Army to Let Halliburton Keep Iraq Payment

The US Army is laying the groundwork to let Halliburton Co. keep several billion dollars paid for work in Iraq that Pentagon auditors say is questionable or unsupported by proper documentation


Radio firms target macho market

Shock jock Howard Stern #39;s move to Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. begins an association between a man who was happy to describe, in detail, Paris Hilton #39;s sex tape and the industrial giants of the auto industry.


Owen loving form

Michael Owen was ecstatic following his second match-winning goal in his last two matches for Real Madrid over the weekend against Valencia.


I #39;m fully prepared for the Nagpur test: Tendulkar:

Sports India, Cricket: Nagpur, Oct 24 : Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has said that he had prepared himself well for the Nagpur test by undergoing intense practice sessions over the last three-four days.


1, 2, 3 ... kick: Redemption for UM #39;s Rivas

Rivas missed a 38-yard field goal attempt wide left in the third quarter that could have extended No. 13 Michigan #39;s lead against No.


Israeli Cabinet Passes Gaza Bill Before Key Vote

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s cabinet passed a bill on the nuts and bolts of pulling out of occupied Gaza Sunday, a day before he seeks approval from Israel #39;s parliament for his withdrawal plan.


Iraq ; Black Watch look to Christmas

Soldiers declared  quot;mission accomplished quot; as the battle group convoy of more than 200 vehicles arrived at the relative safety of Shaibah Logistics Base.


Dozens of Iraqi Soldiers Found Shot to Death

The bodies of about 50 Iraqi soldiers who were killed in an ambush by insurgents were found in a remote part of eastern Iraq, Iraqi officials said today.


Bourdais happy with podium.

After an eventful Lexmark Indy 300 at Surfers Paradise, championship leader Sebastien Bourdais proclaimed himself happy with the runners-up spot after Newman Haas team-mate Bruno Junqueira claimed the race win.


One Stop India News Resource on the Web

Srinagar Oct 24 : Former Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah and his son, National Conference president Omar Abdullah, had a narrow escape Sunday when guerrillas triggered a powerful mine, injuring seven people.


One Stop India News Resource on the Web

New Delhi, Oct 24 : Myanmar #39;s military strongman Than Shwe arrived here Sunday on a six-day visit to India, a country that sees  quot;strategic compulsions quot; in warming up to its eastern neighbour after years of alienation.


At your service

Robots are playing a growing role in family life and industry, and winning over skeptics who doubt their ability. GENEVA - The use of robots around the home to mow lawns, vacuum floors, pull guard duty and


Barrichello takes pole for F1 #39;s Brazilian GP

The hometown favorite won the pole position at the Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, Brazil, after the seven-time world champion crashed during practice.


Iran Rejects EU Nuclear Proposal, Wants More Talks

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran Sunday rejected a European Union  proposal that it scrap uranium enrichment in return for nuclear  technology, increasing the likelihood it will be reported to  the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions.


India Unaware of U.S. Plans of More Nuclear Curbs

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India said it was unaware of any U.S.  plans to slap sanctions on additional Indian persons, companies  or institutions which Washington says are aiding Iran's nuclear  program.


Microsoft earns \$2.9 billion in Q1

(MENAFN) The world #39;s biggest software company, Microsoft Corp, said that its first quarter profits grew to \$2.9 billion as consumers and businesses boosted demand for new computers, AFP reported.


Intel Ramps Up with New Pentium M 765 Processor

The Intel Pentium M processor 765 will be featured in Intel Centrino mobile technology-based systems being introduced worldwide. Intel is also shipping boxed versions of the new processor to


UN sees coming surge in domestic robots

The use of robots around the home to mow lawns, vacuum floors, pull guard duty and perform other chores is set to surge sevenfold by 2007, says a new UN survey


The best matchup of the day

What #39;s at stake: First place in the AFC East and a place in the history book. Victory for the Jets means they will go down as the team that stopped New England #39;s winning streaks.


Smothering Defense Freezes Boilers

Behind the dominant play of their defense and another stellar rushing effort from Mike Hart, the Michigan Wolverines escaped West Lafayette with a 16-14 victory over the Purdue BoilerMakers.


Iran urges EU to honor nuclear deal

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, chairman of the powerful Expediency Council of Iran, on Sunday urged European countries to honor a nuclear deal with Tehran, the official IRNA news agency reported.


Anxious Night Falls on Japan After Quake Kills 21

OJIYA, Japan (Reuters) - Thousands of weary and frightened  residents in northern Japan were spending a second night in  shelters, cars or in the open Sunday after Japan's deadliest  earthquake in nine years killed at least 21 people.


Egyptian ambassador might return to Israel soon

Israel #39;s Foreign Ministry Director General, Ron Prushor, said on Sunday that the Egyptian ambassador might return to Israel in the near future.


Root, root for Red Sox

As hard as it might be for Yankee fans to finally disentangle themselves from Game 7 - it #39;ll be known as just that, Game 7, now and forever - there really are reasons to get out of


#39;Killer #39; Owen on the loose

England striker Michael Owen didn #39;t have a nickname in Spain until Sunday, but he may have now, with sports daily Marca dubbing him  #39;killer #39; after he got the only goal of Real Madrid #39;s 1-0 win over Valencia.


Can he be like Tom?

FOXBORO, Mass. - It #39;s a real blue state/green state debate, this Jets-Patriots game. On the one hand, it #39;s not about the quarterbacks.


Yao Ming faces francis, Rockets routed by Magic

The Houston Rockets have been beaten 95-72 in a pre-season game Sunday by the Orlando Magic, led by former Rockets guard Steve Francis.


Israeli Cabinet approves compensation plan for uprooted settlers

JERUSALEM The Israeli Cabinet has approved legislation to pay compensation to settlers uprooted by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s Gaza withdrawal plan.


Lithuania Government Vies With Labor Party in Run-Off (Update1)

Lithuania #39;s governing coalition may win enough parliamentary seats in today #39;s runoff election to stay in power after the Labor Party of Russian-born millionaire Viktor Uspaskich won a first round two weeks ago.


Tough Leftwich Ready for Showdown at Indy (AP)

AP - Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich doesn't understand why his teammates and coaches rave about his toughness. Sure, there was the memorable shin injury he played through at Marshall in 2002  #151; when his linemen had to carry him downfield after big gains against Akron. Then there was the bruised shoulder and sprained ankle he played through last weekend against Kansas City.


DreamWorks Animation Set for IPO (Reuters)

Reuters - DreamWorks Animation SKG\Inc. will find out this week if box office success can be\turned into Wall Street cash in a widely anticipated initial\public offering that could raise up to  #36;725 million.


Eurozone economic data to show confidence down, inflation up again (AFP)

AFP - Eurozone economic indicators to be released in the coming week will show that business and consumer confidence is falling and that inflation is rising again, economists said.


More than 30 Iraqis Killed in Past Two Days

The mounting insurgency in Iraq has claimed the lives of more than 30 Iraqi civilians and security forces during the past two days.


Early results show Karzai victory

Early results from the Afghan election suggest interim president Hamid Karzai has won enough votes for victory.


British military enlists first Satanist (Reuters)

Reuters - Britain's Armed Forces have enlisted their first Satanist after a naval technician\serving on a frigate was granted permission to practice his beliefs while at sea, the Ministry of Defence says.


Dull Holiday Shopping Season Predicted

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Retailers may be in for a blue  Christmas this year as worries about soaring energy prices,  consumers' cost-consciousness and a warmer December than last  year make for lackluster holiday sales, retail analysts said.


China Looks Outside Asia for M A

NEW YORK/HONG KONG (Reuters) - Chinese companies are  starting to pursue North American and European electronics and  consumer brands as their government pushes them to build global  sales forces for their low-cost products.


The Women in Charge

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom says he doesn #39;t try to create history, it just happens when he does what he thinks is right. Earlier this year, he made international headlines for attempting to legalize gay


Breaking free from energy dependence

Ray Kopp enjoyed tooling around in a hydrogen- powered Honda prototype vehicle so much that, for a moment, he pictured driving one home.


Bosox outslug Cardinals

BOSTONSome fans with shockingly short memories made the mistake of chanting  quot;Who #39;s Your Papi? #39; #39; last night when it looked like David Ortiz and his Boston Red Sox would run their opponents all the way back to Missouri.


Hassan not kidnapped by Iraqi rebels

Rebels commanders in the Iraqi city of Falluja said that they are not holding Margaret Hassan, the director of CARE International in Iraq who was kidnapped three days ago, and condemned her kidnapping.


Gang violence builds up in Haiti

LITTLE more than six months after the latest regime change in Haiti, heads are beginning to rollliterally. More than two weeks of street violence in the slums of the capital, Port-au-Prince, have claimed


Chirac #39;s Popularity Sinks on Turkey and Economy

French President Jacques Chirac #39;s popularity has sunk to its lowest level in seven years because of fears over the economy and Turkey #39;s bid to join the European Union, an opinion poll showed Sunday.


Franck Montagny gives the driver's view of Interlagos

The Renault F1 Teams third driver won in Formula Nissan in 2002. He knows the track very well and explained it for us!


Boilers cough it up (again), lose big game (again)

WEST LAFAYETTE - And so here they came again, clattering out of the glistening white light. The victors, boys and girls, or perhaps the Victors.


AT amp;T Beats Analysts #39; Expectations Despite \$7.1 Billion Loss in <b>...</b>

That #39;s because the Bedminster-based telecommunications company warned of the impending trouble two weeks ago in light of its exit from marketing residential phone service.


American woman, Afghan girl die in Kabul

An American woman and a young Afghan girl have died from their wounds after a suicide bomb attack in the Afghan capital of Kabul. A Taliban suicide fighter blew himself up in the attack.


INTERVIEW - Pakistan says time ripe for Kashmir breakthrough (Reuters)

Reuters - Pakistan said on Sunday the time was ripe for progress in Kashmir, cause of two wars with neighbour India, and it hoped for quick agreement on starting a bus link between the two halves of the disputed territory.


Rebels 'Execute' 49 Iraqi Troops, Kill U.S. Diplomat

BAQUBA, Iraq (Reuters) - Rebels killed 49 unarmed army  recruits in one of the bloodiest attacks on Iraq's nascent  security forces and, in a separate attack Sunday, killed a U.S.  diplomat in a mortar strike near Baghdad airport.


U.S.: Still Time to End N.Korea Crisis in Talks

BEIJING (Reuters) - Secretary of State Colin Powell said  Sunday there was still time to resolve a nuclear crisis with  North Korea through six-party talks despite Pyongyang's refusal  to resume the negotiations.


All-set for the 2004 finale

Rubens Barrichello wakes up this morning at his home in Sao Paulo this morning and savours the prospect of his first Brazilian Grand Prix victory.


Walter #39;s passing jolts Sun Devils awake

TEMPE, Ariz. -- With 7:12 left in the game, Arizona State was beaten and left for dead. The Sun Devils trailed UCLA by 11 points. Safeties Riccardo Stewart and Josh Barrett were on the sideline with injuries.


Iran rejects European demands over nuclear standoff

TEHRAN : Iran rejected European demands that it halt all uranium enrichment activities and described a proposal aimed at ending Tehran #39;s nuclear standoff with the international community as  quot;unbalanced.


W: Kerry an in-fidel

Presient Bush swept through battleground state Florida yesterday as his campaign launched an attack ad linking John Kerry to Fidel Castro.


ADV: Mortgage Rates Drop to 6-Month Low

\$150,000 mortgage for only \$610/month. Lower your mortgage. Free quotes. Apply now - bad credit OK.


Wireless Companies Chat Up Teens, Young Adults

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


British armed forces recognise first ever Satanist (AFP)

AFP - A technician in the Royal Navy has become the first serviceman in Britain's armed forces to be officially recognised as a Satanist, the defence ministry said.


Wireless Companies Chat Up Teens, Young Adults (Reuters)

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


Russian Soyuz capsule carrying Russian-US crew lands in Kazakh <b>...</b>

Looking tired but elated, a Russian-US crew completed a six-month mission in space early Sunday with an on-target and on-time landing in the steppes of Kazakhstan.


San Fran wants free citywide WiFi

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has set a goal of providing free wireless Internet activity in his city that sees itself as a vanguard of the Internet revolution.


Gordo at Fenway: It #39;s slow-pitch softball with jacked-up fans

First and foremost, the Red Sox can hit. They look like a slow-pitch softball team, with all that unruly hair, and they tee off on pitches like one.


Tracy out front

SURFERS PARADISE, Australia - Canada #39;s Paul Tracy overcame a damaged nosecone in practice to claim the pole position for the Lexmark Indy 300, breaking up a battle between teammates Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira.


Gordon  repaved Martinsville poses new challenges

Repaving the Martinsville Speedway, with more tarmac replacing much of the previous tarmac/concrete mix, has not removed its challenges to a driver, but changed them, according to five times winner at the Virginia venue Jeff Gordon.


Rebels  #39;execute #39; 49 Iraqi troops

Rebels killed 49 unarmed army recruits in one of the bloodiest attacks on Iraq #39;s nascent security forces and, in a separate attack on Sunday, killed an American diplomat in a mortar strike near Baghdad airport.


Iran rejects EU nuclear proposal

referral was a possibility.  quot;Iran has fully prepared itself for the possible consequences, quot; he told Reuters. The EU trio want Iran to halt uranium enrichment since it can be used to make nuclear bomb material.


US: Still Time to End N.Korea Crisis in Talks

Secretary of State Colin Powell said Sunday there was still time to resolve a nuclear crisis with North Korea through six-party talks despite Pyongyang #39;s refusal to resume the negotiations.


Soyuz Brings Russian, US Astronauts Safely Back From Space

A Russian Soyuz spacecraft has brought back American and Russian astronauts from space. The capsule landed safely in Kazakhstan early today, precisely on time and on target.


All offense, no defense: Sox take wild Game 1

Woody Williams tried cutting the ball. He tried sinking it, tried spinning it. He threw fastballs over the middle, inside, up, down, and he changed speeds.


Karzai Rival Concedes as Afghan Suicide Toll Rises

KABUL (Reuters) - Hamid Karzai's main rival for the Afghan  presidency conceded defeat Sunday with less than six percent of  the vote count remaining.


Tourism Aims at \$13 Billion

Revenue from the tourism sector, crucial in financing the current accounts deficit, has passed its target for the year within the first nine months.


China Looks Outside Asia for M A (Reuters)

Reuters - Chinese companies are\starting to pursue North American and European electronics and\consumer brands as their government pushes them to build global\sales forces for their low-cost products.


Takeover bid for British grocer J Sainsbury (AFP)

AFP - Britian's third-biggest grocer, J Sainsbury, is the target of a five-billion-pound (7.2-billion-euro, 9.1-billion-dollar) takeover bid.


51 Iraqi soldiers found shot to death on road

Iraqi officials say the bodies of 51 Iraqi soldiers have been found on a remote road in the east. The soldiers were apparently victims of an ambush as they were headed home on leave.


Suicide Bombings Kill 22; Bodies Of 49 Iraqi Soldiers Found

Baghdad, Oct. 24 (NNN): Barely hours after two suicide car bombings near Ramadi and Samarra killed at least 22 Iraqi security officers, the bodies of 49 Iraqi army recruits were found near the town of Baquba


Molik Stuns Sharapova to Take Zurich Title

ZURICH (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova saw  her hopes of a third consecutive WTA title dashed Sunday in a  surprise defeat by unseeded Australian Alicia Molik in the  final of the Zurich Challenge.


Growth May Slow After Third-Qtr. Rebound: US Economy Preview

The US economy accelerated in the third quarter as consumers rediscovered a penchant to spend, economists forecast the government to report this week.


Coming soon: High-definition TV cellphones

Cellphones, which already double as cameras, Internet devices and music players, are poised to merge with the largest of home appliances - the television.


Molik stuns Sharapova to take Zurich title

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova saw her hopes of a third consecutive WTA title dashed on Sunday in a surprise defeat by unseeded Australian Alicia Molik in the final of the Zurich Challenge.


Cricket: Herath takes career-best as Sri Lanka trounce Pakistan

FAISALABAD, Pakistan : Sri Lanka trounced Pakistan by 201 runs in the first Test here to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Pakistan were bowled out for 216 in their second innings with left arm spinner


I #39;m not rushing myself: Tendulkar

Nagpur: Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar today said he was not rushing his comeback to cricket and that with more than a decade #39;s experience, he was prepared to face all kinds of challenge the game could throw at him.


Skate America

World champion pairs skater Tatiana Totmianina is listed in good condition at a Pittsburgh hospital after falling headfirst at a Skate America competition yesterday.


Iran rejects EU move to halt nuclear plans

Iran has rejected a European Union proposal to stop its uranium enrichment programme as  quot;unbalanced quot;, increasing the likelihood of the United Nations imposing sanctions on Tehran.


#39;Pirate #39; Landing By US into Darfur

The US will send three C-130 cargo planes from the Ramstein Airforce base in Germany to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, and will help transport African Union peacekeeping soldiers to Darfur.


UAE to host GCC central bank: Kuwaiti finance minister (AFP)

AFP - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be home to the central bank of the six states in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which are working to set up a monetary union next year, the Kuwaiti finance minister said.


On the record: Rdiger Assion, Michel Camdessus, Stephen Roach

Rdiger Assion, a spokesman for General Motors, trying to persuade union members striking over the company #39;s plans to cut 12,000 jobs at its Opel plants in Germany that strikes would risk more jobs.


Barrichello well placed to end home-town jinx

Ferrari #39;s Rubens Barrichello aimed to shake off a decade-long jinx after seizing pole position at his home Brazilian Grand Prix for the second year in a row.


FACTBOX-Five Manchester United-Arsenal showdowns

Following are brief summaries of five memorable showdowns between Alex Ferguson #39;s Manchester United and Arsene Wenger #39;s Arsenal, English soccer #39;s two fiercest rivals.


F1 BOSS SUES IN  #39;SLUR #39; ROW

The Formula One boss wants damages and an apology after Sir Jackie suggested on the BBC that he had broken promises made to Sports Minister Richard Caborn to save the British Grand Prix.


Madrid golf

Northern Ireland #39;s Graeme McDowell is hot on the heels of the leaders going into the final round of the Madrid Open today. The Portrush golfer finished just one shot off the lead following a four under par


Sami likely to miss crucial second Test

Faisalabad: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammed Sami is likely to miss the crucial second Test against Sri Lanka at Karachi after pulling a groin muscle.


Militants bomb Kashmir mourners, killing one (Reuters)

Reuters - Militants bombed mourners arriving at a Kashmir graveyard on Sunday for the funeral of a murdered opposition party leader, killing one and wounding six, police and witnesses said.


Iran: Europe Nuke Proposal 'Unbalanced' (AP)

AP - Iran called a European proposal seeking indefinite suspension of its nuclear activities "unbalanced" but said Sunday the Europeans made the right decision to engage in dialogue.


Foster #39;s defends its ALH spin-off

FOSTER #39;S Group chief executive Trevor O #39;Hoy has defended the handling of last year #39;s sale of Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality ahead of likely attacks on the Foster #39;s board at today #39;s annual meeting in Melbourne.


Red Sox win wild World Series opener

(Boston-AP, Oct. 24, 2004) _ It was wild, sloppy World Series opener with plenty of runs, hits and errors. When it was over, the Boston Red Sox had won the highest-scoring Game One in World Series history, 11-to-9 over St.


Unseeded Molik surprises Sharapova

ZURICH, Switzerland -- Unseeded Australian Alicia Molik scuppered Maria Sharapova #39;s hopes of a third straight WTA title on Sunday when she triumphed 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the Zurich final.


Owen scores again

Michael Owen scored the winner for Real Madrid yesterday to notch his first league goal for the Spanish club. Owen opened his account for Real in the Champions League in midweek when he scored the only goal


Wake Forest comes up short again

The continuing heartache of Wake Forest #39;s ACC football season was best described by fifth-ranked Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, after his Seminoles had edged the Deacons 20-17 Saturday at Groves Stadium.


The wreckage of Haiti #39;s dreams

While supporters of the recently ousted President, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, battle with police in the Haitian capital, the northern town of Gonaives is trying to recover from a tropical storm, which


British troops hold last church service in south Iraq before risky move (AFP)

AFP - Hundreds of British troops held a final church service in the relative calm of southern Iraq on Sunday as they prepared to head towards danger zones nearer Baghdad to help US forces tackle rebel hotspots.


Report: 7-Year-Old Boy Kidnapped in Iraq (AP)

AP - Gunmen in Iraq have abducted a 7-year-old Lebanese boy and are demanding  #36;150,000 for his release, Lebanon's official news agency reported Sunday.


Familiar Faces Likely in Either Bush, Kerry Cabinet (Reuters)

Reuters - Whether Republican George W. Bush or\Democrat John Kerry wins the Nov. 2 election, Americans are\likely to see some familiar faces in the Cabinet of either man\as president.


Takeover bid for British grocer J Sainsbury

LONDON : Britain #39;s third-biggest grocer, J Sainsbury, is the target of a five-billion-pound (7.2-billion-euro, 9.1-billion-dollar) takeover bid.


Newsom Gives First State of the City Address

In his first State of the City speech, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said it was time to move forward.  quot;I did not run for mayor to lead a city in retreat, quot; he said.


Non-campus server and computer were vulnerable to hacker

A non-campus computer and server that were hooked to the campus network without proper security precautions have been linked to a University of California, Berkeley hacker


Bodies of some 50 Iraqi soldiers killed in ambush found near <b>...</b>

The bodies of some 50 Iraqi soldiers were found on a road in eastern Iraq, apparently after they were killed in an ambush as they were heading home on leave, Iraqi authorities said Sunday.


Karzai claims poll win as rival admits defeat

The main rival of President Hamid Karzai has conceded defeat in Afghanistan #39;s presidential election with less than six per cent of the vote left to be counted.


UC Berkeley hack apology

p2pnet.net News:-  quot;UC Berkeley officials issued a statement of regret about a computer hacking that may have exposed the names and social security numbers of about 600,000 people, quot; says the Berkeley Daily Planet.


Team deal could help British GP

All of Formula One #39;s 10 teams, with the exception of Ferrari, have signed up to a cost-cutting scheme which could save the threatened British Grand Prix.


ALH hangs on decision by Woolworths

INVESTORS in Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality will trade in a knowledge vacuum today as they await the big decision from Woolworths.


Fly-by to reveal mystery of Titan

TITAN, the most mysterious of Saturn #39;s moons, might surrender many of its secrets when the Cassini space probe makes its closest approach yet this week.


Ferrari in cold on cost cutting

PAUL Stoddart could turn out to be the saviour of Grand Prix racing after team bosses yesterday supported his proposals for radical cost-cutting measures.


Sachin ready to rumble

TEAMMATE Harbhajan Singh copped the full force of a Sachin Tendulkar revival yesterday as the Little Master defended his gamble to face Australia tomorrow.


Lockyer woe great for Brits

AN already confident Great Britain side have been boosted by news Australian skipper Darren Lockyer and forward Craig Fitzgibbon have been ruled out of Saturday #39;s Tri-Nations clash in Manchester.


What #39;s the problem?

Brady Quinn stood patiently, almost valiantly, sputtering out answers to questions that had no politically correct response. More appropriate might be disposing of the film of


Japan braces after deadly quake

JAPAN was on edge last night after its worst earthquake in almost a decade killed at least 20 people, including three children, and injured 1500.


Powell pushes for nuke talks

US Secretary of State Colin Powell, making possibly his last official visit to northeast Asia in the shadows of the US presidential election, said yesterday there was a  quot;sense of urgency quot; in dealing with North Korea #39;s rogue nuclear program.


Workers pushing for structure change at GM Europe, representative <b>...</b>

Employees at General Motors Corp. in Europe have discussed a major overhaul of the corporate structure in negotiations with management, the chief employee representative said in an interview published Sunday.


Expedition 9 Crew Returns to Earth

NASA -- International Space Station Expedition 9 crewmembers, Commander Gennady Padalka and NASA Science Officer Mike Fincke landed on target in the steppes of Kazakhstan at 8:36 pm EDT Saturday after 188 days in space.


San Fran Mayor Declares Wireless for All

arvind s. grover writes  quot;San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom stated yesterday in his state of the city address that every San Francisco resident will have free wireless internet access.


Iraqi militants take child hostage

A seven-year-old Lebanese boy has been kidnapped on his way home from school in Iraq by militants demanding a \$US150,000 (\$A203,693) ransom for his release, Lebanese officials said today.


Powell Prods N. Korea to End Nuclear Programs

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, in Asia to prod North Korea to return to talks on ending its nuclear programs, said Sunday that while there is still time to resolve the impasse, "there is a sense of urgency."


Japan quake victims sleep out

Thousands spend a second night in shelters as rescue efforts continue after a series of earthquakes in northern Japan.


Sharapova shocked in SwissCom Challenge

Zurich - Australia #39;s Alicia Molik upset match favourite Maria Sharapova, winning Sunday #39;s final of the Swisscom Challenge 4-6 6-2 6-3.


Owenagainlifts Real Madrid from the doldrums

MADRID, Spain - Michael Owen scored his first Spanish soccer league goal on Saturday to lead Real Madrid over defending champion Valencia, 1-0.


For many, story of love for baseball hits home

During the Astros-Cardinals playoff series last week, I wrote a column about the meaning of baseball for my 7-year-old son and children in general.


Israeli cabinet approves compensation for Gaza settlers

JERUSALEM, Oct 24 (AFP) - The Israeli cabinet approved Sunday a compensation package for settlers who are set to be uprooted from their homes on the eve of a crunch debate on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s plan to pull out of the Gaza Strip.


Deadliest attacks on Iraqi security forces since Saddam fell

BAGHDAD, Oct 24 (AFP) - The execution of 43 Iraqi army recruits northeast of Baghdad announced on Sunday is one of the deadliest attacks carried out on the country #39;s fledgling security forces.


Wall St. #39;s big week

The last full trading week before the presidential election is jam packed with earnings. Get ready. By Alexandra Twin, CNN/Money Staff Writer.


Saudi Arabia seeks stable oil prices

Saudi Arabia said Sunday it is seeking stable oil prices in the international market for the sake of consumers and producers. Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Nuaimi said during


Safety concerns may scuttle liquefied gas terminal near Quebec <b>...</b>

(CP) - Fears of an explosion and concerns about public safety may lead to the scrapping of a planned natural gas importing terminal near Quebec City despite future fuel supply needs.


21st century firefighting technology on a 19th century budget

When Bill Clayton, one of four San Diego County division chiefs of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, was asked last week about the use of innovative technologies to fight forest fires, he described his profession #39;s evolution this


Insurers in probe halt use of incentive fees

Two major insurance companies named in the New York attorney general #39;s investigation into questionable sales practices have discontinued the use of incentive fees, which are at the center of the probe.


Powell: North Korea is a  #39;terrorist state #39;

US Secretary of State Colin Powell pressed North Korea on Sunday to return to nuclear disarmament talks even as he branded the communist country a  quot;terrorist state quot; that has  quot;no respect for human rights.


Tennis: Safin wins Madrid Masters

Marat Safin wins the Madrid Masters to edge ahead of Tim Henman in the race for the Masters Cup.


Navy has too much Eckel for Army

Not satisfied to be feared solely for its explosive triple-option ground game, Navy added two more successful methods of attack Saturday and rolled to a 42-13 victory over Army at Lincoln Financial


Microsoft Desktop Search To Compete with Google\\Google is doing a heck of a job! It led to market leaders (MSN Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail) increase the web space on webmail with GMail even before it is launched. Now, they have forced Microsoft to step into the desktop searching market sooner than ...


Eagles DE McDougle Out for Browns Game (AP)

AP - Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle was inactive for Sunday's game against Cleveland, three days after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.


AFP on trial, not just Garcia

President Arroyo, by ordering that a court martial try Army Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia on unexplained wealth charges, has put the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines on trial, Sen. Joker Arroyo said yesterday.


Relationship begun with mis-addressed telephone text message ends in murder (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - LA ROCHE-SUR-YON, France (AP) - A 16-year-old girl was kidnapped, raped and then murdered by jilted boyfriend 27 years her senior whom he originally met after accidentally sending a text message to his cellphone, a public prosecutor said Sunday.


Browns WR Andre' Davis Out With Toe Injury (AP)

AP - Browns wide receiver Andre' Davis sat out Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles because of an injured left big toe.


Safin Crushes Nalbandian in Madrid Final

MADRID (Reuters) - Russian Marat Safin produced another  outstanding performance to beat Argentina's David Nalbandian,  6-2, 6-4, 6-3, and win the Madrid Masters Sunday.


First stop on the hydrogen highway

LOS ANGELES - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger dedicated a pioneering hydrogen fuelling station on Friday, calling it the first stop in a  quot;hydrogen highway quot; that would some day stretch across the state as drivers switch to the cleaner-burning fuel


Brazil launches rocket into space

Brazil has launched its first rocket into space, a feat that comes just 14 months after its space program was devastated by a deadly launch pad accident.


HD DVD in Toshiba laptops next year

Toshiba announced plans to include an HD DVD-enabled DVD player in its laptops starting in December next year. The new drives will be limited to the high-end  quot;Qosmio quot; brand, and will sell for around 200,000-300,000 yen (US\$1,845-\$2,770).


Golf: Lost ball sinks hope of Open win

A vanishing ball, thought to have been stolen by a spectator, may yesterday have cost Swede Johan Edfors the chance of winning the Madrid Open and of keeping his tour card.


Cricket: Ponting gives thumbs up

Australia captain Ricky Ponting, recovering from a broken thumb, is confident he can improve his poor record in India and help his team win the test series.


Croom's Bulldogs Stun Zook's Gators (AP)

AP - The latest low point in Ron Zook's tenure at Florida even has the coach wondering what went wrong. Meanwhile, Sylvester Croom's first big win at Mississippi State has given the Bulldogs and their fans a reason to believe in their first-year leader. Jerious Norwood's 37-yard touchdown run with 32 seconds remaining lifted the Bulldogs to a 38-31 upset of the 20th-ranked Gators on Saturday.


Iraq's Sunni Clerics Threaten Election Boycott

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A powerful group of Sunni Muslim  clerics threatened Sunday to call a boycott of Iraq's first  free elections in decades if U.S. forces launch a  widely-expected assault on the rebel stronghold of Falluja.


Fiercely-contested Old Trafford game goalless at halftime

Manchester United had the better chances but Arsenal defended superbly as a pulsating opening half of their Premier League match ended goalless at Old Trafford on Sunday.


Lockyer Doubtful for Series

Australia captain Darren Lockyer and second rower Craig Fitzgibbon have both been ruled out of Saturdays Gillette Tri-Nations clash with Great Britain.


Against Jets, Pats know they can #39;t let up a minute

The rivalry between the New England Patriots and New York Jets may lack the animosity of the Red Sox-Yankees, but it is nonetheless one of the fiercest in the NFL, dating to its AFL ori- gins.


Japan poised to take US beef

TOKYO - US beef exports to Japan, valued at more than US\$1.7 billion last year, will resume in a matter of weeks after Tokyo agreed to ease a 10-month ban on the meat brought by a lone case of mad cow disease in Washington state.


British officers lobbied US to send troops to danger zone

THE decision to send Black Watch troops into Iraqs triangle of death followed requests by British military chiefs to take over a US-controlled area.


Kroger talks focus on wages

Weekly deductions for premiums, higher co-payments and deductibles are all part of the health care package now taking shape for Kroger workers, union officials say.


Bruno #39;s chase for title

BRAZILIAN Bruno Junquiera kept his 2004 Champ car title chase alive with a calculated race win on the Gold Coast yesterday. Junqueira, twice a series runner-up, now has a 22-point deficit to claw back on teammate


BCCI okays Sachin #39;s fitness report

Thiruvananthapuram: The BCCI on Sunday approved the match fitness report on batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar ahead of the crucial third cricket Test against Australia at Nagpur from October 26.


Return of an old friend

Sure the story of the former New England Patriots running back now starring for the New York Jets has aged, as has Martin. But hesa player who seems to get better with age, and


India to welcome Myanmar military strongman who carried out <b>...</b>

NEW DELHI - India was due to roll out the red carpet Sunday for a visit by Myanmars army strongman General Than Shwe, days after he fired the nations premier who was architect of the regimes roadmap to democracy.


Navy man registers as Satanist

A Royal Navy non-commissioned officer from Edinburgh has become the first registered Satanist in the British Armed Forces, it has emerged.


Nintendo Says 'Touching Is Good' in Sexed-Up DS Ads

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Japanese game maker Nintendo Co. Ltd.  7974.OS is sexing up its U.S. advertising to launch the DS  handheld device, promising mature players that the gadget is  not their little brother's Game Boy.


Wedding cad comes clean over invite sale (Reuters)

Reuters - A wedding guest who sparked a bidding frenzy when he offered for sale a pair of invitations to a wedding he did not\want to attend has admitted that the bride was a former girl friend.


Nintendo Says 'Touching Is Good' in Sexed-Up DS Ads (Reuters)

Reuters - Japanese game maker Nintendo Co. Ltd.\(7974.OS) is sexing up its U.S. advertising to launch the DS\handheld device, promising mature players that the gadget is\not their little brother's Game Boy.


Kroger, Union Reach Tentative Cincinnati Pact

Grocery retailer Kroger Co. signed a tentative three-year agreement with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1099, the union said.


Schwarzenegger unveils hydrogen Hummer, but not how he planned

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger introduced an environmentally friendly Hummer on Friday - but not exactly the hydrogen-powered car he promised voters he would build when he campaigned for office.


Howard Stern #39;s move

The moans emanating from the airwaves these days are coming from AM-FM radio executives stunned by the imminent departure of Howard Stern, the trashy disc jockey who has become fabulously


Brazil Launches First Test Rocket Since Accident

Brazil has successfully launched a test rocket, 14 months after a more powerful one exploded before lift-off killing 21 people, Brazilian space officials said on Sunday.


Nestor, Knowles advance to semifinals of Madrid Masters doubles

MADRID (CP) - Canadian Daniel Nestor and Bahamian partner Mark Knowles advanced to the semifinals of the \$3-million US Madrid Masters on Thursday.


Kiwis lead Kangaroos 12-8

The Kiwis lead the Kangaroos 12-8 at halftime in their tri-series test at Loftus Road in London. Brent Webb opened the scoring with a try for the Kiwis but Australia came back with a converted try to Luke Rooney.


Widdecombe horror at navy Satanist

The Royal Navy #39;s decision to officially recognise a non-commissioned officer as a Satanist - allowing him to practise rituals on board ship - was condemned as  quot;utterly shocking quot;.


Farooq, Omar escape unhurt in Anantnag attack

SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah and his son and National Conference President Omar Abdullah on Sunday escaped unhurt in a terrorist attack in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.


U.N.: Arms Expert Warning Had Bad Premise (AP)

AP - Arms hunter Charles Duelfer's report, in concluding Iraq might have resumed weapons-building "after sanctions were removed," left out the crucial fact that the U.N. Security Council had planned controls over Baghdad for years to come, U.N. officials say.


Bush Boosts Presidential Pomp in Election (AP)

AP - It starts on the South Lawn, where a white-gloved Marine snaps a morning salute to President Bush as he strides toward his helicopter. Minutes later, the president turns to wave from the doorway of Air Force One.


US Airways #39; pilots vote for 18 salary reduction

US Airways #39; pilots voted to approve a new labor agreement yesterday that will reduce their salaries by 18 percent but will save the airline \$300 million a year.


Marsh Stock Jumps on Talk of CEO Change

Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. shares were whipsawed on Friday amid conflicting reports that a change in the insurance broker #39;s top management was imminent.


Tennis Roundup

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


Soccer: Legend made cockerel crow

Bill Nicholson, who died on Saturday at the age of 85 after a long illness, was a legend for what he achieved as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, taking on a struggling team and within 18 months turning them into Double winners.


We got out of jail, admits Lockyer

MATCHWINNER Darren Lockyer admitted the Kangaroos got themselves out of trouble after he inspired their 32-12 win against New Zealand in London.


Captain #39;s Corner: Buckeyes Show Improvement vs. IU

The Buckeyes were able to get things back on the right track against Indiana. Ex-OSU captain Jerry Rudzinski takes a look at what the Buckeyes were able to get right against the Hoosiers.


Gatherings Tap Into Japan Marriage Market (AP)

AP - Tadashi Saito imagines his son leaving the office and trudging home to a lonely bachelor's apartment  #151; with all the lights out and no hot food on the table  #151; after a long day at work.


U.S. to Urge China to Push for More N.Korea Talks

BEIJING (Reuters) - Secretary of State Colin Powell will  urge China Monday to exert its influence over North Korea to  resume six-party negotiations on scrapping its suspected  nuclear weapons program.


GTA: San Andreas Preview

October 24, 2004 - GameSpot have posted up a final preview of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, hitting the PS2 this week and the PC next year.


Safin wins Madrid Masters; Masters Cup spot beckons

MADRID : Marat Safin sent over 14 aces and devastated David Nalbandian with six breaks of serve Sunday to win his second career trophy in Spain with a title at the 2.425-million-euro Madrid Masters.


Sterne saves card with Madrid win

South Africa #39;s Richard Sterne claimed his first European Tour title with a two-shot victory at the Madrid Open. Needing a top-20 finish to save his tour card, the 23-year-old carded a final-round 65 to finish on 18 under par and earn a two-year exemption.


Cards pull together; Pujols leads way

Plans for this celebration began when the St. Louis Cardinals began distancing themselves from the rest of baseball at midseason, but the party couldn #39;t begin until


Plans for Iraq Arab News

Those who thought the interim government of Premier Iyad Allawi was baying for the moon when it invited Shiite militiamen in Baghdads Sadr City neighborhood to hand in their weapons in return for cash appear to have been proved wrong.


Teresa Kerry may bring African roots to the White House (AFP)

AFP - In a villa overlooking the Indian Ocean, Teresa Simoes Ferreira grew up in the segregated privilege of Portuguese-ruled Mozambique where she accompanied her father on medical rounds in poor rural areas.


The threat from life on Mars

EARTH must take precautions to avoid contamination from lifeforms that must now be presumed to exist on Mars, leading scientists gave warning yesterday.


Bush, Kerry to Campaign in N.M., Fla. (AP)

AP - President Bush and John Kerry switched places Sunday, the president campaigning in New Mexico where Kerry was the day before and the Democratic senator taking Bush's place in Florida.


Blair Opponents Renew Attack Over Iraq (AP)

AP - Political opponents of Prime Minister Tony Blair launched a renewed attack on his handling of the Iraq conflict Sunday, as British soldiers prepared to move deeper into the country to support U.S. troops.


X-Prize winner says NASA needs another von Braun

The man who pierced the barrier of manned commercial spaceflight thinks the problem with space travel today is not so much technology but drive and inspiration.


Penalty  #39;Touch and Go #39; - Rio

Manchester United stand-in skipper Rio Ferdinand tonight claimed the controversial penalty given after Wayne Rooney went down in the box against Arsenal at Old Trafford was touch and go.


Safin win puts pressure on Henman

Marat Safin defeated David Nalbandian to lift the Madrid Masters trophy and leapfrog Tim Henman in the race to qualify for the Masters Cup.


South African wins Madrid Open by two shots to assure European <b>...</b>

Richard Sterne of South Africa shot a 5-under-par 65 and rallied to win the one-million-euro (\$1.5-million Cdn) Madrid Open by two shots Sunday, ensuring the 23-year-old of another year on the European tour.


Japanese sent scrambling as earthquakes inflict heavy toll

OJIYA, Japan -- Overturned cars, crumbled homes and shattered roads greeted rescue workers Sunday after Japan #39;s deadliest earthquake in almost a decade stunned residents used to bearing up through the nation #39;s frequent tremors.


Israeli Cabinet OKs compensation law

The Israeli Cabinet approved Sunday the Evacuation-Compensation Law to compensate settlers under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s disengagement plan.


WAR ON SPAMMIES

MAKE love not spam. That #39;s the offensive that Lycos Europe is launching against spam-spewing servers. The secret weapon: A screensaver program that automatically hits the offenders with data to slow them down.


Quake has thousands sleeping out

Thousands of people in northern Japan are spending a second night in emergency shelters or out in the open after a series of earthquakes.


50 killed in ambush on Iraqi army recruits

BAQUBA, Iraq -- Forty-nine Iraqi army recruits and their civilian driver were gunned down in a bloody ambush northeast of Baghdad, officials said on Sunday, one of the deadliest attacks ever against the country #39;s fledgling security forces.


Kroger officials head back to negotiating table

It #39;s back to the negotiating table today for Kroger and a labor union representing 85-hundred employees in three states, including Indiana.


Molik upsets Sharapova to win Swisscom

ZURICH, Switzerland (Ticker) - Unseeded Australian Alicia Molik completed an impressive run to win her first Tier I title. Molik defeated fourth-seeded Maria Sharapova of Russia, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, to win the \$1.


Report: Russian pairs skater suffered concussion in fall at Skate <b>...</b>

World champion pairs skater Tatiana Totmianina sustained a concussion but no broken bones in a fall during the free skating program at Skate America, the ITAR-Tass news agency quoted the head of Russia #39;s figure skating federation as saying


Japan quake death toll hits 21

Tokyo - Still reeling from a 6.8-level earthquake, Japan #39;s northwestern Niigata prefecture was hit by another strong quake on Sunday afternoon measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale as the death toll from the previous hours rose to at least 22.


Iran rejects EU nuclear proposal

TEHRAN: Iran on Sunday described a European proposal aimed at ending a nuclear standoff as unbalanced and rejected its demands that the Islamic republic halt all uranium enrichment activities, a foreign news agency reported.


Gore Urges Blacks to Vote at Fla. Rally (AP)

AP - Former Vice President Al Gore on Sunday told blacks embittered by his narrow loss in the 2000 presidential election that "it doesn't have to be this way" and urged them to turn anger into energy at the polls.


McNair Leaves Game After Reinjuring Chest (AP)

AP - Oft-injured quarterback Steve McNair left Tennessee's game at Minnesota on Sunday after reaggravating the bruised chest that kept him in the hospital for two nights last month.


Washington Post backs John Kerry for president (AFP)

AFP - The Washington Post endorsed John Kerry for president in an editorial, saying the choice was not an easy one but that President George W. Bush had not earned a second term in office.


Montoya says goodbye with a win

Juan Pablo Montoya wins his final race for Williams at the Brazilian Grand Prix.


NASA chief wants to continue cooperation with Russia for Mars <b>...</b>

ARKALYK, Kazakhstan NASA #39;s top administrator says the agency wants to keep working with the Russians, with the goal of sending missions to Mars.


Tennis: Agassi is mastered by Safin

ANDRE Agassi will not be able to repeat the triumph he enjoyed in the Madrid Masters two years ago following his semi-final defeat to Marat Safin.


Clemens teams with his son

Roger Clemens lives a double life. On work days, hesa Hall-of-Fame-caliber pitcher, a scowling, intense, driven competitor who is on a short list of all-time baseball greats.


Cabinet approves Gaza pullout

Jerusalem - The Israeli cabinet on Sunday approved as expected Premier Ariel Sharon #39;s controversial plan to pull out of the Gaza Strip, paying compensation to those leaving but punishing those trying to stay on.


Omar Abdullah survives assassination bid

SRINAGAR: The head of held Kashmir #39;s main opposition party, Omar Abdullah, survived an assassination bid Sunday for the second time in a month when rebels exploded a bomb a few steps away from him, police said.


Safin back in form and hungry for Houston

A change of coach and a change of attitude have helped Marat Safin return to peak form and the Russian number one is now aiming at the Masters Cup with real optimism.


Motorsport: F1 qualifying to take place on race day

Formula One qualifying will take place on the same day as the race next season, after team bosses approved proposals put forward by the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).


McNair Leaves Game After Reinjuring Chest

Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) gets off a pass before Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenny Mixon, left, can reach him during the first quarter in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004.


Poll: Money Managers Bullish on Stocks

NEW YORK (Reuters) - More than 56 percent of U.S. money  managers are "bullish" or "very bullish" about the U.S. stock  market near term, forecasting stocks will move higher in the  next eight months, according to a new Barron's poll.


ISS Crew Makes Safe Landing

ARKALYK, Kazakhstan -- A Russian-US crew returned safely to Earth from the international space station, their Soyuz space capsule streaking through the atmosphere and landing on target in the steppes of Kazakhstan early Sunday.


Insurgents Kill About 50 Iraqi Soldiers in Ambush

Around 50 Iraqi soldiers were killed execution-style after insurgents intercepted minibuses carrying them home on leave, officials said today.


Suicide bomb kills 22

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Suicide bombers struck Iraqi security targets yesterday north and west of Baghdad, killing 22 Iraqis, officials said.


Low turnout for Lithuania #39;s elections

VILNIUS, Lithuania - Lithuania #39;s main parties formed an alliance to try to keep a Russian-born tycoon and his populist promises out of the government in Sunday #39;s second round of parliamentary elections in this Baltic country.


Match faith with deeds: Kerry turns the Scriptures on Bush (AFP)

AFP - Prodded by political logic, Democratic White House hope John Kerry is shedding an inbred reluctance to showcase his faith, and using scripture to malign President George W. Bush, a born-again Methodist.


Little Movement in AP Football Poll (AP)

AP - No. 1 Southern California and No. 2 Oklahoma have been the top two teams in The Associated Press Top 25 since the preseason, a nine-poll run that is the longest to start a season in nine years.


Bengals' Johnson Mum Before Broncos Game (AP)

AP - No teasing with antacids, no take-it-to-the-bank boasts. Leading up to the Bengals' first Monday night game in a dozen years, Chad Johnson  #151; the gifted receiver with an affinity for the spotlight  #151; decided to keep it strictly low-watt.


Poll: Money Managers Bullish on Stocks

More than 56 percent of US money managers are  quot;bullish quot; or  quot;very bullish quot; about the US stock market near term, forecasting stocks will move higher in the next eight months, according to a new Barron #39;s poll.


Locate your files

WE all love Google. For six years now, Google has been helping us find information from the dark holes of the Internet with utmost devotion.


Zarqawi group claims recruits attack

A group led by al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Iraqi army recruits, according to an Internet statement.


Rebels Kill 49 Iraqi Army Recruits, US Diplomat

Guerrillas killed 49 unarmed army recruits in one of the bloodiest attacks on Iraq #39;s fledgling security forces, and in other attacks Sunday a US diplomat and a Bulgarian soldier also died.


Iraqi Sunni Clerics Threaten Election Boycott

A powerful group of Sunni Muslim clerics threatened Sunday to call a boycott of Iraqi elections planned for January if US forces launch a widely expected full-scale assault on rebel-held Falluja.


Dozens of army recruits  #39;executed #39; in Iraq, first US diplomat <b>...</b>

BAQUBA, Iraq : Almost 50 new Iraqi soldiers were gunned down in an execution in a remote area of eastern Iraq, officials said, while a US diplomat was killed in a mortar attack on a military base in Baghdad.


Feds, provinces prepare to reshape the fiscal map in eqaulization talks (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - The federal government is promising the most sweeping overhaul to date of the 47-year-old equalization program in an effort to guarantee provinces more stable annual funding.


Iraq Militant Group Kills Arbil Police Chief -Site

DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi militant group said it had  assassinated the chief of police in the northern Iraqi city of  Arbil and threatened to kill Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani,  according to an Internet statement posted on Sunday.


SEC mulls expanding rules on execs #39; pay

WASHINGTON - The Securities and Exchange Commission staff may propose expanding disclosure rules on executive pay to cover lower-paid executives including general counsels, a commission official said.


UM scientist helping explore Saturn moon

MISSOULA -- A University of Montana physics professor will be helping scientists explore one of the largest moons in the solar system next week.


Brazilian GP Race Report: Montoya claims first win of 2004

Juan Pablo Montoya held off the charging Kimi Raikkonen to claim Sunday #39;s Brazilian GP, his first win of the season. In wet-dry conditions the Williams driver put in a very impressive performance to win the


Chiefs' Holmes Ties TD Mark, Hurts Ankle (AP)

AP - Kansas City's Priest Holmes, after tying an NFL record with four touchdowns rushing in a half, left Sunday with an ankle sprain.


Powell arrives in Beijing for talks

Secretary of State Colin Powell arrived Sunday in Beijing for a two-day visit after holding talks in Tokyo. China expects  quot;to have an extensive exchange of views quot; with the


Sharon Wins 1st of 3 Votes on Settlement Plan

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon won a key victory today as his cabinet easily approved a plan to compensate Jewish settlers who would be uprooted from the Gaza Strip.


Qwest civil suits loom

Qwest executives made hundreds of millions of dollars by selling their shares while the company made what the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday


GCC seeks IMF role

JEDDAH: The GCC yesterday sought observer status at meetings of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), part of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).


Alien Moon Titan Flyby Coverage Begins Tuesday on Local Cable <b>...</b>

It is an encounter that planetary scientists and space science enthusiasts have been waiting for as the Cassini-Huygens Probe darts into the upper atmosphere of the Saturn moon Titan on Tuesday afternoon October 26th.


Fox #39;s Ratings for World Series Opener Are Highest Since 1999

Boston #39;s victory over St. Louis in Game 1 of the World Series last night attracted the best television ratings for the opener of Major League Baseball #39;s championship round since 1999.


PSV beats struggling Ajax

An in-form PSV side beat struggling Ajax in Eindhoven Sunday, in one of the most crucial meetings of the season in the Dutch league.


Myanmar leader on historic visit to India

NEW DELHI: Myanmar #39;s military leader Gen Than Shwe has arrived in India on a six-day  quot;historic quot; state visit. This is the first such visit by Myanmar #39;s head of state in over 20 years.


Omar escapes bid on life, one killed

Srinagar, October 24: National Conference president Omar Abdullah on Sunday escaped an attempt on his life when militants triggered a powerful blast as he reached a graveyard in Anantnag district to attend a ceremony for slain party leader.


Iraq Rebels Kill Nearly 50 Army Recruits, U.S. Envoy

BAQUBA, Iraq (Reuters) - Al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi  claimed responsibility on Sunday for the killing of nearly 50  unarmed Iraqi army recruits in one of the bloodiest attacks on  the country's fledgling security forces.


Israeli Missile Wounds 2 Gaza Policemen -Medics

GAZA (Reuters) - An Israeli missile fired from a pilotless  aircraft wounded two Palestinian policemen in the southern Gaza  town of Khan Younis on Sunday, witnesses said.


Poll: Money Managers Bullish on Stocks (Reuters)

Reuters - More than 56 percent of U.S. money\managers are "bullish" or "very bullish" about the U.S. stock\market near term, forecasting stocks will move higher in the\next eight months, according to a new Barron's poll.


Israeli Missile Wounds 2 Gaza Policemen -Medics (Reuters)

Reuters - An Israeli missile fired from a pilotless\aircraft wounded two Palestinian policemen in the southern Gaza\town of Khan Younis on Sunday, witnesses said.


Sacramento Kings Release Liu, Two Others (AP)

AP - Liu Wei, a starting guard for the Chinese national team, was among three players released by the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.


Colombia Blows Up Stockpiled Land Mines (AP)

AP - Colombia's armed forces blew up 6,800 stockpiled land mines Sunday as President Alvaro Uribe, Queen Noor of Jordan and dozens of mine blast victims watched on large screens, launching an effort to eventually rid the country of the weapons.


UN warns Sudan and rebels on ceasefire violations (AFP)

AFP - The United Nations sent a tough message to delegates at peace talks on the civil war in Sudan's western province of Darfur, warning them that the international community would not tolerate mounting ceasefire violations and attacks on civilians.


Clinton to return to campaign trail Monday (AFP)

AFP - Bill Clinton will return to the campaign trail on behalf of Democratic candidate John Kerry, party officials said, six weeks after the still-popular former president underwent heart surgery to bypass blocked arteries.


SpaceShipOne Guru: NASA Needs a Visionary (AP)

AP - Burt Rutan, an aviator whose SpaceShipOne won the  #36;10 million Ansari X-Prize for making three suborbital space flights, said NASA needs another Wernher von Braun  #151; and chided the space agency for what he called a failed space shuttle program.


Lions Win on Road Again, Beating Giants (AP)

AP - Joey Harrington threw two touchdown passes, and Chris Cash made a diving interception in the end zone late in the first half to lead the Detroit Lions to a 28-13 win over the New York Giants on Sunday.


Gulf monetary union requires political consensus, says IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director, Rodrigo de Rato, said the road to a monetary union could be bumpy at times, as it requires strong political commitment


US 10-Year Treasury Note Yield May Hold Near 4, Survey Shows

The benchmark 10-year US Treasury note #39;s yield may hold near 4 percent, the lowest since April, as speculation record high oil prices will slow the economy bolsters demand for government debt.


SpaceShipOne Guru: NASA Needs a Visionary

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Burt Rutan, an aviator whose SpaceShipOne won the \$10 million Ansari X-Prize for making three suborbital space flights, said NASA (news - web sites) needs another Wernher von Braun - and


Sox study Cardinals and see themselves

The black T-shirt might as well have been a billboard hanging in the Boston Red Sox #39; clubhouse. Curt Schilling paraded around with a shirt that said  quot;Why Not Us?


Marines Destroy Insurgent Post in Fallujah

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2004 - US Marine jets destroyed a known enemy command and control post in Fallujah today, US military officials in Iraq reported.


Israeli Cabinet Agrees to Compensate Settlers

Israel's Cabinet approved a compensation plan Sunday for settlers withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and part of the West Bank, handing Ariel Sharon an important victory two days before a showdown in parliament over the pullout.


Dolphins Top Rams for 1st Win of Season (AP)

AP - That noise the crowd made Sunday during the Miami Dolphins' victory at Pro Player Stadium was faintly familiar from seasons past. It's called cheering.


Startup no more, Netflix girds for DVD rental price war

The future suddenly looks shaky for online DVD rental pioneer Netflix Inc. - a plucky home entertainment upstart that managed to hold its ground after retailing giants Wal-Mart Stores Inc.


Computer Makers Sign Joint Code of Conduct

The three largest computer makers spearheaded a program today designed to standardize working conditions for their non-US workers.


Chargers Hand Panthers 4th Loss in Row (AP)

AP - LaDainian Tomlinson ran right, smack into a Carolina defender. He went left and was tackled again. Almost everywhere the San Diego running back went, the Panthers' maligned run defense was there to stop him.


Brazilian GP, Race

Fernando finished fourth in Brazil after a masterful drive while Jacques took tenth place.


Struggling Bucs Best Dismal Bears, 19-7 (AP)

AP - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found a tonic for their sputtering offense in the Chicago Bears' porous run defense.


Gas Average Tops \$2 Per Gallon -Survey

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The average U.S. retail price of  gasoline rose more than 5 cents in the past two weeks to more  than \$2 a gallon, its highest level since June, a leading  industry analyst said on Sunday.


Democrats Lose Mich. Ballots Court Ruling (AP)

AP - A judge's order requiring some provisional ballots in Michigan to be counted even if they are cast in the wrong precinct was put on hold Sunday, the second time in as many days that a federal appeals court dealt a setback to Democrats who wanted to ease voting restrictions.


Zarqawi Claims Killing of Iraqi Army Recruits

BAQUBA, Iraq (Reuters) - Al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi  claimed responsibility on Sunday for the killing of nearly 50  unarmed Iraqi army recruits in one of the bloodiest attacks on  the country's fledgling security forces.


Israeli Missiles Kill Gaza Policeman -Medics

GAZA (Reuters) - At least two Israeli missiles fired from a  pilotless aircraft killed one Palestinian policeman and wounded  six on Sunday in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, medics  said.


Chiefs Stun Falcons in 56-10 Rout (AP)

AP - Shredding what had been the NFL's leading defense against the rush, Priest Holmes and Derrick Blaylock each scored four times on the ground Sunday in Kansas City's stunning 56-10 rout of Atlanta.


Tamil Tigers deny rumour of split

Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels deny reports of another split in their organisation.


Gas Average Tops  #36;2 Per Gallon -Survey (Reuters)

Reuters - The average U.S. retail price of\gasoline rose more than 5 cents in the past two weeks to more\than  #36;2 a gallon, its highest level since June, a leading\industry analyst said on Sunday.


Another Damp Squib for Barrichello

Rubens Barrichello was left cursing the Brazilian weather after his hard luck story on home ground continued at Interlagos today. Barrichello had finished just one grand prix in his home city, a fourth place


Vikings 20, Titans 3

With Randy Moss relegated to two snaps of decoy duty, Daunte Culpepper and the Minnesota Vikings shifted gears and grinded one out against the Tennessee Titans.


Lions 28, Giants 13

After going three years without winning on the road, the Detroit Lions are unbeatable away from the Motor City. Joey Harrington threw two touchdown passes, and Chris Cash made a diving interception in the


Stark times for Zook, Gators

There are opportunities, there are missed opportunities, and then there #39;s what Florida did on Saturday. Ron Zook and the Gators fell to 4-3 on Saturday.


Offence comes alive, Dolphins get 1st win

Jay Fiedler played an efficient game and the Dolphins became the NFL #39;s last team to win, posting a 31-14 victory over the St. Louis Rams.


Typhoon Lashes Taiwan With Wind, Rain (AP)

AP - Strong winds and heavy rains lashed eastern Taiwan as Typhoon Nock-ten began battering the island Sunday night. One fisherman was missing, police said.


Uniform issue may be resolved thru Parliament: Mckinnon

ISLAMABAD: Secretary General Common Wealth Don Mckinnon has said that President General Pervez Musharraf #39;s uniform issue could be resolved through Parliament.


Insider Stock Sales Up in Apparel Sector

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Insider stock sales at U.S. apparel  companies jumped in September from a year ago, a sign that  investors should shun clothing companies' stocks as their  prices could drop further, a research firm said on Monday.


Breyer Questions Impartiality on Ruling (AP)

AP - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer said he wasn't sure he was being truly impartial when the high court was asked to settle the disputed 2000 presidential vote in Florida.


Wireless San Francisco

\\Reuters has a story  about Gavin Newsom finally getting wifi and wanting to\hookup San Francisco:\\"SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has set a goal of\providing free wireless Internet activity in his city that sees itself as a\vanguard of the Internet revolution."\\""We will not stop until every San Franciscan has access to free wireless\Internet service," he said in his annual state of the city address on\Thursday. "These technologies will connect our residents to the skills and the\jobs of the new economy."\\The issue I have is that I'm not sure my tax dollars need to pay for this.  I'm\also pretty sure that the city will screw it up.\\Why not just do this.  Allow ...\\


New Greek Orthodox patriarch of Alexandria enthroned (AFP)

AFP - The Greek Orthodox Church's new Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, Theodore II, was enthroned in this coastal city in northern Egypt.


Amazon #39;s discount strategy worries analysts

Three years ago, the online retailer responded to slowing sales by adopting the strategy of successful retailers such as Costco and Wal-Mart - to deeply discount items and reap a profit by increasing its sales volume.


Wenger:  #39;ManYoo deliberately targeted Reyes #39;

Arsene Wenger has accused ManYoo of deliberately targeting Jose Reyes during Sundays controversial clash at Old Trafford. As well as fuming at the penalty awarded by Mike Riley, Wenger was incensed by the


Lockyer, Fitzgibbon ruled out

Captain Darren Lockyer and goalkicker Craig Fitzgibbon have been ruled out of Australia #39;s Tri Nations rugby league Test against Great Britain this weekend.


Secretary of State Powell in China for Talks on North Korea

Secretary of State Colin Powell is in China as part of a three-nation Asian tour to try to restart multi-party talks on North Korea #39;s nuclear program.


Russian-born tycoon, rightists neck-and-neck in Lithuania poll

VILNIUS : The upstart party of a Russian-born tycoon and right-wing opposition parties were neck-and-neck in Lithuania #39;s parliamentary elections, almost complete results showed.


Manchester United Ends Arsenal's Streak (AP)

AP - Ruud van Nistelrooy's 73rd-minute penalty kick and Wayne Rooney's injury-time goal gave Manchester United a 2-0 victory Sunday over league-leading Arsenal, ending the Gunners' unbeaten league streak at 49 games and moving the Red Devils back into the league chase.


UK #39;s Black Watch unit redeployed

Soldiers in Britain #39;s Black Watch battalion are preparing to move to central Iraq after a United States request for assistance, the BBC reported Sunday.


Bangalore Thrives, Chokes on Outsourcing

BANGALORE, India (Reuters) - When narrow colonial-era  streets get jammed with evening traffic in India's technology  capital, the radio disc jockey turns agony aunt.


Jordan's king speaks out on Iraq conference (AFP)

AFP - Jordan's King Abdullah II called for all influential parties to attend an international conference on Iraq which Egypt will host next month, Petra news agency reported.


Bangalore Thrives, Chokes on Outsourcing (Reuters)

Reuters - When narrow colonial-era\streets get jammed with evening traffic in India's technology\capital, the radio disc jockey turns agony aunt.


Grandparents form political bloc ahead of Nov. 2 vote (AFP)

AFP - Candidates for the White House now have yet another potentially influential bloc of voters to court, with the founding of a political interest group for grandpas and grandmas.


More Haiti Peacekeepers by End Nov, UN Envoy Says (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.N. peacekeeping force in\Haiti should reach its full strength of more than 8,000\soldiers and police by the end of November, the United Nations\special envoy to Haiti said on Friday.


Glenn, Sharper Hurt in Dallas-Packers Game (AP)

AP - Dallas wide receiver Terry Glenn and Green Bay safety Darren Sharper were injured in the first half Sunday and taken to the locker room.


Two Koreas join hands across the border for business (AFP)

AFP - With their khaki People's Army uniforms caked in grime, North Korean soldiers use shovels and picks to pack a railbed with rocks and earth.


Strong Quake Shakes Northern Japan, Felt in Tokyo

TOKYO (Reuters) - An earthquake with a preliminary  magnitude of 5.6 shook northern Japan on Monday in the same  area where the country's deadliest quake in nine years killed  23 people and injured more than 2,000 two days ago, media  reported.


Syria's grip on Lebanon tested

The dominance of Damascus in Lebanese politics gives rise to a new opposition leader.


A Liberian's bittersweet journey back home

The UN predicts that 100,000 Liberians in West Africa will return home by year's end.


Europe cracks down on illegal exports of toxic trash

Proper waste disposal in the EU has become prohibitively expensive, leading to black market dumping.


Ballmer security pitch leaves skeptics unswayed

Cyber threats, chiefly viruses like NetSky and Sasser, make security an ongoing concern as it holds steady over software infrastructure as the third top priority.


Bill Nicholson

TOUGH, taciturn and the polar opposite of media-friendly, he did not - unlike Bill Shankly -eave as his legacy a string of memorably witty and insightful quips and quotes.


Totmianina discharged after suffering concussion

PITTSBURGH - World champion pairs skater Tatiana Totmianina was discharged from a hospital Sunday after suffering a concussion, but no other serious injuries, in a fall during Saturday night #39;s free skating program at a competition in Pittsburgh.


Jaguars edge Colts on the road

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Rookie Josh Scobee put his foot into some more late-game magic for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Scobee kicked a season-high 53-yard field goal with 38 seconds left in the first half to


Vikings #39; Moss starts, exits early

Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss was in the starting lineup during Sunday #39;s 20-3 victory over the Tennessee Titans despite having a hamstring injury, but the All-Pro was removed from the game after the team #39;s


Goodbye Gaza

Ariel Sharon is often presented outside of Israel as simply a belligerent and uncompromising political hawk and thus an obstacle to the Middle East peace process.


Iran rejects EU nuke proposals, wants talks

TEHRAN, OCTOBER 24 : Iran on Sunday rejected a European Union proposal that it scrap uranium enrichment in return for nuclear technology, increasing the likelihood it will be reported to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.


Killers posed as police

BAQUBA - The 49 homeward-bound Iraqi Army recruits probably took comfort at the sight of policemen at a roadside checkpoint at night.


Myanmar ruler, key to NE terror fight, arrives to red carpet <b>...</b>

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 24: Senior General Than Shwe, head of the Myanmar regime, arrived in New Delhi today to start a visit that marks a high point in Indias decade-long effort to politically engage Yangons military rulers.


Zarqawi claims killing of Iraqi recruits

killing of an American diplomat in Iraq since last year #39;s US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein. militants that it killed 48  quot;apostates quot; in the attack.


Montoya Wins Brazilian Grand Prix

Juan Pablo Montoya won in his final race for Williams-BMW on Sunday, beating future McLaren teammate Kimi Raikkonen to capture the Brazilian Grand Prix.


Colombia Blows Up Stockpiled Land Mines

Colombia's armed forces blew up 6,800 stockpiled land mines Sunday as President Alvaro Uribe, Queen Noor of Jordan and dozens of mine blast victims watched on large screens, launching an effort to eventually rid the country of the weapons.


Not your father #39;s Microsoft

Microsoft #39;s quarterly results released Thursday make clear that the software maker is becoming a much different company than the one Bill Gates started back in 1975.


Revival! Lions Punish Giants, 28-13

Just one week removed from a devastating home loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions responded offensively and defensively in Sunday #39;s 28-13 victory over the previously 4-1 New York Giants.


Chiefs Have Already Played This Card

It was not supposed to be this way. Kansas City was supposed to be 4-1 maybe even 5-0 at this juncture of the season. Today the Atlanta Falcons will come into Arrowhead where the Chiefs have yet to win a single game.


NFL Game Summary - Buffalo at Baltimore

Sanders has 23 career touchdowns overall...The paid attendance was 69,809...The Ravens have now posted four interceptions in a game six times...Baltimore star offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden left the game with a pulled left hamstring...Williams


Eagles 34, Browns 31, OT

The only sign that Terrell Owens didn #39;t have an issue with was the scoreboard. David Akers kicked a 50-yard field goal in overtime and Donovan McNabb matched a career high with four touchdown passes -- two


The dangers of playing hardball

The month of November in a US presidential-election year is not supposed to be particularly eventful, but this year may be an exception, in the light of the gathering storm over


Israeli Missile Wounds 2 Gaza Policemen -Medics

An Israeli missile fired from a pilotless aircraft wounded two Palestinian policemen in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis on Sunday, witnesses said.


UN force should expand in Haiti by Nov.

The UN peacekeeping force in Haiti should reach the planned 8,000 or more by the end of November, Haitian radio reported Saturday.


Netflix Girds for DVD Rental Price War

The future suddenly looks shaky for online DVD rental pioneer Netflix Inc. - a plucky home entertainment upstart that managed to hold its ground after retailing giants Wal-Mart Stores Inc.


Ballmer: Microsoft Courting Linux Users, Longhorn Worth Wait

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has made courting Linux users and those considering the open-source option a top priority and said the sheer volume of innovation that Longhorn development efforts


Scoring Summary: Buccaneers 19, Bears 7

Jonathan Quinn might have had his best half of football, but it still resulted in a goose egg on the scoreboard. With a little help from the defense, the Bears avoided a shut out with a Thomas Jones touchdown, but it was nowhere near enough.


Jags Win: Move into First Place in AFC South

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The Jaguars out offensed the NFL #39;s best offense and beat the Colts today at the RCA Dome 27-24.  quot;It #39;s not the kind of a game a defensive coach likes to see, quot; but Jack Del Rio will take it after a combined 800 yards of offense.


Tehran rejects  #39;unbalanced #39; European demands over nuclear standoff

Iran on Sunday rejected European demands that it halt all uranium enrichment activities and described a proposal aimed at ending Tehran #39;s nuclear standoff with the international community as  quot;unbalanced.


Diplomat, Parma Native, Killed In Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Officials said a US diplomat originally from Ohio was killed Sunday morning when a rebel #39;s rocket or mortar shell crashed into the trailer where he slept.


Parliament likely to resolve uniform issue, says McKinnon

ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharrafs uniform issue might be resolved by parliament, Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon told a private TV channel on Sunday.


Haiti Policeman Killed in Street-Clearing Raid

Haitian police and UN troops moved into a slum neighborhood on Sunday and cleared street barricades that paralyzed a part of the capital.


UN delay: a boost for cloning advocates

By putting off a vote on banning all human cloning, nations have let embryo research for therapeutic reasons gain momentum. By Gregory M. Lamb  Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor.


Netflix Girds for DVD Rental Price War (AP)

AP - The future suddenly looks shaky for online DVD rental pioneer Netflix Inc.  #151; a plucky home entertainment upstart that managed to hold its ground after retailing giants Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Blockbuster Inc. invaded its turf.


High-Tech Buildings May Save Energy (AP)

AP - Buildings are getting smarter  #151; and the next generation of building materials is expected to do even more. Windows could trap the sun's energy to heat hot water. Sensors that measure the carbon dioxide exhaled by people in a room could determine whether the air conditioning needs to be turned up.


A Doctor Is Keeping Schilling in Stitches

Boston's Curt Schilling will be stitched again to give him the flexibility and the power he needs as he opposes the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 2 of the World Series tonight.


Arsenal's Unbeaten Streak Ends at 49

Ruud van Nistelrooy's 73rd-minute penalty kick and Wayne Rooney's injury-time goal gave Manchester United a victory over league-leading Arsenal.


The Interlagos Race Report: Fernandos flawless performance

After taking risks at the start, using dry tyres in the wet, Fernando finished fourth behind Montoya, Raikkonen and Barrichello.


Takeover Bid For Struggling Sainsbury #39;s

A corporate dealmaker and former Tory Party treasurer is reportedly planning a 5bn takeover bid for struggling supermarket chain Sainsbury #39;s.


Serie A Sunday Wrap: Lecce Move Into Second Place

There was more scoring in todays games than usual, and several sides greatly improved their standing with important wins. Parma defended their home pitch against Lazio, with a 3-1 victory.


Fireronzook.com getting some serious traffic

In an effort to be fair and balanced, it should be pointed out that Florida coach Ron Zook is just 65 seconds away from being undefeated and being a major player in the Bowl Championship Series ratings.


Israeli forces kill two Palestinians

GAZA: Israeli forces killed two Palestinian militants in a missile strike in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis early on Sunday, Palestinian medics said.


World Follows U.S. Race by Internet, TV (AP)

AP - Satellites and telephone wires bring the battle for the White House to an Internet cafe 7,200 miles away in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, where Girma Hagos goes for his daily dose of U.S. election news.


Third Palestinian Killed by Israeli Missiles -Medics

GAZA (Reuters) - Three Palestinians died in missile strikes  launched late Sunday on the Khan Younis area in southern Gaza,  medics said.


#39;Politics, #39; layoffs cited as Coke profits fizzle

Atlanta - The Coca-Cola Co. reported a 24 percent drop in third-quarter profit on flat revenue, but beat analysts reduced expectations that were tempered after the beverage giant #39;s previous warnings.


No. 18 Boise St. Keeps Win Streak Going (AP)

AP - Boise State impressed Fresno State coach Pat Hill more than any of those big conference teams he has faced the past couple of seasons.


NASCAR: Hendrick plane missing

A plane carrying members of the Hendrick Motorsports organization was missing Sunday after losing contact with the Federal Aviation Administration on its way to a NASCAR race, and a search was underway for the aircraft.


Powell, in China, seeks progress on NKorea and Taiwan

BEIJING : US Secretary of State Colin Powell arrived in Beijing for talks which he hopes will lead to a quick resumption of stalled talks on the North Korean nuclear impasse amid new bellicose accusations from Pyongyang.


Official warns citizens to leave Iraq after abduction of child

BEIRUT: The Lebanese charge d #39;affaires in Iraq warned Lebanese expatriates in Iraq to take extreme cautions or leave the country entirely, following the kidnapping of a 7-year old Lebanese boy there.


Rookie Palmer Wins Funai Classic with Closing 62

ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - Rookie Ryan Palmer fired a  final-round 10-under-par 62 to seal his first PGA Tour victory  in the Funai Classic on Sunday.


Ericsson cautious despite growth

Mobile communications specialist Ericsson reported strong third-quarter earnings on Friday but said it expected only slight growth in mobile networks in the coming months.


Hendrick airplane was on way to Martinsville race

MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- A plane carrying members of the Hendrick Motorsports organization crashed Sunday afternoon on its way to NASCAR #39;s Nextel Cup race at Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR officials confirmed.


Eagles (5-0) at Browns (3-3)

Key stat  Eagles trying to become seventh team to win first six games by 10 points. Players to watch  Eagles #39; Terrell Owens has 30 receptions, 6 for TDs.


Figure Skating: Pairs skater Totmianina released from hospital <b>...</b>

PITTSBURGH, United States : Reigning world pairs champion Tatiana Totmianina was released from hospital, a day after she fell head first to the ice during the Skate America Grand Prix event.


Omar escapes attempt on life

Militants on Sunday made a bid on the life of former minister of state for external affairs and National Conference president Omar Abdullah when they exploded an improvised explosive device in Anantnag in south Kashmir.


Insurance fees under fire

Top insurance brokers in Hong Kong have stopped accepting controversial commissions from insurance companies, reflecting the continuing fallout from a scandal rocking the industry in the US.. Sources within


If your office is cold, take note - chilly environs may lower <b>...</b>

If your office is often cold, take note - chilly environs may lower productivity. A study by a Cornell University ergonomics professor found a reverse correlation between temperature and typing mistakes.


Teams unite to cut costs, except

Motorsport.com. Nine of the ten Formula One teams have united to propose cost-cutting measures for the future, with the notable exception of Ferrari.


Derby draw pleases Juve

LEADERS Juventus were the happiest team in Serie A today after title rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan played out a 0-0 draw at the San Siro.


Tendulkar #39;s recovery sends Indian expectations soaring

AS SOON as it was announced on Saturday morning that Sachin Tendulkar was certain to be fit to play in tomorrows third Test against Australia at the VCA Stadium, a stampede for tickets followed, with sales going up by 300 per cent in a day.


INSURGENTS MASSACRE 49 ARMY RECRUITS

The group linked to insurgent leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has claimed responsibility for the massacre of 49 unarmed army recruits in one of the bloodiest attacks on Iraq #39;s fledgling security forces.


Will Zook Get the Hook After Gators' Loss? (AP)

AP - Ron Zook has taken the Florida Gators to a new low  #151; for the third straight season.


Sharon Wins Cabinet Vote on Gaza, New Raid Mounted

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon won  cabinet backing on Sunday for a bill on the nuts and bolts of a  Gaza pullout, and hours later Israel launched a new raid in the  Palestinian territory, killing three and wounding 16.


No Free Launch

The United States and Europe are edging toward their biggest trade dispute everand Washington shouldn #39;t blink. The dispute involves competition between Boeing and


Cardinals Kicker Ties Record (AP)

AP - Neil Rackers of the Arizona Cardinals tied an NFL record by kicking three field goals of at least 50 yards on Sunday.


A week using the Google Desktop Search

Last week when Google came up with its Desktop Search, it promised to make finding files on our desktop a lot less painful. Knowing Google and its other services, I had little doubt that the new tool from their stable would be incredible.


Linux speared by trio of security holes

A series of security holes in three common Linux components has led open-source vendors to rush out several updates. Two of them, rated  quot;highly critical quot; by security company Secunia, are in libpng, a library


Army cadets massacred by guerrillas

GUERRILLAS in Iraq killed almost 50 army cadets heading home on leave, ambushing the men on a desert road and making them lie face down on the ground before methodically shooting each one in the back of the head, Iraqi officials said yesterday.


Three killed, 20 hurt in strikes

TWO Palestinian security service members and a civilian were killed in three Israeli missile strikes in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian security sources said today.


GILLARD DROPS OUT OF TREASURER CONTENTION

Labor #39;s health spokeswoman, Julia Gillard, says she will not be standing for the position of shadow treasurer. Ms Gillard says it #39;s her own decision and not a response to weekend newspaper reports that Opposition


Security expert warns Internet pharmacies at risk from terrorists (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - A Canadian-based security expert will tell a panel on Internet pharmacies this week that mail-order drug companies could become targets for terrorists.


Army Studying Halliburton Compromise

The US Army is studying a possible compromise with Halliburton Co. that might allow the company to keep several billion dollars in disputed billings for work in Iraq, defense officials said on Friday.


Formula One split widens over budgets

TEAM owners last night kick-started a week of intense activity that will help to determine who wins control of one of the richest sports in the world.


NFL: Minnesota 20, Tennessee 3

Daunte Culpepper completed 24 of 30 passes, one for a touchdown, as the Minnesota Vikings topped the Tennessee Titans 20-3 Sunday.


Barca Extend Lead at the Top

Barcelona preserved their unbeaten run with a 3-0 win over Osasuna at the Nou Camp to keep the chasing pack in the Primera Liga at arms length.


World News In Brief

TOKYO -- American and Japanese negotiators agreed Saturday to ease a 10-month-old ban on American beef exports to Japan, a deal that will reopen the US beef industry #39;s biggest overseas market to at least some products.


Iran Says Uranium Facility Almost Complete

TEHRAN, Iran Oct 24, 2004 - A uranium conversion facility in Iran is nearing completion, a top official said Sunday, only days after European countries offered a deal in which Iran would reportedly have to give up all nuclear activities.


Iraqi Army Recruits Massacred

The bodies of more than 40 Iraqi army recruits have been found following an ambush near the Iranian border in the country #39;s northeast region.


Gillard out of shadow treasurer race

Julia Gillard has reportedly bowed out of the race to become shadow treasurer, taking enormous pressure off Opposition Leader Mark Latham.


Why Can't Wi-Fi Be More Like Star Trek? (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Opinion: This year, all of the big mobile operators are starkly aware that they're in a race. But "Star Trek" taught us never to make the mistake of assuming that people operate rationally.


Kerry turns the Bible, terror comments on Bush (AFP)

AFP - Democratic challenger John Kerry turned the Bible against born-again Methodist President George W. Bush, arguing that his policies ran counter to America's moral foundation.


Hendrick Plane Crashes En Route to Nascar Race

A plane owned by the Hendrick Motorsports organization crashed with 10 people aboard on its way to a race Sunday, the Federal Aviation Administration said.


Patriots Beat Jets, Extend Streak to 21 (AP)

AP - Rodney Harrison broke up a fourth-down pass from Chad Pennington with 2:14 remaining, and the New England Patriots held on to extend their NFL victory streak to 21 games in a 13-7 win over the AFC East rival New York Jets.


Tragedy in NASCAR

A plane owned by the Hendrick Motorsports organization crashes on its way to a NASCAR race in Martinsville, Va., on Sunday, killing ten people.


As bad as he wants to be

With no more FCC at his heels, Howard Stern could get really dirty on satellite radio. But will the fans follow? Would you buy a satellite radio system to listen to Howard Stern?


Baseball: The odds show, better team doesn #39;t always win Series

Frederick Mosteller is a lifelong Red Sox fan. This is impressive on its face, particularly considering that his life began in 1916 and that he has survived almost nine decades with no memory of his team #39;s last World Series victory.


Glorious Sterne avoids school trip

THERE was both grief and jubilation abroad in the environs of Madrid yesterday, but for nobody was the latter more dramatic than for Richard Sterne.


Nicholson dies; managed Tottenham in glory days

LONDON Bill Nicholson, who managed Tottenham Hotspur in its glory days of the 1960s and 70s, died on Saturday after a long illness, family members said.


NFL: Away from lair, Lions claim Giants as latest victim

After going three years without winning on the road, the Detroit Lions are unbeatable away from the Motor City. Joey Harrington threw two touchdown passes, and Chris Cash made a diving interception in the


49 Iraqi soldiers die in guerrilla ambush

BAGHDAD In the single deadliest ambush of the Iraq insurgency, guerrillas dressed as security officers executed 49 freshly trained Iraqi soldiers on Saturday evening on a remote road in eastern Iraq as the unarmed soldiers were going home on leave, Iraqi


Lithuanian PM Predicts He Will Lead Next Govt

Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas predicted on Sunday he could form a new coalition, shrugging off a challenge from a party some


Climber who found frozen mummy dies in Alps

VIENNA Austrian officials have recovered the body of a missing German climber who won fame when he found a mummified 5,300-year-old human body in the Alps in 1991.


TRADED COMPANIES

Publicly traded companies command the most attention from investors and the media, but don #39;t forget that business behemoths start somewhere.


KPMG fined record \$10m over Gemstar

KPMG has received the largest audit fine in the history of the US Securities and Exchange Commission for its role in a company that cost Rupert Murdoch #39;s News Corporation \$6billion (3.


Police have no suspects in killings of elderly couple

Detectives say they have no witnesses or suspects in the murder of an elderly couple killed in an apparent robbery at their Christian bookstore.


Montoya wins F1 finale in Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil (Sports Network) - Williams/BMW driver Juan Montoya captured the final event of the 2004 Formula One season - the Grand Prix of Brazil.


Lithuanian vote in second phase

Lithuania #39;s second round of general elections got under way on Sunday, with a recent-formed party threatening to force its way into government.


TNK-BP nears Russian top spot

TNK-BP, which represents the biggest foreign investment in Russia, is fast emerging as the country #39;s largest oil producer. Its rise to prominence comes amid increasing state involvement


Vancouver Muslim leader denies comments about Jews were anti-Semitic (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - A Muslim leader under attack for calling Jews "brothers of monkeys and swine" says he is no anti-Semite.


Nikkei Seen Opening Weaker

TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo stocks are expected to open weaker  on Monday as investors remain anxious about record-breaking oil  prices, which dampened U.S. shares late last week.


First Post-IPO Google Earnings Deliver

Google Inc. is making everyone who snubbed its unconventional initial public offering of stock regret their decision. In the latest rebuke to its skeptics, Google wowed Wall


Cowboys head to Lambeau

Both teams have considerable ground to gain if they want to even think about making the playoffs. Dallas (2-3) is coming off a heart-wrenching loss to Pittsburgh while Green Bay (2-4) hasn #39;t won at home this season.


A DOUBLE-UP GAME

Colts.com. If a certain game is important for a certain reasons, the Colts head coach will discuss the matter with his team early in the week.


10 Iraqi Policemen Killed by Car Bomb

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


Bush to star in final ad, assails Kerry (AFP)

AFP - Campaigning in a state he lost by the narrowest of margins, US President George W. Bush accused Democratic rival John Kerry of not being serious about taking on Iraq's most wanted man.


Nokia's Preminet aims to chill Qualcomm's BREW

The "one-stop shop" lets wireless operators sell ring tones, games, picture messaging and other cell phone paraphernalia.


Trahan Gets First Nationwide Victory (AP)

AP - D.J. Trahan shot a bogey-free 6-under 65 on Sunday to capture his first Nationwide Tour victory at the Miccosukee Championship.


Kerry and Bush Take Aim at Key Swing States (Reuters)

Reuters - Democratic Sen. John Kerry stressed\his faith and values during a visit to the critical state of\Florida on Sunday, while President Bush scoured New Mexico for\votes and said it was "up in the air" if the United States\could ever be safe from terrorism.


Johnson Wins, Busch Gains in Title Chase (AP)

AP - Jimmie Johnson's series-high sixth victory of the season Sunday was overshadowed by word that a plane carrying members of the Hendrick Motorsports organization crashed on the way to Martinsville Speedway.


Football; Patriots Day: the Jets; Aiming High; Jets #39; Pennington Is <b>...</b>

HEMPSTEAD, NY - He was drafted in the first round in 2000 out of Marshall, at the head of the same quarterback class that yielded Tom Brady, but Chad Pennington #39;s road to success has been more deliberate.


Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (Ticker) -- Ahman Green and Brett Favre once again turned Lambeau Field into a home-field advantage. Green rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns and Favre threw for two scores as the


Suspend Hardie payouts: Carr

THERE were grounds to suspend multi-million dollar payouts to departing James Hardie executives, NSW Premier Bob Carr said today. Mr Carr also urged Hugh Morgan, president of the Business Council of Australia


Mobile Operators Seek Higher Sound Quality

TOKYO (Reuters) - Ring tones on mobile phones were once  considered cool if they simply sounded musical. Then phones  starting ringing to the tune of a pop song, giving way to "ring  songs."


United punks have little to sing about

This was punk against opera, and punk won. Manchester United against Arsenal now has all the fervour and spite of the Buenos Aires derby, Barcelona against Real Madrid or Fenerbache v Galatasaray.


Podium finish for Barrichello

For the first time of his career, Rubens Barrichello finished the Brazilian Grand Prix on the podium. Michael Schumacher started from the back of the field and finished in the points despite spinning in the early stages of the race.


Lockyer #39;s men give Britain food for thought

The Gillette Tri-Nations could not have made a much better start to its English section with all 16,750 tickets sold for Saturday #39;s entertaining clash at Loftus Road and the promise that Great


Rebel militias deny holding British aid worker Hassan

Confusion surrounded the fate of the Iraq aid worker Margaret Hassan last night after main rebel groups denied being involved with her kidnap.


Cardinals Win, Smith Earns Another Record (AP)

AP - Emmitt Smith ran his way to another NFL record and Neil Rackers booted himself into a share of one.


EU to trim 2005 growth forecast

BRUSSELS: The European Commission will revise downwards its 2005 economic growth forecast because of soaring oil prices, Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said on Wednesday.


Kroger, Union Reach Tentative Agreement

A Kroger spokesman says the agreement includes wage increases and improvements in health insurance coverage. The contract covers about 8,500 employees in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.


Army Faces Probe on No-Bid Deals With KBR

The Army has agreed to a Pentagon investigation into claims by a top contracting official that a Halliburton subsidiary unfairly won no-bid contracts worth billions of dollars for work in Iraq and the Balkans, according to Army documents obtained Sunday.


Options Report: Traders Take Stock Sell-Off In Stride

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Stock selling in the software and semiconductor sectors sent benchmark indexes lower, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average breaking through to a new


Qwest agrees to pay \$250 million to settle fraud investigation

Qwest agreed to pay \$250 million Thursday to settle allegations the telecommunications company falsified the books by at least \$3.


Nortel rivals cool outlook for wireless gear

How long can the wireless networking boom last? Not much longer, according to major competitors of Nortel Networks. Ericsson, the giant of the wireless industry, put a damper on stock markets yesterday when


Safin crushes Nalbandian for fourth Masters win

Marat Safin barged his way past Britain #39;s Tim Henman into sixth place in the race to qualify for next month #39;s Masters Cup in Houston by overpowering David Nalbandian, of Argentina


Montoya shows his genius

This is the circuit where the Montoya brand began to take shape as he swept past Michael Schumacher during the opening laps of only his third grand prix.


NFL Game Summary - Dallas At Green Bay

Green Bay, WI -- Ahman Green rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns, as the Green Bay Packers throttled the Dallas Cowboys, 41-20, for their first win at Lambeau Field this season.


Leader Barcelona beats Osasuna 3-0 in Spanish Primera Liga

Samuel Eto #39;o scored two goals and Ronaldinho added another from the penalty spot Sunday to help Spanish Primera Liga leader FC Barcelona blank Osasuna 3-0 and maintain its five-point lead at the top of the standings.