RIAA sues 762 users over file sharing

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has filed 762 lawsuits against users who were using file trading programs to download music over the internet.


IAEA head in Seoul to discuss nuclear activities

SEOUL - The head of the United Nations #39; nuclear watchdog, Mr Mohamed El-Baradei, arrived in Seoul yesterday to discuss South Korea #39;s nuclear experiments.


Blast at Thai fireworks factory kills 14

BANGKOK - Fourteen people were killed and five injured yesterday in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Thailand #39;s ancient capital Ayuthya, officials and witnesses said.


Sept. Sales Boost GM, DC, Toyota

Fears of a broad retreat in car sales eased during September as key manufacturers such as General Motors Corp., DaimlerChrysler and Toyota and Nissan all posted double-digit sales increases.


Nigeria centre stage as oil traders eye new highs

High-flying oil prices could set new records this week if rebels disrupt the flow of crude from Nigeria, and are unlikely to fall far even if tensions there ease given global supply strains, according to analysts.


Programs: 'Evil Genius' Brings Out Your Inner Villain (Reuters)

Reuters - (Gene Emery is a columnist who covers science and\technology. His Internet address is GEmery(at)Cox.net. Any\opinions in the column are his alone.)


I Rushed The Irish

After 30 years of coming up short in Notre Dame Stadium, the Boilermakers took the fight out of the Irish early to remain unbeaten (4-0), winning 41-16.


Sports: Blue Jays announcer found dead in hotel room

TORONTO Former Toronto pitcher John Cerutti (seh-ROO #39;-tee) was found dead in his hotel room today, according to the team. He was 44.


Juve Go Clear

Marcelo Zalayeta came off the bench to fire Juventus to a 1-0 victory at Udinese and extend the Bianconeris lead at the top of Serie A to two points.


Separatist attacks kill 57 in north-east India

Separatists are suspected of bombing a crowded market, a tea plantation and other sites yesterday, killing seven people in a second day of explosions and gun attacks that have


Tired pope beatifies Mel Gibon #39;s  quot;muse quot;

road to sainthood, including the 19th century German mystic nun who inspired Mel Gibson #39;s film on Christ #39;s passion. At the same ceremony in St Peter #39;s Square on Sunday, he beatified Austria #39;s last emperor, Karl I. Some of.


Russia reports fair weather

Moscows approval of the Kyoto Protocol is a major step in bringing the treaty into effect. Fifty-five countries (that emit 55 per cent of the worlds total CO2 emissions) must endorse the Kyoto pact before it can become binding.


Ireland tries to get UK hostage #39;s release

The Irish government has stepped up its efforts to free the British hostage in Iraq, Ken Bigley, whose mother is from Ireland, by talking to diplomats from Iran and Jordan.


Programs: 'Evil Genius' Brings Out Your Inner Villain

(Gene Emery is a columnist who covers science and  technology. His Internet address is GEmery(at)Cox.net. Any  opinions in the column are his alone.)


Linux, AOL tie up for security solutions

Leading distributor of Linux open source solutions to the enterprise Red Hat, Inc has entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement with America Online, Inc to acquire certain assets of Netscape Security Solutions.


Angels, Dodgers sew up titles

The Anaheim Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers showed the baseball world how the Wests were won Saturday afternoon. After chasing Oakland and Texas for most of the season, the Angels scored three times in the


Injury adds to Owen #39;s woes

Michael Owen has emerged as an injury concern for England #39;s World Cup clash with Wales after it was revealed his substitution during Real Madrid #39;s defeat was prompted by a  quot;slight muscle problem.


Favre suffers concussion, throws TD anyway

Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre sustained a concussion in the third quarter of the Packers #39; 14-7 loss to the New York Giants when defensive lineman William Joseph knocked him to the ground.


Germany supports EU negotiating with Turkey on membership issue

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Sunday that there was  quot;no problem quot; with Germany #39;s support to the start of negotiations on Turkey #39;s entrance into EU.


Police raid alleged by Bigley brother

Paul Bigley, brother of the hostage Ken Bigley, said yesterday that a third visit had been made to his home in Amsterdam by a Metropolitan police officer and Dutch anti-terrorist police.


Favre flattened, Packers humbled vs. Giants

The New York Giants left Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers wobbly. Tiki Barber rushed for 182 yards and scored on a 52-yard touchdown run, and Kurt Warner threw a touchdown pass


West Bank Family Pleads for Release of Iraq Hostage (Reuters)

Reuters - The Palestinian family of\a Jordanian hostage threatened with death in Iraq appealed on\Sunday for his release, saying he was a father of seven who did\not collaborate with Iraq's "occupier."


Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq (AP)

AP - As of Friday, Oct. 1, 2004, 1,055 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to the Defense Department. Of those, 801 died as a result of hostile action and 254 died of non-hostile causes. The figures include three military civilians.


Iranian president calls for dialogue between Muslim world and the West (AFP)

AFP - Iranian President Mohammad Khatami called on the Muslim world and the West to stop blaming each other and start a dialogue between their two different cultures.


Thailand Fireworks Plant Blast Kills 14 (AP)

AP - A massive explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand on Sunday killed 14 people, including a 4-year-old boy, and injured two others, a police official said.


West Bank Family Pleads for Release of Iraq Hostage

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (Reuters) - The Palestinian family of  a Jordanian hostage threatened with death in Iraq appealed on  Sunday for his release, saying he was a father of seven who did  not collaborate with Iraq's "occupier."


Shia militias clash in Lebanon

Two rival Shia militia groups clash in a town in southern Lebanon and army forces are called in to calm the situation.


Rice Defends Comments on Iraq Nuke Threat

WASHINGTON - National security adviser Condoleezza Rice on Sunday defended her characterization of Saddam Hussein's nuclear capabilities in the months before the Iraq invasion, even as a published report said government experts had cast doubt at the time.    In the run-up to the March 2003 war, Rice said in a television interview in 2002 that the Iraqi president was trying to obtain high-strength aluminum tubes to rebuild his nuclear weapons program...


Samarra Victory Encourages Iraqi Forces

SAMARRA, Iraq - Bloodied by weeks of suicide bombings and assassinations, Iraqi security forces emerged Sunday to patrol Samarra after a morale-boosting victory in this Sunni Triangle city, and U.S. commanders praised their performance...


Astros Top Rockies to Claim NL Wild Card

HOUSTON - The Houston Astros charged into the playoffs with their 18th consecutive home victory, capping an incredible turnaround by beating Colorado 5-3 Sunday to win the NL wild card.    Brandon Backe filled in admirably for an ailing Roger Clemens, pitching five strong innings and driving in two runs...


Nader to Hit Swing States; Kerry Improves

BOSTON - With polls showing a narrowing gap between President Bush and Sen. John Kerry, independent candidate Ralph Nader said Sunday that he planned to continue campaigning in key battleground states in the final month of the presidential election...


United lose ground on Chelsea

MANCHESTER - After the joy of a midweek win in Europe and the exciting debut of Wayne Rooney, Manchester United had to depend on a goal from Alan Smith to salvage a point against Middlesbrough last night.


Dementieva wins title in Belgium

Top-seeded Russian Elena Dementieva rallied Sunday to take a three-set win over Russian Elena Bovina in the final at the inaugural Gaz de France Stars.


Pats Tie Streak - Title Would Be Better (AP)

AP - Bill Belichick points out that streaks mean nothing without titles.


Diamondbacks End Worst Year With Win (AP)

AP - The Arizona Diamondbacks finished their worst year on a winning streak.


La. Tech Wrecks Fresno State's BCS Dreams (AP)

AP - Fresno State is out of the BCS mix  #151; again.


Levi Wins Constellation Energy Classic (AP)

AP - Wayne Levi won his second Champions Tour event Sunday, shooting a 4-under 68 for a two-stroke victory at the Constellation Energy Classic.


NFL Wrap: Barber Runs Over Packers as Giants Win

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tiki Barber rushed for 182 yards and  ran 52 yards for a touchdown as the New York Giants used a  stifling defense to upset the Green Bay Packers 14-7 in Green  Bay on Sunday.


AL Wrap: Indians, Twins Split Doubleheader to End Season

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Ben Broussard belted a two-run homer  in the third inning to give the Cleveland Indians a 5-2 win  over the Minnesota Twins to salvage a split of a unique  doubleheader on the final day of the American League regular  season.


Loss Sends Minnesota to the Bronx

Ben Broussard hit a two-run homer to lift the Cleveland Indians, who sent the A.L. Central champion Twins to Yankee Stadium for the start of the playoffs.


Sun Sweeps Out Liberty to Reach W.N.B.A. Finals

Connecticut reached the W.N.B.A. Finals for the first time by beating the Liberty on Sunday behind Taj McWilliams-Franklin's 18 points.


Astros Grab Wild Card

The Astros charge into the playoffs with their 18th consecutive home victory, capping an incredible turnaround by beating Colorado 5-3 Sunday to win the NL wild card.


Rookie Rallies Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger hits 17 of 25 passes for 174 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions and Duce Staley runs for 123 yards in a 28-17 victory Sunday over the Cincinnati Bengals.


Eagles Easily Best Struggling Bears

It's going to take a really good team to stop the red-hot Philadelphia Eagles. Right now, mediocre is a reach for the Chicago Bears.


What's That? Baseball's Back?

I hadn't paid much attention to baseball lately -- what with the scintillating presidential campaign, the scintillating fall television season and Britney Spears's scintillating, latest marriage -- so imagine my surprise when I woke up the other afternoon to the latest developments:


Update 2: Finance Chiefs Cite Debt Relief Progress

The world #39;s economic powers, which ended three days of meetings Sunday, insisted they are moving closer to a deal on debt relief for Iraq and other poor nations even though an agreement has proved elusive.


Lazard IPO filing imminent?

Bruce Wasserstein, head of Lazard, hopes to gain board approval for his IPO plan for the bank on Tuesday and register the offering with the US regulator as soon as Wednesday, the Financial Times reported Sunday.


Investor Profile: Asensio Ponders Long Bet

As a dedicated short-seller for nearly eight years, Manuel Asensio became known as one of the most ruthless investors in the business.


China Pledges to Push Ahead #39; to Flexible Yuan Rate (Update6)

China pledged to push ahead firmly and steadily #39; #39; toward a more flexible exchange rate without providing a timetable for the shift from a currency peg that is criticized by the Group of Seven industrial nations.


SpaceShipOne just one flight away from X Prize

MOJAVE, Calif. The SpaceShipOne aircraft is one flight away from clinching the Ansari X Prize, a 10-(m)million-dollar award for the first privately developed manned rocket to reach space twice within 14 days.


Mariners #39; Suzuki Gets Two Hits to End Season With Record 262

Ichiro Suzuki singled twice for the Seattle Mariners in a 3-0 loss to the Texas Rangers, extending his Major League Baseball season record for hits to 262 on the campaign #39;s final day.


Giants 10, Dodgers 0

In a regular-season finale that resembled an exhibition game and was about as meaningful, Jason Schmidt pitched six dominant innings, Ray Durham and Pedro Feliz hit first-inning homers and the San Francisco Giants beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-0 on


Aristide Backers Riot for 3rd Day in Haiti; Death Toll Rises to 7

Supporters of Haiti #39;s ousted president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, threw stones and fired guns on streets littered with debris and overturned cars on


ALP throws away script

PATIENTS would pay less for prescription medicine in a surprise move by Labor leader Mark Latham. Labor is also proposing to double the maternity immunisation allowance to \$427 as an extra incentive for parents to vaccinate their children.


Nikkei Opens Higher

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average rose 1.37 percent at  the opening on Monday as a recovery in U.S. stocks encouraged  investors to seek bargains among lagging issues, including  Canon Inc. and other high-tech issues.


Dollar stands firm against rivals in cautious market

The dollar was little changed against major currencies on Friday after key US ISM data on manufacturing was in line with expectations, as the market remained cautious on the prospects for the US economy.


Sports: Funk wins SFC Classic

MADISON, Miss. Fred Funk birdied the final hole to win the Southern Farm Bureau Classic by one shot over Ryan Palmer. Funk shot a 6-under-par 66 today to wind up 22-under for the tournament.


Doug Fischer

I had to bust this Wednesday Mail Bag out. We #39;ve got great matchups coming our way this weekend with Trinidad-Mayorga and Phillips-Ouma but the Monday Mail Bag was understandably dominated by Roy Jones emails.


Klitschko beats Williamson on points as head butt stops fight

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) -- Wladimir Klitschko survived a fourth round knockdown to beat DaVarryl Williamson on points after the heavyweight fight was stopped prematurely by an accidental head butt.


Federer beats Roddick to win Thailand Open

Roger Federer defeated Andy Roddick 6-4 6-0 to win the Thailand Open on Sunday, and joined Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe as the only players to win 12 consecutive finals.


#39;Passion #39; Source Named New Roman Catholic Saint

Description: NPR #39;s John Ydstie talks with John Allen, Vatican correspondent for The National Catholic Reporter, about Sunday #39;s beatification ceremony for five new Catholic saints.


No relief as IMF and World Bank talks on poor end in failure

THE worlds leading finance officials and ministers yesterday failed to reach agreement on debt relief for the poorest nations. Wrapping up a weekend of IMF and World Bank talks in Washington, no agreement appeared to have been secured.


NZ PRESS: Telecom Denies AAPT Consumer Unit Is For Sale

WELLINGTON (Dow Jones)--Telecom Corp. (TEL.NZ), New Zealand #39;s biggest fixed line phone company, has denied its AAPT consumer business in Australia is on the market, the New Zealand Press Association reported.


O #39;Leary charms Boeing workers

Michael O #39;Leary, the irrepressible chief executive of Ryanair, may have his detractors in Britain for the ruthless way he drives down costs at the budget airline.


Funk ends title drought

AMERICAN Fred Funk shot a six-under 66 to beat Ryan Palmer by one shot and claim his first PGA title in six years today. Funk, 48, captured the Southern Fram Bureau Classic with a birdie on the par-five final hole.


NFL Game Summary - NY Jets At Miami

Miami, FL -- Donnie Abraham returned an interception 66 yards for a touchdown to help the New York Jets to a 17-9 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium.


Disabled Are Pleased With E-Voting (AP)

AP - This November, Eileen Rivera Ley, 41, will vote by herself for the first time. Blind voters in Maryland and several other states will use electronic voting machines equipped with technology that allows the disabled to vote independently.


Internet health advice can bring on 'cyberchondria', study shows (AFP)

AFP - Browsing medical sites on the Internet can bring on a condition dubbed  quot;cyberchondria quot;, in which patients diagnose themselves incorrectly and seek treatment they do not need, a British study said.


SpaceShipOne a Flight Away From  #36;10M Prize (AP)

AP - SpaceShipOne is one flight away from clinching the Ansari X Prize, a  #36;10 million award for the first privately developed manned rocket to reach space twice within 14 days.


Deformed Fish Found Near Treatment Plants (AP)

AP - Fish with both male and female sex tissue have been discovered near Colorado wastewater treatment plants on the South Platte River and Boulder Creek.


Paris exhibit looks at history of bags, from functional to fashionable (AFP)

AFP - Style mavens will be scanning the catwalks in Paris this week for next spring's must-have handbag, as a sweeping exhibition at the French capital's fashion and textile museum reveals the bag in all its forms.


Rice Defends Iraq Weapons Characterization (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - National security adviser Condoleezza Rice said yesterday it is still unclear whether Iraq attempted to procure tens of thousands of aluminum tubes for a nuclear-weapons program or a conventional rocket program, despite conclusions by the Senate Intelligence Committee and U.N. investigators that the tubes could not be used in any nuclear program.


Democrat Elected as Powerful Belgrade Mayor

BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbia's pro-reform Democratic Party  candidate won the powerful post of Belgrade mayor in the runoff  vote on Sunday, beating an ultra-nationalist rival, according  to a preliminary result by independent monitors.


Accountant testifies he lied about Enron barge deal

A former Enron accountant testified Thursday that he knew an arrangement to temporarily sell Merrill Lynch some barges just to boost Enron #39;s bottom line was wrong and he planned to lie about it if confronted.


Dubai IT expo opens

DUBAI: The Middle East #39;s largest technology exhibition, Gitex, opened yesterday with the international IT industry out in full force to showcase the latest market innovations to an expected 100,000 visitors.


Juventus stretches lead; Roma, Inter draw

AS Roma and Inter Milan played to a dramatic 3-3 draw in Sunday #39;s  quot;big match, quot; both losing ground to Juventus, which stretched its Serie A lead by beating Udinese 1-0.


Kirui and Sun are best in half-marathon

NEW DELHI: Paul Kirui pulled away from the field in the final stages to claim the men #39;s title and lead Kenya to the team honours in the world half-marathon championships yesterday.


EA Sports 500 results

TALLADEGA, Ala. - Results Sunday from the EA Sports 500 race for NASCAR #39;s Nextel Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway, listing starting position in parentheses, driver, car, laps completed with reason out if not running at the finish, and money won:


Samarra residents angry over civilian death toll

SAMARRA (Iraq) - Bloodied by weeks of suicide bomb attacks and assassinations, Iraqi security forces emerged on Sunday to patrol the streets of Samarra after a morale-boosting victory in this Sunni Triangle city.


S. Korea Tightens Security After Possible Al-Qaeda Threat Aired

South Korea #39;s military and police have tightened security since an audio tape attributed to a top al- Qaeda leader Friday urged Muslims to resist the US and its allies, including Korea, for their roles in Iraq.


Mandelson faces EU job grilling

Peter Mandelson faces a three-hour grilling from MEPs before he is able to take up the job as Europe's trade commissioner.


Jets Turn Miami Miscues Into Third Victory

The Jets came up with four turnovers by Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler in the second half, including an interception returned 66 yards for a touchdown.


Jobs Report Could Set Direction of Market

NEW YORK - The stock market that meandered through September could gain some direction in the week ahead as the Labor Department releases its latest report on job creation.    For all the economic data that Wall Street parses and analyzes every day, the jobs report, scheduled for release Friday, is one of the few that seem to encapsulate the economy as a whole...


Sharon Pledges to Escalate Broad Israeli Gaza Offensive

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon pledged Sunday to escalate a broad Israeli offensive in northern Gaza, saying troops will remain until Palestinian rocket attacks are halted. Israeli officials said the offensive -- in which 58 Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed -- will help clear the way for an Israeli withdrawal.


Bonds, Suzuki Win Batting Titles (AP)

AP - Barry Bonds won his second National League batting title in three seasons and shattered the on-base percentage and walks records he set two years ago.


Late-Season Heroics Guide Astros Into Playoffs (Reuters)

Reuters - The Houston Astros seemed as shocked as\they were happy after beating the Colorado Rockies 5-3 on\Sunday to clinch the National League wild card playoff berth\and cap an improbable late-season comeback.


Funk Ends 6-Year Drought With Win at SFB (AP)

AP - Fred Funk birdied the final hole to finish off a final-round 6-under 66 and win the Southern Farm Bureau Classic by a stroke Sunday, his first PGA Tour victory in six years.


Late-Season Heroics Guide Astros Into Playoffs

HOUSTON (Reuters) - The Houston Astros seemed as shocked as  they were happy after beating the Colorado Rockies 5-3 on  Sunday to clinch the National League wild card playoff berth  and cap an improbable late-season comeback.


Ballmer calls security a never-ending battle

Microsoft CEO says he believes the situation has improved greatly and can only get better.


Earnhardt Jr. Wins Another Talladega Race

Dale Earnhardt Jr. charged from 11th place to a victory and the series points lead in the last five laps of Sunday's NASCAR Nextel Cup race.


THECHAT

After W.A.S.P. rocker and Yankees fan Blackie Lawless sneered at Red Sox fans in this space, we figured it was time to find a hard core Red Sox rooter.  And who better than Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys, the punk/rock/Irish folk band whose "Tessie" -- a remake of an early 20th century Boston anthem, with backup vocals from Johnny Damon, Bronson Arroyo and Lenny DiNardo -- has become de rigueur listening in the Fens? The Murphys are headlining today's scheduled playoff rally at Fenway Park.


Nikkei Seen Rising After Wall St Recovers (Reuters)

Reuters - Japanese stocks will probably move higher\on Monday as a recovery in U.S. stocks encourages investors to\seek bargains among lagging issues, including high-tech shares.


Battle of Form (and Function) in MP3 Players

To capture what he says is the underserved urban market, Damon Dash of Roc-A-Fella records is launching a new line of MP3 players and other consumer gadgets.


Is It Still Called a Venture Fund When You Use Your Own Money?

Halsey M. Minor, the former CNET guru, is now running his own, very private, investment fund.


Battle Between Oracle and PeopleSoft Shifts to Delaware Court

Oracle will try to prove that PeopleSoft's directors acted irresponsibly in rejecting Oracle's \$7.7 billion tender offer.


The Widening Web of Digital Lit

In the literary corners of the Web, poets denounce T. S. Eliot and fans write new stories for Jane Austen's characters.


Bago shows true colours to lift Arc

Royal blue with light blue cross-belts. The colours have been part of racing #39;s fabric for more than 30 years, carried to success across the world by the horses of the Niarchos family.


Boro #39;s rookies outshine Rooney

They have enshrined his debut No 8 shirt in the club #39;s museum and they have blown the budget on his transfer fee, but Wayne Rooney found out yesterday that he still does


Solberg world class in losing his title

Petter Solberg #39;s current form exhausts superlatives, yet winning the Rally of Italy and completing a hat-trick has done little to improve his chances of remaining world champion.


Houllier is keen on comeback

Gerard Houllier is looking forward to a return to Premiership management despite the disappointment of his departure from Liverpool.


Colts start to find their harmony

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- They were singing in the Colts #39; locker room today, singing like a bunch of wounded songbirds. Never mind that Marcus Pollard, Dallas Clark and Ben Hartsock won #39;t be recording a remake of Kenny Chesney #39;s song,  quot;Young, quot; any time soon.


Why they continue to murder

Critics of the tactics that the Israel Defense Forces are employing against the terrorists of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Al-Aqsa, which have also caused casualties among Palestinian civilians, ignore


Brazil Ruling Party Forced to Run-Off in Sao Paulo

Brazil #39;s ruling Workers #39; Party (PT) held onto the mayoralty in at least three major cities in Sunday #39;s municipal vote but will face a tough run


Ahold Sells Spanish Stores

The Dutch retailer Ahold has sold its network of almost 600 Spanish retail stores to the private equity group Permira in an \$850 million deal, the two companies said on Sunday.


Pay Go: What it means to US and India

A Pay-Go or Pay-as-you-Go means the government will spend only what it gets. This has been widely spoken about by US Presidential candidate John Kerry, in his campaigns.


MLB: San Francisco 10, Los Angeles 0

Jason Ellison, Marquis Grissom and Deivi Cruz had two-run homers Sunday to lead the San Francisco Giants to a 10-0 rout of the Los Angeles Dodgers.


Favre adds to his legend

Brett Favre #39;s legend is already lengthy, to say the least. Sunday he contributed another page. Favre went down and stayed down for a few tense moments during the Packers #39; opening drive in the second half.


Sao Paulo Mayor Suplicy, Lula Ally, Heads for Runoff (Update1)

Sao Paulo Mayor Marta Suplicy, a member of the governing Workers #39; Party, finished second in city elections to Jose Serra, a one-time presidential contender, setting the stage for a runoff


Japan Stocks Higher, Led by Tech Rebounds (Reuters)

Reuters - The Nikkei average rose 1.24 percent by\mid-morning trade on Monday as a recovery in U.S. stocks\encouraged investors to seek bargains among lagging issues,\including Hitachi Ltd. and other high-tech firms.


Despite booming economy, no concrete move on debt relief (AFP)

AFP - Senior finance officials have hailed a robust global economic recovery, albeit one threatened by surging oil prices, but made little headway pushing China toward currency reform and took no firm steps to ease the debt of the world's poorest nations.


Finance Leaders Urge Vigilance on Terror

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Finance officials from all over the  globe gathered under heavy guard on Sunday to push for a  stepped-up fight against terror financing while warning the  poor must not be forgotten.


Ahold Confident #39; of EU2.5 Billion Asset Goal After Spain Sale

Royal Ahold NV, owner of the Giant and Stop  amp; Shop supermarkets in the US, is confident #39; #39; the company can reach its goal of raising 2.5 billion euros (\$3.


Nikkei Opens Higher

The Nikkei average rose 1.37 percent at the opening on Monday as a recovery in US stocks encouraged investors to seek bargains among lagging issues, including Canon Inc.


Merck info line swamped over Vioxx recall

Hundreds of patients and physicians have contacted a special information line set up by Merck-Israel in the last few days after the international pharmaceutical company voluntarily withdrew Vioxx - one of the world #39;s most popular arthritis and acute


Economic Powers Fail To Agree On Debt Relief

WASHINGTON -- Financial officials from the world #39;s economic powers ended their meeting in Washington Sunday without a deal on debt relief for Iraq and other poor nations.


Airbus prepares rival to Boeing #39;s Dreamliner

Airbus, the aerospace giant, has started talks with suppliers about building a rival to Boeing #39;s new commercial airliner, the 7e7 Dreamliner.


Tokyo Stocks Rally at Open; Dollar Rises

Tokyo stocks surged at the open on Monday, fueled by Wall Street #39;s gains last week. The US dollar was higher against the Japanese yen.


Pinhole camera to seek out new worlds

It has the technology to land men on the moon and send probes into the darkest reaches of space. But Nasa #39;s newest project has more in common with school science lessons than Star Wars.


Four Out Of Five Linux PCs End Up Running Pirated Windows

A Gartner analyst finds a direct connection between Linux and piracy: many systems come preinstalled with Linux to keep prices down but then bogus copies of Windows get loaded.


MSN Messenger 7 Beta: First impressions

I got hold of the beta version of this much hyped up upgrade to the very popular instant messaging client MSN Messenger 7. I installed it on a test machine to see what new things it has to offer me.


Unfinished Business! - Accidental head-butt sends fight to the <b>...</b>

03.10.04 - Las Vegas, NV. -- Brains versus Brawns is what many were billing this fight, but in the end it was blood that won out. The 10-round main event fight from Caesars Palace which was featured on SHOWTIME


Cycling: Freire crosses line and then celebrates

VERONA, Italy Oscar Freire loves to visit Verona and is sorry that his job brings him here only every five years and then for just a few days.


Former Blue Jays Pitcher Cerutti Found Dead

Former Blue Jays pitcher and television commentator John Cerutti was found dead in a Toronto hotel room on Sunday. He was 44. The baseball team said Cerutti, who was slated to provide color


Fontana: Honda race report

A thrilling last-lap shootout between Honda-powered competitors Adrian Fernandez and Tony Kanaan was decided in favor of the former Sunday at California Speedway, as Fernandez edged his rival by just the length of a nosecone to win his third Indy Racing


Freire takes third world crown

Spain #39;s Oscar Freire celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the elite road race of the 2004 UCI world road cycling championships.


Journalists team leaves for India

LAHORE: A group of 16 Pakistani journalists crossed the Wagah border on Sunday on their way to Srinagar to see the situation in Kashmir themselves.


Mount St. Helens May Take Weeks to Erupt (AP)

AP - Mount St. Helens stewed in volcanic gases and low-level earthquakes Sunday, with crowds of eager tourists hoping to glimpse an eruption that scientists said could happen immediately or take a few weeks.


Finance Leaders Urge Vigilance on Terror (Reuters)

Reuters - Finance officials from all over the\globe gathered under heavy guard on Sunday to push for a\stepped-up fight against terror financing while warning the\poor must not be forgotten.


Nikkei Up 2 Percent in Late Morning

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average rose 2 percent by late  morning trade on Monday as banks extended last week's gains and  strong gains in U.S. semiconductor chip stocks helped push up  Japanese peers such as Advantest Corp.


Drama Before Curtain Call at Theater

In December, D.C. developer Joe Horning Horning is to unveil the results of the \$40 million renovation project.


Zients Finds Sweet Spot

Batting at the top of the Washington Baseball Club's order is Jeffrey Zients, who has emerged from virtual obscurity to be the guiding hand of the local investment group looking to buy the Expos.


Realtors Wield Power of Intimidating Views

In Washington and in the state capitals, interest groups have long chosen to ring government buildings with their own offices as a display of their clout and determination.


Investing Big Money, Lending Their Fame

Celebrities bolster investor interest in Prince George's County as more businesses chase the rising wealth of the black middle class.


New Clustering Search Engine to battle Google

The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way. More like New Clustering Search Engine goes Beta.


Castroneves captures Indy race pole

FONTANA (California): Brazils Helio Castroneves dominated qualifying with a lap at 217.479 miles per hour to put his Dallara/ Toyota on the pole for the Toyota Indy 400 on Sunday.


Federer hammers Roddick for 10th title of season

BANGKOK: Roger Federer efficiently pounded home a 6-4, 6-0 victory over outclassed Andy Roddick Sunday to win the \$550,000 Thailand Open.


IMF must learn the golden rule

Gordon Brown is a man in a hurry. There is, he says, not a moment to be lost if the global community is to have a chance of hitting its millennium development goals by 2015.


Is It Still Called a Venture Fund When You Use Your Own Money?

Halsey M. Minor, the founder of CNET, is now running his own, very private, investment fund.


The Broad Reach of Satellite Radio

Bob Edwards, formerly of National Public Radio, is set to start broadcasting over satellite radio, which came broadly available in the United States just three years ago.


Meeting Site Stands Nearly Alone

In most Internet categories, successful sites have led to copycats. But one growing Internet service has attracted a loyal following but, strangely, no rivals.


Sharon Vows to Escalate Gaza Offensive (AP)

AP - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon pledged Sunday to escalate a broad Israeli offensive in northern Gaza, saying troops will remain until Palestinian rocket attacks are halted. Israeli officials said the offensive  #151; in which 58 Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed  #151; will help clear the way for an Israeli withdrawal.


Afghan Death Toll Mounts As Voting Nears (AP)

AP - The killing in Afghanistan spirals onward, undermining U.S. claims of success in pacifying the country with less than a week to go before an historic experiment with democracy  #151; direct presidential elections.


IAEA Chief Arrives in Seoul for Nuclear Discussion

SEOUL (Reuters) - The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog,  Mohamed ElBaradei, arrived in Seoul on Sunday to discuss South  Korea's nuclear experiments after last month's two intrusive  inspections.


A Small New York School, Focused on Theater

As educators look for ways to move to smaller high schools, Manhattan Theater Lab is starting out with just over 100 freshmen.


Sources Say Tiger Woods to Wed This Week

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Tiger Woods says he's planning a Caribbean vacation, but Barbados is abuzz with reports that he's set to wed Swedish model Elin Nordegren this week.    Newspapers in Barbados and Ireland have reported that the two are to marry early this week at the Sandy Lane luxury resort on the Caribbean island's west coast...


Private plane set for Space mission

pioneering bid to win a \$10 million (5.6 million pounds) prize and prove that space is open for business. space travel as ordinary as a Caribbean cruise.


Educational and Funny Research Honored

The King of Sweden was not there and the circumstances were a bit short of pompous, but 15 intrepid scientists attained a modicum of fame last week as this year #39;s winners of coveted Ig Nobel Prizes.


US scientists map genome of greenhouse gas-eating algae

US scientists have unraveled the genetic map of a microscopic algae that absorbs huge amounts of greenhouse gases. These organisms are incredibly important in the global carbon cycle, said Virginia Armbrust


Canas beats Burgsmuller to capture Shanghai title

SHANGHAI: Argentinas Guillermo Canas thrashed unheralded German Lars Burgsmuller in the final of the Shanghai ATP tennis tournament on Sunday, conceding just one game in the 57-minute match.


NFL Wrap: Barber Runs Over Packers as Giants Win (Reuters)

Reuters - Tiki Barber rushed for 182 yards and\ran half the length of the field for a touchdown as the New\York Giants used a stifling defense to upset the Packers 14-7\in Green Bay on Sunday.


Ostertag Out 4-6 Weeks With Broken Hand (AP)

AP - Sacramento Kings center Greg Ostertag will be out four-to-six weeks after breaking his right hand in a fall at his home Saturday night.


Now Afghanistan needs a mother

MASOODA Jalal has been clocking up some high mileage on the campaign trail for Afghanistans presidential election. The only woman candidate to stand in the October 9 vote, Jalal


Former Blue Jays Pitcher Cerutti Found Dead (Reuters)

Reuters - Former Blue Jays pitcher and television\commentator John Cerutti was found dead in a Toronto hotel room\on Sunday. He was 44.


Hockey Stars Raise Money for Firefighters (AP)

AP - Comedian Denis Leary hosts a hockey game each year to raise money for firefighters in need. This year, he had added incentive.


NFL Wrap: Barber Runs Over Packers as Giants Win

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tiki Barber rushed for 182 yards and  ran half the length of the field for a touchdown as the New  York Giants used a stifling defense to upset the Packers 14-7  in Green Bay on Sunday.


Former Blue Jays Pitcher Cerutti Found Dead

TORONTO (Reuters) - Former Blue Jays pitcher and television  commentator John Cerutti was found dead in a Toronto hotel room  on Sunday. He was 44.


Motor Racing: Less Can Be More, Say Former Champions

LONDON (Reuters) - Former world champions John Surtees and  Niki Lauda believe Formula One needs to go back to its roots,  at least in the short term, to build a brighter future.


Patriots Make the Bills Pay and Win Their 18th Game in a Row

The Patriots, who have not lost since Sept. 28, 2003, joined four teams with 18 consecutive victories.


Giants' Barber Sees Daylight at a Good Time

Tiki Barber sprinted for a 52-yard touchdown in the third quarter, the play that the Giants would ride to their third victory of the season.


Giants Just Watch as Astros Clinch N.L. Wild Card

On the final day of this regular season, the big league drama did not unfold on the field, but in the San Francisco clubhouse.


Defense Thumps Bills

A classic Tom Brady performance and a fumble-return touchdown by Richard Seymour secures an NFL record-tying 18th consecutive with for the Patriots as they beat the Bills, 31-17.


Giants Shake Favre

Giants tailback Tiki Barber rushes for 182 yards and Packer quarterback Brett Favre suffers a concussion in Green Bay's 14-7 defeat by New York.


Who's Next for Tito?

After a convincing knock out of the brash Ricardo Mayorga in his return from retirement, Felix Trinidad must figure out who to fight next.


Dolphins Flounder

After a 17-9 an eyesore of a defeat to the Jets, the Dolphins are winless at 0-4 with little evidence shown on Sunday that brighter days are yet to come.


Disabled Americans Are Pleased With E-Voting

While many voter rights' advocates are fighting to decertify electronic voting machines, arguing that they're not reliable, one bloc remains steadfast behind the new equipment - disabled voters who say the machines give them long-denied privacy.


Fannie Mae Stock Ratings Warrant Their Own Analysis

Fannie Mae's stock has dropped about 16 percent in two weeks. And even before the abrupt slide, it's been three years since the stock made any big gains for its investors.


Market on record run

THE stock market continued on its bullish performance by noon today, extending recent record highs with BHP Billiton in the vanguard.


SpaceShipOne gears up for final leg of Ansari X Prize

SpaceShipOne, the world #39;s first privately developed spaceship, is fueled and ready to embark this morning on a flight into space in a bid to claim the \$10 million Ansari X Prize.


Netflix, TiVo Make Deal Official

LOS GATOS, Calif. - Netflix Inc. and TiVo Inc. made official Thursday their deal to create a service that will use high-speed Internet connections to pipe DVD-quality movies into the homes of their mutual subscribers.


Team of the Week

As the Premiership takes another break to accommodate a series of World Cup qualifiers, a number of what could be termed England fringe players gave Sven Goran Eriksson some food for thought this weekend.


Kirui, Sun win world half-marathon titles

Kenya #39;s Paul Kirui capped an impressive year by winning the men #39;s World half-marathon title Sunday, while China #39;s Sun Ying Jie claimed the women #39;s race.


Vick #39;s aggressive move sets tone for one-sided division rivalry

CHARLOTTE -- So often in today #39;s rich-get-richer corporate climate of the NFL, everybody seems to get along just swimmingly. The league #39;s management and the players union have to endure charges of being entirely


Alleged Leader of ETA Is Captured in France

The alleged political leader of the armed Basque separatist group ETA and his partner were arrested Sunday along with 19 other accused ETA members during a police sweep in southwestern France, Spanish authorities said.


PM pitches to undecided voters

Prime Minister John Howard today made a pitch for undecided voters in the last week of the election campaign. Opinion polls say the coalition leads Labor, but put the undecided vote at about nine per cent, with less than week before polling day.


Asian Tech Stocks Rally, Dollar Edges Up

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A rally in semiconductor-related  stocks, including Advantest Corp., propelled Asian shares  higher on Monday as investors added to a U.S. buying spree and  turned optimistic on earnings prospects.


Internet Grants to Schools Halted as the F.C.C. Tightens the Rules

The moratorium on a federal program that provides grants for high-speed Internet and telephone service began two months ago, with no notice.


Piper Rudnick to Merge With Big British Firm

Piper Rudnick Gray Cary LLP, a law firm with major operations in Washington, agreed over the weekend to merge with British firm DLA LLP, creating one of the largest combinations ever of law firms from different countries.


Chronology of Saudi attacks

Gunmen stormed the US consulate in Jeddah today in the latest of a stream of attacks against foreigners and foreign interests in Saudi Arabia, many of them blamed on the al-Qaeda network.


Stocks continue record breaking run

The Australian stock market continued on its bullish performance by noon today, extending recent record highs with BHP Billiton in the vanguard.


SBA Offers Discounted Loans for Disaster Victims

The Small Business Administration steps up aid to businesses affected by recent weather-related disasters. Oct. 4, 2004 --As home and business owners throughout Florida and the Southwestern US pull things


SpaceShipOne Team Ready To Grab X Prize

The SpaceShipOne team will attempt to win the \$10 million Ansari X Prize on Monday, the 47th anniversary of the start of the first space race when the Soviet Union launched its Sputnik satellite.


THAILAND-BLAST-FIREWORKS

The death toll from a blast that ripped through a fireworks factory in central Thailand rose to 11 on Monday, police said.  quot;At this moment the death toll is 11 and one person is in the ICU, quot; Police Lt.


Six Shot Dead in New Northeast India Violence (Reuters)

Reuters - Suspected tribal rebels stormed\a remote village in India's northeast on Monday and shot dead\six people, police said, raising to 62 the death toll in a new\wave of violence that erupted in the region at the weekend.


Yudhoyono Wins Indonesia Poll- Preliminary Result (Reuters)

Reuters - Former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono\has won Indonesia's presidential election run-off in a\landslide, preliminary final results showed on Monday.


Joint Operation Hauls in ETA Suspects (AP)

AP - Two of Spain's most wanted terror suspects and at least 16 other alleged members of the armed Basque separatist group ETA were captured Sunday in a vast French-Spanish police operation, authorities said.


Israel Expands Raid with Air Strike Near Gaza City

GAZA (Reuters) - Israel expanded its military offensive in  northern Gaza, launching two air strikes early on Monday that  killed at least three Palestinians and wounded two, including a  senior Hamas leader, witnesses and medics said.


Taiwan Chen Plans National Day Speech on China

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said he  will make an important policy statement on relations with  arch-foe China in his National Day address on Oct. 10.


The Money Man

Alan greenspan #39;s official title is Chairman of the US Federal Reserve. But he functions as something akin to America #39;s economic Prognosticator in Chief.


As Afghan Vote Nears, Taliban Isn't Only Worry

Many Afghans say they are more worried about a different source of abuse and intimidation during the presidential elections: pressure from local militia commanders to vote for certain candidates.


Out of Hiding in Samarra

As U.S. and Iraqi troops patrolled the battered streets of Samarra, the central Iraqi city reclaimed from insurgents in two days of lopsided battle, residents emerged Sunday reporting thirst, hunger and casualties among the civilian population, according to news service accounts from the city.


Asian Tech Stocks Rally, Dollar Edges Up (Reuters)

Reuters - A rally in semiconductor-related\stocks, including Advantest Corp., propelled Asian shares\higher on Monday as investors added to a U.S. buying spree and\turned optimistic on earnings prospects.


Japan Shares Up 2 Percent by Midday

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese stocks rose 1.9 percent by  midsession on Monday as a strong performance by U.S.  semiconductor-related stocks gave a push to Japanese peers such  as Advantest Corp. and as banks extended last week's gains.


Finder of first Peking Man skull commemorated in Beijing

An exhibition is being held in Beijing to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Pei Wenzhong,the discoverer of the first Peking Man skull.


Trash Begins to Clutter Space Station

There #39;s no space in the space station. With no garbage pickup by shuttles for nearly two years, the international space station is looking more and more like a cluttered attic.


Ernie rids himself of demons

Kilkenny - World number two Ernie Els and Denmark #39;s Thomas Bjorn have finally rid themselves of the golfing demons that threatened to derail their careers.


Federer wins Thailand Open

World number one Roger Federer thumped second-ranked Andy Roddick in straight sets 6-4, 6-0 to win the Thailand Open in Bangkok on Sunday.


Atlanta uses fourth-quarter spurt to drop Panthers

CHARLOTTE - As Jake Delhomme walked off the field Sunday, he turned to Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin Mathis and said, I bet youd like to play against me every week.


San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- The St. Louis Rams still have plenty of offensive firepower. The same could not be said for the San Francisco 49ers.


Rightist Tokyo governor Ishihara says war kept Asia safe from  <b>...</b>

Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara is a gracious host, settling comfortably into a white leather chair and patiently listening to a question from a visitor.


Singapore #39;s speech ran counter to basic rights

The nation has always been independent from China. Not for a single day has it been ruled by China. Twenty-three million Taiwanese -- 7.7 times the number of


Lazard #39;s Wasserstein Faces Board Dissent Over IPO, People Say

Bruce Wasserstein #39;s plan to sell shares of Lazard LLC, the world #39;s largest closely held investment bank, may face opposition from the firm #39;s 11-member board tomorrow at a meeting in Paris, people familiar with the matter said.


Issing sees inflation above target

Inflation rates in Europe are unlikely to fall below the European Central Bank #39;s 2 percent target for the rest of the year because of high oil prices, ECB board member Ottmar Issing said Sunday.


Northwest #39;s CEO Deplanes

And then there was one. Northwest Airlines (NWAC ) reported Oct. 1 that its CEO, Richard H. Anderson, is quitting to take a job in the health-care industry.


So Much For Hollowing Out

Lying 800 kilometers south of Tokyo on the island of Kyushu, Oita prefecture is hardly the kind of place you would expect to find the trendsetting titans of Japan Inc.


A Gusher Of Cash For Domestic Drilling

While the rest of the country frets over surging energy prices, a small but growing group of businesses is fueling a boom of sorts in the US oil patch.


Els closes with 69, edges Bjorn to win WGC title

The pressure to win made Ernie Els feel like he was in a major. Given all he has been through this year, his victory in the American Express Championship sure felt like one.


Astros can clinch last playoff berth Sunday

BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) -- It would be fitting for the Houston Astros to clinch a playoff spot at Minute Maid Park, but they will have to do it without Roger Clemens.


Guillermo Canas wins championship at Shanghai Open

Guillermo Canas won his third title of the year yesterday with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over unseeded German Lars Burgsmuller at the ATP Shanghai Open.


Turkey At The EU #39;s Door

Turkey #39;s decades-long quest to join the European Union looks set to take a great leap forward. On Oct. 6 the European Commission in Brussels is due to release its opinion on whether Turkey has met the legal


Giants See Daylight at Right Time

Tiki Barber sprinted for a 52-yard touchdown in the third quarter, the play that the Giants would ride to their third victory of the season.


Jets Grab, Pick and Sack to Victory

A stirring defensive effort by the Jets produced 7 points, 4 turnovers, 4 sacks and a victory over the Dolphins in Pro Player Stadium.


Earnhardt Takes Lead

Despite winning Sunday's race and taking the overall Nextel Cup lead, Dale Earnhardt Jr. could lose points after cursing in an interview.


Japan to Ask U.S. to Remove Some Okinawa Bases -Paper

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan plans to ask the United States to  move some U.S. marine bases from its southernmost prefecture of  Okinawa to a location outside Japan, the daily Yomiuri Shimbun  said on Monday.


Poll gives Kerry post-debate lead

After the first TV debate in the US presidential campaign, polls give good news for the Democrats.


In Russia, Dissent Grows Over Moves to Curb Autonomy

President Vladimir V. Putin's plan to concentrate more power in the Kremlin has inflamed popular discontent.


Haitian Death Toll From Storm Nears 2,000

GONAIVES, Haiti - The death toll from floods unleashed by Tropical Storm Jeanne rose sharply to nearly 2,000 people, with many still missing, as officials said they found hundreds more bodies in Haiti's devastated northwestern region.    Officials, who had previously put the toll at 1,550 dead and about 900 missing, could not immediately provide specifics on the higher toll announced Sunday night, but said hundreds more bodies were found in recent days in areas outside the hard-hit town of Gonaives...


Results Show Da Silva Leading Brazil Vote

Brazilian voters gave a boost to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in nationwide municipal elections on Sunday, according to initial results, in the first electoral test for the leftist leader and his plans to remake Latin America's biggest country.


SunGard to Spin Off Data Unit

SunGard, which provides software and services to top financial companies, plans to spin off its disaster data recovery business into a separate publicly traded company.


Hitting History: Seattle outfielder singles in first two at-bats <b>...</b>

What once looked like a forgettable season-ending weekend at Safeco Field came alive Friday night. Ichiro Suzuki became major league baseball #39;s single-season


Gadaffi Family Vow to Help Free Hostage

Members of the Gadaffi family have pledged to support efforts to free British hostage Kenneth Bigley, his brother claimed today. Paul Bigley said that Colonel Gadaffis London-based


MANNY MUSU HEADS TO ITALY

The five-year-old naturalised Australian girl seriously injured in last month #39;s bombing outside Australia #39;s embassy in Jakarta is leaving hospital in Singapore for Italy.


Khmer Rouge face genocide trial

CAMBODIA #39;S legislature has approved a UN pact to put surviving Khmer Rouge leaders on trial for genocide. Atrocities claimed nearly two million lives during their rule in the late 1970s.


Manny flies to Italy after stunning recovery

SINGAPORE (AFP): A five-year-old Indonesian girl critically injured in last month #39;s bombing of the Australian embassy in Jakarta flew to a new life in Italy on Monday after making a spectacular recovery at a Singapore hospital.


Pakistani Journalists Arrive in India for Unprecedented Kashmir <b>...</b>

A group of Pakistani journalists has arrived in India for an unprecedented visit to the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir. Indian officials say the delegation crossed the border between the two nuclear


New Tungsten Boasts Big Storage

PalmOne's Tungsten T5 comes with 256MB of flash memory, so you never risk losing your data.


Yahoo Local Officially Launches

After just two months in testing, Yahoo has pushed its local search out of beta and is giving the service prominent exposure on the Yahoo home page.


Michael Peltier: Some insurers waiving mulitple deductibles

Homeowners unfortunate enough to get slammed by multiple hurricanes in the past seven weeks have had to face the risk of another less deadly but more expensive disaster.


Mariners Notebook: Ichiro pads hit parade

Sisler set the all-time record for hits in a season in 1920 with 257, wresting the record from Ty Cobb, who #39;d set it nine years earlier with 248.


Henry scores two as Arsenal crushes Charlton 4-0

London, Oct 04 - Thierry Henry scored twice as arsenal easily beat Charlton 4-0 to extend its unbeaten premier league streak to 48 matches and bounce back from alleged team disunity.


Pats capitalize on others #39; mistakes

On the road, the momentum and most of the crowd against them, and trailing their division rivals by seven points, the Patriots responded to the challenge with a tying touchdown


The Broad Reach of Satellite Radio

XM Satellite's recruitment of well-known personalities, including Bob Edwards, has been the most aggressive effort to date to win listeners.


Taiwan Nervous That China Embargo May End (AP)

AP - Taiwan is getting jittery about a new push within the European Union to lift a 15-year embargo on weapons sales to China  #151; the communist giant that's been threatening to attack this tiny democratic island.


Haitian Death Toll From Storm Nears 2,000 (AP)

AP - The death toll from floods unleashed by Tropical Storm Jeanne rose sharply to nearly 2,000 people, with many still missing, as officials said they found hundreds more bodies in Haiti's devastated northwestern region.


Kerry Says Republicans Suppressing Voting (AP)

AP - Republicans have been trying to suppress voting in states where the presidential race is too close to call, Democratic nominee John Kerry said Sunday at one of the city's largest predominantly black churches.


Brazil's Ruling Party Faces Sao Paulo Run-Off Vote

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - President Luiz Inacio Lula da  Silva's Workers' Party (PT) won the mayoralty of six state  capitals in Sunday's municipal vote but was forced into a  run-off to defend its hold on the race's biggest prize, the  city of Sao Paulo.


China holds firm over yuan reform

Chinese banking officials say they will not rush any moves to ease the yuan from its tight peg against the US dollar.


Crude Oil Prices Ease Slightly

Crude oil prices eased slightly in early morning Asian trade Monday after pushing above the psychologically important \$50 mark for the first time last week.


Citigroup #39;s Yamada, Top Technical Analyst, Sees Dow Falling

The Dow Jones Industrial Average failed three times this year to exceed its previous high and fell to about 10,000 each time, most recently a week ago.


Rams Defeat Winless 49ers 24-14 (AP)

AP - There was nothing wrong with the St. Louis Rams' offense that a trip to San Francisco couldn't fix. Marc Bulger passed for 186 yards, Marshall Faulk rushed for 121 more and St. Louis sent the woeful 49ers to their first 0-4 start in 25 years with a 24-14 victory on Sunday night.


Rock to the rescue of Malaysia

Taking a break from fiery sermons, Malaysias fundamentalist Islamic opposition group enlisted rock singers to loosen up its image.


Nikkei Up 2.5 Pct in Afternoon

TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average jumped 2.5 percent  by mid-afternoon on Monday as semiconductor-related stocks such  as Advantest Corp. mirrored a rally by their U.S. peers while  banks and brokerages extended last week's gains.


UPDATE 1-ECB #39;s Noyer urges fiscal discipline, reforms

Bank of France Governor Christian Noyer on Sunday urged countries to tighten their public finances and implement reforms to help generate non-inflationary growth.


Don #39;t bank on double-digit returns from funds

Most investors envy Jack R. Meyer with his double-digit returns over the past year, but even he says he will have trouble making much money in the years to come.


Accountant testifies he lied about Enron barge deal

HOUSTON, Texas - A former Enron accountant testified this week that he knew an arrangement to temporarily sell Merrill Lynch some barges just to boost Enron #39;s bottom line was wrong and he planned to lie about it if confronted.


Sony drops copy-control CDs

Sony Music Entertainment Japan has decided to drop the copy-protection on its CDs from November 17 onwards. Copy protection was introduced by the company in January last year.


Sci/Tech ; Viral movies possible with RealPlayer flaw

quot;Anyone who has RealPlayer is affected, and there are many people with RealPlayer, quot; said Marc Maiffret, chief hacking officer at software security company eEye Digital Security, the company that discovered the security issue.


Funk ends six-year victory drought

Fred Funk can relax. He doesn #39;t have to carry six years #39; worth of frustration anymore. The 48-year-old US Ryder Cup player won his sixth PGA Tour title Sunday, closing with a birdie for a one-stroke victory in the Southern Farm Bureau Classic.


Brazil #39;s Workers #39; Party gains in mayoral voting

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva #39;s left-leaning Workers #39; Party posted significant wins in nationwide municipal elections Sunday and expanded its reach into Brazil #39;s mammoth interior.


Susilo thanks Indonesians for electing him

: Former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono thanked Indonesians on Monday for electing him as the next president and said he would work hard to resolve the country #39;s problems.


Cambodian Assembly Ratifies Khmer Rouge Trial Pact

The Cambodian parliament ratified an agreement with the United Nations on Monday on setting up a tribunal to try surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime responsible for the deaths of 1.7 million people.


Hurricanes Likely To Cause Insurers #39; Rates To Rise

MIAMI -- Four hurricanes in just six weeks are likely going to force Florida #39;s top two insurers to raise rates or reduce their business in the state.


Telecom denial over AAPT

Telecom yesterday denied its AAPT consumer business in Australia was on the block, reports NZPA. The company played down chief financial officer Marko Bogoievski #39;s statement in a media report from New York


Sony of Japan abandons copy-control music CDs, adapting to <b>...</b>

Sony Corp. #39;s music unit is abandoning its CDs that use built-in technology that limits copying them, after pushing the program for two years.


US users know more about boobs than viruses

US COMPUTER users know more about the Janet Jackson #39;s breast exposure than they down about their own anti-virus software, according to a survey.


Thailand bird flu deaths increase

A girl has died of bird flu in Thailand, the 11th confirmed victim of the disease this year. Kanda Srileung-On died in the north of the country, hours after testing positive for the virus, apparently caught from infected chickens.


Afghan campaign picks up as Karzai heads for Berlin

Afghan President Hamid Karzai #39;s deputies campaigned for him on Saturday ahead of presidential elections seven days later, while the candidate himself prepared to fly to Germany to collect an international award.


Khmer Rouge tribunal pact OKd in Cambodia

Cambodia #39;s legislature on Monday approved a long-delayed agreement to put surviving Khmer Rouge leaders on trial for atrocities that claimed nearly two million


Shares Dip Amid Economic, Security Fears

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


Former General Yudhoyono Wins Indonesia Poll

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has won  Indonesia's presidential election run-off in a landslide,  capping a rapid rise to power for the former general who has  vowed to create jobs, stamp out graft and fight terrorism.


Yudhoyono set to claim victory

Counting in Indonesia's  presidential election is nearly over, with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the easy winner.


US launches new raids on Falluja

US air strikes on the rebellious Iraqi city of Falluja kill at least seven people, hospital officials say.


Tuesday's Debate Has New Importance

After what Republicans acknowledge was President Bush's faltering performance in his televised encounter with Democratic nominee John F. Kerry, the vice presidential debate has assumed critical importance, with Republicans depending on Vice President Cheney to halt the ticket's slide in momentum.


A Brutal Sexual Assault Galvanizes Swazi Women

MANZINI, Swaziland -- Gugu Pungwayo couldn't bear to read the newspaper article. She recalled that she glanced at the headline, then put the paper down. Picked it up again. Put it down. Again. And again.


Sharapova Wins Hansol Korea Open

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova won the first-ever Korea Open on Sunday. The top-seeded 17-year old Russian beat Poland #39;s Marta Domachowska in straight sets -- 6-1, 6-1 -- in less than an hour.


Elbaradei Expresses Hope for Quick Settlement of S. Korea #39;s <b>...</b>

Mohamed ElBaradei, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency has voiced hopes for a quick and conclusive settlement of his agency #39;s probe into South Korea #39;s past nuclear experiments.


PHILIPPINES PRESS: Smart, Mobile One In Talks For Tie-Up

MANILA (Dow Jones)--Smart Communications Inc., the top mobile phone operator in the Philippines, is in talks with Singapore #39;s Mobile One Ltd.


X Prize try today may set history

A maverick California company is poised to launch a bid today to win the \$10 million Ansari X Prize, a global competition expected to spur a  quot;personal spaceflight revolution.


October is computer safety month

A survey by the National Cyber Security Alliance has suggested one in three Americans think they #39;re more likely to win the lottery than get to a computer virus.


Whats common to country music

WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 1: Researchers who found a link between country music and suicide, and a man who patented his combover hairstyle won IgNobel Awards for true but funny experiments.


Who Els but Ernie for title

DOING SA PROUD: Ernie Els holds the World Golf Championship trophy after winning at the Mount Juliet course in Ireland yesterday. (AP).


FANS WANT TRINIDAD- HOPKINS II

IT took just eight explo- sive rounds for Felix  quot;Tito quot; Trinidad to put himself back atop boxing #39;s mantle of greatness.


TESTING TIMES FOR OWEN

Striker Michael Owen is facing a battle to prove his form and fitness as the pressure grew on his starting place for Englands World Cup qualifier against Wales.


Arms, Cars Top Schrders China Trip

German Chancellor Gerhard Schrder arrived in Beijing on Monday for a three-day visit focusing on expanding trade ties and the European Unions ban on arms sales to China.


Automakers improve side-impact protection

Responding to a tough insurance industry crash test, automakers are making major strides to improve the safety of family sedans, according to new data released Sunday.


Smart, Mobile One in talks for tie-up

Philippines mobile phone operator Smart Communications Inc. is in talks with Singapore #39;s Mobile One for a possible tie-up, BusinessWorld reported Monday.


Fannie #39;s funny accounting

Fannie Mae #39;s newly discovered accounting artifices could give lagging reform efforts in Congress some impetus. Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are financial behemoths and political sacred cows - escaping


Astronauts conduct fall cleaning in space

So, a few weeks ago, the two astronauts who live there tossed out some junk, like so many old hubcaps for the trash heap. And the throwing away - done during a recent spacewalk -as done cautiously so


Oil prices boosting BP's fortunes

Oil giant BP reports buoyant trading in the third quarter, with production up by 11, on the back of soaring crude prices.


Priest #39;s gift will help students afford college

MARINE CITY -- Following a lifetime of helping people through his church work, the Rev. Donald Bartone #39;s \$575,000 gift will help renew that dedication nearly two years after his death.


Freddie Mac finds stability in this week #39;s mortgage rates

Mortgage rates inched up last week, but they remained well below the year-high levels set during the spring. Freddie Mac, in its weekly survey released Thursday, reported that rates on 30-year


The wrong stuff: junk in space station

So a few weeks ago, the two astronauts who live there tossed out some useless junk, like so many old hubcaps for the trash heap. And the throwing-away -- done


Around the world

The death toll from floods unleashed by Tropical Storm Jeanne rose sharply Sunday to nearly 2,000 people, with many still missing, as officials said they found hundreds more bodies in Haiti #39;s devastated northwestern region.


Khmer Rouge tribunal approved

Cambodia has ratified legislation to set up a UN-assisted tribunal which will put leaders of the murderous Khmer Rouge regime on trial.


Macromedia readies Captivate for demos and simulations

Macromedia on Monday is announcing Captivate, formerly known as RoboDemo, for recording onscreen activity and building software demonstrations and interactive simulations.


PalmOne unveils Tungsten T5

In a crowded corporate market where handhelds and handsets are fighting it out for supremacy, PalmOne will introduce a device this week it hopes will cut through the noise.


SBC has one-stop message service

Residential and small business customers of SBC Communications Inc. in Flint, Ann Arbor and metro Detroit can now access their home and wireless voice mail as well as e-mail accounts


Sugar business sours as US goes diet crazy

Mary Poppins was wrong.  quot;A spoonful of sugar quot; doesn #39;t cut it anymore. In a diet-obsessed culture, many Americans are going sour on sugar.


Amgen bone drug shows success

Amgen Inc. said Sunday results of a small trial showed its experimental osteoporosis drug increased bone density in post-menopausal women, potentially reducing the risk of fractures associated with the bone-thinning disease.


Wiseman Dairies in talks to sell stake

Scotland #39;s biggest dairy firm, Robert Wiseman Dairies RWD.L , says it is in talks with farmers #39; co-operative First Milk, which supplies Wiseman with milk, about buying a 15 percent stake in Wiseman.


Cheers as Mugabe slaps down Moyo

He has lost his position on the key body of the ruling party Zanu-PF but retains his seat in cabinet. Mr Moyo is the architect of tough media laws which have seen the banning of foreign correspondents and the closure of the only private daily paper.


Shuttle #39;s spring 2005 launch delayed

The first shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy has been pushed back by NASA. This is due to hurricane damages and implementation of new safety measures.


State cancels two technology contracts

The State Technology Office plans to cancel two multimillion-dollar contracts, now that several investigations have discovered two companies were given unfair advantages.


Trinidad #39;s sights on Hopkins

In the wee hours yesterday morning, promoter Don King stood at a podium inside Madison Square Garden and -- in the midst of a bombastic assault on his


McClaren: I hope I haven #39;t helped Wales in World Cup

ENGLAND coach Steve McClaren hopes he has not handed Wales the World Cup blueprint to curb the threat of Wayne Rooney. McClaren #39;s Middlesbrough manfully threw up the barricades at Old Trafford yesterday as


Earnhardt cusses up a controversy

Two fresh tires helped Dale Earnhardt Jr. win the EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway yesterday, but a four-letter word he said in Victory Lane might cost him the points lead.


Vick powers Atlanta past Carolina again

As linebacker Keith Brooking headed to the Atlanta Falcons locker room, he bellowed to nobody in particular: We own the South, baby!


Stung by one that got away

It should have been the perfect cap to another precious win for Corey Dillon. For the first time in his three games as a Patriot, Dillon


13 More Killed In On-going Gaza Violence

Dubai, Oct. 4 (NNN): At least 13 Palestinians were killed as Israel continued its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, with an air strike in the north, during the past 24 hours.


Car bomb kills 8 in Baghdad

Two blasts have shaken separate areas of central Baghdad, with one car bomb blast near the heavily defended Green Zone killing at least eight people and wounding 30, doctors and witnesses say.


Pope puts 5 faithful on path to sainthood

VATICAN CITYPope John Paul II yesterday honoured two figures linked to controversy, beatifying German mystic Sister Anna Katharina Emmerick, whose violent visions of Christ #39;s suffering helped inspire Mel Gibson #39;s film The Passion Of The Christ, and the


Iraqi, US Forces Patrol Sunni Triangle

SAMARRA, Iraq -- Iraqi security forces are patrolling the Sunni Triangle city of Samarra after US and Iraqi soldiers claimed victory in retaking the city from insurgent forces.


Detainees fight British anti-terrorism law

Nine Muslims held indefinitely without charge in Britain are challenging the country #39;s highest court against their detention. The nine are among 11 foreign men held under the Anti Terrorism, Crime and Security


Update 3: Economic Powers Vow Aid for Poor Nations

Rich nations pledged an agreement soon on forgiving the debt burden weighing on poor nations in Africa, Latin America and Asia but remained divided on reducing billions of dollars of Iraqi debt.


Some insurers limited Vioxx

Some large health insurers are feeling vindicated after Merck #39;s decision to withdraw its painkiller Vioxx from the market because long-term use raises the risk of heart attack or stroke.


Market ends at record

OFFSHORE gains drove the share market to record levels today, albeit on lower than average volume because of little trade in three states which are having public holidays today.


Reaching the limits of space inside the space station

So a few weeks ago, the two astronauts who live there tossed out some useless junk, like so many old hubcaps for the trash heap. And the throwing-away - done during a recent spacewalk -as


Coral copyright plan faces Apple, MS barriers

NEITHER APPLE nor Microsoft will join a consortium formed today to address digital rights management for music and films. But the Coral Consortium has heavyweight firms Sony, Samsung, Philips, Matsushita, HP and 20th Century Fox backing their plans.


Sony Corp abandons copy-control music CDs

Sony Corp #39;s music unit is abandoning its CDs that use built-in technology that limits copying them, after pushing the program for two years.


Red Hat Buys Technology from Netscape

Linux distributor Red Hat Inc. RHAT.O said on Thursday that it had bought Netscape #39;s computer user identification and management technology from America Online Inc.


Two explosion rock Baghdad #39;s city center and Green Zone

A car bomb blew up near one of the entrances to the heavily fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad on Monday, wounding many civilians, witnesses and security sources said.


Turkey Confident of EU Membership

Turkeys prime minister said yesterday that admitting his Muslim-majority country to the European Union would contribute to reconciliation between civilizations and expressed confidence that the EUs executive will recommend opening membership


Poverty poses threat, finance leaders told

World finance leaders ended their annual meeting yesterday with renewed pledges to promote global prosperity, amid warnings that the battle against poverty had taken a back seat to the war on terrorism.


Pol Pot and his change from man to beast

Philip Short took four years to write this biography, after completing his much-praised life of Mao Zedong () in 1999. He has trawled deep and wide, reading what are probably


Karzai skips campaign trail, visits Germany instead

Afghan President Hamid Karzai was in Germany yesterday to receive an award, his office said, just days before his war-plagued nation will hold its first direct presidential election.


Iran rebuffs Kerry nuclear proposal

Washington says Iran plans to use its nuclear facilities to make atom bombs. Tehran says it merely wants to. US President George W. Bush wants Iran referred to the United Nations Security Council for possible sanctions.


Smaller auditors find niche

While the Big Four are pulling back from the small-company market, a passel of regional and  quot;second tier quot; national accounting firms are eagerly filling the gap.


Lastminute.com Says Annual Profit to Be at Low End of Forecasts

Lastminute.com Plc, an unprofitable UK travel company, expects profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to be at the lower end of its forecasts next fiscal year as the company struggles to cut costs.


Mount Vernon City Library to close books on rural readers

MOUNT VERNON - Mickey Bambrick, who home-schools her 5-year-old son, is already on the second reading of the books at her small public library in La Conner, Skagit County.


Chance to try out new MSN Messenger

Web surfers in the United States and five other countries will be invited this week to begin using a new version of MSN Messenger that includes a search function in the message window, reports on the Web said.


EU braces for revolution if Turkey joins club

Admitting mainly Muslim Turkey into the European Union would mark nothing short of a cultural, economic and political revolution for Europe, analysts say.


Indonesia #39;s Yudhoyono Wins Presidential Election (Update2)

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has won Indonesia #39;s presidential election after the former general garnered support from three-fifths of voters, the General Election Commission said.


Bomb victim makes good recovery

A five-year-old Indonesian girl critically injured in last month #39;s Australian embassy bombing in Jakarta has made a remarkable recovery and will leave hospital this week, press reports said yesterday.


Macromedia readies Captivate for demos and simulations (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Macromedia on Monday is announcing Captivate, formerly known as RoboDemo, for recording onscreen activity and building software demonstrations and interactive simulations.


Nobel Prize Winners to Be Announced (AP)

AP - The guessing game over who will take home the world's most coveted awards ends this week with the announcement of the 2004 Nobel Prize winners.


IMF sees rising oil prices having little impact on global growth (AFP)

AFP - Rising oil prices are unlikely to deal a major blow to global economic growth although the trend may seem  quot;uncomfortable, quot; a researcher with the International Monetary Fund says.


German food retailer Spar sells 50-pct stake in Netto discount to ITM (AFP)

AFP - Spar, Germany's eighth-biggest food supermarket chain, plans to sell a 50-percent stake in its discount arm Netto to its French parent company ITM Entreprises, Spar's new chairman Stephan Schelo said in a newspaper interview.


Asian Stocks Surge, Dollar Edges

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Asian shares jumped to multi-month  highs on Monday on a rally in semiconductor-related issues,  including Japan's Advantest Corp., and European stocks were set  to rise after a rally in U.S. markets.


Live-in lab

CAMBRIDGE -- Greater Boston's newest cutting-edge research lab boasts no test tubes, lasers, or printed circuit boards -- at least none in plain view. It looks like what it is: a clean, modern, and sparsely furnished 950-square-foot condominium near Central Square.


Small drugstores seek advantage in prepackaged pills

NEW BEDFORD -- The fight for a bigger slice of the pharmacy business in New Bedford is being waged in a converted bank branch on the north side of town.


What's your TLA IQ?

Acronyms are the secret language of technology and biotech. If you have to ask what they mean, you're not an insider. There are even acronyms on top of acronyms: someone who peppers his speech with TLAs is fond of using ''three-letter acronyms. quot;


Fastow might be called as hostile witness in Enron trial

HOUSTON -- Enron Corp.'s former finance chief, Andrew Fastow, is not a defendant or a prosecution witness in the first criminal trial to emerge from the energy company's crash, but he could be called to testify for the defense -- possibly as a hostile witness.


EMC debuts data-management software

The Hopkinton data storage company EMC Corp. will roll out a set of new products today, aimed at filling out the company's  quot;information lifecycle management quot; strategy.


Prototype keyboards go against type

If you attended last week's Emerging Technologies Conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, you probably weren't on the lookout for ways to become a better typist. This is MIT, after all -- Rocket Science Central. Couldn't they offer something more challenging?


7-Eleven enhances prepaid cellphone service

7-Eleven Inc. , the convenience store chain that launched its own prepaid cellphone brand last spring, is rolling out two big enhancements this week in New England markets: premium handsets with cameras and FM radios, and minutes that don't expire for a full year.


Ahold to sell off its Spanish holdings

AMSTERDAM -- The Dutch supermarket retailer Ahold, seeking to streamline global operations and reduce debt, said yesterday that it will sell its holdings in Spain to Permira Funds, for roughly \$849 million.


State Street fund tops August sales

State Street Corp.'s SPDR Trust was the best-selling mutual fund with US investors in August, according to estimates by Financial Research Corp. It was the first time an exchange-traded fund led monthly fund sales.


Buying a stereo with the Dropkick Murphys

The bass should be in your face. That's what Matt Kelly, of Boston's popular punk rock band Dropkick Murphys, thinks is the mark of a great stereo system. And he should know. Kelly, 29, is the drummer for the band that likes to think of itself as a bit of an Irish lucky charm for the Red Sox.


AT amp;T, Vonage Cut Prices on Internet Calling

AT amp;T Corp. and Internet telephone provider Vonage said on Thursday they were cutting prices for their residential Internet calling services by \$5 per month, the strongest


Els earns title as Woods is relegated

Ernie Els got the better of Thomas Bjorn yet again yesterday to win his first solo World Golf Championships title. And on a horribly wet and windy day at Mount Juliet in County


Pantherscontain Vick,butstilllose

CHARLOTTE, NC The Carolina Panthers finally found a way to contain Michael Vick, but it didn #39;t matter. The Atlanta Falcons still found a way to win, moving to 4-0 to match the best start in franchise history.


Allergy Free Soybean Plant Found in Ill. (AP)

AP - Plant geneticist Ted Hymowitz knew that finding an allergy-free soybean would take a painstaking search through thousands of varieties. So Hymowitz got a grant, fetched a hammer and pounded away until he proved he was right.


Taliban target Cheney visit to Karzai ceremony

The Taliban has said that it is aiming to disrupt the inaugaration ceremony of Afghanistan #39;s new president, Hamid Karzai, which will be attended by Dick Cheney, the American vice-president, Donald Rumsfeld, the defence secretary.


Vibrator shuts down Australian airport (AFP)

AFP - Hundreds of airline passengers suffered disruption to their travel plans when a major regional airport was shut down for an hour after a humming and vibrating adult sex toy was mistaken for a bomb.


Bush, Kerry Forces Woo the Undecided (AP)

AP - Put Barbara White down as undecided in the race for the White House.


Mideast Dispute Fades U.S. Political Issue (AP)

AP - At a time of some of the worst fighting in years, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict wasn't even mentioned in last week's presidential debate and has been little discussed during the campaign.


Supreme Court Addresses Prison Sentences (AP)

AP - With thousands of prison sentences on the line, the Supreme Court will decide whether judges have too much power to tack on extra cell time in a case that one justice said could wreak havoc on courthouses nationwide.


Israel Urged to Limit Military Response (AP)

AP - The State Department called on Israel Friday to limit its military response to a rocket attack by Hamas that killed two small Israeli children.


Powerful Bomb Blasts Shake Central Baghdad

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Two bomb blasts shook separate areas of  central Baghdad on Monday, killing at least 10 people and  wounding 70, while U.S. and Iraqi forces pursued their  offensive against rebel strongholds elsewhere in the country.


Taiwan Chen Plans National Day Speech on China

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said on  Monday he will make an important policy statement in his  National Day address on Oct. 10 that aims to soothe tense  relations with arch-foe China.


UN Nuclear Chief Wins S.Korean Cooperation Pledge

SEOUL (Reuters) - Top international nuclear regulator  Mohamed ElBaradei won a pledge from South Korea on Monday to  cooperate with the U.N. watchdog in the run-up to a report that  Seoul hopes will lift suspicions of clandestine atomic  activities.


Taipei battles ant infestation

\The red fire ant, vicious and sometimes fatal, has infested the Taiwanese capital Taipei.


Vibrating trousers treat angina

Patients with heart disease are being offered a  treatment with a difference - vibrating trousers.


Axed TV presenter joins Russian Newsweek

The dismissal in June of Leonid Parfyonov, one of the best-known screen faces in Russia whose programme often tested the limits of Kremlin-defined political correctness, triggered fears of further crackdown on media freedom.


35 accused of Qaeda-linked plot to bomb targets in Lebanon

BEIRUT -- A military prosecutor has charged 35 Arab nationals and alleged members of an Al Qaeda-linked terror group with plotting to bomb foreign targets in Lebanon, including the Italian and Ukrainian diplomatic missions, judicial officials said yesterday.


957 reported dead in '04 as Afghan election looms

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- The killing in Afghanistan spirals onward, undermining US contentions of success in pacifying the country with less than a week to go before a historic experiment with democracy: direct presidential elections.


Friendships drive Islamic terrorists, CIA veteran says

PARIS -- Three years after the Sept. 11 attacks forced the West to take a collective crash course on Islamic terrorism, the myths endure: The militants are impoverished and uneducated. Lifelong religious fervor drives them to embrace jihad. Al Qaeda aggressively recruits and brainwashes the men.


Cambodia ratifies deal to try Khmer Rouge leaders

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia -- Cambodia's legislature approved a long-delayed agreement today to put surviving Khmer Rouge leaders on trial for atrocities that claimed nearly two million lives during their murderous rule in the late 1970s.


Blair deputy tells political challengers to steer clear

LONDON -- Tony Blair's deputy, John Prescott, warned potential leadership rivals yesterday they would not be forgiven for challenging Britain's prime minister and threatening electoral success.


Leader of Haitian Senate arrested

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Gunfire erupted in a slum teeming with loyalists of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide yesterday, sending people scattering through the trash-strewn streets following days of political clashes that have left at least 14 dead.


Some question choices for honors by pope

Pope John Paul II yesterday honored two figures linked to controversy, beatifying a German mystic whose violent visions of Christ's suffering helped inspire Mel Gibson's movie ''The Passion of the Christ, quot; and an Austrian emperor whose troops used poison gas. Before 30,000 people, including royalty and government representatives from Latin America and Europe, the pontiff also beatified an Italian nun ...


Victorious Iraqi forces patrol Samarra

SAMARRA, Iraq -- Bloodied by weeks of suicide bombings and assassinations, Iraqi security forces emerged yesterday to patrol Samarra after a morale-boosting victory in this Sunni Triangle city, and US commanders praised their performance.


Nobel Prize Winners to Be Announced

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - The guessing game over who will take home the world's most coveted awards ends this week with the announcement of the 2004 Nobel Prize winners.    The first announcement comes Monday with the physiology or medicine prize, followed by a week of announcements of winners for physics, chemistry, economics, peace and possibly literature...


Israelis Press Ahead With Gaza Offensive

JERUSALEM - Five days into Israel's largest offensive in Gaza in years, army commanders were talking of an operation lasting weeks, while officials looked even further ahead - to Israel's planned evacuation of Gaza settlements next year.    Early Monday, the bodies of four Palestinians were brought from the northern town of Beit Lahiya to a Gaza hospital...


Two Blasts Rip Through Baghdad, Killing 8

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A car bomb exploded at an entrance to the Green Zone, a heavily fortified area in Baghdad that houses the U.S. Embassy and Iraqi government buildings, killing at least eight people and wounding about 50, hospital and military officials said...


New Attack Kills Six More in India Strife

GAUHATI, India - Suspected rebels woke up sleeping villagers in northeastern India and fired on them with automatic weapons early Monday, killing six and raising the death toll to 63 from three days of violence in a region where dozens of ethnic rebel groups are fighting for separate homelands.    Seven people also were wounded when the group of heavily armed militants descended on Gelapukhuri, a village 130 miles north of Gauhati, the capital of Assam state, said police officer P...


Oil settles above \$50 US

NEW YORK -- The price of oil settled above \$50 US a barrel for the first time yesterday amid concerns over tight supplies globally and hurricane-related production problems in the Gulf of Mexico.


Siemens wins 2.7-bln-euro services contract from BBC

MUNICH, Germany : German electronics giant Siemens said that its Siemens Business Services unit had signed a 2.7-billion-euro (3.3-billion-dollar) contract to supply technology services to the British Broadcasting Corporation.


Dairy firm in talks to sell stake

Scottish dairy firm Robert Wiseman is in talks about selling a 15 stake in the company to farmers #39; co-operative First Milk. The firm said the price of any deal is expected to be 250 pence per share, a 10 premium on Friday #39;s closing price.


Mideast #39;s largest IT fair opens in Dubai

DUBAI: The Middle East #39;s largest technology exhibition, GITEX, opened here Sunday with the international IT industry out in full force to showcase the latest market innovations to an expected 100,000 visitors.


SpaceShipOne a Flight Away From \$10M Prize

MOJAVE, Calif. Oct. 4, 2004 - Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen has sunk more than \$20 million into developing a manned rocket that reaches space.


Space station strategy

Bill Gerstenmaier from NASA #39;s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, has been manager of the International Space Station (ISS) programme for just over two years.


palmOne Announces the Tungsten T5

Its not really much of a surprise at this point, but at least we can now openly talk about the T5 and its specs. The palmOne Tungsten T5 features a Tungsten E-esque design, a brilliant 320x480 display, 256MB RAM, Bluetooth and several software updates.


Rooney brought down to earth

After a debut that was the stuff of fantasy, Wayne Rooney was introduced to the real Manchester United yesterday. The 18-year-old could have been forgiven for thinking that life


#39;We own the South #39;

Linebacker Keith Brooking makes the claim after 4-0 Atlanta matches the best start in franchise history. By Associated Press. CHARLOTTE, NC - The Atlanta Falcons stormed off the Panthers #39; field, a victory in hand and a message for the rest of the NFL.


North-born trainer lands Arc jackpot

Northumberland-born trainer Jonathan Pease was cracking open the champagne last night after winning one of the top prizes in racing.


Juventus stretches Serie A lead with 1-0 win at Udinese

Juventus beat Udinese 1-0 on a second-half goal by Uruguayan striker Marcelo Zalayeta and stretched its Serie A lead to two points ahead of surprising Messina on Sunday.


Owens makes Bears sit up and take notice

Told that he ticked off the Chicago Bears with his latest touchdown celebration, Terrell Owens shrugged.  quot;Oh, well, quot; the Eagles wide receiver said today after his team #39;s 19-9 victory over the Bears at Soldier Field.


WR Clayton has mixed emotions on rookie year

In some ways, this is shaping up as a fine rookie season for Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Michael Clayton, a first-round draft pick this year out of LSU.


Baghdad car bomb kills eight, wounds dozens

BAGHDAD - Doctors at a central Baghdad hospital said on Monday at least eight people were killed and 30 wounded in a car bomb blast near one of the entrances to the heavily fortified Green Zone.


Virus found in a dog for first time

Asia #39;s deadly bird flu has been found in a dog for the first time in Thailand, authorities said yesterday, as the country battles a second major outbreak of the virus this year.


Terror suspects appeal to Law Lords

Nine foreign terror suspects held indefinitely without charge in Britain will challenge their detention before the country #39;s highest court today.


Red Sox enter playoffs with seasoned performers

The last two Saturdays of July changed the 2004 Boston baseball season. Before the final two weekends of the seventh month, the Red Sox were alarmingly average. The Olde Towne Team, swollen with the second-highest payroll (\$130 million) in the majors, was finishing a third consecutive month of .500 baseball and a season of great expectations looked like it might ...


Garciaparra still interested in Cubs

BASEBALL Nomar Garciaparra can become a free agent after the World Series and will consider returning to the Chicago Cubs, his team for the final two months this season.  quot;Do I know what's going to happen, what is going on? That I can't foresee, quot; Garciaparra said before yesterday's season finale against Atlanta, one day after the Cubs were eliminated from ...


Sky high for Angels

BALTIMORE -- It came to this: After traveling 41,442 miles, facing 25,592 pitches, and enduring more ups and downs than their Delta charter, the Red Sox yesterday happily ended the 2004 regular season where they began it in the visiting clubhouse at Camden Yards.


Astros live wild life

HOUSTON -- Phil Garner savored the taste of champagne, the smell of his cigar and the wild celebration going on in the Houston Astros' clubhouse.


Twins hit road again

Ben Broussard hit a two-run homer to lift the Cleveland Indians to a 5-2 victory over the Twins on a strange afternoon in Minneapolis, sending AL Central champion Minnesota to Yankee Stadium for the start of the playoffs.


For Angels, wings and a few prayers

OAKLAND, Calif. -- First of all, clear the dusty library shelves of all history books. The Angels of today, about to face the Red Sox in the American League Division Series, were mostly schoolkids when their haloed forefathers fought the Sox for the '86 American League pennant.


Grieve land? Not this time

Somewhere between misery and mediocrity reside the Cleveland Browns. Ten years after Art Modell's midnight run to Baltimore and six years since the franchise was readmitted to Club NFL, Browns fans are still looking for a reason to wear their Dawg Pound masks other than to cover their tears of shame.


Another opponent is left smarting

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Two plays. Two decisions. The difference between two teams. Many things and not many things separated the New England Patriots from the Buffalo Bills yesterday at Ralph Wilson Stadium, but two plays made clear why the Patriots have won their last 18 games while the Bills have now lost six straight and 10 of their last ...


Stung by one that got away

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- It should have been the perfect cap to another precious win for Corey Dillon. For the first time in his three games as a Patriot, Dillon scored a touchdown, and he did so in grand fashion, bulling his way in from 15 yards.


Offenses veer in 4th quarter

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- By the sheer numbers, they seemed equal enough. What separated them, like what has separated Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady for most of their careers, had nothing to do with arm strength or raw talent.


In crunch, Dolphins perfectly awful

MIAMI -- The New York Jets went conservative yesterday, waiting for the mistakes that have doomed the Miami Dolphins in every game this season.


Happy returns for Revolution

If Chicago defeats Columbus at Soldier Field Wednesday, the Fire will lead the Revolution by six points for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth. But the Revolution could be in position to earn the tiebreaker advantage when they meet the Fire at Gillette Stadium Oct. 16.


Sun shine again on way to Finals

Taj McWilliams-Franklin burst into tears at the buzzer, her emotions finally getting the best of her.


Better late than never: Auburn climbs into mix

The Auburn Tigers are coming. Steadily, but picking up speed and power. In the Southeastern Conference, the preseason chatter was about Louisiana State, the defending co-national champion, and perhaps Georgia.


PalmOne #39;s T5, Physician Friendly

PalmOne has introduced the Tungsten T5 handheld with 256MB of flash memory aimed at physicians and healthcare professionals. The Tungsten T5 handheld #39;s flash memory protects information even if the device


ROWNS 17, REDSKINS 13; Redskins 1-for-11 on third downs

Finally on the field, Lee Suggs got the Browns running in the right direction. Suggs, who missed the first three games with a neck injury, rushed for 82 yards and scored on a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter.


Delaware to see Oracle-PeopleSoft (TheDeal.com)

TheDeal.com - The takeover fight moves to Delaware's Court of Chancery, even as PeopleSoft dismisses its CEO.


Musharraf agrees war on terror makes world less safe

Visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf agreed with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) here on Monday that the war on terror had made the world less safeand was not addressing the underlying causes of conflict.


Bird Flu Kills Nine-Year-Old Thai Girl, 31st Victim (Reuters)

Reuters - Asia's bird flu epidemic, which experts\fear could spawn a human pandemic, has claimed its 31st victim,\a nine-year-old Thai girl who had contact with infected\chickens at home.


BP production up 11 percent

Oil major BP #39;s BP.L oil and gas production has risen 11 percent in the third quarter from a year earlier, with sharply rising Russian output counteracting falls elsewhere, as oil prices soared to new highs.


UPDATE: 20th Century Fox Joins Blu-ray Disc Indus Group

TOKYO (Dow Jones)--Hollywood movie studio the 20th Century Fox of News Corp. (NWS) said Monday it has joined an international industry association to develop and promote the Blu-ray Disc format - one of two


Lastminute.com Says Profit to Be at Low End of Range (Update1)

Lastminute.com Plc, an unprofitable UK travel company, expects profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to be at the lower end of its forecast in fiscal 2005 as the company struggles to cut costs.


The looming national benefit crisis

The long-term economic health of the United States is threatened by \$53 trillion in government debts and liabilities that start to come due in four years when baby boomers begin to retire.


Kodak wins Sun Java patents case, wants \$1bn

Kodak is returning to court this week to claim \$1bn in damages and unpaid royalties from Sun Microsystems. The court found in favour of the camera company on Friday and ruled that Sun had infringed Kodak #39;s Java patents.


Siemens buys BBC technology for 150m

Siemens have landed a ten-year deal to provide IT services to the BBC in an outsourcing contract, worth about 200m a year. The German technology group has been selected as part of a cost-cutting initiative


Voice over IP coming to NMCI

If plans by officials at the Navy and EDS work out, the Navy Marine Corps Intranet could soon become one of the largest systems using voice-over-IP technology in the world.


Violence Erupts in Southern Thailand

A massive airdrop of paper birds intended to promote peace failed to halt violence in Thailand #39;s restive south, with a spate of new attacks Monday that targeted soldiers and local officials.


SpaceShipOne set to take X-Prize

The rocket plane SpaceShipOne is just one flight away from claiming the Ansari X-Prize, a \$10m award designed to kick-start private space travel.


Israeli Spy Freed in Exchange for 6 Students

Egypt set free an Israeli intelligence agent, Azzam Azzam, in exchange for six Egyptian students. One of Azzam #39;s relatives spoke to Israeli Radio and said that Azzam entered Israel through the Taba control point in the city of Eylat and was looking well.


India clinch home TV deal

India fans will be able to watch the Test series against Australia after a domestic television deal is reached.


Twin Car Bombs Explode in Baghdad, Killing at Least 10

A car bomb exploded near an entrance to Baghdad's Green Zone, killing at least 10 people and wounding 76. Less than an hour later, a second car bomb blew up near the Baghdad Hotel.


In The Service: EDS Gets Intranet Project Back On Track

EDS #39;s effort to build the Navy and Marine Corps Intranet has been plagued by problems ever since the services vendor won the original \$6.


PalmOne unveils 256MB Flash drive T5 PDA

PalmOne launched the Tungsten T5, its first PDA to ship with 256MB of memory and the first to operate as a USB Flash drive, this morning, as anticipated.


Tech powers seek antipiracy accord

A consortium of technology companies hopes to create a common antipiracy language, ending the Babel of copy-proofing technologies that has rendered much digital content and hardware incompatible.


Sony abandons copy-protected CDs

Sony is abandoning its copy-protected CDs that use built-in technology to limit copying them. The CDs allow users to copy their music once for free onto a personal computer, but use the internet to charge a fee for subsequent copies of the same disc.