Reuters - NASA's departing chief, Sean\O'Keefe, on Friday defended his decision to pursue a robotic\repair mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, days after a\panel of scientists said a shuttle mission would be better.

NASA's Departing Chief Defends Hubble Decision (Reuters)


TEHRAN -- Hoping to avoid a UN showdown, Iran and the European Union's three big powers reached a preliminary agreement over Tehran's nuclear program, Iran's chief negotiator said yesterday.

Preliminary nuclear pact OK'd, Iran says


STEPHEN DODD paid a heavy price for one slack shot in his third round of the Volvo China Open in Shanghai today. But after nine holes, the 38-year-old Welshman still led.

Mini China crisis for Stephen


a-struck out for Molina in the 6th. b-doubled for Suppan in the 6th. c-fouled out for Neal in the 6th. d-popped out for Tavarez in the 9th.

Padres box score


INVESTORS in Wm Morrison heaved a collective sigh of relief yesterday. There may be more hiccups along the way, went the consensus view, but the 3 billion Safeway acquisition was ultimately going to work.

Too early for Morrison to break open its champagne


Thai-Muslim citizens check for names their relatives who died after the Monday #39;s riot erected outside a military camp in Pattani province, southern Thailand Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004.

Thai PM Defiant Amid Anger Over Deaths


Arsene Wenger admitted his concern tonight after Arsenal had lost a lead for the third consecutive Champions League tie - but the Gunners boss insists there is still no reason to panic.

Wenger Will Not Panic


Reuters - Two suicide bombers killed 10\civilians, including four U.S. nationals, on Thursday in one of\the bloodiest attacks inside Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, an\attack claimed by America's top enemy in Iraq.

Suicide Bombs Kill 10 in Baghdad's Green Zone (Reuters)


That #39;s how they #39;ve been linked, since the first Hollywood minute. That #39;s how they #39;ll be judged, until something short of death do they part.

Rudy T, Bryant share burden inherent with Lakers


LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Eastman Kodak said Tuesday it will cut 870 jobs at its manufacturing sites in the UK and France due to the  quot;increasing popularity of digital photography quot; and the corresponding decline in traditional film photography.

Job cuts due to decline in traditional photography


Anti-spyware company had granted another company rights to its software.

Legal Questions Dog Microsoft Acquistion


Boris Zingarevich #39;s company have denied the Russian millionaire #39;s son is planning to invest 20m in Everton.  quot;Anton is a student at business school, he has not yet finished, quot; said Svyatoslav Bychkov, a spokesman for Ilim Pulp, Zingarevich #39;s company.

Russians deny Everton bid


Iran added a strategic missile #39; #39; to its military arsenal after a successful test, and the defense minister said Saturday his country was ready to confront any external threat.

Iran Says It Has Tested Strategic Missile


Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was preparing Saturday to meet in London with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the BBC reported.

Pakistani PM to meet with Blair


Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has called for unity in his ruling party amid deep splits and jostling over the succession of power.

Mugabe urges ruling party unity


With a million downloads in 10 hours, the Firefox browser has kicked off a brand new round in a very old conflict. Six years ago, Microsoft won the browser wars against Netscape -- the distant forefather of

Firefox bites back


Daimler Chrysler tells CTV News that about 60,000 Canadian vehicles will be included in a massive North American recall that involves more than 600,000 Dodge Durango SUV #39;s and Dakota pickup trucks.

Dodge Durango SUVs and Dakota pickups recalled


The roller coaster ride continues for investors in Research in Motion (RIMM:Nasdaq - news - research). The wireless company #39;s stock fell nearly 12 on Friday to \$77.

Research In Motion Ends Bumpy Week


washingtonpost.com - The Bush-Cheney reelection campaign has barred people outside the United States from viewing its Web site following an electronic attack that took down the campaign's Internet address for six hours last week, according\\to computer security experts.

Bush Web Site Bars Overseas Visitors (washingtonpost.com)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar climbed across the board on  Thursday after data showed the third-quarter U.S. current  account deficit was narrower than many had feared, fueling a  relief rally for the beleaguered U.S. currency.

Dollar Rallies on U.S. Economic Data


You don #39;t have to look around for long to see that Apple #39;s (AAPL ; S amp;P investment rank, 3 STARS, hold; recent price, \$67.21) iPod digital music player has made waves in pop culture.

iPod: How Long Will It Reign?


Cirrus Logic Inc., a maker of microchips for consumer electronics, on Wednesday said it will lay off 7 percent of its employees to save \$2 million to \$3 million per quarter, with expense reductions starting in its third quarter.

Cirrus Logic to Lay Off Workers


The Oracle Corporation reported Tuesday that first-quarter earnings had risen 16 percent on strong demand for its flagship database programs, enabling the company

Database Success Helps Oracle Increase Profit


Exhausted cyclist Sarah Ulmer is still on a high from taking gold at the Olympics in world record time. She is back at the Olympic village and still cannot believe the number of New Zealanders at the velodrome to cheer her on.

Ulmer has golden glow


Two men on the ground were most likely killed in the plane crash Sunday morning in Baotou City, north China #39;s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, bringing the death toll of the accident to 55, local police sources said.

Death toll of north China plane crash possibly up to 55


Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged Thursday that one segment of the latest proposal from the players #39; union was significant, but stressed that much more lies ahead in solving the league #39;s fiscal problems.

NHLPA #39;s proposal a small step in right direction


Ted Lilly struck out a career-high 13 batters to help hosts Toronto Blue Jays blank the Boston Red Sox 3-0. Lilly #39;s performance was a club record for most strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher and helped end

Lilly inspires Blue Jays


Reuters - Spectrum Pharmaceuticals  said\on Friday U.S. regulators have approved its generic version of\Bayer's   Cipro antibiotic, triggering a  #36;750,000\equity investment by one of its partners.

Spectrum-FDA OKs Generic Version of Cipro (Reuters)


Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas predicted on Sunday he could form a new coalition, shrugging off a challenge from a party some

Lithuanian PM Predicts He Will Lead Next Govt


The New York Film Festival, thirty-eight years in the running, continues to command respect as a showcase for eminent filmmakers and up-and-coming masters.

Around the World and Into the Psyche


Microsoft has issued a formal fix for a problem in Windows XP Service Pack 2 that appeared almost immediately after the update #39;s release.

Microsoft Fixes VPN Flaw in XP SP2


A SHARP drop in oil prices helped US stocks post modest gains on Wall Street overnight. Investors who had sold stocks as oil prices climbed reversed course and started buying as the cost of crude declined.

Oil fall greases Wall St rise


At least 18 students have been killed in clashes between rival student gangs in south-eastern Nigeria.

Deaths in Nigerian cult clashes


The network #39;s steamy intro to the Philadelphia-Dallas game, featuring a naked Nicollette Sheridan jumping into the arms of Eagles receiver Terrell Owens, drew complaints from viewers and the NFL.

ABC Sports apologizes for steamy intro to  #39;Monday Night Football #39;


Some 300 Palestinian captives in the Israeli jail of Ashkelon on Monday resumed their open-ended hunger strike after suspending it for two days.

300 Palestinian captives resume hunger strike after two day <b>...</b>


The FCC's new ruling on broadband wiretaps will force customers to pay for the privilege of making  the Internet less secure.\

Columnists: Big Brother's Last Mile


Christina Kim fired a closing 65 to win the Longs Drugs Challenge by one shot over Karrie Webb in California. Kim, 20, the first-round leader, landed her first LPGA title with five birdies on the back nine to finish on 18 under.

Kim lands maiden victory


Chaba, one of this year #39;s strongest, had sustained winds of 162kph, and was churning over the tiny southern islands of Amami Oshima and Tanegashima in Kagoshima prefecture (state), the Meteorological Agency said.

Typhoon hits southern Japan


What a difference a month has made for the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.

Packers fend off Minnesota rally


LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar struggled on Wednesday to  move away from the previous day's six-week lows versus the yen  and a one-week trough against the euro brought on by weak U.S.  data, but caution remained high ahead of other key releases.

Dollar Struggles Above Recent Lows


AFP - Britain's industrial sector appears to have been a bigger drag on overall economic growth in the third quarter than was first assumed.

Weak industrial output weighs on British growth (AFP)


SAN FRANCISCO Selectively breeding turkeys for their white meat over so many generations has led to some health care problems for America #39;s favorite holiday meal.

Building a better turkey through biotech


Three weeks after the Genesis space capsule slammed into the Utah desert after its parachutes failed to deploy, NASA scientists remain hopeful they can salvage the mission and reveal clues about the origin of the solar system.

Scientists wrapping up salvage job on Genesis spacecraft that <b>...</b>


An international team of astronomers has observed the perfect cosmic storm: the most powerful collision of two galactic clusters ever recorded.

Galaxies rent asunder in huge cosmic collision


Despite a lowered outlook for 2005, investors gave a thumbs-up for Honeywell's recent deal.

A Holiday M A Party


AP - Fifteen years in the NFL have taught Emmitt Smith more than just how to slip tackles. He's also become an example of how to fight through injury.

Smith Upbeat About Playing Sunday (AP)


AP - Three former spymasters told senators Monday that creating a new national intelligence director would be worthless without giving that person authority over the budgets of the nation's spy agencies.

Ex-Spymasters Want Power for Intel Czar (AP)


BAGHDAD, IRAQ - Several US marines were either killed or wounded when a powerful car bomb exploded in a neighbourhood on the edge of Fallujah Monday.

Fallujah car bomb hits US marines


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar rose to its highest level  against the euro in two and a half weeks on Tuesday, extending  the previous day's gains before pulling back as investors grew  skittish ahead of U.S. economic data.

Dollar at 2-Wk High Vs Euro, Data Awaited


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Freddie Mac <A HREF=

Freddie Mac Cuts 2003 Profit


PALM HARBOR, United States : Vijay Singh shot a six-under par 65 to post a five-stroke victory at the Chrysler Championship and claim his ninth tournament win of the season.

Golf: Vijay clinches ninth win of season with Chrysler <b>...</b>


DETROIT - President Bush #39;s choice of Kellogg chief executive Carlos Gutierrez as commerce secretary leaves the cereal and snack giant without the dynamic leader who has guided its remarkable turnaround.

Kellogg appoints Jenness CEO after Gutierrez resigns to join <b>...</b>


Harmony Gold Mining Co., the biggest miner of South African gold, made a hostile offer to buy Gold Fields Ltd. for 52.9 billion rand (\$8.

Harmony Offers to Buy Gold Fields for \$8.2 Billion (Update5)


IN boxing terms he was a little ring-rusty and he had a kid with a long reach and a friendly crowd up against him. Still, the old pro of 23 finally had too much guile for the 18-year-old upstart, and Lleyton Hewitt survived.

A heavy heart can #39;t weigh down Hewitt


JERUSALEM - Israel holds Syria responsible for a double suicide bombing that killed 16 people because it allows the group that staged the attack to operate there, a senior Israeli official said Wednesday in a warning that implied possible retaliation.    The militant Islamic group Hamas claimed the attack Tuesday in the desert city of Beersheba, when two bombers from the West Bank city of Hebron blew themselves up seconds apart in two buses...

Israel Blames Syria for Suicide Bombings


Defense contractor General Dynamics Corp. reported a 23 percent jump in profit in its third quarter yesterday despite escalating costs on a contract to build commercial oil tankers.

General Dynamics Posts Profit


TORONTO Sept. 30, 2004 - Nortel Networks Corp. gave details of a previously announced job cut program Thursday, saying it is cutting 1,400 in the United States by next June.

Nortel Details Previously Announced Cuts


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart said on  Wednesday she wants to start serving her prison sentence for  lying about a suspicious stock sale as soon as possible, so she  can put her

Martha Stewart to Judge: Jail Me Now


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Candlestick Park, home of the San  Francisco 49ers NFL team, was renamed

San Francisco's Candlestick Renamed Monster Park


Barcelona opened up a nine-point lead at the top of La Liga on Saturday night with a 2-1 win at Getafe. Rafael Marquez and Deco scored early on to give the Catalan giants a two-goal lead after just 22 minutes.

Liga Wrap: Barca Storm Nine Points Clear


Roscoe Parrish looked like he had sealed the game once already with a dazzling 62-yard punt return for a touchdown. But when No. 10 Virginia rallied on Saturday and the Miami Hurricanes

Back on track


Ben Roethlisberger needed less than a season to close the considerable gap between himself and Eli Manning, the top choice in this year #39;s draft.

Roethlisberger vs. Manning - No comparison


Commerzbank is almost halving the number of people in its London securities operation in a drastic effort to boost the profitability of the loss-making operation.

London analysts hard hit by Commerzbank cuts


PARIS The verdict is in: The world #39;s greatest race car driver, the champion of champions - all disciplines combined - is Heikki Kovalainen.

Better than the best


Hardware expected to begin selling next year is designed to make it faster and more efficient to run Java programs.

Start-up banks on Java hardware boost


washingtonpost.com - Microsoft's Media Center edition of Windows XP -- a special layer of software designed to let people enjoy their digital photos, music and videos from across the room -- has to rank as one of the company's bigger disappointments in a while. All the money Microsoft has thrown into promoting Media Center has yet to lend it any momentum in the market.

Microsoft's Improved Media Center Still Falls Short (washingtonpost.com)


Canadians are paying more to borrow money for homes, cars and other purchases today after a quarter-point interest-rate increase by the Bank of Canada yesterday was quickly matched by the chartered banks.

Central bank sends cost of debt higher


ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Hoping to add more power to their lineup, the Milwaukee Brewers acquired outfielder Carlos Lee from the Chicago White Sox for center fielder Scott Podsednik, reliever Luis Vizcaino and a player to be names later on Monday.

White Sox deal C. Lee to Brewers for Podsednik, Vizcaino


: Both Pakistan and India need to compromise over Kashmir, or else the issue will continue  quot;for another 100 years, quot; Pakistan #39;s Foreign Minister said today.

Pak. will not show  #39;unilateral flexibility #39; on Kashmir: Kasuri


The productivity of America's workers grew at a 1.8 percent annual rate in the third quarter, the slowest pace in nearly two years, the government reported yesterday. The deceleration, however, raised some hope that employers who have squeezed efficiencies out of existing workforces may boost hiring.

Productivity growth slows in 3d quarter


The peak time for dates from hell in New York City is Friday at 8 p.m. - judging by the cell phone calls delivering emergency excuses to bolt. Truth is, they're fake

Help's on the Way for Bad Dates Via Cell Phone


Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie has renewed a threat to resign in a tussle for power with Yasser Arafat just six weeks after retracting his previous resignation, officials said on Wednesday.

Palestinian PM Renews Threat to Resign


IBM today announced new virtual resources to help business partners more quickly build and deploy on demand business applications tailored to meet customer requirements across all vertical industries.

IBM Annouces New Resources for Business Partners


Unilever, the maker of Lipton tea and Magnum ice cream bars, said third-quarter earnings will fall and cut its annual profit forecast after sales of the company #39;s main brands unexpectedly declined for a second quarter.

Unilever Cuts Annual Profit Forecast as Sales Falter (Update8)


Last week I solicited readers #39; opinions about what I should do with my Heisman ballot, and they responded to the tune of more than 1,000 e-mails.

Regardless of age, Oklahoma tailback should win Heisman Trophy


Reuters - China will impose tariffs on some\textile exports in a move that may ease frictions with the\United States and others over an expected flood of Chinese\products on world markets after a global quota system expires\at year's end.

China to Impose Tariffs on Some Textiles (Reuters)


TORONTO (CP) - US jewelry retailer Tiffany  amp; Co. has sold its nearly 14 per cent stake in Aber Diamond Corp., part owner of Canada #39;s second diamond mine, Diavik.

Tiffany sells stake in Aber Diamond, discount arrangement ends


Egypt condemns the

Egypt protest over Israel killing


Birmingham City have agreed to sell Denmark winger Jesper Gronkjaer to Spanish side Atletico Madrid, the Premier League club says.

Birmingham to sell Gronkjaer to Atletico Madrid


Lake Vostok, an Antarctic freshwater lake buried by 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of ice, may host a diverse community of microbial life-forms, scientists say.

Does Life Exist in Antarctic Lake Buried Under Miles of Ice?


A security company warned on Thursday that a flaw in Microsoft Office could allow a denial-of-service attack to be executed on systems running somewhat older versions of the popular productivity suite.

Flaw in Office has DoS attack potential


Britain will provide more debt relief for the world #39;s poorest countries and challenge other rich countries to do the same, Prime Minister Tony Blair #39;s government said Sunday.

Britain Proposes Debt Relief to Nations


Hurricane Jeanne caused at least five deaths, making landfall almost exactly where Frances did over Labor Day weekend.

Another Hurricane Roars Across Mid-Florida


MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 28: Admitting that the Reliance boardroom feud involving the Ambani brothers was totally unexpected and had caught them off-guard, domestic financial institutions (FIs) are now expected to discuss the crucial issue of

FIs set to discuss RIL board representation


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Roy Halladay was determined to end a difficult season on a high note. The Toronto Blue Jays #39; ace was back in his Cy Young form, throwing eight innings of one-run ball in a 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday afternoon.

Halladay returns to form


Leaders of China #39;s Communist Party have opened a four-day plenum amid reports of internal jockeying between supporters of President Hu Jintao and former President Jiang Zemin.

China #39;s Annual Communist Party Policy Meeting Begins Amid Rumors <b>...</b>


American policymakers and statesmen believe the Middle East is better off without Yasser Arafat. Madeline Albright said Arafat  quot;was viewed as an obstacle to peace, both by the Israelis and

Leaders overlook Palestinian sentiment


PENSACOLA, Fla. - Hurricane Ivan was the deadliest hurricane to hit the United States since Floyd in 1999, but it could have been worse...

Fla. Bears Brunt of Ivan; 24 Dead in U.S.


Some 17,000 changes have been made since the previous edition of the <I>National Geographic Atlas of the World.</I> Chief Cartographer Allen Carroll tells what's involved in tracking the changing world.

How Geographic's New Atlas Reflects a Changed World


Chelsea football club #39;s owner, Roman Abramovich, has been hit with a 400m tax bill relating to his Russian oil company Sibneft, according to local reports, raising fears that he could be the next oligarch targeted by President Vladimir Putin in the

Russian target Abramovich hit by 400m tax bill


President Vladimir Putin #39;s move to enhance his power in response to a wave of terrorism does not take on the real problem: the corrupt and unreformed security services that

Critics Say Putin Must Address Security Corruption


Scientists yesterday mourned Maurice Wilkins, sometimes called the forgotten man of DNA, who died in hospital on Tuesday aged 88. Wilkins, a professor at King #39;s College London, shared the 1962 Nobel prize

Forgotten man of DNA dies at 88


ATHENS -- The United States fell out of medal contention in Olympic water polo yesterday as Aleksander Sapic scored three goals to lead Serbia-Montenegro to a 9-4 win over the Americans.

Third straight loss leaves US all wet


AP - Nintendo Co. and Sony Corp. made separate product announcements Tuesday that the video game giants hope will attract more customers ahead of the highly competitive holiday shopping season.

Nintendo, Sony Make Pushes Before Holidays (AP)


According to a report in the Ottawa Sun, an NHL agent has lost his certification for leaking information about a players #39; association website to a reporter from a Minnesota newspaper.

Report: NHL agent loses certification


Five Acrosshas upgraded its workgroup instant messaging client by adding RSS support and developed its first workgroup instant messaging server, the Palo Alto, California company plans to announce Wednesday.

Five Across introduces server, adds RSS to IM client


The deadline set by Islamic militants for the beheading of a Japanese hostage unless their demands were met has passed with no news of the man #39;s fate.

JAPANESE HOSTAGE DEADLINE PASSES


Wage negotiations between Volkswagen AG and Germany #39;s biggest industrial union broke up without agreement Thursday, but the two sides agreed to hold more talks next week even as the union presses ahead with plans for a flurry of short work stoppages.

Update 2: Volkswagen, Workers Renew Wage Talks


LONDON : Bolton #39;s El-Hadji Diouf was banned for three matches after pleading guilty to a charge of improper conduct for spitting.

Soccer: Diouf banned for three matches for spitting


McLEAN, Va. (SportsTicker) - Wake Forest took over the top spot in the USA Today/ESPN coaches poll but North Carolina and Arizona were the biggest losers.

Wake Forest leaps to No. 1 for first time in school history


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel Corp. <A HREF=

Intel Cancels Plan to Enter Digital TV Chip Market


The retailer reports a 52 increase in earnings ahead of its Disney Stores acquisition.

Children's Place Pleases


TORONTO (CP) - The Toronto Raptors produced their biggest fourth-quarter comeback in franchise history on Sunday - and Vince Carter wasn #39;t part of it.

Raps use miracle comeback to edge Spurs


Manufacturing expanded at the slowest pace in more than a year in October, Americans spent more than they earned in September and home construction declined in the final economic reports before tomorrow #39;s presidential election.

US Economy: Manufacturing Index Falls, Incomes Lag (Update2)


Vector supercomputers, the original giant machines for massive computing tasks, have largely been replaced in recent years by cheaper cluster models. But the vector's maker and many researchers want a comeback.  By Nancy Gohring.

Supercomputer Seeks Comeback


London, England (Sports Network) - Leaders Chelsea and defending champions Arsenal played to an intense 2-2 draw in a London derby Sunday at Highbury.

Battle of titans ends in draw


Reuters - Three American scientists won the\2004 Nobel physics prize on Tuesday for showing how tiny quark\particles interact, helping to explain everything from how a\coin spins to how the universe was built.

Physics Nobel Goes to 'Theory of Everything' Trio (Reuters)


Orchid Cellmark, a Montgomery County-based laboratory that has analyzed DNA for such high-profile cases as the OJ Simpson trial and the JonBenet Ramsey murder, has fired an analyst for allegedly

lab fires analyst over falsified tests


The US Patent and Trademark Office has preliminarily rejected a Microsoft Corp. patent on a system for recognizing computer files, a victory for  quot;open source quot; advocates who believe

Microsoft patent is rejected, but company vows to fight back


Magnitude 6.0 earthquake shook an Indonesian island having killed 16 and injuring dozens. The information was received from the official report of the government of the country.

Earthquake rocked Indonesian island killing 16


PeopleSoft Inc. (PSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday said its board had again unanimously rejected Oracle Corp. #39;s (ORCL.

PeopleSoft Rejects Oracle Bid


The Securities and Exchange Commission said Thursday it filed charges against three former executives of retailer Kmart Holdings (KMRT) in a \$24 million accounting fraud case.

SEC charges 3 former Kmart execs, others in fraud case


A European Union judge told a closed meeting on Thursday he planned to rule within a month whether to freeze curbs imposed by the EU #39;s executive on Microsoft, lawyers present said.

Microsoft EU ruling next month


The dollar may rise against the euro in Asia for the first day this week on speculation Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan will express optimism about the US economy in testimony before Congress today.

Dollar May Strengthen Versus Euro Ahead of Greenspan Testimony


New imaging software is making eyes at those squinty camera-phone pictures.

Microsoft wants to improve your image


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Working in poverty-stricken areas  gives corporate travelers an up-close look at global problems  such as disease, illiteracy or injustice. It also puts them in  a position to bring about change.

Away on Business: Making a Difference


UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan rejected on Tuesday calls by some US congressmen for his resignation over an alleged corruption scandal surrounding the UN-run Iraqi oil-for-food program.

UN chief rejects calls for resignation over alleged corruption <b>...</b>


October 8, 2004 -- The longer-term solvency of the US agency that insures pensions is at risk, threatened by troubled airlines and other companies failing to fund their retirement plans, the agency #39;s director said yesterday.

BANKRUPTCIES ARE SINKING PENSION AGENCY


Blockbuster is doing away with the most dreaded part of renting movies and games: the late fee. The move comes as Blockbuster battles lackluster demand.

Blockbuster axing dreaded late fees


Faced with mountains of inventory, quick thinking by some semiconductor manufacturers helped the market avoid its first decrease in chip sales since the war in Iraq began.

SIA: Supply Chain Saved Chip Sales


BusinessWeek Online - During his 13-year stint as the head of the International Monetary Fund, Michel Camdessus perfected the art of dressing down the world's budget-busters and fiscal profligates. Now it is the turn of Camdessus' native land, France, to come in for an earful of criticism. Charged by the French government five months ago to look into why France can't boost its economic growth rate, Camdessus delivered a withering critique of Gallic business as usual when he unveiled his report on Oct. 19. ...

Commentary: ...But A Harsh Diagnosis For Europe (BusinessWeek Online)


I was taking Vioxx for my arthritis, and then it was pulled from the market. So I switched to Celebrex. Now, I understand that Celebrex also may cause heart problems?

Celebrex shows heart attack risk


AP - Sherry Neal checked the refrigerated shelves of her 7-Eleven store, touched the screen of a small handheld computer and got an instant four-week sales history on turkey sandwiches.

7-Eleven Adopting Wireless Technology (AP)


Nov. 30 - In under 24-hours one of the nation #39;s worst hurricane seasons will come to an end. The end of Tuesday day marks the end of the 2004 hurricane season.

Hurricane Season Comes to an End


Bank of America this week announced plans for a corporate-wide IP telephony rollout that will eventually put an IP phone on every BoA employee #39;s desktop -- about 180,000 phones total.

Bank of America to deploy 180,000 IP phones


SiliconValley.com - Maybe you were out of town last week, or maybe you just weren't paying attention. That's OK. Here's a quick rundown of what you missed, culled from reports by our staff and wire services.

Internet free speech laws, Chapter Whatever (SiliconValley.com)


NEW YORK - Texas Instruments Inc. expects to roll out cellphones capable of showing live high-definition television in the US by 2007, Chief Executive Rich Templeton said Thursday in an interview on CNBC.

Coming soon: HDTV -- on your cellphone


Reuters - Shares of long-distance phone\companies AT T Corp.  and MCI Inc.  have plunged\about 20 percent this year, but potential buyers seem to be\holding out for clearance sales.

AT T, MCI May Be Cheap, But No One Buying (Reuters)


Japan #39;s Mizuki Nogushi won the first Olympic marathon raced from the historic site in 108 years on Sunday, but for Britain the race turned into heartbreak as its top runner quit in tears.

Olympics: New Doping Scandal, Judging Scandals at Games


Microsoft and Sendo announced a settlement has been reached regarding all claims in the litigation between the two companies, resulting in Microsoft surrendering its once-\$12 million shareholding in Sendo.

Microsoft settles with Sendo


Florida will have the smallest orange crop in a decade after a series of hurricanes blew fruit off trees and flooded groves in the state that produces 75 percent of the nation #39;s citrus, a federal forecast released Tuesday shows.

Size of Florida citrus crop expected to fall significantly


AP - Sen. Jon Corzine called New Jersey's 21 Democratic county chairmen on Wednesday, telling them that he will run for governor, several party sources said.

Corzine Says He'll Run for N.J. Governor (AP)


Yahoo (Quote, Chart) isn #39;t ready to concede the e-mail search market to Google (Quote, Chart). In a deal that signals aggressive response to the growing popularity of Google #39;s (Quote, Chart) Gmail service, Yahoo

Mail Search Gets Hotter


TXU Corp., the largest power company in Texas, more than quadrupled its dividend, restoring it to 94 percent of what it was about two years ago.

TXU Quadruples Dividend, Lifts Forecasts; Shares Soar (Update4)


Reuters - Some Mexican churches are\using state-of-the-art technology developed by Israeli\electronic warfare experts to silence cell phones that ring\during mass, church officials said on Tuesday.

Mexico Churches Wage High-Tech War on Cell Phones (Reuters)


The Nokia 9500 Communicator has been granted the IEEE 802-11b and WPA (Wireless Protected Access) certifications by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Nokia 9500 Communicator receives Wi-Fi certification


Stelios Haji-Ioannou, chairman of EasyJet Plc, said he rejected a \$677 million agreement to sell Stelmar Shipping Ltd. because the offer doesn #39;t reflect recent gains in the value of the oil tanker business he founded in 1992.

Stelmar Founder Haji-Ioannou Rejects \$667 Mln Sale to Fortress


Consumers spent frugally for a fourth straight month during September, giving major retailers modest gains during the critical back-to-school season.

Retailers report modest gains in September


Morgan Turinui will start as centre and Elton Flatley returns as fly half for Australia #39;s rugby match against England at Twickenham on Saturday as coach Eddie Jones rearranges his side to deal with injuries.

Flatley returns to Wallaby team for England match


Madrid - Spanish football coach Luis Aragones faces a disciplinary hearing as the row into racism within Spanish football rumbles on, AS sports daily reported on Saturday.

Spanish racism row rumbles on


AP - Kurt Busch overcame a broken wheel early in Sunday's race and came back to win the closest championship in NASCAR history.

Kurt Busch Takes Nextel Cup Title (AP)


Black Watch troops at Camp Dogwood in Iraq have come under rocket attack for the sixth successive night. No-one was injured in the attacks and specialists have spent most of the day clearing unexploded bombs.

Black Watch under rocket attack for sixth successive night


AP - One of two Italian women freed from captivity in Iraq said Thursday they feared for their lives throughout their three-week abduction, despite receiving what they called

Freed Italian Hostage Feared Death (AP)


SAN ANTONIO --(Business Wire)-- Oct. 20, 2004 -- SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE: SBC) today announced a five-year, approximately \$1.

SBC Communications Selects Alcatel As Primary Supplier For New <b>...</b>


NEW YORK - Bernie Williams hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and the New York Yankees clinched their seventh straight AL East title, beating the Minnesota Twins 6-4 Thursday night for their 100th victory of the season.    With the crowd standing and hollering, Williams connected with one out to set off an enthusiastic celebration...

Yankees Clinch 7th Straight AL East Title


Reports of the death of the consumer economy appeared unfounded yesterday after official figures revealed a sharp rise in high street spending last month.

Surprise as August rain fails to dampen high street spending


BRUSSELS, 11/04 - The aim of the European Union (EU) to become the worlds most competitive economy by 2010 amounts to a series of  quot;missed objectives quot;, according to a high level report released on Wednesday.

EU fails on Lisbon strategy, says report


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A shell killed seven people in a busy  Baghdad street on Tuesday and U.S. forces fought pitched  battles with Shi'ite militia in the holy city of Najaf.

Baghdad Blast Kills Seven, Najaf Fighting Rages


Soon, Canada will finally get its own iTunes digital music store. The long-expected announcement came at a press conference held in California last week.

Apple also announces European version of iTunes Music Store and <b>...</b>


WASHINGTON - The number of new applications filed last week for unemployment benefits fell sharply, offering a hopeful sign that the recovery in the job market may be gaining some steam.    The Labor Department reported Thursday that the number of new people signing up for unemployment insurance benefits dropped by a seasonally adjusted 37,000 to 335,000, the lowest level since the beginning of September...

Jobless Claims Decline Sharply Last Week


Reuters - Amsterdam's Web surfers could soon be\liberated from their home computers and Internet cafes, with\plans by a start-up firm to make their city the first European\capital where laptops can hook up anywhere to the Web.

Amsterdam Start-Up to Offer WiFi Internet Citywide (Reuters)


The two companies join forces to beat out the competition. Also:  Sprint to debut services to help companies manage cell phones issued to employees   hellip;. Netflix skating on thin ice.... and more.

Tag Team: Yahoo and Adobe


Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said Tuesday that 10 Turkish workers who were released after they had been taken hostage in Iraq were now at the Turkish embassyin Baghdad.

Released Turkish workers arrive at embassy in Baghdad


The entertainment giant wraps up a successful fiscal year and sets the course for consistent growth.

Disney's Not Goofy


roundup Plus: Bladed desktop pioneer gets \$25 million...AOL kicks off free fantasy sports...HP partners with 3G gear maker.

Briefly: FaceTime pulls in \$16 million


Evidence from busy rovers suggests one-time presence of water, but system reboots almost dried up the sea of data.

Blue screens on red planet


Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. #39;s new chief executive said Tuesday the embattled firm will pay back any customers who were harmed by bid-rigging and other illegal activities uncovered by New York Attorney

Marsh  amp; McLennan will pay customers back


Though Sprung offers clever dialogue and a unique premise, the repetitive, simplistic gameplay ends the honeymoon early. Chris Kohler reviews the new game for the Nintendo DS.

Playing the Dating Game, DS-Style


Larry Brown's squad could not hold back a deep and talented Lithuanian team, losing, 94-90, to fall to 2-2 in the preliminary round at the Olympics.

Lithuania's Perimeter Shooting Leaves U.S. Outside Looking In


TORONTO (CP) - Nortel Networks released preliminary financial results Tuesday showing the technology company lost about \$250 million US in the third quarter, about half of that due to the starup costs of a major contract in India.

Nortel loses about \$250 million US in third quarter, half due to <b>...</b>


A Russian Soyuz capsule carrying a US astronaut and two cosmonauts is set to return to Earth on Sunday, landing in darkness by parachute in the barren steppe of northern Kazakhstan.

US-Russia Space Crew Set for Return to Earth


The discovery of the skeletal remains of hobbit-size humans on a remote island in Indonesia has set anthropologists atwitter. The bones appear to belong to a new and unexpected species of humans, little more

Tiny cousins


28 August 2004 -- The Russian Orthodox Church has taken possession of a religious icon that hung for years in the private chapel of Pope John Paul II.

Russian Orthodox Church Takes Possession Of Kazan Icon


AP - Stop the game and have a parade  #151; the Washington Redskins finally scored 20 points. The historic moment occurred with 41 seconds left in the first half of Sunday's rout of the New York Giants, when tight end Robert Royal went to the ground to cradle Patrick Ramsey's 9-yard pass. Royal's first career touchdown gave the Redskins a 21-0 lead on the way to a 31-7 victory.

Redskins Top Giants, Break Losing Streak (AP)


ATLANTA (Reuters) - Lowe's Cos. <LOW.N>, the No. 2 home  improvement retailer behind Home Depot Inc., on Monday reported  an 18 percent increase in second-quarter profit, but results  trailed estimates as sales weakened in June.

Lowe's Profit Rises But Trails Estimates


Marketers are about to aim at the third screen: the one on the cellphone in your pocket.

Marketing for the Third Screen


Jason Larsen is a computer hacker with a twist. His goal is not to wreak havoc, but to boost security for America's pipelines, railroads, utilities and other infrastructure.

Hackers Join Homeland Security Effort


VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran's policymakers may decide to extend  its partial freeze on uranium enrichment, a process that can  make fuel for nuclear power plants or weapons, a senior Iranian  official said on Friday.

Iran May Extend Partial Nuke Enrichment Freeze


With Kewell playing below par, the Socceroos provided vital proof they no longer rely solely on Kewell #39;s magic to get a result.

Farina talks up Kewell twist of fate


Antigua is saying that the US does not allow online gambling within its borders but that there are large numbers of American gambling organizations overseas.

WTO Rules US Must Allow Online Gambling


There were countless outings for Sidney Ponson earlier in the year when a slow start roiled into a disastrous outing. He would simply feel the game slipping from

Ponson, O #39;s Unable to Catch Up


SINGAPORE: Oil prices stayed on the boil above \$53 a barrel on Monday, bolstered by persistent anxiety over Opec member Nigeria and the nearly month-long loss of a quarter of US Gulf of Mexico production, traders said.

Oil boils above \$53 a barrel


HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's democrats fell short  Monday of expectations in legislative elections after voters  wary of alienating China's communist rulers chose the stability  offered by the Beijing camp.

Democrats Make Lackluster Gains in HK Elections


Prices are likely to drop as more outlets, including PC vendors, get into the market.

HDTV Competition Could Bring Deals


NewsFactor - First

Microsoft's Ownership of Trademark in Doubt (NewsFactor)


MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin gave his  blessing on Friday for state energy firms to bid for oil major  YUKOS' assets if bailiffs put them up for sale to recover a  huge back-tax bill.

Putin: State Firms Can Bid for YUKOS


VOIP has been hailed for years in the telecom industry as the next big thing, but problems with sound quality have prevented it from gaining widespread acceptance. Now VOIP, which has been available since the mid-1990s, is poised to fulfill its promise.

Talk Is Cheap When Using Internet Long-Distance


The Norwegian hacker famous for cracking DVD encryption reveals the public key for AirPort Express.

Hacker takes bite out of Apple's iTunes


LONDON  quot;Cloaca, quot; apparently, is the Latin word for  quot;sewer, quot; which might seem a strange image with which to launch a new theatrical regime.

Theater: An unfortunate debut for Spacey


UNITED NATIONS : A UN envoy told the Security Council that widespread war crimes likely had taken place in Sudan #39;s troubled Darfur region.

UN envoy says war crimes likely in Darfur


WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. - While relatives kept vigil at hospitals and church parishioners prayed for the dead, investigators scoured the crash site where a bus packed with gamblers overturned, killing 14 passengers...

Investigators Seek Clues in Ark. Bus Crash


Reuters - A reality show or soap opera\on your mobile phone? This is the vision of top telecoms firms\as they hope that from 2006 consumers will sign up for new\phones that can receive digital television signals.

Mobile Firms Hope Consumers Will Turn on to TV (Reuters)


AP - A Cabinet member's role in pressing lawmakers to back the Medicare prescription drug law last year prompted the House ethics committee to recommend changing a 200-year-old rule allowing the president's top appointees access to the House floor.

House Panel Moves to Limit Floor Access (AP)


Scientists have created a synthetic drug which could offer new hope in the fight against malaria. Nearly two billion people live in areas affected by malaria.

Scientists Make Malaria Drug Based on Herbal Remedy


Terrorism wasn #39;t involved in a pair of bomb blasts that rocked the pro-presidential party #39;s office in Kazakhstan #39;s commercial capital, police said Monday.

Bombing of Kazakh president #39;s office  #39;hooliganism #39; not  #39;terrorism #39; <b>...</b>


The leader of the northern rebels in Ivory Coast is traveling to South Africa to meet with President Thabo Mbeki to discuss the peace process in the world #39;s number one cocoa-producing nation.

Ivory Coast Rebel Leader Travels to South Africa


Microsoft will announce the final version of its Windows Media 10 software today when it launches Windows XP Media Center 2005. Central to the announcement is Windows Media Player 10, which integrates MS #39; latest

MS to launch final Windows Media Player 10 today


The British Government was told of an alleged plot to overthrow Equatorial Guinea #39;s government months in advance, it was reported yesterday.

Britain  #39;did not disclose warning of coup plot #39;


The EU is in danger of being relegated from the economic super-league because of its failure to match the US and Asia in growth, productivity, innovation and competitiveness, a high-level report warned political leaders yesterday on the eve of their

Europe losing growth race, says report


ELEANOR HALL: To South American now, where one of the world #39;s most notorious dictators finally looks set to face trial for murder and human rights abuse.

Pinochet under house arrest in Chile


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. regulators on Thursday said big  local phone companies will not have to share new fiber-optic  lines built for high-speed Internet and other services,  spurring one carrier to speed roll-out plans.

FCC Backs Bells on Fiber Phone Line Sharing Limits


New world number one Vijay Singh completed an impressive turnaround despite bad weather interrupting his first round at the Bell Canadian Open.

Singh makes remarkable recovery


Vijay Singh, Fijis star golfer of Indian origin, became the first golfer to go over 10 million dollars in earnings in one year after shooting a six-under-par 65 on Sunday to capture the Chrysler Championship.

Vijay Swings to \$10 m kitty


(September 11, 2004) - US Airways made a last-ditch contract offer to the union that represents its pilots Friday as the airline tries to avoid a second bankruptcy filing that may be just be days away.

Airline pleads with pilots


Danny Williams, who registered a major upset by knocking out Mike Tyson in four rounds in July, expects to pull off another one when he faces heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko.

Williams plans to follow Tyson KO with Klitschko upset


Former US President Jimmy Carter said an election that defeated an effort to recall Venezuela President Hugo Chavez was free and fair, #39; #39; according to a letter published in the Wall Street Journal.

Jimmy Carter Defends Venezuela Election Result in Letter to WSJ


RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Yasser Arafat's successors  promised a swift election to replace him on Saturday as  Palestinians flocked to his tomb to pay last respects to the  former guerrilla who symbolized their hopes of a state.

Palestinians Pledge Vote to Replace Arafat


The hostage crisis at a school in southern Russian has ended, after a daylong battle between militants and authorities that left at least 100 people dead, many of them children, and hundreds more wounded.

Siege at Russian School Over, At least 100 Dead


Computer Associates International plans to launch an upgraded version of its Unicenter management software  quot;just before the summer of 2005, quot; Ken Cron, CA #39;s interim CEO, said Tuesday.

CA Outlines Unicenter Efforts


By MATTHEW FORDAHL    SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- A newly developed lubricant could improve the performance, capacity and longevity of hard drives used widely in computers, music players, video recorders and other devices, researchers say...

New Lubricant Could Improve Hard Drive Performance


US troops took dead aim at an al Qaeda members in Iraq, launching attacks on the city of Fallujah -- while the capital coped with two more car bomb attacks.

US jets strike insurgent meetings in Fallujah


Fans around FedEx Field are beginning to wonder if Coach Joe Gibbs might yank veteran Mark Brunell, but Gibbs reiterated he has no plans to change quarterbacks.

A Blitz of Questions


A senior North Korean official has called reports that North Korea is preparing to launch a ballistic missile test  quot;only rumor and guess.

N. Korea evades missile test claim


The Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle wants permission to buy mortgage-backed securities from the financial institutions that own it.

Freddie, Fannie may get competition soon


AMD released two extremely powerful chips recently after Intel had to back down from the plan of manufacturing a 4GHz version of their Pentium 4 processor.

Intels extreme step for Gamers


Crude oil futures may fall on speculation that rising production and slowing demand growth will boost inventories, a Bloomberg survey showed.

Crude may fall as output spurs supply


Jack M. Wilson became president of the University of Massachusetts system in March, overseeing five campuses and 60,000 students. Among his goals: making UMass a driver of the state economy. He spoke with Globe staff reporter Robert Gavin about the school's role in economic development.

Revving up the state's economy with brainpower


MANCHESTER : With just a day before the transfer window closes, Everton manager David Moyes kept mum on the chances of striker Wayne Rooney signing for Manchester United.

Soccer: Moyes mum on Rooney transfer to Man Utd


Confirming Macworld UK #39;s report earlier this week, EMC has acquired Retrospect backup software publisher, Dantz Development Corp.

EMC takes Retrospect Dantz


Belmont Stakes winner Birdstone established himself as the nation's leader among 3-year-olds Saturday with a victory in the Travers Stakes.

Birdstone Proves Worth


Rafael Palmeiro homers and Rodrigo Lopez wins his third straight start, lifting the Orioles to a 9-5 victory over the Blue Jays on Thursday.

Palmeiro Keys Victory


AP - Brett Favre's mother was hospitalized Thursday with stomach pains, interrupting her book tour.

Favre's Mother Falls Ill on Book Tour (AP)


Relaxing for the announcement last night were the Boston Red Sox. And in this corner ... the New York Yankees. Thanks to bouncing back from a 5-1 deficit against the Minnesota Twins last night, the stars are aligned.

Heavyweight rivals are set to slug it out in ALCS


JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia hunted on Friday for the  people behind a car bomb attack that killed nine people outside  the Australian embassy and underlined the vulnerability of the  world's most populous Muslim nation to militant violence.

Indonesia Hunts Australian Embassy Bombers


Sony Corp. next week will launch a marketing blitz in Europe for its new Connect music download store, its latest effort to derail the

Sony Plans European Ad Blitz to Stifle iTunes


The Israeli army yesterday suspended an officer who is accused of firing up to 20 bullets into a 13-year-old Palestinian as she lay on the ground after having been shot from an army outpost.

Officer suspended over Gaza shooting


Iranian Majlis deputy and member of foreign policy and national security commission Elham Aminzadeh said Monday the forthcoming trip of Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi to Iran ushers in a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Iranian MP welcomes Allawi visit to Tehran


From Mount Florida to Moldova, five days in which Scotland #39;s World Cup fate will be spinning like a top. Five days in which wee Berti could be king, could be clown.

Now is the hour for Vogts


ISLAMABAD, Pakistan Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage says Osama bin Laden will be caught  quot;sooner or later. quot;. Armitage is in Pakistan -- a key ally in the US-led war on terror.

Armitage: Osama will be caught


If there were such a thing as a third-place play-off in Grand Slam tennis, you can rest assured that the American television networks would have opted to screen it yesterday evening

One nation finals are a big yawn


In response to the growing threat that phishing poses to e-mail users, SurfControl plans to upgrade its e-mail filter to catch these attacks, and flag more spam and other abuses.

SurfControl fights phishing scams


KHARTOUM, Sudan (Reuters) - African Union (AU) monitors of  a shaky cease-fire in Sudan's remote Darfur region should have  an expanded mandate but stop short of peacekeeping, a United  Nations official in Sudan said Wednesday.

U.N. Wants Stronger Mandate for AU Monitors in Darfur


AP - Fifteen people were killed when a fire broke out in a furniture factory warehouse in the Moscow region, the Interfax news agency reported Saturday.

15 Killed Russia Warehouse Fire (AP)


The mortgage giant said today that prosecutors had asked the company to preserve documents as part of an investigation into Fannie Mae's accounting practices.

Fannie Mae Discloses Document Request


This view from Cassini #39;s second close flyby of Titan on Dec. 13, 2004 shows bright material within the large dark region west of Xanadu.

NASA Cassini Image: Titan #39;s Dark Terrain


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Treasuries prices were swept lower for  a second straight session on Friday as selling from different  pockets of the market overshadowed a moderate set of U.S.  inflation numbers.

Treasuries Hit by Selling for 2nd Day


TOKYO (AFP) - An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale rocked the northern Japan island of Hokkaido, said the Kyodo news agency.

Powerful quake rocks northern Japan, sparks tsunami warning


Holiday slowdowns and crashes at Kmart.com, Amazon.com and others highlight the Web's persistent growing pains.

Some Online Sites Falter During the Holiday Rush


MOJAVE, Calif. - A stout, star-spangled rocket plane broke through the Earth's atmosphere to the edge of space Monday for the second time in five days, capturing a \$10 million prize aimed at opening the final frontier to tourists...

Rocket Wins \$10M Prize for Trip to Space


DreamWorks SKG co-founder David Geffen laughs when asked what it #39;s like to invest with Edward Lampert, the hedge fund manager and Kmart chairman who startled the

Lampert #39;s potent force in investing branches into retailing


This is not original reporting. All facts have been gathered from ESPN, the Associated Press, Fox Sports Net, The Indianapolis Star, and The Washington Post.

Pacers players, fans charged in Detroit NBA fight


Flashy as ever, Richard Virenque has climbed off his bike on the stage of the most famous music hall in Paris to bring the curtain down on his 14-year career.

Virenque climbs into spotlight one last time


AP - Visiting Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao promised support Friday for Moscow's bid for World Trade Organization membership, as the two countries discussed building a pipeline to transport Russian crude to China.

Jiabao Vows to Support Russia for WTO (AP)


NEW YORK, October 12 (newratings.com) - The global pharmaceutical giant, Merck  amp; Company (MRK.NYS) plans to appoint a new CEO by the end of next year.

Merck begins search for new CEO


London - An unexplained radio signal from deep space could just be contact from an alien civilisation. New Scientist magazine reported the signal on Thursday, revealing that it comes from a point between the Pisces and Aries constellations.

There may be alien life out there after all


Manchester Uniteds Phil Neville is determined to tough it out at Old Trafford and win back a regular place in the team. The 27-year-old made only his fifth start of the season when he captained the side

I #39;m going nowhere - Neville


(CBS/AP) US forces backed by helicopter gunships killed 22 insurgents, including several Arabs, in southern Afghanistan, the US military said Monday.

GIs Kill 22 In Afghan Gun Battle


AP - 1904  #151; Jesse Tannehill of the Boston Red Sox pitched a no-hitter, beating the Chicago White Sox 6-0.

This Date in Baseball - Aug. 17 (AP)


(Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins try to get back on the winning track when they conclude their three-game set with the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

Minnesota Twins Team Report - September 30


Sun Microsystems launched the much-anticipated new version of its Solaris operating system this week, and announced an overhauled pricing model designed to compete with Linux.

Sun launches Solaris 10


By now, most people have at least heard of the AMT, but those who still think of it as what it was intended to be -- a special tax to make sure rich people pay at least something to the government -- are badly out of date.

Time for Alternative Minimum Tactics


NEW YORK (Reuters) - As Florida attempts to recover from an estimated \$15 billion in damages left by Hurricane Charley, tax-exempt debt issuance from the state is likely to increase so Florida can replenish its Hurricane Catastrophe ...

Muni Manager Sees More Florida Bonds Ahead


GLENN HODDLES Spanish break has forced West Brom to put on hold their search for a manager. The Baggies want to discover whether first-choice Hoddle is interested in replacing sacked Gary Megson.

In the lap of the Hodds


Following are some of the notable technology-related events scheduled for the week of Aug. 15. Apple Computer fans are dishing the scuttlebutt this week.

Week ahead: Apple #39;s Paris buzz


SAN FRANCISCO - Barry Bonds praised his teammates for their clutch play while he's been busy walking all season, then watched them go out and do most of the work Tuesday night.    Pedro Feliz matched his career high with four RBIs, and Brett Tomko won his sixth straight decision in the San Francisco Giants' 9-2 victory over the Houston Astros...

Giants Clobber Astros 9-2


Given recent furor regarding clinical trials of pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) has unveiled a Web site that will post clinical trial results, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Eli Lilly Bares All


BAYERN Munich moved to within one point of the summit of the German league Bundesliga with a 2-0 win over leaders Wolfsburg. Claudio Pizarro opened his account for the season with a brace on 24 and 45 minutes

Hungry Bayern now second


LONDON -- Eight men charged with conspiracy to murder in a trans-Atlantic terror plot made their first court appearance yesterday in a case that has added to the fierce debate over Britain's terrorism laws and heightened fears in the country's Islamic community of an anti-Muslim backlash.

8 British terror suspects brought to court


OCTOBER 04, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - The turmoil surrounding PeopleSoft Inc. and the uncertainty about its future both increased another notch on Friday after the software vendor announced that its board had

PeopleSoft Ousts Conway From CEO Job


Scott Woodward may be the best quarterback you've never heard of. The senior signal-caller for Mahar Regional has put up huge numbers over the past two years, but none were more impressive or important than the ones he had yesterday.

Woodward leads Mahar


AFP - Amid fears of a possible terrorist attack, US authorities are tightening security for Tuesday's presidential election while taking pains not to discourage voters from turning out at the polls.

Terrorism joins weather disruptions as election planning issue (AFP)


the first person to circumnavigate the globe solo in a balloon -- will begin his attempt at the first solo, nonstop flight around the world without refueling from an airport in Salina.

Adventurer to launch solo flight from Kansas


LONDON, England -- Pakistan beat Kenya by seven wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy Pool C match at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Wednesday.

Pakistan set up India ICC showdown


Intel has stopped development of a display chip for large-screen television sets. The cancellation is yet another product setback this year for the world #39;s largest chipmaker, which has struggled with several product delays.

Intel Calls Off Development of TV Chip


The Indian cricket team and cricket fans are anxiously awaiting the ICC Awards ceremony to be held at London #39;s Alexandra Palace on Tuesday.

ICC Awards ceremony to be held in London tonight


Software company Netline claims its decision to open source the latest version of its email server platform has reduced the development time for the new release by a factor of 10.

Open-source community cuts Netline #39;s development time


SUN CITY, South Africa -- South Africa #39;s Retief Goosen claimed his first Sun City Golf Challenge title Sunday at the Gary Player Country Club.

US Open champ tops Els, Appleby by 6


COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sports Network) - Troy Smith threw for 241  yards and two touchdowns and ran for 145 yards and a score to  lead the Ohio State Buckeyes to a 37-21 victory over No. 7  Michigan in the final game of the regular season for both  teams.

Ohio State Surprises No. 7 Michigan


The US trade deficit narrowed more than expected in July, but still was the second highest on record at \$50.1 billion even though imports dropped for the first time in 10 months and exports leapt higher, the US government said on

Trade Gap Narrows But Still 2nd Highest


ROYAL OAK, Mich. The Detroit Zoo is considering what to do with two elderly elephants after its efforts to move the elephants to a sanctuary were rebuffed.

Detroit zoo considers options for two elderly elephants


The use of robots around the home to mow lawns, vacuum floors, pull guard duty and perform other chores is set to surge sevenfold by 2007, says a new UN survey, which credits dropping prices for the robot boom.

UN report: Domestic robot use growing


washingtonpost.com - The Portable Media Center -- a new, Microsoft-conceived handheld device that presents video and photos as well as music -- would be a decent idea if there weren't such a thing as lampposts. Or street signs. Or trees. Or other cars.

Pointlessly, Imperfectly Portable (washingtonpost.com)


Oracle Corp (ORCL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) is likely to win clearance from the European Commission for its hostile takeover of rival software firm PeopleSoft Inc.

EU Likely to Clear Oracle Deal-Source


GENEVA - The World Trade Organization approved strong sanctions Friday against the United States for legislation that allows US companies to receive some duties collected from foreign competitors.

US anti-dumping law draws WTO sanctions


Every few months, an Israeli official creates a public-relations nightmare for government spokesmen by simply pointing out the obvious.

The semantics of Israeli occupation


The charges of accounting improprieties at AOL date back to 2000. Some analysts had been expecting Time Warner to pay \$500 million to \$600 million to settle all of its criminal and civil charges with the Justice

Time Warner To Pay \$210 Million To Settle AOL Charges


UNITED NATIONS, (AFP) - The United Nations turns 60 in 2005 after a bruising year that has seen the organisation battered and demoralised by a string of scandals that have damaged the UN #39;s image.

UN heads towards 60th year with big plans, big problems


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices edged below \$49 a barrel  on Wednesday as traders looked ahead to an expected build in  weekly U.S. inventory data that would help bolster the thin  supply cushion ahead of peak northern winter demand.

Oil Prices Edge Below \$49 a Barrel


LOS ANGELES - The first time Southern California drilled Notre Dame by 31 points two years ago, it was a fluke. The second time was a coincidence.

Trojans #39; 31-point victory no fluke


Microsoft have let the public use a beta of their tool for some months while testing continues. The last few days have seen a new release of the beta which seems to be getting closer to bringing back consistently sensible results.

Microsoft release new search engine preview


EUGENE, Ore. -- Matt LoVecchio threw for a touchdown and BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for 91 yards and another score to lead Indiana to a 30-24 upset of No. 24 Oregon last night.

Hoosiers pull off the upset


WASHINGTON - President Bush attended a prayer service and paid silent tribute at the White House in ceremonies Saturday marking the third anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks...

Bush Marks Patriot Day With Silent Honor


For all their troubles, the Olympic Games remain the greatest unifying force in the world. Every four years, they draw a diverse international audience, bridging cultural gaps, transcending ethnic divisions, and uniting us all in a single, harmonious ...

Unobstructed Views: Olympic-sized fools


It posted a free beta version, and said the new edition would be priced at the same level as the 32-bit edition.

Microsoft Previews 64-Bit XP, Promises No Price Hikes


PARIS, Sept 29 (AFP) - Paris on Wednesday remained tight-lipped about the fate of two French journalists abducted over a month ago in Iraq following the release of up to 10 hostages there, including two Italian female aid workers.

French negotiator claims hostage releases close


More than 15 million homes in the UK will be able to get on-demand movies by 2008, say analysts.

UK viewers taking control of TV


Israel on Tuesday warmly welcomed the naming of Condoleezza Rice as America #39;s top diplomat, but Palestinians were wary, saying the new Bush administration must put more energy into the quest for Middle East peace.

Israel welcomes Rice nomination; Palestinians wary


The Financial Times reported yesterday that Microsoft paid the Computer and Communications Industry Association \$19.75 million earlier this month to settle an antitrust suit, and that the association #39;s top official received \$9.75 million of that amount.

Microsoft paid CCIA \$19.75 million to settle


Striker Robbie Keane set an all-time scoring record of 23 for Ireland with both goals in a 2-0 victory over the Faroe Islands on Wednesday.

UPDATE 2-Keane sets all-time Ireland scoring record


Explosions and gunfire shook Najaf #39;s Old City on Sunday in a fierce battle between US forces and Shiite militants, as negotiations dragged on for the handover

Renewed battles erupt in Najaf


Gold medals at these Olympics will be more evenly distributed than at any since 1952.

At these Games, the big sports powers see less gold


NEW YORK (Reuters) - All-star defenseman Chris Chelios, a  two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Detroit Red Wings, will  train with the U.S. bobsled federation next week in a bid to  compete for Greece at 2006 Turin Olympics.

NHL All-Star Shoots for Place on Greek Bobsled Team


MADRID: Atletico Madrid is close to signing Denmark #39;s Jesper Gronkjaer (pic) from Birmingham City, the Spanish club #39;s president said on Wednesday.

Birminghams Gronkjaer going to Spain


SED TVs, coming next year, will offer bright, CRT-like pictures in a thin package.

Toshiba Eyes Alternative Flat TV Technology


OTTAWA (Reuters) - Analysts will wade through the flood of  revisions to financial data that Nortel Networks Corp. <A HREF=

Nortel Restatement Seen Next Week


Although Americans vacationing in Europe may be howling over higher prices in hotels and restaurants, the adverse impact of the rapidly declining US dollar has fallen mainly on foreigners, at least so far.

Trying to Catch a Falling Currency


WASHINGTON -- The corporate oversight board created amid the accounting scandals is encouraging people to come forward with information by making it easier for company employees and others to report tips and complaints.

Group encourages whistleblowing


CRN India: Red Hat aims to more deeply penetrate the enterprise by launching its first Linux distribution based on the Linux 2.6 kernel.

Red Hat Preps Enterprise Linux 4


AP - NASA has extended the mission of the Mars Odyssey orbiter which has been studying and mapping the Red Planet since early 2002 as well as serving as a relay for data from the surface rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

NASA Extends Mars Odyssey Orbiter Mission (AP)


AP - No. 1 Southern California and No. 2 Oklahoma have been the top two teams in The Associated Press Top 25 since the preseason, a nine-poll run that is the longest to start a season in nine years.

Little Movement in AP Football Poll (AP)


Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, suffering from a serious but mystery illness, was flown to France and rushed to a military hospital for treatment Friday - ending

Ailing Arafat Rushed to Paris Hospital


The European Commission gives US software giant Oracle the green light for its takeover of US rival Peoplesoft.

EU go-ahead for Oracle takeover


WHILE the Mighty Vole drags its small paws over operating systems, it #39;s been far faster off the mark to release another version of its Office Live Communications Server.

Vole releases Instant Messaging Server


AFP - Britain's budget deficit ballooned last month, when the public sector net cash requirement (PSNCR) rose to 10.8 billion pounds (15.5 billion euros, 19.5 billion dollars), the biggest September shortfall on record, official figures showed.

British public sector deficit swells to record for September (AFP)


AP - San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Lloyd was inactive for Sunday's game at Seattle because of a strained groin.

Niners' Lloyd Inactive for Seahawks Game (AP)


Former Nebraska coach Frank Solich was introduced as Ohio's new football coach Thursday, returning to the state where he grew up and promising to rebuild a program that has gone 11-35 over the past four seasons.

Solich to Coach Ohio


Signaling a possible wider slowdown in the semiconductor industry, Royal Philips Electronics on Friday became the latest company to say that its chip sales had begun to stall, at least temporarily.

As With Other Chip Makers, Sales Begin to Stall at Philips,


WASHINGTON - Democrats on Sunday said President Bush's post-convention bounce was triggered by

Democrats Claim Bush's Bounce Will Fade


Sony Corp. and several financial partners have agreed in principle to acquire movie studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for about \$2.94 billion in cash, sources familiar with the talks said Monday.

Sony and Partners Agree To Acquire MGM


Throughout last week, the name of Yasser Arafat dominated the news of the world. Arafat was the 75-year-old Palestinian leader who had ruled 40 years.

Mr Palestine is dead


LONDON - People hacked off with spammers who clog up their inbox with junk email can now get revenge in a new campaign by Lycos, urging the world to  #39;Make Love, Not Spam #39;.

Lycos #39; Make Love Not Spam gives chance for revenge


NEW YORK (Reuters) - As if Intel's profit bomb didn't put  enough of a damper on the summer-ending long weekend, investors  returning next week after Labor Day will be wary of a market  offering as much pitfall as promise.

Tech, Oil and Frances to Rule Markets


China banned a Nike television commercial showing LeBron James battling a cartoon kung fu master, saying the ad insults national dignity.

China Bans Nike Ad


The anti virus software will be available when subscribers download a new version of AOL #39;s client software, AOL 9.0 Security Edition, in November.

Free security SW to members: AOL


\\From CNN  (which didn't permalink this article so no PageRank for you!):\\

Cat Clones


LOS ANGELES - Jose Lima willed the Los Angeles Dodgers to their first postseason win in more than 15 years. Lima pitched eight shut out innings in a 4-0 win against the St.

Lima pitches Dodgers past Cardinals


Administrators at bankrupt Italian food group Parmalat have filed a lawsuit against Bank of America, reportedly claiming \$10bn (5.

Parmalat to sue Bank of America


Computer giant Hewlett-Packard wants to make it easier to sell to small and medium-size companies.

HP thinks big about small businesses


We #39;ve uncovered some additional info on the upcoming Electronic Arts #39; title. Looks like this won #39;t be another Catwoman.

More Details: Batman Begins


By Jamie Lyons, Political Correspondent, and Kim Pilling, PA News. British troops from the Black Watch stopped overnight in Nasiriyah after they moved through desert towards Iraqs triangle of death.

Black Watch Begins Its Long Trek North


The US Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday charged brokerage firm Raymond James Financial Inc. (RJF.N: Quote, Profile, Research) with fraud over the misconduct of a former broker in 1999 and 2000.

SEC Charges Brokerage Raymond James


Mark Opzoomer, former head of Yahoo Europe, will be the new CEO of Blinkx, a San Francisco company whose search engines scout the Net and the desktop alike.

Yahoo executive to head up Blinkz


Yesterday, Olympic gold medal cyclist Tyler Hamilton of Marblehead said he will clear his name at a January hearing in Colorado, and asked critics and supporters for patience over his positive test for blood doping last month. Hamilton faces a potential two-year ban from cycling after tests taken at the Spanish Vuelta race indicated he had received a blood transfusion ...

Hamilton says hearing will clear him


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Continental Airlines Inc.  <A HREF=

Continental Air to Cut 425 Jobs


BAGHDAD, Sept 17 (AFP) - A month after their capture in Iraq and in spite of relentless diplomatic networking by Paris, the fate of French reporters Georges Malbrunot and Christian Chesnot appears more uncertain than ever.

French hostages fate hangs by a thread one month on


Online credit card processor Authorize.net on Wednesday acknowledged that large-scale data attacks have disrupted credit card processing for its Internet merchants over the last week.

Attacks disrupt some credit card transactions


Apple has been showing off in Paris what we can expect from the company in the coming months.

Paris showcase for Apple's vision


Reuters - The U.S.-Russian space\crew due to blast off Thursday say they expect six

Fresh ISS Crew Sees 'Pleasant' Trip Despite Glitch (Reuters)


KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysian prosecutors have said they will not appeal Anwar Ibrahim #39;s acquittal by the Federal Court on Thursday.

Malaysian PM Abdullah says he is prepared to meet freed Anwar


Megan Blanck-Weiss of the Washington Public Interest Research Group demonstrates in Seattle on Tuesday how the yo-yo water ball toy - a water-filled ball on an elastic-like cord

Toy safety warnings issued for holiday shoppers


Pressure is growing on more nations to implement the Council of Europe's anti-cybercrime treaty.

Cybercrime summit urges international cooperation


Talks between the US and European Union to rework the terms of government aid to aircraft makers should include Brazil, Canada and Japan, said Philippe Camus, co- chief executive of European Aeronautic, Defense  amp; Space Co.

Japan Should Be Part of Aircraft Talks, EADS Says (Update1)


One of New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer #39;s investigators was perusing a stack of subpoenaed documents in a Manhattan office last month when he let out a yelp, slammed down his coffee and sprinted down the corridor.

In Spitzer #39;s office, hours of drudgery, moments of  #39;gotcha! #39;


SEOUL : South Korea #39;s Samsung Electronics Friday posted weaker-than-expected results for the third quarter as low product prices, coupled with higher promotion costs, undermined its bottom line.

Samsung Electronics posts weaker-than-expected Q3 net profits


When Peja Stojakovic requested a trade from the Sacramento Kings over the summer, the Bulls #39; organization was one in which he expressed an interest.

More woes out West for Bulls


quot;There will be a South African Grand Prix hosted by Cape Town within five years, quot; Ecclestone told South African newspaper Die Burger.

Ecclestone: South Africa will host a race


US retail sales dipped in August and the most comprehensive gauge of the US international trade gap widened to a record in the second quarter, government reports released on Tuesday showed.

Retail Sales Down; Trade Gap Larger


Intelligence officials fear that for a new generation of disaffected European Muslims, Iraq has become a new holy war.

Officials Fear Iraq's Lure for Muslims in Europe


Oil prices bounced back on Friday, ending this week #39;s 8 per cent slide on renewed winter supply fears and jitters ahead of next week #39;s US presidential election.

Oil: Oil rebounds on supply woes, election jitters


Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., a provider of software maintenance services, said Tuesday that third-quarter profit rose 63 percent as sales jumped 58 percent.

Cognizant 3Q Profit Jumps 63 Percent


TWO bombs exploded today in two coastal towns in northwestern Spain, after a tip-off by a caller claiming to represent the Basque separatist organisation ETA, an Interior Ministry spokesman said.

Two bombs explode in Spain


OPEC ministers said Thursday that they were considering curbing output and taking some oil off the market to prevent a price slump.

As Prices Drop, OPEC Warms to Output Cuts


BAGHDAD -- At Sheik Omar Clinic, a big book records 10,363 violent deaths in Baghdad and nearby towns since the war began last year -- deaths caused by car bombs, clashes between Iraqis and coalition forces, mortar attacks, revenge killings, and robberies.

Baghdad area deaths said to top 10,000


Trainer Kenny Cox triumphantly returns to the Pimlico track with a new stud and a well-monied owner to win the \$50,000 Sonny Hine Stakes on Saturday.

Cox Shines at  Pimlico


SUZUKA, Japan It #39;s an ill typhoon that does no one any good. After the sellout crowd of 160,000 had been cheated of all of the action the previous day when qualifying was canceled, the capacity crowd at Suzuka

Formula One: Schumacher blows away foes


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive  Michael Eisner said company President Robert Iger is his

Disney's Eisner Sees Iger as Successor


FOXBORO, United States : The New England Patriotshave have extended their National Football League winning streak to 20 games with a 30-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

American Football: Patriots extend NFL winning streak to 20 games


Reuters - It is an old trick -- and one that has\been used by Congolese musicians and soccer players in the past\-- but it still angered many back home.

Congo Struggles to Create Single Army (Reuters)


European commercial bank WestLB turns to Hewlett-Packard to manage its worldwide tech services.

HP bags \$500 million outsourcing deal


NEW YORK -- A federal judge Tuesday delayed the trial of former WorldCom chief Bernard Ebbers until Jan. 17. The trial had been set to start Nov. 9. US District Court Judge Barbara Jones also denied Ebbers

Start of Ebbers trial delayed


AP - Pierre Pierce scored 19 points and No. 23 Iowa continued to dominate in its own tournament, rolling to an 88-53 victory over winless Centenary on Friday night in the first round of the Hawkeye Challenge.

No. 23 Iowa Crushes Centenary 88-53 (AP)


Great Britain #39;s three-day eventing team have joined forces with France and the USA to challenge the gold medal claims of Germany and Bettina Hoy.

Brits to Challenge Hoy Gold


COLIN Montgomerie believes the strength in depth of the European Ryder Cup team will give captain Bernhard Langer more flexibility than any of his predecessors when the 2004 match begins next week.

Europeans have plenty pedigree, insists Monty


An exciting Thanksgiving Day game between St. John's Prep and Xaverian is something that never changes.

St. John's holds off Xaverian


LONDON, October 6 (newratings.com) - AstraZeneca (AZN.ISE) has delayed the regulatory approval filing target for its diabetes drug, Galida, from 2006 to 2007, while admitting that its anti-blood clotting drug, Exanta, was unlikely to receive the US

AstraZeneca delays Galida filing to 2007


Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - With the price of crude oil continuing its summertime climb to hit a record high of  #36;50 US per barrel this week, Canadian consumers are feeling the pinch at the gas pumps and gearing up for a winter of high heating oil costs.

Drivers, those who heat with oil, to feel the most pain from crude oil hike (Canadian Press)


Ziff Davis - At half the price of its high-end system, the new ftServer W Series 2300 system offers users an alternative to clusters.

Stratus Unveils Low-End Fault-Tolerant Server (Ziff Davis)


US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage says in Kabul there should be no talks with kidnappers of three UN workers.

US envoy opposes kidnapper talks


Shane Warne ran through the Indian tail as the hosts were dismissed for 376 with a lead of 141 runs in the first innings of the second Test in Chennai on Saturday.

Kaif, Patel put India on top


The earnings information the company offers ranges as wide as its product line.

Fastenal Quick to Please Investors


Uganda says its army has killed at least 25 fighters from the Lord #39;s Resistance Army (LRA) in an operation to capture rebel leader Joseph Kony.

Ugandan forces  #39;kill 25 rebels #39;


Fab Labs -- facilities built by MIT researchers to provide technology to make just about anything -- are springing up worldwide. At the newest one, in Ghana, newcomers were most enthused by the ability to make pink plastic key chains. By Michelle Delio.

Ghana Gets a Fab Lab


WASHINGTON - Concern about national security is dominating public attention in the final months of the presidential campaign because of continuing fears of terrorism and unhappiness about the war in Iraq, according to a poll released Wednesday.

Poll: Voters Eyeing National Security


Australia has retained its place in the Davis Cup world group after outlasting a dogged Moroccan team in today #39;s doubles rubber at Perth #39;s Royal Kings Park.

Australia makes it 3-0 with doubles win


A device that can record and play back video to and from videotapes (video cassettes). A trademark and industry standard for the tape format used in VCRs.

VHS Format Dies at 26


Top seed Roger Federer beat Albert Costa in their first-round match at the US Open, and two-time champion Andre Agassi beat Robby Ginepri as the final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year got under way.

Top Seed Federer, Andre Agassi Advance at US Open (Update5)


An Italian aid organization in Iraq says two Italian women working for the group have been kidnapped. Witnesses say gunmen stormed the central Baghdad offices of the Italian organization, Bridge to Baghdad

2 Italian Women Kidnapped in Iraq


Bank of America Corp. (BAC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said it would increase the number of jobs it will cut by 36 percent to 17,000 after its acquisition of FleetBoston Financial as it simplifies operations.

Bank of America to Cut 4,500 More Jobs


Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren confirmed rumors on Monday, trading for the disgruntled Jerry Rice from the Oakland Raiders.

Seattle Acquires Rice


AFP - Police have rounded up more than 300 people from a squatter area in southern Beijing where petitioners from all over China have been staying as a key Communist Party meeting convened for a third day Saturday, witnesses say.

Chinese police round up petitioners as party meeting enters third day (AFP)


A proposed standard to enable integration, automation and better management of data center components this week will begin development under the direction of a new standards body - the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards.
ADVERTISEMENT

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Data Center Markup Language finds home in OASIS


com. But Moore, the reigning NCAA Division I champion from UNLV, roared back over the last four holes to overtake List and win the championship 2-up.

Lists run stopped in final


Even as Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected any dialogue with Chechen separatists, blamed for at least 335 deaths in the school hostage siege, hundreds of thousands joined rallies against terrorism.

Hundreds rally against terrorism


AP - Mammoth Cave National Park and Western Kentucky University have opened a facility that is designed to give students a hands-on learning environment in the longest known cave system in the world.

Ky. Park, Univ. Open Cave Learning Center (AP)


Jay Fiedler has a cracked rib and A.J. Feeley has a concussion. So the Miami Dolphins may have to turn to third-string quarterback Sage Rosenfels when they play the Buffalo Bills this weekend in a matchup of the NFL's last two winless teams.

Dolphins May Turn to Third-String QB


Nineteen California pharmacies filed a lawsuit in state court yesterday accusing the world #39;s largest pharmaceutical companies of conspiring to inflate US drug prices.

Pharmacies claim conspiracy on prices


NEW YORK - Tenet Healthcare Corp. said Tuesday its loss narrowed in the third quarter, as the operator of acute-care hospitals significantly reduced its loss from continuing operations.

Tenet Healthcare #39;s Loss Narrows in 3Q


AP - Congressional leaders on Sunday would not guarantee passage of an overhaul of the nation's intelligence agencies by the November election but pledged to try to make it happen.

Congress Works to Pass Intelligence Bills (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Tuesday as an  expected increase in U.S. heating fuel supplies eased concerns  over an inventory crunch should this winter's weather prove  colder than normal.

Oil Prices Slip, Winter Supplies Seen Up


Workers at Ford #39;s main Jaguar assembly plant have agreed to take a ballot on possible strike action over job cuts at the hard-pressed carmaker.

Jaguar workers plan strike over job cuts


ACCRA, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The governing party in Ghana  widened its majority in parliament at elections last week which  also gave President John Kufuor a second and final four-year  mandate in the world's number two cocoa grower.

Kufuor's Party Strengthens Majority in Ghana


The Cassini spacecraft #39;s close flyby of Saturn #39;s mysterious moon Titan this week revealed clouds that will give clues to its weather, but the pass left scientists still puzzled about its surface.

Cassini Craft Spies Saturn Moon Dione


AP - Fresno's airport is the first in the nation to use a Web-based wireless system that relies on radar  #151; not the carriers  #151; for the flight information displayed in its terminals, airport officials said.

Airport Uses Web-Based Flight Info System (AP)


TOKYO (Reuters) - The utilization rate of the world's chip  factories fell in July-September from the previous quarter, the  first decline in almost two years and the latest evidence of a  slowdown in the semiconductor sector.

Global Chip Plant Use Falls as Slowdown Seen


The United States will not change their policy towards Europe, whatever the final results of the President elections, the US ambassador to EU Rockwell A. Schnabel said Wednesday.

Europe Sends Transatlantic Messages


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- DreamWorks Animation traded about 30 percent above its increased offering price as the creator of the hugely successful  quot;Shrek quot; movies drew a warm reception on Wall Street on Thursday.

GMH Communities, ELong, Build-A-Bear also debut


ISRAELI Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz today ordered a closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the upcoming Jewish holidays, a ministry spokeswoman said.

Israel to shut Gaza, West Bank


The split between the Reds and Barry Larkin left the club with two very big holes to fill. The obvious one is at shortstop. The less obvious one is in the clubhouse - where he was the undisputed

Larkin leaving big shoes to fill


The Arab TV network Al-Jazeera is showing footage of six Iraqis, two Lebanese and two Indonesian women. The Islamic Army in Iraq is claiming responsibility.

Arab network says ten new hostages seized in Iraq


Reuters - International Business Machines Corp.\is reaping the rewards of a decade-long push into China's\business computer industry and is eyeing upward of a 50-percent\market share, its country head said.

IBM Covets Half of China Business Computer Market (Reuters)


Australian skipper Ricky Ponting slammed the crumbling track on which his team crashed to a 13-run defeat yesterday after being bundled out for 93 runs in their second innings of the fourth and final Test match against India.

Ponting slams crumbling pitch, India #39;s Dravid finds track <b>...</b>


There are probably turkeys with a shrewder idea about the meaning of Christmas than there are ex-professional soccer players who truly know their game.

Soccer: The season to forget teams and reward stars


Jennifer Capriati can't ever remember cramping in the middle of a tennis match. She can recall being so nervous during a warmup that she thought her feet would stick to the court, but never needing medical assistance to quell that sinking physical feeling.

Open is nerve center


LONDON, Dec 4 (SW) - While Chelsea crushed Newcastle United to maintain their first position, Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United made no mistakes, leaving the top four in England unchanced.

England: Chelsea shock Newcastle, French forces inspire Arsenal


Birder Mathew Tekulsky describes the bathing habits of birds, explaining the dependence of birds on water.

Birding Column: Backyard Bathing Beauties


A Palestinian bomb attack caused 10 casualties at an Israeli army post along the Gaza Strip-Egypt border on Sunday, military sources said.

Ten Israeli Casualties in Gaza -Military Sources


AP - Fresh from re-election, President Bush is dusting off an ambitious proposal to overhaul Social Security, a controversial idea that had been shelved because of politics and the administration's focus on tax cuts and terrorism.

Bush Moves to Privatize Social Security (AP)


Diversified manufacturer Honeywell International Inc. (HON.N: Quote, Profile, Research) posted a rise in quarterly profit as strong demand for aerospace equipment and automobile components

Strong Demand Pushes Honeywell Profit


Pakistan says 11 alleged militants have been arrested since security forces killed leading al-Qaeda suspect Amjad Farooqi on Sunday.

Pakistan holds al-Qaeda suspects


AP - Suspended Virginia Tech tailback Mike Imoh on Wednesday accepted the same agreement as quarterback Marcus Vick and pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge stemming from a night of drinking with underage girls.

Suspended Hokies Tailback Enters Plea (AP)


Talks on buying the portion of the Australia-based subsidiary that it did not already own fell apart over price, says France-based AXA SA.

AXA Drops Bid for Australian Subsidiary


London - Andy O #39;Brien #39;s own goal cancelled out Craig Bellamy #39;s first half strike as Newcastle was held 1-1 by Charlton on Sunday and failed to capture fourth spot in the Premier League.

Shearer stars at both ends


Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian leader now in jail, has been entered in next month #39;s presidential election to succeed the late Yasser Arafat.

Barghouti enters election race


At least two Iraqis were killed in clashes today between US troops and insurgents in the restive city of Ramadi, as a militant group claimed it had executed 11 members of the Iraqi National Guard.

Clashes in Ramadi as militant group executes 11 Iraqi guards


Burning of the Amazon and other forests accounts for three quarters of Brazil #39;s greenhouse gas emissions and has made the country one of the world #39;s leading polluters

Amazon Burning Makes Brazil a Leading Polluter


Defining the word unsurprising, PeopleSoft #39;s board of directors unanimously rejected Oracle #39;s  quot;best and final quot; \$24 per share offer for the company.

PeopleSoft board rejects Oracle #39;s best and last offer


The Boston Red Sox have won the American League Championship Series and are heading to the World Series for the first time since 1986.

Red Sox heading to the World Series


The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service says it will investigate the circumstances surrounding a crocodile attack in the state #39;s far north.

Croc attack to be investigated


It was a tragic sight. Jonah Lomu, once the man who struck fear into rugby defenders, shuffling to the stage with the aid of his wife.

Lomu coming back to full health


NEW YORK -- Risk consultant Kroll Inc. on Sunday named a new chief executive to replace Michael G. Cherkasky, the new head of Marsh Inc.

Risk consultant Kroll names new CEO


The American Zoo and Aquarium Association on Thursday denied Detroit Zoo director Ron Kagan #39;s final appeal to send the two aging, arthritic elephants to one of two US sanctuaries where they could roam hundreds of acres.

Zoo nixes request to send aging elephants to sanctuary


Iowa City, Ia. - President Bush #39;s lead in the University of Iowa-run Iowa Electronic Markets has shrunk in the past week with Democratic challenger Sen. John Kerry making a comeback among online investors, according to markets data on Friday.

President sees lead shrink on U of I Electronic Markets


IDF Fall '04 Intel needs attitude adjustment

The Solaris on Itanium discussion stalls again


Military planes will drop an estimated one hundred million paper origami cranes on the country #39;s Muslim south. The  quot;peace bombing quot; of the paper birds has been scheduled to coincide with the

Thais plan origami  #39;peace bombs #39;


WOBURN, England (Reuters) - Zane Scotland won a race  against time to avoid disqualification from The Heritage on  Thursday after going to the wrong tee to start his round.

Scotland Gets to Tee-Off Just in Time


AP - HEALTH STATUS: Yasser Arafat is in a coma and his condition worsened overnight. Hospital spokesman Gen. Christian Estripeau did not issue a prognosis but suggested the chances of a recovery were poor.

Summary: Yasser Arafat in a Coma (AP)


Australia reached 87-1 after dismissing India for 185 to lead by 300 runs at tea on day three of the third cricket Test at Nagpur, edging the top-ranked team closer to a first series win in India in 35 years.

Australia Leads by 300 in Test After Dismissing India for 185


South African gold analyst for Tlotlisa Securities Nick Goodwin on Friday recommended to his clients, that are Gold Fields (GFI) shareholders, that based on various metrics that compare Harmony #39;s

Gold Fields shareholders  #39;must reject #39; bid


NEWS International is to move printing operations from Wapping to Liverpool and Glasgow as part of plans to invest more than 600 million in new plants.

End of printing at Wapping


REDFORD, Mich. -- Representatives for about 1,300 United Auto Workers members at DaimlerChrysler AG #39;s Detroit Diesel engine manufacturing plant reached a tentative agreement Wednesday, one day after going

Mich. plant workers reach tentative deal


NASA is preparing to eliminate 100 contractor processing jobs at Kennedy Space Center starting Dec. 1 under a 2005 operating plan approved by the shuttle program #39;s manager last week.

NASA to cut 100 shuttle-related positions


Evans led a team that developed a new class of mainframe computers that allowed different applications to be run simultaneously.

Bob Evans, IBM mainframe pioneer, dies at 77


When will Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson ever bury the hatchet? Looks like never as the bitter tit-for-tat goes unabated. By Jeffrey Low.

STAR WARS II


Male chimpanzees have evolved huge testicles and sperm counts for their body size. Among gorillas, females mate only with a dominant male, and accordingly, gorillas #39; testicles are tiny.

Women Not as Faithful as Gorillas


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

E-Mail ID Working Group Shuts Down Without Consensus


Shares in Alitalia rose on Monday after staff agreed job and pay cuts last week to keep the beleaguered airline flying. The firm #39;s chief executive was holding a final meeting with unions in Rome on Monday

Alitalia shares up on rescue deal


SYDNEY (Reuters) - It is lucky for Michael Phelps that he  is blessed with broad shoulders and an arm span like the wings  on a jumbo jet. Not only does it enable him to swim like a fish  but it also helps him to carry the burden of his own great  expectations.

YEARENDER: Phelps Shines Brightest on Biggest Stage


A Japanese firm pioneers a system to share fragrances over the internet.  Also: A Bollywood movie makes its debut on cell phones   hellip;. Merck smarting from Vioxx pull   hellip;. and more.

Download Tonight's Perfume


Description: Game reviewer Robert Holt explains the new Xbox game Halo 2, released Tuesday. It #39;s expected to bring in an estimated \$80 million; the original Halo lured many gamers into buying Microsoft #39;s Xbox in the first place.

Sequel to Video Game  #39;Halo #39; Debuts


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices slid \$2 on Monday on  expectations that more mild U.S. weather at the start of the  New Year will limit heating oil demand.

Oil Down \$2 as U.S. Winter Stays Mild


YANGON, Oct. 20. - A change in Myanmars political leadership brought fresh calls today for the military-ruled south-east Asian country to carry on with promises to restore democracy.

Walk the reforms road, UN tells Myanmar


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar crept up on Wednesday,  enjoying some respite from recent falls ahead of an  announcement on U.S. interest rates and after more European  officials spoke out against the euro's rapid rise.

Dollar Edges Up After Euro Talked Down


KIEV -- Ukraine's highest court declared the results of the disputed presidential election invalid yesterday and ordered a new runoff between the two main candidates on Dec. 26.

New Ukraine vote ordered


A Palestinian delegation headed by the chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization PLO Mahmoud Abbas is to start a visit to Syria today.

Abbas visits Damascus today to end tension, meets with Palestinian <b>...</b>


Reuters - North Korea has been selling on its\domestic market international food aid aimed at helping to ease\food shortages in the impoverished country, South Korea's\Unification Ministry said on Friday.

North Korea Sells Food Aid on Local Market-South (Reuters)


Canadian Jacques Villeneuve has set the pace for Sauber while Germany #39;s Nick Heidfeld did his best to impress Williams in a wet and windy Formula One test session at Jerez.

Villeneuve sets the pace as Heidfeld speeds up


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A plane owned by NASCAR's Hendrick  Motorsports organization crashed on Sunday near a small airport  in Virginia, killing all 10 people aboard, officials said.

NASCAR Team Plane Crashes, 10 Dead


Bluetooth products will have triple the bandwidth and be able to multicast to seven devices in future releases, according to Bluetooth backers, who defend the technology against Ultrawideband and other approaches to short-range wireless.

Bluetooth group releases three-year road map


AP - France urged caution Thursday in dealing with a U.S. inspector's allegations it was involved in corruption at the U.N. oil-for-food program in Iraq, while others singled out in the report rejected the charges as

France Urges Caution in Oil-For-Food Case (AP)


TORONTO -- Toronto Raptors point guard Alvin Williams will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee Monday.

Raptors #39; Williams undergoes knee surgery, out for season


Education Secretary Charles Clarke today tried to end the row over the Prince of Waless controversial memo by praising his commitment to developing peoples ambition.

Minister Tries to End Royal Memo Row


BBC correspondents report scenes of chaos as a battle erupts at the besieged school in the Russian town of Beslan.

Chaos as battle grips school


UN Security Council members have unanimously backed a Russian-sponsored resolution to intensify the international battle against terrorism.

UN council unites on terror


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Shares of software maker Oracle Corp.  <A HREF=

Oracle Shares Gain Amid Tech Decline


AP - No. 20 Florida will play either Miami or Virginia Tech in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 31 in the Georgia Dome.

No. 20 Florida to Play in Peach Bowl (AP)


Two members of a British Muslim group are beginning efforts in Iraq to secure the freedom of Ken Bigley.

UK Muslims starting hostage talks


Mozilla Firefox Popularity Threatening Microsoft\\It is not everyday that Microsoft feels threatened by something so trivial. But I am pretty sure that they would be terrified of November 9. Well, not exactly they are going to rock the gaming world with the launch of Halo 2. But that day Mozilla ...


BAGHDAD - US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, on a surprise visit to Iraq, has predicted that violence will increase ahead of January #39;s election.

Violence will worsen ahead of Iraq polls, Rumsfeld warns