Prime Minister John Howard has added only two new faces to his frontbench line-up. Queensland Liberal Peter Dutton has been promoted to the new portfolio of Workforce Participation, and

PM keeps change to minimum


With big tractors, big sales, and big earnings, Deere's hoeing a profitable row.

Deere's Color Is Green


Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Crude oil futures in New York traded near a record \$46.95 a barrel as strengthening US economic figures boosted concern that production capacity may not be adequate to meet global demand.

Crude Oil Trades Near Record on US Economic Growth Report


Reuters - A Taliban splinter group holding three\U.N. workers hostage demanded a response to its demands from\the government and United Nations by Tuesday afternoon and said\it would kill one of the captives if they were not met.

Afghans Say to Kill UN Hostage if Demands Not Met (Reuters)


South Korea confirmed yesterday they will lodge an appeal with sport #39;s supreme legal body over scoring errors at the Olympic gymnastics tournament which robbed them of a gold medal.

Korea to lodge appeal


The Bears intend to sign Jeff George, a team source said Saturday. George has not played since he was released by the Redskins in 2001.

Bears, George Talk


Cisco Systems Inc #39;s Linksys home networking division yesterday said it has made a deal with Verizon Communications to have Linksys kit used in Verizon #39;s VoiceWing voice over IP service.

Linksys inks Verizon VoIP deal, intros products


Ivory Coast warplanes bombed the largest city of the rebel-held north in wave after wave of attacks Thursday, breaking a more than year-old cease-fire in the civil war that split West Africa #39;s one-time economic powerhouse.

Ivory Coast Warplanes Bomb Rebel City


BEIJING China #39;s efforts to slow the economy by curbing investments in industries such as steel and cement are working, a senior official said Sunday, suggesting that further tightening measures such as an interest rate increase may be unnecessary.

Investment curbs working, Beijing says


Tuscaloosa, AL (U-WIRE) -- There #39;s good and bad news for Tide fans coming into this year #39;s Iron Bowl. The good news is that during the past three years, whenever the Auburn Tigers have defeated the Georgia

Second-ranked Tigers biggest challenge of the year for Tide


It was comforting to see Bob Goodenow hasn #39;t changed much in the seven weeks since the National Hockey League began locking out its players.

NHL players stick together despite reality


By Frances Williams in Geneva and Raymond Colitt in So Paulo. Developing countries in the World Trade Organisation remain split over what, if any action, the WTO should take to help smaller textiles producers

Nations split over post-quota system strategy


PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Streets were blocked with overturned cars and debris in the Haitian capital Saturday while followers of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide called for a third day of demonstrations to demand his return.

Tensions grip Haitian capital as Aristide loyalists call third day <b>...</b>


Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia #39;s budget carrier AirAsia is expected to make a solid debut on the stock exchange Monday, with gains to be made from its retail initial public offer (IPO) price of 1.16 ringgit (0.31 dollars) a share, fund managers and analysts said

AirAsia to make solid debut on Malaysian bourse next week <b>...</b>


For players with ambitions to develop games, Electronic Arts must appear to be the best place in the world, but there is unhappiness among those living that dream.

When Long Hours at a Video Game Stop Being Fun


An Israeli Arab who works as a producer for CNN was released Tuesday, a day after he was abducted at gunpoint from a van on a busy street of Gaza City, relatives and Palestinian police said.

Kidnapped CNN producer released in Gaza


WASHINGTON - More than 47 million Americans receiving Social Security will get a 2.7 percent increase - an extra \$25, on average - in their monthly checks next year, but much of the increase will be eaten up by higher Medicare premiums.    The Social Security Administration announced the cost-of-living adjustment Tuesday, and the increase will start showing up in checks in January...

Social Security to Rise 2.7 Pct. in 2005


Microsoft is going to Tinseltown today to announce plans for its revamped Windows XP Media Center, part of an aggressive push to get ahead in the digital entertainment race. <FONT face=

Opening the Living Room Windows


Coca-Cola yesterday sharply reduced its long-term profit and sales targets, reflecting the entrenched slump that the world #39;s largest soft drinks firm has found itself in.

Coca-Cola reduces profit targets


No-frills airline Ryanair posted a forecast-beating jump in half-year profit after its low fares drew in summer passengers and was surprisingly upbeat on the full year, boosting its shares.

No-frills profit boost for Ryanair


The Patriots' defense is expecting a challenge Sunday from the Cincinnati Bengals, who have scored 85 points in their last two games.

It's tough to trap these tigers


WASHINGTON: New York and New Jersey authorities have said they will join a lawsuit suing Saudi Arabia, Osama bin Laden and other Islamic institutions that allegedly raised money for terrorism.

New York sues Saudi Arabia for 9/11


Last year's game against Cornell, was both a win and a loss for the Harvard football team. The Crimson defeated Cornell, 27-0, but lost quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter because of a fracture in his right hand that bumped him out of the lineup for two games.

Big Red ready to see Crimson


Reuters - Over 40 percent of all bird species\in Europe face an uncertain future and some are so threatened\that they may disappear soon due to intensive agriculture and\climate change, scientists said on Monday.

Nearly Half European Birds Species at Risk -Report (Reuters)


CHICAGO -- Spanish-language daily Hoy -- owned by the Tribune Co. -- said on Thursday it is reducing its staff by 20 percent across the company.

Tribune #39;s Hoy cutting its staff by 20 percent


A storm on the horizon was not what Dusty Baker wanted to see during the Chicago Cubs #39; quick trip to South Florida.  quot;When we were coming in, I saw some mighty clouds, quot; Baker said.

Cubs split doubleheader with Marlins


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - What #39;s more surprising than the Houston Astros #39; 18 straight wins at home? How about a Jeff Bagwell post-season hitting streak?

Astros #39; Bagwell busting out of October slump


Britain will run out of leading scientists unless science education is improved, says Professor Colin Pillinger.

'Halt science decline in schools'


AFP - A British Airways 747 en route from Phoenix, Arizona to London made an emergency landing in Montreal following a mechanical problem with the plane, a company spokesman told AFP.

British Airways plane makes emergency landing in Montreal (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares FedEx Corp. <A HREF=

Before-the-Bell: FedEx Up After Outlook


America West Holdings Corp. (AWA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said it would not bid for assets of bankrupt carrier ATA Airlines, saying the value does not justify the cost.

America West: Will Not Bid for ATA


AP - Alabama has the nation's top pass defense and ranks second overall. No team in major college football allows fewer points than No. 2 Auburn.

Defense Seen As Key in Auburn-Alabama Game (AP)


Prime Minister Tony Blair will discuss the fight against terrorism and Middle East peace with Pakistan #39;s President Pervez Musharraf when they meet tomorrow, officials say.

Blair to talk terror with Musharraf


Russians were winners in four of five matches played Wednesday at the ATP stop in Moscow, with the only upset caused by Italian Francesca Schiavone knocking out No.

Petrova Out, Kuznetsova Advances at WTA Moscow


DuPont agreed to a settlement Thursday that could be worth more than \$340 million to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging the chemical giant contaminated a West Virginia community's water supply with a key ingredient used in its Teflon products.

Dupont Settles Teflon Lawsuit


Brazilian media giant Globo has reached a tentative agreement with creditors to restructure \$1.3 billion of debt it racked up during the 1990s.

Brazil's Globo Media Empire Reaches Deal


Each January, the world #39;s gizmo freaks, gadget heads, and general arbiters of cool descend on Las Vegas for CES -- the Consumer Electronics Show -- a four-day look at what electronics makers worldwide are planning to wow consumers with and thus fatten

for the Gilt-Edged Gadget Groover


BBaiji - Three decapitated bodies were found north of Baghdad on Wednesday and are believed to be the corpses of foreigners, Iraqi security forces said.

Iraqi police make gruesome discovery in Baiji


PayPal on Thursday reported that it had restored its online payment services after facing intermittent outages for more than five days.

PayPal: Service Fully Restored


TAIPEI: A 13-year-old boy was arrested in Taiwan for allegedly running an online sexual services site and recruiting minors to join it, reports said last Saturday.

Taiwan teen nabbed for running sex service website


AFP - The body of an Egyptian was found on a road north of the Iraqi town of Tikrit, police and medical sources said.

Egyptian found dead in northern Iraq (AFP)


Chad says a US-Malaysian consortium is  failing to pay market rates in royalties for oil it extracts.

Chad being 'cheated of oil dues'


LONDON Bill Nicholson, who managed Tottenham Hotspur in its glory days of the 1960s and 70s, died on Saturday after a long illness, family members said.

Nicholson dies; managed Tottenham in glory days


MICHAEL SCHUMACHER will shrug off his high-speed test crash at Monza and try to give Ferrari fanatics yet another reason to celebrate in this weekend #39;s Italian Grand Prix.

MOTORRACING: SCHUMI: SMASH WON #39;T STOP ME


The reflection in the rear-view mirror to be afforded by a trial due to open in Delaware on Wednesday will not be a pretty sight. It is expected to show in slow motion, during a hearing expected to last four

IN THE SPOTLIGHT MICHAEL EISNER


It #39;s no secret that savvy online travelers in search of the best deal on an airline ticket, hotel room or car rental have long followed Smokey Robinson #39;s admonishment: You #39;d better shop around.

Search engines get more specifics


Thousands plan to take part this year in an online effort that lets backers of third-party candidates in swing states trade votes with people in less critical locations. But overall participation is lower than in 2000. By Joanna Glasner.

Fewer Pledge to Swap Votes


NewsFactor - Siebel Systems (Nasdaq: SEBL) and Deutsche Telekom's (NYSE: DT) T-Systems have announced an agreement under which T-Systems will market and deliver hosted CRM software to companies in Germany and eight other European countries starting in February 2005.

Siebel and T-Systems Pair in Europe (NewsFactor)


Millions of travelers throughout the South will take to the roads and skies this week in anticipation of the Thanksgiving weekend _ bucking a trend of lower-than-normal holiday travel in recent years.

Increase predicted in holiday travel throughout South


KARACHI, Pakistan : Dec 12 (SADA) - The head of a militant group that kidnapped three UN workers in Afghanistan recently was arrested in Karachi by the Pakistani security forces.

Jaishul Muslimeen Leader Arrested In Karachi


Company experiences 80 gain in customers in one year, to nearly 200,000.

Salesforce.com continues strong customer growth


\

 PARIS (Reuters) - Companies will spend more money next year\on information technology and other capital investments\compared with 2004, the chief executive of the world's biggest\computer company, IBM Corp, said on Friday.

IBM Chief Sees Global Tech Spending Rise


LONDON -- Marking the 100th anniversary of the diplomatic agreement that ended centuries of war and conflict between France and Britain, President Jacques Chirac of France yesterday began a two-day visit with Prime Minister Tony Blair by citing the issues that bind the two countries as well as those that divide them.

Blair, Chirac seek common ground


A royal reception awaited the new 49er Olympic Champions as Iker Martinez and Xabier Fernandez stepped ashore after the last race of the regatta yestrday.

49er #39;s last race


DENVER -- Janus Capital Group Inc. said yesterday it has finalized a \$226.2 million settlement with state and federal regulators over allegations of improper market-timing trades.

Janus settles; tab is \$226m


The inflation rate unexpectedly fell further below its 2.0 percent government-set target in August as clothing and footwear retailers raised prices by less than a year ago, official data shows.

Inflation shows surprise fall


Danny Mills insisted on Friday that under-fire manager Kevin Keegan had the backing of the Manchester City dressing room. The England defender, who in midweek rubbished reports he had clashed with Keegan in

Mills: City squad behind Keegan


Mass-production greeting cards are store-bought sentiment. They are meant to convey endearing words to a friend or loved one on a special occasion.

Selling sentiment: the greeting-card industry


Reuters - Secretary of State Colin Powell bid a\nostalgic farewell on Thursday to the NATO Western security\alliance he first served as platoon commander facing down the\Soviet army 46 years ago.

Powell Bids Nostalgic Farewell to NATO (Reuters)


AFP - Surging oil prices could moderate China's economy this year as rising costs push inflation higher, hitting corporate profits and consumer pocket books, analysts and state press said.

Higher oil prices to trim China's 2004 GDP growth (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. shoppers have kept a tight grip  on their wallets this holiday season with indices on Tuesday  showing sluggish sales in the second week of the  season.

Holiday-Shopping Season Remains Sluggish


Based on their finishes in the last two MLS regular seasons, the Revolution could be in a position of strength. Though the Revolution (5-11-9) are in last place in the overall standings, their recent track record in the final five games of the season provides hope.

Revolution hope history repeats itself


It often seems Ron Artest cannot help being at the center of a storm.

For Artest, Today's Troubles Took Root Years Ago


AP - To all of the Wall Street naysayers, the talking heads and the bearish doubters, Cyndi Mackell and her 120 shares of Google Inc. have something to say.

Google Investors Revel in Stock's Success (AP)


Both teams have considerable ground to gain if they want to even think about making the playoffs. Dallas (2-3) is coming off a heart-wrenching loss to Pittsburgh while Green Bay (2-4) hasn #39;t won at home this season.

Cowboys head to Lambeau


AP - Soccer's governing body Wednesday fined Italy, the Netherlands and France for being too lenient with doping offenders.

FIFA Fines Italy, Netherlands, France (AP)


CANBERRA, Australia - John Howard was sworn in Tuesday for his fourth term as Australia #39;s prime minister at a ceremony in the official residence of the Queen #39;s representative, Governor General Michael Jeffery.

Howard sworn in for 4th term as Australian PM


Sun City - South African golf enthusiasts face a tough choice on Friday - who to support - Ernie Els or Retief Goosen? They are the joint leaders after the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge being played at the Gary Player country club.

Will it be Els or Goosen?


Notes and quotes from various drivers following California Speedway #39;s Pop Secret 500. Jeff Gordon slipped to second in points following an engine failure while Jimmie Johnson moved back into first.

Pop Secret 500 Race Notes  amp; Quotes


A London-to-Washington flight is diverted after a security alert involving the singer formerly known as Cat Stevens.

Cat Stevens sparks US alert


AP - The value of freely sharing data on dangerous germs so vaccines and treatments can be developed outweighs the danger that bioterrorists may use the information to do harm, a scientific panel concluded Thursday.

Panel Urges Sharing of Data on Germs (AP)


They gathered under the pink walls of the Royal Oak Inn, then marched here to this gentle vale to claim their slice of new freedom.

MILLPOND BOTTOM JOURNAL Right-to-Roam Laws Let British Walk Over <b>...</b>


THE hiring intentions of Welsh employers for the first quarter of 2005 are more positive than the UK average, research from Manpower showed yesterday.

Positive Wales in jobs lead


SCO, possibly one of the few companies to regard litigation as its main revenue stream, is considering scrapping plans to launch a corporate  quot;pro-SCO quot; law and review site.

SCO Finds a Drop of Common Sense?


Radio One Inc.'s chief executive said Monday his \$56 million acquisition of popular radio personality Tom Joyner's morning show will help stave off the threat of Internet and satellite radio in the urban radio market.

Radio One Says Joyner Deal Aids Urban Market Strategy


AP - A Texas prosecutor who is leading an investigation into possible illegal campaign spending lashed out at congressional Republicans on Tuesday for changing their rules in order to protect House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

Prosecutor Blasts GOP for Shielding DeLay (AP)


Actor Sidney Poitier, a former Walt Disney Co. director, said he supported firing ex-company president Michael Ovitz because he was mismatched with other executives.

Ovitz mismatched, Poitier testifies


Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly declared a victory in the war on unwanted e-mail yesterday, as a Florida spammer agreed to pay \$25,000 to settle a state lawsuit alleging violations of a new federal antispam law.

Spammer to pay \$25,000 settlement


Jermaine O'Neal practiced with Indiana on Monday for the first time since being suspended for fighting with Detroit fans during the Pacers-Pistons brawl on Nov. 19.

Pacers' O'Neal Returns


BASEBALL Anaheim (AL): Added INF Kendry Morales to 40-man roster; designated P Bobby Jenks for assignment. Atlanta (NL): Signed P John Smoltz to a two-year contract. Boston (AL): Named Jason McLeod director of amateur scouting, Amiel Sawdaye assistant scouting director, Dave Finley national crosschecker, Mike Rikard East Coast crosschecker, Fred Peterson West Coast crosschecker, and Jon Lukens and Danny Watkins ...

Transactions


SEOUL - South Korean leaders marked President Bushs re-election by sending congratulatory messages Thursday and expressing their hope of furthering the progress in bilateral relations in the past two years.

S. Korean leaders congratulate Bush


NEW YORK : The US Supreme Court upheld a ruling that the Visa and MasterCard credit card groups had engaged in anti-competitive practices by banning member banks from issuing credit cards through rival providers owned by American Express and Morgan Stanley

US Supreme Court upholds anti-competition rulings against Visa <b>...</b>


ANAHEIM, Calif. Carlos Lee has been traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Milwaukee Brewers for outfielder Scott Podsednik (pahd-SEHD #39;-nihk), reliever Luis Vizcaino (loo-EES #39; vihs-ky-AY #39;-noh) and a player to be named.

A three-for-one swap


BERLIN Germany #39;s unemployment rate rose in November to a six-year high, the government said Thursday, as Bayer and other companies announced job cuts.

Jobless rate climbs in Germany


Arsene Wenger today tipped Thierry Henry to overtake Zinedine Zidane as the world #39;s greatest footballer. With FIFA due to announce the shortlist for the world player of

Thierry will put Zidane in shade


ATA Airlines Inc. named its top financial executive to the new position of chief restructuring officer as the Indianapolis carrier appeared closer Monday to filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, possibly as early as Tuesday.

ATA may be close to filing bankruptcy


The heart of Red Sox Nation is beating again. It #39;s beating thanks to David Ortiz #39;s two-run, walk-off homer in the 12th inning with no outs, giving the Red Sox a 6-4, come-from-behind win.

Long night worth the wait for Sox, fans


For some people, carrying on a normal routine without the Web is almost impossible, because the Internet #39;s tools and services have become firmly ingrained in their daily lives, according to the Internet Deprivation Study.

Yahoo Survey Reveals  #39;Web Withdrawal #39;


Burst.com, a streaming-media firm suing Microsoft for patent infringement, alleges that Redmond axed e-mails crucial to the case.

Microsoft's e-mail policy at issue in legal fight


Paris, France, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft has detected two tiny, previously-unknown moons orbiting Saturn between Mimas and Enceladus, mission scientists said Tuesday.

Two new, tiny moons found around Saturn


Activists and computer programmers Wednesday demonstrated what they said were flaws with electronic voting machines that could allow hackers to change vote outcomes Nov. 2. They recommended new procedures for states and counties to put in place before Election Day.

Activists Show Alleged Vote Machine Flaws


Arsenal made an ignominious piece of history yesterday when Arsne Wenger was fined 15,000 - a record for a manager - and severely reprimanded by the Football Association

FA punish Wenger with record 15,000 fine


Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer recently declared that a \$100 PC was needed to combat piracy in the emerging economies. Ballmer was quoted as stating that  quot;There has to be...a \$100 computer to go down-market in some of these countries.

Ballmer: Microsoft Software Too Expensive


Sanofi-Aventis SA on Thursday said revenue rose 10.7 percent in the third quarter, as the company posted its first results since its creation from a tie-up between two French drug makers.

Sanofi-Aventis Sales Up 10.7 Percent


The EU is set to give the all-clear to lifting an 18 year old arms embargo against Libya following high level talks in Brussels. EU ambassadors meeting on Wednesday agreed in principle to dropping the sanctions

End to Libya sanctions on EU agenda


Net income rose 14 to \$475 million, or 47 cents a share, thanks to a 15 increase in sales at its Duracell battery unit, which benefited from the series of hurricanes that hit Florida and other parts of the Southeast US during the period.

Battery Sales Power Gillette


The baseball commissioner #39;s office will wait until after a government investigation to examine whether there has been a relationship between New York Mets reliever John Franco and alleged mobsters.

Franco #39;s Relationship With Alleged Mobsters to Be Examined


AP - Steve Francis scored 22 points, and the Orlando Magic rode an early double-figures lead to a 109-103 victory Wednesday night over the Miami Heat in the preseason finale for both.

Magic Beats Heat in Preseason Finale (AP)


AP - Japan's current account surplus expanded 9.3 percent in September from a year earlier, for its 15th consecutive month of growth, the government said Wednesday.

Japan Account Surplus Expands in Sept. (AP)


DUBLIN/BELFAST (Reuters) - One week before top-level talks  to salvage a deal for sharing power between Catholics and  Protestants in Northern Ireland, there is still no framework  for accord, the leader of the main Catholic party said  Wednesday.

N.Ireland Peace Deal Revival Far Off - Adams


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wall Street is seen opening little  changed on Monday as crude prices remain high, but insurers may  dip on worries about their potential liabilities after a  hurricane struck Florida on Friday.

Wall Street to Open Little Changed


Fifa boss Sepp Blatter has admitted he would have supported England #39;s players if they had walked off in the face of racial abuse against Spain this week.

England could have walked - Fifa


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. small business optimism dipped  slightly last month but remained near record levels, suggesting  a strong outlook for growth, a survey released on Tuesday  showed.

Small Business Optimism Still Strong


Myanmar #39;s military rulers should end the detention of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and allow her National League for Democracy to operate, the US State Department said.

Myanmar Junta #39;s Detention of Suu Kyi Leaves US Disappointed #39;


AP - Ukrainian prosecutors reopened their investigation into allegations Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned after doctors treating the opposition leader confirmed he had been slipped the toxic chemical dioxin, as Yushchenko returned home Sunday to campaign for this month's presidential runoff vote.

Probe Into Yushchenko Poisoning Reopens (AP)


TOKYO (CBS.MW) - China expects economic growth to reach at least 9 percent in 2004, according to a published report. Free! Sign up here to receive our Before the Bell e-Newsletter!

China expects 9 GDP growth in  #39;04


Somehow, somewhere, Nicolas Massu of Chile summoned the strength and the shots to win his second gold medal of these Olympics. That #39;s twice as many medals as the star-studded US tennis team, led by Andy Roddick and Venus Williams, managed to win.

News and notes


OTTAWA (Reuters) - A Ghanaian-registered Boeing 747 cargo  jet crashed and burned on take off from Halifax airport in  eastern Canada on Thursday, killing all seven crew on board,  police said.

Ghanaian Cargo Jet Crashes in Canada, Seven Dead


Airlines at O #39;Hare Airport in September ranked fourth in on-time arrivals and 10th in on-time departures nationwide, according to federal figures released Thursday.

On-time performance soars at O #39;Hare in September


Reuters - Aramis Ramirez homered three times and\drove in all of Chicago's runs as the Cubs edged the Cincinnati\Reds 5-4 in National League play at the Great American Ballpark\on Thursday.

NL Wrap: Ramirez Shines in Cubs Victory Over Reds (Reuters)


SABMiller Plc, the world #39;s second- largest brewer, said its Chinese venture agreed to buy three unprofitable breweries in China from Lion Nathan Ltd.

SABMiller Venture to Buy Lion Nathan #39;s China Brewers (Update1)


Reuters - Six Tunisian doctors\arrived in the West Bank on Saturday to examine Yasser Arafat,\but aides dismissed Israeli media reports that the Palestinian\president's health had deteriorated and said he had flu.

Tunisian Doctors Examine Arafat, Aides Blame Flu (Reuters)


Design specialists dream up Media Center PCs that look more like furniture.

Microsoft gets a fashion makeover


More than 70,000 people were forced to leave Real Madrid #39;s Bernabeu stadium on Sunday following a bomb scare. David Beckham and other Real Madrid players had to leave the pitch three minutes before the end of their 1-1 match against Real Sociedad.

Bomb scare at Real Madrid stadium


Called W32.Funner, the worm upon infection attempts to spread itself through the host #39;s MSN Messenger contact list. Apart from altering Windows #39; host file and adding nearly 1000 URLs, the worm also attempts

Funner Not Funny For MSN Users


Valencia boss Claudio Ranieri was bitter in defeat. Werder Bremen eliminated the Spanish club 2-0 on Tuesday. Ranieri singled out referee Anders Frisk venemously in a post-match television interview with Canal Plus.

Ranieri Livid In Defeat


Stelco Inc. unveiled a \$900-million bid by Deutsche Bank yesterday to recapitalize the insolvent steelmaker and help pull it out of court-supervised bankruptcy protection.

Stelco gets \$900M bid from bank


With a fresh dusting of snow and the course bumpy and rutty, Colorado #39;s top two giant slalom skiers struggled Friday in the FIS World Cup women #39;s event.

Finland #39;s Poutiainen is tough enough


NEW YORK - Stocks edged higher Wednesday despite a lower reading on manufacturing activity and a spike in oil prices. Technology shares were unaffected by brokerage downgrades of two semiconductor companies...

Stocks Climb Despite Rising Oil Prices


GONAIVES, Haiti Sept. 20, 2004 - Rescuers pulled bodies from floodwaters that raged through parts of Haiti #39;s third-largest city, sweeping people from their homes and forcing survivors to spend the night

Floods Kill at Least 241 in Haiti


The use of robots around the home to mow lawns, vacuum floors and manage other chores is set to surge sevenfold by 2007 as more consumers snap up smart machines, the United Nations said.

UN Predicts Boom In Robot Labor


The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries wants oil prices to fall faster to an ideal price of around US\$30 a barrel, and will discuss whether to increase production at a meeting next month, the group #39;s president said Thursday.

Update 1: OPEC Wants to See Oil Prices Fall Faster


MOSCOW : President Vladimir Putin said he would be  quot;pleased quot; to see Ukraine admitted to the European Union because this would only benefit Russia #39;s economy due to its deep and long-standing industrial links with Ukraine.

Putin  quot;pleased quot; if Ukraine joins EU


A treasury plan to distribute baby bond vouchers worth almost 1 billion weeks before the likely date of the next election was condemned by the Tories last night as a  quot;cynical bribe quot;.

Brown accused of  #39;baby bonds bribe #39;


AP - Political opponents of Prime Minister Tony Blair launched a renewed attack on his handling of the Iraq conflict Sunday, as British soldiers prepared to move deeper into the country to support U.S. troops.

Blair Opponents Renew Attack Over Iraq (AP)


It #39;s a scenario only too familiar to those of us who drive the mean streets and main thoroughfares of this city - except that, in this case, it #39;s the start of an editorial by Stanford University psychology professor Brian Knutson published today in

Go ahead, make my day: Revenge feels, oh, so good


The government #39;s claim that Iraq could fire chemical and biological weapons within 45 minutes was formally withdrawn by the foreign secretary, Jack Straw, yesterday.

Straw drops 45-minute claim


AP - Shareef Abdur-Rahim had 26 points and nine rebounds to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 97-88 come-from-behind victory Saturday night over Golden State that snapped the Warriors' four-game winning streak.

Trail Blazers Snap Warriors' Win Streak (AP)


The best performing Dow stock this year is one that #39;s had more than its share of trouble with investors in recent years -- Boeing Co.

Can Boeing fly again?


PARIS The French government formally ceded control of France Tlcom on Wednesday as it began the sale of up to E5.8 billion of shares in the second-largest European phone company.

Paris cedes control of telephone company


It #39;s the first deliverable in a joint-development agreement reached last spring, with more interoperability planned. By Stephanie Stahl.

Sun, Microsoft Ready Single Sign-On


Microsoft says its Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition will not run on servers equipped with Intel #39;s latest Itanium 2 processor.

Intel Introduces New Itanium


Ziff Davis - The new release of Sun's visual development environment allows users to develop Java applications on Mac OS X, Windows XP and Solaris for deployment on any platform compatible with the Java 2 Standard Edition.

Java Studio Creator Update Targets Mac Developers (Ziff Davis)


A virus has struck Nokia smartphone users. Once downloaded, the virus, called Skulls, replaces all phone desktop icons with images of a skull.

First malicious virus invades cellphones


A rising number of Americans say healthcare is the most critical issue facing America today, and many are having trouble covering the costs, according to a survey released yesterday.

Rising health costs lead many consumers to cut retirement savings, survey finds


Reuters - Semiconductor maker Advanced\Micro Devices Inc.  warned on Monday that its quarterly\revenue will be lower than forecast, citing softness in sales\of its memory chips used in cell phones and other devices. The\company's shares fell after the warning.

AMD Warns of Lower Sales (Reuters)


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty burnished his credentials as a guardian of medicare Friday, announcing nine new or expanded MRI clinics, while pursuing plans to bring for-profit MRIs into the public fold.

Ontario to open nine new MRI sites, buy back more private testing facilities (Canadian Press)


FORGET any transfer bids for Steven Gerrard - that #39;s the cry from Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry. The midfielder fuelled speculation that a move was imminent when he stated earlier this week that the club must start winning things to keep him.

We #39;ll never let Gerrard leave


HOUSTON -- Millions of people around the world are watching baseball's playoffs, some so invested and otherwise enthralled that they'll watch every pitch. As of yesterday morning, four teams were still in the hunt for the World Series, making for four high-end lineups with eyes fixed on bleached-white horsehide and coarse red seams.

Former Royal basking in spotlight


Are MyDoom offshoots an attempt to throw Microsoft off-balance?

Viruses exploit Microsoft patch cycle


The postwar reconstruction of Iraq could be ruined by rampant corruption, an international survey said on Wednesday. The survey, an annual list of countries held to be the most corrupt in their business dealings

Rampant corruption could wreck postwar Iraq


This week, CA plans to release BrightStor 11.1, which consists of 14 integrated storage applications, said Jim Geronaitis, vice president of BrightStor product marketing at the Islandia, NY-based software vendor.

CA Pumps Up Storage Management


Reuters - Parked neatly side by side in a\quiet clearing in the heart of Africa's largest rainforest, the\two bright yellow bulldozers look absurdly out of place.

Congo's Rainforest Faces Danger as Loggers Return (Reuters)


Of the 22,000 voters in Anieres, Cologny, Carouge and Meyrin, 2,723 chose to cast their votes online in four ballots on easing citizenship, introducing statutory maternity benefits nationwide, and preventing the closure of some 800 state-owned post offices

Four Geneva communities had the choice of voting online (Keystone)


Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has categorically stated that Pakistan #39;s Kashmir policy has not been changed and whatever options he presents, should be seen as various ways to resolve this outstanding imbroglio.

People want to see a resolution of the Kashmir issue: Musharraf


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Brad Grey, executive producer of the  hit television show

Grey Seen as Leading Paramount Candidate


US Department of Justice said law-enforcement agencies have arrested or convicted more than 150 individuals in a broad initiative against cybercrime.

DOJ Gets Tough on Cybercrime


Mount Hood, the sleeping volcano that rises just east of the city, last erupted just before Lewis and Clark arrived in the area in 1805.

Mount Hood still rumbles at times


Wall Street stocks fell sharply Wednesday as surging oil prices overshadowed positive earnings news, prompting investors to cash in more profits.

Wall Street stocks end lower on rising oil prices


AP - A top aide to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger described the administration's plans to reduce California's oil dependence, calling Thursday for more conservation, fuel-efficient vehicles, and hydrogen power.

Schwarzenegger Aide Outlines Fuel Plans (AP)


LOS ANGELES - After creating

Lucas to Receive AFI Lifetime Award


The Olympics' most lingering controversy ended in court Thursday with Paul Hamm remaining the winner of the men's individual all-around.

In a Bittersweet Victory, Hamm Keeps Gymnastics Gold


Two new Internet domain names -quot;.post quot; and  quot;.travel quot;  -ld appear online as early as next year as the Internet #39;s key oversight board announced preliminary approval on Wednesday.

New .travel, .post domains get preliminary nod


A group of Bushmen are touring the U.S. to raise funds for a court battle against the Botswana government over ancestral lands in the Kalahari Game Reserve.

Bushmen Tour U.S. to Fund Court Land Fight


Israel is prepared to withdraw troops from Palestinian areas well ahead of a planned pullout from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank next summer, Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz said.

#39;Israel should coordinate Gaza pullout with Palestinians #39;


TORONTO (Sports Network) - Toronto Raptors All-Star  swingman Vince Carter was placed on the injured list Friday  after tests revealed a mild strain of his left Achilles'  tendon.

Raptors' Carter Placed on Injured List


COMMENTARY -- Jim Allchin has a thing about video. The Windows chief is a brilliant engineer, keeper of Redmond #39;s crown jewels, and easily the most powerful person at Microsoft after Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.

Allchin #39;s last stand?


Reuters - With a power-packed lineup that features\sluggers like Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, it was Mark\Bellhorn who was the unlikely hero of Game One of the 100th\World Series with a two-run homer for the Boston Red Sox\Saturday.

Bellhorn Makes Big Noise for Red Sox (Reuters)


AP - Verizon Wireless is buying wireless spectrum licenses covering 23 U.S. markets from bankrupt NextWave Telecom Inc. for  #36;3 billion, bolstering the cell phone company's ability to compete with the big new rival created by the merger of Cingular Wireless and AT amp;T Wireless.

Verizon Wireless to Buy NextWave Licenses (AP)


Gateway #39;s new 700GR desktop PC, based on a new chassis design that focuses on helping cool high-end processors and graphics cards, will be available this weekend at US retail stores.

Gateway PC Delivers New Motherboard Standard


Two in a row was just too much for the Earthquakes, without the likes of forwards Brian Ching, Landon Donovan, Dwayne De Rosario and goalkeeper Pat Onstad.

Crew edge shorthanded Earthquakes


THE WRAPPER IS only just off Activision #39;s Doom III and there are already a list of mods and cheats for the game. The mods are already top hits at Gamespot, including one which makes it possible to shine a

Mods for Doom III out and aboot


17 November 2004 - Members of the United Nations Security Council arrived today in Nairobi ahead of a two-day meeting devoted to the civil conflicts engulfing Sudan, including the crisis in the western region of Darfur and the long-running war in the

Security Council members arrive in Nairobi ahead of session on <b>...</b>


Fifteen Eritreans are jailed for five years each for hijacking a Libyan aircraft being used to deport them.

Eritreans jailed for plane hijack


The broadest measure of the country's trade and investment flows registered a record deficit of \$164.7 billion in the third quarter.

Trade Data Show Another Record Deficit


Alvin Pearman ran for 104 yards, including two fourth-quarter touchdowns, and Virginia shut down Clemson after the opening 15 minutes in a convincing 30-10 victory Thursday night.

No. 10 Virginia 30, Clemson 10


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Investment banks are in the midst of  the annual fight for bragging rights as the biggest dealmakers  of the year, but this time the rankings -- a key factor in  winning new business -- are under intense scrutiny.

M A Industry Weighs Fees Against Size


Sony was forced to admit today that availability of its PlayStation 2 (PS2) games console in UK shops would be tight before Christmas.

Playstation Supplies  #39;Tight #39;, Admits Sony


Cisco Systems Inc. of San Jose, Calif., Monday acquired privately held P-Cube Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif. P-Cube develops service control platforms, which help service providers

Cisco Systems to acquire P-Cube


One of the new drives is just 3 inches in diameter, features a retractable USB cable for easy carrying and can store 5GB of data.\

Seagate hopes for big splash with small drives


French carmaker Renault sets up a joint venture with Iran to build 300,000 of its new 'no-frills' Logan model a year.

Renault to produce cars in Iran


European antitrust regulators ruled Tuesday that Oracle can proceed with its hostile takeover bid for PeopleSoft, clearing the last regulatory hurdle in the protracted and sometimes tumultuous battle.

Europe blesses Oracle-PeopleSoft union


SRINAGAR: Militants set off a powerful landmine in Kashmir killing eleven, including an Army Major, a civilian and nine soldiers in one of the biggest attacks in recent weeks, police say.

Militants kill 11 Armymen in Kashmir blast


AP - Janus Capital Group Inc. on Tuesday identified ING US Financial Services as the client planning to withdraw  #36;5 billion from the Denver-based mutual funds giant.

ING Withdrawing  #36;5 Billion From Janus (AP)


Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - A Chicago-based National Guard unit ferried a Canadian woman to freedom Tuesday after she said she was missing for 16 days in northern Iraq, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday.

Canadian woman missing for 2 weeks rescued in northern Iraq by U.S. forces (Canadian Press)


Marat Safin, on current form, will start the favourite for the Masters Cup that begins in Houston a week today, the 24-year-old Russian having won his third Paris Indoor Open in five years yesterday with a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 victory over the Czech qualifier

Buddha teaches Safin to be master of himself


Baton Rouge, La. (Sports Network) - Redshirt freshman  kicker Alexis Serna's third missed extra point of the game in  overtime allowed the fourth-ranked LSU Tigers to escape with a  22-21 victory over Oregon State.

No Extra Points for This One; LSU Survives in OT


Intel has announced the latest version of its Centrino mobile processor family, the Pentium M 765, which offers 2 MB of Level 2 cache and a 400-MHz system bus.

Intel Announces Latest Mobile Chip


Reuters - President Bush pledged on\Friday to work with Congress to comply with a WTO ruling in a\row over payment of anti-dumping duties to U.S. companies, and\said he expected the trade body to hold Europe to account over\

Bush Vows to Work on WTO Compliance, Blasts Airbus (Reuters)


ATHENS (Reuters) - Michael Phelps, one more Olympic title  to the good, aims to hoist his gold medal tally to five when he  takes on fellow American Ian Crocker in the 100 meters  butterfly final on Friday.

Phelps on Track for Sixth Gold


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

Intel Cuts Prices on Laptop Computer Chips


Sudanese authorities have moved hundreds of pro-government fighters from the crisis-torn Darfur region to other parts of the country to keep them out of sight of foreign military observers demanding the militia #39;s disarmament, a rebel leader charged

Rebel Leader Says Sudan Is Hiding Fighters


The US military launched a major pre-dawn assault Sunday to wrest the northern city of Tall Afar from insurgents but encountered almost no resistance, leaving uncertain

US-Led Forces Retake Northern Iraqi City


The fifth summit meeting between the European Union (EU) and India, held on Monday in The Hague, decided to start forging a strategic partnership between the EU and India.

EU, India decide to forge strategic partnership


AP - Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer increased his stake in Manchester United for the third straight trading day, upping his ownership share Tuesday to 28.11 percent and edging closer still to a possible takeover bid.

Glazer Buys More Manchester United Stock (AP)


The deal is said to include annual pay cuts of about 19.5 percent and reductions in contributions to retirement benefits.

US Airways and Pilots Union Reach Tentative Deal


PETR CECH faces a hefty FA fine after reports that he accused ref Graham Poll of cheating. The Chelsea keeper told a newspaper in his native Czech Republic he suspected Poll of being an Arsenal

FA to run word Cech


The four hurricanes that hit Florida this season combined to beat the record set by Hurricane Andrew for insured losses in what may be the nation #39;s costliest hurricane season ever, officials said Tuesday.

Experts see record year for US insured losses


Links to this week's topics from search engine forums across the web: New MSN Search Goes LIVE in Beta - Microsoft To Launch New Search Engine - Google Launches 'Google Advertising Professionals' - Organic vs Paid Traffic ROI? - Making Money With AdWords? - Link Building 101

Search Engine Forums Spotlight


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of PortalPlayer Inc. <A HREF=

PortalPlayer Shares Soar in Market Debut


Crude oil futures fell for a third day as Iraq, the sixth-largest supplier to the US, increased shipments to tankers for the first time in two weeks.

Crude Oil Futures Fall a 3rd Day as Iraq Increases Shipments


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened lower on Thursday,  as investment bank Goldman Sachs Group Inc. <A HREF=

Stocks Open Lower; Data, Goldman Weigh


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - The federal government is promising the most sweeping overhaul to date of the 47-year-old equalization program in an effort to guarantee provinces more stable annual funding.

Feds, provinces prepare to reshape the fiscal map in eqaulization talks (Canadian Press)


Insurgents fired mortars and rockets at a venue where Iraq #39;s interim national assembly held its first session Wednesday, a stark reminder of the country #39;s risky road to elections in January.

Mortars Fired at Iraq National Assembly Opening


Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Colorado Avalanche left wing Alex Tanguay and Montreal Canadiens right wing Richard Zednik have both signed with European teams, joining a growing list of talent who will play overseas during the NHL #39;s current labor dispute.

Tanguay, Zednik join NHL #39;s influx to Europe


AP - The drive to pass a  #36;136 billion corporate tax bill hit a roadblock in the Senate on Friday when lawmakers upset about tobacco regulation, new overtime rules and combat pay employed delaying tactics to prevent a vote.

Senate Delays Approving Tax Law Overhaul (AP)


Description: The International Gymnastics Federation asks US gymnast Paul Hamm to give his Olympic all-around gold medal to South Korea #39;s Yang Tae-young.

US Gymnast Hamm Asked to Give Up Gold


MEMPHIS Eric Shelton scored on a one-yard run with 37 seconds remaining to lift 14th-ranked Louisville past Memphis 56-to-49. The Tigers went ahead by a point when Stephen Gostkowski hit a 29-yard field goal with six-19 left.

(14) Louisville 56 Memphis 49


Over the last couple of days, former Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez certainly laid the groundwork for what could have been a pretty engaging war of words with his ex-employers.

Epstein brushes aside Pedro rips


UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council  adopted a resolution on Saturday threatening Sudan with  sanctions if it did not stop atrocities in the western Darfur  region where Arab militias are terrorizing African villagers.

UN Threatens Sudan with Sanctions on Darfur Abuses


The Cassini spacecraft is but hours away from a second flyby of the Saturian moon Titan set for Monday , December 13 with the closest approach image data arriving at about 8 PM.

Saturian Titian Flyby But Hours Away


LONDON (Reuters) - European stock markets held near  28-month highs Thursday as investors stayed confident in the  ability of firms to continue boosting profits in the face of  the euro's extended push past \$1.30 to all-time highs.

European Shares Flat as Euro Keeps Up Run


JPMorgan Chase  amp; Co. says it will rehire 4,000 workers whose jobs it had outsourced to IBM, bucking a corporate trend in information technology.

Update 1: JPMorgan to Rehire Outsourced Workers


Former Gators and Redskins coach Steve Spurrier removed his name from consideration Thursday to replace Ron Zook at Florida.

Spurrier Pulls Out


Celtics coach Doc Rivers said  quot;there really was no issue, quot; downplaying a heated exchange with Paul Pierce late in the fourth quarter. Pierce said nothing, atypically avoiding reporters after Boston defeated Milwaukee, 101-100, last night at the FleetCenter.

Winning, attitude


AP - Russia's energy and rail transport industries are prime for investment by Western investors, the head of U.S. manufacturing and financial giant General Electric Co. said Thursday.

GE Chief Bullish on Russian Investment (AP)


This is an eye chart, reprinted as a public service to the New York Mets so they may see from what they suffer: myopia. Has ever a baseball franchise been so shortsighted for so long?

Mets see only the headlines FPTOZDUMB


IRAKLION, Greece - The only teenager on the U.S. women's soccer team gave the old vets a chance to leave with one last gold...

Teen's Goal Gives U.S. Shot at Soccer Gold


Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych led the high-tension presidential race in this post-Soviet republic with about 45 of the vote, too little to clinch a first-round victory, the Central Elections Commission said early today.

Ukraine Election in the Balance


Anaheim got help from Seattle errors and scored four runs in the eighth inning Thursday in a 6-1 win over the Mariners. The Angels stayed two games behind first-place Oakland in the American League West.

MLB: Anaheim 6, Seattle 1


Security experts warned on Wednesday that  quot;exploit code quot; has been released for the critical flaw discovered in the way Windows and other Microsoft products handle JPEG images (see our previous coverage).

Exploit code for JPEG flaw released


Mario Lemieux has been saying for days that he isn #39;t worried about failing to score a goal in the World Cup. Same with the many teammates who have insisted

Lemieux #39;s line powers Canada to 5-0 victory vs. Slovakia


Ty Wigginton, a former Met, hit a two-run homer and Oliver Perez pitched six and two-thirds strong innings, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates stop a seven-game road losing streak with

BASEBALL ROUNDUP Wigginton #39;s Homer Helps the Pirates Win


AFP - British police were granted more time to quiz radical Islamic cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri, who was arrested the day before on suspicion of committing or preparing acts of terrorism.

British police granted more time to quiz radical cleric Abu Hamza (AFP)


AP - Kenny Rogers lost at the Coliseum for the first time in more than 10 years, with Bobby Crosby's three-run double in the fifth inning leading the Athletics to a 5-4 win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday.

Athletics Defeat Rangers 5-4 (AP)


Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and it cost them the top spot in South America's World Cup qualifying.

Brazil Upset in Ecuador; China Eliminated


NEW YORK, September 20, 2004 - Nokia (NYSE:NOK) today announced the expanded security and functionality of Nokia Secure Access System, the companys virtual private network (VPN) solution leveraging ubiquitous Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.

Nokia Expands Functionality and Security of SSL VPN Offering


SiliconValley.com -

THE SWAGGER IS BACK (SiliconValley.com)


It's that time of year when the K5 community shares its culinary secrets with each other by inundating the queue with a flood of recipes sectioned under culture.  #160;However, many of them may seem too difficult for the beginning chef.  #160;So I present to the novice cook a good starter project for the gourmet chef to be.  #160;It's a classic dish that will provide you with plenty of calories without offering too much nutrition.

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese


Hamburg manager Klaus Toppmoller has been dealt a second blow in 24 hours as he clings to his job. Toppmoller is widely tipped to be the first managerial casualty of the Bundesliga season and his squad have

PROBLEMS INCREASE FOR TOPPMOLLER


After 19 months of development, two name changes and more than 8 million downloads of its preview release, the Firefox browser is finally turning 1.0.

Mozilla readies Firefox 1.0 release


Roy Disney, heading a dissident shareholder group at the Walt Disney Co., urged board members to accelerate the departure of chief executive Michael Eisner, who plans to resign in September 2006.

Roy Disney says Eisner should be ousted now


Taser International Inc. #39;s chairman, two co-founders and five other insiders sold more than \$68 million of their stock between Nov. 5 and Nov. 11, regulatory filings show.

Taser insiders sold \$68 million of stock in a week


Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart was stripped of the Ajax Amsterdam captaincy on Thursday after he refused to play out of position in the Champions League game against Bayern Munich.

UPDATE 1-Van der Vaart stripped of Ajax captaincy


UNDATED NASCAR has lifted its ban on hard-liquor ads on cars, easing restrictions aimed at cleaning up the image of a sport that traces its roots to good ol #39; boys running moonshine through the hills of Georgia and the Carolinas.

NASCAR lifts liquor sponsorships


Reuters - Vice President Dick Cheney has\received a flu shot, aides said on Wednesday, citing his\history of heart disease as a reason to qualify for a shot\during a shortage.

Cheney Got Flu Shot, Aides Say, Citing Heart Issue (Reuters)


Hoping to throw some tacks in the road to slow Linux momentum, Microsoft during the next year will redouble its efforts to woo more corporate users migrating from Unix to the open source OS.

Microsoft steps up efforts to nab Unix migrations


Thomas Levet says he would be willing to be left out of the foursomes and fourballs at the Ryder Cup as long as the European team wins.

Levet willing to miss out


The service lets users of the Audiovox SMT5600 smart phone download an unlimited number of songs for \$14.95 monthly.

Napster offers service to AT T Wireless users


TOKYO : One person is dead and four others are missing as Japan #39;s biggest typhoon in more than a decade pounded the south of the country with heavy rain and powerful winds, officials said.

One dead, four missing as powerful typhoon pounds Japan


BMO plans to buy Mercantile Bankcorp and a related operation for a total of \$197,4 million. Under the deal, BMO will obtain Mercantile #39;s 19 branches in Northwest Indiana.

BMO expands in US


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Xinhua Finance Limited filed a \$30.5 million initial public offering Thursday in Tokyo as the China-based financial services and media firm marks a rare foray into Japan.

Deal marks first China stock premiere to list there


Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly is urging federal regulators to hold off on approving a proposed Fall River liquefied natural gas terminal. Reilly told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that it  quot;should defer any decision on the Weaver's Cove facility until true siting standards are in place and a regional plan is developed quot; that evaluates whether the Taunton River ...

Delay urged on LNG facility


British house prices have risen by more than any other developed country #39;s over the past 30 years, and are more at risk of crashing than anywhere else, the International Monetary Fund warned yesterday.

IMF warns on British house price crash


Novell Asia has urged the Philippine government to take a closer look at Linux, citing that adopting the open source operating system would be crucial to safeguarding the security and integrity of its computer networks.

Novell presses RP to begin shifting to Linux


The decision is likely to force the industry to take the more costly and less-popular route of going directly after file-swappers.

Movie Studios Lose In Case Against File-Sharing Apps


Flaws in media players could automatically download malicious code, let hackers in.

QuickTime, RealPlayer Patch Security Holes


Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers yesterday ended their first round of talks over Kashmir on a positive note, resolving to take forward the peace process, an official said.

Kashmir meeting dubbed friendly #39;


Riding on record revenue across all its business segments, Hewlett- Packard Co. delivered surprisingly strong financial reports for its fiscal fourth quarter, with profit up 26.5 percent.

HP performance hitting its groove


Orders for US durable goods posted a larger-than-expected rise in July, but new home sales showed signs of buckling under the weight of higher interest rates, two government reports showed on Wednesday.

Durable Goods Orders Up; Homes Sales Down


Two days after Ron Artest and a similarly disposed mob of arrogant rich people did the unacceptable, David Stern attempted to do the impossible.

McCaffery: Until fans strike back, players will still attack


Years ago, the uniform numbers on the right-field roof at Fenway Park were displayed in the order in which they were retired. From left to right, the numbers read 9-4-1-8.

Foundation built for Sox to succeed


COLOMBO, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan navy on Tuesday detected a trawler of the Tamil Tiger rebels suspected of smuggling weapons in seas close to Mullaitivu in northeast of the country, the Defense Ministry said.

Sri Lankan navy detects Tamil rebels smuggling weapons


KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai vowed on  Thursday that a historic presidential election would be  successfully held this weekend and reflect the people's wishes  despite inevitable sabotage attempts by Taliban fighters.

Afghans Say Trouble Inevitable But Won't Stop Vote


AP - European Union officials kept up pressure Tuesday on the United States to curb its deficits to help bolster the sagging dollar amid fears a strengthening euro would stifle Europe's fledgling economic recovery.

Rising Euro Worries EU Finance Ministers (AP)


Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and China was eliminated on the fifth tiebreaker despite a 7-0 victory over visiting Hong Kong.

Brazil Upset in Ecuador; China Eliminated


MANILA - Movie star Fernando Poe, Jr, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo #39;s main challenger in the May presidential election, is in a coma after suffering a stroke, an opposition congressman said Sunday.

Philippine actor-presidential candidate Poe in coma


CHICAGO - Welcome home, Cubbies. Former Beantowners Nomar Garciaparra and Todd Walker added three hits and combined to drive in six runs as the Chicago Cubs hammered the Cincinnati Reds Monday night at Wrigley Field, 12-5.

One-Game Lead: Cubs Clobber Reds


The chief executive of Boeing Co. says his efforts to end government aid programs for rival aircraft manufacturer Airbus SAS are intended to head off a wider trans-Atlantic dispute over subsidies that could end up at the World Trade Organization.

Stonecipher pushes to end Airbus aid


The latest version of Apple #39;s iconic MP3 player will allow photo viewing and be released in 30 to 60 days with a price tag of \$499.

Photo iPod in Time for Christmas, Sources Say


Combing detective work with old-fashion digging, archaeologists in North Carolina may have unearthed evidence that Spanish soldiers roamed the Appalachian Mountains during the 16th century.

Evidence of16th-Century Spanish Fort in Appalachia?


NEW YORK - Newly optimistic investors sent stocks sharply higher Friday, propelling the Dow Jones industrials 112 points higher, as new economic data showed strength in manufacturing and the departure of PeopleSoft Inc.'s chief executive raised hopes for a merger in the tech sector. The major indexes closed the week with respectable gains...

Stocks Up Sharply on Strong Economic Data


Danica Patrick #39;s dreams of competing in Formula 1 or Champ Cars have been put on hold as the 22-year-old was announced Wednesday as Rahal Letterman Racing #39;s third IRL IndyCar

Patrick adds allure to Rahal Letterman, IRL


Experts agree: 2004 was the best of times, and the worst of times for those concerned about IT security. It was a year with high-profile arrests of virus authors, and the explosion of online crimes, from cyberextortion to identity theft, a year in which ISPs (Internet service providers) won millions in damages from spammers, and spam messages increased by 40 percent.

2004 was good and bad for IT security


Roy Jones Jr. receives the gold medal stolen from him by crooked judges in Seoul, South Korea.  The Dallas Stars agree to forfeit their Stanley Cup from 1999 because, yes, Brett Hull #39;s skate was in the crease.

Giving up medal isn #39;t the answer


Chelsea have preserved their five-point lead over champions Arsenal after their pulsating London derby finished 2-2 at Highbury. Thierry Henry, who scored both the home side #39;s goals, took

Chelsea still on course after Arsenal draw


MADRID, Spain - Michael Owen scored his first Spanish soccer league goal on Saturday to lead Real Madrid over defending champion Valencia, 1-0.

Owenagainlifts Real Madrid from the doldrums


\

 By Franklin Paul

 NEW YORK (Reuters) -  When the violent video game

'Grand Theft Auto' Seen Breaking Games Sales Record


Canadian Press - EDMONTON (CP) - Parks Canada managers are breathing a sigh of relief after threats by unionized employees to pull all workers off the job during the busy long weekend failed to materialize.

Parks Canada relieved union dropped plan for general strike (Canadian Press)


LONDON : Insurer Royal and Sun Alliance became the latest high-profile British firm to announce a mass transfer of jobs to India, saying it plans to move 1,100 positions there by 2006, saving the group 10 million pounds annually (14.

Royal and Sun Alliance to move 1,100 jobs to India


Tucked away in the bottom left corner of the United States, the San Diego Chargers were easy to either forget or dismiss as the blueprint for NFL ineptitude.

Chargers on top


The EU called off its sanctions on \$4 billion worth of US goods on Monday after Washington repealed illegal export tax subsidies, bringing some balm to transatlantic ties wounded by a battle over Airbus and Boeing.

EU Lifts US Sanctions, Contests Taxes


Bees, via pollination, are responsible for 15 to 30 percent of the U.S. food supply. But in the last 50 years the domesticated honeybee population has halved, scientists say.

Bee Decline May Spell End of Some Fruits, Vegetables


European complaints over a strengthening euro are falling on deaf ears in Washington, where officials see a weaker dollar as a key to unwinding global economic imbalances, analysts say.

Washington Cold-Shoulders Europe on Currencies


With the announcement of the Player 5GB, Virgin Electronics has joined the growing list of vendors attempting to take some of Apple #39;s share of the digital music player market.

Virgin Targets Apple #39;s iPod


Staring with tears in their eyes, Ivory Coast #39;s people emerged from their homes Thursday to survey the wreckage of five days of violent upheaval and stock up on food.

African leaders launch peace talks as Ivory Coast evacuation <b>...</b>


Brigham Young was expected to announce the firing of Gary Crowton as football coach Wednesday, according to a Salt Lake Tribune report.

After 12-2 opening, three straight losing seasons


roundup Plus: WS-I tackles Web services attachments...Newspaper sites take up paid search ads...Microsoft IPTV to woo Swiss test group.

Briefly: Music promoter offers concert downloads


BATON ROUGE, La. -- Sixth-ranked Louisiana State showed no sign of the struggle that left it scrambling to beat Oregon State in overtime in its opener, rolling up 461 total yards and scoring on its first six possessions last night to blast Arkansas State, 53-3.Marcus Randall started for the Tigers (2-0) and completed 5 of 7 for 59 yards and ...

LSU shapes up in mismatch


Illinois is expected to announce the hiring of former Florida head coach Ron Zook on Tuesday.

Report: Illinois Hires Zook


Greg Maddux tossed seven innings of shutout ball and helped his own cause with a pair of singles as the Chicago Cubs downed the Expos 5-2 in National League action in Montreal Monday.

NL Wrap: Maddux, Sosa Lead Cubs to Victory Over Expos


AP - U.S. military officials said Saturday that American troops had now

GIs Occupy Fallujah but Fighting Continues (AP)


BOSTON (Reuters) - When investors heard that Google Inc. had cut the price range for shares in its closely watched initial public offering they said they took it in stride and did not make any massive last-minute adjustments.

Investors Unfazed by Last-Minute Google Moves


Will Wi-Fi, mobile messaging and other enhancements improve the game, or wreck it?\<br /> Photos of tech-friendly parks\

Stadiums go high tech


MUMBAI: The earth will have a close shave with one of the largest known potentially hazardous asteroids called  #39;Toutatis #39; on Wednesday, Nehru Planetarium senior scientist Bharat Adur said.

Beware! Deadly asteroid set to hit earth


Boston Capital Real Estate Investment Trust Inc., an owner of apartment complexes in Florida, Oregon, Washington, and Utah, boosted the size of its initial public offering to as high as \$1 billion. The Boston-based company plans to sell as many as 100 million shares for \$10 each, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In November, Boston ...

Boston Capital hopes to raise \$1b in IPO


NewsFactor - For the third consecutive quarter, shipments of handheld devices, including personal digital assistants (PDAs), have declined, according to a study by IDC.

Study: PDA Market in Decline (NewsFactor)


A new report predicts that the federal market for knowledge management solutions will grow by almost one-third in the next five years to more than \$1.

Input predicts growth in knowledge management


Allan Houston started the game on the bench, and finished it on the bench. In between he was so-so, with more than a couple of shots that rattled around inside the rim before

Knicks best with Houston


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan plans to ask the United States to  move some U.S. marine bases from its southernmost prefecture of  Okinawa to a location outside Japan, the daily Yomiuri Shimbun  said on Monday.

Japan to Ask U.S. to Remove Some Okinawa Bases -Paper


CAIRO, Aug. 28 -- Islamic militants released a brief videotape showing two French journalists kidnapped recently in Iraq, saying they were holding the men to protest a French law banning head scarves in schools

Tape Shows Missing French Journalists


AP - Kelli Roehrig had 15 points, including 11 during a 24-2 run to start the game, and No. 15 Michigan State routed Central Connecticut State 77-42 on Saturday in the first game of the Spartan Classic.

Michigan St. Beats Central Conn. St. (AP)


offensive to retake the insurgent-held cities has begun on the eve of the US presidential election. company #39;s office in Baghdad, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

Heavy clashes in Ramadi as troops buildup


US Open champion Retief Goosen was the only winner on a rainy opening day of the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth on Thursday, beating Jeff Maggert by a record 12 and 11.

Goosen sets record at rainy Match Play


Reuters - India raised the number of people killed or feared killed in last week's tsunami to 14,488 on Sunday, up by more than 1,700 since the previous evening's estimate.

India's tsumani death toll jumps to 14,488 (Reuters)


KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's opposition hopeful Viktor  Yushchenko said on Wednesday parliament's vote to root out  cheating in elections opened the way for him to win a re-run of  a rigged presidential poll.

Ukraine's Opposition Sees Path to Victory


Former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet has undergone psychiatric tests to determine if he is fit to stand trial for alleged human rights abuses during his 17-year rule.

Pinochet Undergoes Psychiatric Tests


PalmSource #39;s European developer conference is going on now in Germany, and this company is using this opportunity to show off Palm OS Cobalt 6.1, the latest version of its operating system.

PalmSource Takes the Wraps Off Palm OS Cobalt 6.1


Fans of Japanese animation get a travel book tailored to their interests. With Cruising the Anime City: An Otaku Guide to Neo Tokyo, geeks can pursue the ultimate pop-culture fix. By Chris Baker.

Anime Freaks Now Have a Guide


Judge is expected to decline motion to block a generic version of Pfizer #39;s \$3B epilepsy drug. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc. shares tumbled Thursday as investors worried a federal judge will refuse the company #39;s

Pfizer stock sinks on Neurontin


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Craig Monroe homered twice to plate  five runs and carry the Detroit Tigers to a 9-1 road win over  the Kansas City Royals in the only scheduled American League  game Monday.

AL Wrap: Monroe Drives in Five Runs as Tigers Rout Royals


AP - Poor living conditions for U.S. soldiers and an immersion in an unfamiliar culture may have contributed to abuses at U.S. detention facilities in Iraq, according to government documents released to the American Civil Liberties Union on Thursday.

Documents Shed Light on Iraq Prison Abuse (AP)


Skywatchers are about to be treated to a total lunar eclipse, just in time for Halloween. For more than an hour Wednesday night, the Earth #39;s shadow will completely cover the moon -- making it glow orange like a pumpkin.

Moon Shadows


Still reeling from the news they are to lose their top striker for the news, Birmingham City could also find themselves involved in a wage dispute with Mikael Forssell #39;s employers Chelsea.

High cost of Forssell injury


BRUSSELS, Belgium Aug. 27, 2004 - Belgium #39;s Interbrew SA and Brazil #39;s Ambev completed their planned \$11.4 billion combination Friday after shareholders of both companies approved the deal that creates the world #39;s largest brewer by volume.

Interbrew, Ambev Complete Combination


The Mac maker a likely winner in the digital living room

Merrill Lynch looks to 'killer' Apple home media server


AP - On one hand there is the European Union, demanding Turkey reform its criminal code. On the other, a powerful group of conservative Muslims who insist such changes should include criminalizing adultery.

Adultery Law Reveals Rifts in Turkey (AP)


Plans by the European Commission to close some areas round British coasts to cod fishing will be opposed by the UK.

UK rejects North Sea fishing plan


SEOUL (Reuters) - A huge explosion rocked North Korea near  the border with China three days ago, producing a mushroom  cloud that sparked speculation that Pyongyang might have tested  an atomic weapon, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday.

Big Blast, Mushroom Cloud Reported in N.Korea


The Government Accountability Office recommended that a federal contract competition that went against Spherix Inc. be reopened because of flaws in the process, Spherix said yesterday.

Spherix May Get Another Shot at Contract


In a farewell assessment of Iraq's security and political situation, the CIA's senior officer there wrote that a stronger government and economy are necessary to avoid descent into wider violence, a U.S. official said yesterday.

CIA Analyst Cautious About Iraq


 By Michael Christie

 MIAMI (Reuters) - The most powerful drug lord everextradited by Colombia appeared before a U.S. judge on Monday,and his lawyer said he would fight U.S. charges that he ran hismultibillion-dollar business from a Colombian jail cell.

Cali Drug Kingpin Faces U.S. Court in Chains


AFP - Microsoft will launch its long-awaited Internet search service that is expected to compete with market leaders Google and Yahoo.

Microsoft to launch its own search engine (AFP)


Links to this week's topics from search engine forums across the web: Amazon Launches A9 Search Engine - FindWhat Announces Pay-Per-Call Ad Option - Sitemaps On The Homepage - Optimizing An Annual Reports Page - Jeeves goes to the Himalayas - How to boot someone out of Google

Search Engine Forums Spotlight


For starters, the Detroit Pistons played well enough to win their season opener Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets. But down the road, they will need more help off the bench.

Pistons #39; bench absent in victory


Indigenous issues are receiving more political attention worldwide, but many observers say most indigenous people remain mired in poverty. Dwindling land remains a chief cause, experts say.

Poverty, Persecution Stalk Many Indigenous Peoples


AP - Jason Campbell passed for two touchdowns and Carnell Williams ran for 103 yards as No. 17 Auburn unveiled a new offense in a 31-0 victory over Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday.

No. 17 Auburn Routs La.-Monroe, 31-0 (AP)


Shares of Adobe Systems Inc. rose more than 3 percent in the extended session after the software company reported better-than-expected third-quarter profit.

Adobe Beats 3Q Estimates; Shares Rise


British-Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan #39;s captors have released a tape of her pleading for Tony Blair to save her life, repeating a tactic used with political effect in the case of slain hostage Kenneth Bigley.

Iraq captors repeat Bigley tactics


MOSCOW The Russian oil giant Yukos has said that it would immediately reduce some of its rail exports of crude oil to China in what appears to be the first time that Yukos #39;s ability to transport oil has been affected by its tax dispute with the Russian

Yukos cuts oil exports to China


Bob Melvin is fired as manager of the Seattle Mariners, a day after the team ended the season with its 99th loss.

Mariners Fire Melvin


Shares in China Power International jumped in the electricity generator #39;s Hong Kong debut Friday following a hugely popular initial public offer.

China Power jumps on market debut


India and Pakistan were unable to agree on starting a bus service between the capitals of divided Kashmir in two days of talks which ended in New Delhi on Wednesday and said they would need more discussions.

India, Pakistan say need more talks on Kashmir bus


Symbol Technologies has unveiled a multi-function enterprise digital assistant handheld device targeting mobile professionals requiring real-time access to corporate systems while on the move.

Symbol rolls out enterprise digital assistant


roundup Plus: Lawmakers to vote on spyware, piracy bills...Microsoft tests Windows Marketplace...Nortel delays financials again...Microsoft updates SharePoint.

Briefly: IDC says external disk storage up


THE family of an Iraqi man allegedly beaten to death by British troops in custody yesterday won a legal battle in their fight for a full inquiry into the scandal.

DEATH PROBE VICTORY


After signing a new six-year contract worth about \$26 million, the Pro Bowl tight end caught the winning touchdown pass for the Atlanta Falcons in a victory over New Orleans.

Falcons sign Alge Crumpler to six-year contract extension


An engrossing opening day, played on a pitch as slow as a bank queue, ended in favour of an Australian side rescued from its own excesses by an intrepid partnership between a

Australia in control after Clarke makes daring debut


Drug maker AstraZeneca PLC reported Monday that the Food and Drug Administration approved its heartburn medication Nexium for the treatment of gastric ulcers associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

AstraZeneca Gets Added Nexium FDA OK


The Perrigo Company, the world #39;s largest maker of store-branded over-the-counter drugs, plans to announce today that it has reached an agreement to buy Agis Industries, a developer and

Perrigo to Buy Agis, a Maker of Generic Prescription Drugs


(CPOD) Sept. 16, 2004 - Many residents of Israel believe their prime ministers proposal to reduce the number of Israelis living among Palestinians should be put to a nationwide vote, according to a poll by TNS/Teleseker.

Israelis Back Gaza Pull-Out, Want Referendum


Reuters - About 70 percent of the world's coral\reefs have been wrecked or are at risk from human activities\but some are showing surprising resilience to global warming, a\report said on Monday.

Most Coral Reefs Under Threat, Some Resilient (Reuters)


UNITED NATIONS, New York: The Bush administration on Thursday eased the pressure it had been putting on Secretary General Kofi Annan since American calls for his resignation, saying for the first time that it had faith in him and did not want to see him

White House expresses confidence in embattled Annan


Over the last three decades, the number of Hispanics choosing

Hispanics Resist Racial Grouping by Census


PARIS, Sept 17 (AFP) - France on Friday backed UN Secretary General Kofi Annan #39;s description of the US-led war on Iraq as  quot;illegal quot;, with Foreign Minister Michel Barnier saying that long-held stance was why his country had opposed joining the conflict.

France backs Annan on  #39;illegal #39; Iraq war


Felix Cardenas of Colombia won the 17th stage of the Spanish Vuelta on Wednesday, and defending champion Roberto Heras held onto the overall leader #39;s jersey for the sixth straight day.

Colombia #39;s Cardenas wins 17th stage; Heras overall leader


WASHINGTON - Everyone who took a commercial flight within the United States in June will have his travel information turned over to the government so it can test a new system for identifying potential terrorists, federal officials announced Tuesday.    The Transportation Security Administration plans to order airlines to turn over the information in November...

Airlines Told to Turn Over Passenger Data


Bayern Munich shrugged off some indifferent early season form as a Roy Makaay hat-trick helped them to a 4-0 win over Ajax Amsterdam in their Champions League Group C match at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.

Bayern routs Ajax behind Makaay hat-trick; Juve beats Maccabi Tel <b>...</b>


Reuters - U.S. troops from Iraq are being\trained by the Israeli army in urban and guerrilla warfare\tactics at a military base in Israel, a local newspaper said on\Wednesday.

U.S. Troops Training for Iraq in Israel -Paper (Reuters)


House price growth remains strong despite concerns about interest rate rises, Land Registry figures indicate.

House price growth 'still strong'


ATI Technologies Inc., the world #39;s second-biggest maker of computer-graphics chips, said fourth- quarter net income more than doubled, helped by sales of graphics- enhanced cell phones and high-definition televisions.

ATI Technologies 4th-Qtr Profit Doubles as Sales Rise (Update1)


Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov pledged Friday that Russia would keep meeting its oil export commitments to China, an apparent reference to fears that a cut in production at the beleaguered Yukos oil company could harm Beijing.

Update 1: PM Pledges Russia Will Meet Oil Goals


Jose Mourinho would rather be facing the likes of Arsenal or Manchester United than taking on managerless West Brom tomorrow. Frank Burrows will take charge of the Baggies against

Mourinho Wary of Baggies Backlash


AT the halfway point of yesterday #39;s Melbourne Cup, Glen Boss admitted to a feeling of deja vu as he sat in 14th spot on favourite Makybe Diva.

MORE DIVA MAGIC


MILAN Alitalia moved closer to liquidation Wednesday with a government official demanding that the management of the Italian state-owned airline and its unions reach a quick agreement on a restructuring plan.

Liquidation threat grows at Alitalia


LONDON -- Britain #39;s Prince Harry was hit in the face with a camera during a scuffle with a photographer outside a London nightclub early Thursday, a royal official said.

Prince Harry scuffles with photographer


William Morrison Supermarkets has agreed to sell 114 small Safeway stores and a distribution centre for 260.2 million pounds. Morrison bought these stores as part of its 3 billion pound

Morrison to sell 114 Safeway stores


UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations #39; nuclear agency says it is concerned about the disappearance of equipment and materials from Iraq that could be used to make nuclear weapons.

Iraqi material missing, says UN nuclear agency


This would be the loss to finally confirm -fter considerable evidence had strongly suggested it  -t the best American players just can #39;t cut it worldwide on their ability to dunk anymore.

No gold for US after 89-81 loss to Argentina


The Jacksonville Jaguars now have lost both starting defensive ends for the season. The Jags placed Lionel Barnes on injured reserve yesterday with a shoulder injury. Barnes hurt his shoulder Sept. 19 against Denver. He missed one game but returned to the starting lineup two weeks ago against Indianapolis. He did not play last week at San Diego.

Injuries leave Jaguars with no end in sight


Police shoot and kill an armed man who had taken a woman hostage in a dramatic stand-off in the Canadian city of Toronto.

Man shot dead in Canada stand-off


Governor Easley announced today that the computer maker is building a manufacturing facility somewhere in the Triad cities, creating at least 15-hundred jobs and investing 100 (m) million dollars during the next five years.

North Carolina formally announces Dell plant


The ranks of Americans filing for initial unemployment compensation rose more than expected last week, swelled in part by the devastation wrought by Hurricane Charley, the government said on Thursday.

WRAPUP 4-US jobless claims rise on back of hurricane


AP - Shaquille O'Neal promised to bring a championship to Miami. And although it's way too early to be thinking about titles, he can't wait to show off his new team to his old Western Conference rivals.

Shaq Helps Heat to Team's Best Ever Start (AP)


Neither did 95 percent of the other coaches. But in the case of Lenny Wilkens, this particular flaw became part of his legacy, along with the NBA title, the record numbers of wins and losses and the trademark crossed arms and cold stare.

Wilkens #39; defense on trial


The British government said Tuesday it would seek a ban on smoking in most public places, including restaurants and any pub or bar that serves food.

British government to seek smoking ban


Airbus SAS, the world #39;s biggest planemaker, expects to deliver as many as 320 aircraft this year, or 5 percent more than it forecast earlier, as demand from airlines picks up, said Chief Executive Noel Forgeard.

Airbus to Deliver as Many as 320 Planes in 2004, Forgeard Says


An otherwise routine power shift on the Senate Judiciary Committee could have far-reaching implications for high-tech firms, movie studios, record companies and the future of downloading. <FONT face=

Uncertain Landscape For Copyright Protection


GUWAHATI, India -- Two bomb blasts in northeastern India Saturday killed 35 people and wounded scores of others. One large explosion ripped through a train station in Dimapur, where most of the casualties occurred, police said.

Bombs in northeast India kill 35


AFP - The government unveiled tough anti-smoking proposals which would ban tobacco in all workplaces and restaurants, as well as in many pubs and bars, over the next few years.

Gov't proposes widespread ban on smoking in public (AFP)


(Sydney, Australia-AP) Oct. 20, 2004 - Australia #39;s government says it #39;s working with the British and Iraqi governments to help win the release of an aid worker kidnapped in Baghdad.

CARE suspends operations in Iraq following kidnapping of aid <b>...</b>


Kidde, the UK fire and safety products company, said yesterday it had accepted a cash offer from United Technology Corporation that values the group at 1.442bn.

UTC to buy Kidde in 1.4bn deal


Florida running back Ciatrick Fason announced Wednesday he plans to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL Draft. The 6-foot, 215-pound junior has been one of the most consistent performers for the 20th-ranked Gators.

Gators #39; RB Fason declares for NFL draft


The war on drugs is interfering with the US effort to destroy Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. US officials increasingly want to eradicate drugs as well as nurture Afghanistan #39;s

Keeping Our Priorities Straight in Afghanistan, by Ted Galen <b>...</b>


By Adrian Curtis, PA Sport and Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA International. Adrian Mutu is heading for talks about his Chelsea future with manager Jose Mourinho today following allegations that he has tested positive for a banned substance.

Mutu Jets in for Crisis Talks with Chelsea


NASA #39;s high hopes for a clean reading of the Sun #39;s atomic signature seemed dead Wednesday after the 450-pound Genesis spacecraft came tumbling down in Utah, where it landed with a terrible thud.

NASA space probe crashes in desert


Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc.  on Monday\said Tom Coughlin will retire as vice chairman after 25 years\with the world's largest retailer.

Wal-Mart Vice Chairman Coughlin to Retire (Reuters)


Reuters - Over the next three days, in eight\languages and 27 countries, Microsoft Corp.  will\release its most important program of 2004 -- not a new version\of Windows or Office, but an epic tale of a super-soldier\defending the Earth from a mysterious alien force.

Video Game 'Halo 2' to Make Killing for Microsoft (Reuters)


Sixteen racks of IBM's Blue Gene/L supercomputer can perform 70.7 trillion calculations per second.

Photos: IBM's Blue Gene/L supercomputer


You can train Bose's new system to play songs you like. Is it worth the price?

A Stereo with a Brain


Tony Blair promised yesterday to seek a national consensus on radical reform to tackle Britain #39;s pensions crisis but shelved the crucial decisions until after the general election.

Blair delays pensions move until after poll


com December 13, 2004, 3:26 PM PT. The Internet may soon see two new top-level domains: .jobs and .mobi. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ( ICANN ) said

New Internet domains in the works


Despite concerns about software patents in Europe, Germany #39;s Munich city government make their move to Linux official according to Reuters.

Munich expected to make move to Linux official


The first sign that Vijay Singh would be a relentless force on the PGA Tour came in a tournament he didn #39;t win, with a putt that ultimately didn #39;t matter.

Six shots that helped shaped the PGA Tour season


Police in India warn people not to look for bounty stashed by the outlaw Veerappan, after his death earlier in the week.

'Treasure hunt' for bandit's loot


AP - Once considered a rebuilding project, the Carolina Panthers' offensive line has become a concern as injuries mount.

Panthers Contending With Banged Up O-Line (AP)


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average edged up 0.29  percent at the opening on Tuesday, with a second day of falls  in oil prices easing fears about the global economy and  prompting buying in exporters such as Sony Corp.

Nikkei Opens Higher on Lower Oil Prices


A top European court has summoned all the parties involved in the European Union #39;s antitrust case against Microsoft to a meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday after two prominent opponents of Microsoft withdrew from the proceedings, a court official has said.

EU Court Sets Talks in Case Against Microsoft


Microsoft has launched its long anticipated desktop search application, and it's packed with promising features and tools that make it a strong contender coming out the gate.

MSN Joins the Desktop Search Fray


AFP - Russia said that it did not expect North Korea to agree to resume faltering six-way talks about its nuclear weapons program as scheduled this month.

N.Korea not ready to resume nuclear talks: Russia (AFP)


After initial complaints about the government order, U.S. airlines finally comply, turning over a massive amount of information about travelers so the feds can test a screening system. By Ryan Singel.

Airlines Cough Up Passenger Data


A conference dedicated to online journalism explores the effect blogs have on news reporting. Some say they draw attention to under-reported stories. Others struggle to establish the credibility enjoyed by professionals.

Do Blogs Change the News?


They #39;ll remember Chad Pennington for that renegade scramble into harm #39;s way, risking that suspect shoulder on a torrid third-down tear deep into Texans #39; territory.

Martin #39;s legs carry Jets


U-Md.'s Joel Statham and Georgia Tech's Reggie Ball have thrown more touchdown passes than anyone in the ACC.  However, they also rank near the top in interceptions.

Works in Progress


Junior running back Ryan Moats ran for 236 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs past the No. 17 Fresno State University Bulldogs in a thrilling 28-21 upset at Joe Aillet Stadium on Saturday night.

Bulldogs Win Battle Of The Bone 28-21 Over Fresno State


Looking for a cloud in Symantec #39;s latest silver lining, competitors are hoping the company #39;s acquisition of storage software maker Veritas will be a stumbling block for the security firm.

Rivals hope for the worst


PERTH (Dow Jones)--Having secured Chinese iron ore sales worth US\$12.2 billion, Australia-based global miner BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) said Tuesday that a further aggressive

UPDATE: BHP Flags Iron Ore Increase After China Deal


Visiting British Defense Secretary Geoffrey Hoon Tuesday welcomed the on-going Indo-Pak dialogue process and said Britain is keenly watching the progress,according to the private News Network of International.

Britain welcomes Indo-Pak talks: Hoon


Formula One bosses agree a cost-cutting deal which could save the British Grand Prix.

F1: British GP 'saved by deal'


Taipei plans to make wireless internet access available across citywide by the end of 2005, joining a small number of cities offering Wi-Fi networks.

A City Invaded by WiFi


HOUSTON (Reuters) - Brandon Backe pitched six strong  innings and Morgan Ensberg drove in three runs to secure the  Houston Astros an 8-5 divisional playoff victory over the  Atlanta Braves Saturday.

Astros Beat Braves 8-5, Take 2-1 Series Lead


The Indian central bank warns that drought and the high global price of oil may force it to lower its GDP forecasts.

Indian droughts 'may hit economy'


AP - 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.

Giants Clobber Astros 9-2 (AP)


Monaco coach Didier Deschamps admits Liverpool will face a weaker side on Wednesday than the one which reached last season #39;s Champions League final.

DESCHAMPS - MONACO NOT AS STRONG


TORONTO -- Nortel Networks shares fell yesterday after the troubled telecom equipment maker said its growth this year will likely trail the overall industry -- rather than outperforming its peers as the company had been predicting.

Nortel shares tumble after growth forecast reduced


SEPTEMBER 21, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Responding to a scourge of online fraud and identity theft that threatens to undermine public confidence in Internet commerce, major companies are rolling out new services to encourage the adoption of better

AOL, RSA, VeriSign push authentication services


A row over intellectual property claims from Microsoft Corp. has dealt a fatal blow to an ambitious effort by Internet engineers to create a technical standard for curbing junk e-mail.

Antispam effort dealt setback


A top Palestinian security leader who is a related to Yasser Arafat escaped unharmed on Tuesday when a booby-trapped car exploded near his convoy in Gaza City. The blast came as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon tried to cobble together a governing team to carry out his plan to withdraw from Gaza next year.

Sharon Begins Courting Opposition Parties


AP - President Bush picked Carlos Gutierrez, the chief executive officer of cereal giant Kellogg Co., as commerce secretary Monday, working to build a new economic team to help sell second-term overhauls of Social Security and the tax code.

Bush Picks Kellogg CEO for Commerce Post (AP)


WASHINGTON - President Bush typically closes his campaign speeches by saying

Bush to Mark 9/11 at Church, South Lawn


SANTA CLARA, CALIF. -- Simplifying Java programming is on the minds of Java development executives at Sun, but making the language available via an open source format remains off the table, according to executives at a Sun Chalk Talk session here on Wednesday.

Sun talks up Java advances


BASEBALL Cleveland (AL): Sold INF Erick Almonte to Nippon (Japan). New York (AL): Signed P Tanyon Sturtze.

Transactions


ISN SECURITY WATCH (04/11/2004) - There were conflicting reports of Palestinian President Yasser Arafats health on Thursday, as various sources claimed that he had slipped into a coma or was being anesthetized after having lost consciousness three

Arafats health said to be deteriorating


AP - Tommy Maddox can only stand on the sideline and watch Sunday as Steelers rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger runs the offense Maddox expected to run in Miami. Throws the passes Maddox expected to throw. Leads the team Maddox expected to lead.

Maddox Knows How Rookie Quarterback Feels (AP)


Continental Airlines said Tuesday it will cut pay and benefits for managers and clerical workers by \$48 million. The announcement marks the first specifics outlined by Houston-based Continental

Continental details pay, benefit cutbacks


Argentina #39;s postponement of its International Monetary Fund loan program was  quot;very unadvisable quot; as the country tries to regain access to international credit markets, a global banking group said on Tuesday.

Argentina loan program delay  #39;unadvisable #39;-bankers


Yahoo Offers Personalized Search - My Yahoo Search\\Google has been testing its lab version of personalied search. Eurekester and AskJeeves have brought personalized search out into the open by getting the jump on the other large search engines. And now Yahoo is in the game with the release of My ...


LORETO, Italy: Pope John Paul II yesterday beatified three members of an international lay Catholic movement at an huge open-air mass near the central Italian town of Loreto.

Pontiff beatifies three


Milan, Italy (Sports Network) - Inter Milan has earned just two points after two Serie A matches, thanks to a 1-1 draw with Palermo on Saturday night.

Inter draws again


TOKYO (Reuters) - High winds and heavy rain lashed Japan's  southernmost prefecture of Okinawa on Sunday, swamping  buildings and stranding holidaymakers, as the third powerful  typhoon in three weeks neared the country's coast.

Typhoon Songda Batters Southern Japan


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Visteon Corp. <A HREF=

Visteon Warns on Earnings


Shortly before noon today, Google Inc. stock began trading under the ticker symbol GOOG on the Nasdaq stock market. <FONT face=

Google Shares Begin Trading on Nasdaq


AP - Almost every morning, the whirr of the power generator sitting outside house No. 36 broke the quiet of the neat tree-lined street, bringing air conditioners and refrigerators on the block back to life. On Thursday, the generator stood silent.

Kidnapped Foreigners Known for Sharing (AP)


A priest accused of ordering the slaughter of 2000 people who sought refuge in his church during Rwanda #39;s genocide refused to appear for the start of his trial at a UN tribunal yesterday.

Priest accused in 1994 Rwanda genocide fails to front for trial


If you can #39;t bear the thought of having to leave the bar before the end of the scoreless match during the next World Cup, or if you simply can #39;t miss today #39;s Oprah Winfrey television show, plan on picking up a new mobile phone with Texas Instruments

TI hopes to put Hollywood in a mobile phone


Recreational anglers may be responsible for landing nearly 25 percent of over-fished salt water species caught off US coasts, a study released Thursday suggests.

US anglers big impact on fish stocks


There's a worldwide cement shortage. Everybody needs it, and this company has it.

Florida Rock Is Steady


Microsoft published an advisory for Web site administrators on the ASP.Net vulnerability and provided instructions for mitigating the effects of the hole, which is in a component called the canonicalization routine.

ASP.Net glitch discovered


Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp., which together have dominated the personal computer industry since the early 1980s, are for the first time running a joint advertising campaign to push their notion of the digital home.

Intel, Microsoft Run Digital Home Campaign


In this detailed view from NASA #39;s Hubble Space Telescope, the so-called Cat #39;s Eye Nebula looks like the penetrating eye of the disembodied sorcerer Sauron from the film adaptation of  quot;The Lord of the Rings.

Dying star creates fantasy-like sculpture of gas and dust


Hindi version of Windows XP costs just \$36, as the software giant aims for gains in the populous nation.

Microsoft brings XP starter software to India


AP - Saab AB reported higher third-quarter profits on Friday and project growth of 5 percent through 2004 as contracts for its military and aviation equipment remained steady during the quarter.

Saab Posts Gains in Profit and Sales (AP)


KIEV (Reuters) - Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, looking  increasingly isolated in Ukraine's deepening political crisis,  offered again on Tuesday to make his opposition rival premier  if allowed to take up the presidency.

Ukraine's Isolated PM Repeats Offer to Opposition


In a deal combining two travel industry powerhouses, hotel franchisor and real estate service company Cendant Corp. agreed to acquire Internet travel agency Orbitz Inc.

Hotel franchisor acquires Orbitz


Andre Dirrell, fighting with a tattoo of his grandfather #39;s face on his back, assured the United States of at least two boxing medals Wednesday by narrowly beating Cuba #39;s Yordani Despaigne to advance to the Olympic middleweight semifinals.

Second Andre win in a row boosts US gold medal hopes


AP - Despite a flurry of last-minute offers between the House and Senate, chances of Congress enacting the Sept. 11 commission's terror-fighting recommendations before Election Day are all but gone.

9/11 Legislation Unlikely Before Election (AP)


Shares of Allied Waste Industries Inc. opened lower Tuesday following another pullback in earnings expectations. The Scottsdale-based waste hauler Tuesday cut its 2004 earnings forecast for the second time

Allied Waste lowers earnings forecast a second time


By MATTHEW FORDAHL    SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- After years of battling Microsoft Corp...

Sun Microsystems Sets Sights on Low-End Market


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The chief executive of McDonald's  Corp. <A HREF=

McDonald's: CEO Resting After New Surgery


Britain #39;s motor industry suffered a day of mixed fortunes yesterday with news of fresh job losses balanced by a 115m investment on Merseyside.

GM cuts 430 jobs as Ford plans new plant


Champion jockey Kieren Fallon was released on bail without charge this morning after he was arrested for alleged involvement in the fixing of British thoroughbred races.

Fallon Released on Bail


The Bush administration #39;s new overtime rules went into effect on Monday, but the Kerry campaign has already begun attacking the regulations, saying they will hurt millions of American workers.

Kerry attacks Bush overtime changes


AP - Despite 33 victories in the last four years, Annika Sorenstam keeps saying that winning is not as easy as she makes it look.

Sorenstam Ends the Year With Trophy (AP)