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Kerry Campaign Helping With Fla. Recovery (AP)

AP - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry does not plan to visit Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley because he's concerned his campaign entourage could distract from recovery efforts, he said Saturday.

Edwards Calls for Changes to Drug Plans (AP)

AP - Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards called for changes to prescription drug programs and praised running mate John Kerry's military and government service at an outdoor campaign rally here Saturday.

Kerry leading Bush in key swing states (AFP)

AFP - Although polls show the US presidential race a virtual dead heat, Democrat John Kerry appears to be gaining an edge over George W. Bush among the key states that could decide the outcome.

Democratic Senator Urges Energy Reform (AP)

AP - Congress must pass legislation to protect the nation's electricity grid if it wants to avoid repeats of the devastating outages that rolled across eight states last year, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said Saturday.

Missouri Attorney General Sues EPA (AP)

AP - Missouri's attorney general sued the federal environmental agency on Friday, saying it is behind on testing the state's air for lead as required by law.

Mortars Mark Opening of Iraqi Political Conference

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Insurgents fired mortars at a meeting where Iraqi leaders met to pick an interim national assembly Sunday, killing at least two people in a grim reminder of the country's tortured path toward democracy.

Japan Ministers Pay Homage at Shrine for War Dead

TOKYO (Reuters) - Three Japanese ministers paid homage at a controversial shrine for war dead Sunday, the 59th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, a move that drew anger from Asian neighbors.

Najaf battle a crucial test for Allawi

Clashes between US troops and Sadr militiamen escalated Thursday, as the US surrounded Najaf for possible siege.

Who are Ch #225;vez's opponents?

On Sunday, Venezuelans will decide whether to cut short the president's term, which is due to end in 2006.

Eye on Athens, China stresses a 'frugal' 2008 Olympics

Amid a reevaluation, officials this week pushed the completion date for venues back to 2007.

Tense Iraq debates new assembly

Talks on setting up an Iraqi assembly continue despite fresh violence in Baghdad and the Shia stronghold of Najaf.

Venezuelans vote on Chavez rule

A referendum is under way in Venezuela to decide if President Hugo Chavez should remain in office.

Pope celebrates Mass in Lourdes

An ailing Pope John Paul II says Mass at Lourdes, the French shrine revered by Roman Catholics.

Rwandan soldiers arrive in Sudan

Rwandan troops arrive in Sudan to help protect ceasefire monitors in the war-ravaged Darfur region.

Thorpe leads big guns

Ian Thorpe sets the fastest time in the 200m freestyle as swimming's top names cruise into the semi-finals.

Mystery over judo 'protest'

Iran's Arash Miresmaili withdraws from the Olympics amid confusion over his reasons.

Jackson probe 'should be public'

Santa Barbara's sheriff asks a judge if he can release the results of an inquiry into Michael Jackson's treatment by police.

Rumsfeld warning for Iraq's Sadr

The Iraq crisis and differences over Nato loom over the US Defence Secretary's meeting with his Russian counterpart.

South Ossetia ceasefire discussed

Georgia and South Ossetia negotiate the details of a truce they forged, despite reports of a village attack.

'Mock executions' for UK hostage

The British journalist who was kidnapped in Iraq says he faced mock executions and tried to escape his captors.

India carries out rare execution

A man convicted of raping and killing a schoolgirl is hanged in India's first execution in nine years.

Rowling reads to gathered fans

Harry Potter author JK Rowling delights a small group of fans by giving her first public reading in Scotland for four years.

President's fate is on the line in Venezuela

CARACAS -- Partisans on both sides are calling it the most polarized and important election in Venezuela's history, a presidential recall referendum today that will determine the course of democracy here and could buffet world oil prices. Both campaigns are also utterly convinced they will win.

Lamenting London's double-deckers Up-to-date buses supplant symbol

LONDON -- On a sweltering August afternoon, George Watson wedged himself, his briefcase, his sports jacket, and his raincoat into a narrow seat aboard the profoundly un-air-conditioned No. 38 bus, as it resumed its rumble down High Holborn, in London's bustling city center.

Clash among warlords casts doubt on Afghanistan's security

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Rival militias clashed in western Afghanistan yesterday, reportedly killing 21 people and ramping up concern about security as the country prepares for landmark elections.

Options running out as Najaf talks collapse

BAGHDAD -- After more than a week of fighting between the Mahdi Army and the combined US and Iraqi forces in Najaf, Baghdad's Sadr City, and a half-dozen other cities, analysts say neither interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi nor radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr had any good options left other than to talk.

Japanese youths' rage fuels wave of violent crime

SASEBO, Japan -- On a cloudless afternoon in this sleepy port city, an 11-year-old girl drenched in blood and clutching a box cutter walked into the lunchroom at her elementary school. Teachers and students froze, assuming the sixth-grader known for her lighthearted nature had gravely hurt herself -- but she quickly dispelled that impression, witnesses said, by uttering a few ...

NATO proclaims victory in Bosnia

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina -- When NATO forces first came to Bosnia nearly a decade ago, they lived in heavily guarded compounds, patrolled the streets in tanks, and often wore full body armor.

Koreans of mixed race tackle a prejudice

SEOUL -- For years, Lee Yu Jin kept her secret. Whenever anybody asked -- and they did all the time as her celebrity as an actress and model spread -- she simply denied the rumors. No, she was not a foreigner. She was Korean.

Venezuela Holds Referendum on President

CARACAS, Venezuela - The opposition's long and bitter campaign to oust Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez finally came down to a recall referendum Sunday, with the leftist leader hoping a huge turnout among the poor will keep him in power. Activists on both sides set off fireworks and blared recordings of bugle music to wake voters hours before dawn, hoping for a flood of early votes in their favor...

Floridians Return to Storm-Ravaged Homes

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - After getting a first look at the widespread damage left behind by Hurricane Charley, Florida residents were faced with the arduous task of sorting through the wreckage, and for some, starting over again...

Charley May Not Spike Insurance Premiums

MIAMI - Hurricane Charley probably will not cause Floridians' insurance premiums to skyrocket like 1992's Andrew, and fewer insurers should go bankrupt from paying out damages expected to reach the billions of dollars, state and industry officials said Saturday. They say previous premium increases and overhauls made because of Andrew, the most expensive natural disaster in U.S...

Florida Residents Face Hurricane Wreckage

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - After getting a first look at the widespread damage left behind by Hurricane Charley, Florida residents were faced with the arduous task of sorting through the wreckage, and for some, starting over again...

Phelps, Thorpe Advance in 200 Freestyle

ATHENS, Greece - Michael Phelps took care of qualifying for the Olympic 200-meter freestyle semifinals Sunday, and then found out he had been added to the American team for the evening's 400 freestyle relay final. Phelps' rivals Ian Thorpe and Pieter van den Hoogenband and teammate Klete Keller were faster than the teenager in the 200 free preliminaries...

Venezuela Opposition Holds Recall Vote

CARACAS, Venezuela - The opposition's long and bitter campaign to oust Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez finally came down to a recall referendum Sunday, with the leftist leader hoping a huge turnout among the poor will keep him in power. Officials from around the world - including Pope John Paul II and U.S...

Bomb at India Independence Parade Kills 15

NEW DELHI - A bomb exploded during an Independence Day parade in India's remote northeast on Sunday, killing at least 15 people, officials said, just an hour after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh pledged to fight terrorism. The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom was suspected of being behind the attack in Assam state and a second one later in the area, said Assam Inspector General of Police Khagen Sharma...

Memorial Service Held for Lori Hacking

OREM, Utah - Family and friends of Lori Hacking gathered Saturday for a memorial service to remember the woman whom authorities believe was slain by her husband while she slept. About 600 people attended the service, including the parents of both Lori Hacking and her husband, Mark, who has been charged with her murder...

Phelps, Thorpe Advance in 200 Freestyle

ATHENS, Greece - Michael Phelps took care of qualifying for the Olympic 200-meter freestyle semifinals Sunday, and then found out he had been added to the American team for the evening's 400 freestyle relay final. Phelps' rivals Ian Thorpe and Pieter van den Hoogenband and teammate Klete Keller were faster than the teenager in the 200 free preliminaries...

Pilgrims Crowd Field for Mass With Pope

LOURDES, France - A frail Pope John Paul II celebrated an open-air Mass on Sunday as several hundred thousand pilgrims, many in wheelchairs, crowded onto a field near a French shrine to the Virgin Mary that is associated with miraculous cures of the sick. The Mass was a highlight of the Pope's two-day visit to Lourdes, a town in the Pyrenees where Roman Catholic tradition says St...

Iraqi Troops to Take Lead in Fighting Militia

Iraq will send troops to Najaf to battle a Shiite Muslim militia after peace talks collapsed between the government and Moqtada Sadr.

High Stakes Showdown in Najaf

The fallout from Shiites fighting U.S. Marines in a holy city could weaken Iraq's new government

Strategies for a Sideways Market (Reuters)

Reuters - The bulls and the bears are in this\together, scratching their heads and wondering what's going to\happen next.

Art Looks Like Fine Investment for Funds (Reuters)

Reuters - Some mutual funds invest in stocks;\others invest in bonds. Now a new breed of funds is offering\the chance to own fine art.

Oil and Economy Cloud Stocks' Outlook (Reuters)

Reuters - Soaring crude prices plus worries\about the economy and the outlook for earnings are expected to\hang over the stock market this week during the depth of the\summer doldrums.

Strategies for a Sideways Market

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The bulls and the bears are in this together, scratching their heads and wondering what's going to happen next.

Art Looks Like Fine Investment for Funds

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Some mutual funds invest in stocks; others invest in bonds. Now a new breed of funds is offering the chance to own fine art.

Oil and Economy Cloud Stocks' Outlook

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Soaring crude prices plus worries about the economy and the outlook for earnings are expected to hang over the stock market this week during the depth of the summer doldrums.

A Digital Doctor Treats Computer Contamination (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Before me lies the patient, a Gateway computer running Windows 98. It is suffering from extremely clogged Internet arteries, unable to reach the Web. As one of The Washington Post's digital doctors, my task is to nurse the machine back to health so my colleague Kathleen Day can access her e-mail and file stories from home.

Microsoft Lists Apps Affected by XP SP2 (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Microsoft has published a list of nearly 50 software programs that require tweaking in order to work with its most recent Windows update.

Europe's Eel Population Collapsing (AP)

AP - When a poacher with a baseball bat mugged Willem Dekker for his baby eels, it was further confirmation for the Dutch biologist that the species is in trouble.

Genetic Material May Help Make Nano-Devices: Study (Reuters)

Reuters - The genetic building blocks that\form the basis for life may also be used to build the tiny\machines of nanotechnology, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.

Progress Cargo Ship Launched From Russia (AP)

AP - A Russian cargo ship loaded with supplies and equipment blasted off from the Baikonour cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday headed for the international space station, a Russian space official said.

Computer Naivete Costs A Bundle

The meltdown of my home computer was my fault, the result of having switched to a high-speed Internet connection without installing a firewall or heeding those pesky warnings to download critical updates for Windows and anti-virus software. <FONT face="verdana,MS Sans Serif,arial,helvetica" size="-2"\ color="#666666"><B>-The Washington Post</b></font>

NASA Develops Robust Artificial Intelligence for Planetary Rovers

NASA is planning to add a strong dose of artificial intelligence (AI) to planetary rovers to make them much more self-reliant, capable of making basic decisions during a mission. Scientists are developing very complex AI software that enables a higher level of robotic intelligence.

Science and President Bush Collide in Election Year

With more than 4,000 scientists, including 48 Nobel Prize winners, having signed a statement opposing the Bush administration's use of scientific advice, this election year is seeing a new development in the uneasy relationship between science and politics.

Hurricane Charley's Force Took Experts by Surprise

By MARCIA DUNN (AP) -- Hurricane Charley's 145-mph force took forecasters by surprise and showed just how shaky a science it still is to predict a storm's intensity - even with all the latest satellite and radar technology. "Most major hurricanes become major by going through a rapid intensification...

New Computer Games Teach Nutrition to Needy

In an effort to educate the nation's neediest children on nutrition, a new project uses the familiar medium of video games to broadcast its message. The Fantastic Food Challenge, a package of four computer games, is designed to teach people who get nutrition aid such as federal food stamps how to make better use of their food.

Sprint Set to Debut Video-Streaming Cell Phone

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) -- Channel surfing is moving off the couch as Sprint Corp...

Kobe Bryant Due Back in Court Monday (AP)

AP - With Kobe Bryant's sexual assault trial scheduled to begin in less than two weeks, speculation is mounting that prosecutors are looking for a way to dismiss the charge after a series of setbacks.

Rangers Designate Bacsik for Assignment (AP)

AP - Pitcher Mike Bacsik was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers on Sunday after going 1-1 with a 4.60 ERA in three starts.

Arsenal Beats Everton to Extend Streak (AP)

AP - Arsenal opened its defense of its English title with a 4-1 win at Everton on Sunday, making it 41 straight games without a loss in the Premier League.

Nadal Wins in Poland for First ATP Title (AP)

AP - Spain's Rafael Nadal won his first ATP singles title Sunday, beating Argentina's Jose Acasuso 6-3, 6-4 in the final at the Idea Prokom Open.

Zahringer Leads Field at U.S. Amateur (AP)

AP - George Zahringer III is back for another shot at the U.S. Amateur. The New Yorker is one of three returning quarterfinalists for the tournament, which begins Monday at the Winged Foot Golf Club. Lee Williams of Alexander City, Ala., and Patrick Carter of Lesage, W.Va., complete the trio from last year's championship that was won by Nick Flanagan of Australia.

Pau Edges Yao in Clash of the Giants

ATHENS (Reuters) - Spain's Pau Gasol got the better of China's Yao Ming in Olympic basketball's own clash of the giants Sunday.

Hamilton Sets Early Pace as Woods Struggles

KOHLER, Wis. (Reuters) - British Open champion Todd Hamilton made the first significant move in the U.S. PGA Championship final round Sunday as overnight pacesetter Vijay Singh prepared for an afternoon tee-off.

Iran Defies Olympic Spirit by Shunning Israel

ATHENS (Reuters) - Iran's world judo champion Arash Miresmaeili refused to compete against an Israeli Sunday, triggering a fresh crisis at the Olympic Games where race, creed or color are barred from interfering in sport.

U.S. Softball Team Puts Australia in Its Place

ATHENS (Reuters) - The United States kept itself firmly on course for a third straight Olympic softball gold medal when it thrashed Australia 10-0 Sunday.

Schumacher Triumphs as Ferrari Clinches Title

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Michael Schumacher cruised to a record 12th win of the season in the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday to hand his Ferrari team a sixth successive constructors' title.

Nearly 10 Million Afghans to Embrace Democracy (Reuters)

Reuters - Thousands of U.S. troops in Afghanistan\may have failed to catch Osama bin Laden but they are credited\with encouraging millions of Afghans to register for the\country's historic election in October.

Mortars Mark Opening of Iraqi Political Conference (Reuters)

Reuters - Insurgents fired mortars at a meeting\where Iraqi leaders met to pick an interim national assembly\Sunday, killing at least two people in a grim reminder of the\country's tortuous path toward democracy.

Conference Gives Iraq Democracy First Test (AP)

AP - Despite the steady clang of mortar shells outside and persistent violence in the country, many delegates at the opening on Sunday of Iraq's National Conference held out hope that this first fragile taste of democracy would succeed.

Countries Run Drills for Panana Attack (AP)

AP - The U.S. Coast Guard boarded the ship in the choppy Caribbean waters and began counting crew members, but the numbers did not match those given earlier.

Police push for surveillance fee on customers' phone, Internet bills (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Canada's police chiefs propose a surcharge of about 25 cents on monthly telephone and Internet bills to cover the cost of tapping into the communications of terrorists and other criminals.

Bush should have tackled reform before naming CIA boss: lawmaker (AFP)

AFP - The top Democrat on the House intelligence committee urged fellow lawmakers not to allow confirmation hearings on a new CIA director to derail efforts to overhaul US spy agencies.

Venezuelans Rush to Vote in Referendum on Chavez

CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuelans crowded polling stations on Sunday to vote on whether to recall left-wing President Hugo Chavez or back his mandate to govern the world's No. 5 oil exporter for the next two years.

TV: Iraqi Kidnappers of Iran Envoy Want POWs Freed

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Kidnappers holding an Iranian diplomat in Iraq will "punish" him within 48 hours if Iran does not release 500 prisoners captured in its 1980-1988 war with Iraq, Iranian state television said Sunday.

Nearly 10 Million Afghans to Embrace Democracy

KABUL (Reuters) - Thousands of U.S. troops in Afghanistan may have failed to catch Osama bin Laden but they are credited with encouraging millions of Afghans to register for the country's historic election in October.

Rebranded Liechtenstein Welcomes Fresh Prince

VADUZ, Liechtenstein (Reuters) - The people of Liechtenstein ushered in a new era Sunday as the tiny Alpine principality welcomed a new ruler and sought to shed its image as a haven for money launderers.

France marks the 'other D-Day'

Two days of celebrations to honour the Allied veterans who liberated southern France near a climax.

Phish farewell attracts thousands

"Jam band" Phish play their last gigs together at a special festival in the US which has attracted thousands of fans.

Iraq troops move angers S Koreans

Clashes with riot police erupt as thousands protest in Seoul against plans to send troops to help US-led forces in Iraq.

Bush Surveys Damage in Florida as Toll Is Expected to Mount

Hurricane Charley - one of the most powerful storms in the nation's history - caused at least \$20 billion in damage in Florida alone.

Phelps, Rival Thorpe in 200M-Free Semis

ATHENS, Greece - Michael Phelps took care of qualifying for the Olympic 200-meter freestyle semifinals Sunday, and then found out he had been added to the American team for the evening's 400 freestyle relay final. Phelps' rivals Ian Thorpe and Pieter van den Hoogenband and teammate Klete Keller were faster than the teenager in the 200 free preliminaries...

Pope Struggles Through Mass at Lourdes

LOURDES, France - A sick man among the sick, Pope John Paul II struggled through Sunday Mass at a French shrine that draws desperate people seeking miracle cures. The 84-year-old pontiff gasped, trembled and asked aides for help during the 2 1/2 hour service in sizzling heat...

Singh, Leonard in Final Pairing at PGA

HAVEN, Wis. - Whistling Straits is suddenly the least of anyone's worries...

Venezuela Voters Turn Out in Huge Numbers

CARACAS, Venezuela - Voters turned out in huge numbers Sunday to decide whether to keep populist President Hugo Chavez in power or oust him and his social revolution that critics say has sidelined the middle class and fueled tensions between rich and poor. Activists on both sides set off huge firecrackers and played recorded bugle songs to wake voters hours before dawn...

Reservists Say War Makes Them Lose Jobs

WASHINGTON - Increasing numbers of National Guard and Reserve troops who have returned from war in Iraq and Afghanistan are encountering new battles with their civilian employers at home. Jobs were eliminated, benefits reduced and promotions forgotten...

Wildfire Sweeps by Old Calif. Mining Town

REDDING, Calif. - A wind-fueled wildfire roared through an old mining town near Redding on Sunday, destroying 20 homes and forcing nearly 125 residents to flee, officials said...

Charley Damage Estimated at \$11 Billion

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - As Florida residents began sweeping up the wreckage left behind by Hurricane Charley, officials on Sunday estimated damages as high as \$11 billion for insured homes alone...

Entertainment World Wary of Microsoft (AP)

AP - CinemaNow Inc., the Internet-based movie service, is a rarity in Hollywood #151; a company that eagerly embraces Microsoft Corp. technology and relies on it exclusively to transmit, protect and display the movies it rents to customers. Then again, Microsoft is a major investor in the company, which is also owned by independent studio Lions Gate.

Cat Clones

\\From CNN (which didn't permalink this article so no PageRank for you!):\\"Baba Ganoush and Tabouli, the first cats cloned by chromatin transfer, tackle a\cat toy in San Francisco Thursday. The technology was developed by Genetic\Savings Clone, a company that produces cat clones."\\

US NBA players become the Nightmare Team after epic loss (AFP)

AFP - Call them the "Nightmare Team".

Report: Roenick Paid for Betting Tips (AP)

AP - Flyers star Jeremy Roenick paid more than #36;100,000 to a Florida firm that made millions selling betting tips to gamblers, law enforcement officials told The Philadelphia Inquirer.

U.S. Basketball Team Loses to Puerto Rico

ATHENS (Reuters) - The United States lost their first basketball match at the Olympics since 1988 on Sunday when Puerto Rico gave them a shock 92-73 trouncing.

South Africa Ends Phelps Medal Quest

ATHENS (Reuters) - South Africa ruined Michael Phelps's dream of winning a record eight gold medals at the Athens Olympics with a stunning victory in the men's 4x100 meters freestyle final on Sunday.

Iran Snub to Israel Challenges IOC

ATHENS (Reuters) - Iran defied the Olympic spirit on Sunday by refusing to contest a judo bout with an Israeli at the Athens Games, making no effort to hide the fact it was putting solidarity with the Palestinians before gold medals.

Romanian Gymnasts Edge Ahead of U.S. Women

ATHENS (Reuters) - Daniela Sofronie displayed all her athleticism to edge Romania ahead of the United States in the Olympic women's gymnastics team qualifying Sunday.

Roenick Paid for Betting Tips

Flyers center Jeremy Roenick paid more than \$100,000 to a Florida firm that made millions selling betting tips to gamblers, law enforcement officials told The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Parks Canada protest greets prime minister at closing of Acadian Congress (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - GRAND PRE, N.S. (CP) - Prime Minister Paul Martin was met with a silent protest Sunday as he attended the closing of the World Acadian Congress in Nova Scotia.

Palestinians in Israeli Jails Start Hunger Strike

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails began a hunger strike for better conditions on Sunday, but Israel's security minister said he didn't care if they starved to death.