October 31, 2003

Google, highflying Silicon Valley Web search company, recently began holding meetings with bankers in preparation for its highly anticipated initial public offering as it still engaged in meetings exploring partnership or even merger with Microsoft; Microsoft, desperate to capture part of popular and ad-generating search business, approached Google within last two months to discuss options, including possibility of takeover; overture demonstrates enormous importance that Google represents as both competitive threat to Microsoft and as Silicon Valley's latest hope for new financial boom; photos (M)

Article on wine-tasting trip to Hermann, Mo; describes increasing popularity of visiting other unlikely wine-producing centers in Texas, North Dakota and even Alaska; photos (L)

Commerce Dept reports gross domestic product grew at annual rate of 7.2 percent in third quarter, fastest growth rate since 1984, raising hope that long economic malaise has finally ended; says consumer spending soared, foreigners bought American-made goods at surprising clip and companies increased their investments in equipment and technology at pace reminiscent of 1990's boom; economists caution that growth is almost certain to slow in months ahead as effects of recent tax rebate and surge in mortgage refinancing wear off; Pres Bush and his aides have repeatedly said series of tax cuts passed since he took office would eventually revive growth; Democrats say they favored stimulating economy also but that large tax cut signed by Bush in May condemns country to budget deficits and higher interest rates; economists are most encouraged by $36 billion decline in value of inventories during quarter; graphs (M)

Jack Curry Baseball Analysis discusses Boston Red Sox decision to put outfielder Manny Ramirez on irrevocable waivers in attempt to lure New York Yankees into deal, but Yankees reportedly will not claim Ramirez; photo (M)

Nellie Connally, who was riding in car with Pres John F Kennedy when he was shot in Dallas almost 40 years ago, recalls horror of that day; says Dallas crowds were cheering motorcade when she heard shots ring out; Kennedy was dead, her husband, Gov John Connally, was gravely wounded, and course of history was forever altered; she says she first scrawled out story 10 days after the event, and decided to write memoir after rediscovering her notes years later; her book, From Love Field, with writer Mickey Herskowitz, has just been published; photos (M)