Get used to it, quick. The New York Mets are making a strong push to close on a deal with the marquee free-agent right-hander, with indications that a four-year guaranteed contract offer has all but delivered him.

Pedro would get his re\$pect from Mets, but they need more


MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Groups of insurgents patrolled  streets in some districts of Mosul on Saturday, but U.S. and  Iraqi forces bolstered their presence to try to wrest back full  control of Iraq's third largest city.

Militants Roam Parts of Iraq's Mosul, City Tense


Tom Osborne has been out of college football for seven years, and now he can #39;t even get a phone call returned. The Nebraska coach-turned-congressman on Thursday bemoaned the lack

Lack of Courtesy From ADs Miffs Osborne


or as rare -s found money. But for 2,261 Pennsylvanians, the Internal Revenue Service has a message: We #39;ve got your cash. And it #39;s not chump change.

IRS wants to return cash to 2,261 in state


Early results show President Ben Ali heading for his expected landslide victory in the Tunisian elections.

Tunisia leader set for poll win


A bomb ripped through a food market in Thailand #39;s troubled Muslim south injuring at least 19 people, including police and soldiers, on the eve of a visit by the prime minister, said the police.

Bomb rocks southern Thailand on eve of PM visit, 19 wounded


Analysis Over the past few years, CRM implementations have come in for much criticism, especially in the elusive area of ROI. This has caused many companies to re-evaluate their technology implementations

NetSuite #39;s new offering joins up the dots


LONDON (Reuters) - European stock markets fell and the  dollar toyed with multi-month lows on Monday as U.S. crude  topped \$55 a barrel and investors prepared for a busy week of  company results.

\$55 Oil Weighs on Shares as Dollar Sags


Two men are due in court over alleged racist abuse aimed at footballer Dwight Yorke. The Birmingham City striker made a complaint after a game against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

Yorke: two due in court on race charges


PATRICK SPRINGS, Va. (BP)--NASCAR has been rocked with the news of a deadly plane crash involving family and friends of Hendrick Motorsports, one of stock-car racings premier competitors.

Hendrick Motorsports plane crash victims showed evidence of faith


British telco BT and media technologies company Blueprint have announced plans to jointly develop a digital music service using Blueprints Open Royalty Gateway and Song Centre software.

BT, Blueprint develop digital music service


The site that helps people evade registration roadblocks on websites couldn't evade trouble itself. Its server host, perhaps bowing to pressure, pulled the plug last week. But a new host is found and BugMeNot is back up. By Rachel Metz.

BugMeNot Gets Booted, Restored


Sudan #39;s foreign minister Mustafa Othman Ismael stressed yesterday that his country #39;s government is confident it will convince the UN Security Council of the progress it had attained in Darfur.

Sudan: confident in convincing the UN Security Council of progress <b>...</b>


Justice may be blind, but it ain #39;t cheap: Tyco International #39;s (nyse: TYC - news - people ) former chief executive and chief financial officer say their legal bills have topped \$25 million and they want a second insurance company to pick up the extras.

Kozlowski: Legal Bills In Tyco Case Top \$25M


Japan and South Korea joined the rush to court Southeast Asia, agreeing Tuesday to launch free trade talks with the region #39;s leaders hours after they clinched a momentous market-opening deal with booming China.

VIENTIANE, Laos (AP)


CELTIC received a boost yesterday with the news that Jackie McNamara should be back in action within six weeks. The Celtic captain was stretchered off in the second half of the 3-1 Champions League defeat

McNamara likely to return to action in six weeks


AP - Troy Glaus drove in three runs to back a strong outing by John Lackey, and the Anaheim Angels beat Oakland 6-2 Sunday to pull within one game of the AL West-leading Athletics with a week to play.

Angels Rip A's 6-2, Chip Away at AL West (AP)


The UN says more than a million displaced Bosnians have now returned home - but major obstacles remain.

Over a million Bosnians back home


The California local governments are asking a judge to make the case a class action on behalf of all the state #39;s cities and counties.

California Cities Sue Microsoft


Glenn McGrath claimed three wickets, Michael Kasprowicz two and Shane Warne bagged the all-important scalp of VVS Laxman to reduce India to 150 for 6 wickets by the end of Day 2 in the first Test against Australia at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore

McGrath has India reeling


Tokyo stocks were mixed Tuesday morning as investors grew cautious ahead of US presidential election. The US dollar was higher against the Japanese yen.

Tokyo mixed ahead of US poll


SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- When the Lakers were dismantled last summer, the Sacramento Kings thought their biggest rivalry was finished.

Lakers jump Kings; two in row for Bulls roundup


MIAMI - Just when it appeared Eddie Jones was becoming a has-been offensively, the 33-year-old reached back in time Saturday against Washington and had one of the best rapid-fire showings of his five-year Heat career.

Jones back on offense


AUSTRALIA As the Oct. 9 election nears, polls show the rivals - the coalition led by Prime Minister John Howard, and Mark Latham #39;s Labor party -eck-and-neck.

Geoffrey Rush #39;s doubts about Sellers


CENTRE ISLAND, N.Y. - Singer-songwriter Billy Joel married his fiancee, 23-year-old Kate Lee, in a ceremony Saturday at his Long Island mansion, his record label said...

Billy Joel Marries 23-Year-Old Fiancee


Description: Five bombs explode at Christian churches in Baghdad early Saturday. Meanwhile, the Army is investigating a report that 19 reservists refused to go on a mission to deliver supplies, citing concerns about danger and their safety equipment.

Bombers Target Christian Churches in Iraq


Reuters - Yemen has received information that\foreign terrorists are planning to attack its sea ports, a\security source said on Wednesday.

Yemen Seaports on Alert for Possible Terror Attack (Reuters)


The net giant has released a preliminary version of a desktop program that will search computer hard drives, as well as the web.  quot;We think of this as the photographic memory of your computer, quot; said Marissa

Google search becomes personal


BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Michael Schumacher cruised to a record  12th win of the season in the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday to  hand his Ferrari team a sixth successive constructors' title.

Schumacher Triumphs as Ferrari Seals Formula One Title


AFP - Panama's former president Mireya Moscoso said she would file a libel suit against a group of Taiwanese lawmakers who accused her of receiving a one-million-dollar  quot;gift quot; from Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian.

Panama ex-president to sue Taiwan lawmakers over alleged bribes (AFP)


As if the last four weekends have not been disheartening enough for Eli Manning, along comes another rookie quarterback, only this one has a terrific record and has charmed an entire city.

Manning Helps in Developing Giant Game Plan


A PRIEST accused of bulldozing more than 2000 Tutsi villagers to death as they sought sanctuary in his church during Rwanda #39;s 1994 genocide has gone on trial before a United Nations court charged with crimes against humanity.

Priest on trial over killing of 2000 Rwandans


Japan will use weekend talks with North Korea to ask about reports the North is preparing a missile test.

Concern over N Korea missile test


NewsFactor - For years, companies large and small have been convinced that if they want the sophisticated functionality of enterprise-class software like ERP and CRM systems, they must buy pre-packaged applications. And, to a large extent, that remains true.

Open Source Makes Do-It-Yourself CRM Possible (NewsFactor)


Reuters - Although the election is not until

Bush, Republicans Outpoll Kerry, Democrats on TV (Reuters)


CHARLOTTE, N.C., (Sports Network) - Carolina Panthers  defensive tackle Kris Jenkins was placed on injured reserve  Wednesday and will miss the remainder of the season because of  a shoulder injury.

Panthers Lose Jenkins for Season


The FCC) has just declared that DigitalVoice, an Internet telephony service provided by Vonage, is not subject to the patchwork of state regulations that govern telephone companies.

ERIC J. SINROD


A local startup is selling technology to enable the average person to set up and manage their own WiFi wireless network. BeeTelecom Inc.

Be your own telecom, wireless firm suggests


Advanced Micro Devices and IBM will work together to devise chip-manufacturing technology for three additional years, a deal that will bring about a quarter of a billion to IBM over four years and give AMD access to cutting-edge chip inventions.

AMD, IBM extend chip-development deal


Consumer prices in October posted their biggest increase in five months, pinching pocketbooks at the gas pump and at the grocery store.

Inflation picking up steam


Digital technology has now replaced the old photo-finish cameras at Britain #39;s racecourses, but still there are times when even a computer cannot help.

Kasthari makes himself known


National Australia Bank, despite reporting a healthy operating profit for its wealth management business, has ended an otherwise tough year on a bad note after today reporting a significant fall in cash earnings for 2004.

NAB turnaround to take time


The map of Saturn #39;s moon Dione, generated from Cassini images taken during the spacecraft #39;s first two orbits of Saturn, illustrates in the banner image, the imaging coverage planned during Cassini #39;s first Dione flyby on Dec. 14, 2004.

Dione and Titan: Zooming Into View


MORNIE, Sudan -- They descended on the government official with sticks, shouting that he was no better than the Arab horseman they say attacked them and forced them from their homes and leaving him a bloodied illustration of the rage of Darfur's displaced.

Impatience with Sudanese government triggers violence


NEW YORK/SEATTLE (Reuters) - Google Inc. shares jumped 18  percent in their long-awaited stock market debut on Thursday,  after a scaled-down \$1.67 billion IPO marked by missteps and  lackluster market conditions.

Google Up in Market Debut After Bumpy IPO


It should be as easy to search a computer as it is to search the Web. And Google, the current king of Web-searching, recently introduced a new desktop program for Windows

Web-searching giant now lets users browse their own PCs


AP - Five NFL teams haven't lost this season. One of them, the New England Patriots, haven't lost in more than a year.

New England Patriots Win 18th Straight (AP)


With the purchase of Eckerd Corp. for \$2.15 billion this year, Tom Ryan transformed Rhode Island's CVS Corp. into a national force with more than 5,000 drugstore s. Ryan began working at CVS as a pharmacist in Warwick, R.I., in 1978. Now, as chief executive, he is engineering the integration of 1,260 Eckerd stores. He spoke recently with Globe reporter ...

CVS chief executive's prescription for growth


AP - Players were back in shirt sleeves, and many of the 96 arches atop Busch Stadium were lit by the late-afternoon sun as the Red Sox took batting practice.

Busch Stadium Far From Fenway in Style (AP)


Real Madrid accepted the resignation of coach Jose Antonio Camacho on Monday, two days after a loss to Espanyol that was its second in four days.

Read Madrid coach Camacho steps down


KABUL, Afghanistan - A purported Taliban militant with grenades strapped to his body detonated them on a shopping street popular with foreigners yesterday, killing himself and wounding seven others, including three NATO soldiers.

Bomber kills self, hurts 7, including 3 from NATO


TAIPEI, TAIWAN -- More than two years after completing its buyout of rival Compaq Computer Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) has not done enough to take full advantage of the acquisition, according to HP's chairman and chief executive officer (CEO).

HP could make more of Compaq acquisition, CEO says


AFP - The number of Americans living in poverty or without health insurance grew last year, a government survey showed, adding potential dynamite in the battle for the White House.

US poverty rate climbs, along with number lacking health coverage (AFP)


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices hit fresh records again on  Monday, pushing London Brent crude above \$50 for the first time  and extending a relentless rise that has added around 65  percent to the cost of crude this year.

Oil Extends Record Run, Brent Over \$50


More lorry drivers are defying the indefinite Maoist blockade of Nepal #39;s capital, Kathmandu, which is entering its fourth day.

Truckers defy Kathmandu blockade


London - Southampton midfielder Fabrice Fernandes just managed to escape jail time on Wednesday after jumping a number of red lights while being chased by police.

Fernandes escapes jail time


AP - Excerpts from the citation awarding the 2004 Nobel Prize in physics to David J. Gross, H. David Politzer and Frank Wilczeck, for their work in the exploration of strong force and quarks.

Excerpts From the Citation for Nobel Prize (AP)


BUENOS AIRES -- Chinese President Hu Jintao ended a two-day visit to Argentina with the prize he had sought -- the coveted status of  quot;market economy quot; -- and pledges of investment and trade, in a regional tour that highlights China #39;s new outward-looking

China Builds Trade Ties With South America


In spite of a slowdown in cell-phone sales, Samsung Electronics Co. still roared to a 46-percent profit compared with the same period last year.

Samsung enjoys strong profit despite flat phone growth


Maxime Brunerie was allegedly searching for a peculiar kind of immortality when he decided to hide a .22 rifle in his guitar case, and use it to fire it in the direction of President Jacques Chirac during a Bastille Day parade along the Champs Elyses

Neo-Nazi tried for Chirac assassination attempt


Residents of Boscastle are counting the cost today of the damage estimated at millions of pounds caused by a freak downpour.

Prince Charles Helps Boscastle Count the Cost


The English Premier League team says it had received a  quot;preliminary approach quot; containing a number of significant conditions for a financial takeover.

Manchester United: It may receive takeover offer


Online  buying continues to snowball, according to the results of a recent America Online survey. This year, for the first time, Americans who regularly use the Internet for shopping -- researching or buying products at least once a month -- will do more shopping online than at shopping malls and stores, from catalogues and by phone, the survey found.

The Year Shoppers Left the Mall Behind


Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani today sought to quell a raging controversy over his reported differences with his brother, Anil Ambani.

No ownership issues: Mukesh Ambani


DETROIT - The retailing company Kmart Holding Corp. has appointed Aylwin Lewis, formerly an executive at the restaurant operator Yum Brands Inc.

Kmart Appoints Lewis New CEO, President


Middle linebacker Sam Cowart, injured just before halftime of the Jets #39; 34-28 victory over San Diego on Sunday, had an MRI of the sprained medial collateral ligament in

Jets: Cowart will miss two to four weeks


JERUSALEM (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


Hal Stern holds the titles at Sun Microsystems of vice president, Distinguished Engineer, and CTO for Sun Services. He also has co-authored technical books on networking and high-availability techniques and, prior to joining Sun, developed molecular modeling software. InfoWorld Editor at Large Paul Krill met with Stern to discuss Suns Next Generation Data Center concept and to talk about subjects such as security, utility computing, and how the company stacks up its services efforts against IBM Global Services.

Sun Services CTO talks up Next Generation Data Center


ILAGAN, Philippines -- The governor of Isabela province, Grace Padaca, looked out at the misty rice fields from the tiled terrace of her official residence and said she never expected to call the mansion her home.

Surprise Victory in Philippines Puts Crack in Dynasty Tradition


Reuters - Australian and British scientists have\achieved a technical breakthrough to help control insects that\have developed resistance to common agricultural pesticides,\the New South Wales state government said on Thursday.

Aussie, UK Scientists Claim Pest Control Breakthrough (Reuters)


There are opportunities, there are missed opportunities, and then there #39;s what Florida did on Saturday. Ron Zook and the Gators fell to 4-3 on Saturday.

Stark times for Zook, Gators


DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. (AP) -- President Bush criticized Sen. John Kerry's plans for health care and medical liability reform on Thursday, saying the result would be even higher costs and more federal involvement.

Bush Criticizes Kerry on Health Care


Amelie Mauresmo overcame a slow start Thursday to win her first match as the world #39;s top ranked player, beating Patty Schnyder of Switzerland 7-5, 6-4 at the Porsche Grand Prix.

Mauresmo wins first match as world No. 1


The beaches of the east coast #39;s barrier islands seemed as calm as they could be on Monday. Just one day after Hurricane Frances wobbled through, only

Storm #39;s slow approach helped save buildings


OJIYA, Japan (Reuters) - Strong aftershocks shook northern  Japan on Sunday after the country's deadliest earthquake in  nine years killed at least 18 people and injured some 1,500 as  houses collapsed, roads crumbled and rail tracks buckled.

Japan Quake Kills 18, Aftershocks Strike Fear


QANDIL MOUNTAIN RANGE, Iraq -- Sunrise came to the women's camp in shafts of white light through woven roofs, but Aristan Manzur slept past 10. She had a fever again, and fluid blocked the air in her lungs.

The Dispirited Descent Of Turkish Rebel Kurds


The political future of Northern Ireland remains uncertain after the failure of three days of negotiations between Unionists and republicans which ended in acrimony at the weekend.

Paisley will  #39;call Sinn Fein #39;s bluff #39;


DUBAI (Reuters) - Core Gulf producer Kuwait will meet its  OPEC cut by lowering oil product sales by 190,000 barrels per  day (bpd) during first-quarter refinery maintenance, a Kuwaiti  oil official said on Wednesday.

Kuwait Will Meet Its OPEC Cut


The American Association of Retired People is teaming up with The Home Depot Inc. to designate products America #39;s largest seniors #39; group deems safer and more user friendly for older Americans.

AARP to mark Home Depot products with seal of approval for older <b>...</b>


I've submitted my bid to buy shares of Google Inc. in the computer search company's giant auction-style initial public offering. That could turn out to be the good news or the bad news.

Google IPO: Type in 'confusing,' 'secrecy'


A Sony-led group has a deal in principle to buy Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for about \$2.94 billion in cash and \$1.95 billion in assumed debt, MGM (MGM) announced Monday evening.

Sony jumps on MGM after Time Warner drops bid


Cape Canaveral - Nearly two years after Columbia shattered in the sky, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration still has no way of repairing the kind of holes that could doom other shuttles.

Columbia disaster still haunts Nasa officials


US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage is welcoming Friday #39;s end of the three-week occupation of the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf by Shi #39;ite militiamen as a great victory for Iraq #39;s interim government.

US Welcomes End of Najaf Standoff, Criticizes Syria #39;s Role in <b>...</b>


HERAT, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Up to seven supporters of an  ousted Afghan governor were killed and 20 wounded on Sunday in  clashes with police and U.S. troops in the western city of  Herat, which was placed under night curfew.

Up to 7 Die in Clashes Over Ousted Afghan Governor


One of the world #39;s most famous monuments, India #39;s Taj Mahal, celebrates its 350th birthday on Monday with a cultural extravaganza that hopes to pay a fitting tribute to the historic symbol of love.

Taj Mahal to celebrate 350th birthday


SHARES in WMC Resources surged 36 per cent yesterday after it revealed it had become a takeover target for Swiss mining giant Xstrata.

Xstrata makes play for WMC


Computer Associates International Inc., the software maker under investigation for a \$2.2 billion accounting fraud, is scheduled to be arraigned in US criminal court today, and former

Computer Associates Set for Criminal Arraignment (Update3)


Tom Brady in a slump? It's hard to imagine after a 24-3 win over Baltimore and a 42-15 romp over Cleveland the last two weeks.

Brady is passing the true test


Saturday's qualifying session for the Japan GP is postponed because of a typhoon.

F1: Storm disrupts Japan GP


THE HAGUE, Netherlands Sept. 15, 2004 - Stalled by reluctant witnesses and an uncooperative defendant, judges in Slobodan Milosevic #39;s war crimes trial adjourned the proceedings for a month Wednesday to give

Judges Postpone Milosevic Trial for Month


Review Very thin, very light - but totally desirable?

Samsung Q30 ultra-portable notebook


BAGHDAD US forces struck by air Tuesday at what they called a hideout for associates of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Falluja, and troops battled insurgents on a main thoroughfare in Baghdad, the authorities said.

US planes hit Zarqawi insurgents in Falluja


SAN FRANCISCO - As Sun Microsystems Inc. and Microsoft Corp. ready an early December unveiling of the first step in their highly publicized technology collaboration, industry observers are questioning whether the former foes will fail to address industry standards, particularly the work being done by the Sun-backed Liberty Alliance consortium.
ADVERTISEMENT

<img src=

Sun-Microsoft work might leave standards rift


Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher agreed to pay the 165,000-pound bail (about 297,000 US dollars) required to release her son Mark Thatcher from house arrest in

Thatcher agrees to pay bail for son in S. Africa: report


APOLLO 16 astronaut Charles Duke was a fighter pilot in Germany when US president John F. Kennedy announced America was going to the moon.

Astronaut #39;s still not over the moon


WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- House and Senate lawmakers reached a deal Wednesday on a massive corporate tax bill that would repeal a portion of the tax code that has spurred mounting retaliatory sanctions by the European Union.

Senate fate uncertain amid tobacco buyout dispute


Hundreds of Somalis have taken to the streets of the capital, Mogadishu, to celebrate the inauguration of the country #39;s parliament.

Somalis celebrate new parliament


JERUSALEM - Israel has charged an army captain who was accused of riddling a Palestinian girl #39;s body with bullets after she was already dead.

Israeli officer charged over slain Gaza girl


The American military launched new airstrikes against suspected militant bases in Falljuah Saturday. They also carried out probing attacks on the city #39;s outskirts, as they prepare for a major operation here.

US forces launch airstrikes in Fallujah


Rutgers Coach C. Vivian Stringer had some problems. Cappie Pondexter, her leading scorer, was set to miss the first semester because of personal problems. Last season's leading rebounder, Shalicia Hurns, was forced to leave after off-court problems.

Amid Absences, Rutgers Freshmen Make Presence Felt


ABUJA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Sudanese rebels said on Tuesday  that the government must disarm its militias in Darfur before  they would sign a deal to bring aid to 1.5 million civilians  displaced by violence.

Sudanese Darfur Rebels Block Aid Pact for Refugees


AFP - Sudanese opposition groups and a government delegation held a first full day of peace talks in Cairo with both sides optimistic about a deal, sources close to the negotiations told Egypt's MENA news agency.

Sudanese opposition, government hold Cairo-mediated peace talks (AFP)


Japanese industrial production grew in August for the first time in three months, official data has shown. Although only a month-on-month rise of 0.3, and below some forecasts, the news saw Japan #39;s leading shares rise for the first time in nine days.

Japan #39;s production growing again


Continental Airlines Inc. (CAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) plans to eliminate about 425 management and clerical jobs, and wage cuts may be next if the revenue picture does not improve, the No.

UPDATE 3-Continental Air to cut 425 jobs, warns on wages


Martinsville, VA (Sports Network) - A plane owned by Hendrick Motorsports crashed Sunday on its way to a NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway, killing all 10 people aboard.

Hendrick plane crashes, kills 10


Venus Williams of the United States returns the ball to Croatia #39;s Karolina Sprem, during their first round match, at the Swisscom Challenge Tennis Tournament in Kloten, Switzerland, Tuesday, Oct.19, 2004.

Venus Beats Sprem at Swisscom Challenge


The indefinite detention without trial of foreign nationals under emergency terror laws is incompatible with European human rights laws, the Law Lords have ruled.

Law Lords blow to anti-terror rule


Two Egyptians were seized by gunmen in an overnight raid on their Baghdad office, the Iraqi police said today, adding to a rash of kidnappings of foreigners.

2 Egyptians Seized by Gunmen in Baghdad, Iraqi Police Say


Federal Reserve policy makers at their Sept. 21 meeting considered the case for pausing a series of  quot;measured quot; rate increases this year if economic data weaken, minutes of the gathering show.

Data will dictate Fed rates


US retail sales unexpectedly increased for a third month in November, easing concern that consumers will be tight-fisted this holiday shopping season.

US Economy: Retail Sales Rise 3rd Month in November (Update1)


Reuters - Police have arrested a Dutch national\suspected of supplying thousands of tons of ingredients for\mustard gas and nerve gas to Iraq under toppled leader Saddam\Hussein, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Dutch Arrest Saddam's Suspected Nerve Gas Supplier (Reuters)


British telco BT has reached agreements with German mobile handset maker Siemens and Canadian wireless solutions provider Research In Motion (RIM) to offer UK corporate customers the Siemens SK65 handset with Blackberry Built-In technology.

BT to offer Blackberry-enabled Siemens handsets


NASA SCIENTISTS are poised to blast a hole in a faraway comet to get a look at its innards. It #39;s an innovative feat of scientific daring, but why not take a second shot at NASA itself?

Rockets #39; red glare


THE HAGUE, Netherlands Officials in the Netherlands say the killers of an outspoken filmmaker are also threatening a Dutch politician.

Note left on body had death threat


Manchester United #39;s Paul Scholes said it #39;s time to end his 20-match goal drought for the club, which faces local rival City on Sunday without suspended top-scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Scholes Aims to End Goal Drought in Manchester Derby (Update1)


The Renault F1 Teams latest signing was invited to the official FIA Press Conference this afternoon.

Three question to Jacques Villeneuve at Shanghai


Bill Belichick news rarely cites statistics to make a point. So when a particular figure impresses the Pats #39; coach, it #39;s got to be a doozy.

Team on the take: Bengals like to force issue


In an attempt to spark growth in its Net phone service, AT amp;T has turned to cable companies to pitch the technology to more consumers.

AT amp;T strikes VoIP deals with cable


On his 35th birthday, Ernie Els received a familiar present -- a World Match Play title. And he just might have his 96-year-old grandfather to thank.

Els Wins World Match Play Title


House and Senate negotiators defeated an effort Tuesday to have the Food and Drug Administration regulate tobacco products. The proposal was part of a corporate tax bill

Tobacco regulation backers fail to restore it to corporate tax <b>...</b>


AP - The soccer federations of France, Italy and the Netherlands will be disciplined by FIFA, which cited them for being lax on drug infractions.

FIFA to Discipline for Doping Sanctions (AP)


Padraig Harrington, with next week #39;s Ryder Cup uppermost in his thoughts, emerged from a run of indifferent form with an outstanding 66, six under par, in the first round of the Linde German Masters yesterday.

Harrington eyes perfection as Woosnam #39;s hopes sink


PC World - Microsoft looks to new games, online gaming service to boost sales.

Xbox Adds Video Chat Service (PC World)


LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - A top European Union judge  challenged the EU executive's reasoning in its antitrust court  battle with Microsoft Corp. on Friday, questioning why it  opposed the U.S. software giant's setting industry standards.

Judge Challenges EU Position on Microsoft


Leg spinner Anil Kumble completed his sixth 10-wicket test haul on Saturday to give India a wonderful opportunity to square their four-match series against Australia.

UPDATE 4-Kumble puts India in sight of victory


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Responding to a torrent of new money into its top-performing Vanguard International Explorer fund, the Vanguard Group closed the foreign stock portfolio Thursday to new investors.

Vanguard closes international fund


AP - It has long been suspected that man's best friend has a special ability to sense when something is wrong with us. Now the first experiment to verify that scientifically has demonstrated that dogs are able to smell cancer.

Study: Dogs Are Able to Sniff Out Cancer (AP)


December 07, 2004 - CNet reports that Microsoft is almost ready with the final release candidate of Windows 64. Here #39;s a clip: The company said it has reached the  quot;release candidate quot; stage for Service Pack 1 of Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft Nears Release of 64-bit Windows


Juventus stretched their Serie A lead to five points as they battled to a 2-1 win over this season #39;s surprise packages Messina.

Juve stretch lead as Roma grab win


President Pervez Musharraf #39;s loyalist Shaukat Aziz was elected as Pakistan #39;s Prime Minister in a National Assembly vote boycotted by the opposition in protest of the speaker #39; decision not to permit their jailed candidate Javed Hashmi to take part in the

Aziz elected Pak PM amid boycott by Oppn


The Cassini spacecraft will swoop near Saturn #39;s mysterious moon Titan today, revealing features on the surface in the best detail yet.

Cassini makes closest Titan flyby today


Crude oil futures were little changed in New York after falling Friday on expectations reduced fighting in Iraq #39;s holy city of Najaf may enable the country to restore oil exports to full capacity.

Crude Oil Steady as Fighting in Southern Iraq Limits Exports


AP - A factory worker who helped to organize a strike during China's 1989 pro-democracy protests has been released after nearly 15 years in prison, a U.S.-based prison rights group said Saturday.

Report: China Releases Tiananmen Protester (AP)


ATHENS: Australia #39;s Matildas salvaged a 1-1 draw against the United States at the Athens Olympics on Tuesday to join the Americans in the last eight of the women #39;s soccer tournament.

Matildas #39;salvage late draw with US


ST. JOHN #39;S, Nfld. - Officials have shut down a drilling rig at the Terra Nova offshore oil project following another oil spill Thursday morning.

Second oil spill this week shuts down Nfld rig


There weren't many times during the course of his Cincinnati Bengals career when Corey Dillon left the locker room satisfied after a game.

Dillon experiences a whole new feeling


AFP - Inflation slowed to an annual rate of 1.3 percent in August from 1.4 percent in July, well below the 2.0-percent target used by the Bank of England.

Inflation falls further below target (AFP)


Chipmaker Intel boosts its prediction of sales for the final three months of the year to \$9.3-9.5bn.

Intel sunny about holiday sales


THE yellow card Didier Drogba received for diving during Chelsea #39;s Premier League soccer match at Aston Villa has been rescinded by referee Rob Styles, the Football Association said yesterday.

Sports File


AFP - Legendary manager Brian Clough, who led unfashionable Nottingham Forest to two European Cup titles, has died of stomach cancer aged 69.

Football legend Clough dies of stomach cancer (AFP)


A new fuel cell for notebook PCs, more compact and powerful than competing technologies, could be on the market in early 2006 at a price of around US\$90, its Japanese inventors said Tuesday.

Smaller, more powerful PC fuel cell is on the way


Bhopal - A hoax played on the BBC that US giant Dow Chemical was to pay \$12bn to those maimed in the world #39;s worst industrial disaster was slammed Friday as  quot;cruel quot; in this city where thousands died.

\$12bn hoax  #39;cruel #39;


The death toll across Haiti from the weekend deluges brought by Tropical Storm Jeanne was at 620, with some 500 of them in Gonaives, but officials said they expected to find more dead.

Haitians Left in Devasting Wake of Jeanne


SAN DIEGO - Ryan Klesko singled in the go-ahead run with none out in the eighth inning and the San Diego Padres beat St. Louis 7-3 Monday night to keep alive their slim playoff hopes and end the Cardinals' nine-game winning streak...

Padres Clobber Cardinals 7-3


Houston -- Jurors returned to a Houston federal court Thursday to begin the second phase of the Enron-Merrill Lynch fraud and conspiracy trial.

Jurors Begin 2nd Phase Of Enron-Merrill Lynch Trial


AstraZeneca, the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical group, suffered another setback when it suspended marketing of Iressa, a lung cancer drug launched this year.

AZ suspends marketing of cancer drug


NAJAF, Iraq : Iraq #39;s top Shiite Muslim clerics, back in control of Najaf #39;s Imam Ali shrine after a four-month militia occupation, met amid the ruins of the city as life spluttered back to normality.

Iraq #39;s top Shiite clerics meet in Najaf, academic shot dead in <b>...</b>


AP - Having all but lost the political battle, Jewish settlers said Tuesday they are still confident they can block an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip with faith and defiance.

Israeli Settlers Vow to Fight Sharon Plan (AP)


Crude oil prices tumbled again Monday, sliding to an 8-week low, under \$46 a barrel, as growing fuel stocks in the United States eased fears of a winter supply crunch.

Oil dives below \$46 to eight-week low


A new worm that spreads via Microsoft #39;s instant messaging client began badgering users Monday, several security firms said. Dubbed Funner, the worm propagates by sending itself to all the contacts listed in

New IM Worm On The Loose


THE United Nations #39; quest to reform the Security Council has turned into a public brawl between aspiring powers seeking a permanent seat at the top table and a larger number of jealous neighbours seeking to keep them out.

World Squabbles Over UN Security Council Seats


LONDON -- The U.K.'s National Health Service (NHS) said this week that it purchased 5,000 licenses for Sun Microsystems Inc.'s Java Desktop System (JDS) as an alternative to Windows, in a move that could potentially open the door for greater use of the open-source software by the health agency.

U.K.'s NHS licenses Sun's Java Desktop System


China #39;s second manned space flight will orbit the earth for five days with two astronauts onboard in a mission scheduled next year.

Next Chinese manned space trip in 2005


AP - Once again, the ailing and short-handed Indiana Pacers built a big lead. This time, they were able to hold off New York's furious comeback. Jermaine O'Neal had 33 points and 12 rebounds, Ron Artest marked his 25th birthday with 22 points and Stephen Jackson added 19 as the Pacers fought off fatigue and beat the Knicks 103-97 Saturday night.

Pacers, O'Neal Edge Out Knicks 103-97 (AP)


Taiwan #39;s markets and government offices closed today as Typhoon Nock-ten whipped parts of the island with torrential rains and winds as high as 180 kilometers (113 miles) an hour.

Taiwan Markets Closed for Typhoon; Flights Canceled (Update2)


HOUSTON (Reuters) - Former National League Most Valuable  Player Ken Caminiti, who in 2002 admitted he used steroids,  died of an apparent heart attack in New York on Sunday, Major  League Baseball said on Monday.

Caminiti Dead at 41 of Possible Heart Attack


KABUL (AFP) - Incumbent leader Hamid Karzai #39;s chief rival Yunus Qanooni told AFP he would accept the outcome of Afghanistan #39;s presidential election despite his allegations of fraud.

Qanooni says he will accept Afghan vote result


Tottenham Hotspur wasted chances and the opportunity to move into fourth place after displaying typical weaknesses at Fratton Park last night.

Yakubu makes Spurs suffer


WR Grace  amp; Co. disclosed yesterday that federal prosecutors were likely to indict the chemical and building material supplier during the first quarter of 2005 on charges related to environmental

WR Grace Expects Indictment


At least 17 people were killed, over 130 injured and more than 300 homes destroyed Friday when an earthquake hit a town in Indonesia #39;s Papua province for the second time in nine months, officials said.

Quakes rock Indonesia, 17 dead


I originally had intended to write something about the Spurs' ongoing invincibility against the Celtics, how the next time Boston beats the Spurs, Tim Duncan will be sipping a pina colada under a mango tree in St. Croix. But then I switched gears and planned to address Paul Pierce and his unflattering body language, and why he looks so darn ...

This stands as low point


AP - Steve Francis has his new franchise 2-0. Francis hit his second game-winner, soaring into the lane to put back Pat Garrity's missed 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds left Friday night. That gave the Orlando Magic a 90-89 victory over the New Orleans Hornets.

Francis Pushes Magic Past Hornets 90-89 (AP)


Oil giant Yukos is halting two-thirds of its exports to China because of its financial troubles, a move which could raise oil prices.

Yukos suspends shipments to China


Baghdad - An Iraqi minister said on Thursday that a chemical weapons laboratory was found in the former rebel stronghold of Fallujah, Sky News reports.

Chemical weapons lab found in Fallujah


Lloyd Braun, ousted last year as the chairman of ABC Entertainment, will become head of entertainment and media content for Yahoo, the company announced yesterday.

Yahoo Names Media Executive


An Oracle executive testified that she expected PeopleSofts earnings would continue to drop in the wake of Oracles hostile takeover bid.

Oracle President Says Bid for PeopleSoft May Be Cut


Kevin Keegan has been charged with verbally abusing a match official following Manchester City #39;s 4-3 defeat by Newcastle United.

FA charges Keegan over referee insults


Nine people, including three federal agents, were found dead at two locations near Mexico #39;s resort town of Cancun, all believed slain by drug traffickers.

Nine bodies found in Cancun


Newspaper publisher Pulitzer Inc. confirmed on Sunday it hired a financial adviser to help it explore strategic options, including a possible sale of the company.

Pulitzer Hired Banker to Explore Sale


AP - President Bush says he doesn't envision a longtime presence of U.S. troops in Iraq similar to post-World War II deployments in Europe and South Korea that continue today.

Bush Talks About Troop Presence in Iraq (AP)


Oracle Corp. raised the stakes in its hostile bid for PeopleSoft Inc. Monday by increasing its offer to \$24 per share, boosting the value of the proposed merger to \$9.

Oracle raises bid, sets Nov. 19 deadline


Tallahassee, FL (Sports Network) - Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden has suspended senior wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe for the Seminoles #39; game against fellow Atlantic Coast Conference member Duke on Saturday.

FSU #39;s Thorpe gets one-game suspension


Japanese and US negotiators have agreed to resume limited US beef exports to Japan, but the timing remains uncertain. Beef trade was suspended, following the discovery of bovine spongiform

Japan, US Agree to Resume Beef Trade


A lackluster FPS that #39;s lacking in almost every category, this Bond is by no means golden. November 22, 2004 - In a fall season slammed with AAA first-person shooters, Electronic Arts #39; move to release GoldenEye

GoldenEye: Rogue Agent


The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act - commonly known as Check 21 - went into effect on Thursday. It #39;s important for you to know about this important change in the nation #39;s banking practices.

Don #39;t get snared by Check 21


Reuters - A new stadium for Major League\Baseball in Washington D.C. will cost around  #36;90 million more\than the mayor expects, the city's independent chief financial\officer told the City Council Thursday.

New Washington Stadium Will Cost More, Mayor Told (Reuters)


AP - Kay-Jay Harris still needs to prove to West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez that he deserves to be the Mountaineers' starting running back  #151; even after a record-setting performance in the season opener.

W. Virginia's Harris Still Seeking Start (AP)


Israel #39;s military is worried significant numbers of soldiers will heed a call by prominent rabbis to refuse orders to evacuate Jewish settlers, officials said on Tuesday, and

Rabbis tell army to refuse Sharon #39;s orders


Tired scooter rider enthused to finish coast-to-coast journey across 14 states.

Segway completes trans-continental voyage


Reuters - Iraq's interim Prime Minister told\British media in an interview published on Monday he wanted\elections to go ahead as planned in January even if violence\prevented some Iraqis from voting.

Iraqi PM Says Elections Must Go Ahead -UK Papers (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Former investment banker Frank  Quattrone on Wednesday requested a court order that would allow  him to remain free on bail while he appeals his obstruction of  justice conviction.

Quattrone Seeks Bail Until Appeal Ruling


ELECOMS watchdog Ofcom today ordered BT to open up its modern services such as broadband to all its competitors at the same price it charges its own retail business within a matter of months.

Ofcom clampdown on BT


WASHINGTON - John Kerry said Friday there is a

Kerry Warns Draft Possible if Bush Wins


Economic recovery in the euro zone is firmly established and inflation poses no threat, Otmar Issing, a European Central Bank executive board member, said Sunday.

Briefly: Sarkozy focuses on aircraft aid


Nuclear bomb- making equipment could end up in the hands of terrorists because of the chaos in Iraq, a United Nations watchdog has warned.

N-bomb equipment  #39;lost in Iraq #39;


As a dedicated short-seller for nearly eight years, Manuel Asensio became known as one of the most ruthless investors in the business.

Investor Profile: Asensio Ponders Long Bet


A ray of second-quarter sunshine is overshadowed by clouds on the horizon, according to Gartner.

Disk storage outlook dimmer


The San Francisco Giants have agreed to terms on a three-year, \$21 million contract with Marlins free agent closer Armando Benitez, according to several media reports.

Report: Former Marlins closer Benitez reaches deal with Giants


A leading pro-Taliban Sunni Muslim cleric together with an associate were shot dead in southern Pakistan yesterday, the latest attack in religious violence that has already killed more than 70 people this month.

Gunmen kill pro-Taliban cleric in Pakistan


The long-standing tradition of licences - bought per seat and for a given period of time and version - is wearing out its welcome.

Leader: Licensing due for a change


A game-winning save in penalty kicks last Saturday marked the pinnacle of a tumultous season for United keeper Nick Rimando.

Rimando's Prime-Time Net Work


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar edged higher against the euro  on Wednesday, after a downbeat outlook for European growth  prompted investors to buy back the U.S. currency after heavy  falls.

Dollar Inches Up, Falls Seen Again


Stuart Appleby #39;s golf game was a notch away from its best and that was the difference between winning and finishing second at the Australian Open golf tournament here yesterday.

Water sinks Appleby #39;s chances of Open title


AP - Reactions on Monday to the announcement that Secretary of State Colin Powell is resigning:

Reactions to Powell's Resignation (AP)


Any day now -- probably following his team #39;s regular-season finale Saturday against Clemson -- South Carolina coach Lou Holtz is expected to announce his retirement.

Return of the Ol #39; Ball Coach


A strong aftershock measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale jolted north Japan #39;s Niigata Prefecture Monday morning, leading the death toll from the three major quakes that hit the prefecture Saturday to reach 24, with more than 2,000 injured.

Death toll from northern Japan earthquakes reaches 24


AP - NASA's departing boss, Sean O'Keefe, said Friday he does not regret canceling the last shuttle mission to the Hubble Space Telescope  #151; or anything else during his three years on the job.

No Regrets, Says Departing NASA Boss (AP)


Server and software company prepares new foray into market for dot-com infrastructure.

Sun networking foray begins this month


Wiretapping Internet phones to monitor criminals and terrorists is costly and complex, and potentially a big burden on new businesses trying to sell the phone service.

The Call Is Cheap. The Wiretap Is Extra.


Insurance claims for damage caused in the United States this year by four major hurricanes may reach \$23 billion, surpassing payments on claims for 1992 #39;s Hurricane Andrew, an insurance industry group said on Friday.

Insurers See Hurricane Costs as High as \$23 Billion


AP - After Red Herring sank into the dot-com morass last year, Tony Perkins considered resurrecting the magazine that helped establish him as a Silicon Valley sage. He changed his mind when his college-age daughter scoffed and told him

High-Tech Publisher Tries 'Blogozine' (AP)


Here #39;s another good reason to finish your holiday shopping early: The US dollar reached a new all-time low against the euro Friday for the fourth straight day, raising the strong possibility that US consumers will pay much more for imported goods as the

Dollar takes another slide


LOUDON, NH -- One driver not in the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup found a way to get himself some exposure as the Chase kicked off Sunday at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Sylvania 300 notebook: Gordon stirs up Nextel chase


Russia #39;s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol marks a new phase in the international cooperation to deal with the global warming and serves the country #39;s interests, Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said Thursday.

Ratification of Kyoto Protocol serves Russian interests: FM <b>...</b>


Mary Poppins was wrong.  quot;A spoonful of sugar quot; doesn #39;t cut it anymore. In a diet-obsessed culture, many Americans are going sour on sugar.

Sugar business sours as US goes diet crazy


Hitachi Global Storage Technologies is launching a new line of 1.8-inch Travelstar C4K60 hard drives. The new drives will feature high-density 30GB platters and ZIF (zero insertion force) connectors for use

Hitachi Drives Consumer Storage


Two UN peacekeepers are shot in Haiti over the weekend amid increasing tensions on the island.

UN troops hurt in Haiti violence


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Google Inc., the Web search engine, on  Wednesday slashed the price range on its eagerly awaited  initial public offering to between \$85 and \$95 per share from  \$108 to \$135 per share.

Google Cuts IPO Price Range


An IBM-built supercomputer being assembled for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has attained a record 70.72 trillion computations per second, the Energy Department said Thursday.

IBM Supercomputer Sets New Speed Record


NEW YORK -- Fred Hale Sr., the oldest man in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, has died less than two weeks shy of his 114th birthday.

World #39;s oldest man dies at 113


NEW YORK (Ticker) - Evander Holyfield wanted to retire back on top. The New York State Athletic Commission apparently had other ideas.

Report: Holyfield suspended indefinitely


In an emotionally charged burial ceremony which verged on chaos, the Palestinian people bid farewell to their leader as Yasser Arafat was buried in the Mukata compound in Ramallah.

Arafat buried in his Mukata headquarters


PHILADELPHIA _ International Steel Group Inc., which includes the remains of the bankrupt Bethlehem Steel Corp., is being acquired by a Dutch steel company for \$4.

Dutch steel firm buying International Steel Group for \$4.5 billion


British company claims four online retailers are using its patented technology.

Amazon, Netflix Hit With Patent Suit


We all remember April 1st when Google announced its new Gmail web-mail service with an overwhelming 1Gig storage space. Their mere announcement brought a new wave of 1Gig web-mail services such as Walla  , Spymac  and more. Since they don't charge for the service, their plan is to profit from advertisement revenue stream.  It's been 6 month now, and Gmail is still in beta stage and many competitors are joining the scene on an almost daily basis.

Is there a future for the 1Gig email services?


In a sign of persistent weakness in the US economy, a widely watched measure of business activity declined in August for the third consecutive month.

Signs of listless economy persist


In NASA #39;s ideal scenario for cleaning the science payload containing solar particles from the Genesis capsule, the biggest worry had been about contamination from gases in the atmosphere, not from dirt in Utah #39;s west desert.

Genesis capsule now a \$264M muddy mess


In the time it took the ball to tumble from kick returner Derrick Ward #39;s arms, the New York Giants #39; chances of beating the Baltimore Ravens evaporated Sunday.

Another Giant Disaster


Reuters - Guardians of two of the world's most\popular coral reefs joined forces on Thursday to protect their\fragile charges from the ravages of water pollution, coral\disease and people.

US, Australia Team Up to Protect Vulnerable Reefs (Reuters)


REYKJAVIK, ICELAND - Canadian scientists at an international symposium on climate change say a new report shows the Kyoto Protocol agreement on limiting fossil fuel emissions is not enough to slow the potentially disastrous warming of the planet.

Kyoto Protocol not enough to stop warming: scientists


Former University of Washington star center Todd MacCulloch, who hasn #39;t played for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1-1/2 years, retired yesterday from the NBA.

NBA notebook: MacCulloch ends basketball career


AP - Best Buy Co. Inc.'s second-quarter results will show a 13 percent increase in revenue and 4.3 percent growth in same-store sales, the nation's largest consumer electronics retailer said Thursday.

Best Buy's 2Q Sales Increase 13 Percent (AP)


BOSTON - The Boston Red Sox held a 2-1 lead over the New York Yankees after five innings of play Monday in Game 5 of the ALCS.    After singles by Orlando Cabrera and Manny Ramirez in the first off Yankees starter Mike Mussina, David Ortiz added another single to make the score 1-0...

BoSox Lead Yankees 2-1 After Five Innings


As the first signs of winter push into the Northeast, Cornell University researchers have some good news for fair weather fans _ spring is coming a week earlier than it did 40 years ago.

Cornell scientists look at lilacs for evidence of earlier spring


AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The potential loss of Gary Payton with a strained left hamstring was briefly a laughing matter last night after the Celtics dropped a 100-88 decision to the Pistons. When asked how he would get through one and possibly many more games without the veteran point guard, coach Doc Rivers decided he would call up executive director ...

Funny bone intact


WASHINGTON - All antidepressants must carry a

FDA Orders Strong Antidepressant Warnings


WASHINGTON - Hugely popular internet search engine Google Inc. cautioned Thursday its current pace of revenue growth is expected to slow.

Google sees slower revenue growth ahead


The wife and children of Mark Thatcher, who is charged over an alleged coup plot, have landed in the UK on a flight from South Africa.

Thatcher #39;s wife lands at Heathrow


Three Palestinians were killed Thursday in the collapse of a tunnel they were digging on the border between Rafah in southern Gaza and Egypt.

3 smugglers killed as tunnel collapsed


SYDNEY - Australian Prime Minister John Howard confirmed Wednesday that the alleged mastermind of the Sept 11, 2001, attacks by al-Qaida on the United States was granted a tourist visa to visit Australia only a month before the attacks.

Top al-Qaida figure got Australian tourist visa in Aug 2001


Today, the Lancet medical journal published a report which concludes that 100,000 civilians died in the US-led invasion of Iraq. This is an incredibly high estimate, and at first may seem too farfetched not to be propaganda. But it cannot easily be dismissed. The report's authors are researchers from Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, and Al-Mustansiriya University in Baghdad. The Lancet is a highly-respected, peer-reviewed publication. The report appears to be a serious academic attempt to study the public health consequences of the invasion.  Also, The New Republic magazine has conducted an interview with Prof. Gilbert Burnham, the report's main author.   Excerpts and comments below.

Study: 100,000 civilian deaths due to Iraq invasion


AP - Embryonic stem cells may not have to actually grow replacement body parts to be useful. New research suggests these cells also secrete healing molecules powerful enough to reverse a lethal birth defect in mice.

Study: Stem Cells Emit Healing Molecules (AP)


LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) - Oracle Corp. on Monday raised its hostile bid for rival PeopleSoft to \$8.8 billion, calling the bid its  quot;best and final offer, quot; as CEO Larry Ellison raised the stakes in a 17-month takeover

New \$8.8B tender offer requires removal of poison pill


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - A national sex offender registry came into force Wednesday, requiring convicted offenders to register within 15 days after being released from prison, or if they're ordered to register.

Feds anticipate 6,000 will be added annually to new sex offender registry (Canadian Press)


The Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA) has recommended that the Bush administration get a handle on cybersecurity issues, and has issued a 12 point recommendation to the White House to aid in the education process.

Bush Told to Get in Step with Cybersecurity


Collectors have consigned hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of art for the November sales in New York.

Artworks Rushed to Auctions as Houses Expect Heated Sales


Controversial rapper Eminem will launch his widely expected satellite music radio channel called Shade 45 on Oct. 28 with a live broadcast of a concert from New York, the Sirius network said on Thursday.

Eminem Satellite Radio Channel Sets October Debut


The self-proclaimed  quot;bunch of idiots quot; at Fenway Park are getting a new ringleader. In a move sure to torment the Yankees, the Red Sox have reached agreement on a two-year contract with David Wells.

Red Sox add Wells to cast of characters


An American woman and a young Afghan girl have died from their wounds after a suicide bomb attack in the Afghan capital of Kabul. A Taliban suicide fighter blew himself up in the attack.

American woman, Afghan girl die in Kabul


The Atkins diet frenzy slowed growth briefly, but the sandwich business is booming, with \$105 billion in sales last year.

Humble Sandwich Gains In Stature


Reuters - German luxury carmaker BMW unveiled the\world's fastest hydrogen-powered car at the Paris auto show on\Wednesday, dubbed the H2R, capable of exceeding 300 kilometers\(185 miles) per hour.

BMW Unveils World's Fastest Hydrogen-Powered Car (Reuters)


Intel today announced additions to its Celeron D entry level processor family. The new chips come with LGA775 packaging known from 90 nm Prescott Pentium

Intel launches 2.93 GHz Celeron D, PCI Express chipset


ANKARA: Turkey #39;s bid for membership of the European Union is back on track after the parliament passed far-reaching penal code reforms designed to improve the Muslim nation #39;s human rights record.

Turkey reforms penal code with eye on EU


AP - For the first time in years, Duce Staley didn't mind being pulled from a game. As Steelers fans chanted,

Duce Staley Makes Big Impact on Steelers (AP)


THE bulk of an 850-strong group of British troops was today gathering near their new base in a United States- controlled area of Iraq.

Black Watch regroups after first soldier dies


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Tied for the lead in what is shaping up as another shootout at Disney, Tom Lehman believes he has experience on his side.

Lehman shares lead at Disney


AP - Human rights violations common under the government of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide still exist under Haiti's new U.S.-backed regime, a leading human rights lawyer said Friday.

Haiti Accused of Making Illegal Arrests (AP)


ATLANTA -- Antoine Walker had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the Atlanta Hawks rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final 6:11 to beat the Houston Rockets 88-84.

NBA roundup: Walker leads Hawks #39; comeback vs. Rockets


has passed a bill obliging the government to go on trying to develop a civilian nuclear energy programme. uranium enrichment or end snap UN inspections of atomic facilities as some lawmakers had called for.

Iranian bill backs nuke energy drive


MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin running back Dwayne Smith will not play for the Badgers again because of a recently discovered heart disorder.

Badgers lose RB Smith to heart disorder


AFP - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero blamed Islamic radicals linked to Al-Qaeda for the March 11 train bombings and called for a cross-party pact against international terrorism, while insisting Spaniards had not been

Spain's Zapatero pins bombs blame on Islamists, calls for anti-terror pact (AFP)


Minneapolis -- They were down by four runs. They were five outs from defeat. Hmmm. You think the Yankees were actually worried about losing?

Yanks #39; win sets up series with Bosox


HERSHEY, Pa. - Hershey Foods Corp. has agreed to acquire Manua Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. from private equity investment firm Shansby Group to strengthen its snack offerings.

Hershey Foods to buy macadamia processor


Launched in 1997, the Cassini Huygens mission is a cooperative US\$3.27 billion venture between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Italy #39;s space agency.

Cassini Express Pays Second Visit to Saturn #39;s Mystery Moon


The Streak started without him. In fact, it began while Ted Johnson languished on the injured list, what he described as  quot;a lonely place. quot;

It hurt him to sit out


AFP - US Secretary of State Colin Powell warned North Korea against carrying out any new missile tests, saying Washington would not be intimidated into changing its policy towards the Stalinist state.

US warns N. Korea against missile tests, urges return to nuclear talks (AFP)


AP - One's dubbed

Indonesia Blast Suspects Eluded Capture (AP)


The software giant prices the software somewhere between Windows XP Home and Windows XP Pro, CNET News.com has learned.

Microsoft's Media Center packs sticker shocker


NEW YORK, December 7 (newratings.com) - New York based Colgate-Palmolive (CL.NYS) announced its plans today to cut its total workforce by 12 and close one third of its factories in an attempt to reduce costs and focus on the high-profit areas, such as

Colgate-Palmolive announces 4,400 job cuts; plant shutdowns


Even a genius can mess up. Bill Gates was a brilliant technologist when he cofounded Microsoft , but as he guided it to greatness in both size and historical consequence, he blundered. He terrorized underlings with his temper and parceled out praise like Scrooge gave to charity. Only the lash inspired the necessary aggressiveness to beat the competition, he thought.

Microsoft Corp. 2.0: a kinder corporate culture


AP - Jamal Crawford's 3-pointer with 3.4 seconds left in overtime lifted the New York Knicks to a 110-109 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Knicks Nip Hawks 110-109 in Overtime (AP)


AN ALL-NEW TYPE of media disc, which is to combine the DVD standard with an all-new high definition format, has been developed by Toshiba and Memory-Tech.

Toshiba announces HD-DVD / DVD combo disc


SIR ANTHONY OREILLY is considering a 40 million takeover of Royal Doulton in an attempt to improve the performance of Waterford Wedgwood, which he chairs.

Wedgwood close to Doulton takeover


When I saw a young guy on the escalator, a large television on his shoulder and a gleam of triumph in his eye, I knew I was where I belonged.

Playing the Percentages


The number of robots helping out and entertaining in the home is set to soar sevenfold by 2007, says the UN.

Robots set to get homely by 2007


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has taken his share of criticism over the years, from the New York media, fans and even players.

Sheffield tops list of AL MVP favourites


Reuters - Italy's culture minister has threatened to\shut down Florence's Uffizi museum, home of masterpieces by\Michelangelo and Botticelli, if the government doesn't scale\back planned spending cuts.

Spending Cuts May Close Italy's Uffizi -Minister (Reuters)


OTTAWA (CP) -- Musicians #39; rights must be protected by the country #39;s telecommunications regulator as it considers three bids for satellite radio licences, says the music recording industry.

Satellite radio bids worry industry


AP - The head of Japan's central bank acknowledged Monday that the pace of economic recovery here may be slowing, but said the downturn is only temporary.

Japan Bank Exec: Economic Dip Is Temporary (AP)


The Public Relations India blog claims that Microsoft or its PR agency released this photo of the new MSN Search ... .. to AP using the IE competitor browser, Mozilla Firefox.

Blogger Uncovers Microsoft PR Gaffe


VIENNA (Reuters) - OPEC on Wednesday lifted oil supply  quotas by one million barrels a day, four percent, in a renewed  bid to force down stubbornly high world crude prices.

OPEC Lifts Oil Quotas to Drop Crude Price


MOSCOW Yukos, Russias largest oil producer, had another bad news day Friday as its huge tax bill ballooned again. The Tax Ministry raised its claim against Yukos by \$700 million for 2001, bringing the total

Tax abyss deepens for Yukos


roundup Plus: UTStarcom wins Indian IP gear contract...Microsoft tightens Windows-mainframes link...Red Hat names new services executive.

Briefly: Macromedia offers Flash video tool


Opinion: While the Palm Inc. spinoff has had a tough infancy, its acquisition of China MobileSoft promises to position it as a formidable contender in the emerging mobile market.

China, Linux Could Put PalmSource in the Catbird Seat


London, England (Sports Network) - Jaguar Racing made the announcement on Friday that it would no longer be competing in the series at the end of the 2004 season.

Jaguar gives up on Formula One


So, just why is it that the 2004 Red Sox are so much better equipped to silence the  quot;1918 quot; chants than their immediate predecessors? What is the reason, as Kevin Millar said last weekend, repeating a commonly held belief in the Sox clubhouse, that no one wants to play this team in October?

Reasons to believe


THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Tiger Woods and Colin Montgomerie tied for the lead at the Target World Challenge on Friday; each shot five-under 66.

Tiger, Colin share lead at Target event


InfoWorld - JBoss on Monday plans to flesh out details of its open source middleware stack consisting largely of existing software technologies, with the company intending to fill out the stack over time.

JBoss set to shine with JEMS middleware stack (InfoWorld)


The Astros will put individual game tickets for the Division Series on sale today at 8 am on astros.com and over the phone toll free at 877-927-8767.

Astros place playoff tickets on sale today


The world #39;s largest chip maker will shift research spending to a 3.8 GHz Pentium chip that will have twice the memory of the current version.

Intel scraps faster version of Pentium 4


Circuit City Stores Inc. (CC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Friday reported a narrower quarterly loss as it kept a tight rein on expenses and sales of digital televisions

Circuit City Cuts Loss, Stock Soars


Systinet on Monday is releasing an upgrade of its UDDI-based business services registry that adds a configurable services console, advanced classification management, and publishing wizards for mapping and publishing of service data.

Data management, tools wrap: Systinet hails UDDI


AFP - Italy is prepared to pull its troops out of Iraq if the interim government in Baghdad requests it, Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said on the Al-Jazeera television news channel.

Italy prepared to pull troops out of Iraq if Baghdad government asks: FM (AFP)


Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri on Tuesday said the Philippines is far from declaring default on its debts.  quot;We are not yet in that situation (bankruptcy), quot; Neri told dzMM when asked if the Philippines

Neri: RP far from declaring default on debts


Edward Kozel, Cisco's former chief technology officer, joins the board of Linux seller Red Hat.

Former Cisco exec joins Red Hat board


Broadand services provider Digiweb has been accepted as a member of the international wireless industry body, the WiMax Forum, which was established to promote and certify compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products and platforms.

WiMax accepts Digiweb as first Irish wireless ISP


SIR Richard Branson has become the latest big name to move into the online music world. The British entrepreneur has launched a Virgin Digital music service in America, joining a long list of mainly technology companies in the crowded download market.

Virgin launches into online music


Apple has begun shipping Logic Express 7, music composition and production software that delivers professional quality audio and MIDI tools at an affordable price of \$299. With new Apple Loops support, software instruments and high-quality effect plug-ins, Logic Express 7 allows musicians to create, record, edit, and mix music. Oct 28

Logic Express 7 Ships


New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has decided that if antiwar protesters are to descend on his city by the hundreds of thousands for the Republican Convention, he may as well turn them into shoppers.
<FONT face=

Antiwar Protesters Told  Shop Till You Drop, Too


Jenson Button broke his silence on Monday to spell out the reasons behind his controversial and contested decision to leave the BAR Formula One team for Williams.

UPDATE 1-Button breaks silence over Williams move


A federal court jury on Tuesday ordered a Medtronic subsidiary to pay about \$110 million in a dispute between the company and a doctor who invented some of its spinal fusion technologies.

Update 1: Jury Orders Medtronic to Pay \$110 Million


US memory chip maker Micron Technology Inc. plans to build its first factory in China, to assemble and test semiconductors, the company said Monday.

Micron Technology to Build Chinese Factory


Fort Collins - Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick takes it back. He didn #39;t mean to say in the preseason quarterback Justin Holland was the one player the Rams could not do without.

Lubick challenges team in Holland #39;s absence


The Nigerian military on Friday ordered a halt to patrols around the Niger Delta to underscore the government #39;s commitment to a truce agreed with militants, a senior oil industry source said.

Nigeria military orders halt to delta patrols


MAKERS OF music gear, Apple, has ordered its users to upgrade to the latest version of their online jukebox version 4.5. If they don #39;t they will be unable to download music content from Apple #39;s ITunes Music

Apple forces ITunes users to upgrade


ATHENS (Reuters) - Olympic champions the United States  narrowly edged Russia 66-62 to reach the final of the women's  Olympic basketball Friday.

U.S. Women Edge Russia, Advance to Basketball Final


ST. PETERSBURG, United States : Manny Ramirez hit a two run home run in the fifth inning and Johnny Damon added a three run homer as the Boston Red Sox clinched their second straight post-season berth with a 7-3 win over Tampa.

Baseball: Boston clinches fourth playoff berth since 1998


The charity Care International has suspended its aid operations in Iraq after the abduction of its regional director in Baghdad. Dublin-born Margaret Hassan was seized on her way to work in Baghdad on Tuesday.

Aid worker kidnapping: Your reaction


Eddy Curry admits he was frustrated. Sick of the losing. Tried of the booing. Fed up with the life in a fishbowl that goes with playing professional sports in his hometown.

Lost in translation


John Malone, the chairman of Liberty Media, which has almost doubled its voting stake in News Corp, yesterday described the poison pill Rupert Murdoch #39;s

Murdoch ducks questions as Malone speaks out on stake


LONDON (Reuters) - European shares dipped and government  bond prices rose on Monday following an attack on a U.S.  consulate in Saudi Arabia and as Friday's weak U.S. jobs data  continued to chip away at economic confidence.

Shares Dip, Debt Up Amid Security Fears


Linux Networx has announced that two Department of Defense centers will be using Linux cluster supercomputers from the company to conduct battlefield simulations. The clusters are part of an initiative to modernize the DOD #39;s ...

DOD Chooses Linux Clusters


NEW YORK - Eddie Adams, a photojournalist whose half-century of arresting work was defined by a single frame - a Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photo of a communist guerrilla being executed in a Saigon street during the Vietnam War - died Sunday. He was 71...

Photojournalist Eddie Adams Dies at 71


Henry Schein will distribute Applied Digital's implantable VeriChips to doctors' offices across the country.

Medical supply firm to sell patient RFID chips


JERUSALEM -- Israel will not limit the number of Muslim worshipers at a hotly disputed Jerusalem site during the holy month of Ramadan, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided yesterday, backing away from a threat to restrict access.

Israel drops threat to limit Muslims at shrine


Nokia, a global leader in mobile devices has joined forces with mobile media publisher Starcut, to deliver premium content for mobile device consumers.

Nokia Announces Total Mobile Content Service


Rupert Murdoch #39;s brazen attempt to relocate to dodgy Delaware is in big trouble and the world #39;s most powerful man has blinked.

Rupert blinks as the ISS giant awakes


SONOMA, California (Ticker) - It wasn #39;t pretty, but it was enough to stay atop the leaderboard. Tom Kite increased his lead at the \$2.

Kite increases lead in Sonoma


It seems that every time I write about the telecommunications industry, my thoughts slip back to my proud days at the Standard  amp; Poor #39;s Equity Group.

Telecom Making a Comeback?


Interstate Bakeries Corp. received bankruptcy court approval Thursday to use \$200 million in financing as it tries to reorganize its business.

Judge OKs \$200M for operations


Reuters - President Bush holds a slim\two-point lead over Democratic rival John Kerry for the second\consecutive day in a tight race for the White House, according\to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Saturday.

Reuters Poll: Bush Holds Two-Point Lead Over Kerry (Reuters)


AP - Global warming has had little noticeable impact in Washington, D.C. Politicians in the nation's capital have been reluctant to set limits on the carbon dioxide pollution that is expected to warm the planet by 4 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit during the next century, citing uncertainty about the severity of the threat.

Reports Point to Proof of Global Warming (AP)


NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd has hit back at Real Madrid over Jonathan Woodgate #39;s injury woes, declaring:  quot;We #39;ve nothing to be ashamed of.

FOOTBALL: FREDDY: WOODY #39;S WOES NOT OUR FAULT


The last two marathon games between the Red Sox and Yankees are second to none in the game's postseason history.

Great Boston Marathon


AP - Workers used dump trucks to empty more than 100 bodies into a 14-foot-deep hole on Wednesday  #151; the first mass grave for the more than 1,070 flood victims of Tropical Storm Jeanne. Bystanders shrieked, held their noses against the stench and demanded that officials collect bodies in waterlogged fields. The government late Wednesday said up to 1,250 people were still missing and that the death toll could rise to 2,000 people.

Haiti Flood Death Toll Could Reach 2,000 (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. investment bank Merrill Lynch    Co. <A HREF=

Merrill Profit Falls on Lower Trading


Sony announced today that they will start mass production of a full-color Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display. The new displayed will be first used in their new CLIE PEG-VZ90 handheld.

Sony Begins Mass Production of OLED Displays


After long delay, SWsoft is set to test Windows version of its software that subdivides single copy of OS to look like several.

Virtualization company moves wares to Windows


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Danny Williams is to challenge  Vitali Klitschko for his World Boxing Council heavyweight title  in the United States in December.

Williams to Challenge Klitschko for World Title


A police inspector, two sergeants and two constables were hospitalised after being slightly injured when they went to investigate a fight in Paceville.

Policemen injured after fight 14/11/2004


Reuters - The soft orange glow of a common\Caribbean coral comes not from the coral itself but from\bacteria that live inside it, U.S. scientists said on Thursday.

Bacteria Give Coral Its Orange Glow, Study Finds (Reuters)


SECURITY forces were on high alert yesterday after a weekend grenade attack on an opposition rally killed 19 people and wounded hundreds, triggering more violence across Bangladesh.

Grenade deaths fuel violence


Time Warner is close to settling a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into accounting at America Online, a person close to the negotiations said yesterday.

SEC May Be Near Settlement With AOL


AP - Former NFL football player Tommy Kane pleaded guilty Tuesday in Quebec Superior Court to manslaughter in the death of his wife.

Former NFL Star Guilty in Wife's Death (AP)


quot;Burt Rutan and Paul Allen and the rest of the team are great examples of the kind of determination and creativity that is helping America achieve its exploration goals, quot; Administrator O #39;Keefe said.

NASA Salutes SpaceShipOne Team


Reuters - Leaders of Kashmir's main political separatist alliance on Wednesday threatened to go on hunger strike to protest against alleged human right abuses by Indian soldiers posted in the disputed region.

Kashmir separatists plan hunger strike over abuse (Reuters)


In an attempt to stem the growing tide of online scams, identity theft and the proliferation of junk e-mail, the Justice Department and state law enforcement officials have initiated what

Dragging the Net for Cyber Criminals


NEW YORK, November 16 (newratings.com) - Fannie Mae (FNM.NYS) has missed the regulatory deadline for filing its 3Q04 results with the SEC, while warning of an estimated net loss of \$9 billion for the quarter.

Fannie Mae issues \$9 bn loss warning for 3Q04


The research firm cites a decline in shipments from PalmOne and the withdrawal of Sony from the U.S. market.

IDC: Handheld sales continue to slide


Troy Glaus drove in three runs to back a strong outing by John Lackey, and the Angels beat Oakland, 6-2, last night in Anaheim, Calif., to pull within one game of the West-leading A's with a week to play.

Lackey sparks Angels past A's


Technology will allow the addition of biometric security to cell phones, PDAs.

Casio Combines LCD, Fingerprint Sensor


Offering a simple,

Iraq Leader Addresses Congress, Vowing Elections in January


Scientists from the US Geological Survey report that small earthquakes have registered about once a minute for the past several weeks.

Earthquake Hits Mount St. Helens


Arizona leads the nation in seat-belt use, according to a federal survey, news that means fewer injuries and deaths on the road and possibly lower insurance rates, according to one state official.

Arizona seat-belt use at 95, tops in nation


Congratulations to Linda Cropp and her fellow DC council members who voted with her Tuesday night. By insisting that private funding be included for a new baseball stadium in Washington, they did the right thing.

Let the new owner pay


AP - Travis Henry wants out of Buffalo because he's unhappy with the prospect of spending another season as Willis McGahee's backup.

Bills RB Travis Henry Looking to Leave (AP)


By wire services. Rashard Lewis scored 27 points and Ray Allen had 24 to lead the Sonics to their ninth straight victory, 101-94 over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

Lewis leads Sonics to ninth consecutive win


The abrupt resignation of Sean O #39;Keefe will saddle NASA #39;s next admnistrator with unfinished business: struggling to return

Challenges await next NASA chief


The families or loved ones of civilians killed on Sept. 11 received, on average, \$3.1 million in government and charitable awards.

New Study Puts Sept. 11 Payout at \$38 Billion


MALIBU, Calif. -- Lindsey Pluimer scored 22 points and Noelle Quinn poured in 20 to lead No. 25 UCLA past Pepperdine 74-61 on Thursday.

No. 25 UCLA beats Pepperdine 74-61


The Americans are saying it, the British Government is saying it and so too is Iyad Allawi. Iraqis will go to the polls by the end of January, come what may.

Race against time for Iraqi elections


HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba released three imprisoned  dissidents on health grounds on Monday in what opposition  activists called a bid to end a diplomatic standoff with the  European Union.

Cuba Frees Three Dissidents from Prison


The stats were ugly: One offensive touchdown, 1-for-11 on third down, three sacks, fewer than 150 yards passing, and no consistency.

GRADING THE JETS


Iraq #39;s footballers have refused to join their Olympic bronze medal opponents Italy in donning black armbands as a mark of respect for murdered Italian journalist Enzo Baldoni.

Iraq refuse to wear black armbands in bronze medal match


Synnex beat Wall Street estimates and reported a 50 percent increase in net income for the third quarter ended Aug. 31, and a 29-percent increase in sales.

Synnex Beats 2Q Estimates; Net Income Up 50 Percent


German business software vendor SAP AG issued a warning to customers not to provide confidential information on the phone to people claiming to be company support staff.

SAP users warned of false support calls


Federal regulators proposed Tuesday to loosen the  quot;quiet period quot; rule, a Depression-era regulation meant to prevent companies poised to sell stock or bonds to the public from promoting the securities.

Quiet period rule on table; hedge fund supervision OKd


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Sexual harassment complaints by men are becoming more common, according to a published report. Follow the news that matters to you.

More men charging harassment


Jaromir Jagr is reportedly leaving the Czech league to play in Russia during the NHL lockout.

Report: Jagr Leaving Czech Team for Russia


In the Darfur region of western Sudan, nearly 10,000 people per month have lost their lives from malnutrition and disease adding up to 70,000 deaths since the crisis started in February of 2003.

UN: 10,000 People Dying Monthly in Darfur


Crude oil prices rose slightly Wednesday after falling for two straight days, as the market braced for a crucial US oil report that could presage a renewed upward move in prices.

Crude price up slightly as market braces for US oil stockpile data


PHILADELPHIA - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry faulted President Bush on Friday for pursuing Saddam Hussein instead of Sept. 11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, a part of a Bush strategy he contended had made defeating terrorism more difficult...

Kerry Faults Bush for Pursuing Saddam


BAGHDAD: At least 110 people have been killed across Iraq in a sharp escalation of violence that saw gun battles, car bombs and bombardments rock the capital.

New spasm of violence sweeps across Iraq


NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Johan Santana threw seven  shutout innings and Jacque Jones homered to lead the Minnesota  Twins to a 2-0 victory over New York in the opener of a  best-of-five American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium.

Santana, Jones Lead Twins Past Yankees


The latest release of the open source Web browser Firefox has spurred millions of downloads and a groundswell of anti-Internet Explorer sentiment, but IT executives question the role Firefox will play in their enterprise environments.

IT execs eye Firefox with hope


From bank accounts and mortgages to credit cards and car loans, let the buyer beware: Financial fees are on the rise. And many are just waiting to blindside you.

Banks #39; hidden fees fuel ire


#39;Europes first lunar spacecraft is set to go into orbit around the Moon on Monday. SMART-1 has already reached the gateway to the Moon, the region where its gravity starts to dominate that of the Earth.

European Spacecraft Prepares To Orbit Moon


LONDON (CBS.MW) -- European stocks nudged higher Thursday, boosted by investors applauding cost cutting initiatives at Dutch bank ABN Amro and overnight gains from US shares.

EUROPE MARKETS


Passengers flying toward their Thanksgiving feasts can expect to find crowded airports and packed flights on the way. By JEAN HELLER, Times Staff Writer.

First full planes, then full stomachs


KIEV (Reuters) - The liberal challenger in a closely fought  presidential election in Ukraine raised the stakes on Friday,  threatening to bring his supporters onto the streets if the  authorities tried to deny him victory by cheating.

Ukraine Liberal Vows Demonstrations if Cheated


The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Monday that it has received the bid books from all five Candidate Cities bidding to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

IOC Receives Bid Books From All Five 2012 Bid Cities


Telstra has re-launched a section of its website that allows customers to see current and past network reliability, for the country and their own regions.

Telstra relaunches network reliability site


The US military is denying a report that Saddam Hussein has begun a jailhouse hunger strike, and says the ousted Iraqi leader had eaten on Sunday.

US Denies Saddam on Hunger Strike


It may be several more weeks before the 2004-05 NHL season officially dies. But barring an utter collapse in the resolve of locked-out players, any real hope the league will play this season disappeared yesterday.

NHL, union deadlocked: Owners, players reject latest labor <b>...</b>


Two bombs exploded today near a tea shop and wounded 20 people in southern Thailand, police said, as violence continued unabated in the Muslim-majority region where residents are seething over the deaths of 78 detainees while in military custody.

Muslim Insurgency Threat Facing Thailand


Less than two weeks after US District Judge Vaughn Walker gave Oracle an important victory over the Justice Department, PeopleSoft Inc.

PeopleSoft Forges On; Oracle App Sales Down


Sri Lanka struggle to a four-wicket win over a gallant Zimbabwe side at the Champions Trophy.

Cricket: Sri Lanka survive scare


InfoWorld - IDC on Wednesday painted an optimistic outlook for Linux over the next few years, predicting that overall revenue for desktops, servers, and Linux-compatible packaged software will reach  #36;35 billion by 2008.

IDC predicts Linux market worth  #36;35 billion by 2008 (InfoWorld)


London - Cable and Wireless, the struggling British telecoms group, said Wednesday it would cut 600 jobs across Europe, part company with a top executive and shut its London headquarters.

Cable and Wireless plan major restructuring


Troubled airline US Airways asks a court to impose wage cuts of up to 23, warning it may go into liquidation.

US Airways wants court to cut pay


AFP - An official at Fox News Channel said that one of its political reporters has been disciplined for posting a fake news item on its website about Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.

Fox New Channel admits reporter posted fake story about Kerry (AFP)


NAIROBI (Reuters) - Russia formally ratified the Kyoto  Protocol on global warming on Thursday, clearing the way for  the environment pact to come into force in February 2005.

Russia Ratifies Kyoto, Starts on Feb 16


AP - Washington's new baseball team shut down business and promotional operations indefinitely Wednesday as its move to the nation's capital teetered on the brink of collapse.

Expos' Move to D.C. on Verge of Collapse (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Four sales executives of German  chip maker Infineon Technologies AG <A HREF=

Infineon Execs Pleading Guilty in U.S. DRAM Probe


The Big East Conference announces its schedule plans for next season when it expands to 16 teams. The conference will retain a one-division regular season structure.

Big East Sets Schedule


IBM Research will underwrite 20 research projects with grants under its Shared University Research Program.

IBM gives grants to universities


The evolution of the universe may have been much slower than previously thought, British scientists have revealed. A team of scientists lead by Dr.

Universe evolved at a pace much slower than formerly thought


ALICIA Molik has become the first Australian in 17 years to win consecutive WTA Tour titles, defeating Russia #39;s Dinara Safina in the final of the Luxembourg Open.

Two in a row for hot Molik


The number of US information technology workers rose 2 percent to 10.5 million in the first quarter of this year, but demand for them is dropping, according to a new report.

Study: meager recovery for IT job market


SBC Communications (SBC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) will introduce an Internet-based calling service for its local telephone customers early next year and will consider offering the service nationally later, the company said on

SBC to Launch Local Internet-Based Calling in 2005


CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq After the deadliest day for US forces in Iraq in more than a month -- commanders are making it clear that the work in Fallujah (fuh-LOO #39;-juh) isn #39;t yet coming to an end.

Fight for Fallujah continues


Once, not that long ago, the season opener between Florida State and Miami loomed as the biggest game of the 2004 college football season.

Trash talk in the air


AP - Yasser Arafat's nephew said Saturday his uncle may have died an

Nephew Suggests Arafat's Death Unnatural (AP)


EAGLE, Colo. - The criminal case against Kobe Bryant case collapsed Wednesday as prosecutors said they had no choice but to drop the sexual assault charge because the NBA star's accuser no longer wanted to participate...

Prosecutors Drop Sex Case Against Bryant


Boeing announced a shake-up in its executive ranks yesterday, ousting its chief airplane salesman at a time when rival Airbus is beating it in airplane orders for the fourth consecutive year.

Boeing sales to get new leadership


PALESTINIANS fired mortar rounds into a Gaza Strip settlement today, wounding at least two Israelis, one of them a child, the army said.

Mortar fire kills child


CHICAGO : Controversial new Northwest Airlines fees for tickets booked by telephone or in person at airport counters went into force.

Northwest charges for in-person, phone ticket bookings


VA. TECH 16, UM 10: With an ACC title and BCS berth on the line, Miami stumbles. By BOB HARIG, Times Staff Writer. MIAMI - Perhaps they were too stunned to react.

Listless  #39;Canes upset by Hokies


The major Hollywood movie studios, as part of the industry #39;s latest legal action to battle piracy, sued the operators of server computers they say help people find and download millions of illegally copied movies.

MPAA SUES SERVERS THAT DOWNLOAD FILMS


The Yankees had a chance to throw a party in their own home Thursday night, the kind where the champagne flows into everything but a glass.

Yanks clinch East on Bernies blast


Turkey #39;s long battle for EU membership was back on track yesterday, after Ankara pledged to press ahead with key reforms and backed down over plans to criminalise adultery.

Turkey back on track for EU membership


VALPARAISO  Chuck Coddington grew up in the Harbor. But his heart always leaned toward South Bend.  quot;I #39;ve been to about 100 million games, quot; said Coddington, now living in DeMotte.

Fans split on Notre Dame coach #39;s firing


Oakville, Canada - Joey Sindelar #39;s five-under par 66 kept the American atop the leaderboard here Friday after the conclusion of the opening round of the rain-plagued PGA Canadian Open.

Sindelar keeps Canadian Open lead


I have decided to pay attention to this subject one last time, at least until Dell finally releases either desktop PCs or servers equipped with AMD processors.

Dell CEO says they are considering AMD


Bank of America Corp., the third- biggest US bank, will cut 4,500 jobs in addition to the 12,500 positions it will eliminate as part of the purchase of FleetBoston Financial Corp.

Bank of America Cutting 4,500 Jobs in Reorganization (Update3)


The Revolution will expose some of their most experienced and respected players to the Major League Soccer expansion draft, scheduled for Friday to stock new teams in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.

Revolution veterans left open


Intel Chief Technology Officer Pat Gelsinger said on Thursday, Sept. 9, that the Internet needed to be upgraded in order to deal with problems that will become real issues soon.

Intel: The Internet Needs an Upgrade


PeopleSoft has quadrupled the size of the minimum severance package for its employees and doubled it for executives, as Oracle #39;s hostile bid got a recent boost in the courts.

PeopleSoft sweetens severance packages


US consumer sentiment stagnated in early September, according to a survey released Friday, as doubts about the economy and the job market persisted.

Michigan consumer report flat


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stun gun maker Taser International  Inc. <A HREF=

FAA OKs Tasers on Commercial Flights


PERHAPS the most trying few days of his Celtic career so far would deepen the satisfaction Martin ONeill took from his teams extraordinary 1-1 Champions League draw with Barcelona at the renowned Nou Camp stadium last night.

O #39;Neill hails heroes as Celtic earn vital point


A college to provide training for the Internet games industry has been opened in Beijing. China #39;s Ministry of Information Technology, the Hong Kong Vocational Training Council, and a Beijing Internet company devised the new college as a joint venture.

College established for Internet game industry


The best team in the National League will meet the hottest team in baseball when the Cards take on the Astros in the LCS. Game 2: Matt Morris (0-1, 5.14 ERA, 5 K) vs.

2004 NLCS Preview: Cardinals vs. Astros


An audio message purportedly from Jordanian-born Islamic militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi urges Iraqi insurgents to step up attacks on US troops.

Zarqawi calls for attacks on US troops


A fire at an Iraqi sulphur plant has caused the largest man-made release of sulphur ever recorded, scientists say.

Iraq sulphur fire breaks records


OTTAWA - Damon Allen, a 20-year veteran, ran in two touchdowns and passed for another as the Toronto Argonauts defeated the British Columbia Lions 27-19 in the Grey Cup on Sunday night.

41-year-old QB lifts Toronto to 1st Grey Cup since 1997


North Korea has warned Japan that any sanctions against the communist state would be regarded as a declaration of war. Opinion polls show about two-thirds of the Japanese public supporting

Pyongyang Says Japanese Sanctions Would Amount to  #39;War #39;


Search Engine Marketing: Internet Gardening Tips For 2005\\With the major elections now behind us, we can once again concentrate on getting back to business. In Canada, we don't even have Hockey to distract us this year. Here are a few gardening tips to help you prepare for marketing your business ...


TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan condemned China's proposed  anti-secession law on Saturday, calling it a move to establish  a legal basis to attack the island.

Taiwan Says China Setting Out Legal Basis to Attack


The monthly figures may provide some relief however, that the UK housing market is not showing signs of a sustained downward trend after last month #39;s figures showed a drop in prices of 0.1pc from August.

UK annual house price growth down


UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan received an unusual standing ovation in the 191-nation General Assembly on Wednesday following calls for his resignation from conservative US lawmakers.

UN Members Back Annan with Lengthy Standing Ovation


and yes, more pitches in the mail - now that the US Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that allows banks to offer credit cards from issuers such as American Express and Discover Card.

More options for bank cards


A study suggests more than 800 cancer cases in northern Sweden may be caused by the Chernobyl disaster.

Chernobyl 'caused Sweden cancers'


The United States onTuesday welcomed the approval by the Israeli parliament of a plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank, while tens of

Israel #39;s approval of Gaza withdrawal draws mixed reaction


A series of tactical errors, with peculiarities in the voting process, prevented democracy advocates here from winning as many seats as expected in Sunday #39;s legislative

Glum Day for Hong Kong Democrats


NASA #39;s most experienced astronaut, John Young, was honored by NASA Tuesday night at the National Air  amp; Space Museum for his 42 years of service as he prepares to retire.

Space flight pro Young honored for NASA years


Typhoon Tokage hit western Japan today, killing at least two people and snarling transport as it lashed the country with heavy rains that set off landslides and forced thousands to evacuate.

Two dead in Japan as typhoon wreaks havoc


LONDON, England -- The English Football Association have charged Tottenham captain Jamie Redknapp with serious foul play. The Spurs captain was guilty of a late challenge on Tim Cahill that resulted in the

Redknapp charged after bad tackle


Investors are expected to dump technology shares today in the wake of a financial update last night from bellwether Intel Corp. that one analyst called  quot;a disaster.

Soft Intel outlook spells weakness for tech sector


AP - Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood's appeal was rejected Monday and he will begin serving his five-game suspension Tuesday.

Cubs Pitcher Kerry Wood Loses Appeal (AP)


Microsoft and Sun may be going steady, but they aren #39;t quite sure where the relationship is headed. The companies gave an update on Wednesday to their  quot;ongoing dialogue quot; about product interoperability that

Sun and Microsoft: True love or a marriage of convenience?


Euro Disney plans a life-saving 250 million euro (\$322 million) capital increase in mid-January if market conditions permit, said its finance

Euro Disney Sees Capital Increase in Mid-Jan


World #39;s No.1 player must beat Australian to become first man since 1988 to win three majors in a year. By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer.

Federer has final obstacle: Hewitt


Italy begins deporting immigrants directly from the island of Lampedusa, the first port of call for boats from North Africa.

Italy deports island immigrants


DHAKA - Leading Indian wicket-taker Anil Kumble yesterday brushed aside criticism over his unique bowling style, saying he is a leg-spinner with a difference.

Record-smashing Kumble slams critics


Call it wishful thinking, call it whatever you want, but this is going to be the year the Boston Red Sox win the World Series. And if you are from Mississippi and have any historical bones in your body, you

Ferriss has been waiting for this moment


Minneapolis-based Target Corp. #39;s decision this fall to stop allowing Salvation Army bell ringers at its stores has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Lake County Salvation Army.

Turning a setback into an opportunity


AP - An explosion rocked the mayor's office in the southwestern French city of Bordeaux early Thursday. No one was injured.

Small Blast Rocks Mayor's Office in France (AP)


Gateway is expected to announce a new lineup of business desktops based on a new PC chassis design that removes heat from the system and can help extend the life of a PC, according to the company.

Gateway Shows Cool, New Desktops


Charlie Bell has stepped down as chief executive of fast food giant McDonalds seven months after taking up the top job. Bell, who was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year, is leaving the business to focus on fighting the illness.

McDonalds boss steps down


Iran indicates it may suspend uranium enrichment in a bid to end a stand-off over its nuclear programme.

Iran hints at nuclear concession


Three House Financial Services subcommittee chairmen yesterday called on Fannie Mae to answer allegations  that the company failed to blow the whistle on a mortgage fraud scam and accepted \$6.5 million that it knew had been swindled from a government agency.

Lawmakers Ask Fannie To Explain Tainted Funds


House price growth slowed in August, with London seeing the lowest increases in prices, government figures show.

House prices cool off in August


Reuters - Russia began counting the cost\on Saturday at the end of a siege of a school captured by\Chechen gunmen which killed at least 200 people and cast fresh\doubts on Moscow's policy in the turbulent region.

Russia Counts Cost of Bloody End to School Siege (Reuters)


BASRA, Iraq Aug. 26, 2004 - Saboteurs have attacked about 20 oil pipelines in southern Iraq, reducing exports from the key oil producing region by at least one third, a top oil official said Thursday.

Saboteurs Attack About 20 Iraq Pipelines