Pressed into service

The game-by-game story of how this Red Sox-Cardinals World Series matchup plays itself out is going to add a new chapter to Sox history. However, we'll also be keeping an eye on one of the lesser stories that will reflect the big news from the Series.


Rolen finds sweet spot at just the right time

The day after Scott Rolen slugged a two-run home run to help St. Louis beat the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series, he was asked to reflect on his first trip to the World Series. But like many Cardinals, the question prompted him to look back. Way back.


Thanks to Snowe, Maine a clear winner

With the help of Republican Senator Olympia Snowe, Maine emerged a clear winner in the corporate tax relief bill signed by President Bush yesterday.


Wakefield is prepared to take charge

Call it destiny, serendipity, karmic justice, whatever you will. But the planet has come around full circle since last October, when Tim Wakefield was sobbing in the Bronx amid the sad wreckage of yet another autumnal fantasy.


Lexington software firm shuts down

DeNovis Inc. of Lexington shut its doors yesterday, sending all 110 employees home and washing away \$125 million in venture capital and years of effort to overhaul the way medical claims are paid, executives involved in the shutdown said.


Pesky happy to be back

Only yesterday, Johnny Pesky was eating breakfast at his regular spot on the North Shore when someone else reminded him of a moment that has stayed with him for 58 years. The 85-year-old Pesky was getting ready to ride to Fenway Park, where the Red Sox held their final workout before they open the 100th World Series tonight against the ...


Banks plan Series events

New England banks are racing to make the most of their World Series tickets and marketing opportunities during the games. Citizens Financial Group distributed Red Sox tickets to about two dozen employees through a random drawing, while Bank of America Corp. is encouraging its Boston employees to wear Red Sox hats or shirts to work. An internal note asked employees, ...


For Google investors, a taste of '90s

For investors in Google Inc., it's the roaring '90s redux. Shares of the Web search giant leapt 15.43 percent yesterday, on the heels of a 6.33 percent spurt the previous day, even as the broader financial markets continued to retreat. By the time they closed at \$172.43 yesterday, Google shares had more than doubled in value since the company went ...


Bush signs \$136b tax relief bill

President George W. Bush signed a \$136 billion corporate tax relief bill yesterday that could provide substantial savings for some of Massachusetts' biggest manufacturers, life sciences companies, and even some fishermen.


Custom-made-- in China

Custom-designed imported furniture was once an exclusive realm. Now, it's the economical alternative for commercial developers and designers needing everything from seats to beds to desks for their projects.


Harvard facing challenging test

Undefeated Harvard at Princeton, defending Ivy League champion Penn at Yale, and Atlantic 10 North Division leader Northeastern at Maine highlight today's Division 1-AA New England football schedule.


Irish have too much fight

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Boston College's top-ranked hockey team arrived at Notre Dame intent on keeping its perfect record intact, maintaining its top ranking in the polls, and delivering coach Jerry York his 700th career victory.


Gilmore fuels the Jets

In East Boston, there are a few important games, but none can compare to town bragging rights that the East Boston-Savio Prep game brings. Kevin Gilmore, an Eastie native, will be getting more than his fair share of praise at Santarpio's Pizza, after scoring four touchdowns yesterday in the Jets' 48-20 victory over Savio Prep (2-5) in nonleague action.


Cheney in fine form for Foxboro

Foxboro junior Tim Cheney opened last night's Hockomock League heavyweight matchup against North Attleboro at his 2-yard line with a bobble and a stumble. He was fleet-footed the rest of the way, regaining control to take the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and lead Foxboro to a 32-7 romp of the Red Rocketeers.


Studley is too much for Cambridge

Down by 2 points, 77 yards from the end zone, and with only 14 seconds remaining, there was little Cambridge quarterback Matt O'Brien could do to change an inevitable outcome. The Falcons' quarterback managed to complete a pair of deep heaves, but when Peter Manns was tackled at the 12 with zeroes on the clock, the scoreboard read ...


Holliston is pushed by Rogers

Coming into last night's showdown with undefeated Tri-Valley League rival Holliston, the Medfield Warriors had reason to be confident. They had been averaging more than 30 points per game, and they had the league's leading scorer in halfback Bryan Lee.


For Google investors, a taste of  #39;90s

Shares of the Web search giant leapt 15.43 percent yesterday, on the heels of a 6.33 percent spurt the previous day, even as the broader financial markets continued to retreat.


Harmony, South African Gold Producers Hurt by Rand Strength

Harmony Gold Mining Co., the biggest miner of South African gold, may report a fifth consecutive quarterly loss while Gold Fields Ltd.


Indian team arrives at Nagpur

Nagpur: The Indian cricket team barring skipper Saurav Ganguly and batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar arrived in Nagpur on Saturday for the third cricket Test against Australia to be played at VCA stadium from October 26.


China coal mine toll rises to 66

The death toll in Wednesday #39;s gas explosion at Daping coal mine in China #39;s Henan province has risen to 66. A 1,000-member rescue force is still searching for 84 missing miners.


Roadside bomb injures six GIs in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A roadside bomb exploded near an American military patrol in Baghdad Saturday, injuring six soldiers, the US command said.


Aid worker held in Iraq pleads for her life

BAGHDAD -- Trembling, haggard, and weeping into a tissue, Margaret Hassan, the kidnapped British aid worker who has spent nearly half her life delivering food and medicine in Iraq, begged Britain yesterday to help save her by withdrawing its troops, saying these  quot;might be my last hours. quot;


Haiti violence is seen as worsening

WASHINGTON -- Human rights violations and outright atrocities are growing more rampant by the day in Haiti as police, former soldiers, and rebel groups wreak havoc in a violent struggle that local authorities and United Nations peacekeepers appear unable to control, according to US officials, foreign diplomats, and local human rights monitors.


Darfur peacekeeping to get \$125m from EU

BELGIUM BRUSSELS -- Officials said the European Union will provide up to \$125 million to back African peacekeepers in Darfur, as the United Nations warned yesterday that crucial relief convoys are in danger. Gunmen in Darfur are attacking relief convoys, civilians, and African villagers, the UN's World Food Program said in a statement yesterday. ''The security situation in all three ...


Vote in Russia pushes greenhouse gas pact toward ratification

MOSCOW -- Russia's lower house of parliament ratified the Kyoto Protocol on cutting greenhouse gases yesterday, all but assuring that the sweeping environmental pact will take effect after years of delays.


North Korea sets conditions on talks

SEOUL -- North Korea set three conditions yesterday to be met before it would consider returning to six-party talks on its nuclear programs.


Rape Acquittal Criticized in Venezuela (AP)

AP - Prosecutors, lawmakers and rights activists criticized Venezuela's judicial system for the acquittal of a man who had been accused of torturing and repeatedly raping a woman.


US Forces Bomb Iraq's Falluja, Seize Zarqawi Aide

FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. planes bombed targets in  Iraq's rebel-held city of Falluja, killing two people, and the  U.S. military said it had captured a lieutenant of its  deadliest Islamist enemy in Iraq in a raid early on Saturday.


N.Korea Vows to Double Deterrent if No U.S. Change

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea threatened on Saturday to  double the size of its nuclear deterrent if the United States  did not drop what Pyongyang sees as a confrontational policy  aimed at unseating the communist leadership there.


Are You Ready for Election Day?

The Internet's chock-full of information and persuasion to help you solidify your vote.  Here's a quick guide.


FOCUS: AXA #39;s Asia Buyout Failure Won #39;t Change Strategy

PARIS (Dow Jones)--French insurance company AXA SA (AXA) said Monday the collapse of plans to buy out minority shareholders in its Australian business, AXA Asia Pacific


Bush signs \$136b tax relief bill

President George W. Bush signed a \$136 billion corporate tax relief bill yesterday that could provide substantial savings for some of Massachusetts #39; biggest


Japanese bank to control future ticket sales and media rights

(OfficialWire) -- 10/23/04 -- So incensed are fans of Manchester United football club over the prospect of American Malcolm Glazer buying control of  #39;their club #39; that


Hoosiers have opportunity to prolong Buckeyes #39; woes

On Sunday, the day after Ohio State dropped to 0-3 in the Big Ten with a 33-7 loss at Iowa, the Columbus Dispatch ran a single word above its game story on the Buckeyes:  quot;Embarrassing.


Japan, U.S. Agree Resumption of Some Beef Imports (Reuters)

Reuters - Japan and the United States agreed on\Saturday to resume imports of American beef from animals with\birth records up to 20 months, Japan's Foreign Ministry said in\a statement.


Calif. Salutes Global Warming Fighters (AP)

AP - California has become the first state to reward landowners for leaving forests standing to help control global warming, under a program adopted this week by the California Climate Action Registry.


Japan, U.S. Agree Resumption of Some Beef Imports

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan and the United States agreed on  Saturday to resume imports of American beef from animals with  birth records up to 20 months, Japan's Foreign Ministry said in  a statement.


Japan, U.S. to Resume Some Beef Imports


Game appeal for Uruguay's voters

A leftist party in Uruguay is hoping an online game will help it attract young voters.


Passing thoughts on Yankees-Red Sox series

The Red Sox beat the Yankees at Yankee Stadium in a season-deciding game. The Red Sox beat the Yankees at Yankee Stadium in a season-deciding game and it wasn #39;t even close.


Moss possible for Sunday

Randy Moss tested his strained right hamstring on a treadmill Friday and will be on the practice field for a more extensive workout today, but the Vikings #39; all-pro wide receiver remains a game-time decision for Sunday.


BASEBALL: JETS ARE FLYING

THIS weekend sees the  quot;other quot; showdown between New York and New England as the Jets and Patriots clash in a battle of the unbeaten teams.


Coca-cola earnings lose their fizz

COCA-COLA has reported a 24 per cent plunge in third-quarter net income due to weak sales of its soft drinks, juices and bottled waters in Germany, North America and other key markets.


Molik, Sharapova through to Zurich last four

Resurgent Australian Alicia Molik went through to the semi-finals of the Zurich Challenge in Switzerland overnight after a straight sets win against Russia #39;s Nadia Petrova.


Els still has major ambitions after l million pound payday in <b>...</b>

Ernie Els has another 1 million pounds and a World Match Play record all to himself. But he wants more. And top of the South African #39;s agenda for 2005 is to try to win the Masters and US PGA titles.


Head of charity urges release of Iraqi director

Hours after a kidnapped humanitarian aid worker tearfully pleaded for her life in a video released Friday by her captors, the head of CARE International urged the kidnappers to release Margaret Hassan unharmed.


Myanmar Says Constitution Talks to Restart Soon

YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar's military junta has confirmed a  constitution-forming National Convention will restart at the  end of the rainy season in November, despite political turmoil  sparked by the purge of Prime Minister Khin Nyunt.


Signal back at Suffolk

Belmont Park's simulcast signal, absent since Sept. 15, returned to Suffolk Downs Thursday after the track's management, caught in the middle of a dispute between the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative and the New York Racing Association, signed a separate agreement with NYRA.


Marsh CEO on hot seat

Marsh  amp; McLennan CEO Jeff Greenberg may soon be on his way out the door as head of the world #39;s biggest - and most troubled - insurance broker.


Consultant to review United plan; unions drop lawsuit

United Airlines agreed Friday to hire a consulting firm to review its pending business plan, a step sought by two unions in exchange for dropping legal action against the carrier.


Sharapova eclipses Venus

Maria Sharapova posted a convincing 6-3 6-4 victory over seventh seed Venus Williams in their first-ever meeting at the Swisscom Challenge indoor tournament in Zurich.


Arsenal tempers on high after blast from Man Utd boss

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will attempt to keep tempers in check ahead of Sunday #39;s clash with Manchester United. Gunners players are fuming after United boss Sir Alex Ferguson #39;s angry broadside yesterday, claiming


Who were Veerappan #39;s political patrons?:

India News: In normal circumstances, no news media, no matter how low-browed and given to dressing up the most mundane of events with a dash of masala to cater to the vicarious instincts of the public, would have lavished so much coverage on the gory


Why the Democrats are sucking

I just read an article on the Village Voice website that summed up one of the complaints I have had for some time about the Democratic Party: They won't fight.  At the same time, they are trying to convince conservative voters to vote for them instead of the Republicans and are losing votes on the liberal side as a result.   For both of these problems, I blame the Democratic Leadership Council.


Pound Has Weekly Gain; September Retail Sales Unexpectedly Rose

The pound rose for its second week against the dollar on speculation that the currency reflects too much pessimism about the outlook for the economy.


Ferriss has been waiting for this moment

Call it wishful thinking, call it whatever you want, but this is going to be the year the Boston Red Sox win the World Series. And if you are from Mississippi and have any historical bones in your body, you


Playing out the big game

Alabama and Tennessee coaches and players won #39;t be distracted by pesky depositions or sparring attorneys this afternoon, but their nationally televised game will serve as a courtroom of sorts and initiate a discovery process.


Myanmar #39;s military junta has confirmed a constitution-forming National Convention will restart at the end of the rainy season in November, despite political turmoil sparked by the purge of Prime Minister Khin Nyunt.


Vindication will rest in election

In the 18 months since America declared victory in the war against Iraq, the contrast in military styles of the two pillars of the coalition could not be starker.


Earthquake of Magnitude 6.8 Jolts Tokyo (Reuters)

Reuters - A strong earthquake with a magnitude of\6.8 jolted Tokyo and surrounding areas on Saturday, but\officials said there were no immediate reports of damage or\injuries and no tsunami warning was issued.


Loonie vaults over 81 cents to 12-year high on US\$ weakness, high <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - The Canadian dollar topped 81 cents US Friday for the first time since the autumn of 1992 as the price of oil hit new records and the American dollar weakened.


Summary: Argentina Fire Kills 174 People

CLUB INFERNO: A fire sweeps through a popular nightclub in Argentina's capital while the rock band Los Callejeros is playing, killing 174 concert-goers and injuring about 410.


HEWITT IS DUMPED BY PHONE

The Belgian tennis ace, 21, called Hewitt to end their relationship without giving a reason - then posted a statement on her website.


Formula One legislates changes to make racing more competitive

Formula One #39;s governing body imposed sweeping technical changes Friday designed to slash costs and improve the qualify of racing starting next year.


Long-driving Kuehne finally breaks out of 2004 slump

Hank Kuehne knows he is something of a curiosity, a golfer with enormous gifts who can hit the ball jaw-dropping lengths. All of that is fine, and Kuehne


Nintendo apes around

Nintendo makes some noise with two new titles in the run-up to Christmas, says the BBC's Daniel Etherington.


Race on to rush relief to Philippine flood victims

GENERAL NAKAR - Philippine soldiers yesterday rushed food, drinking water and other supplies by foot and helicopter to provinces cut off by four storms in two weeks which have left more than 1300 people dead or missing.


Cricket: Tendulkar fit for Test

Indian batting star Sachin Tendulkar is passed fit for the third Test against Australia in Nagpur.


No Harry apology to photographer

Prince Charles' spokesman says Prince Harry will not apologise to a photographer he scuffled with.


Is That a Pilot in Your Pocket?

Researchers coax cells in a petri dish into learning to guide a plane. The project should lead to a better understanding of how the brain works. By Lakshmi Sandhana.


November Harvest for CherryOS

The CherryOS Mac emulator will be released late next month, the developer promises. And the pre-release version in circulation? It's not the real thing, he says. By Leander Kahney.


UK ; Ex-lover seeks input into Blunkett visa abuse probe: report

UK News, LONDON - The former lover of British interior minister David Blunkett wants to testify before an inquiry into allegations he fast-tracked a visa application for her Filipina nanny, a London newspaper reported Sunday.


Robots Generate Some Buzz

Swarm robots, car robots, team robots -- you name it, you can find it at the RoboNexus convention. Daniel Terdiman reports from Santa Clara, California.


U.N. Clone Treaty Still on Ice

Despite a U.S. push to put in place a worldwide ban on human embryo cloning, the proposed pact remains in limbo after three years. The sticking point? Therapeutic cloning.


Boxer charged with killing sportswriter

A boxer who fights under the nickname  quot;The Harlem Hammer quot; pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges that he used a hammer to murder a freelance sportswriter and then torched his Hollywood apartment.


Iraq bomb blast kills nine

Nine people have been killed in a car bomb blast at a US-Iraqi base in western Iraq, hospital officials in the nearby city of Haditha say.


N.Korea Vows to Double Deterrent if U.S. Won't Change

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea threatened on Saturday to  double the size of its nuclear deterrent if the United States  did not drop what Pyongyang sees as a confrontational policy  aimed at unseating the communist leadership.


Earthquake of Magnitude 6.8 Jolts Tokyo

TOKYO (Reuters) - A strong earthquake with a magnitude of  6.8 jolted Tokyo and surrounding areas on Saturday, but there  were no immediate reports of damage or injuries and no tsunami  warning was issued.


Myers Denies Doubts on Afghan War Plans

Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers objected Friday to a characterization that he second-guessed or doubted war plans drawn up by Gen. Tommy R. Franks, then chief of the U.S. Central Command, six days before the United States launched the war in Afghanistan against al Qaeda and the Taliban.


Rape Acquittal Criticized in Venezuela

Prosecutors, lawmakers and rights activists criticized Venezuela's judicial system for the acquittal of a man who had been accused of torturing and repeatedly raping a woman.


Stadiums go high tech

Here #39;s another baseball stat to go with your morning coffee and news that the St. Louis Cardinals have defeated the Houston Astros to advance to the World Series: In October, 613 fans logged onto the Astros


Vulnerability hits Java for cell phones

com October 22, 2004, 5:05 PM PT. Cyber threats, chiefly viruses like NetSky and Sasser, make security an ongoing concern as it holds steady over software infrastructure as the third top priority.


Pujols makes Cards a major threat

It was not a pitch Roger Clemens regretted. Inner half of the plate, a little up and 94 mph. The Rocket is going to Cooperstown on such pitches.


Ferguson confident Utd can keep their cool

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says he is confident his players have enough self-control to avoid any trouble in Sunday #39;s showdown at Old Trafford against Arsenal.


Strong earthquake jolts Tokyo

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 has jolted Tokyo and surrounding areas, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries and no tsunami warning was issued.


Strong Quake, Aftershocks Hit Northern Japan

TOKYO (Reuters) - A strong earthquake with a preliminary  magnitude of 6.8 and two big aftershocks hit northern Japan on  Saturday, derailing a train, triggering at least one landslide  and causing widespread power outages, media reported.


Icelandair buys small part of easyJet

Icelandair has bought a small stake of 8.4 in easyJet. Hannes Smarason, chairman of Icelandair announced last week that his company would expand.


Executives of US-based miner Newmont to be freed in Indonesia <b>...</b>

JAKARTA : Five executives of US-based mining firm Newmont who have been detained for a month as suspects in a pollution case will be released from custody, their lawyer said.


Gov't shells out billions on outside consultants (AFP)

AFP - The government spent 1.75 billion pounds last year to hire outside consultants, some of who were paid roughly 10 times that of a civil servant doing same job.


Lanka set Pak historic target of 418 to win

Faisalabad: Pakistan needs to equal a world record chase of 418 to beat Sri Lanka after the tourists made 438 in their second innings on the fourth day of the first cricket Test at Iqbal stadium on Saturday.


Ross out, and strip club manager says tailback passed stolen bills

Ohio State senior tailback Lydell Ross will not play for the Buckeyes today in their homecoming game versus Indiana. Coach Jim Tressel would not comment Friday on Ross #39; suspension.


Palestinian  #39;collaborator #39; killed: Hamas

A Palestinian accused of collaborating with Israel over the assassination of Hamas #39; spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in March was killed today, the armed wing of the militant Islamist group said.


Death toll in China mine blast reaches 77

The death toll from a devastating coal mine gas explosion in central China #39;s Henan province has risen to 77. Efforts are continuing to recover 71 others still listed as officially missing, although officials


Hamas Gunmen Kill Alleged Collaborator in Gaza

GAZA (Reuters) - Hamas gunmen on Saturday killed a young  Palestinian they accused of helping Israel assassinate Hamas  leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and other militants, calling it a  warning to others not to collaborate with Israel.


Leaders #39; reactions mixed on possible Legoland sale

City officials and business leaders reacted differently yesterday to news of a possible sale of Legoland California, this community #39;s largest tourist draw.


Ferguson and Wenger  #39;are friends #39;

Chelsea #39;s Jose Mourinho insists rival managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are good friends despite their bitter Premiership rivalry.


S Korean gymnast accepts ruling

South Korea #39;s Yang Tae-young accepted an international sport court #39;s ruling on Thursday that rejected his appeal for a gymnastics gold medal at the Athens Olympics.


Mid-East  #39;drifting towards chaos #39;

A senior UN official has warned that no solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be found without international involvement.


No apology from Prince Harry

PRINCE Harry will not apologise to a paparazzi photographer with whom he scuffled outside a London nightclub, a royal spokesman said today.


EU #39;s Barroso not to reshuffle team

Incoming EU Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso says he will not replace EU nominee Rocco Buttiglione as justice chief in a controversy over his views on homosexuality and marriage, an EU lawmaker says.


Commonwealth chief says parliament, courts should solve Musharraf <b>...</b>

ISLAMABAD : Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon emerged from a meeting with Pervez Musharraf saying Pakistan #39;s parliament and judiciary should solve a row over the president #39;s efforts to remain army chief.


Hamas Gunmen Kill Alleged Collaborator in Gaza (Reuters)

Reuters - Hamas gunmen on Saturday killed a young\Palestinian they accused of helping Israel assassinate Hamas\leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and other militants, calling it a\warning to others not to collaborate with Israel.


PG amp;E ready to pay

More than three years after PG amp;E Corp. stopped paying dividends during California #39;s electricity crisis, company executives said Friday that they plan to give stockholders quarterly payments of 30 cents per share next spring.


Flautre: Referendum Proposal is a Shame

Helene Flautre, a French citizen and Chairwoman of the European Parliament (EP) #39;s Subcommittee on Human Rights said that France #39;s proposed referendum on Turkey #39;s membership to the European Union (EU) is a shame.


Captain Kirk signs up for real life space travel

He thrilled us with his on screen adventures as the Captain of the space ship USS Enterprise for decades, and now William Shatner has signed up for real life space travel, he has committed a whopping 200,000 dollars to business tycoon Richard Branson, to


Pole could boost Newman #39;s Chase chances

With only three of the Chase for the Championship contenders among the top 10 starters for Subway 500, Ryan Newman figures Sunday #39;s race at the Martinsville Speedway may be his last chance to make a run at the title.


Smart Ones Smart America: Frenchman wins despite errors

That would imply that any of the men in the Smart Ones Smart America competition last night were left standing, and they were not.


Middle East Conflict Killed 219 last Month

The United Nations #39; Undersecretary for political affairs, Kiernan Prendergast, said that within the last month, operations by the Israeli army and attacks by Palestinians resulted in the deaths of 219 people.


Strong quake rocks Tokyo and surrounding areas (AFP)

AFP - A strong earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale and a series of aftershocks hit Japan's capital Tokyo and its surrounding areas, the Meteorological Agency said.


Kite goes everywhere, but stays at the top

Friday #39;s lesson of the day at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship: When in doubt, fight back. If still in doubt, fight back some more.


Reuters Poll: Bush Holds Two-Point Lead Over Kerry (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush holds a slim\two-point lead over Democratic rival John Kerry for the second\consecutive day in a tight race for the White House, according\to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Saturday.


Strong Quake, Aftershocks Hit Japan; 1 Dead

TOKYO (Reuters) - An earthquake with a preliminary  magnitude of 6.8 and a series of big aftershocks rocked  northern Japan on Saturday, killing at least one person and  injuring dozens while triggering landslides and knocking out  power.


Notebook: Belbin, Agosto retain No. 1 standing

The US ice dancing team of Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, Skate America defending champions, retained their No. 1 overall standing following the original dance competition last night.


Arrests at English Soccer Matches Fell 10 Per Cent Last Season

The number of arrests at English soccer matches last season dropped 10 percent, highlighting the success of action to tackle football hooliganism, #39; #39; the UK government #39;s Home Office said in a statement.


Boston Hopes to Make Believers Out of Skeptics

BOSTON (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox created history, now  they will try to make believers out of skeptics as baseball's  perennial also-rans take on the St. Louis Cardinals in a bid to  earn their first World Series title since 1918.


Stocks Seen Stymied by Oil, Earns

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Record crude oil prices, a tidal wave  of quarterly earnings reports and anxiety ahead of the U.S.  presidential election may pin U.S. stocks down next week.


Wall Street Fears an Undecided Election

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The doubts, the uncertainty, the  mud-slinging that have kept investors indecisive all year are  set to end one week from Tuesday when U.S. voters go to the  polls.


Finance: It's Almost January, Already

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Here's a mnemonic device for the  season: When you think about carving your pumpkins, get ready  to pare your taxes.


'City of Looms' Fears for Its Future

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Reuters) - After a more than a century of  churning out towels, sheets and bedspreads for American homes,  there's no future for textiles in this self-proclaimed "city of  looms," and many other North Carolina towns fear the same fate.


Part-Time Soldiers, Injured but Not Yet Home

Under a web of Army rules, thousands of part-time soldiers injured on duty in Iraq and elsewhere are navigating a system suited to full-timers.


Blinding Flashes

Years after exposure to space radiation, many astronauts' vision becomes clouded by cataracts. Understanding why may shed light on cataracts suffered by elderly people.


Bones will not break

IN many respects Sean Bones is an unremarkable man. He #39;s 44, unmarried, lives in the Gorse Hill area of Stretford and earns his living as a semi-skilled assembler in the factory of a company which manufactures gas metres.


EU to finance over half of African mission in Darfur

The European Union will finance over half of the cost of the African Union #39;s (AU) ceasefire monitoring and civilian protection force in Sudan #39;s troubled region of Darfur, EU foreign affairs chief Javier Solana said on Saturday.


Lay-off will not affect Tendulkar #39;s performance: Ganguly :

Kolkata, Oct 20 : Hoping to avail of batting genius Sachin Tendulkar #39;s services in the third Test against Australia at Nagpur from next week, Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly today expressed the confidence that the three-month lay-off would not have any


Burma says constitution talks to restart soon

Burma #39;s military junta has confirmed a National Convention to form a constitution will restart at the end of the rainy season in November, despite the turmoil caused by the purge of Prime Minister Khin Nyunt.


Powell Looks to Reassure North Korea, Push to Resume Nuclear Talks

US Secretary of State Colin Powell is beginning his four-day trip to East Asia Saturday with a visit to Japan. In the coming days, Mr.


Stocks Seen Stymied by Oil, Earns (Reuters)

Reuters - Record crude oil prices, a tidal wave\of quarterly earnings reports and anxiety ahead of the U.S.\presidential election may pin U.S. stocks down next week.


Wall Street Fears an Undecided Election (Reuters)

Reuters - The doubts, the uncertainty, the\mud-slinging that have kept investors indecisive all year are\set to end one week from Tuesday when U.S. voters go to the\polls.


Livewire: Futures Markets Allow President Race Wagers (Reuters)

Reuters - As if the U.S. presidential contest\wasn't enough like a horse race, Web users all over the world\can now bet on the outcome through online futures exchanges\that treat politics like corn, cocoa or other commodities.


PluggedIn: Wireless Companies Chat Up Teens, Young Adults (Reuters)

Reuters - The wireless industry, not content\with getting corporate executives addicted to e-mail on the go,\is setting its sights on the instant messaging generation.


NEC launches worlds fastest supercomputer

TOKYO, Japan -- Japanese electronics giant NEC Corp., said it has begun selling the worlds fastest supercomputer. NEC claimed its SX-8 is the most powerful vector-type supercomputer, with a sustainable


Inventories Down for Intel in Q3

Chip bellwether Intel Corp. saw revenues and net income go higher sequentially and year over year for Q3 amid questions about the industry #39;s health as it heads towards what many believe is the down part of the cycle.


Broadhurst homes in on title win after difficult few years

A MONTH after becoming a father for the fourth time Paul Broadhurst is hoping to have something else to celebrate tomorrow night - his first European Tour victory since 1995.


Baird leads Lehman by 1 as Singh fades at Disney

Tom Lehman, winless for almost five years, kept himself in weekend contention with a 6-under 66 Friday on the Magnolia course at the Funai Classic at Disney in Lake Buena Vista, Calif.


Harry won #39;t say sorry for paparazzi scuffle

London - Prince Harry will not make a public apology for his scuffle with a photographer outside a London nightclub, his spokesperson said on Saturday.


Militant group threatens to avenge Indian bandit Veerappans <b>...</b>

NEW DELHI - A little-known militant group threatened to avenge the killing of Indias most dreaded bandit with a series of bomb blasts in southern India, New Delhi Television said Saturday.


Several Hurt in Afghan Capital Blast-Witnesses

KABUL (Reuters) - Several people were wounded on Saturday  when a bomb went off in a crowded part of the Afghan capital,  witnesses said.


PluggedIn: Wireless Companies Chat Up Teens, Young Adults

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The wireless industry, not content  with getting corporate executives addicted to e-mail on the go,  is setting its sights on the instant messaging generation.


Captive asks Blair to please help me' (Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune - Appearing on video haggard and terrified, the kidnapped director of CARE International's Iraq operations made a desperate plea for her life Friday, urging British Prime Minister Tony Blair to withdraw troops from Iraq so she could win freedom from her captors.


Westerners Attacked With Grenade in Kabul (AP)

AP - A suicide attacker detonated grenades on a commercial street in downtown Kabul on Saturday, killing himself and wounding six other people, including two foreign peacekeepers, police said.


Japan, U.S. to Resume Some Beef Imports

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan and the United States agreed on  Saturday to resume imports of some American beef, halted since  December after a case of mad cow disease in Washington state,  but did not set a date for restarting trade.


UPDATE 2-Marshall lifts Kiwis to emotional win

Hamish Marshall scored an unbeaten 50 to lead New Zealand to an emotional four-wicket win over Australia with two balls to spare in the first match of the inaugural Chappell-Hadlee one-day series on Sunday.


U.S. Rejects N.Korea Conditions for Nuclear Talks (Reuters)

Reuters - The United States rejected North Korea's\conditions for a resumption of six-party talks on scrapping its\nuclear programs, a response to Pyongyang's latest demands that\left the two nations in a stalemate.


Scholar disputes claim in hacking attack

A visiting scholar whose computer has been linked to a hacker attack at the University of California, Berkeley, released a statement late Friday saying she believed her equipment


Hamas executes Israel collaborator

The Palestinian militant group Hamas said Saturday it executed a Palestinian accused of collaborating with Israel. A statement said al-Qassam Brigades executed Hassan Musallam


Pilkadaris Takes Shanghai Open Lead (AP)

AP - Terry Pilkadaris of Australia shot an even par 72 Saturday to take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the inaugural Shanghai Open.


Saboteurs Bomb Iraqi Pipelines to Baghdad

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Saboteurs have bombed two oil pipelines  transporting crude from north and eastern Iraq to Baghdad's  Dora refinery, oil security officials said on Saturday.


EU to Give  #36;100 Mln for AU Force in Darfur-Solana (Reuters)

Reuters - EU foreign policy chief Javier\Solana said on Saturday the European Union and its member\states would contribute more than  #36;100 million to an African\Union (AU) force in Sudan's troubled Darfur region.


Prince Harry won't say sorry for paparazzi scuffle (AFP)

AFP - Prince Harry will not make a public apology for his scuffle with a photographer outside a London nightclub, his spokesman said.


Wal-Mart Keeps Same-Store Sales Outlook (Reuters)

Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the\world's largest retailer, said on Saturday that it still sees a\2 to 4 percent increase in October sales at its stores open at\least a year.


Young Finn sweeps defending champ in final

SAINT-DENIS, France -- Heikki Kovalainen of Finland beat world rally champion Sebastien Loeb of France to win the Race of Champions on Saturday.


Crew Prepares to Leave Space Station (AP)

AP - A U.S.-Russian crew prepared Saturday to bid goodbye to the International Space Station and hurtle back to Earth inside a Russian Soyuz space capsule, ending a six-month mission in space.


Suicide bomber hits Kabul street

At least six people including two peacekeepers are hurt in a blast in a popular Kabul shopping area.


Mortgage rates take a tumble

Long-term mortgage rates tumbled to six-month lows this week amid concerns the economic expansion may be losing steam. Defying expectations earlier this year that it would now hover around 6.5 percent, the


Weapon is stadium-sized microscope

A Calgary doctor aiming to find a way to eliminate the superbug C. difficile now has a new  quot;stadium-size microscope quot; to use as a research weapon.


Space station crew prepares for return home

ARKALYK, Kazakhstan A US-Russian space crew is preparing to leave the International Space Station and return to Earth, ending a six-month mission.


Rolen finds sweet spot at just the right time

The day after Scott Rolen slugged a two-run home run to help St. Louis beat the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series, he was asked


Sachin to play in Nagpur Test:

Sports India, Cricket: Mumbai, Oct 23 : Sachin Tendulkar is to play in the third cricket Test against Australia in Nagpur commencing Tuesday.


Japan Importing US Beef Again

10/23/04- Japan will soon import US beef again. This follows a tentative agreement between America and Japan to end a 10-month ban after concerns of Mad Cow Disease.


OMAM weighing Gold Fields, Harmony options

South Africa #39;s Old Mutual Asset Managers (OMAM) is still weighing its options regarding the bid by Harmony Gold (HAR) for Gold Fields (GFI), OMAM resources fund manager Patrice Rassou said.


Edfors Ekes Out Precious Lead

Swedens Johan Edfors and South Africas Darren Fichardt both went to the turn in 32 today to take over the lead in the Madrid Open.


Spurs legend Nicholson dies at 84

Tottenham #39;s legendary former manager Bill Nicholson, who inspired the London side to a famous league and cup double in 1961 has died at the age of 84, the club announced on its official website.


Suicide Bomber Dies, Wounds Seven in Kabul Attack

A suicide bomber killed himself and wounded at least seven others including three members of the NATO-led peacekeeping force in an attack on a busy shopping street in central Kabul Saturday.


Wal-Mart Keeps Same-Store Sales Outlook

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N, the  world's largest retailer, said on Saturday it still sees a 2 to  4 percent increase in October sales at its stores open at least  a year.


Former Tottenham Coach Bill Nicholson Dies (AP)

AP - Bill Nicholson, who coached Tottenham in its glory days of the 1960s and 1970s, died Saturday after a long illness. He was 85. Nicholson's death at a hospital in Hertfordshire, outside London, was announced on Tottenham's Web site on behalf of his family.


American Airlines to lay off 1,100 pilots and ground staff

FORT WORTH, United States : World number one American Airlines has announced plans to lay off as many as 1,100 pilots, mechanics and other ground staff in coming months, with more cuts in the future as it struggles to pare costs amid falling revenue.


NASA Confirms Relativity Theory

In 1918, Albert Einstein proposed that large objects bend the space around themselves while turning on their axis. In 2004, NASA scientists confirmed that the Earth bends the time and space around it while


William Shatner Wants To Do Real Space Flight

quot;Star Trek quot; star William Shatner, the former Captain of the USS Enterprise is willing to pay US\$210,000 for a seat on one of Virgin Group #39;s first proposed commercial space flights.


Lycos calls off tactics to stop spam

New York - The Web portal Lycos Europe on Friday terminated a spam-fighting campaign that had been criticized as a breach of Internet civility.


Sharapova on Course for Third Title with Dementieva Win

ZURICH (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova  remained on course for a third successive WTA title by beating  fellow Russian Elena Dementieva 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the  semi-finals of the Zurich Challenge on Saturday.


Bush cuts our taxes to create new jobs

WASHINGTON - With no fanfare, President Bush on Friday signed into law the most sweeping corporate tax law in nearly two decades and the fifth major tax cut since he took office less than four years ago.


Indonesia frees mining officials in pollution case

Five officials of a unit of US-based gold miner Newmont Mining Corp accused of dumping toxic waste in Indonesia are to be released from jail after being held for more than a month.


Yahoo buys email search co

Revenues were \$907 million for the third quarter of 2004, a 154 increase compared to \$357 million for the same period of 2003, it says.


Man Utd v Arsenal

Rio Ferdinand has called on his Manchester United team-mates to silence the critics who claim their era of dominance is over. United head into the eagerly-awaited Premiership showdown with Arsenal at Old Trafford


Michael Schumacher Crashes in Sao Paulo

German Michael Schumacher of Ferrari is seen at the Interlagos race track in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano).


Smith gets his shot for Buckeyes

COLUMBUS -- Troy Smith predicted earlier this season something severe would happen and he #39;d finally get his shot to quarterback the Ohio State Buckeyes.


Suicide Bombers Kill 14 Iraqis in Surge of Violence

Suicide bombers killed 14 members of Iraq #39;s fledgling security forces near a US marine base west of Baghdad and at a checkpoint to the north on Saturday amid a spate of insurgent attacks across the country.


Powell Spurns North Korea Demand on Talks (AP)

AP - Secretary of State Colin Powell on Saturday rejected demands by North Korea of a U.S. "reward" before the communist country would agree to resume multinational talks about its nuclear weapons programs.


Iceman's discoverer dead in Alps

The German man who found the remains of a 5,300-year-old frozen mummy in 1991 is found dead in the Alps.


Bryant Scores 25 in Lakers' Win Over Clips (AP)

AP - Kobe Bryant scored 25 points and the Los Angeles Lakers got major contributions from their ever-improving reserves Friday night, beating the Clippers 113-102 in a preseason game. Corey Maggette scored 23 points for the Clippers, whose subs were outscored 63-41 by their counterparts.


Smith Inactive for Arizona Vs. Lions (AP)

AP - NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith was inactive with a toe injury for the Arizona Cardinals' game at the Detroit Lions on Sunday.


Fed #39;s Bies Says US Growth Solid, #39; Oil Not Fanning Inflation

The Federal Reserve can raise interest raise at a measured pace because US economic growth is solid #39; #39; and rising energy costs haven #39;t yet sparked concern about a broader acceleration of inflation, Fed Governor Susan Bies said.


Series start keeps Suppan satisfied

Former Red Sox stats, schedule pitcher Jeff Suppan, who Thursday night outdueled Roger Clemens in Game 7 of the NLCS, was thrilled to be getting another chance to pitch at Fenway, especially with all the marbles on the line.


At least eight dead from car bomb explosion near US base close to

At least eight people are dead from a car bomb that exploded outside the gates of a US base in western Iraq. US military and hospital officials say around 48 people were injured near Ramadi


No Apology from UK Prince After Nightclub Scuffle

Britain #39;s Prince Harry, struggling to shed a growing  quot;wild child quot; image, won #39;t apologize to a photographer he scuffled with outside an exclusive London nightclub, a royal spokesman said on Saturday.


Ontario gives cities \$156 million from gas tax this year for <b>...</b>

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (CP) - More than 100 Ontario towns and cities will share in \$156 million in revenue from the provincial gasoline tax this year, Premier Dalton McGuinty confirmed Friday.


Hewitt distraught at split

LLEYTON Hewitt has told friends of his heartbreak and shock when fiancee Kim Clijsters dumped him. Clijsters, 21, phoned Hewitt on Thursday night to end their


Wenger set for big game

Arsene Wenger knows when to mock his own seriousness. Asked on Friday how he was celebrating his 55th birthday, the Arsenal manager replied that he would be watching football tapes.


Triumphant Russians Sweep Kremlin Cup

The narrative of homegrown athletes triumphing over foreign opponents resonates with Russian sports fans, reaffirming their conviction that their country #39;s athletes are no worse, and


Suicide Bomber Strikes Afghan Capital

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Police in Afghanistan said a suicide attacker exploded grenades on a commercial street in the Afghan capital, killing himself and wounding six others.


#39;Prince Harry will not apologize over nightclub fracas #39;

: Prince Harry will not apologize to a paparazzi photographer with whom he scuffled outside a London nightclub, a royal spokesman said today.


Wal-Mart Keeps Same-Store Sales Outlook

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest retailer, said on Saturday it still sees a 2 to 4 percent increase in October sales at its stores open at least a year.


Norilsk support for Harmony not that irrevocable

Johannesburg - Norilsk Nickel included escape clauses in its pact to support Harmony #39;s takeover bid for Gold Fields, according to the agreement.


Yahoo! acquires e-mail start-up

Yahoo! may be one step closer to challenging Google in searchable web-based e-mail. It has purchased the start-up behind the powerful e-mail application Bloomba.


Shatner Wants to Boldly Go on Space Flight

Actor William Shatner is shown in this undated publicity photo. (AP Photo/www.williamshatner.com). LONDON Oct 22, 2004 -  quot;Star Trek quot; star William Shatner and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Dave Navarro are


Researcher says hacked data stored properly

A Connecticut researcher on leave at UC Berkeley said Friday she tried to follow all the rules when she stored a confidential database on a campus computer system that was broken into by a hacker.


Ancient Greek burial ground uncovered

Athens, Greece - Archaeologists have discovered ancient graves during excavations near Ancient Olympia, the hallowed site where the Olympic Games were born in 776 BC, the Culture Ministry said on Thursday.


Wenger to send out team of  #39;gladiators #39; against United

LONDON COLNEY: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will send out a team of  quot;gladiators quot; to face Manchester United in Monday #39;s crunch Premier League game at Old Trafford.


Behind in Chase, Newman up front

MARTINSVILLE, Va.  Ryan Newman on Friday put himself in position to make up ground in NASCAR #39;s Chase for the Championship by winning the pole for Sunday #39;s Subway 500.


Paerson wins giant slalom, Kelly 11th

SOELDEN, Austria (Ticker) - Sweden #39;s Anja Paerson began the season in the same dominating fashion she ended last season - winning the season-opening giant slalom for the first time in six appearances.


EU to finance over half of African mission in Darfur

The European Union will finance over half of the cost of the African Union #39;s (AU) cease fire monitoring and civilian protection force in Sudan #39;s troubled region of Darfur, EU foreign affairs chief Javier Solana said on today.


Kerry causing unrest in Haiti

As a former longtime resident of the Bellville area, I want to enlighten you on what Sen. John Kerry #39;s leadership can cause. I have been living in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, for eight years with my family.


IBM offers low-cost blade chassis, bundles for SMBs

IBM Corp has announced that it will launch a new low-budget version of its BladeCenter chassis for blade servers in an effort to make the blade machines more appealing to budget conscious customers in the small- and mid-sized market.


Half-mile hot spot at halfway  hang on!

MARTINSVILLE - Halfway into the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup, the competition comes to a half-mile track where intensity -nd history  - inherent.


Tendulkar can use his normal bat: Dr Joshi

Kolkata: Sachin Tendulkar, who has been declared fit to play the third Test against Australia at Nagpur, can play with his normal heavy bat, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) doctor Anant Joshi said on Saturday.


GM Europe May Create New Company, Move HQ

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - General Motors may bundle its  European operations in a new company based in Brussels in a  move to cut costs and simplify management structures, a German  newspaper reported on Saturday.


Younger Brother of TV Personality Allegedly Killed by Boxer

LOS ANGELES (Sports Network) - James "the Harlem Hammer"  Butler pleaded not guilty Friday to the murder of freelance  sportswriter Sam Kellerman, the younger brother of Fox Sports  Net's television host Max Kellerman.


New Somali President Asks for 20,000 AU Peacekeepers

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Somalia's newly elected president,  Abdullahi Yusuf, has asked the African Union to send 20,000  peacekeepers to disarm militias controlling his lawless Horn of  Africa country, an AU spokesman said on Saturday.


Newmont to Sue Police Over Detentions

Laksamana.Net - Gold mining firm Newmont Minahasa Raya (NMR) is planning to sue the National Police for detaining five of its executives on pollution allegations, claiming the detentions are unlawful.


Burial Site Found Near Ancient Olympia

ATHENS, Greece - Archeologists have discovered ancient graves near Ancient Olympia, the hallowed site where the Olympic games were born in 776 BC, the Culture Ministry said Thursday.


Cardinals ready for own party

THANKS to the widening obsession with  quot;the curse of the Bambino quot; that supposedly has prevented the star-crossed Boston Red Sox from winning the World Series since 1918, the St Louis Cardinals were cast in the role of party poopers as the teams prepared to


Rubens sets Brazil abuzz

RUBENS Barrichello delighted his home crowd as he led a Ferrari one-two in the second practice session for the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix.


Sachin saviour

After two months of treatment, headlines, anxiety and frenzied speculation, Sachin Tendulkar was cleared finally to return to Test cricket yesterday.


GM Europe May Create New Company, Move HQ (Reuters)

Reuters - General Motors may bundle its\European operations in a new company based in Brussels in a\move to cut costs and simplify management structures, a German\newspaper reported on Saturday.


Get Your Cheese While It's Hot

Refrigeration rules clash with old ways, and fresh mozzarella is at risk.


Suicide Attack in Kabul; Vote Counting Nears End

KABUL (Reuters) - A Taliban suicide fighter killed himself  and wounded at least seven others, including three members of a  NATO-led peacekeeping force, in a grenade attack on a busy  shopping street in central Kabul on Saturday.


Tracy tips frantic start

CANADIAN Paul Tracy grabbed pole at the Gold Coast Indy Champ Car meeting yesterday and predicted today #39;s race would be won in the sprint to the first corner.


Woolmer:  #39;We need to bat like Jayasuriya #39;

Bob Woolmer has already worked some minor miracles in his short stint as Pakistan #39;s coach, but he is well aware that something special will be required on the final day at Faisalabad, if Pakistan are to avoid slumping to defeat against Sri Lanka


Margaret Hassan #39;s husband appeals for her release

BAGHDAD, Iraq The husband of a kidnapped relief worker in Iraq is appealing for her release  quot;in the name of Islam. quot;. Tahseen Ali Hassan told Al-Arabiya television that  quot;it hurts quot; to see his wife cry.


ENEL: SINISCALCO, SHAREHOLDERS WERE OUR PRIORITY

(AGI) - Rome, Oct 23rd - Finance Minister Domenico Siniscalco has expressed satisfaction with the successful placement of the third part of Enel shares, the so-called  #39;Enel 3 operation #39;.


Sharapova on Track for Third Successive Title

ZURICH (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova kept  on course for a third successive WTA title on Saturday, beating  fellow Russian Elena Dementieva in the semi-finals of the  Zurich Challenge.


Ukrainians Rally in Support of Yushchenko (AP)

AP - Tens of thousands of people supporting opposition presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko rallied in Ukraine's capital Saturday demanding that next week's presidential election be free and fair.


Excited Boston Ready to 'Play Ball'

BOSTON (Reuters) - Boston was tingling with anticipation on  Saturday as the Red Sox prepared to host Game One of the World  Series against the St. Louis Cardinals and take a step toward  ridding themselves of a hex that has hung over the team for  eight decades.


Hewitt flies to Paris amid reports he #39;s devastated by split with <b>...</b>

Former No. 1 tennis player Lleyton Hewitt has been left  quot;angry, embarrassed and devastated quot; after his split with fiancee Kim Clijsters of Belgium, the Sydney-based Sunday Telegraph has reported.


Rev It Up: Martinsville

This weekend the Nextel Cup heads into the second half of the Chase with a trip to Martinsville, the final short track on the schedule.


Mass. Lawmakers Tout Kerry in 6 States (AP)

AP - When the busload of campaign volunteers left Arlington, Mass., on Saturday to knock on doors in neighboring New Hampshire, Rep. Ed Markey was on it.


Schwarzenegger Opens Stop on 'Hydrogen Highway' (Reuters)

Reuters - California Gov. Arnold\Schwarzenegger dedicated a pioneering hydrogen fueling station\on Friday, calling it the first stop in a "hydrogen highway"\that would someday stretch across the nation's most populous\state as drivers switch to the cleaner-burning fuel.


Public TV zapper hot product

SAN JOSE, CALIF. - A keychain device that enables people to turn off TVs just about anywhere is flying off the shelves, its inventor says.


Safin Overpowers Agassi to Reach Madrid Final

MADRID (Reuters) - Marat Safin defeated Andre Agassi 6-3,  7-6 on Saturday to book a place in the Madrid Masters final  against Argentina's David Nalbandian.


Early ballots flood in across US

Millions in the US have already cast their ballots under early vote programmes that could attract one in five.


New hunt for Pakistan militants

Pakistani troops in Waziristan begin a new search for Islamic militants, among them a former US detainee.


Purdue Tries to End Skid Against Michigan (AP)

AP - Michigan's defensive backs have bullied and beaten Purdue's receivers in three straight wins over the Boilermakers. The Boilermakers know that streak will continue Saturday if their high-powered offense struggles again.


Yahoo buys e-mail search company

Yahoo Inc., one of the largest online based companies said, it has bought out privately held e-mail search firm - Stata Labs. This is Yahoo #39;s move to compete against Microsoft and Google with their e-mail search functionalities.


Surfers Paradise: Shootout

Pirtek Racing #39;s Marcos Ambrose won a fiery first race of the Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge at this year #39;s Lexmark Indy 300, clashing heavily with Kmart Racing #39;s young gun Rick Kelly both during and after the race on the Gold Coast today.


Suicide bombers kill 20 Iraqis

Suicide bombers have killed 20 members of Iraq #39;s fledgling security forces near a US marine base west of Baghdad and at a checkpoint to the north amid a spate of insurgent attacks across the country.


US-Russia Space Crew Set for Return to Earth

A Russian Soyuz capsule carrying a US astronaut and two cosmonauts is set to return to Earth on Sunday, landing in darkness by parachute in the barren steppe of northern Kazakhstan.


NEC Shoots to Regain Supercomputer Title

Less than a month after IBM claimed the world #39;s fastest computer crown from NEC, the Japanese company announced it is trying to win it back with a new supercomputer that will be available at the end of the year.


Nalbandian moves into second final of the season

Fourth seed David Nalbandian tamed the big-serve threat of Croatian Ivan Ljubicic 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday to move into the final of the 2.


Barrichello continues his Interlagos mission

Rubens Barrichello continued his domination of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend by recording a new lap record in pre-qualifying. The Brazilian Ferrari star stopped the clock in just 1:09.


Car bomb kills 10 Iraqi policemen

BAGHDAD - A car bomb exploded at a police station Saturday near a base in western Iraq used by US Marines, killing 10 Iraqi policemen and wounding 48 other people, officials said.


Suicide bomber hits Kabul's fabled Chicken Street, 3 peacekeepers wounded (AFP)

AFP - A suicide bomber blew himself up in Kabul's famous  quot;Chicken Street quot; shopping haunt, wounding up to seven people, including three foreign peacekeepers, in the boldest attack since the peaceful October 9 presidential election.


Dollar Is Poised for Longest Losing Streak in Almost a Year

The dollar is poised to decline against the euro, creating its longest losing streak in almost a year, a Bloomberg News survey indicates.


Stocks sent sliding on rash of bad news

US stocks fell sharply as record oil prices and disappointing sales forecasts from Microsoft Corp. spurred losses in technology shares.


UPDATE 2-Italy Treasury makes 7.5 bln euros from Enel sale

The Italian Treasury has raised 7.5 billion euros (\$9.5 billion) from the sale of almost 20 percent of utility company Enel (ENEI.


New iPod soon? Apple to hold special event on October 26th

Apple Computer today sent out an invitation to press outlets to attend a special event next week. Steve Jobs, Bono and The Edge invite you to a special event.


Broadhurst, Fichardt on top at Open de Madrid

Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Paul Broadhurst carded a three-under 68 on Saturday to hold onto a share of the lead after the third round of the Open de Madrid.


Strong Quake Kills at Least 3 in Northern Japan

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 and several aftershocks hit northern Japan on Saturday, killing at least three people and injuring more than 250 while knocking


Microsoft to launch Windows XP Release 2

It seems that Microsoft will release a Second Edition of Windows XP: If you thought that Service Pack 2 for Windows XP was the last of the big updates, think again.


Boys from Beantown provide lesson for all

Decades before I could definitively identify the business end of a golf stick, I was a baseball player. Decades before I could definitively identify the business end of a golf stick, I was a baseball player.


Hostage video distress

LONDON: The British and Irish governments called yesterday for the immediate release of Margaret Hassan, the kidnapped director of CARE International in Iraq, with London saying the videotape showing her crying was  quot;extremely distressing quot;.


Re-Election May Not Bear Bush Promises (AP)

AP - On the campaign trail, belting out promises for the next four years, President Bush exudes confidence and optimism. Yet the reality of a second term is that Bush would be boxed in by many of the momentous decisions he made in the first.


Russia Duma Ratifies Kyoto Environment Pact (Reuters)

Reuters - Russia's lower house of parliament\ratified the Kyoto Protocol on Friday, clearing the way for the\long-delayed climate change pact to come into force worldwide.


Bangalore Crumbling

World Economic Forum meets in New Delhi today to buy The Hot India Story. Foreign investors have poured a record \$7.3 billion into an economy fuelled by a city that is the countrys biggest global brand.


Another Yahoo to compete with Gmail

Last summer, Yahoo! purchased e-mail company Oddpost and now it has acquired Bloomba which analysts compare to Microsoft #39;s Outlook e-mail program.


Historic teams meet in World Series

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - It?s been 86 years since the Boston Red Sox last won the World Series, but they still have a long way to go to vanquish the so-called  #39;Curse of the Bambino.


French PM OKs extradition of Italian fugitive and noted author Cesare Battisti (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - PARIS (AP) - French Premier Jean-Pierre Raffarin signed an order Saturday to extradite a leftist Italian fugitive who has been convicted of murder, an official statement said.


Powerful earthquakes in Japan kills 4

At least four people were killed andmore than 200 others injured in a series of powerful earthquakes in northwestern Japan, mainly in the Niigata Prefecture, on Saturday evening.


Hamas admits to having weapons factories in Gaza

In the first admission of its kind, a senior Hamas official disclosed on Saturday that the movement has a number of factories in the Gaza Strip for manufacturing various types of weapons.


16 Killed in Algeria Rebel Attack (Reuters)

Reuters - Suspected Algerian Islamic\militants killed 16 people in the first attack on civilians\since the start of the holy month of Ramadan, officials said on\Saturday.


North Korea Dismisses Powell Trip to Asia (AP)

AP - North Korea dismissed Secretary of State Colin Powell's Asian trip as pre-U.S. election trickery Saturday and warned it will double its nuclear deterrent force if Washington persists in challenging the North's nuclear weapons programs.


Ebookers chief gets 92m from sale to Cendant

Online travel agency ebookers succumbed to a 209m bid from American travel and real estate group Cendant yesterday in a move which will see founder, chairman and chief executive Dinesh Dhamija pocket more than 92m.


Militants Say Beheaded Collaborator-Web Site

DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi militant group said it beheaded  an Iraqi man it accused of collaborating with U.S. forces and  posted pictures of the killing on the Internet.


Tunisian Doctors Examine Arafat, Aides Blame Flu (Reuters)

Reuters - Six Tunisian doctors\arrived in the West Bank on Saturday to examine Yasser Arafat,\but aides dismissed Israeli media reports that the Palestinian\president's health had deteriorated and said he had flu.


N.Korea Vows to Boost Deterrent, U.S. Rejects Demand (Reuters)

Reuters - North Korea threatened on Saturday\to double the size of its nuclear deterrent and the United\States rejected its conditions for a resumption of talks,\leaving the two nations in a dangerous stalemate.


US has no hard evidence of election-related attack plot: report (AFP)

AFP - US officials conducting an aggressive campaign to foil potential terrorist attacks ahead of the US election have reportedly found no specific, hard evidence of an election-related terrorist plot.


Bush and Kerry Focus Campaigns on 11 Key States

Both campaigns have laid out plans for a barrage of visits and television advertisements in these key battlegrounds over the next 10 days.


Canadian Synchrotron Radiation Facility Opens

A synchrotron acts like a gigantic microscope that generates intense beams of brilliant light to view the microstructure of materials.


Schumacher crashes in practice

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - World champion Michael Schumacher was involved in a high-speed crash in practice at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion, who finished practice in second behind teammate


Calzaghe wins again after brawl

EDINBURGH (AFP) - Welshman Joe Calzaghe successfully defended his World Boxing Organisation super-middleweight title for the 15th time with an unanimous points victory over Egypt #39;s Kabary Salem.


Afghan Bomber Kills Girl, 12, In Attack That Wounds 6 Others

A suicide bomber killed himself and a 12-year-old girl and wounded six people on a busy tourist street here on Saturday afternoon, apparently in an attempt to attack international peacekeepers.


Hamas retaliates by mortars to the assassination of al-Gul

One of the key cadres of Ezz Eddine al-Qassam group, the military wing of the Hamas movement, was killed and another one was strongly injured in a mortar explosion.


Safin Overpowers Agassi to Reach Madrid Final

MADRID (Reuters) - Marat Safin defeated Andre Agassi 6-3,  7-6 in the Madrid Masters on Saturday with a powerful  performance that underlined his recent return to top form and  secured him a place in the final against David Nalbandian.


AP: Saddam Abused Oil-For-Food Program (AP)

AP - Interviews with dozens of former and current Iraqi officials by congressional investigators have produced new evidence that Saddam Hussein micro-managed business deals under the U.N. oil-for-food program to maximize political influence with important foreign governments like Russia and neighboring Arab states.


Suicide Bombers Kill 20 Iraqi Security Personnel

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Suicide bombers killed 20 members of  Iraq's fledgling security forces near a U.S. marine base west  of Baghdad and at a checkpoint north of the capital on Saturday  in a spate of guerrilla attacks across the country.


French Soldier Threatens to Blow Up Munitions

PARIS (Reuters) - A soldier Sunday threatened to blow up a  site storing about 64 tons of munitions in eastern France,  leading to the evacuation of about 400 inhabitants of three  villages in the Marne region.


Nalbandian and Safin reach Madrid final

Marat Safin played his best tennis in quite some time, beating Andre Agassi 6-3, 7-6 (4) Saturday to advance to the final of the Madrid Masters.


Sharapova, Molik Advance to Swisscom Final

Russia #39;s Maria Sharapova reacts after winning a point against Russia #39;s Elena Dementieva during their semi final match at the Swisscom Challenge Tennis Tournament in Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland, Saturday, Oct 23, 2004.


Against Man Utd, Gunners aim for No. 50

Don #39;t look for Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger to sit down for a drink after Sunday #39;s critical showdown between Man United and Arsenal.


Leaders Lyon held 0-0 at second from bottom Istres

French champions and Ligue 1 leaders Olympique Lyon were held to a goalless draw at second from bottom Istres on Saturday. Lyon looked weary after their 3-1 Champions League win at Fenerbahce on Tuesday.


Japan quakes kill eight

Tokyo - A strong earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale and swarms of aftershocks rocked central Japan and the capital Tokyo on Saturday, killing at least eight people including four children, officials said.


Iraq government resumes Falluja talks

Iraq #39;s interim government has resumed talks to pacify the western town of Falluja and avert a military assault on the rebel stronghold that has faced heavy US bombardment in recent days.


Suspected Militants Kill 16 in Algeria (AP)

AP - Suspected Islamic militants killed 16 people heading to a soccer match in a pre-dawn ambush south of Algeria's capital Saturday  #151; the first bloodshed since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, an official statement said.


Saboteurs Bomb Iraqi Pipelines to Baghdad

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Saboteurs have bombed two oil pipelines  transporting crude from northern and eastern Iraq to Baghdad's  Dora refinery, officials said on Saturday.


Rebel landmine kills 11 in Indian Kashmir

Separatist militants have detonated a powerful landmine in Indian Kashmir killing eleven people, including nine soldiers in one of the biggest attacks in recent weeks, police say.


MIT Grad Delivers Tech for Health Care (AP)

AP - Vikram Kumar is hardly your typical tech chief executive. He shares a two-bedroom apartment with a sister and a nephew and gets around town by bicycle or in a 20-year-old Mercedes Benz.


Caution! Master Blaster returns to work

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar is back. Now, the million dollar question: will his willow bite? All through Tendulkar #39;s 15-year career, he has barely missed five Tests and two of them have been in the current Test series against Australia.


Japan, US Agree to Resume Beef Trade

Japanese and US negotiators have agreed to resume limited US beef exports to Japan, but the timing remains uncertain. Beef trade was suspended, following the discovery of bovine spongiform


Al-Manar TV, Abu Dhabi TV, Reuters,

Al-Manar TV reported that a Kurdish police commander, Taha Ahmed Omar, was assassinated in Arbil on Saturday. A number of Iraqi national guards accompanying British troops were injured when Iraqi guerrillas attacked them.


Barrichello Ready to End Brazilian Jinx

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello aims to  shake off a decade-long jinx after seizing pole position at his  home Brazilian Grand Prix for the second year in a row on  Saturday.


Strong Quake, Aftershocks Hit Japan; at Least 6 Dead

TOKAMACHI, Japan (Reuters) - A powerful earthquake and  strong aftershocks rocked northern Japan, killing at least six  people, injuring more than 500 while knocking out power and  phone services and forcing thousands to evacuate, media said.


Schu crashes, penalised

World champion Michael Schumacher will lose ten grid positions on the Brazilian grand prix grid after crashing heavily in a shortened Saturday practice.


Auxerre faces stiff test in Monaco

Monaco, France (Sports Network) - Auxerre and its potent strike force of Benjani Mwaruwari and Bonaventure Kalou have a difficult challenge Sunday when they travel to Monaco for an important French Ligue 1 match.


Allawi refuses to abide by demands of the British hostage <b>...</b>

The interim Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi refused to abide by the demands of the kidnappers of the British hostage Margaret Hassan who is threatened to be killed unless the British government withdraw its forces from Iraq.


Car Bomb Explodes Outside US Base, At Least 16 People Reported <b>...</b>

_ A suicide car bomber set off an explosion Saturday at a police station near a US Marine base in western Iraq, killing at least 16 policemen and wounding 40 other people, officials said.


Prince Harry  #39;Won #39;t Apologise #39; for Fracas with Photographer

A senior royal aide jumped to the defence of Prince Harry today and insisted he would not apologise for a scuffle outside a nightclub with a paparazzi photographer.


Late arrival of rebel commanders clears way for Sudanese peace <b>...</b>

ABUJA : A final group of rebel field commanders arrived from the wartorn western Sudanese province of Darfur, clearing the way for the start of formal peace negotiations with the Khartoum government.


Burma shuts down military intelligence office

Burma #39;s military junta has scrapped the office of military intelligence  quot;in the interests of peace and security quot;. As the generals in Rangoon sweep up pockets of resistance to last week #39;s internal


Hispanics Resist Racial Grouping by Census

Over the last three decades, the number of Hispanics choosing "some other race" has surged rapidly, making it the Census Bureau's fastest growing racial category.


Pakistan tribesmen hunt for Qaeda-linked militants (Reuters)

Reuters - Pakistani tribesmen launched a house-to-house hunt for al Qaeda-linked Islamic militants in a tribal region near the Afghan border on Saturday.


Lute Olson Keeps Drawing Talent to Tucson (AP)

AP - Lute Olson turned 70 last month, not that anyone would know it by looking at him or his basketball program. He remains a towering, imposing presence, in excellent physical shape thanks to regular workouts and brisk 70-minute walks each morning in the hills around his home. The white hair is still perfect. And the basketball talent keeps rolling in to Tucson.


Excited Boston Ready to  #39;Play Ball #39;

Boston was tingling with anticipation on Saturday as the Red Sox prepared to host Game One of the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals and take a step toward ridding


Kabul suicide bomber wounds seven

A Taliban suicide fighter killed himself and wounded at least seven others, including three members of a NATO-led peacekeeping force, in a grenade attack on a busy shopping street in central Kabul.


Brown Says He May Never Get Over Athens (AP)

AP - Larry Brown didn't have much time to enjoy his first NBA title. After coaching the Detroit Pistons to a surprising victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Brown focused all his energy on getting the U.S. basketball team ready for the Olympics. Much to his dismay, the Americans came home with just a bronze medal.


Japan, U.S. Reach Deal on Beef Imports (AP)

AP - U.S. and Japanese negotiators struck a deal Saturday to allow limited imports of American beef into Japan for the first time since Tokyo closed its billion-dollar market last year over a mad cow disease scare.


In Africa, Free Schools Feed a Different Hunger

Millions of children have poured into schools as country after country has made primary education free.


Oil prices continue upward climb

Oil futures prices surged to new heights above \$55-abarrel on Friday as concerns about the global supply of heating oil persist ahead of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.


Baseball: Cardinals try to foil Red Sox dream run in World Series

BOSTON : Baseball fans should forgive the St. Louis Cardinals for acting as the party poopers for the Boston Red Sox, who will try to snap an 86-year title drought by winning the 101st World Series.


Sharon and the Disengagement Opposition

The past years have been very dreadful for the Israelis, even to the extent that Yitzhak Rabin himself hoped that he would wake up one day and find that the seas have swallowed him.


Amazon May Be Losing Its Dot-Com Glitz (Reuters)

Reuters - Amazon.com Inc.'s  days as a\hot-shot dot-com may be behind it as the Internet retailer's\slowing growth makes its business suspiciously similar to that\of its brick-and-mortar peers.


Japan, U.S. to Resume Some Beef Imports (Reuters)

Reuters - Japan and the United States agreed on\Saturday to resume imports of some American beef, halted since\December after a case of mad cow disease in Washington state,\but did not set a date for restarting trade.


Iraq to phase out all subsidies: planning minister (AFP)

AFP - The Iraqi government plans to phase out slowly subsidies on basic products, such as oil and electricity, which comprise 50 percent of public spending, equal to 15 billion dollars, the planning minister said.


Barcelona go ten points clear in La Lega

Barcelona romped ten points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid, who travel to Villarreal on Sunday. The victory 4-0 against Malaga, Barca #39;s seventh in seven home games this season.


Amazon.com May Be Losing Its Dot-Com Glitz

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc.'s AMZN.O days as a  hot-shot dot-com may be behind it as the Internet retailer's  slowing growth makes its business suspiciously similar to that  of its brick-and-mortar peers.


Paerson Wins World Cup Opener

SOELDEN, Austria (Reuters) - Sweden's Anja Paerson picked  up where she left off last season with a victory in the giant  slalom which opened the new Alpine ski World Cup campaign  Saturday.


UPDATE 2-Gudjohnsen hits hat-trick in Chelsea #39;s 4-0 win

Eidur Gudjohnsen hit his first ever hat-trick as Chelsea overcame their striker problems to crush Blackburn Rovers 4-0 and keep hot on the tails of leaders Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.


Japan Earthquakes Kill 7, Injure 700

A series of powerful earthquakes and aftershocks rattled northern Japan on Saturday, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 700 as buildings crumbled, a


Coke quarterly profit falls 24

Coca-Cola #39;s worldwide sales volume barely budged in the third quarter, while profits tumbled 24 percent. With those results, new Chairman and Chief Executive E. Neville Isdell was left to reiterate what he #39;s


Soccer: Gudjohnsen puts smile back on Mourinho #39;s face

LONDON : Eidur Gudjohnsen #39;s first hat-trick in English football put the smile back on the face of Jose Mourinho and fired Chelsea to 4-0 win over struggling Blackburn.


Skiing: Paerson wins World Cup giant slalom

SOLDEN, Austria : Favourite Anja Paerson of Sweden won the season-opening women #39;s World Cup giant slalom. The overall World Cup holder clocked 2min 25.


UPI NewsTrack TopNews

President Bush used his weekly radio address Saturday to urge passage of recommendations by the 9/11 commission, so he can sign them into law by Election Day.


WORLD IN BRIEF

ABUJA, Nigeria -- The African Union urged a four-day postponement of peace talks over Sudan #39;s Darfur region Thursday after a transport mix-up left delegates stranded across the continent.


Gudjohnsen hat trick helps Chelsea to within two points of Arsenal

Eidur Gudjohnsen scored a hat trick Saturday to help Chelsea beat Blackburn 4-0 in the Premier League and close the gap to league-leading Arsenal to two points.


Japan Earthquakes Kill 7, Injure 700

Firefighters are seen on the roof of a destroyed house after powerful earthquakes at Ojiya, northwestern Japan, Saturday, October 23, 2004.


Militants film  #39;spy #39; beheading

AN Iraqi militant group has posted a video on its website showing the beheading of a man it accused of being a spy recruited by US forces in the northern city of Mosul.


Amazon May Be Losing Its Dot-Com Glitz

Amazon.com Inc. #39;s (AMZN.O: Quote, Profile, Research) days as a hot-shot dot-com may be behind it as the Internet retailer #39;s slowing growth makes its business suspiciously


Herm Gives Yank Fans a PEP Talk

HEMPSTEAD, NY - Herman Edwards had words of advice for Yankees #39; fans feeling sorry for themselves or angry at their team for blowing their 3-0 ALCS lead to the Boston Red Sox.


Double suicide bombings kill 11

INSURGENTS in Iraq have killed at least 11 police and national guardsmen in two suicide car bombings, while a roadside bomb in Baghdad has wounded six US soldiers.


Sharon hopes parliament vote will lend legitimacy

After months of bullying and subterfuge to keep his contentious Gaza withdrawal plan alive, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is hoping for solid approval in Israel #39;s parliament to finally give it the legitimacy it needs.


Iraqi militant group beheads  quot;collaborator quot;: website

A militant group in Iraq, the Armyof Ansar al-Sunna, said in a statement on its website on Saturdayit beheaded an Iraqi man it accused of collaborating with USforces.


No. 6 Wisconsin Downs Northwestern 24-12 (AP)

AP - Anthony Davis rushed for two touchdowns and No. 6 Wisconsin beat Northwestern 24-12 Saturday with star defensive end Erasmus James and his pass-rushing partner Jonathan Welsh on the sideline.


No. 25 Iowa Holds Off Penn State 6-4 (AP)

AP - Iowa held Penn State's offense scoreless, making Kyle Schlicher's two first-half field goals stand up for a 6-4 victory on Saturday.


Jayson Williams Works Out With Cavaliers (AP)

AP - Jayson Williams, acquitted in April of aggravated manslaughter in the shooting death of a limousine driver, worked out with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.


Mobile aid for diabetes patients

A UK team is developing a way to use mobile phones to make lives of diabetics easier.


Strong Quake, Aftershocks Hit Japan; at Least 10 Dead

OJIYA, Japan (Reuters) - A powerful earthquake and strong  aftershocks rocked northern Japan, killing at least 10 people,  injuring more than 500 and knocking out power and phone  services, media said.


Somalia asks for peacekeepers

Somalia's new president  asks the African Union to send 20,000 peacekeepers to secure the country.


Bush Keeps Focus on Preparedness for Terrorism; Kerry Shifts to a Theme of Hope

As President Bush stumped through the 2000 battleground state of Florida, Senator John Kerry sought to expand turnout among the growing Hispanic population in the Southwest.


Ukraine opposition rally draws hundreds of thousands (AFP)

AFP - Tens of thousands of supporters of opposition presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko took to the streets of Kiev, a week before the poll, to demand free and fair elections in this former Soviet state after a tense campaign marred by incidents.


Amazon.com May Be Losing Its Dot-Com Glitz (Reuters)

Reuters - Amazon.com Inc.'s  days as a\hot-shot dot-com may be behind it as the Internet retailer's\slowing growth makes its business suspiciously similar to that\of its brick-and-mortar peers.


Pit bull owners rally in Toronto against proposed ban; call it wrong solution (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - The much-maligned pit bull was celebrated by animal lovers in front of the legislature in Toronto on Saturday, in reaction to a call by Ontario's attorney general to ban the breed.


High Court Won't Put Nader on Pa. Ballot (AP)

AP - The Supreme Court on Saturday refused to place independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader on the ballot in Pennsylvania, upholding a state court finding of flawed signatures on voter petition sheets.


No. 6 Wisconsin Stays Unbeaten with Win Over Northwestern

MADISON, Wisconsin (Sports Network) - Anthony Davis ran for  122 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 6 Wisconsin over  Northwestern, 24-12, to celebrate Homecoming weekend at Camp  Randall Stadium.


Ohio State Routs Indiana

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sports Network) - Troy Smith threw for 161  yards and two touchdowns, leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a  commanding 30-7 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in Big Ten  action from Ohio Stadium.


Manager Admits Getting Papers on Opponent (AP)

AP - Two weeks after denying he knew anything about it, the campaign manager for a Democratic congressional candidate has admitted having someone obtain public records on the Republican opponent.


UPDATE 1-Fed #39;s Bies upbeat on US economy, stern on spending

The US economy has pulled out of a midyear pause and should grow well for the rest of 2004, Federal Reserve Governor Susan Bies said on Saturday, adding that


Scientists: New Planets May Take Longer

It may take much longer than scientists have thought for violent turbulence to turn grains of space dust into new planets. A NASA telescope recently discovered evidence that


NASA says switches may have caused Genesis crash

Problems with switches aboard NASA #39;s Genesis solar probe may have kept its parachute from opening, which led to the craft #39;s crash-landing in the Utah desert, the US space agency said.


TI Working on Television Chip for Phones for 2007

Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has begun developing a chip that could bring television shows to mobile phone screens in three years.


Marias from heaven, Venus #39; form marred!

ZURICH, Oct. 23. - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova set up an all-Russian semi-final clash with third seed Elena Dementieva after defeating Venus Williams 6-3, 6-4 at the 1.3 million-dollar WTA event in Zurich.


Sports: (6) Wisconsin 24 Northwestern 12

MADISON, Wis. Sixth-ranked Wisconsin is 8-and-0 for the fourth time in 115 years of football. Anthony Davis rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries as the Badgers beat Northwestern 24-to-12.


Elbow ok, tendulkar rolls up his sleeves

MUMBAI, OCTOBER 23: The suspense is over. Sachin Tendulkar is fit and will play in the Nagpur Test. The much-talked about tennis elbow has healed and after seeing Tendulkars 30-minute batting stint


Jayson Williams works out with Cavaliers

Jayson Williams, acquitted in April of aggravated manslaughter in the shooting death of a limousine driver, worked out with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.


Suicide attacker injures seven

A suicide attacker has detonated grenades on a commercial street in Kabul city centre, killing himself and injuring seven other people, including three foreign peacekeepers, officials said.


13 dead in Japan quakes

A BARRAGE of powerful earthquakes and aftershocks has thundered across northern Japan, killing at least 13 people, knocking down buildings and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes for safety.


Leaders Wish Castro Recovery From Fall (AP)

AP - Presidents Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva of Brazil, Nestor Kirchner of Argentina and Sam Nujoma of Namibia are among the heads of state who have sent get-well wishes to Fidel Castro since he broke his kneecap and arm in a fall, official media reported Saturday.


Suicide bomb blast overshadows Afghan election count (AFP)

AFP - Afghanistan's presidential vote count passed the 80 percent mark with Hamid Karzai holding on to his clear majority, but any potential celebrations were cut short by a Taliban suicide bomb in Kabul.


Bush, Kerry Hammer Each Other in Swing States (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush and Democrat John\Kerry kept up the offensive in swing states on Saturday as the\presidential race remained deadlocked in the polls with 10 days\to go until Election Day.


Man Kills Self in Afghan Grenade Attack

Remains after explosion are seen at the place where a suicide attacker hit Chicken street in downtown Kabul on Saturday, Oct. 23. 2004.


Myanmar junta says talks to resume in Jan

coming after last week #39;s purge of Prime Minister Khin Nyunt cast doubts over the process. seven-step  quot;roadmap to democracy quot; unveiled by the ousted prime minister last year.


Indian PM says India not to pass on nuclear technology

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Saturday his country would not pass on sensitive technologies to other countries.  quot;India will not be the source of proliferation


Fichardt and Broadhurst Lead Madrid Open (AP)

AP - Darren Fichardt had four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the way to a 4-under 67 Saturday, grabbing a share of the lead with Paul Broadhurst after the third round of the Madrid Open.


Qualifying: Barrichello maintains the momentum

Ferraris Brazilian driver delighted his supporters with a pole position at his home race. At Renault, things seem low-key but the team is optimistic.


Mississippi St. Upsets No. 20 Florida (AP)

AP - Sylvester Croom's first big win for Mississippi State sent Florida to a new low under coach Ron Zook. Jerious Norwood's 37-yard touchdown run with 32 seconds remaining lifted Mississippi State to a 38-31 upset of the 20th-ranked Gators on Saturday.


Israel's Shas Party to Vote Against Gaza Pullout

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The spiritual leader of Israel's  influential Shas party ordered its 11 lawmakers on Saturday to  vote against Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw  from the Gaza Strip.


Hype Is a Site to See

Eleanor Roosevelt's Derrick Williams and his family have noticed that the recruiting process has changed significantly in the past decade because of the Internet.


Space Crew Prepares to Return to Earth

ARKALYK, Kazakhstan Oct 23, 2004 - A US-Russian crew spent its last scheduled day on the International Space Station on Saturday, saying goodbyes to their replacements and catching up on sleep ahead of a 3 1/2 hour ride back to Earth strapped inside


NCAA Game Summary - Northwestern at Wisconsin

Madison, WI (Sports Network) - Anthony Davis ran for 122 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 6 Wisconsin over Northwestern, 24-12, to celebrate Homecoming weekend at Camp Randall Stadium.


Tendulkar set to play in third test

NEW DELHI: India #39;s leading batsman Sachin Tendulkar is set to return for the third cricket test against Australia in Nagpur after coming through a fitness check yesterday.


Ohio State Routs Indiana

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sports Network) - Troy Smith threw for 161 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a commanding 30-7 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in Big Ten action from Ohio Stadium.


Several strong earthquakes hit northwestern Japan; 7 dead, 500 <b>...</b>

A series of powerful earthquakes and aftershocks rattled northern Japan on Saturday, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 700 as buildings crumbled, two trains were derailed and roadways were torn apart.


Suicide car bombs kill 20 Iraqis

BAGHDAD/FALLUJA, OCT 23: A suicide car bomb exploded near a US marine base in western Iraq on Saturday, killing 16 Iraqi policemen and wounding up to 40.


Israel's Shas Party to Vote Against Gaza Pullout (Reuters)

Reuters - The spiritual leader of Israel's\influential Shas party ordered its 11 lawmakers on Saturday to\vote against Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw\from the Gaza Strip.


Top German literary prize goes to Wilhelm Genazino (AFP)

AFP - Germany's top literature prize was awarded to Wilhelm Genazino, 61, the German academy of language and poetry said in Darmstadt.


No. 2 Oklahoma Rolls Over Kansas, 41-10 (AP)

AP - Jason White threw for 389 yards and four touchdowns against a defense geared up to stop Adrian Peterson, and No. 2 Oklahoma defeated Kansas 41-10 on Saturday.


Martin Says Nets Missed a Chance to Keep Him

Kenyon Martin said he felt unappreciated because the Nets never made him an offer when he came a free agent this summer.


New record for oil prices

Oil prices climbed Friday, closing above \$55 a barrel for the first time, on worries that supplies will be stretched thin this winter while demand from China remains solid.


Doting on dot-coms

Do darlings Google, Yahoo and eBay, at or near 52-week highs, deserve those lofty prices? NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Are we seeing a return to irrational exuberance for Internet stocks?


Feds Expenditure Review Program Could Force Job Transfers of <b>...</b>

The federal government says they have a plan to do business more efficiently but that could mean job losses for those working in Ottawa.


Sharapova fights off battling Hantuchova

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova had to fight off a strong challenge from Daniela Hantuchova before reaching the quarter-finals of the \$1.


Mississippi State Upsets No. 20 Florida

STARKVILLE, Mississippi (Sports Network) - Jerious Norwood #39;s 37-yard touchdown run with 32 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter lifted Mississippi State to a shocking 38-31 victory over 20th-ranked Florida.


Model ball girls cause a stir

A troupe of models streamed on to the court of the Madrid Masters tennis tournament today - and into the centre of a controversy about whether they were trivialising the competition.


Earthquakes Kill 4, Injure 300 In Japan

Several powerful earthquakes rattled northwestern Japan over a span of two hours Saturday, toppling and setting alight homes, causing blackouts, cutting water and gas services and derailing a bullet train.


UPDATE 1-Google results revive  quot;dot-com quot; fervor

Shares of Google Inc. rose as much as 20 percent on Friday, to trade at more than twice the level of it cut-price IPO, after the


14th-Ranked Virginia Downs Duke

DURHAM, North Carolina (Sports Network) - Alvin Pearman ran for 223 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries and Wali Lundy added two touchdown runs to lead 14th-ranked Virginia to a 37-16 win over Duke in the Atlantic Coast Conference at Wallace Wade Stadium.


Dorsey, boxer who fought ban on interracial fights, dead at 69

Joseph Dorsey Jr., a boxer who won a 1957 fight against Louisiana #39;s law banning interracial bouts, has died. He was 69. Dorsey died at his New Orleans home on Wednesday, DW Rhodes Funeral Home said.


Israel, Egypt exchange prisoners in major boost to ties (AFP)

AFP - A major thorn in the side of Israeli-Egyptian relations was removed after Cairo freed an Israeli Druze jailed seven years ago for spying and the Jewish state released six Egyptian students.


Man Ordered to Disable Spyware Programs (AP)

AP - A federal judge has ordered a man known as the "Spam King" to disable so-called spyware programs that infiltrate people's computers, track their Internet use and flood them with pop-up advertising.


Solana arrives in Sudan for talks on Darfur crisis (AFP)

AFP - European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana flew into the Sudanese capital where he was expected to discuss the conflict in Darfur, amid international pressure on Khartoum over the rebellion there.


Clerics Threaten to Boycott Iraq Election (AP)

AP - With three months left before a landmark election, a group of hard-line Sunni Muslim clerics may hold the key to Iraq's future.


Google delves through dark corners of the hard drive

The modern PC is a marvel, a machine that lets an ordinary person with little training create a document, check its spelling, dress it up with graphics, send it electronically to someone across the globe - and then save it accidentally into some dark


Loss to Mississippi St. is death knell for Zook

Mississippi State #39;s victory over 20th-ranked Florida -- easily the biggest upset of the 2004 season -- signaled the beginning of a bright future for first-year Bulldogs coach Sylvester Croom and the beginning of the end for third-year Gators head man Ron


Ohio State Beats Indiana, 30-7

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith threw for two touchdowns, Antonio Pittman rushed for one touchdown and kicker Mike Nugent converted three field goal tries to lead the Buckeyes to a 30-7 victory over Indiana Saturday in front of 104,538


Husband in TV plea to kidnappers

The Iraqi husband of kidnapped aid worker Margaret Hassan has pleaded with her captors to release her.  quot;I beg you, in the name of Islam and Arabism, while we are in the holiest Islamic month, to return my


Powell Rejects North Korean Demand on US

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell on Saturday rejected North Korea #39;s latest demand that the United States drop its  quot;hostile quot; policy toward that nation and agree to other


Tomorrows another day: Fernando looks ahead to the race

The Renault F1 Teams Spanish driver may only be starting eighth, but he is bullish about his chances in tomorrows Brazilian Grand Prix.


McGrady Targets Former GM Weisbrod (AP)

AP - Tracy McGrady insists Orlando Magic general manager John Weisbrod was transferring blame by saying players failed to take responsibility for an abysmal season.


Jury rules asbestos danger not hidden from company

_ A jury has ruled that Union Carbide was not fraudulent in how it sold asbestos for use by Kelly-Moore Paints in its interior finishing products.


World #39;s first five-megapixel camera phone

KOREAN giant Samsung Electronics said it had developed the world #39;s first handphone equipped with a state of the art five-megapixel camera.


Tracy steals pole from title rivals.

All eyes were on Champ Car title protagonists Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira during qualifying for Sunday #39;s Lexmark Indy 300 but, despite the watchful gaze of a record 85,741 fans, a man who knows every inch of the 2.795-mile Surfers Paradise


Northwestern vs. Wisconsin

NCAAF FINAL 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH TOTAL --- -- NORTHWESTERN 0 0 6 6 12 WISCONSIN (7) 3 14 7 0 24 FINAL SCORING SUMMARY 1ST QUARTER: WISCONSIN - FG, MIKE ALLEN 29 YD, 9:25.


Crew's craft leaves space station

Russian and US crew members begin their return to Earth, leaving two men on the International Space station.


Legoland park may be on the block

CARLSBAD ---- Legoland California, the North County amusement park based on children #39;s building blocks, and its three sister theme parks in Europe could be sold or transferred out of the Lego company, according to a statement from Legoland officials.


US-Russian space crew heads toward earth

ARKALYK, Kazakhstan - The Soyuz spacecraft carrying a US-Russian crew pulled away from the international space station early Sunday, ending a six-month mission in orbit and starting a fast journey back to Earth.


Microsoft, Swatch offer thinner wireless watches

Microsoft and watch maker Swatch are offering a new line of wireless data watches, the companies said Wednesday, bringing the era of Dick Tracy wristwatch radios one step closer.


Barrichello grabs pole position in Brazil

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- The hometown favorite won the pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix, after the seven-time world champion crashed during practice.


Iran, EU trio to hold further talks on nuclear issue

Iran has not accepted a proposal of the European Union (EU) to trade nuclear technology with its uranium enrichment program.  quot;It is just at the initial stage.


Robbers Kill Two U.S. Citizens in Mexico (AP)

AP - Four gunmen abducted three U.S. citizens on a rural highway in southern Mexico, shot and killed two of them and left the third  #151; a pregnant woman  #151; bound and gagged, authorities said Saturday.


U.S.-Japanese deal on beef imports called election ploy by Canadian cattlemen (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - TOKYO (CP) - U.S. and Japanese negotiators struck a deal Saturday to allow  limited imports of U.S. beef into Japan but a Canadian beef industry spokesman called it a rehash of previous agreements and "election hype."


Palace hit by Rommedahl's tale of the unexpected (AFP)

AFP - English Premiership strugglers Crystal Palace were hit by a killer last minute goal as they went down 1-0 to fellow Londoners Charlton.


Detroit council approves modified plan creating black business <b>...</b>

DETROIT The Detroit City Council has passed a modified version of its controversial plan for a black business district. In doing so, they #39;ve repealed a provision that loans go only to blacks.


No. 17 Texas A M Nicks Colo. 29-26 in OT (AP)

AP - Eric Pegram kicked a 19-yard field goal in overtime and Lee Foliaki recovered a fumble on the next possession, giving No. 17 Texas A amp;M a 29-26 victory over Colorado on Saturday.


Marchers demand fair Ukraine poll

Tens of thousands march in a tense Kiev in support for the opposition ahead of next weekend's election.


Zambia Apologizes for Founder #39;s  #39;97 Arrest

One day before the 40th anniversary of Zambian independence from colonial rule, Zambia #39;s government publicly apologized Saturday to its founding father, Kenneth


Offensive balance eludes Cats

Even-mannered and analytical possibly to a fault, the word just fits Bill Snyder. It #39;s more than just Snyder #39;s goal for the Kansas State offense.


McGrady Fires Back

Tracy McGrady feels that Orlando general manager John Weisbrod was saddling the new Houston guard with most of the blame for the Magic's terrible showing last season.


Behind Candidates #39; Domestic Plans, an Ideological Gulf

On social and economic policy, President Bush and Senator John Kerry present a philosophical contrast that is one of the starkest in modern presidential campaigns.


Tendulkar set to play third test vs. Aussies

India #39;s star batsman Sachin Tendulkar was Saturday declared fit for next week #39;s third cricket test against Australia after recovering from an elbow injury, news reports said.


Owen strike brings Real Madrid 1-0 victory over Valencia in <b>...</b>

Michael Owen scored his first Spanish league goal Saturday to lead Real Madrid over defending champion Valencia 1-0. Owen, who scored the match-winner in the seventh minute, got his first