U.S. Worries Over Election Terror Threat

WASHINGTON - As the election draws nearer, U.S. officials are increasingly concerned al-Qaida terrorists will attempt to mount a devastating attack to disrupt the political process...


Kerry: Allawi's Take on Iraq Unrealistic

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said Thursday that Iraq's Ayad Allawi was sent before Congress to put the "best face" on a Bush administration policy that has gone wrong.    Shortly after Allawi, the interim government's prime minister, gave a rosy portrayal of progress toward peace in Iraq, Kerry said the assessment contradicted Allawi's own statements as well as the reality on the ground...


Delta to sell planes, spare engines to FedEx

Delta Air Lines (DAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said it reached a deal with FedEx Express to sell eight McDonnell Douglas MD11 aircraft and four spare engines for delivery in 2004.


AT amp;T Decries California Rate Hikes

AT amp;T Corp. said Thursday that California #39;s decision to raise wholesale telephone rates will decrease competition between local carriers.


Yankees Clinch 10th Straight Playoff Spot (AP)

AP - Derek Jeter hit a leadoff home run, Jon Lieber pitched into the eighth inning and the New York Yankees clinched their 10th consecutive trip to the postseason with a 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Thursday.


Sony to support MP3 in future players

Sony #39;s apparently gotten the message: Some of its new MP3 player models will feature direct support for MP3 in addition to its proprietary ATRAC format.


Exploit Threat Ratchets Up On Windows Vulnerability

A recently detected exploit code foreshadows a likely worm-style attack on Windows machines plagued with the JPEG vulnerability made public last week, security experts said Thursday.


Applied Micro Sees 2Q Revenue Below 1Q

Applied Micro Circuits Corp., a communications chip maker, on Thursday said it expects lower second-quarter revenue compared to its first quarter, based on soft sales in Asia and lower orders.


Senate committee approves wireless spectrum bill

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved a bill that sets a 2008 deadline for clearing broadcasters from wireless spectrum promised to public safety agencies.


Qualcomm Opens a Window to Video

Wireless giant Qualcomm (Quote, Chart) has inked a licensing deal with Microsoft (Quote, Chart) it claims will make it easier to play audio and video on its handsets.


Report: CEOs Stagnant on Security

CEOs aren #39;t doing enough to address the myriad IT security threats that loom large. At least that #39;s what Ernst  amp; Young concluded from survey results it released today.


Suzuki Near One of Baseball's Oldest Marks (AP)

AP - A few years ago, Ichiro Suzuki spent three days on his own wandering around the Hall of Fame, hoping to learn about the history of baseball in America.


Brown Has Chance for Rookie Run Record (AP)

AP - Eddie George left Tennessee with a bunch of team rushing records. In just his third NFL start, Chris Brown now has an opportunity to do something George never could.


Rockies Beat D-Backs 7-1 to Open Twinbill (AP)

AP - Jeff Francis pitched six strong innings and the Colorado Rockies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-1 Thursday in the first game of a doubleheader.


South Carolina's 'Pops' Cleared to Play (AP)

AP - "Pops" has gotten the green light from the NCAA to play football at South Carolina.


Roddick to Lead U.S. Against Belarus (AP)

AP - Andy Roddick and the rest of the U.S. Davis Cup team figure it's about time the country reclaimed the championship.


Injured Arrington Out

Linebacker LaVar Arrington is likely to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery, Joe Gibbs said, and would be sidelined two-to-four weeks.


Storage Decisions show parades new products

IT managers may need more storage to handle all the storage announcements that occurred at this week's Storage Decisions show in Chicago as well as several other independent announcements.


Blue Chips Fall on  #36;49 Oil, Economy Index (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. blue-chip stocks fell  on\Thursday to nearly a five-week low as crude oil flirted with\last month's record high and a key gauge of future economic\activity fell for a third straight month.


Blue Chips Fall on \$49 Oil, Economy Index

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue-chip stocks fell  on  Thursday to nearly a five-week low as crude oil flirted with  last month's record high and a key gauge of future economic  activity fell for a third straight month.


Columnists: Online Theft

Identity theft meets the global virus epidemic, enabling fraud that finally gets people's attention.


Sven Doesn #39;t Rule Out Real Switch

Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted he hasn #39;t had any contract from Real Madrid, but crucially didn #39;t rule out the chance of him leaving England to take charge of the Spanish giants.


Glen Johnson: More Than  quot;The Other Guy quot; Fighting Roy Jones <b>...</b>

In any aspect of life you would like to think that eventually - in some way, shape or form - that justice will be done, that the right thing would happen to the right people.


Powell Appeals to Arafat to Step Aside

Secretary of State Colin Powell appealed to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Thursday to step aside for the sake of achieving his lifetime goal of a Palestinian state.


Britain backs UN Security Council seats for Brazil, Germany, India, Japan (AFP)

AFP - Britain backs bids by Brazil, Germany, India and Japan for permanent seats on the UN Security Council, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said.


Barclays takes look at Absa

Barclays said Thursday that it was in  quot;early stage quot; talks about buying control of South Africa #39;s Absa Group for at least \$3 billion in what would be its largest purchase outside Britain.


Halliburton may shed KBR unit

Halliburton, beset by controversy over its work in Iraq, said Thursday that it would sell its KBR engineering and construction unit if the oilfield services company #39;s share performance did not measure up to sector rivals.


US Airways #39; pilots union to oppose wage cuts

US Airways #39; pilots union said Thursday that the airline plans to file a motion in bankruptcy court on Friday seeking immediate cost reductions, including pay cuts, from US Airways #39; labor unions.


GE settles with SEC over disclosure of Welch perks

General Electric said Thursday that it had reached a settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission over allegations that the company failed to disclose perks like cars and an apartment for Jack Welch, its former chief executive.


Insiders Weigh Prospect Of Wireless Spam

A law banning spam delivered to wireless devices goes into effect next month. But is it necessary? By Thomas Claburn. In less than a month, it will be illegal to send commercial messages to any Internet domain


Golf: Singh Hoping for 8th PGA Tour Win

World number-one Vijay Singh of Fiji hopes to win his eighth PGA Tour event this year as he competes in the 84 Lumber Classic golf tournament beginning Thursday, in Pennsylvania.


Montgomerie finds it tough after highs of Ryder Cup

Famously, now, there was no scoreboard at the 18th green at Oakland Hills so Colin Montgomerie had no idea his putt was for the Ryder Cup.


Los Angeles at San Diego, 10:05 PM

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- The San Diego Padres look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive Thursday by completing a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.


Kings president fined by NHL

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Los Angeles Kings president Tim Leiweke was fined an undisclosed amount by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for radio comments he made last week regarding the league #39;s labor situation.


Jones sees Memphis fight as  #39;getting back up #39;

quot;It starts right here, quot; Jones said of Saturday #39;s fight, adding he has no thoughts of retirement at age 35.  quot;I #39;m too good for that, quot; he said.


Kutluay lit up US Olympic team

Seattle SuperSonics: The Sonics signed Turkish shooting guard Ibrahim Kutluay, who lit up the United States Olympic team in a pair of exhibition games this summer.


Redskins #39; Arrington Likely Out for Two-to-Four Weeks

Linebacker LaVar Arrington is likely to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery, according to Coach Joe Gibbs, and would be sidelined two-to-four weeks.


Islamic group says it has beheaded two Italians

A shadowy Islamic organisation yesterday claimed it had decapitated two Italian women kidnapped in Baghdad a fortnight ago, promising to show the event on the internet.


Yudhoyono confirmed as winner

JAKARTA - Official results have confirmed former army general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the winner of Indonesia #39;s first direct presidential election, while incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri urged her nation Thursday to wait for the official announcement


Germany, France back permanent seat for Japan on Security Council

NEW YORK - Both Germany and France in their speeches before the 59th General Assembly session on Thursday supported Japan #39;s ongoing effort to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.


Odd attack damages art

BERLIN A woman doing handsprings hurled herself into an art installation at the exhibition of a collection belonging to the billionaire heir of a Nazi-era arms supplier, damaging two pieces, organizers said Thursday.


Koizumi says N Korea unlikely to test-fire missile

TOKYO - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Thursday that North Korea is unlikely to test-fire another ballistic missile.  quot;I think the possibility of launching one is low, quot; Koizumi told reporters.


Incendiary device found on Sydney jet

SYDNEY - Australia promised swift action to plug gaps in its air security yesterday after an incendiary device was found on a jet operated by domestic airline Virgin Blue.


Montenegro quits Hague panel in protest

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia The Montenegrin members of a Yugoslav government panel set up to improve relations with The Hague resigned Thursday to protest what they described as Serbia #39;s failure to hand over suspected war criminals to the international war crimes


Musharraf Snubs Pleas for Pakistani Troops in Iraq

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Pakistani President Pervez  Musharraf on Thursday ruled out sending troops to help restore  stability in Iraq, rebuffing pleas from the Iraqi interim  government and the United States.


Russian Ministries Move to Approve Kyoto Treaty

MOSCOW (Reuters) - At least one Russian ministry has signed  letters agreeing to Moscow's approval of the Kyoto Protocol, a  spokesman said on Thursday in what could be a final step on the  long road to bringing the global pact into force.


Dogs 'sniff out' bladder cancer

Dogs can be trained to sniff out bladder cancer, scientists say they have proven for the first time.


Dreamworks trio in US wealth list

Founders of Dreamworks film studio  feature on Forbes' 2004 list of the richest 400 people in America.


AL Wrap: Texas Completes Sweep of Oakland (Reuters)

Reuters - David Dellucci's two-run double in the\bottom of the ninth inning helped the Texas Rangers complete a\three-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics with a 5-4 win in the\American League at Arlington Thursday.


Rongen Named Coach of MLS Expansion Team (AP)

AP - Thomas Rongen, who guided D.C. United to the 1999 Major League Soccer championship, was hired Thursday as coach of Club Deportivo Chivas USA, an expansion team set to begin play in April.


AL Wrap: Texas Completes Sweep of Oakland

NEW YORK (Reuters) - David Dellucci's two-run double in the  bottom of the ninth inning helped the Texas Rangers complete a  three-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics with a 5-4 win in the  American League at Arlington Thursday.


U.S. to Support Limiting Shark Trade (AP)

AP - The United States will join with Australia and Madagascar in arguing that great white sharks need to be protected through new global trade restrictions.


New UN Talks Bid to Save Fish, Plants and Timber (Reuters)

Reuters - Long a forum for protecting endangered\species like whales or tigers, a U.N. meeting in Bangkok next\month will seek a wider role in regulating the billion-dollar\trade in timber, fish and medicinal plants.


California Curbs Cruise Ship Pollution Near Shore (Reuters)

Reuters - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed\legislation on Thursday that would ban cruise ships from\incinerating trash or dumping used shower and sink water within\three miles of the California coast.


Russian Ministries Move to Approve Kyoto Treaty (Reuters)

Reuters - At least one Russian ministry has signed\letters agreeing to Moscow's approval of the Kyoto Protocol, a\spokesman said on Thursday in what could be a final step on the\long road to bringing the global pact into force.


Woman Gives Birth After Tissue Transplant (AP)

AP - The first baby conceived after an ovarian tissue transplant was born Thursday in Belgium in a procedure that could one day allow women to delay motherhood beyond menopause.


Yankees Clinch 10th Straight Playoff Spot

NEW YORK - Derek Jeter hit a leadoff home run, Jon Lieber pitched into the eighth inning and the New York Yankees clinched their 10th consecutive trip to the postseason with a 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Thursday.    John Flaherty also homered for the Yankees (96-57), who are assured of no worse than a wild-card berth...


Forbes List Has Most Billionaires Ever

NEW YORK - It looks like the U.S. billionaire's club isn't quite as exclusive as it once was...


US frees up emergency oil supply

The US government is to let oil refineries borrow crude from its emergency stockpile to make up for supplies disrupted by Hurricane Ivan.


Woman Gives Birth After Tissue Transplant

LONDON - The first baby conceived after an ovarian tissue transplant was born Thursday in Belgium in a procedure that could one day allow women to delay motherhood beyond menopause.    The birth, announced by The Lancet medical journal, which is to publish the results of the procedure Friday, marks the first time fertility has been restored to a woman after doctors cut out and froze some of her ovarian tissue and transplanted it back into her body years later...


Hurricanes Lead to Spike in Jobless Claims

WASHINGTON Sept. 23, 2004 - The number of new people signing up for jobless benefits rose last week, mostly reflecting the impact of hurricanes that recently ripped through Florida.


The Forbes 400 richest Americans

The economy #39;s recovery may be a little shaky, but you wouldn #39;t know it from looking at this year #39;s Forbes 400. In this, Forbes #39; 23rd annual ranking of the 400 richest people in America, the combined net worth


Sony on collision course with music majors over mp3 format

Sony has embarked on a potential collision course with music groups, including its own Sony BMG joint venture, over MP3 digital song files.


Nokia Announces 6670 Smartphone, GPS Receiver

Nokia today announced its latest addition to its collection of megapixel imaging smartphones. It also announced its first Bluetooth GPS receiver.


Protorosaur which came out of the gloom

By the time its prey knew it was coming, it was probably far too late. Cruising murky coastal waters in search of food, the creature made magnificent use of its slender neck, nearly twice the length of its


Ovary transplant woman has baby

A woman has become the first in the world to give birth to a live baby following an ovarian transplant in a breakthrough that could allow doctors to reverse the menopause and restore fertility to women in middle age.


Google Goes on Hiring Spree

(Article Central) Google has started spending some of the \$1.67 billion it made in last month #39;s initial public offering, recruiting a half-dozen of the brightest minds from Microsoft and other tech giants.


Exploit Code Appears for MS Graphics Flaw

Just a week after Microsoft released a patch to plug a security flaw in the way at least 13 of its programs handle the JPEG imaging format, code appeared on the Internet on Wednesday showing how to exploit those holes.


Verizon, Covad Reach Line-Sharing Pact

Verizon Communications Inc. on Tuesday said it reached an interim line-sharing agreement with Internet service provider Covad Communications Group Inc.


PeopleSoft Rolls Out Upgrade Incentive Program

PeopleSoft wants its customers to get  quot;aggressive quot; with software upgrades to increase efficiency and cost benefits. In the context of current corporate maneuvering in the enterprise-software world, the word takes on some extra flavor.


Qualcomm licenses Microsoft audio, video codecs

WAYNE, NJ - Qualcomm has inked a licensing agreement with Microsoft, under which Qualcomm will integrate Microsoft #39;s Windows Media Audio and Video codecs into its Qtv video decoder solution.


Barcelona hit four to go joint top

BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona produced a sparkling display at the Nou Camp to come from a goal down to roar to a 4-1 win over Real Zaragoza in the Primera Liga on Thursday.


Players not greedy, Goodenow tells fans

quot;Please solve this because I don #39;t want to be watching Trading Places on Saturday night. quot;. That was from David Whittle, a hockey fan out of Hamilton, adding a personal touch of levity - and we think he meant


Sports: Rangers 5 Athletics 4

ARLINGTON, Texas Texas has roared back into the American League West division race by completing a three-game sweep of Oakland. The Rangers rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth to beat the A #39;s


Britain Rules Out Talks as Bigley Pleads for Life

BAGHDAD, 24 September 2004 - The British government yesterday ruled out negotiations with the kidnappers of Kenneth Bigley in Iraq despite a personal appeal from the captive to Prime Minister Tony Blair to help save his life.


Flick exhibit stuns and irritates

Just two days after New York #39;s Museum of Modern Art closed its spectacularly successful temporary exhibit in Berlin, the spotlight turned to another attention-grabbing art display in the German


US exporters fume over delay of corporate tax bill

While record trade deficits and lost manufacturing jobs are election-year campaign issues, US exporters are fuming because Congress has yet to change corporate tax laws that threaten their sales in Europe, America #39;s biggest foreign market.


Ireland first country to crack down on modem hijacking

Ireland has become the first country to cut off direct-dialled calls to entire countries in a bid to crack down on Internet-based fraud.


Xavi - netted Barca #39;s third. (Getty Images)

Barcelona came from a goal down to thrash Real Zaragoza in a one-sided Primera Liga match at the Nou Camp on Thursday and go level on points with champions Valencia at the top.


No. 23 Boise State #39;s streak on line Friday

BOISE, Idaho - No. 23 Boise State attempts to stretch the longest winning steak in Division I to 15 games Friday when it hosts Brigham Young of the Mountain West Conference.


Musharraf confused by army post

PAKISTAN President Pervez Musharraf admitted today to being slightly  quot;confused quot; as to whether he should fulfill an earlier pledge to step down as army chief by the end of the year.


Computer problem cancels Lufthansa flights

FRANKFURT Lufthansa canceled about 60 European flights and its services around the world were delayed on Thursday after a computer fault in its check-in system, the German airline said.


Fat Students Sap School Finances

By BEN FELLER    WASHINGTON (AP) -- Expanding waistlines are squeezing the bottom line of the nation's schools, as poor eating and exercise subtly strip money from education, a new study suggests.    "It's too risky not to call attention to this," said Dr...


U.S. to Support Shark Protection

By JOHN HEILPRIN    WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States will join with Australia and Madagascar in arguing that great white sharks need to be protected through new global trade restrictions.    The Bush administration supports protecting the sharks, which are listed as endangered in many parts of the world, said Assistant Interior Secretary Craig Manson...


Health Highlights: Sept. 23, 2004

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:    -----    Top Florida Court Strikes Down Tube-Feeding Law       The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday ruled unanimously that a law requiring a brain-dead woman to be connected to a feeding tube was illegal.      "We recognize that the tragic circumstances underlying this case make it difficult to put emotions aside and focus solely on the legal issue presented," the court said in its ruling...


Briefly: MLB sells game clips for 99 cents

roundup Plus: TiVo hires marketing chief...Jail time for California swappers?...Microsoft updates home PC package...LookSmart buys Furl.net.


Fiorina: HP's ordering problem now fixed

CEO Carly Fiorina says problem that dented last quarter's financial results is a thing of the past.


MIT Researchers Work to Power Computers With Spinach

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say they have used spinach to harness a plant's ability to convert sunlight into energy for the first time, creating a device that may one day power laptops, mobile phones and more.


Former Dot-Com Hero Faces Closure

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE    SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Commerce One Inc. (CMRC), an Internet software maker valued at \$20 billion at the peak of dot-com mania, is poised to go out of business as a pauper...


More Authors Are Blogging

By HILLEL ITALIE     NEW YORK (AP) -- Jennifer Weiner, author of the best-selling novels "Good in Bed" and "In Her Shoes," likes to spend three to four hours a day working on fiction. When she's done, time and family permitting, she updates her online journal...


Sony-led deal for MGM set

A group of companies led by Sony Corp of America which includes cable television #39;s Comcast Corp. on Thursday said it has signed a definite agreement to acquire film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.


Calif. Air Board Prepares to Vote on Car Emissions

The California Air Resources Board on Thursday reviewed a proposal to cut greenhouse gas emissions from cars and prepared to vote on the plan on Friday.


Caterpillar, UAW Resume Contract Talks

Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. (CAT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) came away empty-handed on Thursday after meeting face-to-face with the United Auto Workers for the first time since workers rejected a company offer in August.


PassAlong jump-starts eBay music effort

Online auction giant eBay is entering the music download business with a service that will market content from major record labels.


NL Wrap: Maddux Hits 15-Win Mark as Cubs Top Bucs

Greg Maddux reached the 15-win plateau for a record 17th straight season and also drove in two runs in the second inning to power the Chicago Cubs to a 6-3 victory over the host Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League Thursday.


Indonesia #39;s Yudhoyono on Brink of Victory to Become President

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is close to victory with almost 90 percent of votes counted in Indonesia #39;s presidential election that took place on Monday, the General Election Commission said.


Top Shiite cleric insists vote be held on time even if America <b>...</b>

US warplanes blasted insurgent positions in Sadr City, and American ground troops pushed into the sprawling Baghdad slum Thursday in a


#36;12 Million Fine Against Cingular Upheld (Reuters)

Reuters - The California Public Utilities\Commission on Thursday upheld a  #36;12.1 million fine against\Cingular Wireless, related to a two-year investigation into the\cellular telephone company's business practices.


Medtronic Recalls Software (AP)

AP - Medtronic Inc. on Thursday recalled the software used to program some SynchroMed implantable pumps because it was susceptible to errors that have led to two deaths and seven serious injuries.


Tech Titans (Forbes.com)

Forbes.com - Steve Ballmer\ #36;12.6 billion\Microsoft. Redmond, Wash.\48. Married, 2 children\"I'm confident we have some of the greatest dollar growth prospects in front of us of any company in the world, full stop, period--without question, it's there." So said Microsoft's chief executive and boisterous booster in July. Cites corporate servers and America's living room, where Xbox commands a growing share of U.S. gaming market. ...


Oracle sets new deadline on PeopleSoft bid

Oracle has again pushed back the expiration date on its offer for PeopleSoft stock.


Haiti Copes With Storm Devastation; Deaths Pass 1,000 (Update1)

Aid workers struggled to deliver food and supplies to survivors as the death toll in Haiti caused by Tropical Storm Jeanne reached at least 1,013, with 1,200 people missing, according to the United Nations.


Oracle further extends PeopleSoft offer

Oracle Corp. has again extended its \$7.7 billion cash offer for PeopleSoft Inc. Shareholders now have until Oct. 8 to tender their shares, Oracle said Thursday.


Oracle attracting MySQL users

Oracle is now seeing the MySQL database user base as an opportunity, unlike two years ago, when Oracle CEO Larry Ellison said users of the open source product are not the people who would buy Oracle because they did not have any money.


Barclays in talks to acquire Absa

Barclays said on Thursday it was in talks with Absa, South Africa #39;s largest retail bank, about a possible recommended partial offer for a majority stake.


US economic barometer points to sluggish trend

WASHINGTON : A closely watched index of future economic activity fell for a third straight month, suggesting a tepid pace of growth for the world #39;s largest economy, analysts said.


Back To The Table

Talks between Caterpillar and the United Auto Workers resumed Thursday. The only decision made was to meet again at a future date.


Barclays targets South Africa bank

By Julia Kollewe in London and Renee Bonorchis in Johannesburg. Barclays, the bank that pulled out of South Africa in 1986 after protests during the apartheid era, said yesterday it was in talks to buy a majority


Microsoft sues Web site hoster over spam

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. filed nine new lawsuits against spammers who send unsolicited e-mail, including an e-mail marketing Web hosting company, the world #39;s largest software maker said Thursday.


DHS official: safer software is everyone #39;s responsibility

Imposing government security standards on software companies is not the answer to improving the security of the country #39;s computer networks, a US Department of Homeland Security official said Thursday.


Japan fears North Korea about to launch ballistic missile

Japan has reportedly dispatched surveillance ships to the Sea of Japan, believing that North Korea may be preparing to launch a ballistic missile.


Protester attacks Berlin exhibition of art  #39;bought with Nazi blood <b>...</b>

Security will be tightened at a Berlin art show which is alleged to have been funded by Nazi  quot;blood money quot; after a woman protester overwhelmed wardens and vandalised two works at the exhibition yesterday.


Pyongyang threatens nuclear fire for Japan

North Korea threatened yesterday to turn Japan into a  quot;nuclear sea of fire quot; if it comes under attack from the United States.


News: House drops plans to move cybersecurity role to White House

The Associated Press By Ted Bridis


SHOPTALK: Don't Tread On Me (AdWeek.com)

AdWeek.com - What do you do when you evoke the ire of the ad industry's largest trade organization? You launch an editorial-cartoon contest about it, of course. That's what Talent Zoo, the Atlanta-based job-recruitment and -placement specialist for the ad business, did last week after that nasty spat with the 4A's over a column on the Talent Zoo Web site criticizing Advertising Week.


IBM's T-Rex Still Preserves Plenty Of Bite (Investor's Business Daily)

Investor's Business Daily - Though pundits have long dismissed mainframe computers as throwbacks to a long-gone era, the big, brawny machines are very much alive.


Barclays in talks to buy South Africa #39;s biggest retail bank

Barclays is on the verge of buying control of South Africa #39;s biggest retail bank, marking its return to the country where it infamously operated during the apartheid era.


Sony Group Locks Up MGM Acquisition

A group of companies led by Sony Corp. of America put a lock on its acquisition of film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. for about \$2.


Clues may point to Google browser

The Google franchise could be coming to a Web browser near you; that is, if all the recent clues add up. Evidence is growing that may support rumors that the preeminent search company plans to introduce a Google-branded Web browser down the road.


Microsoft Changes Its Tune on Porting SP2 Fixes

Microsoft has been reticent to commit publicly on how, when and whether it would make the browser-specific security fixes that it delivered as part of Windows XP Service Pack 2 available to users of older versions of Windows.


Oracle extends deadline on PeopleSoft bid

Oracle has extended the deadline for PeopleSoft investors to tender their shares in its hostile bid to acquire its business software rival--the 11th extension of the offer since Oracle launched the bid more than 15 months ago.


Life without the net  #39;not possible #39;

Nearly half of US internet users say they could not go without the web for more than two weeks, with many suffering  quot;withdrawal quot; symptoms while offline, according to a recent survey.


Dougherty puts clubbing first

Nick Dougherty was once a Walker Cup star and, on leaving the unpaid ranks, proved a very promising young professional. Now the Ryder Cup beckons, and why not, given that he shared the Walker Cup experience with Luke Donald?


Fit Rusedski could prove key

With Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski still Great Britain #39;s leading players by some distance, even though Rusedski is currently No80 in the world, it might be argued that Jeremy Bates #39;s role as Davis Cup captain is less taxing than that of the official who


On the Couch / The US needs to show some respect

Who #39;s the sports figure one most wanted to feel sorry for this past week, but simply couldn #39;t? Who turned us off most? He #39;s one and the same - Hal Sutton, the US Ryder Cup captain whose team was almost obliterated


SportsNetwork Game Preview

(Sports Network) - The Dodgers have been alone in first place in the National League West every day since July 8. That could change tonight, as Los Angeles tries to avoid being swept in a three-game series by the surging San Diego Padres at Petco Park.


A mother #39;s plea for mercy

The 86-year-old mother of the Iraq hostage Kenneth Bigley appeared in public for the first time to beg for his release yesterday as the desperate waiting game entered its second week.


North Korea may test-fire missile: spy satellite data

Japanese and US reconnaissance information indicates that North Korea might be preparing to test-fire either a Nodong or Taepodong ballistic missile, Japanese government sources said Thursday.


Sudan #39;s other humanitarian crisis

The country #39;s peace envoy says that negotiations will resume next month to end the north-south civil war. By Mike Pflanz  Contributor to The Christian Science Monitor.


NBC Times 'Seinfeld' Special with DVD Release (Reuters)

Reuters - Jerry Seinfeld is returning to NBC,\along with TV pals Elaine, George and Kramer, for a special\Thanksgiving Day retrospective on the smash hit "show about\nothing," the network said on Thursday.


Halliburton to Restructure KBR Unit (Reuters)

Reuters - Halliburton Co.  said on\Thursday it would restructure its KBR unit and may shed the\business if the oil services company's stock performance keeps\lagging its peers.


Halliburton to Restructure KBR Unit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Halliburton Co. HAL.N said on  Thursday it would restructure its KBR unit and may shed the  business if the oil services company's stock performance keeps  lagging its peers.


Nikkei Average Fall 1 Percent at Opening

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average fell 1 percent at the  opening on Friday, with investors taking a cue from the U.S.  Dow Jones average, which fell to its lowest close in five weeks  on concern about high oil prices.


PeopleSoft woos through its woes

Don't say the O word at PeopleSoft's conference, where the company tries to entice customers to stick around and upgrade.


Briefly: Oracle extends deadline on PeopleSoft bid

roundup Plus: MLB sells game clips for 99 cents...TiVo hires marketing chief...Jail time for California swappers?...Microsoft updates home PC package.


Australia Village: Weak Catwoman Results To Hurt Pft -2-

SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Village Roadshow Ltd. (VRL.AU) said Friday that results for its movie Catwoman were below expectations and will hurt film profits for the 2005 financial year.


The Friday File: First shots fired in new browser war?

You #39;ve made your Web browser a part of the operating system, and you #39;ve effectively vanquished every other Web browser in the world to minimal importance.


And they #39;re ready ...

After years of preparation and US\$325 million of investment, Shanghai is ready to host the Formula One Grand Prix for the first time this weekend, on September 26.


Giants #39; Carter Is Showing He Can Stretch a Defense

Apparently, that was more than just a 38-yard touchdown pass Giants receiver Tim Carter caught Sunday. The first touchdown reception of Carter #39;s National Football


Singh leads again

VIJAY Singh shot an 8-under 64, including an eagle and six birdies, to take a three-shot lead in the first round of the 84 Lumber Classic golf tournament.


UN must lead fight against terror: PM

Dr Manmohan Singh said international networks of terror appear to cooperate more effectively between themselves than the nations they target.


End the Genocide Now

Seldom has the gulf between diplomatic talk and effective action been as stark as it was this week at the United Nations. Yesterday President Bush, speaking before the


Senate Panel Approves Spyware and Wireless Privacy Bills

One bill safeguards wireless phone numbers; the other targets malicious snoops.


IBM Lands Voice, Data Deal Worth Nearly \$1 Billion

The VoIP deal is the type of technology outsourcing and service agreement that has become an increasingly large and profitable part of IBM #39;s overall business and the sort of development that


NASA Urged for Infrared Camera in Hubble (AP)

AP - Scientists who have peered through space to a time when light first filled the universe urged NASA on Thursday to ensure a Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission includes a next generation infrared camera.


Missing Airport Uniforms Pose No Threat, Canada Says (Reuters)

Reuters - Canada reported Monday that its airport\screening staff had lost more than 1,100 pieces of clothing and\identification this year but insisted the missing items posed\no threat to security.


Troops Guard Relief Operations in Flood-Hit Haiti (Reuters)

Reuters - U.N. peacekeepers beefed\up security on Thursday in the Haitian city of Gonaives where\more than 1,000 people died in floods, after desperate\survivors fought each other to get at emergency food supplies.


Russia Proposes U.N. Terror Suspect List (AP)

AP - Russia, which argues that its war in Chechnya is part of the global fight against terrorism, proposed Thursday that the U.N. Security Council establish a new blacklist of terror suspects that calls for the extradition of anyone on it.


Rising Death Toll Prompts Haiti Protests (AP)

AP - Hungry, thirsty and increasingly desperate residents burned tires in protest and attacked each other in a panic to get scarce food and water Thursday as workers struggled to bury hundreds of victims of Tropical Storm Jeanne.


Nikkei Share Average Down 1 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - The Nikkei share average was down 1\percent in early trading on Friday, with investors taking their\cue from the Dow Jones industrial average, which fell to its\lowest close in five weeks on concern about high oil prices.


Safe injection site visited by 600 users daily "exceeding expectations:" report (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - Operators of North America's first safe injection site for intravenous drug users are claiming success, saying the site has "saved lives and improved lives."


Kerry: Allawi's Take on Iraq Unrealistic (AP)

AP - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said Thursday that Iraq's Ayad Allawi was sent before Congress to put the "best face" on a Bush administration policy that has gone wrong.


Los Alamos Scientist Says He Was One Fired (AP)

AP - A senior scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory says he is one of two employees being fired over an accident this summer in which an intern was injured by a laser.


Iraq, UK Govts Say Will Not Give in to Kidnappers

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The British and Iraqi governments said  they would not bow to the demands of militants threatening to  kill a British hostage, despite tearful pleas from the captive  and his family.


Troops Guard Relief Operations in Flood-Hit Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters) - U.N. peacekeepers beefed  up security on Thursday in the Haitian city of Gonaives where  more than 1,000 people died in floods, after desperate  survivors fought each other to get at emergency food supplies.


Hurricane Threatens Bahamas, Florida - Again

MIAMI (Reuters) - Hurricane Jeanne veered westward in the  Atlantic Ocean on Thursday on a path toward the Bahamas and  then Florida, which has already been hit by three deadly and  devastating hurricanes since August.


HIV warning for Asia drug users

Not enough is being done to prevent the spread of HIV among Asian drug users, researchers say.


Suicide 'determined at birth'

A Swedish team believes the chances of a person committing suicide is partly determined as early as birth.


Congress Passes Middle-Class Tax Cuts

WASHINGTON - Congress on Thursday approved a \$145.9 billion package of tax relief to extend three popular middle-class tax cuts, giving President Bush his fourth major tax victory since taking office.    The Senate approved the measure 92-3 Thursday night less than an hour after it cleared the House by a similarly lopsided 339-65...


Bush: Terrorists May Plan More Attacks

WASHINGTON - Denying he has painted too rosy a picture about Iraq, President Bush said Thursday he would consider sending more troops if asked, but Iraq's interim leader firmly said they weren't needed. With violence spreading, Defense Secretary Donald H...


Cleric Insists Iraq Elections Be on Time

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. warplanes blasted insurgent positions in Sadr City, and American ground troops pushed into the sprawling Baghdad slum Thursday in a new operation aimed at disarming the militia of a renegade anti-U.S...


Economy: Investment Down But Set to Rally

Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows continued to decline in 2003 for the third year in a row, in  quot;a very major fall quot; that UNCTAD blames on troubles facing the global economy last year, and especially industrialised nations.


Barclays #39; South African talks

BARCLAYS has started talks with Absa, South Africas largest retail bank, in one of its first moves under the leadership of John Varley.


India to benefit from FDI flows, says UNCTAD report

UNI New Delhi Sept 22: India is well positioned to benefit from the upswing expected in global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows in 2004, a flagship UNCTAD report released here today said.


Barclays seeks majority stake in S.Africa #39;s Absa

Britain #39;s Barclays signaled a return to retail banking in South Africa after 18 years #39; absence, saying it was in talks to buy a majority of the country #39;s biggest retail lender Absa.


James Practices, May Play Against Packers (AP)

AP - Running back Edgerrin James, sidelined two days with a strained hamstring, returned to practice Thursday and could be ready to play when the Indianapolis Colts host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.


NASA Urged for Infrared Camera in Hubble

Scientists who have peered through space to a time when light first filled the universe urged NASA (news - web sites) on Thursday to ensure a Hubble Space


Oracle sets new deadline on PeopleSoft bid

com September 23, 2004, 4:49 PM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.


Solar Cell Built with Spinach

A solar cell made with spinach has been developed that promises electronic devices incorporating photosynthesis, the highly efficient process plants use to produce energy from sunlight.


Green to Sit Out Dodgers Game for Yom Kippur (Reuters)

Reuters - Shawn Green of the Los Angeles\Dodgers is planning to miss Saturday's game against rivals the\San Francisco Giants in observance of Yom Kippur, the holiest\day on the Jewish calendar, a team spokesman said Thursday.


Microsoft: To secure IE, upgrade to XP

If you #39;re one of about 200 million people using older versions of Windows and you want the latest security enhancements to Internet Explorer, get your credit card ready.


WI captain expects more from England

Brian Lara expects the England fast bowlers to come up with something similar to the Shoaib Akhtar bouncer that struck his neck and left him dizzy in the Champions Trophy semi-final, West Indies coach Gus Logie said yesterday.


Mickelson out of WGC event in Ireland

World number four Phil Mickelson withdrew on Thursday from the WGC-American Express Championship being held in Kilkenny, Ireland next week.


Mariucci Builds a Team Close to Home

teve Mariucci, coaching in the state of his birth, is an optimist who still leaves tickets at Ford Field for his parents. His Detroit Lions, one of the surprise teams in the National Football


We #39;ve damaged each other too long: Musharraf

United Nations: Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf said he was looking forward to a  quot;constructive and positive quot; dialogue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and was  quot;very optimistic of the results.


Europe warns Iran against nuclear arms

Solana sidestepped a question about whether he felt the Iranian nuclear controversy was still open to negotiation.  quot;I think we have to keep on doing the utmost in talking and dialogue .


Malaysia #39;s Anwar called  #39;traitor #39;

Members of Malaysia #39;s largest political party have labelled former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim a  quot;traitor quot;. The head of the youth wing of the United Malays National Organisation ( Umno) ruled out the


NL Wrap: Maddux Hits 15-Win Mark as Cubs Top Bucs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Greg Maddux reached the 15-win plateau  for a record 17th straight season and also drove in two runs in  the second inning to power the Chicago Cubs to a 6-3 victory  over the host Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League  Thursday.


Green to Sit Out Dodgers Game for Yom Kippur

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Shawn Green of the Los Angeles  Dodgers is planning to miss Saturday's game against rivals the  San Francisco Giants in observance of Yom Kippur, the holiest  day on the Jewish calendar, a team spokesman said Thursday.


Singh on Top of Pile Again in Pennsylvania

FARMINGTON, Pennsylvania (Reuters) - World number one Vijay  Singh fired an eight-under-par 64 to take a three-shot lead  when the first round was suspended for the day at the \$4.2  million Pennsylvania Classic Thursday.


Hoops Face-Off

When the Terrapins host their annual "Midnight Madness" celebration Oct. 15 at Comcast Center, Maryland will hold a Gary Williams look-alike contest.


Gov't Set to Make Oil Loans to Refiners (Reuters)

Reuters - With oil near  #36;50 a barrel, the Bush\administration said on Thursday it would negotiate with\refineries that want to borrow oil from the federal emergency\stockpile to offset supplies disrupted by Hurricane Ivan.


Gov't Set to Make Oil Loans to Refiners

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With oil near \$50 a barrel, the Bush  administration said on Thursday it would negotiate with  refineries that want to borrow oil from the federal emergency  stockpile to offset supplies disrupted by Hurricane Ivan.


Ex-Executives of Computer Associates Plead Not Guilty

Two former executives of Computer Associates International pleaded not guilty to charges of securities fraud and obstruction of justice.


Ex-FDA chief hit on tobacco crusade

A lawyer for the tobacco industry Thursday attempted to paint the former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration as a man who seized upon a political environment that was hostile to the tobacco industry in order to advance his


Medtronic Recalls Software Card

Medical device giant Medtronic Inc. issued a nationwide recall Thursday for a software card used for programming a drug delivery pump that potentially resulted in the deaths of two patients and serious injuries to seven others.


Shalom to UN: Iran is public enemy No. 1

NEW YORK - Iran has  quot;replaced Saddam Hussein as the world #39;s number one exporter of terror, hate and instability, quot; Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom told the United Nations General Assembly yesterday.


Canada Raises C\$3.18 Billion in Petro-Canada Sale (Update2)

Canada raised C\$3.18 billion (\$2.49 billion) by selling about a fifth of Petro-Canada, marking the nation #39;s biggest share sale and the government #39;s exit from a 1970s-era effort to control its own energy supplies.


GE warned over perks for ex-chief

US industrial group General Electric received a slap on the wrist from the securities and exchange commission for failing to disclose the retirement package given to former chief executive officer Jack Welch.


Oracle extends PeopleSoft offer for 12th time

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. (Dow Jones/AP) -- Oracle Corp. extended its hostile bid for PeopleSoft Inc. for the 12th time, pushing the tender offer through Oct. 8. In a press release Thursday, Oracle said about


Sony-led deal sets MGM buy terms

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- A consortium led by Sony Corp. of America announced late Thursday the details of its \$4.8 billion agreement to buy Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.


Gates Tops Forbes List of Richest in US -- Again

The Nasdaq may be well off its highs of the dot-com era, but tech tycoons still top the list of the wealthiest Americans. For the 11th consecutive year, Microsoft Corp.


British Energy pre-empts Polygon by delisting shares

The battle between British Energy and rebel shareholders seeking a better deal from the company #39;s 5bn restructuring plan intensified yesterday when the nuclear generator announced it was abandoning its London share listing.


Shares in easyJet fall to all-time low

EasyJet #39;s bumpy ride continued yesterday as shares in the no-frills airline hit an all-time low after it warned that fares will remain under pressure next year.


Qualcomm, Microsoft team on streaming media

Qualcomm, a maker of chips for cell phones, said Thursday that it plans to integrate Microsoft Windows media technology into many of its chips, a move that #39;s expected to be a boon for both wireless streaming services and for Microsoft, which has been


Shawn Green of the Los Angeles Dodgers is planning to miss Saturday #39;s game against rivals the San Francisco Giants in observance of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, a team spokesman said Thursday.


Three to beat at Dover

Recent history tells me a lot when it comes to picking the top contenders for Sunday #39;s Nextel Cup race at Dover (Del.) International Speedway.


Arrington to miss Washington-Dallas game

Washington linebacker LaVar Arrington underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday, ruling him out of Monday night #39;s meeting with Dallas.


Gaza gunmen kill three Israelis

Three Israeli soldiers, including an officer, were shot dead by Palestinians who slipped unnoticed into their outpost at a settlement in the Gaza Strip yesterday.


Fear of disease leads to panic in storm-ravaged Haiti

Survivors of the storm that ravaged Haiti face a new menace as contaminated water, putrefying bodies and devastated sanitary systems threaten an outbreak of waterborne diseases such as malaria and tetanus, aid workers warned yesterday.


African union seeks up to 5000 troops for Darfur

UNITED NATIONS: The African Union will determine in early October whether it can mobilise a force of 3000 to 5000 to help stop atrocities in Sudan #39;s Darfur region, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo said today.


Is Google Ready to Browse? (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - New hires, a domain-name registration and Mozilla bugs lead to speculation that Google is preparing a Web browser, but the clues could point in many directions.


Oracle Extends PeopleSoft Offer (AP)

AP - Oracle Corp. extended its hostile bid for PeopleSoft Inc. for the 12th time, pushing the tender offer through Oct. 8.


Fannie Mae #39;s shortsightedness

The answer, according to a report by the US government-sponsored housing finance agency #39;s newly invigorated regulator, is that it was as profitable as it wanted to be.


Sony-led consortium signs definitive deal to buy MGM

After months of heated wrangling and public speculation, a consortium led by Sony Corp. signed a definitive deal Thursday to buy the famous Hollywood studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).


Cisco sees China as center of world tech market

Cisco Systems, the world #39;s largest maker of equipment for directing Internet traffic says China is well on the way to becoming the world #39;s technology hub.


Delta selling eight planes to FedEx

ATLANTA -- Delta Air Lines Inc. is selling eight jumbo jets to shipping giant FedEx Corp. The nation #39;s third-largest airline, which has warned of the possibility of a bankruptcy filing, said Thursday the agreement


Is Google Ready to Browse?

A Google Web browser is the latest in the never-ending speculation about what search leader Google Inc. is going to do next after raising \$1.


Study Links Glaciers, Warmer Waters

Description: New evidence is reported that rising global temperatures could have rapid effects on the Antarctic ice pack and on ocean levels.


Microsoft-backed antispam spec gets filtered out

A Microsoft-backed proposal for verifying the source of e-mail has been shelved by the Internet engineers working to turn it from specification to standard, in a final blow for antispam technology Sender ID.


AMCC Trims Financial Expectations

Applied Micro Circuits Corporation (AMCC) trimmed its financial forecast for the quarter ending September 2004 and now expects quarterly revenue to be in the range of \$61 million to \$62 million.


BASEBALL ROUNDUP Rangers Pull Within Two Of the A #39;s

Hank Blalock #39;s solo homer and David Dellucci #39;s two-run double rallied Texas in the ninth inning yesterday, and the Rangers beat visiting Oakland, 5-4, to complete a three-game sweep


Victor Diaz and Gerald Williams homers push Mets past Expos 4-2

MONTREAL (CP) - Victor Diaz hit his first career home run and Gerald Williams added a two-run shot to power the New York Mets to a 4-2 win Thursday over the Montreal Expos.


Swedish team stacked because of lockout

A look at European hockey rosters shows that Sweden #39;s MoDo might have benefited the most from the NHL #39;s lockout. By Karl Gehring, AP/The Denver Post.


Japan Raises Defenses on Signs North Korea Plans Missile Test

Japan sent two destroyers and a surveillance airplane to the Sea of Japan on Thursday, American and Japanese government officials said, after the United States and Japan detected


Other Views: Limited reform agenda in China

HONG KONG: Although President Hu Jintao enjoys a reputation as a moderate reformist, this is a comparison on a relative scale. The president clearly has no intention of leading China out of communism.


Nepalese rally for democracy

KATHMANDU: Thousands of opposition party supporters rallied in the Nepalese capital yesterday demanding the king return sovereignty to the people.


Mobs  #39;drive out Ulster families #39;

BELFAST: More than 1,200 Northern Ireland families fled their homes last year because of intimidation from paramilitary groups or sectarian mobs, the housing authority said yesterday.


Singh on Top of Pile Again in Pennsylvania

FARMINGTON, Pennsylvania (Reuters) - World number one Vijay  Singh kept up his red-hot form when an eight-under-par 64 gave  him a three-shot lead after an incomplete first round at the  \$4.2 million Pennsylvania Classic Thursday.


Yanks Qualify, and Elvis Has Left for Boston

The Yankees reserved a spot in October for the 10th year in a row, assuring themselves of no worse than a wild card.


Ottawa #39;s Petro-Canada stock priced at \$64.50

CALGARY - The sale price of the federal government #39;s final 19 per cent stake in Petro-Canada has been set at \$64.50 per share, about \$3 higher than indicated in a preliminary prospectus last week.


States get 3 years for NIMS

State and local leaders have three years to establish and implement systems and practices needed to ensure seamless response to emergencies and incidents or else federal grants will be withheld, Homeland Security Department officials said this month.


Woolmer, Inzi under fire after Pakistan ICC trophy loss

KARACHI: Captain Inzamam ul-Haq and coach Bob Woolmer came under fire Thursday for choosing to bat first on a tricky pitch after Pakistans humiliating defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final.


Indians 9, Twins 7

Cliff Lee won for the second time since July 16 and rookie Grady Sizemore hit a two-run homer, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 9-7 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.


Naslund not going to Europe

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Vancouver Canucks captain Markus Naslund won #39;t be heading home to Sweden to play hockey after all, according to a report.


Shockey unhappy with himself, not coach

Jeremy Shockey yesterday reiterated his comments from Wednesday about his frustration with his role but denied he was insinuating that he is unhappy with how Giants coach Tom Coughlin is using him.


Cubs 6, Pirates 3

quot;You always have your goals, quot; Maddux said Thursday after leading the Chicago Cubs over the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3.  quot;One of them is always to win 20.


Lexus challenges Toyota #39;s hybrid hegemony

The Toyota Prius petrol and electric hybrid car which has become such a hit in recent months with the green-thinking Hollywood set is about to be given a run for its money.


House Blocks Court on Pledge Case Rulings (AP)

AP - The House, in an emotionally and politically charged debate six weeks before the election, voted Thursday to protect the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance from further court challenges.


Holloway's on a Mission

Through three games in 2004, Brian Holloway has recorded 19 tackles, third-best on the team and with injuries in the linebacking corps, his ascension has been vital for the Terps.


Maddux Wins 15th

It was Greg Maddux's day on Thursday as the Cubs starter won his 15th game, logged his 200th inning and rapped a two-run single to help Chicago sweep the Pirates, 6-3.


Brunell Rests Injury

Mark Brunell spent most of Thursday's practice on the sideline because of a left hamstring injury, while backup Patrick Ramsey took most of the snaps in preparation for Monday's game against Dallas.


Businesses Receptive

Many of the D.C. businesses that would be taxed to help pay for a new baseball stadium said Thursday that they support the preliminary details of the proposal.


Clear Channel tunes in Fox News as primary news provider

Clear Channel Radio has inked a five-year deal to have Fox News Radio serve as its primary national news service for more than 100 of its news/talk stations beginning in 2005.


Nigeria police 'kill 27 Taleban'

Security forces in Nigeria say they have killed 27 Muslim militants who staged attacks in the north east.


SEC says GE violated law over Welch perks

(Hartford-AP Sept. 23, 2004 2:00 PM) _ The perks paid to retired General Electric Chief Executive Jack Welch have gotten the company in trouble with a federal agency.


Petro-Canada offer raises \$2.5bn

Canada #39;s government has set the price for the sale of its remaining 19 percent in oil company Petro-Canada, raising C\$3.18 billion (\$2.


Power Group Delists to Safeguard Rescue Deal

Troubled nuclear power group British Energy today said it was removing itself from the stock market in a bid to stop rebel shareholders scuppering its rescue package.


Nokia remote camera integrates motion detector, video capture

HELSINKINokia Corp.s new Nokia Remote Camera wireless home monitoring solution features an integrated motion detector and video capture with sound.


Glaciers are flowing faster

Ice is sliding off the Antarctic continent much faster than it did during the 1990s, several teams of researchers have found. On the Antarctic Peninsula that sticks out from the western side of the continent


Exploit Code Circulating for JPEG Flaw

The seriousness of an already critical flaw in the way a Microsoft component processes JPEG files got ratcheted up a notch this week as exploit code began circulating.


FA won #39;t consider part-time England boss

September 24, 2004. The Football Association have released a statement to deny reports that have suggested the role of England manager will be reduced to a part-time position.


ven the most-heralded Yankee rookies are hazed. Last September, Hideki Matsui slipped into a leopard-skin suit with a matching wide-brimmed hat.


India and Pakistan to meet at UN

Kashmir will be the focus of the first talks between India's Manmohan Singh and Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf.


Low carbs thin out MGP earnings forecast

The low-carbohydrate diet craze has prompted a skinnier fiscal 2005 earnings forecast from MGP Ingredients Inc., the company said Monday.


Troubled Unit of Halliburton May Go on Block

In a sign that Iraq contracts did not provide the boon executives had expected from KBR, Halliburton is considering selling it.


Court Voids Law Keeping Woman Alive

The court said that Gov. Jeb Bush violated separation of powers when he signed a law to keep Terri Schiavo alive.


U.S. Warlanes Strike Sadr City in Baghdad

The Thursday morning operation aimed at the large Shiite Muslim slum is part of an effort to dismantle the militia loyal to rebel cleric Moqtada Sadr.


Prospect of North Korean Missile Launch 'Alarming' to Seoul

South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki Moon said Thursday that intelligence indicating a possible launch of a North Korean ballistic missile could set back diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis over Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.


3rd German  Arrested in Probe Into Arms Trade

The man is suspected of selling high-tech equipment on the nuclear black market and is the third German businessman named as a suspect in the past month in an investigation into the trade in several countries.


Dressed for Success

Men's clothing retailer offsets slow same-store sales with tight expense controls.


Japan Stocks Slip After Wall St Fall

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average fell 1.2 percent by  midsession on Friday as broad-ranged selling was prompted by  Thursday's fall on Wall Street due to concern about high oil  prices.


Overseer Says Fannie Mae May Be Due For Shake-Up

Federal regulators raised the possibility of a management shake-up at Fannie Mae to clean up its culture and finances.


General Electric Settles Welch Contract Probe With Regulators

General Electric Co. said it settled allegations with the US Securities and Exchange Commission that it didn #39;t fully disclose perks such as an apartment and wine for retired Chief Executive Officer Jack Welch.


Sony shifts strategy to support MP3 files

Sony to support MP3 tunes to silence iPod fans <nobr>Indian Express</nobr>


Ancient Reptile Used Neck to Suck Up Prey

They were unwieldy pond-dwelling predators with long necks that didn #39;t have enough joints and neck ribs that must have kept their heads practically immobile.


New structure found deep within West Antarctic Ice Sheet

Scientists have found a remarkable new structure deep within the West Antarctic Ice Sheet which suggests that the whole ice sheet is more susceptible to future change than previously thought.


Greene Seeks Revenge for Olympic Defeat

Maurice Greene will be seeking belated revenge after losing his Olympic 100 meters title to Justin Gatlin when the two Americans meet in an international meeting Thursday.


Forsberg scores in Modo #39;s season opener

With an NHL lockout in place, more than 150 players have signed to play in European leagues, including Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund with Modo (Sweden).


SHOCKED  amp; DISMAYED

Is it possible that Giants fans have seen the last of the dynamic Jeremy Shockey that bursts through the screen and opposing defenses as he dominates highlight films near and far?


Iraq, UK Govts Say Will Not Give in to Kidnappers

The British and Iraqi governments said they would not bow to the demands of militants threatening to kill a British hostage, despite tearful pleas from the captive and his family.


Prospect of North Korean Missile Launch  #39;Alarming #39; to Seoul

South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki Moon said Thursday that intelligence indicating a possible launch of a North Korean ballistic missile is  quot;very much alarming


LTTE kills Karuna #39;s brother

Colombo: Four people including a top renegade Tamil Tiger rebel were shot dead Thursday in growing factional fighting in Sri Lanka despite efforts to revive the peace process, officials and a pro-rebel website reported.


Study: Dogs Are Able to Sniff Out Cancer (AP)

AP - It has long been suspected that man's best friend has a special ability to sense when something is wrong with us. Now the first experiment to verify that scientifically has demonstrated that dogs are able to smell cancer.


US Airways to Ask Court to Cut Union Workers' Pay 23

US Airways also said it would reduce or stop contributions to some employee retirement plans and would end its commitment to keep 279 aircraft in its fleet.


Healthy Forecast for 2005 Ad Spending

LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Advertising spending will climb  faster than the global economy in 2005, two leading forecasters  said on Monday, driven by marketing battles in competitive  sectors and increases in online and interactive ads.


Technology and the 9/11 Commission

Former government undersecretary William Schneider Jr. says the United States needs better identity authentication practices.


Expos #39; Season Appears to Be Winding Down for Last Time in Quiet <b>...</b>

The final days of the Montreal Expos are painful to watch. Few do. When the scattered fans at Olympic Stadium try to rally the team, they bang the empty seats beside them.


Violence in Ulster drives 1,240 people from homes

While nine-metre (30ft) steel  quot;peace walls quot; divide Protestant and Catholic working-class streets and residents lock themselves behind metal  quot;safety quot; grills, a grim picture is emerging of post-ceasefire Northern Ireland, where hundreds of families are


Congress Approves Tax Cuts

The Senate approved the measure 92-3 Thursday night less than an hour after it cleared the House by a similarly lopsided 339-65. The measure now goes to Bush for his signature.


Bailout plan shelved for Donald Trump #39;s casinos

Donald J. Trump may have a new project for his apprentices -elping him try to figure out how to take his troubled casino company private after a proposed bailout fell through.


Green will sit to observe his faith

Striking a compromise between his commitments to job and religion, Shawn Green told the Dodgers that he will play Friday night in San Francisco, but sit out Saturday #39;s


U.N. Nuke Inspectors: No Access in Brazil (AP)

AP - Brazil has emphasized that its commitment to an international treaty meant to stop the spread of nuclear weapons may not be open-ended, and it continues to resist giving U.N. inspectors access to its technology that can make such weapons, diplomats said Thursday.


Darfur Rebel Group Would Favor Sanctions (AP)

AP - One of western Sudan's main rebel movements urged the United Nations on Thursday to go through with threatened sanctions on Sudan, and warned it would resume fighting in Darfur if attacked.


Study Shows Dogs Able to Smell Cancer

LONDON - It has long been suspected that man's best friend has a special ability to sense when something is wrong with us. Now the first experiment to verify that scientifically has demonstrated that dogs are able to smell cancer...


Gov #39;t Set to Make Oil Loans to Refiners

With oil near \$50 a barrel, the Bush administration said on Thursday it would negotiate with refineries that want to borrow oil from the federal emergency stockpile to offset supplies disrupted by Hurricane Ivan.


American Airlines to Miss Revenue Goal

The AMR Corporation, the parent of American Airlines, said late Wednesday that it would probably not meet its revenue forecasts for the busy August travel season because


Reds Keep Braves From Clinching NL East (AP)

AP - Gabe White earned his first save in over four years, preserving the Cincinnati Reds' 3-2 win over Atlanta on Thursday night and preventing the Braves from clinching another division title.


Indians Defeat Twins 9-7 (AP)

AP - Cliff Lee won for the second time since July 16 and rookie Grady Sizemore hit a two-run homer, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 9-7 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.


Israel Charges Iran Replaces Saddam as Terror Exporter

Israel charged on Thursday that Iran had replaced Saddam Hussein as the world #39;s primary exporter of  quot;terror, hate and instability.


Near 100 taken hostage at Salvador prisons

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador -- Imprisoned gang members enraged by a tough new anti-crime law rioted and seized about 100 hostages at two Salvadoran prisons Thursday.


Phils Nip Marlins 9-8 in 10 Innings (AP)

AP - Jimmy Rollins' two-out homer in the 10th inning gave the Philadelphia Phillies a 9-8 victory over Florida on Thursday night and move the World Series champion Marlins within a game of elimination from the postseason.


Kim Leads Longs Drugs Challenge by One (AP)

AP - Christina Kim shot a 7-under 64 Thursday and held a one-stroke lead over Rachel Teske after the first round of the LPGA Longs Drugs Challenge.


Mystics Savor Moment

The Mystics had to rally late in the season so desperately that the team welcomed a chance to take in the fact that they have a chance at a championship.


Japan Stocks Slip by Midday

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average fell 1.2 percent by  midsession on Friday as broad-ranged selling was prompted by a  steep fall on Wall Street in the past two sessions due to  concern about high oil prices.


Yen Near 5-Week Low Vs Dollar

TOKYO (Reuters) - The yen hovered near a five-week low  against the dollar on Friday after minutes from a U.S. central  bank meeting reinforced expectations that measured rate rises  would continue, and as oil prices closed in on record highs.


Administration Considering Oil Stockpile Release

The Bush administration is moving toward releasing oil from the nation #39;s emergency stockpiles as a result of disruptions to production and imports caused by Hurricane Ivan.


Absa soars on talks with Barclays

Johannesburg - Britain #39;s Barclays yesterday signalled a return to retail banking in South Africa after an absence of 18 years, saying it was in talks to buy a controlling stake in Absa, the country #39;s biggest retail lender.


Halliburton Considers Selling Troubled Unit

Halliburton Co. said yesterday that it may sell its Kellogg Brown  amp; Root subsidiary, the largest government contractor in Iraq.


Lehman May Settle Over Enron

Investment banking firm Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. is nearing an agreement to pay approximately \$200 million to settle a shareholder lawsuit over its work for bankrupt


Sony must pay \$82 mil to Immersion for patent infringement

LOS ANGELES - A federal jury in San Francisco has ordered Sony Computer Entertainment Inc and its US unit to pay Immersion Corp, a leading developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, \$82 million in compensation for patent infringement


England out to target Lara

ENGLAND are planning to continue their short-pitched strategy against West Indies captain Brian Lara in an attempt to test his courage and try to limit his effectiveness in tomorrow #39;s ICC Champions Trophy final.


Rockies 7, Diamondbacks 1; Rockies 2, Diamondbacks 1, 10 innings

DENVER - On a day when Colorado pitching dominated at Coors Field, a bloop single by Jeromy Burnitz gave the Rockies a doubleheader sweep.


Not Another Soviet Union

Russia is joining the ranks of nascent dictatorships, and Vladimir Putin is the executioner of Russian democracy. Right? Wrong. Russia is not a dictatorship, and the political system Putin is trying to reshape is not a democracy.


Trial will destroy Pitcairn, says priest

A LEADING member of the US-based Seventh Day Adventist Church called today for the immediate adjournment of a series of sex trials on the remote British Pacific colony of Pitcairn Island.


Cowher optimistic that Roethlisberger can handle the job

The first points of interest that struck Baltimore Ravens defensive end Marques Douglas when Steelers rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger entered the game were his eyes.


(4) Miami-Florida (2-0) Vs. Houston (1-2)

GAME NOTES: The fourth-ranked Miami Hurricanes take to the road for the first time this season, as they travel to Reliant Stadium in Houston, to take on the


NCAA Game Summary - Miami-Florida at Houston

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Tyrone Moss ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns to lead fourth-ranked Miami-Florida to a 38-13 victory over Houston at Reliant Stadium.


About 100 Held Hostage at Salvador Prisons

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - Imprisoned gang members enraged by a tough new anti-crime law rioted and seized about 100 hostages at two Salvadoran prisons Thursday.


Administration Debating Oil Stockpile Release

The Bush administration is moving toward releasing oil from the nation's emergency stockpiles as a result of disruptions to production and imports caused by Hurricane Ivan.


Fannie Leaders Doubted

Federal regulators question the ability of the company's management to correct its extensive problems.


Fed Saw 'Solid' Growth

Reserve staff predicted in August that the economy would grow through next year, in part because interest rates would remain relatively low during that time.


Most D.C. Hotels Have Kept Union at Bay

Three years ago, before the trendy Hotel Monaco in Washington's Penn Quarter filled its goldfish bowls and tucked in its high-thread-count sheets, managers went to a local human resources association to see what the unionized hotels in the area paid employees.


Ink Expert Portrayed as Victim at Perjury Trial

Lawyers for the U.S. Secret Service laboratory director on trial for lying at Martha Stewart's criminal trial portrayed him as the victim of a bitter underling who was angry that she hadn't been called to testify in his stead.


Halliburton Co. said yesterday that it may sell its Kellogg Brown  #38; Root subsidiary, the largest government contractor in Iraq. Even though revenue soared from the unit, profit lagged and the dollars brought controversy over whether the company once run by Dick Cheney overcharged the government and mishandled some of the services it provides.


Boeing Deal Faces Justice Dept. Review

The Justice Department has been asked to review documents related to a proposed Boeing Co. tanker deal, including communications from Air Force Secretary James G. Roche, to address questions of potential conflict of interest, according to a source familiar with the case.


Congress Votes to Extend Tax Cuts

The House and the Senate overwhelmingly approved the \$146 billion measure, sending President Bush what would be his fourth tax cut in four years.


New Film on Ernesto 'Che' Guevara Out (AP)

AP - The luminous gaze of revolutionary icon Ernesto "Che" Guevara is almost a constant presence in communist Cuba, his dark eyes staring out from beneath a black beret on office walls and pro-government billboards.


Japan Now Unsure if N. Korea to Launch (AP)

AP - Japan said Thursday it had obtained intelligence indicating that North Korea may be preparing to test fire a short-range missile that could reach most of the main Japanese islands, in what would be the latest provocation from the communist country.


Kerry's sister urging Americans living in Canada to vote in Nov. elections (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - The sister of U.S. presidential candidate John Kerry on Thursday urged the more than 500,000 Americans living in Canada to register to vote in the November election.


Sanjay Kumar indicted for fraud

New York; September 23, 2004 - The Department of Justice (DoJ), FBI and US Attorney #39;s Office handed down a 10-count indictment against former Computer Associates (CA) chairman and CEO Sanjay Kumar and Stephen Richards, former CA head of worldwide sales.


Morgan Stanley, Bear Stearns profits stumble

Morgan Stanley and Bear Stearns Companies posted a drop in quarterly profits on Wednesday, surprising some investors one day after two


US economic indicators fall; new jobless claims rise

A gauge of future business activity fell in August, indicating company managers and US consumers remain uncertain about the economy.


Sony, jockeying for better MP3 player market position, adds native <b>...</b>

Sony has long been of the mindset that they can develop media formats (ie Betamax) which are superior to ones already in the marketplace.


Early dinosaur was probably a stealthy hunter

A newly discovered fossil may be the remains of one of the first stealth hunters, a swimming dinosaur that could use its long neck to sneak up on prey and strike without warning.


Microsoft Files More Spam Suits

Microsoft filed nine lawsuits against individuals and companies alleged to be involved in the distribution of spam, the company says.


But Will Shawn Green Fast?

When the Dodgers face the San Francisco Giants this weekend in a three-game series beginning in San Francisco this weekend, most Jews will be in synagogue for the holiest day of the year.


Baseball to Try to Finalize Expos' Move (AP)

AP - Major league baseball will attempt to finalize negotiations within a week to move the Montreal Expos to Washington next year, a high-ranking baseball official said Thursday after a meeting of the sport's executive council.


Bombs or bribes no answer to Iran nuke threat

LAST weekend, the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency called on Teheran to freeze its efforts to produce nuclear fuel, since this will enable Iran to come within days of having a nuclear arsenal.


Government responds to anti-arms-deal activists

The government yesterday condemned a group of retired military officers who signed a petition opposing its arms procurement budget, saying that they were encouraging a  quot;defeatist quot; attitude, and


With Yankees Coming, Red Sox Hope to Keep the Party From Turning Ugly

The Red Sox' archrivals from the Bronx arrive for three games this weekend to finish Boston's home schedule before the playoffs.


Hurricanes Coast to Win

Scores off of a blocked punt and a fumble recovery and the rushing of Tyrone Moss leads No. 4 Miami to a sluggish 38-13 victory over Houston on Thursday night.


Search Engine Forums Spotlight

Links to this week's topics from search engine forums across the web: Google - Paid inclusion? - Gbrowser - The Google Browser - Directory - Linkfarm, Where Exactly Is the Difference? - How Fair Is the Link Popularity Algorithm? - Ask Jeeves   Citysearch Partnership Goes Live - Pay Per Click Shopping Sites - Microsoft Using Doorway Pages


Report: US Airways Seeks Union Pay Cut

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bankrupt airline US Airways will ask a  bankruptcy court judge to impose emergency pay cuts of 23  percent on its major unions, the New York Times reported late  on Thursday.


Steelers decide to fly south early to beat hurricane delays

To beat Hurricane Jeanne to Florida and protect any players who fear such flying, the Steelers moved up their Miami flight plans to dinnertime tonight -- some 20 hours ahead of their original schedule.


Sudan #39;s Foreign Minister says Security Council measure on Darfur <b>...</b>

23 September 2004 - Addressing the United Nations General Assembly this afternoon, the Foreign Minister of Sudan pledged to work for peace and respect for human rights in the country #39;s vast and blighted Darfur region, but denounced a UN Security Council


Standard Chartered targets Absa - report

Asia focused bank Standard Chartered is eyeing Absa, after Barclays said it was in talks with South Africa #39;s biggest bank, the Times has reported.


Exposing Execs #39;  quot;Stealth quot; Compensation

The use of a luxury apartment valued at \$11 million and other shockingly lavish perks that former General Electric (GE ) CEO Jack Welch received when he retired three years ago are old news.


Game Puts Players in Kerry's Swift Boat (AP)

AP - An upcoming video game lets players re-enact the Swift boat mission in Vietnam that won Sen. John Kerry a Silver Star award for battlefield heroism.


EU to give Oracle deal go-ahead -- FT

The European Commission is set to give US software giant Oracle the go-ahead to take over arch-rival PeopleSoft in a \$7.7 billion (4.


Researcher says authorities will stay ahead of drug cheats

An Australian researcher who helped develop a revolutionary blood-doping test said Friday more sophisticated versions are on the way that could nab all drug cheats within two years.


EDITORIAL:Ichiro nears record

With his fourth five-hit game this season, Ichiro Suzuki is steadily moving toward another great feat in major league baseball. The Seattle Mariners right fielder now needs 10 hits in the remaining 10 games to tie the major-league record of 257.


Jordan comeback?  #39;Wishful thinking #39;

MIAMI - Michael Jordan won #39;t be joining the Miami Heat or any other NBA team this season, according to Estee Portnoy, his Washington, DC-based spokeswoman.


India, Pakistan ready to talk

UNITED NATIONS -- India #39;s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called for a sustained war on terrorism and reaffirmed his willingness to continue peace talks with nuclear neighbor Pakistan.


Britain says Security Council should be expannded to 24 nations

Britain said Thursday the Security Council should be nearly doubled in size to 24 nations, with Germany, Japan, India and Brazil becoming permanent members.


Manugistics Plans Layoffs as Losses Mount

Manugistics Group Inc., facing falling revenue and losses that more than doubled in its second quarter, said Thursday it will lay off more than 90 employees by the end of January.


Regulators: Fannie Mae has problems

Federal regulators, who are negotiating an agreement with the Fannie Mae board, have raised the possibility of removing the mortgage giant #39;s management as the company acts to correct serious accounting problems detailed in a new report.


Petro-Canada prices sale of 19 stake

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - The Canadian government will sell its 19 percent stake in Petro-Canada for \$2.49 billion, according to the final prospectus filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission Thursday.


Glamorous F1 hits China

Formula One teams are pulling out all the stops to wow the crowds for the Grand Prix debut in the Chinese city of Shanghai. The race is one of the biggest global sporting events to


Again, no word on Expos

MILWAUKEE Major League Baseball #39;s executive council met for three hours yesterday but made no formal recommendation on whether the Montreal Expos should move to Washington next season.


Trump hopeful after restructuring setback

A deal that would have saved Donald Trump #39;s casino company is off. His casinos are running low on cash. And Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts is drowning in \$1.


Mass. banks in very good #39; health: But interest lowers profit <b>...</b>

Officials at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. yesterday pronounced Massachusetts #39; banking industry to be in very good shape, #39; #39;despite some pressure on profits and slower-than-expected loans to small businesses.


E-Mail ID Working Group Shuts Down Without Consensus

The Internet Engineering Task Force closed its working group Wednesday after it failed to agree on an e-mail authentication standard.


Microsoft Spam Suit Targets  #39;Bulletproof #39; Hosting Service

Microsoft expanded the scope of its spam litigation with a lawsuit against a Web hosting company it has accused of catering to spammers.


Chinese  #39;Nessie #39; Fossil Used Neck To Suck in Prey

The finding of a dinosaur fossil in southern China has given new clues to the evolution and hunting practices of a long-necked aquatic reptile that lived some 230 million years ago, the magazine Science said on Thursday.


Enterprise Unix Roundup -- Selling Wall Street on Sun

Three years ago, we attended Sun #39;s quarterly network computing day. It was the heart of the Bust, and we were treated to pot shots directed at IBM and Microsoft and were told that Sun was the true  quot;open standards quot; vendor.


Cyclist Hamilton allowed to keep gold medal

In a major setback for drug testers, American cyclist Tyler Hamilton will not lose his Olympic gold medal after an error in the handling of his specimen.


Florida ties game in ninth, but loses in 10th

Not only are the Marlins #39; playoff hopes disappearing, the defending World Series champions are in danger of slipping out of second place in the National League East.


SI.com

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- The Atlanta Braves will have to wait at least one more day to celebrate. Gabe White worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth inning to record his first save in more than


Simms is back on Bucs #39; bench

Chris Simms was given a taste, just a taste of NFL regular-season play Sunday. He relieved Brad Johnson at quarterback in the second quarter of Tampa Bay #39;s 10-6 loss to Seattle.


Jordan may fit need on NBA roster

Michael Jordan averaged 20 points and six rebounds for the Washington Wizards in the 2002-2003 season, the last time he suited up.


Barcelona #39;s Eto #39;o goes from Villain to Victor

African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto #39;o has shown both facets of his playing skills in Barcelona #39;s 4-1 win over Real Zaragoza.


Two Israelis die tackling bomber

Two Israeli policemen died preventing a female suicide bomber from entering a packed Jerusalem bus shelter yesterday, probably saving many other lives.


Oil Dips But Holds Above \$48 on SPR Loan

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices fell to just above \$48 on  Friday after the U.S. government said it would lend refiners  crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), but traders  deemed the loan too small to have a lasting impact.


Liverpool set for new bid

Liverpool could be about to be taken over by a new suitor, according to reports.


Stewart to keep \$900,000 salary

Though she #39;s headed for prison, Martha Stewart will still receive her \$900,000 salary and possible bonuses under a new employment contract, her company said in


Halliburton making cuts at struggling KBR

Houston-based Halliburton Co. will lay off workers at its KBR subsidiary as part of a cost-cutting program and could sell the business if the company #39;s stock performance does not improve.


Congress extends Bush tax cuts for middle class

Congress last night passed legislation extending some of President Bush #39;s most-popular middle-class tax cuts - giving Mr. Bush a win heading into the final campaign stretch before Election Day.


Fossil found in China may go back 230 million years

WASHINGTON - A newly discovered fossil may be the remains of one of the first stealth hunters, a swimming dinosaur that could use its long neck to sneak up on prey and strike without warning.


Sun Gives Analysts Food for Thought

When Sun Microsystems (Quote, Chart) President and COO Jonathan Schwartz made his pitch to financial services customers at an event in New York Tuesday, he provoked a lot of discussion among the analyst community.


Martha pairing with reality guru

NEW YORK -- Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. stock soared yesterday after the firm confirmed a collaboration with reality-show guru Mark Burnett.


Philips Warns on Chip Unit Sales

Europe #39;s top consumer electronics group Philips cut the forecast for its closely-watched semiconductor unit on Friday, saying it expects third quarter sales to be flat from the second rather than rising.


Update 1: Philippine Shares Hit New 53-Month High

Philippine shares closed higher Friday for the fifth straight session, with the main index setting a new 53-month closing high on the country #39;s improving macroeconomic and corporate fundamentals.


Square Enix, Gamemakers Count on Sony, Nintendo to Boost Sales

Square Enix, the world #39;s biggest maker of role-playing computer games, and rivals including Koei Co. are counting on the new consoles from Japan #39;s Sony Corp.


Symantec Firewalls And Gateways Are Vulnerable To Attack

Symantec has announced that several of its firewalls and gateways are vulnerable to denial of service attacks, and has released firmware to fix them.


European Companies Join In Boosting Linux Security

A consortium of European companies, including Linux-distributor Mandrakesoft, has been awarded a three-year, \$8.6 million contract to boost security of the open-source Linux operating system, the companies said Thursday.


Hamilton to keep his Olympic gold

Olympic time trial champion Tyler Hamilton has secured his gold after being cleared of any doping offense at the Athens Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Thursday.


Cars on track for official practice session in Chinese Grand Prix

The cars finally set to the track for the first official practice Friday for the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix, with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher down the list.


Dodge ball: LA extends lead in NL West

San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - Adrian Beltre recorded three hits and two runs scored to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 9-6 victory over the San Diego Padres in the finale of a three-game series at Petco Park.


Yankees low key after clinching post-season spot

After clinching another post-season trip, there were no high-fives or celebratory handshakes in the New York Yankees clubhouse. It was business as usual -- except for all the rookies dressed in Elvis outfits.


WEEK 3: Howie says Gruden #39;s a good coach, but a  quot;terrible GM quot;

Every week, the experts of FOX NFL Sunday will candidly reveal their observations and make their opinions known as they prepare for their top-rated pregame telecast - seen each Sunday at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT.


US  #39;sabotaged #39; efforts to save British hostage

The brother of a British hostage being held in Iraq accused the United States on Thursday of sabotaging efforts to spare the man #39;s life.


India and Pakistan to meet at UN

India and Pakistan will aim to push forward the peace process between them at talks in New York on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.


European press review

Friday #39;s European papers offer a distinctly cool reaction as the prospect of  quot;Turkey in Europe quot; appears to move one step closer.


Australian govt eyes closer cooperation with RI

CANBERRA, Australia (Dow Jones): The Australian government said Friday it anticipates closer cooperation with Indonesia #39;s new president on combatting terrorism in the region.


Millions of dollars needed to deploy troops in Darfur

The African Union can quickly mobilise up to 5,000 troops to help end the looting and killing in western Sudan, but it needs hundreds of millions of dollars to deploy the force, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has said.


Economic Reforms Highlighted as Egypt #39;s Ruling Party Conference <b>...</b>

On the third and final day of the ruling National Democratic Party conference in Cairo, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak emphasized economic liberalization and several dramatic new economic reforms, but didn #39;t address the demands of opposition groups.


American cyclist keeps gold medal thanks to mistake from lab

Helped by a laboratory #39;s blunder, Tyler Hamilton will be allowed to keep his Olympic cycling gold medal. The International Olympic Committee dropped its investigation Thursday into a blood test from the Summer


World waits and prays as family makes appeal to kidnappers

THEY have been riven with terror as the world watches the plight of Ken Bigley. But yesterday his family came together to reach out to his captors with emotional pleas for mercy.


Kumar pleads not guilty fraud allegations:

World News New York, Sep 24, : Sanjay Kumar, former CEO of New York-based software giant Computer Associates, has pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding investors by fudging records.


\$12 Million Fine Against Cingular Upheld

The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday upheld a \$12.1 million fine against Cingular Wireless, related to a two-year investigation into the cellular telephone company #39;s business practices.


Microsoft sues more spammers

THE MOST popular purveyor of operating systems in the known world, Microsoft is set to gain PR points by issuing lawsuits against Hotmail spammers.


FreeiPods.com isn #39;ta free launch

A WEBSITE that promised a free iPod has been slammed as a sham by users, who are still waiting for their re-assuringly free kit to arrive.


Padres box score

a-flied out for Carrara in the 7th. b-popped out for D.Ross in the 7th. EIzturis (10), Werth (4). LOBLos Angeles 5, San Diego 7. 2BJHernandez (11), RaHernandez (20).


If Sox on verge, police poised to show force

By Jack Encarnacao, Globe Correspondent  September 24, 2004. Over the course of the three-game series with the Yankees, which starts tonight, the Red Sox could clinch a wild-card playoff berth and climb closer


Powell Acknowledges Signs of NK #39;s Missile Test

Following recent reports indicating that North Korea may be preparing to test fire a missile intelligence agencies worldwide are keeping tabs on the latest information.


German Press Review: Assessing Germany #39;s UN Aspirations

Responding to the G4 nations #39; bid for expanded membership and their inclusion in the UN Security Council, the Handelsblatt in Dsseldorf stressed that those who want to make progress must join forces.


China detains New York Times researcher

A Chinese human rights activist who worked as a researcher for the New York Times has been detained on charges of leaking state secrets, said his lawyer on Friday.


Internet Emerges As Potent Terrorist Tool (AP)

AP - The images coming out of the latest hostage crisis in Iraq  #151; capped by dramatic video of British captive Kenneth Bigley begging for his life  #151; have transfixed Britons, left governments looking helpless, and revived a classic dilemma about whether to negotiate with terrorists.


Philips Warns on Chip Unit Sales

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Europe's top consumer electronics  group Philips cut the forecast for its closely-watched  semiconductor unit on Friday, pointing to the predicted  slowdown of the sector's recovery.


Halliburton mulling fate of KBR

Halliburton will restructure its Kellogg, Brown and Root subsidiary and may even sell the business should it continue to underperform rivals.


Oil price surge takes a breather

Oil prices fall back to just above \$48 after the US government offers to loan crude to refiners.


Nigeria, Morocco, Others Top African FDI Inflows for 2003

World Investment Report 2004 released yesterday by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicated that Morocco, Angola, Equitoria Guinea, Nigeria and Sudan have


Halliburton may shed military, oil field arm

When Halliburton was awarded contracts worth more than \$12 billion for work in Iraq, critics said that the company was using its political connections to reap big profits.


California Public Utilities Commission Raises UNE Rates by 20

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a proposal that will increase wholesale rates for SBC #39;s California service territory by 20 percent.


Nintendo, Sony start pre-holiday push

TOKYO - Nintendo Co. Ltd. struck the first blow in what is set to be an all-out war with Sony Corp. for the lucrative handheld game console market, aggressively pricing its new dual-screen model at \$149.


Symantec Holes Open Up Firewalls to Attacks

Symantec Corp. has warned of a string of security holes in its Firewall/VPN Appliance and Gateway Security products, less than a month after its last firewall security problems.


Hamilton #39;s gold medal safe

Tyler Hamilton will keep his title as an Olympics cycling champion, but he faces an uphill climb to restore his reputation and avoid a ban from his sport.


Shaq and Jordan would be interesting if it happens

Michael Jordan averaged 20 points and six rebounds for the Washington Wizards in the 2002-2003 season, the last time he suited up.


James leads way for UW #39;s stingy defense

Erasmus James spent all of last season rehabbing a dislocated hip that threatened to end his playing career. He #39;s spent this year in a much better place: the quarterback #39;s face.


Researcher for The Times in China Is Detained

Chinese research assistant in the Beijing bureau of The New York Times has been detained on suspicion of revealing state secrets. The research assistant, Zhao Yan, was detained on Sept.


Italy In Anguish Over Fate Of Aid Workers In Iraq

ROME, Sept 23 (AFP) - Italy sought on Thursday to play down the credibility of two claims about the murder of two Italian aid workers, both young women, taken hostage in Iraq but failed to ease gnawing anguish over their fate.


Change at hand

The NDP #39;s second annual conference will end today with Gamal Mubarak #39;s Policies Committee having consolidated its leadership of the ruling party.


Navistar's Paper Profit Puffery

The company's upcoming earnings increases aren't exactly the stuff of investment dreams.


Stubborn Storm Hangs On in Busy Hurricane Season

Two storms have revived, with Hurricane Ivan lashing Louisiana again and Hurricane Jeanne appearing to head for, yes, Florida.


Antarctic Glaciers Quicken Pace to Sea; Warming Is Cited

Some of Antarctica's glaciers have accelerated their seaward march, suggesting that ocean levels might be irreversibly on the rise for centuries to come.


Report of First Birth for Cancer Survivor in a Tissue Implant

A 32-year-old woman in Belgium has become the first woman ever to give birth after having ovarian tissue removed, frozen and then implanted back in her body.


Russia Demands U.N. Terror Suspect List (AP)

AP - Russia took its case for expanding the global war against terrorism to the United Nations, demanding the Security Council draw up a new list of terror suspects who would be subject to extradition.


Sudan says UN sanctions counter-productive to security in Darfur (AFP)

AFP - Sudan condemned UN threats of sanctions against Khartoum, saying they would only undermine efforts to restore security in the devastated western region of Darfur.


Brazil Clinches Deal for U.N. Nuclear Inspection (Reuters)

Reuters - Brazil has reached a deal with\the U.N. atomic agency to allow inspections of its uranium\enrichment plant that protect its nuclear technology, Brazil's\ministry of science and technology said on Wednesday.


Warlord Will Be Tried for Beslan - Chechen Rebel

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Chechnya's rebel leader said on Friday  that warlord Shamil Basayev would go on trial for the mass  hostage-seizing at a Russian school that ended with more than  320 people being killed, half of them children.


Playboy Forecasts Higher 2005 Profit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Adult entertainment company Playboy  Enterprises Inc. PLA.N on Monday said it expects higher  profit in 2005 than in 2004, helped in part by gains at its  international television and online subscription businesses as  well as recent efforts to reduce debt.


Two Egyptians Seized in Baghdad Kidnapping

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Gunmen kidnapped two Egyptians during  the night in Baghdad, police said on Friday, as relatives of a  seized Briton, whose two colleagues have been beheaded, waited  for news on his fate.


UN man backs Darfur autonomy

The UN's refugee chief says Sudan should grant more autonomy to Darfur to try to end continuing violence.


Toxic chemical 'sold to N Korea'

A South Korean company sold more than 100 tonnes of a nerve agent component to the North, South Korea says.


Concern over N Korea missile test

Japan will use weekend talks with North Korea to ask about reports the North is preparing a missile test.


Iraq's Allawi Optimistic on Jan. Elections

WASHINGTON - Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi sees a bright future for Iraqi democracy, brushing aside skeptics who say elections set for January may be truncated or canceled altogether because of violence.    Defense Secretary Donald H...


Congress Sends Bush Tax Cut Bill, Victory

WASHINGTON - Legislation extending three popular middle-class tax cuts for the rest of the decade sailed through Congress by lopsided votes in both the House and Senate, giving President Bush a major legislative victory on his signature economic issue, tax relief.    Many Democrats complained during debate Thursday that the majority Republicans who control Congress should have offset the lost revenue to keep the nation's soaring deficits from getting worse...


House Votes to Protect Pledge From Courts

WASHINGTON - In a vote with election-year consequences, the House sought to assure that God's 50-year place in the Pledge of Allegiance will be safe from federal court challenges.    The bill, approved on a 247-173 vote Thursday, would prevent federal courts, including the Supreme Court, from ruling on whether the words "under God" should be stricken from the pledge...


Dodgers Clobber Padres 9-6

SAN DIEGO - Cesar Izturis homered and Adrian Beltre had three hits for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who survived a shaky start by Kazuhisa Ishii and beat San Diego 9-6 on Thursday night to take a 1 1/2-game lead over San Francisco in the NL West.    San Francisco lost 7-3 to Houston...


Dodgers Clobber Padres 9-6 (AP)

AP - Cesar Izturis homered and Adrian Beltre had three hits for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who survived a shaky start by Kazuhisa Ishii and beat San Diego 9-6 on Thursday night to take a 1 1/2-game lead over San Francisco in the NL West.


Astros Defeat Giants 7-3 (AP)

AP - Lance Berkman hit a three-run homer off Dustin Hermanson in the ninth inning, and the Houston Astros rallied from a late three-run deficit for a 7-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Friday night.


Nokia unveils new smart phone

Nokia plans to release next month a new smart phone with a built-in megapixel camera, as part of an effort to expand its product portfolio.