freedom Under Threat Most In Asia, Mid-East: Report

Paris, Oct. 27 (NNN) : A report from media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RWB) has put Press freedom under most under threat in Asia and the Middle East.


Democracy wins in Afghan election

What a difference the ballot makes. The election of Hamid Karzai as the first popularly elected president of Afghanistan is a dramatic affirmation of the power of democracy.


Parliament Visitors No Longer 'Strangers' (AP)

AP - Visitors to Parliament are strangers no more. In a bid to modernize Britain's ancient Parliament, legislators voted Tuesday to scrap the 400-year-old tradition of referring to visitors as strangers. Instead, they will be "the public" or "members of the public."


Nigerian woman facing death for adultery to know appeal verdict in two weeks (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - DASS, Nigeria (AP) - An Islamic court in northern Nigeria heard the appeal of a woman challenging a death by stoning sentence for allegedly committing adultery, and the judge said he would issue a verdict in two weeks.


Koizumi Says Japan Will Stay in Iraq (AP)

AP - Japan's prime minister, a staunch U.S. ally in Iraq, refused on Wednesday to withdraw Japan's troops from the country, taking a tough stance in the face of demands by militants threatening to behead a Japanese hostage unless the soldiers leave.


Durable Goods Orders Edge Up in September

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. orders for durable goods rose  by a smaller-than-expected 0.2 percent in September, held back  by another sharp fall in commercial aircraft, government data  showed on Wednesday.


Titan Posts Slightly Higher Profit

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Titan Corp. TTN.N, which provides  technology and translating services to the U.S. military, on  Wednesday reported a slightly higher quarterly profit.


America West confirms interest in ATA Airlines

Tempe -based America West Airlines confirmed its interest in acquiring ATA Airlines on Tuesday after ATA announced it has filed for bankruptcy protection and has agreed to sell some of its assets to AirTran Airways for \$87.


US Sept durable goods sales rise

New orders for US-made durable goods increased 0.2pc in September, held back by a big drop in orders for transportation goods, the US Commerce Department said today.


Novell Promises Continued Support for SuSE Linux (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - The company says SuSE Linux Professional will become more of a community desktop, while its upcoming Novell Linux Desktop will target business users.


A Look at Voting Problems, Election Issues (AP)

AP - Many states are facing legal challenges over possible voting problems Nov. 2. A look at some of the developments Tuesday and Wednesday:


For SGI supercomputer, a record-setting day

With new rankings due soon, SGI, IBM and others jostle for bragging rights. Also: Speedy Mac system gets speedier.


P amp;G Posts Higher Profit, Affirms Outlook

Procter  amp; Gamble Co. (PG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday said quarterly profit rose 14 percent, boosted by demand for products like Head  amp; Shoulders shampoo and


Northrop Grumman Profit Surges 51 Percent

LOS ANGELES - Defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. #39;s third-quarter earnings rose 51 percent due to strength from its mission systems, integrated systems and ships and space technology segments.


Apple introduces iPod Photo, digital  #39;box set #39;

Apple has introduced the iPod Photo, a version of the popular digital music player that can hold up to 25,000 digital photos alongside the user #39;s music library and displays them on its colour screen.


Sensabaugh unimpressed with Miami offense

Gerald Sensabaugh spent most of North Carolina #39;s week off studying tapes of Miami, and he saw the speed, the talent and the big-play capability.


Newmont Strikes Gold, Profit Up 12.5 Pct

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Newmont Mining Corp. NEM.N, the  world's largest gold miner, on Wednesday said third-quarter  profit rose 12.5 percent on higher gold prices and strong base  metal sales.


Dealer Can Write Off Stolen Drug Money

An Australian court ruled Wednesday that a convicted heroin dealer can claim a 220,000 Australian dollar (US\$165 million; euro 129 million) tax deduction for money that was stolen during a drug deal.


Agent Ovitz Defends Tenure at Disney

Description: In a closely watched trial in Delaware, former Hollywood agent Michael Ovitz took the stand yesterday to defend his tenure as president of the Walt Disney Company in the mid- #39;90s.


ConocoPhillips Profit Up on Oil Prices

ConocoPhillips (COP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the No. 3 US oil company, on Wednesday reported a 53 percent jump in quarterly profit, as soaring oil and gas prices offset the impact of lower production volumes.


Higher IPod Shipments To Boost Apple #39;s Q1

Merrill Lynch raised estimates on Apple Computer (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) after the company unveiled its iPod Photo--earlier than the research firm expected--and announced the iPod U2 special edition.


NASA Probe Takes Pictures Of Saturn Moon

LOS ANGELES -- NASA #39;s Cassini spacecraft on Tuesday made its closest pass yet to to Titan, Saturn #39;s largest moon. The spacecraft took the first detailed pictures ever of the moon #39;s surface.


Now, NASA supercomputer is  #39;fastest #39;

The Unites States space agency NASA has unveiled the world #39;s fastest supercomputer at its Ames Research Centre in California, where India-born astronaut Kalpana Chawla worked for years, in honour of the seven crew members of spacecraft Columbia which


Tiny human is big news

Paris - In one of the most spectacular fossil finds in decades, anthropologists say they have found the bones of a tiny human who is a twig in mankind #39;s family tree.


Scoring streak cheers Owen

Real Madrid striker Michael Owen is delighted by the scoring streak which has brought him three game-winning goals in as many matches, news reports said Wednesday.


#39;Miami is scary #39;

CHAPEL HILL, NC - North Carolina will likely have the services of four-year starting quarterback Darian Durant when it meets fourth-ranked Miami on Saturday.


Toddler rescued from rubble

A two-year-old boy was pulled alive from the rubble today after nearly four days under a landslide caused by the earthquake that devastated northern Japan.


Right Whales Return to Georgia Coast Early (AP)

AP - North Atlantic right whales are returning to their calving grounds off the coast of Georgia early this year.


Blair: 'Casinos will bring jobs'

Allowing dozens of casinos to be built in the UK would bring investment and thousands of jobs, Tony Blair says.


NBA suspends Grizzlies Wright for season opener (AFP)

AFP - Lorenzen Wright will sit out the Memphis Grizzlies season opener after receiving a one-game suspension.


Mexico's Femsa Brews 53 Pct. Profit Rise

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's Femsa, Latin America's top  bottler and brewer, posted a 53 percent jump in quarterly  earnings driven by rising beer sales, expansion of its  convenience store chain and a stronger peso.


ANZ Banking Prices C\$100M 4 Four-Year Bond At 99.98

LONDON (Dow Jones)--Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. (ANZ) has priced aC\$100 million four-year bond with the following terms, lead manager TD Securities said Wednesday: Amount: C\$100 million Maturity: Nov.


US big-ticket orders rise, plane orders descend

WASHINGTON, Oct 27 (AFP) - Orders for  quot;big-ticket quot; durable US goods rose by a weaker than expected margin in September, hit by plummeting aircraft demand, government figures showed Wednesday.


Tax Break for Drug Dealer Whose Cash Was Stolen

A heroin dealer can claim a 90,000 tax deduction for cash that was stolen during a drugs transaction, an court ruled today. The Australian Taxation Office lost a bid in the High Court to overturn a lower


Google en el mercado

The internet search engine Google has released its first set of results since the company floated on the stock market two months ago.


A giant step for humanoids

THE discovery by Australian scientists on the Indonesian island of Flores of an entirely new humanoid species - colloquially dubbed  quot;hobbits quot; because of their diminutive stature -uts a new piece in place in the long scientific mission to understand


Lukas Betting on Azeri in Breeders #39; Cup

The king of Breeders #39; Cup trainers is pursuing his record 18th victory on horse racing #39;s biggest stage in a surprising way.


Fear and pride from Black Watch

In a swirl of dust, the first convoy moved out of the Black Watch base near Basra and headed north. Warrior armoured fighting vehicles were transported on low loaders while some troops moved in


Iran #39;s heavy water plant to be operational within month: official

TEHRAN, Oct 27 (AFP) - Iran said Wednesday a heavy water plant will go online within a month near the central city of Arak, despite international pressure for Tehran to suspend such nuclear-related activities.


Earth to See Total Eclipse of the Moon (AP)

AP - Earthlings are about to be treated to a total lunar eclipse, just in time for Halloween. For more than an hour Wednesday night, the moon will be covered entirely by Earth's shadow and resemble a glowing pumpkin.


Cuban Tree Frogs Moving Toward S.C. (AP)

AP - Everything from fire ants and coyotes to armadillos, lionfish and beach kudzu have made new homes in South Carolina over the years. So can the Cuban tree frog be far behind?


IOC Urges Beijing to Get Ready for 2008 (AP)

AP - The IOC has a word of advice for organizers of the 2008 Olympics  #151; prepare. Determined to avoid a repeat of the construction delays that threatened the Athens Games, Olympic officials arrived in Beijing on Wednesday.


Apple's Photo Finish

The new iPod Photo is surely cool, but it's Apple's new music deal with U2 that might set off big waves in the e-music business. -washingtonpost.com


Procter   Gamble Weigh on Blue Chips

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue-chip stocks fell on  Wednesday as earnings and outlooks from two consumer products  giants failed to excite markets.


Dell talks home economics--and more

Look for more consumer electronics products and services from the PC behemoth. Also: SuSE Linux for Dell servers.


OPEC to U.S. - Use Emergency Oil Reserves (Reuters)

Reuters - OPEC took the unprecedented step of\urging the United States to tap its emergency crude reserves to\bring down world oil prices.


Titan Posts Slightly Higher Profit (Reuters)

Reuters - Titan Corp. , which provides\technology and translating services to the U.S. military, on\Wednesday reported a slightly higher quarterly profit.


Blockbuster Posts Big Loss, COO Resigns

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Blockbuster Inc. BBI.N on Wednesday  posted a quarterly operating profit well below analysts'  estimates even before \$1.5 billion in one-time charges, as it  faced falling movie rental demand and higher costs to counter  competition.


Weapons sales boost Boeing profit

US aircraft and defence company Boeing reports a 78 jump in quarterly profits, driven by increased demand for equipment from the armed forces.


Ailing Serena Crashes Out

VIENNA (Reuters) - Serena Williams looked so ill she could  barley lift her racket at times as she suffered a 7-6, 6-2  defeat to Russian qualifier Alina Jidkova in the second round  of the Linz Open WTA tournament Wednesday.


Ballesteros Under Tour Probe for Alleged Assault

SOTOGRANDE, Spain (Reuters) - Severiano Ballesteros is to  be investigated by the European Tour following an alleged  assault on one of the tour's tournament directors at his home  course Pedrena.


OPEC Urges U.S. to Use Emergency Oil Reserves

\

 By Muklis Ali

 JAKARTA (Reuters) - OPEC took the unprecedented step of\urging the United States to tap its emergency crude reserves to\bring down world oil prices.


In Spitzer #39;s office, hours of drudgery, moments of  #39;gotcha! #39;

One of New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer #39;s investigators was perusing a stack of subpoenaed documents in a Manhattan office last month when he let out a yelp, slammed down his coffee and sprinted down the corridor.


Nortel Won #39;t File Results by End of Month

Canadian telecom equipment maker Nortel Networks Corp. said Wednesday that it won #39;t be able to file financial restatements to correct accounting irregularities by the end of October, as originally expected.


Newmont Mining 3Q Profit Up on Gold Prices

Newmont Mining Corp. on Wednesday said its third-quarter profit rose on increased gold prices. Quarterly profit rose to \$128.7 million, or 29 cents per share, up from \$114.


New Home Sales Surge, Durable Goods Up

Orders to US factories for big-ticket durable goods edged up 0.2 percent in September while sales of new homes surged to the third highest monthly level on record.


Ryerson Tull to Buy Integris Metals

Metal processor Ryerson Tull Inc. on Wednesday said it agreed to acquire Integris Metals Inc., a joint venture of aluminum producer Alcoa Inc.


At Disney, Ovitzworked And Unditzpaid

NEW YORK - A lot of people say Michael Ovitz was overpaid at Walt Disney Company. These critics dwell on the superficial, noting, for instance, that he worked at the company just 14 months and was paid \$140 million when he quit.


Sirius misses Street #39;s target

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. reported a wider-than-anticipated loss in the third quarter as higher costs related to programming initiatives and customer acquisition offset revenue gains.


Pacific Hydro lures bidders

PACIFIC Hydro shares yesterday caught an updraught that sent them more than 20 per cent higher after the wind farmer moved to flush out a bidder.


Japan automaker hikes FY forecast

TOKYO (CBS.MW) - Japan #39;s third-largest automaker Honda Motor Co. said Wednesday its first-half net profit rose 0.9 percent to 241.


News.com Extra: First blood in the new DVD war

Also: Howard Stern confronts Michael Powell on the air.


Serena Blames Headache for Linz Upset (AP)

AP - Serena Williams blamed a headache for her poor play in a 7-6 (5), 6-3 upset loss to qualifier Alina Jidkova in the second round of the Generali Ladies Open.


Titans First Close-Up

Cassini-Huygens, the joint NASA/ESA/ASI space mission has successfully made a close encounter with Saturns moon, Titan. This was confirmed in the early hours of this morning as the first information and


ITunes coming to Canada in November

TORONTO (CP) -- Canadian music lovers who #39;ve been itching to get into the ITunes online music store will have the chance next month.


Total Lunar Eclipse to Be Visible Over Series, Most of World

At least one thing will happen during 2004 #39;s World Series that #39;s never happened before -- a total lunar eclipse. The moon will begin slipping into the Earth #39;s shadow at about 9:14 pm


MP3 Players At The Right Size And Price

NEW YORK - It #39;s not lack of choice that is the problem when trying to choose a digital music player, it #39;s rather the opposite.


SanDisk doubles capacity of memory cards

SanDisk has announced it is doubling the current maximum capacities of a range of its cards. SanDisk #39;s Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD cards are now available in 4GB, 1GB and 2GB capacities ranging in price from \$199 - \$799.


Cool Batman Photo!

In related news, it was announced yesterday that Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, DC Comics and Electronic Arts will bring a Batman Begins videogame tie-in.


Stocks Up as Oil Drops Sharply

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rebounded on Wednesday  morning after the government reported a bigger-than-expected  rise in crude oil inventories last week, triggering a sharp  slide in oil prices.


IOC urges Beijing to get ready for 2008

Determined to avoid a repeat of the construction delays that threatened the Athens Games, Olympic officials arrived in Beijing on Wednesday.


West Brom look to knight for Premiership rescue

English Premiership strugglers West Bromwich Albion have refused to comment on reports they have approached former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson as a replacement for Gary Megson.


Radcliffe returns

PAULA RADCLIFFE will make her first competitive appearance since failing to complete the marathon and 10,000 metres at the Athens Olympics at next month #39;s New York marathon.


Fans Blame Each Other for New Den Violence

Millwall and Liverpool fans have blamed each other for the violence which marred the Carling Cup third-round tie at The New Den. Lions supporters have denied chants


Fallen student, fan mourned

Victoria  quot;Torie quot; Snelgrove, the college student fatally injured by a pepper-spray projectile during a Red Sox celebration last week, was laid


Comcast Posts Profit, Gains Customers

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Comcast Corp. CMCSA.O, the largest  U.S. cable operator, on Wednesday posted a third quarter profit  on better-than-expected gains in high-speed Internet customers  and raised its full-year outlook for subscriber growth.


Militants Release Video of Japanese Hostage

The country #39;s most feared militant group released a video today showing a frightened young Japanese civilian saying he would be beheaded if Japan did not withdraw its troops from Iraq.


Kashmiris rally on 57th anniversary of Indian invasion

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan-controlled Kashmir - Thousands of people in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir demonstrated Wednesday to mark the black day 57 years ago when India deployed troops in the Himalayan region.


British Military Begins Deployment North Toward Baghdad

Basra, Iraq -- The British military says its troops have begun heading north to Baghdad from their base in southern Iraq. Large flatbed trucks can be seen carrying armored British vehicles up a road through Iraq #39;s southern desert.


Lebanon rejects US criticism of cabinet

Lebanon Wednesday rejected US criticism Syria dictated the make-up of the the new 30-member government of Premier Omar Karami. Information Minister Elie Ferzili said after


Mortgage Applications Fall

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New applications for U.S. home loans  eased last week even though average 30-year mortgage rates  decreased, an industry group said on Wednesday.


Nortel Restatements Delayed to November

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Nortel Networks Corp. NT.TO, one of  the world's largest makers of telecoms equipment, said on  Wednesday it would miss by about two weeks its end of October  deadline to release long-awaited restated financial results.


Dell plays price card with Novell Linux

Company becomes last of the four major server sellers to fully support Novell's SuSE Linux.


EU, Iran Nuclear Talks End, No Immediate Comment

VIENNA (Reuters) - Talks between Iranian negotiators and  French, British and German officials aimed at freezing Tehran's  uranium enrichment program ended Wednesday with no immediate  word of a result.


Japan to Keep Troops in Iraq Despite Hostage-Taking

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's prime minister insisted Wednesday  that Japan would not withdraw its troops from Iraq despite a  threat by a militant group to behead a Japanese hostage unless  Tokyo pulled them out.


Dell to pre-install Suse Linux on servers

Dell Inc. will install Novell Inc.'s Suse Linux operating system on Dell PowerEdge servers as part of a worldwide agreement, the companies announced Wednesday at the LinuxWorld conference in Frankfurt, Germany.


Are Cheaper Flat-Panel TVs On The Way?

IFire aims to displace LCD TVs with its lower-cost display technology.


Experts: Web Searches for Sex Declining (AP)

AP - Internet users are doing far fewer searches for sex and pornography and more for e-commerce and business than they were seven years ago, University of Pittsburgh and Penn State researchers say in a new book.


Berlin Philharmonic to tour Japan for first time with Rattle (AFP)

AFP - The Berlin Philharmonic and British conductor Simon Rattle will set off on a tour of Japan this weekend, the orchestra said.


Apple's Photo Finish (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The Internet rumor mill had it right several weeks ago when whispers circulated that Apple was readying a retooled iPod music player and had entered into a special promotional deal with the mega-famous rock band U2.  Yesterday brought confirmation of both, with most of the media focusing in on the official news that the quirky computer-company-turned-digital-entertainment-pacesetter has given its portable music player the ability to store digital images.


CAE wins contract to sell flight simulator to China Eastern Airlines (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - CAE Inc. has won a  #36;23 million contract to provide China Eastern Airlines with a flight simulator to help train pilots to fly Airbus jets.


Conflicted Evangelicals Could Cost Bush Votes (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - BROOKFIELD, Wis.  #8212; With their ardent, Bible-based opposition to abortion and gay marriage, evangelical Christians are a key target of the massive Republican get-out-the-vote drive heading into next week's election. Party leaders consider conservative Christians to be as near a lock for President Bush as any group can be.


Trick or Trump?

The Donald heads off a bankruptcy with yet another re-capitalization, but the stock remains among the walking dead.


Which Is Worse: A Broken Hip or the Bill?

America is "very concerned" about healthcare in retirement. That's okay with us.


Apple Opens EU iTunes, Unveils iPod Photo\\Apple is still leading the pack in taking a bite out of online music shopping search with the news that they have launched a European iTunes online music store. Shortly before Apple's special music event on Tuesday featuring Bono and The Edge from U2, ...


Turkey aids Syria on border fire

Turkey sends army planes and helicopters to help extinguish a forest fire in neighbouring Syria.


Oil Tumbles 3 Pct as Crude Stocks Build

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell heavily from near record  peaks on Wednesday after a sharp build in U.S. crude oil stocks  spurred traders to take profits from a fierce rally.


UPDATE 1-IMF says talks with Argentina to follow debt swap

The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday it expects to resume formal loan talks with Argentina after completion of the country #39;s debt exchange deal, delayed last week and now scheduled for Jan. 17.


Update 6: Winter Fuel Supply Worries Continue on Data

Concerns about winter fuel supplies were heightened Wednesday after a report showed US inventories of distillate, which includes heating oil, shrank for the sixth straight week.


Mid-East power to grow as oil surges

SOARING global energy demand will leave the West increasingly in thrall to the Middle East, the world #39;s energy watchdog has warned.


Google Buys Digital Mapping Company

Google Inc. said Wednesday that it acquired Keyhole Corp., a Mountain View, Calif.-based company that combines a database of mapping information and images collected from satellites and airplanes with software.


Blockbuster Posts Big Loss, COO Resigns

Blockbuster Inc. (BBI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday posted a quarterly operating profit well below analysts #39; estimates even before \$1.


US durable goods orders weaker than expected

Orders for big-ticket manufactured goods from US factories eked out a tepid gain in September, according to a report Wednesday, offering a mixed view of the nation #39;s recovering economy.


Pacific Hydro Appoints Advisers for Possible Sale (Update2)

Pacific Hydro Ltd., Australia #39;s biggest listed renewable energy company, hired advisers after receiving approaches that may lead to a takeover.


U.S. Official: Lebanese Govt. 'Made in Damascus' (Reuters)

Reuters - Lebanon's new government was "made in\Damascus" in defiance of a U.N. resolution calling for an end\to Syria's interference in Lebanese affairs, a senior U.S.\official was quoted on Wednesday as saying.


NASA feels the need for speed

US space agency NASA unveiled a new computer yesterday that its creators claim is the fastest in the world. Project Columbia, named for the space shuttle that was destroyed early last year, cost \$US50million


SanDisk doubles memory card capacities

SanDisk on Tuesday announced new flash memory cards with higher capacities, designed to fit into consumer gizmos like digital cameras, camcorders and cell phones.


Dell plays price card with Novell Linux

com October 27, 2004, 8:05 AM PT. ZDNet #39;s survey of IT professionals in October kept upgrading hardware at number two on the businesses radar throughout the year.


More Details: Batman Begins

We #39;ve uncovered some additional info on the upcoming Electronic Arts #39; title. Looks like this won #39;t be another Catwoman.


Microsoft details new domain-specific modeling tools

Microsoft has announced a new framework and tool for Visual Studio Team System to support the creation of service-oriented applications for various vertical industries.


Intel polishes first Flash development kit for mobiles

Intel has unveiled its first Flash Software Developer Kit (SDK) for mobiles, promising that the Flash Data Integrator 6.0 (Intel FDI) will help developers boost performance of advanced applications for multimedia smartphones.


Red Sox on verge of World Series title

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Boston Red Sox are one win away from ending The Curse and wiping out 86 years of frustration. After becoming the first team to erase a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven playoff series, the