LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) - A Microsoft advertisement claiming that the Linux operating system is much more expensive to operate than its own Windows was found to be misleading by the a UK regulator on Wednesday.

Ad claimed Linux 10 times more expensive than Windows


Ariel Sharon #39;s chief of staff has said the aim of Israel #39;s Gaza withdrawal plan is to rule out a Palestinian state indefinitely.

Palestinian state shelved  #39;with US blessing #39;


Athens, Greece (Sports Network) - China dropped the first two sets, but rallied for a victory over Russia in the women #39;s volleyball gold medal match.

China rallies for gold in women #39;s volleyball


Ailing British retailer Marks and Spencer is to buy back 635 m shares -- around 27.9 pc of its issued capital -- at 362 pence following the UK #39;s biggest ever tender offer.

Marks and Sparks buys back 635m shares


MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Insurgents attempted to overrun two  police stations in the northern city of Mosul but were repelled  by Iraqi police and National Guards, the U.S. military said  Wednesday.

Gunmen Attempt to Take Mosul Police Posts, Repelled


Oil giants BP and Sinopec are to open 500 petrol stations in Zhejiang, east China, as part of a joint venture.

BP and Sinopec in retail tie-up


ATLANTA - When Bowl Championship Series officials made yet another change to their formula earlier this year, the intent was to avoid the controversial results which have affected three of the past four seasons.

BCS battle


In addition to driving Freddy to practice, Emelia Adu also holds responsibilities more befitting of a campaign manager than the mother of a teen.

Ultimate Soccer Mom


NEW YORK -- Rose and Joe Graham, standing in front of their seats at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, were sporting custom-made, orange Oklahoma State jerseys in support of their fraternal-twin sons, Joey and Stephen, both seniors on the Cowboys.

Oklahoma State supporting cast grabs spotlight against Syracuse


probable

WHO probes


Microsoft filed nine lawsuits against individuals and companies alleged to be involved in the distribution of spam, the company says.

Microsoft Files More Spam Suits


To 'maximise benefits for patients', of course...

UK looks at 'integrating' ID card with health care


Fernando finishes third in Hungary, and scores the team's sixth podium of the year.

Hungarian Grand Prix, Race


Vladimir Guerrero had such a powerful presence during the final week of the season that voting for the American League Most Valuable Player Award wasn #39;t close.

Notebook: Guerrero earns MVP


The US and the EU welcome reforms approved by Ukraine's parliament which pave the way for a new election

US and EU hail Ukrainian reforms


HINGHAM, Mass. (AP) - Talbots Inc. said Wednesday its profit for the latest quarter edged up five per cent, boosted by higher sales and an income-tax gain.

Profit climbs at Talbots womenswear chain, helped by tax gain


Artist Natalie Jeremijenko is unleashing a series of unique works at the Republican National Convention that combine art, engineering and old-fashioned protesting. Noah Shachtman reports from New York.

Tech and Art Mix at RNC Protest


Oil and gas company Anadarko Petroleum Corp. said Monday that it is selling its Southeast Colorado producing properties to an affiliate of Citation Oil  amp; Gas Corp.

Anadarko to Sell Colorado Properties


Microsoft Corp will suffer serious harm if it is forced to provide a version of Windows without Windows Media Player audio-visual software, its lawyer told a European Union court on Friday.

Microsoft Tells Judge of Harm in Changing Windows


Hungarian sports authorities urged hammer thrower Adrian Annus on Friday to give back his Olympic medal after he was stripped of the gold for refusing to take a follow-up drug test.

Hammer Thrower Asked to Return Gold Medal, Submit DNA Sample


Most health experts agree that Asian bird flu poses a grave danger and will likely spread unless urgent steps are taken. But some virologists caution that alarmist warnings could harm preparedness plans.

Is Asian Bird Flu the Next Pandemic?


In 1939, a young Joe Louis fought a heavyweight title bout against close friend John Henry Lewis, a longtime light heavyweight champion.

US Open: Agassi sharpens his game for Federer


Reuters - Airespace, a Silicon Valley telecom\services start-up, won a partnership with International\Business Machines Corp.  that will help Airespace grab a\piece of the growing market for WiFi services, the two\companies told Reuters on Wednesday.

Airespace Wins IBM Partnership for WiFi Service (Reuters)


Reuters - Academy Award-winning screenwriter\Roger Avary has sued Microsoft Corp. in California for\purportedly stealing his idea for a virtual yoga studio after\the software giant sought his advice for winning over women to\videogames, his attorney said on Tuesday.

Hollywood Writer Sues Microsoft Over Yoga Game (Reuters)


Jardine Lloyd Thompson, the country #39;s biggest insurance broker, issued a swingeing profits warning yesterday and announced its chief executive had quit.

Jardine chief quits as profits warning savages shares


Burma has completed its mass release of more than 9,000 jail inmates following a shake-up in the military-run regime. A prison source says that all 9,248 prisoners promised freedom have been released, although

Burma #39;s prisoner release complete: source


The Oracle Corporation announced early yesterday that it would acquire PeopleSoft for \$10.3 billion, ending a bitter takeover fight that had lasted more than 18 months.

Oracle to Acquire PeopleSoft for \$10.3 Billion, Ending Bitter <b>...</b>


Mobile phones are target of virus traveling through illegal version of the game Mosquitos.

Trojan Bites Symbian Phones


Although it grew up on desktop PCs, instant-messaging software has gone mobile  and it looks more and more as if it has outgrown its roots in teenage chatter.

Flip Open That Cellphone: It's IM on the Move


NEW YORK Stocks moved modestly higher Friday as stable oil prices and a report on durable goods orders cheered investors at the end of a losing week.

Stocks: Upbeat orders data bolster Wall Street


LOS ANGELES - In his opening statement to the bloated media corps here late yesterday afternoon, USC coach Pete Carroll trotted out these adjectives: Exciting, tense, fantastic, incredible, wonderful, exquisite.

Cal-USC An extraordinary show


The football bounced high, hopping up and settling into the waiting arms of Acton-Boxboro's Doug Mahoney.

A-B snags No. 49


AFP - Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in a one-day tour match against a Cricket Australia Chairman's XI at Perth's Lilac Hill ground here.

Pakistan win toss and elect to bat against Australia (AFP)


On the heels of a US indictment of Hamas figures, the State Department issued an updated warning yesterday that Americans in the Middle East and North Africa could be targets of terrorist attacks.  quot;Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, quot; the department said. The indictment was unsealed Friday in Chicago against a political ...

Mideast, N. Africa terror warning set


Johnson  amp; Johnson (JNJ), the drug and health care products company, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to buy Guidant (GDT), a leading maker of devices to treat heart and circulatory illnesses, for more than \$24 billion.

Report: Johnson  amp; Johnson in talks to buy Guidant


Free-agent forward Rodney White and two other men face weapons charges after a uniformed Secret Service officer reported seeing them randomly shooting into the air early Sunday.

Rodney White, two others accused of shooting guns while driving


Reuters - China and Argentina\signed accords on Tuesday that could bring nearly  #36;20 billion\in investment from the Asian giant over the next 10 years for\the capital-starved Latin American economy.

China Sees Heavy Investment in Argentina in Decade (Reuters)


KIDNAPPERS have freed the mother of one of Brazils most exciting young footballing talents 40 days after they seized her at gunpoint, amid reports that a ransom was paid.

Star footballer #39;s mother freed after kidnap ordeal


Potomac Cannons right-handed pitcher Jeff Austin said he thought we was a head case after several horrendous outings with the  big league club in Cincinnati last May.

Austin Relieved His Head Wasn't Shouldering a Problem


After spending the past few years mounting a strong corporate governance campaign, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced Friday that it would start easing its rules

SEC eases rules on independent board directors


TEHRAN (Reuters) - OPEC can do nothing to douse scorching  oil prices when markets are already oversupplied by 2.8 million  barrels per day (bpd) of crude, Iran's OPEC governor said  Saturday, warning that prices could fall sharply.

No Need for OPEC to Pump More-Iran Gov


Bush visits the region Friday, but President Hu Jintao has been striking business deals for two weeks.

China eyes new turf: S. America


ATHENS, Greece - Veronica Campbell snatched Jamaica #39;s first Olympic medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games with a third-place finish in the women #39;s 100-metre final last night.

Campbell takes bronze


WARSAW -- The new scandal mesmerizing Poland seems lifted from a Cold War dossier: Spies, oil traders, a polo player, and a billionaire are tangled in a rumored plot by Moscow to manipulate its smaller neighbor.

Oil scandal rocks Polish leadership


In a move which Microsoft claims will help fight spammers, MSN Hotmail users are facing charges if they want to access the email service via the Outlook email client.

Microsoft blames spammers for Hotmail charges


AP - Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 26 points, including the game-winning jumper on an assist from LeBron James with 19 seconds left, and the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied to beat the Boston Celtics 98-96 Friday night.

Cavaliers Rally to Beat Celtics 98-96 (AP)


AP - As the Electoral College prepares to certify President Bush's re-election on Monday, concerns persist about the integrity of the nation's voting system  #151; particularly in Ohio, where details continue to emerge of technology failures, voter confusion and overcrowded polling stations in minority and poor neighborhoods.

Doubts Persist About Election Results (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A majority of the U.S. Federal  Communications Commission has voted to conditionally approve  Cingular Wireless' proposed acquisition of AT T Wireless  Services Inc. <A HREF=

FCC Majority OKs Cingular-AT T Wireless


Armonk-based IBM Corp. has lost a \$5 billion contract to provide technology outsourcing services to JPMorgan Chase  amp; Co. New York-based JPMorgan plans to rehire 4,000 workers whose jobs

Big Blue loses multibillion outsourcing contract


The failure of Brazil-led Mercosur and the European Union to reach a free trade deal this month is another lost opportunity for South American nations eager to build stable growth, analysts said.

South America Misses Rich Trade Opportunities


(Muncie) - Jobs remain the top issue in the race for governor, and Democrat Joe Kernan, who has been the target of criticism for his job creation efforts, is fighting back today on two fronts.

Kernan Campaign Benefits from Jobs Announcement


AP - Carl Pavano wrapped up talks Wednesday with the Seattle Mariners and moved on to Anaheim, where he's expected to attend the winter meetings later this week and visit the Angels.

Pavano Meets With Seattle Officials (AP)


Reuters - A huge explosion rocked North Korea last\week but U.S. and South Korean officials said on Sunday it was\unlikely to have been a nuclear weapons test despite the\appearance of a

U.S. Says N.Korea Blast Probably Not Nuclear (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kimberly-Clark Corp. <A HREF=

Kimberly-Clark Sets Cost-Cut Plan


Reuters - The trial of Indonesian\cleric Abu Bakar Bashir over charges related to the Bali and\Marriott bombings will begin on Oct. 28, a court official said\on Monday.

Indonesian Cleric Bashir's Trial Starts Oct 28 (Reuters)


AP - E-Trade Financial Corp.'s third-quarter profit rose 29 percent, despite a sharp drop in investor trading at its online brokerage and signs of weakness in its banking business. The company also raised its fourth quarter outlook a bit.

E-Trade Profits Rise, Despite Weakness (AP)


The Dodgers have spent many recent Octobers watching postseason baseball on television. Steve Finley #39;s grand slam capped a seven-run rally in the bottom of

Dodgers take NL West with win over Giants


That Ravens' swaggering defense will face its biggest test of the season Sunday, as Baltimore takes on the Colts and Peyton Manning.

Testing the Secondary


Cian O #39;Connor, the Irish showjumper whose Olympics-winning horse tested positive for a banned substance, could now hold on to his gold medal following the sensational news that a portion of the horse #39;s sample has been stolen.

Missing sample could save showjumper #39;s Olympic gold


England opened their new era under head coach Andy Robinson with a 12-try rout of Canada as they won 70-0 at Twickenham. Jason Robinson marked his debut as England captain with a scintillating hat-trick as

Robinson hat-trick in England romp


US Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan Wednesday gave a generally upbeat economic assessment to a congressional committee, saying the US economy seems over the last two months to have withstood the trauma of sharply rising energy prices.

Fed Chairman: US Economic Recovery Continues


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel agreed on Sunday to free up to  200 Palestinian prisoners to show goodwill after Egypt freed a  convicted Israeli spy and ahead of elections for Yasser  Arafat's successor, officials said.

Israel Agrees to Free Jailed Palestinians


#39; #39;It was an extremely difficult decision, but I simply felt that the program was in need of new direction and leadership, #39; #39; athletic director Ted Leland said Monday.

Stanford cans classy Teevens


Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill yesterday released results for the 103 venture capital funds the state pension plan invested in from 1986 through 1998, which ranged from a searing 127 percent annual gain to a dismal 46 percent annual decline.

State discloses venture results


Employers' health premiums rose 11.2 percent this year, according to a benchmark study released yesterday that reinforces voter concerns about the US healthcare system.

Health premiums jump 11.2


Russia may have to delay October #39;s planned launch of the next International Space Station crew by up to 10 days to fix a problem on the spacecraft that is to carry them into orbit, Russian news agencies reported.

Russia may have to delay ISS crew launch


PalmSource has introduced Palm OS Cobalt 6.1, an enhanced version of Palm OS Cobalt. Designed to accelerate the development of next-generation Palm Powered smartphones and wireless devices, Palm OS Cobalt

PalmSource Introduces Cobalt 6.1 for Smartphones


A new look at climate conditions 55 million years ago shows that the Earth is more sensitive to small changes than previously believed.

Earth Reveals Its Sensitive Side


US stocks moved higher late on Friday morning in a broad-based advance, as oil prices dipped, shares of PeopleSoft Inc. (PSFT) boosted the tech-heavy Nasdaq and

Stocks Ascend as Oil Eases and Techs Gain


Newest HDTV is the largest such device designed for consumers, company claims.

Panasonic Shows 65-Inch Plasma Display


Today, I got an e-mail from Amazon informing me that there was a problem with my account, and I wouldn #39;t be allowed to order any more products until I #39;d clicked on a link to update my information.

Enter your e-mail:


Pro Bowl left tackle Jonathan Ogden will start Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers after sitting out the opener with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Ogden Set to Start


AP - Syracuse point guard Billy Edelin returned to the team on Sunday for the first time in nine months.

Orange Guard Edelin Returns to Practice (AP)


No one knows where Jason Giambi goes from here, now that he has come clean about the dirty business of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs.

As media darling, Conte #39;s pushing it


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices slid 3 percent on Monday on  expectations that more mild U.S. weather at the start of the  New Year will limit heating oil demand.

Oil Down 3 Pct as U.S. Winter Stays Mild


AFP - The airline Swiss said it had managed to cut its first-half net loss by about 90 percent but warned that spiralling fuel costs were hampering a turnaround despite increasing passenger travel.

Swiss slashes first-half net loss but fuel costs hamper turnaround (AFP)


Crude oil may rise this week on concern US inventories are falling and supply may be disrupted from Iraq and Russia, according to a weekly Bloomberg News survey of traders and analysts.

Crude oil may rise on inventory concern


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Third seed Carlos Moya became the  highest seed to exit the U.S. Open when he was dumped out 4-6,  6-4, 6-3, 6-7, 7-5 by unseeded Belgian Olivier Rochus in the  third round Saturday.

Third Seed Moya Stunned by Belgian Rochus


A new variant of the MyDoom worm that exploits an unpatched flaw in Microsofts Internet Explorer browser has emerged to threaten small business and home users in particular, security experts warned this week.

Another IE flaw, another MyDoom


Reuters - European powers will offer this week\to support Iranian construction of a light-water nuclear\reactor, as part of a deal to persuade the Islamic republic to\stop enriching uranium, U.S. and European officials said on\Tuesday.

Europe Nuke Deal Offers Iran Reactor Aid --Officials (Reuters)


Reuters - Wireless services will\lead the next growth phase of the Internet as venture\capitalists who helped fund the early boom open their wallets\again, industry leaders said Monday.

Wireless to Drive Internet Growth, Tech Leaders Say (Reuters)


At the SC2004 conference last week, IBM unveiled plans to build a commercial version of its Blue Gene supercomputer intended for businesses and for a number of scientific and research markets.

IBM fuels the need for speed


Networking gear maker Alcatel on Friday announced acquisition plans for a pair of US companies to help it gain access to wireless and collaboration technologies.

Alcatel to buy wireless, conferencing companies


SANTIAGO - A judge is to question former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet early next week about political killings during his iron-fisted rule, court sources said Tuesday.

Chilean judge to question Pinochet


Vienna, Sept. 15 (NNN): Head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed El-Baradei on Tuesday said he has seen no firm evidence that Iran was secretly developing nuclear weapons.

No Evidence Of Secret Iranian Nuclear Plan: IAEA Chief


Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) will begin selling managed IT and communications services next year to small and medium-size businesses in three continents, offering Internet access, servers, voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and help desk calls at fixed monthly rates, an HP official said.

HP to roll out managed SMB services next year


NORTON -- The most famous last name in golf history is locked in a tie for first place with the most recognized figure in the game after the first round of the second annual Deutsche Bank Championship.

Tiger in unfamiliar spot


AP - A militant group claiming to have kidnapped two Indonesian women demanded Jakarta free a Muslim cleric accused of heading an al-Qaida-linked group, the Arab news station Al-Jazeera reported Saturday. But the cleric said he wanted no such thing.

Report: Militants Demand Cleric's Release (AP)


Indian batting star Sachin Tendulkar has been passed fit for the third Test against Australia, which starts in Nagpur on Tuesday. The 31-year-old has recovered from tennis elbow, which has kept him out of action since the middle of August.

Tendulkar cleared for Test return


AFP - Pressure mounted on China to allow its currency to float freely as the IMF's top official urged Chinese authorities to make the move now, while their economy is booming.

IMF head calls on China to move toward currency flexibility (AFP)


AP - Georgia Tech finally will play in a bowl that's not too far from home.

Georgia Tech Headed to Champs Sports Bowl (AP)


The UN nuclear watchdog agency says it is still negotiating with Brazil concerning inspections at a uranium enrichment plant. An International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, spokesman says a team of experts will

UN Nuclear Watchdog Battles Brazil on Checks at Resende Plant


The Manchester derby ended goalless despite faltering United having several good chances, possibly the best of which came in the 63rd minute when Alan Smith #39;s acrobatic effort was cleared off the line by City #39;s Steve McManaman.

English Premier League match reports


There was a time when they must have imagined sharing a World Series moment like this, but as teammates. Trot Nixon and Jeff Suppan. Both high draft picks of the Red Sox. Minor leaguers together. Their friendship blossomed when they each made it to the big club, promising talents for the folks at Fenway Park to cheer.

Clutch performance by Nixon


Shares of BJ Services (BJS:NYSE - news - research) were among the NYSE #39;s losers Tuesday, falling 5 after the company posted fourth-quarter earnings and sales that fell below Wall Street expectations and warned on 2005.

Stocks in Motion: BJ Services


These games aren't the best, nor are they the prettiest.  nbsp;Instead, these are the games I played with my friends - the games let us kick the ever-loving-crap out of each other in increasingly fascinating ways.  nbsp;These are the most original head-to-head sleeper hits on the Sony Playstation. Just some fun stuff you might've missed the first time around.

Buried Gems of the PS1


p2pnet.net News:- Last november, Virginia Tech #39;s Mac-based System X was ranked as the third-fastest computer on the planet. The rebuilt Mac has since,  quot;squeezed out a few more teraflops, but it probably won

System X drops back


By DAVID CRARY     (AP) -- Rivaling Bush vs. Kerry for bitterness, doctors and trial lawyers are squaring off this fall in an unprecedented four-state struggle over limiting malpractice awards...

Bitter Malpractice Fight Going to Voters


D #39;Qwell Jackson grew up in Largo, Fla., 300 miles from Tallahassee and almost 1,000 miles from College Park. Geography was one obstacle Ralph Friedgen overcame to sign Jackson, who played

Terps #39; Jackson Plenty Motivated For FSU Clash


Arab TV channel al-Jazeera shows footage of what it says are three Western hostages kidnapped this week.

Group threatens to kill hostages


Captain Francesco Totti scored a first-half goal and striker Vincenzo Montella added another in the second period Saturday and AS Roma beat last-place Livorno 2-0 on the road to capture its second win in six Serie A matches.

Montella inspires Roma to first away win


TORONTO, Canada : World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president Dick Pound believes that US cyclist Tyler Hamilton does not deserve to keep his Olympic time-trial gold medal after testing positive for doping in Athens.

Olympics: Pound critical of Hamilton gold


Hewlett-Packard #39;s online store, HPshopping.com, this week introduced the  quot;Apple IPod from HP, quot; the company #39;s long-awaited version of the IPod.

HP Debuts Its Own IPod


They gathered in Brussels to try to agree on the terms for expanding the alliance #39;s small military training mission in Iraq. Officials said before the meeting that they believed an accord would be possible

NATO Gives Thumbs Up to Iraq Mission


Gerry Burke of Milton, a senior at Brown University, has been elected as an assistant captain on the varsity hockey team.

Brown taps Burke as assistant captain


CHICAGO -- A year ago last night, Kevin Millar emblazoned a new slogan in the New England lexicon and the Red Sox began to turn around their season. Millar responded to waning support for the Sox after they lost 11 of their first 19 games in August by declaring,  quot;I want to see somebody Cowboy Up and stand behind this ...

Red Sox: Burly effort


SAN FRANCISCO - What Babe Ruth was to the first half of the 20th century and Hank Aaron was to the second, Barry Bonds has become for the home run generation.

Historic HR bridges 2 eras


The disparity between the earnings of the UK's top directors and their staff is continuing to widen, a report finds.

UK's pay gap 'continuing to rise'


AP - LenDale White is often overshadowed by electrifying teammate Reggie Bush. He wasn't Saturday night. While Bush was held in check, White ran for 118 yards on 16 carries and scored three touchdowns to lead No. 1 Southern California to a 49-9 victory over outmanned Arizona.

No. 1 Southern Cal Clocks Arizona 49-9 (AP)


No. 7 carrier must reach agreements with unions before Sept. 30, when it risks violating loan terms. NEW YORK (Reuters) - US Airways #39; pilots union leaders said Monday they proposed new contract terms to management

US Airways, pilots union reopen talks


LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair was recovering Friday from surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat, a day after revealing that he intends to serve a full third term if re-elected.

Blair eyes full 3rd term


Spaniard Santiago Perez recorded a second consecutive stage win, which propelled him into third place overall in the Tour of Spain.

Perez scores second successive win


Reuters - A new technique using\radioactive dating is helping police pin down the approximate\time of death of even badly decomposed bodies, a conference\heard on Monday.

Skeletons Yield Secrets to Radioactive Dating (Reuters)


ELAN, the troubled Irish drugs group, last night said that it had settled a US regulatory inquiry into its accounting methods by agreeing to pay \$15 million (8million) in civil fines.

Elan to pay \$15m fines in settlement of SEC inquiry


AP - Detroit Tigers right-hander Jason Johnson left his start Saturday against the Seattle Mariners with a strained left hip.

Johnson Leaves Game With Strained Hip (AP)


INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Jermaine O #39;Neal #39;s solid play helped the Indiana Pacers end a rocky week on a positive note. O #39;Neal had 33 points and 12 rebounds as the Pacers snapped a two-game slide with a 103-97 victory over the New York Knicks .

New York Knicks


Reuters - Roger Clemens landed his 326th career\victory to earn the Houston Astros a franchise record-tying\12th straight win, a 5-2 decision over the Cincinnati Reds in\the National League (NL) Wednesday.

NL Wrap: Clemens Notches 326th Victory as Astros Win (Reuters)


6 October 2004 -- US and Iraqi forces today conducted sweeping operations south of Baghdad and continued pounding suspected militant positions in the town of Al-Fallujah.

US, Iraqi Forces Conducting Anti-Insurgency Operations


Fans and pundits who are picking Philadelphia as a Super Bowl contender may want to consider this: the Eagles are one Brian Westbrook injury away from starting Reno Mahe at running back.

Compete against your friends, SI experts and celebrities in this <b>...</b>


A delicate new ring and possibly two new moons have been spotted around Saturn by the US-European Cassini mission, astronomers announced Thursday.

Cassini reveals new ring around Saturn


NEW YORK/HONG KONG (Reuters) - Chinese companies are  starting to pursue North American and European electronics and  consumer brands as their government pushes them to build global  sales forces for their low-cost products.

China Looks Outside Asia for M A


Boston quickly dismisses the Orioles' goal of attaining a four-game sweep and a .500 record with an 8-3 victory on Friday night.

O's Hopes for .500 End


Former President Bill Clinton suggested in print that Yasser Arafat  quot;..simply couldn #39;t make the final jump from revolutionary to statesman...it would be different if the end of violence took Palestine out of the headlines and instead he had to worry about

Arafat receives parting shots after death


A SENATE inquiry was needed into claims that the Prime Minister misled the Australian public over the children overboard affair, Labor Senate Leader John Faulkner said.

Senate probe needed: Faulkner


Systems, which start as low as \$500, don't require advanced IT skills.

Dell Shows New Small Business Servers


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Printer and PC maker Hewlett-Packard  Co. <A HREF=

Report: HP to Stop Using Intel Itanium Chip


The group holding three foreign aid workers in Afghanistan says it will decide Friday whether to kill them.

Aid workers increasingly a target in conflict zones


Most of the open-source community is finding that it can #39;t deal with Microsoft #39;s stance on spam-protection intellectual property.

Why Open-Source Community Objects to MS Spam Plans


\\Sam blogs about his wiki spam problems  and implements a posting throttle.\\With new spam-capable zombie PCs and with wikis that aren't updated very often\this isn't a solution.  If I were to go back to my wiki after a month it would\be covered with spam links.\\One strong solution is emergent and distributed social whitelists (AKA my\FOAFKey  proposal).\\With a FOAFKey enabled wiki/weblog you could allow a whitelist of a few hundred\thousand users to post to the wiki without any problems.  All they would need to\enter is their email address for confirmation (or the SHA1 hash of their email).\\For the rare times when the user isn't within the original whitelist we can just\have the user uplo ...\\

Distributed Social Whitelists


AP - Tailback U. is back in business. Third-ranked Georgia has found the guy who might just take his place alongside Herschel Walker, Garrison Hearst, Rodney Hampton and Terrell Davis  #151; a proud heritage of running backs that seemed about as real as Greek mythology a year ago.

Ware May Be Georgia's Next Herschel Walker (AP)


Microsoft published on Tuesday a patch for a major security flaw in its software #39;s handling of the JPEG graphics format and urged customers to use a new tool to locate the many applications that are vulnerable.

Major graphics flaw threatens Windows PCs


Santander Central Hispano #39;s Chairman Emilio Botin pledged a year ago to propel the Spanish bank into the world #39;s top 10 by market capitalisation, an ambition which could now be realised with a bid for Abbey National.

Botin pursues dream of Santander in world top 10


A defeat by second-bottom RC Strasbourg on Saturday and a poor Champions League performance at CSKA Moscow next Wednesday could seal the fate of Paris St Germain coach Vahid Halilhodzic.

PSG coach Halilhodzic faces crunch week


Beefier batteries and multicore chips aim to make Intel's future mobiles more like desktops.

Future portables go much faster all day, says Intel


JEDDAH: Oil-rich Gulf Arab states need to tackle the growing challenge of unemployment and step up efforts towards their goal of a monetary union, the head of the International Monetary Fund said on Saturday.

Gulf states must step up monetary union drive - IMF


The Banker-AJ trojan has been coded to lie dormant in the background on infected Windows PCs. When users visit legitimate online banking Web sites of certain UK banks, the malicious code is

Trojan Mugs UK Web Banking Customers


washingtonpost.com - Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said yesterday that the role of overseeing computer security and the Internet should have a higher profile at the agency, in the face of increasing concern from technology executives and experts that cyber-security is getting inadequate attention.

Cyber-Security to Get Higher-Profile Leader (washingtonpost.com)


Coming soon to a phone near you: spam, scams and viruses galore. Your text messages, address book and calls could be up for grabs. By Annalee Newitz from Wired magazine.

They've Got Your Number


BRASILIA -- Burning of the Amazon and other forests accounts for three quarters of Brazil's greenhouse gas emissions and has made the country one of the leading polluters in the world, a long-delayed government report said yesterday.

Brazil a leading world polluter, report says


Following recent reports indicating that North Korea may be preparing to test fire a missile intelligence agencies worldwide are keeping tabs on the latest information.

Powell Acknowledges Signs of NK #39;s Missile Test


The religious faithful in Moscow are flocking to a Kremlin cathedral for a homecoming of sorts -- the return of a beloved icon, or holy picture.

Moscow faithful hail return of cherished icon


WASHINGTON -- Tell Santa to hurry if you want him to bring CD or DVD burners and jukebox programs. By Christmas, such gifts might be threatened if Congress passes a new law to fight movie and music pirates.

Tech, electronics firms fear copyright bill


Buoyed again by strong results at its financial-services arm, Ford swung to a profit of \$266 million in the third quarter even though the loss at its worldwide automotive operations widened and its market share in the key US market fell by more than a

Lending keeps Ford profit up; sales sputtering


Under News Corp. #39;s plan, one right will be distributed for each voting share and non-voting stock, but will only become exercisable if a person or group obtains ownership of 15 percent or

News Corp. Announces Plan To Protect Shareholders


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

Ukraine's Opposition Sees Path to Victory (Reuters)


Long a forum for protecting endangered species like whales or tigers, a UN meeting in Bangkok next month will seek a wider role in regulating the

New UN Talks Bid to Save Fish, Plants and Timber


San Francisco hotel owners and union officials on Saturday announced a 60-day cooling period that will put nearly 4,000 striking hotel workers back on the job for the first time in nearly eight weeks.

San Francisco Hotel Workers to Go Back to Work


Former Qwest Communications chief executive Joseph Nacchio reportedly may soon face civil charges related to improper accounting at the telecommunications company.

Report: Ex-Qwest Chief May Face Charges


FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- Robin Ventura  #39;s career will be remembered in large part for grand slams, whether they counted or not.

SI.com


The chipmaker unveiled on Wednesday its Intel Express 910GL, a chipset that offers PC makers the ability to add more-advanced features, such as Intel High Definition Audio, to their low-end PCs.

Intel pushes desktops with more spunk, lower prices


XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday introduced a handheld portable version of its satellite radio, hoping to extend demand for its service

XM introduces portable satellite radio device


Reuters - Investors are expected to focus on oil\prices and corporate earnings outlooks this week, and the\slightest warning about company revenues could weigh on stocks.

Investors on Alert for Earnings Warnings (Reuters)


A computer hacker accessed names and Social Security numbers of about 1.4 million Californians after breaking into a computer system at the University of California, Berkeley in August.

Hacker hits California university computer


Virgin Digital, the online arm of the Virgin Group, will launch an online music service Monday aimed at replicating on the Net the success of its offline chain of retail music stores.

Virgin launches online music service


CURT SCHILLING, who was instrumental in helping the Boston Red Sox win the World Series for the first time in 86 years, had a better year than people realize.

Before Helping the Red Sox to a Championship, Schilling Helped <b>...</b>


BESLAN, Russia -- Mothers wailed over the coffins of their children yesterday and dozens of townsmen dug graves in a football field-size piece of scrubland next to the cemetery. Funeral processions snaked through the streets as grief-stricken Russians began to bury victims of the terror attack on a school that left more than 350 people dead.

Burials begin in Russia; 180 still missing


PRIME Minister Ariel Sharon said yesterday Israel would expand its deadliest Gaza offensive in four years, keeping troops in the area indefinitely.

Israel to expand deadly offensive


ATHENS (Reuters) - Japan's Ai Shibata prevailed in a sprint  finish to win the women's 800 meter freestyle gold medal at the  Athens Games Friday.

Swimming: Shibata Wins Women's 800m Freestyle


Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger introduced an environmentally friendly Hummer on Friday - but not exactly the hydrogen-powered car he promised voters he would build when he campaigned for office.

Schwarzenegger unveils hydrogen Hummer, but not how he planned


AP - Sao Caetano defender Serginho was taken to a hospital unconscious and in critical condition after collapsing during a Brazilian championship match Wednesday.

Sao Caetano Defender in Critical Condition (AP)


PHILADELPHIA -- For the second time this season, the 76ers got an up close look at a team that does what it wants to do on the offensive end.

76ers: Allen drops Sonic boom from long range


As expected, none of the four United States entries survived yesterday's second set of Olympic rowing semifinals, leaving just four boats -- the men's and women's eights, the men's double sculls and the women's quadruple sculls -- going for medals this weekend, five fewer than in Sydney four years ago.

Entries just can't keep pace


Israeli officials said on Tuesday they expected no major change in Washington #39;s strong support for Israel after a main architect of the policy, Condoleezza Rice, takes over as secretary of state.

Rice Seen Holding Steady on US Mideast Policy


Diageo, the world #39;s leading premium drinks business, has announced one of the company #39;s spirits brands would participate in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) for the first time ever beginning with the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season

US: NASCAR lifts spirits ad ban


Following is the Globe Top 20 in EMass for girls' soccer. No. Team Record Last 1. Belmont 14-0-1 1 2. Oliver Ames 13-1-0 2 3. Lynnfield 15-0-0 3 4. Norwell 15-0-0 5 5. Andover 14-1-0 4 6. Bishop Feehan 11-1-1 6 7. Old Rochester 14-1-1 7 8. Marshfield 10-1-4 9 9. Wellesley 9-0-5 8 10. Weymouth 12-1-2 10 11. Rockland ...

Girls' Top 20


NEW DELHI, Aug. 21. - The indefinite nationwide strike by truck operators against imposition of service tax evoked a mixed response on the first day of the stir today even as government appeared unwilling

Mixed response to truckers strike


Forbes.com - Oil was getting so hard to find that, soon enough, looking for it would be a losing game, at least in the U.S. So said the experts, years ago.

What Are You Worried About? (Forbes.com)


SALT LAKE CITY Nov 18, 2004 - New research suggests that developing the ability to run long thought to be a byproduct of walking for early man was actually an instrumental step in the evolution of people from ape-like creatures into what we know today

Study: Learning to Run Propelled Evolution


Willis McGahee hasn #39;t set the world on fire, as is the perception in some circles. He #39;s averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.

Patriots: Four downs


Troy, formerly Troy State, used gadgets, luck and guts to rally from a horrible start and upset No. 19 Missouri 24-14 on Thursday night.

Troy #39;s epic battle shocks Missouri


Williams Cos. Inc. has scrapped efforts to sell its power business as the depressed wholesale market has damaged prospects for selling the unit, the natural gas company said on Thursday.

Williams Ends Bid to Sell Power Business


Reuters - Munich-based catalog retailer Otto Group\sold a stake in its European online travel operations to U.S.\business partner Travelocity for 26.6 million euros ( #36;32.8\million), the companies said on Monday.

Otto Group Sells Stake in Travelocity Europe (Reuters)


Birmingham City midfielder Robbie Savage has accepted a three-match ban after being charged by the Football Association (FA) on Monday with violent conduct for an alleged elbowing incident in a match at the weekend.

UPDATE 1-Birmingham #39;s Savage banned for three games by FA


Anyone seeking the secret of Chelsea #39;s success this season need have witnessed only one moment in training yesterday, a second #39;s play that exemplified the spirit, individual

Fire of London


Over the years Russia #39;s embattled oil company Yukos has morphed into a respected corporate citizen of the world and is seeking bankruptcy protection in the United States on the

Anlaysis: Yukos seeks legal asylum in US


NEW YORK --Forevermore, the date goes into the New England calendar as an official no-school/no-work/no-mail-delivery holiday in Red Sox Nation.

A World Series party


Reuters - Kmart Holding Corp. (KMRT.O) on Monday\reported its third consecutive quarterly profit as cost cuts\made up for slumping sales, and its cash pile grew to about\ #36;2.6 billion.

Cost Cuts Boost Kmart Quarterly Profit (Reuters)


For doctors, searching out disease before it appears can also carry risks.

Smart or Misguided? The Proactive Doctor


Redwood Shores-based software giant Oracle Corp. said in court that PeopleSoft Inc. CEO Craig Conway lied about the effects of Oracle #39;s \$7.

Oracle trial tactic: Conway lied to analysts


Verizon Wireless service lets users treat people who call them to music rather than the sound of a ringing phone.

Verizon: Wait for dial tone, punch in number, rock out


England and France opened their 2006 World Cup campaigns with frustrating draws while European champion Greece crashed back to earth with an embarrassing defeat in Albania.

First-night nerves for England, France


An international banking consortium has decided to suspend approval for the 10 billion (6.9bn) loan to Gazprom that would have financed the state-controlled company #39;s acquisition of Yukos #39;s most important oil production plant.

Banks freeze Gazprom loan


Microsoft gave some encouraging news for IT managers considering future server hardware based on multicore processors. Both Intel and AMD are developing multicore chips, which pack two processors onto a single

Microsoft Clarifies Multicore Processor Software Licensing


Editor #39;s Note: The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of Marc Saltzman, a freelance technology journalist whose reviews also appear on the Gannett News Service.

Review: Horror comes home in  #39;Silent Hill 4 #39;


The Spanish government #39;s plans to legalize same-sex marriage was lambasted by the Roman Catholic Church, the BBC reported Tuesday.

Bishops chide Spain over same-sex marriage


A TEARY President Megawati Sukarnoputri yesterday urged Indonesia to accept the results of landmark polls that delivered a landslide victory to her former security minister, clearing his path to the presidency.

Megawati set to go


A Polish woman kidnapped in Iraq last month has been freed and flown to Poland and said she was treated well, raising hopes for other foreign hostages.

Polish hostage freed in Iraq already in Warsaw


AP - Beyond the tired cliches and sperm-and-egg basics taught in grade school science class, researchers are discovering that men and women are even more different than anyone realized.

Men, Women More Different Than Thought (AP)


A chimp-sized human ancestor walked upright 6 million years ago, far earlier than anyone had been able to show before, researchers reported on Thursday.

Pre-Human Walked Upright 6 Million Years Ago -Study


O2 and Nortel have completed live mobile test calls using an emerging technology known as High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), which the firms claim is three times faster than today #39;s commercial 3G networks.

O2 and Nortel demo super-fast wireless broadband


INDIANAPOLIS ATA Airlines is denying reports that it wants to sell its gates at Chicago #39;s Midway Airport. The Indianapolis-based airline released a brief statement from chairman J-George Mikelsons, saying

ATA says its not leaving Midway Airport


Reuters - Mussels have been found growing on the\seabed just 800 miles from the North Pole in a likely sign of\global warming, scientists said on Friday.

Mussels Found Near N.Pole in Global Warming Sign (Reuters)


NEW YORK -- Now it falls to Pedro Martinez to help keep the Red Sox in the race for the division title. And where better for him to square off against a longtime rival, Mike Mussina , than the Big Apple?

Aces square off in rubber game


Reuters - American International Group ,\the world's largest insurer by market value, said on Thursday\its third-quarter earnings rose despite losses related to four\U.S. hurricanes but fell short of market estimates.

AIG Earnings Up, Shrugs Off Probe Impact (Reuters)


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. helicopter gunships pounded  Shi'ite militias in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf on Sunday as  tanks rumbled to within 800 meters (yards) of a besieged shrine  at the center of a near three-week insurgency.

U.S. Planes Hit Militias as Tanks Near Najaf Shrine


The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency knew dissident military officers were planning a coup in 2002 against Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, according to purported U.S. intelligence documents posted on the Internet.

Documents Show CIA Knew of Venezuela Coup


Presidential elections are taking place in Ghana, which boasts political stability but much poverty.

Ghana votes in presidential poll


Research shows that the dangers linking the arthritis drug Vioxx, a COX-2 inhibitor, to an increased risk of heart attacks, were known in 2000, which should have led to its immediate recall.

Vioxx Dangers Were Known In 2000


Oil prices fell below \$48 a barrel as tensions between US forces and rebel fighters in Iraq eased, raising hopes that attacks against the country #39;s oil infrastructure would subside. US light crude for September delivery settled at \$47.86 on the New York ...

Oil Prices Inch Back Down


Until late Thursday night, Virginia Tech #39;s football players were under strict orders from coach Frank Beamer to think, speak and dream only of the University of Maryland.

Hokies are free to focus on Cavs


PASADENA, Calif. Scientists are about to get their closest-ever look at Saturn #39;s giant moon Titan, a kind of planet-wannabe, and the only moon with an atmosphere.

Cassini spacecraft takes a close-up look at Saturn #39;s giant moon <b>...</b>


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi political and religious  leaders trying to end a radical Shi'ite uprising flew into  Najaf Tuesday, where U.S. troops and militia fought pitched  battles near the country's holiest Islamic sites.

Iraq Peace Mission in Najaf; Baghdad Blast Kills 7


SAN FRANCISCO (AFX) -- Crude-oil futures climbed back toward \$54 a barrel, with traders eagerly awaiting weekly petroleum data to find out how the recovery in the Gulf of Mexico has affected US oil and natural-gas inventories.

Crude climbs ahead of inventory data


The crisis in the UK occupational pensions sector seemingly scaled new heights this week as Federal Mogul, the insolvent American car parts manufacturer, finally pulled the plug on the pension fund of its UK subsidiary Turner  amp; Newall.

Business Analysis: Turner  amp; Newall pensions crisis leaves <b>...</b>


TONY EASTLEY: As mentioned the Prime Minister is also in northern Australia and his focus is also on national security, although he #39;s under attack for his initial opposition to the Coalition #39;s \$600 family payment.

Howard plans to create new police squads to tackle regional <b>...</b>


Most people have heard that taking a small dose of aspirin a day is good for the heart. Doctors routinely recommend it for patients who've had a heart attack or stroke, and studies show its blood-thinning affects can help prevent a repeat of such potentially deadly cardiovascular events.

An Aspirin a Day -- Good Medicine For Many


BANGALORE, INDIA -- Intelis evaluating India as a possible location for a new chip manufacturing facility, the company's chief executive officer, Craig Barrett, told reporters Thursday in Delhi.

Intel evaluating India for chip manufacturing


The Washington area's 33-year effort to acquire a Major League Baseball team has produced plenty of agonizing near-misses.  There is a good chance that won't happen this time.

For D.C, This May Be It


SPACE.com - This is the second article in a series of four articles each with a separate explanation of different quantum phenomena. Each article is a piece of a mosaic, so every one is needed to understand the final explanation of the quantum astronomy experiment we propose, possibly using the Allen Array Telescope and the narrow-band radio-wave detectors being build by the SETI Institute and the University of California, Berkeley.

Quantum Astronomy: The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (SPACE.com)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were slightly lower on  Thursday, as a broker downgrade on the semiconductor industry  rattled investors, while coffee-shop chain Starbucks <A HREF=

Stocks Down, Starbucks, Techs Fall


Bruce Wasserstein, head of Lazard, could sell the investment bank rather than float it on the stock market, the Observer newspaper has reported.

Lazard chief could opt for sale over IPO-report


Santander, Spain - Shareholders of Spain #39;s largest bank, Banco Santander Central, on Thursday approved the 8,5-billion takeover of British mortgage bank Abbey National.

British takeover of Spanish bank approved


The Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday filed civil fraud charges against three former Kmart Corp. executives and five employees of companies that supplied the Troy, Mich.

8 Accused of Inflating Kmart Profit


ConocoPhillips (COP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the No. 3 US oil company, on Wednesday reported a 53 percent jump in quarterly profit, as soaring oil and gas prices offset the impact of lower production volumes.

ConocoPhillips Profit Up on Oil Prices


Toshiba Corporation ( quot;Toshiba quot;) and  lt; ahref= quot;http://matsushita.co.jp quot; target= quot;_new quot; gt;Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.

Panasonic and Toshiba Look to Establishing a Joint Venture to Make <b>...</b>


ALDERSON, W.Va. - Martha Stewart reported to prison early Friday to begin serving a five-month sentence for lying about a stock sale, the federal Bureau of Prisons said...

Martha Stewart Reports to Prison in W. Va.


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Rockets struck a Baghdad hotel housing foreign contractors and journalists late Thursday, drawing return fire and underscoring the precarious security in the heart of the Iraqi capital. Outside Baghdad, roadside bombings killed two more American soldiers...

Insurgents Hit Baghdad Hotel With Rockets


A group of 20 people, thought to be North Koreans, force their way into the South Korean consulate in Beijing.

Refugees storm Beijing consulate


The lights went out about 2 am Sunday for the Patel family here, just as they did 23 days earlier. Through the night the family listened to the rain dripping into

Digging Out From One Storm, Hit Hard by Another


This week will see the release of October new and existing home sales, a measure of strength in the housing industry. But the short holiday week will also leave investors looking ahead to the holiday travel season.

Econ Edge: The Economic Week


The outlook for the holiday season brightened Thursday as many of the nation #39;s retailers reported an improvement in sales in October.

Update 3: Holiday Outlook Brightens for Retailers


European Space Agency -- ESAs Huygens probe, now orbiting Saturn on board the NASA/ESA/ASI Cassini spacecraft, is in good health and successfully passed its fifteenth In-Flight Checkout on 14 September 2004.     This in-flight checkout procedure was the last but one planned before separation of the Huygens probe from Cassini in December this year, and it included some specific activities that were intended to prepare for the separation...

Huygens Probe Test Successful


AP - Maine's urchin season has barely begun  #151; and it's already almost over.

Urchin Industry a Skeleton of Former Self (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Pilot leaders at United Airlines unanimously endorsed a tentative agreement that will cut pay by 15 percent, opting to accept management #39;s demands rather than risk the chance of losing more in federal bankruptcy court.

United pilots set to vote on pay cut


AP - The only time Drew Brees got a headache on Wednesday was when he recalled what usually happens to the San Diego Chargers in Denver.

Brees Cleared to Start Sunday at Denver (AP)


The hopes of Spain's largest bank to secure Abbey National have been given a boost after the City watchdog said it saw no reason to block the deal.

Abbey a step closer to takeover


Kidnappers seized six Egyptians and four Iraqis working for the country #39;s mobile phone company in two separate incidents, authorities said.

Mobile phone workers kidnapped in Iraq


washingtonpost.com - President Bush said yesterday that he will spend the weekend considering changes in his  Cabinet for his second term, feeding speculation inside and outside the White House over shake-ups in key agencies in coming weeks.

President to Consider Changes for New Term (washingtonpost.com)


Milwaukee Bucks guard Eric Strickland (20) shoots in a crowd of Sacramento Kings defenders Brad Miller, left, Darius Songaila (25) and Doug Christie, right, during the first half in Sacramento, Calif.

Kings Rally Past Bucks for 5th Win in Row


With performance almost double that of the Earth Simulator, in Yokohama, Japan, IBM #39;s Blue Gene/L on Monday was officially ranked first on the Top500 list of the world #39;s fastest supercomputers.

IBM Dominates Top Supercomputer List


Marxist rebels had planned to assassinate President Bush last Monday during his four-hour stopover in Colombia to meet President lvaro Uribe, Defense Minister

Colombian Tells of Marxist Plot Against Bush


The board expresses a loss of confidence, but denies the firing is linked with Oracle's takeover bid.

PeopleSoft Pushes Out Conway


The Estonian driver Markko Martin has won his second consecutive World Rally Championship taking the Rally of Catalunya. The Ford driver, followed up his recent victory in the Rally of Corsica by beating Finland #39;s

Martin wins in Catalunya


FOREIGN fighters from the al-Qaeda terror network were infiltrating Afghanistan to disrupt upcoming elections, the commander of US forces in the country said today.

Al-Qaeda targets Afghan poll


Justice Department prosecutors and Securities and Exchange Commission regulators are investigating Merck  amp; Co. for its handling of the painkiller Vioxx, the pharmaceutical giant disclosed yesterday.

Two Agencies Probe Merck #39;s Handling of Its Vioxx Drug


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dell will begin offering on Monday new

Dell Sees Market Gains with New Compact Servers


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Carlos Beltran homered twice, had four  hits and drove in five runs as the Houston Astros moved on to  the National League Championship Series with a 12-3 Game Five  pounding of the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on Monday.

Beltran Homers Lead Astros Into NLCS


LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) Fast National ratings for Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. ABC dominated the late evening with new dramas, but CBS was able to hold off the resurgent network thanks to early evening strength.

CBS Holds Off ABC For Sunday Win


EVEN after six months of constant competition between the same teams, in both forms of the game, it is difficult to call today #39;s ICC Champions Trophy final at the Oval.

Too close to call


until then the ruler of a still-nascent industry -an a cheeky advertisement greeting its new rival. The ad said:  quot;Welcome, IBM.

IBM #39;s PC saga was two decades in the unmaking


Despite age-old Olympic truce known as the ekecheiria, or

Securing the gold in Athens


NEW YORK - Retailer Kmart Holdings Corp. on Monday said it finalized a deal to sell 18 of its stores to Home Depot Inc. for \$271 million.

Kmart to sell 18 stores to Home Depot


You may have access to more money than you think -- just be careful.

What Will You Do With Your Credit?


Facing prison in late October, former star investment banker Frank Quattrone is hoping a federal appeals court will overturn his obstruction-of-justice conviction.

Former star banker Quattrone gets 1 1/2 years in prison


Gold Fields #39; plan to merge with Iamgold of Canada could end up mired in legal challenges if a crucial shareholder vote next week produces a close result.

Gold Fields saga may lead to court


Toll collectors and other Pennsylvania Turnpike workers went on strike Wednesday, union officials said. The strike began in the pre-dawn hours of the day before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Pennsylvania Turnpike workers go on strike


Craig Biggio will return for 2005 with the Houston Astros, but the ballclub decided not to sign Jeff Kent for another season. The local Major League Baseball franchise on Thursday said it picked up an option to bring back Biggio for the 2005 season.

Astros decline option on Kent


A new Sober worm began spreading early Friday morning in Europe and quickly gained enough traction worldwide that security companies scrambled to warn users and produce new signatures to deflect the attack.

Fast-Spreading Sober Worm Up In Europe, Heading To US


Zimbabwe #39;s Movement For Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai enters the High Court for his treason trial in Harare, Friday, Oct. 15, 2004.

Zimbabwe Opposition Leader Found Innocent


World leaders and Palestinian representatives gathered in Cairo Friday morning for Yasser Arafat #39;s military funeral service. The funeral came hours before chaotic scenes in the West Bank

Leaders pay tribute to Arafat


IT IS tempting to say that Wales will be kicking themselves for weeks over this one, but in truth, it will be for years. Wales last beat their greatest rivals as long ago as 1953 when the great Bleddyn Williams

Wales let chance in a million slip as lacklustre All Blacks fail <b>...</b>


Attachmate's new Synapta presentation and builder tools are designed to abstract host information so developers can more quickly build composite applications with existing assets.

Attachmate details new Synapta tools


Alvin Cowan threw two touchdown passes and Robert Carr scored a touchdown and rushed for 164 yards to lead Yale to a 24-14 victory over winless Dartmouth yesterday in Hanover, N.H.

Alert Yale defense keeps Green winless


Flattery and deception are becoming England #39;s stock-in-trade. They managed to open a two-goal lead over Austria despite lacking inspiration but then conceded two goals in two minutes midway through the second

Bad night, Vienna: England suffer from James calamity


Philippine floods and landslides killed 32 people and left more than 100 towns under water or buried, Agence France-Presse reported, citing civil defense officials.

Philippine Floods and Landslides Killed 32 People, AFP Says


palmOne is now offering a voice dialing application for the Treo 650, based on VoiceSignal #39;s voice recognition system. The application, which requires approximately

Treo 650 voice dialing by VoiceSignal


By Christopher Hope, Business Correspondent (Filed: 26/10/2004). Lakshmi Mittal, Britain #39;s fifth-richest man and a prominent Labour donor, is now the boss of the world #39;s biggest steel company, after a \$21billion

London tycoon forges world #39;s top steelmaker


Lockheed Martin Corp. on Monday announced that it will launch its Atlas V rocket on Dec. 17 as planned, while Boeing Co. waited to reschedule a launch of its Delta

Lockheed to Launch Rocket; Boeing Gets New Date


ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan is getting \$100 million from a New York real estate magnate -- the school #39;s largest gift ever.

University Of Michigan Lands Big Gift


AP - President Bush played down on Saturday a stark warning from his resigning health chief that the nation's food supply is largely unprotected from terror attack.

Bush Downplays Thompson's Terror Worries (AP)


All the action as Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski take on Julian Knowle and Alexander Peya in the doubles of the Davis Cup qualifier between Great Britain and Austria.

Live: GB v Austria


Microsoft has been forced to fight for its lucrative Asian market, following government agreements to switch to other open-source software.

Microsoft defends its software


AP - The Indiana Pacers were frightened when spectators began hurling chairs, drinks, and ice at them in one of the most violent exchanges between players and fans in U.S. sports history.

Pacers Scared, Shocked by Detroit Fans (AP)


At least one suicide bomber was responsible for carrying out Thursday #39;s attack near the Australian Embassy in central Jakarta that killed nine people and injured more than 180 others, police officials said Friday.

Police probe Jakarta suicide role


The first gathering of the Worldwide Newton Association this weekend in Paris promises a surprise that may extend the life of the aging but much-loved Apple handheld platform. By Leander Kahney.

Fans Keep Newton in Motion


Microsoft Corp. and Sendo Holdings PLC said Monday they have settled litigation between them, and that Microsoft has surrendered its shareholding in the British mobile telephone company.

Microsoft, Sendo Settle Litigation


Lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Saturday in a mad dash to finish up their legislative business for the year.

Congress Back to Face Unfinished Business


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices slipped on  Thursday as a well-received auction of inflation-protected debt  failed to quell market anxiety one day before the government  releases its national employment report for September.

Treasuries Lower Despite Auction Results


NEW YORK Dec 6, 2004 - Former president Bill Clinton on Monday helped launch a new Internet search company backed by the Chinese government which says its technology uses artificial intelligence to produce better results than Google Inc.

Bill Clinton Helps Launch Search Engine


Michael Ovitz, Walt Disney Co. #39;s former president, said Friday he was mistaken in his previous testimony that his annual bonus was tied to Disney chief executive Michael Eisner #39;s bonus.

Update 1: Ovitz Says He Was Mistaken Over Bonus


quot;Including the engagement ring, about \$4,000, quot; said one shopper at Roosevelt Field mall early Friday morning. Engagement ring?

Retailers lure shoppers with early openings, top deals


AP - When Laura Beck and Greg Pitts realized their marriage was falling apart, one thing was clear: They would work together to maintain a loving, supportive environment for their young son, Ethan. In June 2002, the couple had moved from Austin, Texas, to EcoVillage at Ithaca, an

EcoVillage Provides Challenge, Support (AP)


NASA engineers said yesterday that plans to send the space shuttle aloft next May appear to be proceeding smoothly, but designers acknowledged  quot;setbacks quot; in devising onboard techniques to

NASA Says Shuttle Is On Track for May Flight


BHP Billiton, the world #39;s biggest miner, approved a total of \$1.5 billion to expand its copper and iron ore output amid increasing global metals demand led by China.

BHP Approves Spence Copper Mine, Iron Ore Expansion (Update3)


The fight against spam is getting more serious as the net #39;s big players impose conditions on bulk mail senders. From October, AOL, Yahoo, Hotmail, Earthlink and Comcast want those that send lots of messages

Net giants adopt anti-spam system


WASHINGTON -- WR Grace  amp; Co. said Friday it is likely to be indicted in the first quarter of 2005 by a federal grand jury in Montana if it cannot reach a settlement with prosecutors over possible violations of federal environmental laws.

WR Grace says federal indictment likely in early 2005 without <b>...</b>


A total lunar eclipse expected to create views of a blood-red moon will be visible tonight throughout most of North America, weather permitting.

Clouds may block lunar eclipse


WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- The Federal Reserve will continue its baby-step approach to raising its overnight lending rate when the central bank #39;s policymakers meet next Tuesday, Fed watchers agree.

Fed watchers say benchmark rate to rise to 1.75


Forbes.com -

(Not So) Simple Simon (Forbes.com)


Seattle at Minnesota 2:00 pm EDT Western Conference first round Game 1 ----- MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Seattle Storm look to build on their finest season in franchise history when they visit the

- Game begins at 2:00 PM ET


ServiceMaster profitably bundles services and pays a healthy 3.5 dividend.

Service Bundling Sweeps Up


PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Aug. 18 -- So far this year, Haiti has endured an armed insurrection that killed 300 people and toppled a president, and floods that wiped out entire villages, with no relief from the grinding misery that comes ...

Brazilian Soccer Brings Joy to Haiti


quot;In the meantime, it has been accepted in the EU that the German reunification has caused high burdens for us and therefore is a special problem.

Eichel says German payments to the EU should be considered in <b>...</b>


MINNEAPOLIS (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings running  back Onterrio Smith, who has been suspended four games for  violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, will begin serving  that suspension Sunday.

Vikings RB Onterrio Smith Suspended


USATODAY.com - Google Desktop Search a cinch; superb though not perfect.

Edward C. Baig: Personal Tech - Google Desktop Search a cinch (USATODAY.com)


AP - Quarterback Ken Dorsey is expected to make his first NFL start for the San Francisco 49ers after Tim Rattay was diagnosed with a separated right shoulder Monday.

49ers QB Tim Rattay Has Separated Shoulder (AP)


New York City and four other contenders for the 2012 Olympics submitted their final bids to the International Olympic Committee this week, moving the winner-take-all scrum into its last phase.

City finalizes bid for Olympics, but West Side site warrants input


Joe Gibbs is shrewdly merging sports enterprises as coach of the Redskins and patriarch of a now family-owned NASCAR team to form one of sports' most lucrative brands.

Gibbs Is All Business


ST. LOUIS -- Good starting pitching, to the marauding Cardinals of St. Louis, is not much more than an afterthought these days. It #39;s nice to have.

Cardinals keep on cruising despite average starting pitching


Israel and Palestine have reached an agreement  #39;in principle #39; over a set of proposals to guide a comprehensive peace settlement between them, under Egyptian mediation.

Egypt brokers West Asia peace pact


Asian Development Bank President Tadao Chino today expressed his intention to resign and Japan said it will recommend Haruhiko Kuroda, an adviser to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, to succeed him.

ADB Head Chino to Resign, Japan Recommends Kuroda as Successor


AP - Auburn made its case on the field  #151; and off  #151; and enough voters were swayed.

Russo: Who's No. 2? Auburn or Oklahoma (AP)


Battered oil prices stayed weak on Friday after a \$6 slump spurred by easing worries about winter supplies. US crude oil futures (CLc1: Quote, Profile, Research) fell five cents to \$43.20

Oil Still Smarting from \$6 Rout


AFP - French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin insisted this weekend his country would achieve growth of 2.5 percent next year despite reports of flagging economic momentum in recent months.

France's Raffarin sticks to optimistic growth forecast (AFP)


First, Georgia #39;s education chief tried to take the word evolution #39; #39; out of the state #39;s science curriculum. Now a suburban Atlanta county is in federal court over textbook

Ga. Evolution Dispute Embarrasses Some


Markko Martin and his Michelin shod Ford Focus proved victory two weeks ago in Corsica owed nothing to the fact that his main opponent, Sebastien Loeb, had his sights set more on claiming the necessary points to clinch the 2004 Drivers #39; and Manufacturers

Michelin secure asphalt clean sweep.


Barry Bonds #39; 700th home run ball brought a top bid of \$804,129 Wednesday after a 10-day online auction. The ball had received 240 offers by the time Overstock.

Bonds #39; 700th homer ball draws bid topping \$800,000


NEW ORLEANS -- Poor Auburn. A 12-0 record and Southeastern Conference title would be enough to make the Tigers a front-runner for the national title most years -- or at least cause a spirited debate about who's No. 1.

Ending will be far from perfect


So here #39;s this guy, Tim Duncan, who #39;s got credentials galore - including six All-Star game appearances, five All-NBA citations, three MVPs, two gold rings, and probably even a partridge in a pear tree.

Multi-faceted Duncan is NBA #39;s best


Apple Computer #39;s online iTunes Music Store (iTMS) remains the leader in paid digital music downloads with 70 of the legally downloaded music market, but the

Study: Apple #1 Music Download Service; Online Buyers Down


AMSTERDAM/LONDON (Reuters) - Intel and Nokia will jointly  develop smart phones that run on the Symbian operating system,  the two tech giants said on Tuesday, unveiling their first  major cooperative effort in cell phones.

Nokia, Intel Join Forces on Symbian Phones


CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- Toys  quot;R quot; Us said Monday it made money in the fiscal second quarter, in contrast to the prior year #39;s loss, thanks in part to a \$200 million income-tax reversal.

Toys  #39;R #39; Us gains after Q2 profit swing


quot;We cannot avoid this question any longer. It is very likely that treatment of VoIP will have some of the farthest reaching consequences of anything this commission

US argues for federal VoIP rules


Just a few users connected to popular instant messaging (IM) networks can cause the spread of worms, while choking off communications from

Super-connected users could aid IM worms


A comprehensive scientific study of the Arctic climate has confirmed what Canadian Dene and Inuit have been saying for years: the North is melting, and faster all the time.

Global warming severest in Arctic: study


Eleven months after winning two straight at Wrigley Field to take the NL pennant, the Florida Marlins returned Friday and split a doubleheader with Chicago.

Cubs spank Marlins 11-2 to split twinbill


Egypt #39;s release of accused Israeli spy Azzam Azzam in an apparent swap for six Egyptian students held on suspicion of terrorism is expected to melt the ice and perhaps result

Azzam release to improve Egypt-Israel ties


Richard Branson plans to fly the first commercial passengers into space. Let #39;s hope we experience delays. This week Sir Richard Branson announced his plans to fly the first commercial passengers into space.

Sit back and watch the Earth die


Dhaka, Aug 26 (UNI) Bangladesh Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan said the government has decided to take Interpol #39;s help to investigate the August 21 grenade attack on Opposition Leader Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh to take Interpol #39;s help to solve Hasina attack


French publisher Infogrames has announced its results for the first half of FY 2005, revealing in the process that the firm has sold off the lucrative Civilisation franchise to an as-yet unknown purchaser.

Infogrames sells Civilisation franchise for \$22.3m


Each day in a Delaware courtroom, the inner workings of the old Walt Disney Co. are on display. A shareholder lawsuit over the eye-popping severance received by former president Michael S. Ovitz

Attacks on Disney #39;s Eisner Abate


ORLANDO, Fla.--Intel #39;s chief executive Craig Barrett may be set to retire soon, but he #39;s going out fighting. Speaking to more than 6,500 technology executives at an industry conference sponsored by market

Barrett still has some fight in him


With a record 24 athletes ousted for drug-related violations, perhaps the biggest upset of the Olympics was no US team member flunked a doping test.

Doping cases hit record


Reggie Bush is the player who makes the difference for USC. Marshawn Lynch waits his turn at Cal. These two young athletes are linked by rare talent and Saturday #39;s showdown at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Dueling backs get their day


A group representing online merchants said it helped the U.S. Department of Justice hunt down online scam artists, in an sweep of online criminals dubbed

Merchant group helps DOJ in fraud stings


Reuters - Free-agent shortstop Omar\Vizquel signed a three-year contract with the San Francisco\Giants on Sunday. Per team policy, financial terms were not\disclosed.

Vizquel Signs with San Francisco (Reuters)


Investors will get another glimpse into the pace of corporate spending as Cisco Systems Inc. prepares to deliver financial results after the closing bell on Tuesday.\<FONT face=

Cisco 1Q Eyed as IT Spending Indicator


Scientists once calculated that a hurricane gives off about 200 times much energy as all the world #39;s electric plants combined.

Ivans Path


Insurgents opened a new front against American-led forces today, attacking several police stations in the northern city of Mosul and pushing that city to the brink of chaos

As US Advances in Falluja, New Fighting Erupts in Northern Iraq


AP - Weighed down by high energy prices, the economy was even more sluggish than initially believed during the second quarter. But Federal Reserve policy-makers believe the pace will pick up in coming months, something President Bush is counting on as the election approaches.

Economy More Sluggish Than First Thought (AP)


Automakers over the last decade have expanded their lineup of vehicles catering to the needs of disabled people and the elderly. A Toyota Motor Corp.

Automakers focus on disabled drivers at 38th motor show


Former Computer Associates Chief Sanjay Kumar has been hit with charges of securities fraud, obstruction of justice and conspiracy by the US DoJ (Department of Justice) - a result of the company #39;s long-running accounting scandal.

Former CA Chief Kumar indicted as firm coughs up \$225m


Product will allow a server to run multiple operating systems, or multiple copies of the same operating system at a single time

Microsoft ready to ship Virtual Server


Reuters - The abduction of three foreign election\workers in Afghanistan could force aid groups to reduce their\international staff in a country that just finished counting\votes in its first direct presidential election.

Afghan Kidnappings Prompt Big Security Review (Reuters)


A HARDWARE from the Land of the Rising Sun, JVC, has signed up to the Blu-ray format and joined the Blu-ray Disc Association. Although the public commitment to the next generation DVD standard is new, JVC

JVC signs up to Blu-ray


KABKABIYAH, Sudan -- Hidden among scrub brush not far from this remote, sandy outpost, Ibrahim Ali Hassan, a rebel fighter in Sudan's western Darfur region, spots the slow-moving caravan of 18 camels and their riders. They look like specks on the horizon.

In Sudan, monitors find task daunting


Assets of the nation #39;s retail money market mutual funds fell by \$4.03 billion in the latest week to \$828.98 billion, the Investment Company Institute said Thursday.

Money Funds Fell in Latest Week


World champion Michael Schumacher won the Japanese Grand Prix to give his Ferrari team a record-tying 15th victory in 17 Formula One races this year.

Schumacher Wins Japanese Grand Prix for 13th Victory of Season


ROME - Donor nations have pledged an additional \$40m (about R264m) to help fight a devastating locust invasion in west Africa, but urgent action is now needed to tackle the crisis, the head of the UN #39;s Food and Agriculture Organisation said yesterday.

Donors offer extra \$40m to fight locusts in west Africa


SEOUL: South Korea cautioned Japan against imposing sanctions on North Korea saying the step could complicate efforts to end the impasse over the communist country #39;s nuclear weapons drive.

South Korea cautions Japan against sanctions on North Korea


Although Monday was to be the day when Microsoft began pushing Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) to enterprises, it changed its mind at the last minute and delayed the automatic updating for more than a week.

Microsoft Delays SP2 Auto Update For Enterprises


Reuters - The dollar moved in narrow ranges against\the yen on Monday as option-related and exporter selling capped\the U.S. currency and traders awaited the Bank of Japan's key\corporate sentiment survey.

Dollar Sticks to Range Vs Yen (Reuters)


DENVER -- The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Qwest Communications #39; former chief executive could soon face civil charges for his alleged role in an accounting scandal at the company.

Former Qwest CEO May Face Civil Charges


The NHL and the players #39; association will resume talks next week in an effort to end the 78-day lockout and save the season. After nearly three months of silence on and off the ice

NHL, Union to Resume Talks Next Week


AP - Virginia Tech's Bryan Randall and Miami's Brock Berlin finally have emerged from their predecessors' shadows.

QBs Randall, Berlin Came Into Own (AP)


AP - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made a dramatic entrance into Israel's parliament Wednesday surrounded by a large phalanx of bodyguards, as security officials voiced concern for his safety before a parliamentary vote on his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.

Security Tight for Sharon Amid Gaza Vote (AP)


TORONTO -- Ontario #39;s consumer minister is putting parents on notice about the newest video game sensation to hit store shelves.

Video game release prompts warning


Sony is continuing development of its Memory Stick format, with a new high-speed variety due out this fall. Backward compatible with existing devices, it will be recognizable by a red and white color scheme.

Sony preparing high-speed Memory Stick Pro


Dell Inc. said yesterday that its quarterly profit climbed 25 percent, propelled by a steady increase in technology spending by American businesses and a surge in sales abroad.

Dell Profit Rises 25 as Sales Beat Growth Rate for Industry


Two Montgomery County Council members who supported a campaign by employees of Comcast Cable Communications to form a union have been subpoenaed by company attorneys in a federal labor relations case involving a Rockville man who says he was illegally fired by the firm.

Comcast Subpoenas Elected Leaders In Montgomery Who Favored Union


Inverness, Scotland (Sports Network) - Rangers squandered a chance to return to the top of the table Sunday as it was held at Inverness, 1-1.

Rangers held by Inverness


AP - Christina Kim shot a 7-under 64 Thursday and held a one-stroke lead over Rachel Teske after the first round of the LPGA Longs Drugs Challenge.

Kim Leads Longs Drugs Challenge by One (AP)


AP - The Israeli government on Tuesday invited construction bids for 1,001 new homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank, an official said, in direct violation of a U.S.-backed peace plan calling for a settlement freeze.

Israel to Build New Housing Units (AP)


Leading distributor of Linux open source solutions to the enterprise Red Hat, Inc has entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement with America Online, Inc to acquire certain assets of Netscape Security Solutions.

Linux, AOL tie up for security solutions


Enterasys Networks Inc. #39;s secret sauce is reportedly back on the black market, after an anonymous person or group calling itself the Source Code Club offered to sell some of its software code for \$16,000.

Enterasys code for sale on Web #39;s black market


PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Lauren, 11, saunters nonchalantly past a Discovery Channel store and a Gymboree clothing store at the mall. Then suddenly, the girl's eyes light up and she pulls her mother into an Apple Computer Inc. retail shop.

Rivals line up to take on iPod


AP - When Office Depot, Inc. stores ran an electronics recycling drive last summer that accepted everything from cell phones to televisions, some stores were overwhelmed by the amount of e-trash they received.

'E-Junk' Recycling Still in Its Infancy (AP)


General Motors Corp. (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Ford Motor Co. (FN: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday posted weaker US vehicle sales for October after

UPDATE 1-GM, Ford October US sales fall, Chrysler up


AP - Former Michigan State star and NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram, a key to the New York Giants' 1991 Super Bowl victory, has been sentenced to one year in jail for stealing a credit card at a Michigan golf course.

Ex-NFL Receiver Mark Ingram Jailed (AP)


Description: The fossil remains of an ancient Spanish ape may help explain a key event in evolution. Scientists say the skeleton offers clues about how our ancestors stopped swinging from trees and started walking upright.

Spanish Scientists Discover Fossil of Ancient Ape


LOS ANGELES, California, United States of America - Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Group said Monday it was jumping into online music, with a  quot;Digital Megastore quot; for US customers offering song downloads for 99 cents.

Virgin Group to launch US online music service


Cornerback Mike McKenzie returned to the Green Bay Packers yesterday after holding out throughout training camp and missing the season opener.

McKenzie back with the Pack


Reuters - The dollar recouped earlier losses\against the yen on Thursday, but currencies shuttled in narrow\ranges as investors awaited direction from U.S. growth data and\comments from Federal Reserve chief Alan Greenspan.

Dollar Recoups Losses But Stuck in Range (Reuters)


The HIV/Aids pandemic is the worst catastrophe in history and is blighting childhood across the developing world, especially sub-Saharan Africa, the United Nations said yesterday.

The greatest catastrophe


With the ill-tempered England - Spain game in Madrid at the Bernebau drawing to a close, and England currently 1-0 down; what are the mindless Spanish supporters doing?

Let #39;s Bring Racism into Football...or not


NEW DELHI: General Electric Co. plans to sell a majority stake in its Indian call-centre unit to General Atlantic Partners LLC and Oak Hill Capital Partners for US\$500mil to help the business gain new customers.

GE to sell 60 of India call-centre unit


WASHINGTON - The House ethics committee Wednesday criticized House Majority Leader Tom DeLay for conduct that appeared to link political donations to legislation and for improperly contacting U.S. aviation authorities for political purposes, House sources said Wednesday...

Ethics Panel Rebukes DeLay Twice in a Week


Flames leap 200 feet in the air and burn at 2,000 degrees. A rain of fire sets thousands of acres ablaze. The smoke jumpers may get the glory, but the battle is being won by the wildfire-simulation brigade. By Michael Behar from Wired magazine.

Predicting the Path of an Inferno


Network computer maker Sun Microsystems Inc. revised its most recently reported quarterly results slightly lower due to the finalized legal settlement with Microsoft Corp.

Sun Micro Revises Net Down -Filing


branches of US giant Citibank, killing one security guard and injuring a bomb squad officer.  quot;The government is asking people not to touch any packages and to call the police if they find them.

Bombs explode at Argentine banks


AP - They play with a confident air these days, even a swagger, more befitting the Brazilians and Germans. And, for the U.S. men's soccer team, that's good  #151; very good.

U.S. Soccer Team Playing With Confidence (AP)


Scientists working in China have discovered an ancient swimming predator with a neck nearly twice as long as its body. Neck ribs line the reptiles 5.5-foot-long (1.

Why did sea monsters have long necks?


The courtroom drama of shareholders vs. Disney #39;s battling Mikes - Michael Ovitz and Michael Eisner -as become a can #39;t-miss reality show for entertainment industry executives.

Lots of eyes on Disney trial


Apple Computer on Tuesday added a 1.8 GHz single processor Power Mac G5 desktop to its 64-bit Power Mac G5 line priced at \$1,499. The new 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5 features 6.4GB per second of fast memory bandwidth

Apple reintroduces the 1.8GHz SP Power Mac G5


A new video game to be released Monday allows players to simulate the assassination of President Kennedy. The release of JFK Reloaded is timed to coincide with the 41st anniversary

Video game re-creates slaying of Kennedy


CHICAGO (Reuters) - In a 26th-floor office suite  overlooking Lake Michigan, some 40 industrial designers,  mechanical engineers and specialists in fields ranging from  anthropology to musicology converge for their daily dance:  developing mobile phones for Motorola Inc.

Motorola Aims to Sharpen Design Edge


Torri Edwards, the American sprinter, was shown no mercy here last night when the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld her two-year doping ban.

Edwards #39; appeal against two-year ban fails


NewsFactor - Taking an innovative approach to the marketing of high-performance \computing, Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq: SUNW) is offering its N1 Grid program in a pay-for-use pricing model that mimics the way such commodities as electricity and wireless phone plans are sold.

Sun Offers Pay-for-Use Grid Computing (NewsFactor)


TOKYO - Japanese electronics makers are engaged in a battle for shares of the new markets for digital home appliances, such as next-generation DVDs and cutting-edge television displays, aware that the winners in the initial stages will likely remain

Digital appliance market heats up over formats


CRAWFORD, Texas President Bush says he #39;ll do  quot;anything quot; he can to help keep the Northern Ireland peace process moving forward.

Bush works for peace in Northern Ireland


Although the future of ATA Airlines Inc. remains up in the air, planes still were landing Wednesday at the Quad-City International Airport and tickets still were selling, the airports aviation director said.

Business as usual for ATA despite bankruptcy filing


IBM #39;s Global Services division has created a practice to help customers with Web services management tools scale to larger service-oriented architectures (SOA).

IBM: Practice Makes Perfect for the SOA Initiated


Canadian Press - (AP) - Bridges to Mexico in this traffic-choked city began testing a new immigration security program Monday that requires some U.S. visitors to be fingerprinted and photographed as they cross the border.

Fingerprints, photographs begin at U.S. border crossings with Canada, Mexico (Canadian Press)


RAF jets ecorted a diverted jet to Stansted Airport yesterday after a caller claimed there was a bomb on board. The US-bound Olympic Airlines plane made an emergency landing and all 301 passengers were evacuated safely.

RAF ESCORT JET IN BOMB SCARE


The group, which issued a profits warning in July and floated on the stock market a decade ago, revealed the approach in a statement last Friday.

Jjb has 448 Stores Across the Country and Is the UK #39;s Biggest <b>...</b>


If any doubts remained that China has turned its back on socialist equality for the masses, they faded in the exhaust fumes Sunday as Rubens Barrichello #39;s flaming red Ferrari

Formula One Race Features China #39;s New Taste for Luxury


FT.com - Taiwan's telecommunications industry will need another two years before third-generation mobile services generate substantial revenue, according to Harvey Chang, president and CEO of Taiwan Cellular, the island's second-largest mobile phone operator.

Taiwan Celluar chief voices 3G doubts (FT.com)


Investigators probing US insurance firms are alleged to have found evidence of improper practices at Aon, the world #39;s second largest broker.

US insurance investigation widens


A new pan-European supercomputing network has opened to help scientists in the EU with their research.  quot;We have just completed testing, quot; said David Henty of the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre, a member

Euro supercomputer network boots up


Semiconductor companies moved higher in trading Thursday after an industry group said sales rose 1.1 percent to \$18.2 billion in August from the previous month, and that inventories are on the decline.

Chip Stocks Rise on Industry Report


WASHINGTON -- NASA administrator Sean O #39;Keefe said Wednesday the cost of fixing all the problems with the space shuttle fleet could top \$2.

Shuttle repair price tag soars


Dell Inc. plans to open several Enterprise Command Centers during the next few months in a bid to improve its service delivery to customers worldwide.

Dell counts on new support hubs to improve service delivery


The mystery of whether dinosaurs were indifferent parents or cared for their young may have been solved by a discovery in China. More than 100 million years ago an adult dinosaur was buried

Fossil find proves dinosaurs looked after their babies


SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) - Pacific Rim nations have agreed  to set minimum standards for two-country free trade pacts  proliferating across the region, a consolation prize for  business leaders pushing for a 21-nation free trade area to  rival the European Union.

APEC Countries to Standardize Trade Pacts


Russia #39;s lower house of parliament gave tentative backing Friday to a key electoral reform proposed by President Vladimir Putin following a series of recent terror attacks that have killed hundreds and stunned Russians.

Russia approves electoral reform


WASHINGTON : US Secretary of State Colin Powell left here for a three-nation tour of north Asia focused on resolving the North Korean nuclear deadlock, China and Taiwan and the presence of US troops in Japan and South Korea.

Powell leaves on Asian tour for talks on NKorea, US troops, Taiwan


Sprint Corp., the telecommunications giant, said Friday it will cut 700 jobs in its business solutions division as it stops selling business long distance services outside of package deals.

Update 1: Sprint to Cut 700 Jobs, Expects Charge


Much of the credit for the Jets #39; only touchdown yesterday can go to one player. Not Chad Pennington or Chris Baker, who teamed up for a 1-yard touchdown pass with

Picking on the rookie


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Big labor unions at bankrupt US  Airways Group Inc. <A HREF=

US Air Unions Object to Plan for Cuts


Suspended Angels outfielder Jose Guillen #39;s grievance hearing Friday morning turned out to not be much of a hearing at all. Both sides agreed to a relatively quick settlement

Notes: Guillen case settled


A SYDNEY software company painted itself as a defender of the interests of millions of music fans when in fact it was the world #39;s biggest music pirate, a court was told yesterday.

Net music swap firm a  #39;pirate #39;


GOMA, Congo (Reuters) - Thousands of civilians have fled  their homes after clashes in the east of the Democratic  Republic of Congo, the United Nations said on Friday, but it  was unclear who was behind the violence.

Thousands Uprooted by Clashes in East Congo -U.N.


A goal deep into injury time by Stuart Elliott salvaged a 3-3 draw for Northern Ireland in a pulsating World Cup qualifier against Austria on Wednesday.

UPDATE 1-Late goal gives N.Ireland 3-3 draw with Austria


LONDON (Reuters) - Defending champion Porto produced a  thrilling fightback to beat Chelsea 2-1 and grab a Champions  League lifeline as Arsenal and Werder Bremen booked their  places in the next round Tuesday.

Porto Stays Alive, Arsenal and Bremen Progress


Joe Gibbs #39; much-anticipated second term as Washington Redskins head coach opened yesterday with a hard-fought 16-10 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Redskins relish their difficult victory


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov  accused the West of double standards on terrorism in the wake  of his country's bloodiest hostage crisis, highlighting a  growing rift over the issue between the former Cold War foes.

Russia Slams West for Double Standards on Beslan


\

 WASHINGTON (Reuters) - AT T Corp. on Thursday reported a\\$7.1 billion third-quarter loss due to an \$11.4 billion\writedown of its assets after its retreat from consumer\services and other restructuring charges.

AT T Posts \$7.1 Billion Loss on Writedown


AP - The Los Angeles Galaxy fired coach Sigi Schmid on Monday despite leading Major League Soccer with 34 points.

League-Leading Galaxy Fires Coach (AP)


US media group Time Warner withdraws its bid for movie studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer after failing to agree a price.

Time Warner drops out of MGM race


KINSHASA (Reuters) - The Democratic Republic of Congo has  pulled all of its diplomats out of neighboring Burundi  following the slaughter of Congolese Tutsi refugees there last  week, its foreign minister said on Friday.

Congo Pulls Diplomats Out of Burundi


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices tumbled to an 11-week low  below \$45 a barrel on Thursday, deepening a dramatic slide  after an increase in U.S. heating oil stocks eased worries of a  winter supply squeeze.

Oil Slides Another Dollar to 11-Week Low


The year 2004 was the fourth hottest ever recorded and the past decade was the warmest since measurements began in 1861, the World Meteorological Organisation said Wednesday.

2004 fourth hottest since records began


Optical links will be cheaper, quieter, and smaller than copper ribbons, company says.

Intel Developing Optical Connect for Laptops, Servers


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar dipped against most major  currencies on Wednesday after mixed data on U.S. durable goods  orders and weaker-than-expected new home sales did little to  brighten the U.S. economic outlook.

Dollar Dips Against Most Major Currencies


The holiday season keeps the Hansen family busy harvesting, shipping and selling thousands of Christmas trees. However, this year the Hansens, along with 12

Oregon tree growers team up for the troops


Kolkata: Keeping his options open amidst intense lobbying for the president #39;s post of the cricket board, Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said that he would take the plunge only if he was sure of victory.

Pawar keeps options open on eve of BCCI polls


In just 19 days, the Boston Red Sox have cut the New York Yankees #39; 101/2-game AL East lead to 21/2 games.  quot;We #39;re just going to take care of what we can take care of, quot; Boston reliever Mike Timlin said after

Red Sox close within 2 games of Yankees with 10th straight win


AP - Republican Mel Martinez, hoping to become the first Cuban-American senator, criticized his opponent Monday for saying she would not have voted for the war in Iraq

Fla. Senate Candidates Have Opposing Views (AP)


Sometimes you #39;ve just gotta drop your guard and own up to yourself that you #39;re a geek. So, after pretending for about 24 hours to be above the fray surrounding the official release of Grand Theft Auto: San

San Andreas game a masterpiece of mayhem On the warpath in LA <b>...</b>


Israel #39;s Security Cabinet has approved a compensation package for Jewish settlers who will be removed from the Gaza Strip under the government #39;s pull-out plan.

Compensation package approved for Gaza settlers


AP - You know it's bound to happen: One of the CDs you've burned is going to stop working  #151; be it from scratches, aging, poor manufacturing or the fact that it was made with old software.

Two Programs Rescue Damaged Discs (AP)


AP - Getting rights OK'd can be frustrating for artists, be they authors seeking to quote an essay or documentary filmmakers who've got snippets of pop songs playing in the background of key scenes. Artists and scholars who believe the current copyright system unduly stifles creativity are pushing a less restrictive alternative that they call the Creative Commons.

Movement Seeks Copyright Alternatives (AP)


Blackburn fought back from 3-1 down at half-time to earn a 3-3 draw with Birmingham in a pulsating Premiership clash at Ewood Park on Sunday afternoon.

ROVERS BOUNCE BACK IN EWOOD THRILLER


Evanston, IL (Sports Network) - Northwestern head football coach Randy Walker was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness before a Monday press conference.

Northwestern football coach hospitalized


Vince Carter will miss the Toronto Raptors #39; next two preseason games while he fights a lawsuit from a former agent. Carter wasn #39;t available for Tuesday night #39;s game at Denver and Wednesday #39;s game at Portland

Carter to miss two preseason games to fight lawsuit


Women's volleyball player Lauren McNally of Ashland, a two-year letter-winner and starter at Stonehill College in Easton, has consistently ranked among the team's leaders, both in kills and blocks.

McNally serving Stonehill well


A Bosnian Serb war-crimes suspect accused of genocide in the 1995 massacre of up to 8,000 Muslim men and boys surrendered Saturday, the government said.

Bosnian Serb war-crimes suspect surrenders


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans on  Tuesday brushed off financial market concerns about America's  massive trade deficit and stressed that a recent sharp uptick  was fueled in part by surging energy prices.

US Trade Deficit No Cause for Alarm-Evans


In a major setback for drug testers, American cyclist Tyler Hamilton will not lose his Olympic gold medal after an error in the handling of his specimen.

Cyclist Hamilton allowed to keep gold medal


Silicon Valley luminaries worry about government's stance on stock options, outsourcing, research and education.

Internet leaders ponder U.S. tech policies


Q: I have a colleague in another department who is extremely pushy and rude toward me . Not only can she can be very short and abrasive, but I'm afraid she's not even aware that she's talking down to me. We work together -- I do not work for her. How can I address this problem of disrespect before it ...

How can I address a problem of disrespect before it gets worse?


ATHENS -- A disruptive Greek chorus of whistles, chanting, and catcalls could not derail a crowd-silencing American sweep in the men's 200-meter dash at the Olympic Games last night.

Sweeping giants: US dominates 200


Interim Notre Dame football coach Kent Baer completed his team #39;s third postseason practice Friday morning, and is only beginning to prepare for the Insight Bowl.

Baer set to lead Notre Dame


com October 14, 2004, 9:00 PM PT. ZDNet #39;s survey of IT professionals in October kept upgrading hardware at number two on the businesses radar throughout the year.

IBM readies new top-end Unix servers


The US men #39;s basketball team was beaten by Argentina Friday, denying it an Olympic gold medal for the first time since 1992 when NBA players started competing.

#39;Dream Team #39; Out of Gold Race After Loss to Argentina