Gunmen kidnap two oil engineers in nigeria: sources
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria - More than a dozen gunmen in speedboats kidnapped two oil engineers, one from the Philippines and one Nigerian, in the main oil industry city of Port Harcourt on Friday, security sources said.
France mulls foreign truck tax as green measure
PARIS - French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde is considering imposing a "tax" on trucks that pass through France, charging them an amount indexed on the distance they travel, she said in an interview published on Friday.
Seven small blasts hit indian it city of bangalore
BANGALORE, India (Reuters) - Seven small bombs exploded in quick succession across the south Indian IT city of Bangalore on Friday, killing a woman and wounding at least 15 people, police said.
Glazers content with ronaldo decision
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has revealed the decision to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on board was taken with the full blessing of the Glazer family.
The FTSE 100 was down 50.8 points at 5311.5 at 12:05 pm this morning after fresh concern about the mortgage market and the health of a leading US bank hit Wall Street overnight. The Down Jones Industrial Average was badly bruised, down 283.1 at 11349.3 points, after Washington Mutual reported a $3.3bn second quarter loss and analyst said that the unsecured creditors were moving to reduce their exposure to the Seattle, Washington, based lender.
By Karen Guregian FOXBORO - Tom Brady [stats] looked well-rested and relaxed during the first day of Patriots [team stats] training camp.Brady enjoyed his space in offseason Boston GlobeTrying to Forget Past, Patriots Sharpen Focus New York TimesWashington Post - Worcester Telegram - Denver Post - Hartford Courant
Ricketts family identified as second bidder for cubs
By Ameet Sachdev and Phil Rosenthal | Tribune staff reporters Another bidder is known to have made the cut to the second round of the Tribune Co.Cuban, Cubs and Cubdom Chicago Sun-TimesFlorida at Chi Cubs SBR ForumNational Post - ESPN - SportingNews.com - The Associated Press
Race at Indianapolis is considered one of the big ones of the year, and Ryan Newman has a chance for a rare double. By Jim Peltz, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer INDIANAPOLIS -- Rowdy, Smoke, Junior and 40 other NASCAR drivers are back at work in hope ...Stewart plans his next move The Plain Dealer - cleveland.comSwitching gears Boston GlobeFOXSports.com - USA Today - Palladium-Item - WISH
Major-league brawl mars minor-league game
By Marc Katz | Dayton Daily News DAYTON - Fifteen players and both managers were ejected after a bench-clearing brawl in the first inning between the Peoria Chiefs and Dayton Dragons on Thursday night in the Midwest League.Report: Pitcher charged with felony after brawl SportingNews.comTempers flare in Minor League game MLB.com700 WLW - International Herald Tribune - CNN
Software makers threaten to sue ebay over counterfeits
First it was fashion giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA complaining about counterfeit fashion goods on eBay. Then it was Tiffany taking eBay to court.eBay Seller Receives 4-Year Sentence for Software Piracy Auctionbytes4 years for Ore. man for eBay counterfeit software BusinessWeekInformationWeek - Register - PC World - Bizjournals.com
Analysts: out-of-stock iphones good news for apple
by Dan Moren, Macworld.com With the iPhone 3G available in more than 20 countries, it’s little surprise that Apple has announced that it sold a million phones in the first three days of the product’s release—71 days faster than it took the original ...Tight supply of iPhone 3G leaves customers waiting for hours Apple InsiderAT&T reports iPhone 3G sales double that of original iPhone Ars TechnicaDVICE - CRN - Gizmodo - Computerworld
Hole in qantas jet forces emergency landing
Reuters, AP MANILA: A Qantas Airways plane made an emergency landing in Manila on Friday after part of its undercarriage blew off, triggering a loss in cabin pressure during a flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne.Damaged Qantas jet makes emergency stop in Manila The Associated PressHole in Qantas jet forces emergency landing CNNReuters - AFP - Times Online - ABC Online
Seven blasts hit indian it city of bangalore
BANGALORE, India, July 25 (Reuters) - Seven low-intensity bombs exploded across the Indian IT city of Bangalore on Friday, killing one person and wounding at least 15, police said.Police: 1 killed in India blasts The Associated PressOne dead as bomb blasts hit Indian IT city: police AFPMonsters and Critics.com - United Press International - guardian.co.uk - Bloomberg
Rice: pakistan should do more to end violence
PERTH, Australia (AP) - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Pakistan needs to do more to prevent Taliban militants from launching attacks into Afghanistan from its territory.Shopping lures Rice after office BBC NewsRice Urges Pakistan to Clamp Down on Militants Along Border Voice of AmericaReuters - AFP - Bloomberg - Xinhua
House rejects measure to sell oil from reserve
The House rejected legislation to sell 70 million barrels of light, sweet crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and replace it with heavy, sour crude.House bid to sell oil from reserve fails ReutersCongress out of gear on oil plans Houston ChronicleFOXNews - The Associated Press - Bloomberg - RTT News
Update 4-gold rises on weaker dollar, firmer oil
By Raissa Kasolowsky LONDON, July 25 (Reuters) - Gold rose on Friday as the dollar weakened and oil prices pared losses, while platinum and palladium firmed from 6-month lows on bargain hunting.Metals - Gold higher on bargain hunting, weak dollar, strong oil ForbesGold, Silver Fall as Dollar Gain Erodes Appeal of Metals Hedge BloombergMarketWatch - MarketWatch - Bloomberg - MarketWatch
Fortune brands reports second quarter results
Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), the company behind leading consumer brands including Jim Beam, Titleist and Moen, today reported results for the second quarter of 2008.Netflix Q2 profit rises 4% - quick facts 1 RTT NewsLattice Semiconductor Reports Second Quarter Financial Results CNNMoney.comMarketWatch - RTT News - MarketWatch - MarketWatch
Update:southwest air posts 15% profit gain, plans slow growth
Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) posted a 15% increase in second-quarter profits, adding to a long string of quarterly gains from its industry-leading fuel- hedging program, and stood by conservative growth plans even as competitors cut back sharply on ...Southwest Turns a Profit for 69th Straight Quarter New York TimesSouthwest Airlines will soon be No. 1 at four of five area airports Los Angeles TimesMarketWatch - Bloomberg - Houston Chronicle - USA Today
Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins finally completes a deal to sign former Manchester United defender Michael Lea.
Judge pulls out knife in court during teenage stabbing trial
A judge stunned a court when he pulled a blade out of his pocket - while sitting on a knife crime case.
Here comes the bargain bride... in a £2.50 bespoke wedding dress bought on ebay
It was the perfect dress for her dream wedding - apart from the small matter of the £1,500 price tag. However Emma Dunn managed to get her hands on it for a mere £2.50.
Cost of living outstripping pay packets by biggest margin for 20 years
Workers are facing the biggest strain on their finances for nearly two decades. They are struggling with the largest gap between pay rises and cost of living rises since 1990.
Barca boss pep: we could be ready to move for adebayor and drogba
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has refused to rule out making offers for Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and Chelsea’s Didier Drogba.
Villa target guzan hoping to secure work permit next week
Aston Villa will learn next week whether United States international goalkeeper Brad Guzan can have the work permit he needs to play in the Premier League.
West ham and newcastle linked with move for argentina hard-man coloccini
West Ham are said to be considering a move for tough-tackling Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini - but could face competition from Newcastle United for his signature.
Hull boss brown reveals tigers will take spurs defender gardner on loan until january
Hull City boss Phil Brown has clarified the deal that will take Anthony Gardner to the Premier League new boys, revealing the Tottenham defender will join the club on loan until January.
Does yeti exist? does it have split ends? dna tests to tell
Scientists in the UK who examined hairs reputed to belong to a yeti in India say that an initial series of tests have proved inconclusive.
British soldier killed in southern afghanistan
A British army dog handler and an explosives sniffer dog have been killed during clashes with militants in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.
Sir alex ferguson can tip balance on successor
Sir Alex Ferguson will play a pivotal role in the search for his successor at Manchester United once the club begin the process of finding a replacement for the most successful manager of his generation.
Hasbro sues scrabulous for trademark infringement
The move to take down one of the most popular applications on Facebook - Scrabulous - gathered momentum yesterday.
Labour mp calls for brown to quit after by-election humiliation
The Cabinet must tell Gordon Brown it’s time to quit, a Labour MP said today, beginning what is expected to become a clamour for his resignation.
Bp boss pledges to hold firm in russian row
Tony Hayward, chief executive at BP, dismissed claims that the company is now in a dispute with the Russian state as he adopted an uncompromising stance in the company’s battle to maintain its grip on TNK-BP.
Twenty20 champs get stanford boost
LATEST: WINNING county this weekend to take on England and Stanford Superstars
LATEST: WEST BROM buy Scott Carson wants to reclaim his place with England
EDF customers will see gas and electricity bills increase up to 22% after price hikes
PASSENGER space travel edges closer as Branson prepares to unveil mothership
LEAH Andrew is back in custody after being admitted to hospital after court session
LATEST: VERY nice! Chef squeezes into ultra-camp mankini for boozy bash in house
Mustapha Riga is nearing a transfer to Bolton, according to reports emanating from Spain.
Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Irish midfielder David Meyler from Cork City.
Joe Mattock is focused on preparation for the new term despite speculation linking him with a top-flight move.
Former Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner has been announced as the new manager of Austria.
Bournemouth have handed a trial to former England defender Chris Powell following his release from Charlton.
Lehmann ponders germany future
Jens Lehmann has admitted that he has given no thought to his future at international level.
Scunthorpe have completed the signing of former Manchester United defender Michael Lea.
Leeds Rhinos winger Danny Williams has decided to switch codes and join Guinness Premiership outfit Newcastle.
Leonard predicts even brighter future for champion cotto
LAS VEGAS - The great Sugar Ray Leonard predicts great things for WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto if he defeats Antonio Margarito in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Militants free eight captives in nw pakistan
KOHAT, Pakistan - Pro-Taliban militants freed eight of the dozens of paramilitary troops and government officials they have been holding hostage for nearly two weeks in northwestern Pakistan, officials and a negotiator said on Friday.
Football: debate: who would be in your premier league all-star team?
Would you be in favour of a Premier League All-Stars match? And who would you vote into the team?
Internet pirates who illegally download music and films could be taken off-line in a new crackdown revealed yesterday.
Seven blasts in indian it city of bangalore
BANGALORE, India (Reuters) - Seven low-intensity bombs exploded across the Indian IT city of Bangalore on Friday, killing one person and wounding at least 15, police said.
Britney Spears has sparked rumours shes is still deeply involved in a romance with one of her exes after flashing an engagement ring in public.
Film review: The Merchant Ivory brand of posho-period drama now seems as quaintly dated as the bygone eras it so adores.
Paris feels strangely familiar
Film review: Yet another film exploring Paris through the interwoven lives of its inhabitants, one of whom is Juliette Binoche.
Film review: Widely pitched as this summers Knocked Up, this latest up-the-duff romcom is sadly a less bouncing specimen.
Angus, thongs and perfect snogging is a quirky pleasure
Film review: Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha delivers another quirky, heart-warming Brit flick.
The long dark knight of the soul
Film review: Christopher Nolans second and even more spectacular Batman film, rightly smashing box office records, is what a superhero movie was born to be.
Liverpool star gerrard picks up first honour of the season
England and Liverpool football star Steven Gerrard has received a university honorary fellowship at a graduation ceremony.
Hungry burglar cooks dinner and self
An American man has died after breaking into a restaurant to cook up a feed and accidentaly setting fire to the building and himself.
White house hopeful obama flying into uk
White House hopeful Barack Obama is due to arrive in Britain on the final leg of a high-profile world tour designed to boost his foreign policy credentials.
Millions hit by 22% energy price hike
Energy supplier EDF has announced big increases in charges that will hit the pockets of its 5.5 million customers. Electricity prices will jump 17% and gas 22%.
Police seek help for cctv watch
Police are recruiting a Dads Army of volunteers to monitor CCTV cameras, in a move which has been branded a further invasion of privacy.
Army dog handler killed in afghanistan
A British Army dog handler was killed by insurgents in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.
Sunderland sign irish youngster
Sunderland have confirmed the signing of teenage midfielder David Meyler from Cork City.
England coach Fabio Capello hopes Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will turn down the chance to join Inter Milan and remain in London.
Capello will retire after england
England manager Fabio Capello has pinpointed the end of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as his retirement date, two years before the scheduled end of his contract with the Football Association.
Everton captain Phil Neville has revealed he wants to finish his career at Goodison Park after signing a new four-year deal with the Merseyside club.
Sulley Muntari is close to joining Inter Milan from Portsmouth, admitting the opportunity is too good to turn down.
A song of praise for the poet in peril
Yesterday, the Queen hosted a garden party for Dr Rowan Williams and the 650-odd Anglican bishops who still (as they turned up to the Lambeth Conference) acknowledge his authority.
Album: ida maria, fortress round my heart (rca)
Ida Maria grew up in Norway with little to do but wish she was Iggy Pop and act mildly antisocial.
Energy supplier EDF has increased its electricity prices by 17 per cent and its gas prices by 22 per cent.
shopping bag: glamour and ballet pumps
This is probably a gender-specific post, but I have to tell you that Repetto - the people who make the ballet pump de rigeur are doing something special for their 60th birthday
ethics girl: debating the chinese diet
My article earlier this week on Chinese food got lots of your stomachs rumbling.
Brown brushes off leadership challenge after shock poll defeat
Gordon Brown brushed off the threat of a leadership challenge today after the disastrous defeat of Labour in the Glasgow East by-election.
The salmon business: can marine farming ever be eco friendly?
Salmon is an easy fish to love. Simple and tasty, its pink flesh is pulled from supermarket shelves and transformed into an array of increasingly exotic dishes.
Brady enjoyed his space in offseason
Tom Brady spent a little less time than usual at Foxborough this offseason, but is ready to go. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff) FOXBOROUGH - Tom Brady is parking his car elsewhere this season.Trying to Forget Past, Patriots Sharpen Focus New York TimesBrady’s focus: Moving ahead Worcester TelegramWashington Post - Boston Herald - Denver Post - The Republican - MassLive.com
Olympic officials bar iraq from beijing games
DISQUALIFIED: The International Olympic Committee told Iraq that its seven-member team, including weightlifter Sawara Mohammed, will not be allowed to compete in the Summer Games, which begin in two weeks.Political feud keeps Iraqi athletes home San Francisco ChronicleIraqi Athletes ‘Unlikely’ to Compete at Olympics New York TimesDetroit Free Press - Washington Post - Washington Times
Film clips: also opening today
Musical documentary. Starring Neil Young, David Crosby, Graham Nash and Stephen Stills. Directed by Neil Young (aka Bernard Shakey).Neil Young, where politics, technology meet Chicago TribuneComes a time ... for a CSNY doc Chicago Sun-TimesNew York Times - New York Daily News - San Jose Mercury News - Newsday
Jolie and pitt conceived their twins through in vitro
By Ona Zachary Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have opted for fertility treatments when they decided to have more children, a source told Us Weekly.Brad Pitt ticked off about pap pics of his kids playing in their ... Los Angeles TimesReport: Jolie-Pitt Twins Conceived Through In Vitro FOXNewsNew York Daily News - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - San Francisco Chronicle - Louisville Courier-Journal
Rapper dmx denies identity theft
US rapper DMX has pleaded not guilty in court to two theft charges, including one of attempting to steal the identity of somebody else.Rapper DMX denies theft charges, sings at court ReutersDMX Pleads Not Guilty, Performs for Press E! OnlineThe Associated Press - TheCelebrityCafe.com - Eurweb.com - InTheNews.co.uk
Brooke hogan apologizes for allegations against father
By Mark Dagostino Brooke Hogan issued an apology for making what she now calls false allegations that her father Hulk abused her mother.Brooke Hogan stays above the family fray Louisville Courier-JournalBrooke Hogan might pose nude for Playboy MSNBCFOXNews - Reality TV World - BuddyTV - TheCelebrityCafe.com
Microsoft crowbars live search into facebook
By Chris Williams → More by this author Microsoft has traded its exclusive deal to plaster Facebook with banner advertising for the right to pump Google-style contextual search ads on the profit-lite website.Microsoft Seeks an Ad Friend in Facebook New York TimesMicrosoft-Facebook deal expanded to include Live Search Ars TechnicaReuters - Fast Company - Inquirer - BetaNews
By Christian Ziberg Knol doesn’t rely on just anybody to create its collection of knowledgeable articles. You get to be the author, the buck stops here byline on a contribution, and if you write it, you kind of own it.Google Knol Opens to Public ABC NewsUpdate 1: Why Knol Won’t Be Wikipedia eFluxMediaWall Street Journal - Los Angeles Times - PC World - Washington Post
Fugitive spam king dead in apparent murder-suicide
Davidson had been a fugitive from the law since walking away from a federal minimum-security prison camp in Florence, Colorado on Sunday.Fugitive spammer in murder-suicide RegisterFugitive spammer Davidson commits suicide VNUNet.comInformationWeek - Inquirer - Wired News - CRN
Nintendo loses controller patent suit
by Gerry Block July 24, 2008 - Gamers, and particularly the Sony fans among them, should be quite familiar with Immersion Corp, the patent holder of vibration haptic feedback technology employed in pretty much every gaming controller today.Nintendo faces ban on some Wii controllers CNET NewsWii Classic controller in jeopardy after Nintendo loses patent appeal BetaNewsGameSpot - Afterdawn.com - PC World - Ars Technica
In the spirit of adapting every digital medium (text, image, video) to every possible length and putting it on every device at every possible time, we now we have the latest entry: 12Seconds.The Real Video Twitter: 12seconds.tv (500 Alpha Invites) Washington Post12seconds: video, short and sweet (500 invites) CNET NewsReadWriteWeb - The Industry Standard - Mashable
British soldier killed in helmand
A British Army dog handler has been killed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The soldier, from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, died on Thursday after coming under fire while on routine patrol, the MoD said.British soldier killed in southern Afghanistan Times OnlineArmy dog handler killed in skirmish The Press AssociationInternational Herald Tribune - United Press International - InTheNews.co.uk - Bloomberg
Us wants results in burma; china wants patience
By LALIT K JHA / UNITED NATIONS Differences on Burma between key members of the Security Council reappeared on Thursday as Ibrahim Gambari, the United Nation’s special envoy to Burma, discussed the current situation there and his forthcoming visit.Myanmar cyclone "air bridge" to end next month ReutersBurmese aid cash lost to exchange rate trick Times OnlineBangkok Post - ABC Online - BBC News - Voice of America
Polygamist sects likened to mob
By Dave Montgomery WASHINGTON - A Senate committee on Thursday heard appeals for the creation of a federal task force to combat polygamist sects that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid described as sophisticated organized crime rings.Video: Senate Hearing On FLDS Church CBSTop-ranking senator files legislation to aid victims of polygamist ... Houston ChronicleABC 4 - Deseret News - CNN - Las Vegas Review - Journal
There were 220000 homes lost to bank repossessions in the second quarter, and the annual forecast for 2008 will have to be revised upward.Foreclosures Double in Second Quarter as US Home Prices Fall BloombergForeclosures rise 14 pct in Q2: RealtyTrac ReutersMarketWatch - Bizjournals.com - Detroit Free Press - AFP
Study: latino voters prefer obama
By Katie Fretland | Washington Bureau WASHINGTON - Juana Marquez very much wanted to cast her first vote in a United States presidential election for Hillary Clinton.Analyzing the Democrats most frequently mentioned as running mates ... Dallas Morning NewsPoll finds Obama leads with Hispanics Philadelphia InquirerFort Worth Star Telegram - Wall Street Journal Blogs - New York Daily News - Newsweek
Metals - gold higher on bargain hunting, weak dollar, strong oil
LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Gold ticked up Friday after heavy losses so far this week on bargain hunting, as the dollar lost some strength and as oil prices recovered.* Gold climbs on weaker dollar ReutersGold, Silver Fall as Dollar Gain Erodes Appeal of Metals Hedge BloombergMarketWatch - MarketWatch - Bloomberg - MarketWatch
Santhera has record fall after european drug setback (update1)
By Dermot Doherty July 25 (Bloomberg) -- Santhera Pharmaceuticals AG, the Swiss biotechnology company working on nerve and muscle drugs, had a record decline in Zurich trading after it failed to win European regulatory backing for its idebenone nerve ...UPDATE 1-Santhera shares drop on idebenone drug setback ReutersSanthera Receives First Product Approval: Health Canada Approves ... MarketWatchThe Gazette (Montreal) - RedOrbit
Why did adelstein reverse his position on the siri-xm merger?
I would like to first clarify that in no way is this article written in support or opposition of the Sirius (SIRI) / XM (XMSR) merger.Agreement reached for FCC to clear XM-Sirius deal ReutersSatellite Radio Cos Face More Static After Merger Approval CNNMoney.comFort Wayne Journal Gazette - Los Angeles Times - Forbes - MarketWatch
Doctored heroin linked to 230 fatal drug overdoses
BY MEGHA SATYANARAYANA • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • July 25, 2008 More than 1000 overdose deaths across the country -- and 230 in Wayne County -- were linked to illegally made fentanyl, a powerful prescription-only painkiller mixed with heroin and other ...More than 1000 died in US painkiller overdoses ReutersIn Chicago Chicago TribuneThe Associated Press - Washington Post - DetNews.com - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
Mckusick, pioneer in medical genetics, dies at 86
By BDN Staff Dr. Victor A. McKusick, a native of Parkman, considered to be the father of medical genetics, died Tuesday of cancer at his home outside Baltimore, Md.A Genetics Pioneer Who Mapped the Inner World Washington PostVictor A. McKusick, 86; Johns Hopkins physician pioneered genetics ... Los Angeles TimesThe Plain Dealer - cleveland.com - eFluxMedia - The Associated Press - Chicago Tribune
Leeds beat a host of clubs to land highly-rated Livingston striker Robert Snodgrass, who signs a three-year deal at Elland Road.
Garbajosa opts for khimki moscow
Spain basketball international Jorge Garbajosa opts to accept a lucrative offer to play for Russian team Khimki Moscow rather than return to Spain after an injury-plagued two-year stint with NBA side the Toronto Raptors.
Leeds striker Anthony Elding leaves Elland Road and joins League One rivals Crewe Alexandra on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Parma midfielder Manuel Pascali is given the chance to try and earn a deal with Kilmarnock after boss Jim Jefferies handed the 26-year-old a trial.