Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D) vs Nikon D5000

Hi Guys,
First time here...a little background abt me

I wanted to buy a digital SLR , this is the first time I will be buying one. Have been looking at the a few cameras and options. Decided to stick to the basics - Nikon or Canon, since I have owned film and P&S of both of them.

Found that every camera has it's pros and cons. Finally came down to the following choice

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
+

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

OR

Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD
+

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

The Canon combo is around $300 less than the Nikon combo but both are within my budget.

Ques -
1. Is Nikon VR the same thing as Canon IS?
2. Build quality, which is better?

3. I will be shooting all types of situations, landscape, wildlife, nature, sports, night. Which combo is better choice?
4. Is there a better combo that I can get in around USD 1000 ?

Appreciate your wisdom and help !

Raj