AP - When Rueben Martinez became a barber in the Los Angeles area, his love of literature inspired him to lend out books for customers. He noticed that few books made their way back to him.

Foundation Awards Annual 'Genius Grants' (AP)


SPACE.com - With the advent of a new generation of relatively affordable mobile antennas, satellite television is about to jump from the living room to the back seats of vans, recreational vehicles and family cars.

Satellite TV Made Available From the Back Seat (SPACE.com)


AMIR KHAN shrugged off a hectic build-up to make a stunning return to the ring in Liverpool last night. The 17-year-olds life has been one non-stop whirl since he returned from Athens three months ago with an Olympic silver medal.

Khan back with a bang in Liverpool


Long-term mortgage rates tumbled to six-month lows this week amid concerns the economic expansion may be losing steam. Defying expectations earlier this year that it would now hover around 6.5 percent, the

Mortgage rates take a tumble


Reuters - The United States does not pose a\threat to North Korea and has no intention of invading, a U.S.\official said Tuesday, urging Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear\ambitions in exchange for possible security assurances.

U.S. Says It Poses No Threat to N.Korea (Reuters)


Ouija Board, the winner of both the English and Irish Oaks this season, was yesterday confirmed as a definite runner at the Breeders #39; Cup meeting at Lone Star Park in Dallas on Saturday week.

Turf trip tempting for Board


ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- For 10 minutes, the crowd booed and whistled, creating a deafening roar. Paul Hamm sat around and waited to start his routine. A week's worth of controversy in gymnastics boiled over into the stands Monday during a bizarre, extraordinary evening. Hamm was able to block out the noise and win a silver medal on high bar, and four-time Olympic gold medalist Alexei Nemov finished fifth, much to the chagrin of the crowd.

Paul Hamm Waits Out Boos, Then Wins Silver


As part of its fight against software piracy, Microsoft has begun legal proceedings against eight resellers for allegedly buying and selling fake and used Certificate of Authenticity labels.

Microsoft sues resellers for piracy


Three major recording companies have agreed to make their music available to be shared and sold over a new online file-swapping service that aims to lure music fans away from rival

Recording companies sign deal to sell songs over new file-sharing <b>...</b>


The Mozilla Foundation has released version 1.0 of its Firefox browser, an open-source product that has generated lofty expectations that it will offer real competition to Microsoft #39;s ubiquitous Internet Explorer.

Mozilla Launches Firefox 1.0


AP - When the telephone rang, Martin Gramatica was prepared for the news.

Bucs Cut Veteran Kicker Martin Gramatica (AP)


ATHENS (Reuters) - Olympic men's hammer champion Adrian  Annus has been stripped of his gold medal after failing to take  a drugs test, the International Olympic Committee said Sunday.

Hammer Gold Medallist Annus Loses Medal


AFP - England cannot win a one-day international batting first while India coach John Wright reckons his team are having trouble chasing totals.

England and India aim to buck trends (AFP)


Mark Latham #39;s central pledge is to restore the rungs to his metaphorical  quot;ladder of opportunity quot; by giving tax relief and incentive to lower and middle-income earners, restoring bulk-billing levels, making schools funding fairer and based on need and

The choice: how the contenders shape up


GUWAHATI, India : Forty-four people were killed and 118 wounded in a spate of attacks in India #39;s remote northeast, police said, in one of the deadliest eruptions of violence in the revolt-racked region in years.

44 killed, 118 wounded in wave of attacks in India #39;s troubled <b>...</b>


Sun Microsystems' new president pulls in \$677,000 in fiscal 2004, as the company tries to return to prosperity.

Pay for Sun's Schwartz jumps 56 percent


BOSTON (Reuters) - Shares of Crane Co. <A HREF=

Crane Shares Rise on Settlement News


LOS ANGELES (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Clippers  placed rookie guard Shaun Livingston on the injured list  Tuesday with a dislocated right kneecap.

Clippers' Livingston Placed on Injured List


SAN ANTONIO -- SBC Communications Inc., the second-largest local phone company in the United States, said Wednesday it signed a 10-year, \$400 million agreement with Microsoft Corp.

SBC, Microsoft in \$400 million deal


quot;I made a great start and that put me in front. That was very important because behind me hell arrived at the first corner! quot; - that was Valentino Rossi #39;s description of the turn one mayhem which eliminated

MOTOGP NEWS Pictures:  #39;Hell at the first corner #39;.


AP - Inter Milan, Chelsea and AC Milan stayed perfect on Wednesday as the Champions League group stage reached the halfway mark.

Inter Milan, Chelsea, AC Milan Perfect (AP)


Jason Kidd, who underwent off-season knee surgery, made his long-awaited season debut for the Nets on Monday night and turned in an impressive effort.

Nets Get Solid Return From Kidd While They Can


The 6-2, 288-pound Johnson will move to the Broncos #39; exempt/commissioner permission list -- that means he could be activated to the 53-man roster within two weeks.

Broncos sign Johnson


The deal would end a daring experiment by the nation's airlines, which created Orbitz as a competitor to Expedia and online ticketing sites like it.

Cendant Nears Deal to Buy Orbitz Travel Site


Australia has drawn 2-2 with Norway in its international friendly at Craven Cottage in London - Tim Cahill and Josip Skoko got the goals for Frank Farina #39;s side.

Aussies satisfied with a draw


The Baltimore Ravens have become accustomed to overcoming injuries and off-the-field problems this season, so there was no sense of panic upon learning that running back Jamal Lewis could miss this week #39;s game against the New England Patriots.

Ravens might be without Jamal Lewis against Patriots


SINGAPORE : China Aviation Oil has confirmed it is being probed by the Commercial Affairs Department for problems at the company. On Friday, the white-collar crime buster

CAD to probe China Aviation Oil on share sale by parent


Forget this wacky, complicated wild-card puzzle. The Giants ought to go for the whole kit and caboodle now and make things simple.

Giants closing in on Dodgers


The expiration of WTO textile quotas at the end of 2004 is expected to jeopardize jobs in some of the world's poorest places as the textile industry uproots to consolidate in low-cost China.

A New Pattern Is Cut for Global Textile Trade


The service will be first available on Spanish network provider Telefonica. Melodeo provides music to wireless subscribers through a mobilemusic solution that resides on the wireless phone.

Full Track Downloads on Mobiles


Tokyo stocks fell Monday morning after a weak performance on Wall Street Friday. The US dollar was up against the Japanese yen. The Nikkei Stock Average of 225 issues dropped 43.

Update 1: Tokyo Stocks Lower; Dollar Up Against Yen


The Web Services Interoperability Organization (WS-I) on Tuesday announced three new profiles have been published as  quot;Final Material: quot; Basic Profile 1.1, Attachments Profile 1.0, and Simple SOAP Binding Profile 1.0.

WS-I Addresses Web Services Attachments Interoperability


Tim Henman #39;s hopes of success at the Tennis Masters Cup in Houston were given a major boost by last night #39;s draw. In the group stage, the Briton has avoided Swiss world number one Roger Federer and Australian

HOUSTON DRAW FAVOURS HENMAN


Apple has recalled 28,000 of the batteries used in its 15in aluminium PowerBook G4 laptop computers sold earlier this year in the US and via its online and retail stores, after receiving four reports of the batteries overheating.

Apple recalls 28,000 PowerBook G4 batteries


AFP - Taiwan launched its latest bid to join the United Nations in dramatic fashion -- not with a knock on UN doors but in a message beamed through outer space.

Taiwan launches another bid to join UN (AFP)


Apple Computer Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., this week released an updater for its Mac OS X operating system, bringing it to Version 10.3.7.

Apple Releases Updated OS X to Fix FireWire, Game Issues


In a move to reassure major customers and software developers, Microsoft yesterday answered one of the big questions looming over the PC industry: When will it finish the next version of Windows?

Microsoft sets 2006 timetable for next version of Windows


Toyota Motor Corp., the world #39;s biggest carmaker by value, will invest 3.8 billion yuan (\$461 million) with its partner Guangzhou Automobile Group to boost manufacturing capacity in

Toyota, Partner to Invest \$461 Mln in China Venture (Update2)


CLEVELAND - Sen. John Edwards accused the Bush administration Tuesday night of bungling the war in Iraq and presiding over a historic loss of jobs...

Cheney, Edwards Go Toe to Toe in Debate


MOSCOW - Armed attackers, some wearing suicide-bomb belts, seized a school Wednesday in a Russian region bordering Chechnya and were holding hundreds of children and adults hostage, news reports said. The assault came a day after a suicide bomber killed 10 people in Moscow...

Hundreds Held Hostage in Russia School


US hotels and car-hire firm Cendent is to buy UK internet-based holiday company Ebookers for \$404m (201.2m).

US leisure firm to buy Ebookers


The United States, South Korea and Japan have agreed to suspend work on the construction of nuclear reactors in North Korea for a second year but stopped short of scrapping the project, a Japanese newspaper said on Monday.

North Korea Nuclear Plant Suspended Again-Report


Nyon, Switzerland (Sports Network) - The draw for the Champions League round of 16 was unveiled Friday in Switzerland, and there are a number of titanic clashes.

Champions League draw unveiled


Anheuser-Busch teams up with Vietnam's largest brewer, laying the groundwork for future growth in the region.

Global Growth Key to Beer Wars


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average edged up 0.26  percent by midsession on Wednesday after the Bank of Japan's  quarterly

Tokyo Stocks Edge Up


Scientists reconstruct part of the genetic code of a 75-million-year-old mammal ancestor.

Ancestor's DNA code reconstructed


Wealthy countries need to do much more to fight global poverty, the international aid agency Oxfam says.

Oxfam raps rich nations over aid


TEHRAN (IRNA) -- Head of Majlis National Security and foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Borujerdi here Wednesday urged promotion of economic cooperation with Russia through the efforts of he two countries #39; officials alongside with their growing political

Iran stresses need to promote ties with Russia


AP - An Italian aid worker abducted in the southern Philippines was released unharmed after Muslim separatist rebels reportedly helped authorities corner his kidnappers.

Italian hostage released in Philippines


Reuters - IBM has won a long-term contract from\Honeywell worth several hundred million dollars, its largest\military/aerospace engineering contract since IBM exited the\field a decade ago, it said on Monday.

IBM Wins Honeywell Deal, Eyes More (Reuters)


He is a sizable underdog in Saturday night #39;s heavyweight title fight, and it #39;s no mystery why. Danny Williams, by all accounts, is taking a major step up in class.

Title fight underdog is coming on strong


The Melbourne Cup is known as  #39;the race that stops a nation #39;, owing to its standing as Australia #39;s most popular horse race.

Weld plays waiting game


Economists are growing concerned over Americans' willingness to cede regular chunks of their paychecks to new conveniences and services, saying it is taking a bite out of discretionary spending, a key driver of the nation's economy.

Monthly Bill Fatigue


Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - John Turner's team of electoral observers will help Ukraine achieve a fair and honest outcome in its second attempt to elect a president, the former prime minister pledged Friday.

Former prime minister Turner hoping Ukrainian re-election will be open, honest (Canadian Press)


The team and infielder Jose Hernandez agreed to a one-year, one-point-eight (m) million dollar contract today at the winter meetings in Anaheim, California.

Hernandez, Indians agree to one-year deal


Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - Sweet-talking carnies wasted no time launching into their well-rehearsed patter Friday at the opening day of the Canadian National Exhibition, hoping to put the plagues of the previous summer behind them.

Beleaguered CNE hoping for banner summer as others long for days gone by (Canadian Press)


Bayer AG, Germany #39;s second-biggest drug and chemical maker, formed a partnership with US rival Schering-Plough Corp. to market some of Bayer #39;s biggest medicines after sales lagged in the second quarter.

Bayer Forms Sales Partnership With Schering-Plough (Update1)


NEW YORK, December 3 (newratings.com) - The Board members of the Californian state pension fund, Calpers (California Public Employees Retirement System), are scheduled to begin the process of selecting a new President today, after Sean Harrigan was

Calpers to begin search for new President


Intel Corp. (INTC.O: Quote, Profile, Research) is on track to introduce the world #39;s most advanced chip production technology in its products next year, the largest semiconductor maker said on Sunday.

After Delays, Intel Points to Chip-Making Advance


Mountain biker Marie-Helene Premont of Chateau-Richer, Que. captured the silver on a tough and sun-baked course in the suburbs of Athens today, finishing behind winner Gunn-Rita Dahle of Norway.

Canadians bike, row to medals


TechWeb - Telestream announced Friday support for exporting or importing files in the Microsoft Windows Media format on Mac OS X platforms.

Telestream Unveils Windows Media 9 Series Encoding Support For Mac (TechWeb)


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Shares of Apple Computer Inc.  <A HREF=

Apple Shares Close at 4-Year High


Last week at Kentucky Speedway, 41-year-old Adrian Fernandez became just the second driver older than 30 to win a race this season.

Young drivers rule in today #39;s Indy Racing League


WASHINGTON - The Bush administration released a new economic forecast for 2005 on Friday in which it boosted growth forecasts slightly from a year ago but cut back sharply on its estimates of new jobs.

Feds forecast better 2005


Clusty Launches Mozilla Firefox Clustering Search Toolbar\\Vivisimo, the developer of clustering, search and meta-search software for organizing search results, today announced the industry's first clustering toolbar for Mozilla Firefox. The quick, free and easy download is available today at Clusty and offers Firefox users a number of industry-first features and ...


Wade Boggs, a five-time American League batting champion, and Darryl Strawberry, an eight-time All-Star, are among 12 players who will appear on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time.

Strawberry And Boggs Are On Hall Ballot


Cendant Corp. said Thursday it has agreed to acquire Gullivers Travel Associates and Octopus Travel Group Ltd. of Britain for about US\$1.1 billion (euro820 million) in cash.

Cendant Acquires Two British Travel Cos.


AP - Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander has a bone bruise on his right knee, but could play in this week's game at Tampa Bay.

Seattle RB Is Day to Day With Bone Bruise (AP)


Over on Microsoft #39;s Xbox campus today, the  quot;Halo 2 quot; fans chosen to take part in a Backstage Pass event were given some time to speak with the Xbox bigwigs -- Robbie Bach, senior vice president of Microsoft #39;s Home  amp; Entertainment division, J Allard and

Xbox execs on Sony PSP


Race engineers arrive at any circuit armed with facts and figures - Pat Symonds explains what these are for ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Pat Symonds explains a key engineering tool: Sector Sensitivities


Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co (SN: Quote, Profile, Research) , the largest US department store chain, on Thursday posted a third-quarter loss as its clothing sales continued to slide and cuts its forecast for the full year.

Sears Posts a Loss, Cuts Full-Year View


Zee Telefilms Limited, the country #39;s largest listed media firm, plans to appeal to the Supreme Court against a cricket board decision to ask two rival channels to broadcast the home test series against Australia, its lawyer said on Friday.

Zee to challenge cricket board


NewsFactor - Dell (Nasdaq: DELL) wants a big piece of global sales of MP3 players and has launched a new device to take market share from Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL). But it is doubtful that Dell will be successful any time soon.

Dell Gets in Line To Take on iPod (NewsFactor)


Reuters - The U.S. Congress should stay out of\the debate over expensing stock options and let the Financial\Accounting Standards Board handle it, U.S. Securities and\Exchange Commission Chairman William Donaldson said.

SEC to Congress: Defer to FASB on Options (Reuters)


Intelligence officials in South Korea say the mysterious blast in North Korea may have been from a hydro-electric dam project, as Pyongyang claims.

South Korea Says Blast in North May Have Been Dam Project


An old-fashioned price war is gearing up in the digital music download business, with RealNetworks (Quote, Chart) on the offensive. With rival Apple in its crosshairs, RealNetworks has slashed the price on songs sold from its RealPlayer store by 50 ...

Real to Apple: It #39;s On


AP - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova beat Emmanuelle Gagliardi of Switzerland 6-1, 6-3 Tuesday in the first round of the Korea Open.

Sharapova Wins in 1st Round of Korea Open (AP)


The number of new viruses and worms aimed at Microsoft Corp. #39;s ubiquitous Windows operating system rose 400 percent between January and June from the same year-earlier period, computer security company Symantec said Sunday.

Windows besieged by hackers


England will target Brian Lara in the Champions Trophy final after the West Indies captain was felled by a delivery from Shoaib Akhtar in the semi-finals.

England pacemen to target Lara in Trophy final


Walt Disney Co. chief executive Michael D. Eisner announced plans Friday to retire in 2006, ending more than two decades atop what may be the world's best-known entertainment company.

Eisner to Leave Disney


United Airlines, seeking cost cuts to help it get out of bankruptcy, has reached a tentative agreement with its pilots union, the first labor accord on additional concessions the carrier proposed last month.

United, pilots tentatively agree on additional cuts


AFP - China's online game industry could grow seven-fold to become a billion-dollar business within the next two years, state media cites industry insiders as saying.

China's online game industry could grow seven-fold in two years (AFP)


SAN FRANCISCO - Intel Corp. will work with Clearwire Corp., a wireless Internet service provider founded by cellular pioneer Craig McCaw, on future networks based on WiMax wireless broadband technology.

Intel, Clearwire to work on WiMax together


Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes his team will be able to deal with the loss of influential skipper Steven Gerrard without much fuss over the next eight weeks.

Rafa: There is light after Stevie


AP - Bobby Madritsch pitched shutout ball into the ninth inning to beat Jarrod Washburn, and the Seattle Mariners hung on to defeat the Anaheim Angels 3-2 Tuesday night.

Mariners Edge Angels 3-2 (AP)


AP - Prime Minister Tony Blair announced plans Monday to introduce high-tech biometric identity cards, saying they could be a significant means of fighting terrorism.

U.K. PM Announces Plans for ID Cards (AP)


While the iPod has largely been responsible for Apple #39;s recent revival, especially among investors, Forbes believes the company could be worth more if it were to spin-off its iPod and iTunes operations.

Forbes: iPod Spin-Off Could Boost Apple


Look for a definition of a big-game pitcher anywhere, and you probably would not find Jeff Weaver #39;s name. Weaver, a Los Angeles right-hander, after all, was 12-12

Dodgers Extend Lead Over Giants


Spam that includes sexually oriented content viewable in the e-mail message violates the  quot;brown paper wrapper quot; rules that are part of the CAN-SPAM law, as well as Federal Trade Commission rules.

Microsoft Sues Porn Spammers over  #39;Brown Wrapper #39; Violations


TORONTO (Reuters) - Wayne Gretzky is an ice hockey god to  millions of Canadians but even the

No Savior of League Lockout, Says 'Great One'


Sven Jaschan, an 18-year-old from Waffensen in Lower Saxony, who is also thought to be behind the Netsky virus and is currently awaiting trial for writing the Sasser worm, could be about to start work with German firewall company Securepoint.

Security firm hires teenage accused of writing Sasser virus


Sirius is looking to score with its NFL deal, but it is looking more like an incomplete pass.

Sirius Fumbling


Lowe #39;s Cos. (LOW.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the No. 2 home improvement retailer, on Monday reported a 15 percent rise in third-quarter profit, topping estimates, aided by its expansion into large US markets.

Lowe #39;s Profit Up 15 Pct., Tops Estimates


AC Milan striker Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko won the Golden Ball awardas as the best European footballer in a poll of journalists from 52 countries.

Golden Ball for Shevchenko


VALENCIA, Spain -- Inter Milan continued their perfect start to their Champions League campaign as they blitzed their way to a 5-1 win away to shellshocked Spaniards Valencia.

Inter fire five to rout Valencia


Two of three UN workers kidnapped in Afghanistan called home to reassure relatives they are all right, as negotiators tried Tuesday to secure their release after 12 days in the hands of Taliban-linked militants.

UN workers abducted in Afghanistan phone home as militants seek <b>...</b>


Using a three-stop strategy, Ferraris Brazilian number two won the Chinese Grand Prix while Fernando Alonso finished fourth.

Shanghai Race: Barrichello stars


AP - The rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United is getting downright nasty. Accusations of vicious fouls, cheating, refereeing mistakes and a disputed penalty kick followed the latest confrontation between two of the giants of English soccer  #151; a 2-0 victory by Manchester United that ended Arsenal's record unbeaten streak of 49 games in the Premier League.

Arsenal, Manchester Rivalry Heating Up (AP)


HOUSTON (Reuters) - Lawyers for former Enron Corp.  <A HREF=

Ex-Enron CEO Seeks Separate Trial


A welcome slide in oil prices set off a relief rally on Wall Street Friday, with stocks posting a healthy advance as crude approached but then fell back from the \$50 a barrel mark.

Stocks Edge Higher As Oil Prices Fall


Presidents of the Great Lakes region in Africa have signed a declaration designed bring peace to the region.

Great Lakes leaders pledge peace


AP - In a cramped war room below deck, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld on Saturday joined 18 of his counterparts from an unusual collection of U.S. partners in the terrorism fight in discussing the way ahead in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rumsfeld, 18 Allies Discuss War on Terror (AP)


MILITANTS holding the British aid worker Annetta Flanigan and two United Nations colleagues in Afghanistan have threatened to kill them within three days unless British troops and the UN quit the country.

Video shows British aid worker and her colleagues huddled beside a <b>...</b>


National Grid Transco, the Britain-based deliverer of energy, announced it has agreed to sell four of its gas distribution networks to consortia in cash deals worth 5.8 billion pounds (8.

National Grid Transco to sell British gas networks for 5.8 billion <b>...</b>


AP - Manchester United salvaged a 1-1 tie with Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Sunday on an 81st-minute goal by substitute Alan Smith.

Late Goal Salvages Tie for Man United (AP)


The Free Standards Group, a US-based non-profit trade organisation, is expected to announce widespread industry support for Linux Standard Base 2.0, an effort to develop a standard version of the open source operating system.

Linux group pushes for greater standardisation


A year after the mutual fund industry's biggest scandal, investors remain surprisingly ignorant of regulatory probes into trading schemes that bilked hundreds of millions of dollars from their portfolios, a survey said yesterday.

In fund scandal wake-up call, investors hit snooze


SEATTLE, Sept. 19 (Ticker) -- The top teams in the Western Conference didn #39;t look like they had nothing to play for. Nikki Teasley scored 21 points to lead all five starters scored in double figures as the

Sparks Prevail Down the Stretch


Among health care experts there is a surprising consensus that the U.S. must inevitably adopt some kind of universal coverage.

The Disparate Consensus on Health Care for All


ROME, Italy -- Italy #39;s Mauro Camoranesi is a major doubt for Wednesday #39;s crunch World Cup qualifier at home to Belarus. The Argentina-born midfielder has a left thigh strain and a bruised right leg and has

Camoranesi is doubt for crunch tie


EMC hopes to shake up the NAS market this week when it announces a low-priced offering that delves into territory staked out by NAS pioneer Network Appliance.

EMC, IBM make NAS push


PUBS group JD Wetherspoon today said a sales slowdown in the second half had taken the fizz out of its annual profits. The city centre pub and bar operator, which runs around 650 outlets including The Standing

Glass looks half empty for JD Wetherspoon


AP - The U.N. nuclear watchdog is investigating a secret uranium-enrichment experiment that South Korean scientists conducted four years ago, U.N. and South Korean officials said Thursday.

IAEA Probes S. Korean Nuclear Experiment (AP)


Sure, the Nintendo DS portable game machine is a technical wonder, with its super-sensitive touch screen, built-in wireless capability and

Gimme some skin!


WELLINGTON (Dow Jones)--About 20 New Zealand forestry and wood-processing firms are planning to work together to target the Chinese markets, the Dominion Post newspaper reported Monday.

NZ PRESS:Forestry Companies Work Together To Target China


John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman talks about his reasons for shooting the former Beatle in 1980.

John Lennon killer 'wanted fame'


Iowa State makes a slew of late-game errors and falls to Missouri, 17-14, in overtime. The loss sends Colorado to the Big 12 title game against Oklahoma.

Cyclones Blow Chance


IRVING, Texas - Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia didn #39;t need a complicated formula to tell him he played the worst game of his career.

Cowboys bring out the worst in Garcia


SPACE.com - A star that exploded about nearly three million years ago left traces of debris \  on Earth and might have affected the course of human evolution, a new study \  suggests.

Exploded Star Possibly Affected Human Evolution (SPACE.com)


One of India #39;s leading telecommunications providers will use Cisco Systems #39; gear to build its new Ethernet-based broadband network.

Cisco to power Indian Ethernet


KATHMANDU, Nepal (Reuters) - A man on a bicycle threw at  least four bombs into the compound of a luxury hotel in Nepal's  capital Monday but the blasts caused no casualties, authorities  said.

Bicycle Bomber Attacks Nepal Hotel


AP - President Bush raised a total of  #36;260 million for the primary-election phase of his campaign, taking in  #36;18 million last month alone before accepting full government financing for the race's final two months.

Bush Campaign Raises  #36;260 Million Total (AP)


Rarely have the Red Sox made a more ceremonial roster move than the one they made yesterday in activating Ellis Burks from the disabled list. The move gave Burks and Sox fans a chance to bid each other farewell before he retires after the season. Burks, 40, launched his prolific, 17-year career in the majors with the Sox in 1987.

Burks is back for a fond farewell


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Russia is backsliding on democracy and  the EU must take Moscow to task while bringing other former  Soviet republics closer to the West, the bloc's incoming  External Relations Commissioner said on Tuesday.

EU Sees Russia Backsliding on Democracy


See what happens when your warranty runs out?. In this case, a 20 Toshiba owned by Chris van Rossman started sending out the international distress signal at 121.

Toshiba 20 TV freaks out, sends distress signal


NOVEMBER 15, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Four former Microsoft Corp. employees have been charged with theft, conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering in connection with the alleged theft and resale of \$32 million of Microsoft software.

Theft charges filed against four former Microsoft workers


Third-generation mobile phone network 3 reports a rise in its UK customer base to 1.2 million - but its Hong Kong parent firm is hit by heavy 3G losses.

Customer boost for 3 despite loss


AFP - The US economy is expected to slow to a still-solid 3.5 percent growth pace in 2005, allowing it to trim a record budget shortfall, the White House said.

US economy to grow by 3.5 percent in 2005: White House (AFP)


PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Johnson   Johnson <A HREF=

J J Says to Buy Guidant for \$25.4 Billion


Miguel Angel Jimenez shot a 5-under-par 66 Saturday to regain the lead in the European Masters with Ryder Cup teammates Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia a stroke behind.

Jimenez takes lead over Ryder Cup pals


The goal for the Phillies is to find a manager who can take a disappointing winning team to the next level -- the playoffs. So why not call in the guy who managed the last Phillies team to do it?

Fregosi to interview with Phils


AP - At least 5,500 residents of St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, have signed a petition asking Congress to make the island its own U.S. territory.

St. Croix Petition Seeks Territory Status (AP)


Clear Channel Communications Inc. #39;s third-quarter profit fell nearly 60 percent from the same period in 2003, which had been inflated by the nation #39;s largest radio station operator #39;s sale of its stake in a Spanish-language broadcasting network.

Update 2: Clear Channel Earnings Plummet 60 Percent


Holders Porto face an uphill struggle to qualify, plus a round-up of Wednesday's Champions League action.

Football: Holders Porto face exit


Mexican group Cemex is reportedly set to make a \$4bn takeover bid for RMC, the UK firm that is the world's biggest supplier of ready-mixed concrete.

Mexican firm 'eyes \$4bn RMC bid'


PHILADELPHIA Donovan McNabb threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as Philadelphia beat Minnesota 27-to-16. McNabb #39;s 45-yard scoring pass to Terrell Owens gave the Eagles a 24-to-9 lead midway through the final quarter.

Eagles 27 Vikings 16


Ironic thing about the US Federal Reserve raising interest rates -- tighter money puts investors on edge about their financial assets, but

Analysis: When Fed Says Jump, Investors Ask  #39;How High? #39;


By MATTHEW FORDAHL     SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- New software at Hewlett-Packard Co...

Software Disasters are Often People Problems


Serbia and Montenegro champions Red Star Belgrade beat city rivals Cukaricki 1-0 on Saturday to give new manager Ratko Dostanic his first taste of success on his debut.

Dostanic off to winning start at Red Star


If this gets done, the New York Yankees will greatly upgrade their rotation - if this gets done. The Yankees continued discussions Friday with the Dodgers

Three-team baseball trade still unresolved


Here #39;s one way to jumpstart WiMAX deployment: make a  quot;significant investment quot; in a wireless broadband company that promises to use your technology and products.

McCaw #39;s Clearwire Goes WiMAX, Intel Makes  #39;Significant Investment #39;


Plane maker Airbus reported progress Wednesday in plans to enable passengers to use mobile phones in flight, beginning in 2006. Test equipment aboard an Airbus A320 plane demonstrated that mobile phones can

Airbus: In 2006, keep your cell phone on


Richard Branson reinforced his reputation as an entrepreneurial showman on Monday by announcing a \$100m plan to send tourists into space.

Got \$190,000? Plan a holiday in space


After defeating the Reds 8-0, Houston is within three games of the NL wild card lead. Jeff Kent slugs two homers in the Astros win.

Astros Creep Closer


The UKs oldest independent stockbroker was today being linked to a deal involving the sale of a 50 stake to US bank JP Morgan Chase.

Cazenove  #39;could sell stake to bank #39;


Plus: Putting a face on technology could improve our interaction with hi-tech gadgets.

News.com Extra: Rules set for \$50 million space prize


His superstar pairing of Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods 2-down through six holes Friday morning, US captain Hal Sutton hardly seemed like the picture of concern.

Tiger and Phil fail first test


The Bush administration, moving to lend support to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, has approved growth in some Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

U.S. Now Said to Support Growth for Some West Bank Settlements


B amp;G Foods Holdings Corp. fell flat in its trading debut Thursday, and shares were nearly unchanged from their reduced opening price in Friday afternoon activity as investors mulled mixed results from two other

B amp;G Foods Falls Flat in Public Debut


quot;The problem is that we #39;re getting into another round of format wars and until it shakes out, consumers are not likely to buy much of anything, quot; Michael Gartenberg, research director at Jupiter Media, told TechNewsWorld.

Blu-Ray or HD DVD? Both, Says Thomson


Kingfisher will reinvest 75m gleaned from shaking up its supply chain in lower prices this year, the do-it-yourself retailer said yesterday as it reported a sharp rise in interim profits.

Kingfisher to plough 75m into price cuts


Open-source software start-up SugarCRM plans to introduce support services for its free contact management product on Thursday, part of a big push to lure customers away from high-priced, proprietary programs.

Open-source CRM firm launches subscription service


AUSTRALIA has been drawn against Germany and Argentina in what looms as the last FIFA Confederations Cup. Socceroos coach Frank Farina, who was at yesterday #39;s draw in Frankfurt, expressed mixed emotions about being drawn in the tougher of the two groups.

Farina fears tough draw will hurt Socceroos


MADRID (Reuters) - Croatian Ivan Ljubicic edged into the  Madrid Masters semi-finals with a 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 victory over  seventh seed Joachim Johansson of Sweden on Friday.

Ljubicic Edges Into Madrid Semifinals


A US soldier was killed and another wounded Monday night when a roadside bomb exploded as their military convoy passed by on a road near Baghdad, according to the US military.

Roadside bomb kills US soldier


The last time Harvard had a run like this, the ball was a lot rounder, the players wore leather helmets, and the movie you took your girl to see on a Saturday night had no sound.

Fitzpatrick  amp; Co. were amazing, end of story


BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese and Indian border troops have  held their first-ever joint mountaineering exercise as part of  a program to improve understanding along the historically tense  border between the world's two most populous countries.

Chinese, Indian Troops Hold Mountain Exercise


AP - The NHL accepted an invitation from the players' association on Thursday to return to the negotiating table in an effort to end the lockout that began nearly three months ago.

NHL Accepts Union Invitation for Talks (AP)


The son of a high-ranking trade official in Vietnam is arrested on fraud allegations.

Vietnam official's son detained


Afghanistan's presidential campaign draws to a close - a day after President Karzai holds his first rally.

Subdued Afghanistan campaign ends


Report backed by pro-visa group sees shortages in high-skill occupations, a view not shared by all.

Study: U.S. needs foreign-born workers


ATHENS: Over the past 13 years, they talked about the team, about being teammates. The members of the US womens soccer team talked about little kids who needed strong female role models - women athletes to look up to, emulate.

Golden farewell for footballs Famous Five


AP - A laser developed by a Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist will be aboard the Mars Science Laboratory to be launched to the red planet in 2009.

Los Alamos Laser to Be Launched to Mars (AP)


You Say You Want a Revolution? Staff writer Howard LaFranchi was back in Baghdad #39;s Sadr City neighborhood Wednesday (see story) where he worked during a reporting stint in Iraq last fall.

Reporters on the Job


PeopleSoft's ousted CEO walks away with a severance package in excess of \$16 million.

Conway's golden handshake


London -- For the first time, British authorities have charged a soldier with murder in the death of a civilian in Iraq, indicting him in civilian court yesterday after a commanding officer blocked a court-martial.

British soldier charged with murdering Iraqi


The documents in question were brought to court during Intel #39;s legal battle with Intergraph. AMD believes they show its arch-rival to be guilty of anti-competitive behaviour, which is why it wanted the EC to take a look.

Intel defeats AMD in court


Toshiba has won a major victory in the battle to determine the standard for next-generation DVDs with the endorsement by four Hollywood studios of its High Definition-DVD format.

Toshiba wins backing for HD-DVD


Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. (MMC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Chairman and Chief Executive Jeffrey Greenberg resigned on Monday, 11 days after New York Attorney General

UPDATE 5-Marsh  amp; McLennan CEO Jeffrey Greenberg resigns


Products expected soon that will connect via a new home networking specification backed by some of the world's largest consumer electronics and computer companies.

Gadgets getting connected with DLNA


Munich Re, the world #39;s largest reinsurer, lowered its target for 2004 earnings after the worst storm season in more than a century led to 550 million euros (\$714 million) of damage claims.

Munich Re Lowers Earnings Target on Hurricane Claims (Update4)


The technology promises download speeds of 1 to 1.5 MB per second, reaching peaks of up to 3.2 MBps. So far, Cisco, IBM and Nortel, all major sources of equipment to telecom service providers worldwide, have

Wireless Data In A Flash


Curt Schilling pitched off a bullpen mound for 20 minutes on Friday, for the first time giving the Boston Red Sox hope in this A.L.C.S.

Schilling Pitches and Boston Hopes


The virtual life game sold more than a million copies in its first 10 days on the market, Electronic Arts said.

'The Sims 2' hits one million sales


What are the qualities required of an astronaut? In his marvellous book about the space pioneers, The Right Stuff, Tom Wolfe makes it clear that high on the list are a certain doggedness, combined with a complete lack of imagination.

Watch this space


Eurostar will hold celebrations in three countries marking a decade of service, in which it is still yet to make a profit.

Eurostar turns 10, still sees red


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The head of UAL Corp.'s United  Airlines on Thursday said the airline's restructuring plan  would lead to a significant number of job losses, but it was  not yet clear how many.

United Airlines CEO Sees Job Losses


NEW YORK -- AT amp;T Corp. expects to have one million voice-over-Internet customers by the end of next year, while cable TV giant Comcast Corp.

Don #39;t ditch that home phone for VOIP service just yet, experts <b>...</b>


Sprint and Nextel Communications could unveil their \$36 billion merger within a few days, but speculation has intensified about the emergence of a rival bid.

Sprint bid to acquire Nextel on tap


A German man, whose jaw was removed because of cancer, has been able to eat his first solid meal in nine years thanks to a replacement jawbone which was incubated in a muscle on his back.

Replacement jawbone grown on patient #39;s back


After testing positive for cocaine, former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu apologised on Tuesday and said he hoped to stay clean and be an  #39;example for youths #39;.

Mutu sorry for his failings


The announcement of its new mid-sized plane will heat up rivalry between Airbus and Boeing. The board of EADS, parent company of Airbus, is on Monday expected to approve plans for the long-awaited, \$4bn-launch of a new mid-sized aircraft, the A350.

New Airbus craft to heat up rivalry


Venezuelan right-hander Ugueth Urbina #39;s \$4 million option was exercised by the Detroit Tigers on Friday. Urbina, who signed as a free agent on March 29, was 4-6 with a 4.50 ERA and 21 saves in his first season with Detroit.

Tigers exercise \$4 million option on closer Urbina


Russias Federal Tax Service has presented the countrys second largest mobile operator VimpelCom with tax claims for 2001. The total amount of claims including fines and penalties is 4.4 billion rubles (\$157 million).

Top Russian Mobile Operator VimpelCom Handed \$157M Tax Bill


It wasn #39;t long ago that Coach Chucky was the most powerful man in football, able to freeze Al Davis with the flash of a cobalt glare.

NFL #39;s stroke of genius can be fleeting


Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - The Charlotte Bobcats Monday activated guard Keith Bogans and forward/center Jamal Sampson from the injured list.

Bobcats activate two from injured list


Yukos shares have plummeted nearly 10 percent in early trade Friday on Moscow #39;s ruble-denominated MICEX exchange. That came after an unconfirmed report that the embattled oil giant #39;s

Yukos plummets on low sale report


The producers of a popular file sharing program have created the biggest system of Internet music piracy ever seen, the Federal Court in Sydney has been told.

Kazaa accused of creating global music piracy system


AP - Junior guard J.J. Sullinger has been disciplined for being charged with drunken driving but there are no plans to suspend him, Ohio State coach Thad Matta said Friday.

Ohio State's Sullinger Disciplined (AP)


ATHENS, Greece  Brendan Hansen is the swimmer who caught a wave and then lost it. He owns two world records and zero gold medals.

Hansen has an uphill struggle for breaststroke bronze


UN Secretary-General Kofi Annans son was paid more than 16,000 a year for five years by a company under investigation in the UNs Iraq oil-for-food programme corruption probe.

Annan Disappointed in Son #39;s Link to Corruption Probe Company


THE FEDS have fingered the collar of a Connecticut computer hacker. He #39;s been charged with flogging copies of Microsoft Windows proprietary source code.

Hacker flogged Microsoft source code


Users will see book excerpts alongside ordinary Google Web page search results.

Google Steals a Page from Amazon's Book Search


PalmOne Inc. PLMO.O on Monday unveiled a new version of its popular Treo that adds a removable battery and short-range wireless technology to the device, which combines a mobile phone and digital organizer.

PalmOne Updates Treo Phone with Display, Battery


Cricket-India #39;s Laxman omitted for Bangladesh one-day series December 2, 2004 12:51:24 CALCUTTA, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Middle-order batsman Vangipurappu Laxman has been left out of India #39;s 15-player squad named on Thursday for a one-day series in

Pakistan suffer humiliating tour defeat


Security company Symantec's acquisition of Veritas Softwarehas the potential to benefit customers and shareholders of both companies, but details of the \$13.5 billion deal leave some important questions unanswered, according to interviews with executives and industry experts.

More questions than answers in Symantec, Veritas deal


In CHICAGO story headlined  quot;UPDATE 1-United Airlines seeks \$500 mln more in cost cuts quot; please read in paragraph 4 ... The \$500 million figure would be over and above savings realized if United terminates and replaces its pension funds ... instead of .

CORRECTED - UPDATE 1-United Airlines seeks \$500 mln more in cost <b>...</b>


President Bush said today that he was right to order the invasion of Iraq last year despite a new report by his chief U.S. weapons inspector that shows the country did not possess the weapons of mass destruction that were the original rationale for the war.

Bush: WMD Report Bolsters War Decision


VIENNA (Reuters) - The European Union pressed Iran on  Wednesday to scrap its uranium enrichment program in exchange  for nuclear technology, but diplomats said it was unclear if  Tehran would agree.

EU, Iran Deal Uncertain as Talks Resume


SAN FRANCISCO - Barry Bonds will have two more seasons to break Hank Aaron's career home run record with the San Francisco Giants, who decided Tuesday to drop their right to void the final year of his contract.    The Giants scheduled an announcement for Tuesday night, and a source in baseball, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the news conference was to announce the change to Bonds' deal...

Giants Give Up Right to Void Bonds' Deal


BOSTON - The World Series logo was back on the field at Fenway Park, just like last year. That #39;s right, the 100th World Series opens tonight in the city where the Fall Classic began in 1903 with Cy Young

Red-hot World Series: Red Sox, Redbirds


The US tells a UN conference on climate change it has no intention of joining the Kyoto Protocol in the near future.

US rules out joining Kyoto treaty


VIENNA, Austria - Defying a key demand set by 35 nations, Iran announced Tuesday it has started converting raw uranium into the gas needed for enrichment, a process that can be used to make nuclear weapons.    Iran's president, Mohammad Khatami, vowed his country will press ahead with its nuclear program - which he insisted is peaceful - even if it means a rupture with the U.N...

Iran Defies Demand of Nuke Watchdog Agency


US economic growth picked up in the third quarter, fuelled by strong consumer spending, official figures show.

Consumer spending lifts US growth


NEW YORK -- Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. said yesterday it has agreed to acquire rival Canadian cellphone carrier Microcell Telecommunications Inc. , which had been fending off a hostile suitor.

Rogers Wireless to buy Canadian rival Microcell


Despite Arafat's flaws, area residents say the leader represented struggle of the state.

Area's Palestinians Mourn Loss of a Symbol


Sony Corp. and a group of investors said they #39;ve agreed in principle to buy Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., the movie studio controlled by billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, for \$12 a share, or about \$2.

Sony-Led Group Agrees to Buy MGM Film Studio for \$2.9 Billion


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Emerging debt spreads are likely to  trade in ranges early in the week ahead of Venezuela's bond  sale results and the IMF meeting late in the week.

Emerging Debt on Lookout for Results, IMF


ike most bill collectors, Marvin Smith is always seeking ways to get chronic debtors to pay up. When he calls the first time, he typically hears excuses and requests for more time.

TIMES NEWS TRACKER


UEFA is to investigate the links Roman Abramovich has to CSKA Moscow after the Russian club was drawn in the same Champions League group as Chelsea.

Abramovich faces UEFA inquiry over CSKA links


TALLADEGA, Ala. - Results Sunday from the EA Sports 500 race for NASCAR #39;s Nextel Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway, listing starting position in parentheses, driver, car, laps completed with reason out if not running at the finish, and money won:

EA Sports 500 results


AUBURN - Former Auburn All-American Mark Bellhorn has helped guide the Boston Red Sox to a 2-0 series lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series as Bellhorn tallied the game-winning hit in Game 1 and added a key two-run double in Game 2.

Bellhorn Helps Boston to 2-0 Lead in World Series


Former Formula One world champion Jacques Villeneuve will test for Renault at Silverstone this week. Renault said in a statement that the Iberville, Que.

Former F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve to test drive for Renault


GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (Ticker) -- Ahman Green and Brett Favre once again turned Lambeau Field into a home-field advantage. Green rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns and Favre threw for two scores as the

Green Bay Packers


BOMBAY : India #39;s Congress-led alliance held onto power in the nation #39;s richest state, Maharashtra, after winning the most seats in assembly elections and dealing a humiliating defeat to the opposition Hindu nationalists.

India #39;s ruling Congress party retains power in richest state


Ukrainians voted Sunday in a presidential election viewed as a test of democracy in the former Soviet republic and an indicator of whether it will move closer to the West or cultivate its historically close ties to Russia.

Ukrainian Voting to Be Closely Watched


Those buzzing hordes of cicadas that come up from underground every 13 or 17 years may be a nuisance for people, but for birds and small animals they are an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Cicadas, an Elixir for the Earth


SunTrust Banks Inc. on Friday reported an 11 percent rise in third-quarter earnings and said issues over accounting for bad loans led to the understatement of the company #39;s first- and second-quarter profit by \$25.

SunTrust Banks Restates 1Q, 2Q Results


Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has narrowly survived three parliamentary no-confidence votes sponsored by left-wing and religious opposition parties over deepening poverty in Israel.

Sharon survives no-confidence votes


Alessandro Del Piero scored his first goal for Italy in over a year as Marcello Lippi #39;s side picked up their second straight success with a 1-0 victory over Moldova in their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

UPDATE 1-Del Piero ends goal drought as Italy win again


BEIJING : At least 90 people were killed and 77 were missing in torrential storms lashing southwest China, disaster relief officials said.

At least 90 dead, 77 missing in China rainstorms


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp is ready to ask a judge  on Thursday to suspend penalties imposed on it for violating  antitrust law by using the monopoly of its Windows operating  system to hurt competitors.

Microsoft Set to Ask Judge to Suspend Penalties


Los Angeles-based Ampco System Parking has received a multi-year contract renewal with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

LA parking company lands contract renewal with ABIA


AP - About three-quarters of potential jurors in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case have already been told whether to return to the courthouse later this week for more questioning, putting the selection process on schedule, court officials say.

Jury Selection Continues in Bryant Case (AP)


The recently crowned European Champions are out of the running for a medal in men #39;s soccer. In the group rounds, Greece lost to Mexico 2:3 and watched as its favorite sons had to give up a chance for a gold to teams like Mali, South Korea, Iraq and ...

Greek Soccer Out of Olympic Running


Five years from now, when you are on a television quiz show, the category is  quot;Public Companies, quot; and the question is  quot;What was the biggest IPO of 2004, quot; you #39;ll be able to answer with supreme confidence: not Google, but Genworth Financial.

Despite all the hype, tech IPOs aren #39;t tops


Kevin Millar and Mark Bellhorn hit two-run homers Wednesday to lift the Red Sox to a 8-6 victory over the Devil Rays.

Red Sox Stay Hot


PalmSource is set to announce its first operat- ing system for smart phones, with applications typically found on desktop computers.

Maker of Palm Software to Unveil Operating System for Smart Phones


SiliconValley.com - As PeopleSoft Chief Executive Craig Conway tried to rally customer support Tuesday, even he had to admit that Oracle's  #36;7.7 billion hostile takeover bid is haunting his company.

Takeover bid clouds PeopleSoft meeting (SiliconValley.com)


Striking Atlantic City casino workers on Tuesday said they have reached a tentative five-year labor deal that increases pay and benefits but fails to make their contracts expire at the same time as those of workers in Las Vegas

Tentative Deal in Atlantic City Strike


He spent three years on the Tight Lies and Hooters tours, where guys have to put down a deposit to play and some of them carry their own bag.

A charge that lived up to the name


ATHENS, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore loves cricket as much as any Indian, even if the national obsession with ball and bat can make it hard for the country #39;s Olympic athletes to get a look in.

Olympics-Shooting-loving Rathore promotes Olympic sports


DoubleClick, the one-time darling of dot-com advertising, is on the block, The Post has learned. DoubleClick, which has seen its fortunes steadily decline since the Internet

CASTING ITS  #39;NET


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Ltd.<NCP.AX> will sell its stake in Sky Latin America to DirecTVGroup <DTV.N>, another company which it controls, for \$579million in order to consolidate operations of the two satellitebroadcasters, the companies said on Monday.

DirecTV Consolidates LatAm Satellite Ops


The future of the controversial European Union (E.U.) software patent directive was thrown into doubt Wednesday after the Polish government indicated it could no longer support the legislation in its current form.

Polish rejection may derail EU patent directive


AP - In the first half, Illinois trailed for 11 minutes, 20 seconds, longer than it had in its first seven games combined. In the second half, the Fighting Illini were in control buzzer-to-buzzer in a solid defense of their No. 1 ranking.

No. 1 Illini Wear Down Georgetown 74-59 (AP)


Apple is recalling about 28,000 batteries that shipped this year in its PowerBook G4 portable computers.

Apple recalls 28,000 overheating PowerBook batteries


With 15,000 attendees at PeopleSoft #39;s Connect user conference waiting to hear how the company would address Oracle #39;s lingering hostile takeover bid, PeopleSoft chief executive Craig Conway tackled the issue early in his opening keynote.

PeopleSoft #39;s Conway maintains defiant tone


Pakistan and India agreed Friday to resume the second rail link between the two nations. According to a statement jointly issued by technical teams fromboth sides at the conclusion

Pakistan, India agree to resume 2nd rail link


Dr Jane Goodall delivers her keynote speech while a picture of a chimpanzee which she calls her oldest chimp friend is projected in the background, in Singapore during the Biology in Asia International Conference.

Primate researcher brings environmental message to Singapore <b>...</b>


General Motors Europe is to slash its workforce by around a fifth, cutting as many as 12,000 jobs in a bid to halt chronic losses in the region.

General Motors to cut 12,000 jobs in Europe


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Fannie Mae <A HREF=

Fannie Mae Slides on Accounting Issues


AP - German phone giant Deutsche Telekom said it plans to buy back full control of its Internet unit by next year to profit from burgeoning demand for broadband Internet services, a move that could cost the company euro2.9 billion (US #36;3.6 billion).

Deutsche Telekom to Buy Back Web Unit (AP)


Beijing - China urged Europe yesterday to refrain from  quot;putting up barriers quot; in a new set of EU trade priorities that would hit Chinese textiles.

China urges EU not to put up textile trade barriers


Barry Bonds went 4-for-5 with two home runs and six RBI Sunday night to power the San Francisco Giants to a 9-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

MLB: San Francisco 9, Atlanta 5


A mysterious ailment has weakened Yasir Arafat and raised concerns that Palestinian politics could be plunged into turmoil.

Arafat Arrives in France for Hospital Treatment


(Sports Network) - Matt Ginter will get the start for an injured Victor Zambrano this afternoon when the New York Mets conclude their three-game series with the San Francisco Giants at SBC Park.

New York Mets Team Report - August 22


For some the Carling Cup is a dull and meaningless sideshow during the English football season and there would be no tears if it was scrapped off the calendar.

Carling Cup has its uses


US Treasury Secretary John Snow paid his seventh visit of the year on Friday to the electoral battleground state of Ohio but said his trip had nothing to do with the the fast-approaching election.

Snow says not campaigning, pays Ohio 7th visit


AP - Negotiators for President Bush and Democrat John Kerry agreed Monday to three 90-minute debates beginning Sept. 30, including one town-hall format with questions from undecided voters in the audience.

Bush, Kerry Teams Agree to Three Debates (AP)


Rupert Murdoch has offered the highest price ever for a Manhattan residence to buy a penthouse once owned by the Rockefeller family.

Murdoch offers record price for Manhattan penthouse


LONDON (Reuters) - Wall Street was expected edge higher at  Tuesday's opening as the price of U.S. crude oil eased, with  insurers firming after the head of Marsh   McLennan Cos.  Inc.<A HREF=

Wall St Seen Edging Up on Crude Price


CEO who once led company to industry glory has found himself under fire in recent years. LONDON -- Michael Eisner, who led the Walt Disney Co.

Eisner to yield Disney helm in 2006


AFP - Outraged Democrats called for the resignation of senior Republican lawmaker Tom DeLay for a  quot;disturbing pattern of corruption quot; following his censure by a House ethics panel.

Democrats: Republican 'Hammer' should step down (AFP)


AP - Near the end of a long presidential campaign, the question in this hard-fought state is becoming more familiar: Which candidate do you like? And the reply of 62-year-old independent voter Joy Handyside is perhaps all-too-common.

Voters Dislike Nasty Campaigns (AP)


Bosnian Serb leaders apologise for the first time to relatives of up to 8,000 Muslims killed in Srebrenica in 1995.

Bosnian Serbs sorry for massacre


The Sudanese government and rebel representatives signed accords Tuesday aimed at ending hostilities in the troubled western region of Darfur and guaranteeing aid groups access to 1.6 million civilians uprooted by the conflict.

Sudan, Rebels Sign Accords


The debate about using Linux as a desktop OS has been going on for years. With each kernel revision and every new distribution release, we hear that Linux has become a feasible alternative.

Linux: The New Desktop OS?


AP - Education Secretary Rod Paige intends to leave his Cabinet position, a Bush administration official told The Associated Press Friday.

Official: Paige to Leave Education Post (AP)


NASA -- A NASA-funded study has found the human body's ability to fight off disease may be decreased by spaceflight. The effect may even linger after an astronaut's return to Earth following long flights...

Study Suggests Spaceflight May Decrease Human Immunity


Slog through the gunk of Darling the grease processor, and you'll find a gem of an investment.

Hey, There's a Gem in My Grease


Colin Montgomerie, who has had a tough year, took a turn for the better Sunday, when he was chosen to play in his seventh Ryder Cup.

Europe's Ryder Team Is Set


Media and communications chip maker Broadcom Corp. lowered its third quarter revenue expectations on Sunday to account for delayed customer orders, and said its inventory levels would drop as compared to the previous quarter.

Broadcom cuts outlook


Seeking to be more competitive with Microsoft Corp., Linux backers have agreed on a standard version of the operating system so that programs written for one Linux distribution will work with others.

Linux promoters agree to standard in attempt to challenge <b>...</b>


Reuters - U.S. Treasuries built on early gains\on Monday after data showed U.S. inflation remained tame in\July and light summer trading combined with safe-haven buying\to move prices higher.

Treasuries Edge Up on Soft Inflation Data (Reuters)


By Christopher Hope, Business Correspondent, and Harry Wallop (Filed: 22/11/2004). Phoenix Venture Holdings, the owner of loss-making MG Rover, has sold off the last remaining major piece of land at its Longbridge

Longbridge land sold in 15m deal


AP - President Bush dropped in on one of the fall campaign's most contested states for the second Sunday in a row, telling cheering partisans that his economic policies are building prosperity while Democrat John Kerry

Bush Challenges Kerry on Jobs, Economy (AP)


APPLIED MATERIALS INC. <A HREF=

Stocks to Watch on Wednesday, August 18


The president of Ivory Coast sacks his army chief of staff, amid escalating tension  in the West African country.

Ivory Coast military chief sacked


NASA's X-43A 'scramjet' now holds the jet aircraft speed record after hitting a top speed of Mach 9.6, or nearly 6,600 mph. Engineers say the technology could find its way into military and commercial aircraft. By Amit Asaravala.

X-43A Jet Breaks Air Speed Record


Russia says is ready to resolve its dispute with Japan over the Kuril islands, seized by the Soviets in 1945.

Russia makes overture on Kurils


Cleveland #39;s 7-foot-3 center drained three long jumpers, including a tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation, and the Cavaliers rallied for a 114-109 overtime win against Phoenix on Wednesday night, the Suns #39; first loss this season.

Down 19, Cavs rally past Suns


New Delhi, Sept. 6 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, today appreciated that both New Delhi and Islamabad were committed to the dialogue process as Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, called on him here.

PM appreciates India, Pak. are committed to dialogue


Google Inc. (GOOG)'s long-awaited expansion of its search tools from the Internet to individual computers takes advantage of the company's core technology as well as a weakness in Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)'s Windows operating system.

New Google Tool Expands on Core Technology


US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer has hired JP Morgan Chase  amp; Co. bank to advise him on a possible bid for Manchester United and he could issue a statement on his intentions later today.

GLAZER POISED FOR UNITED BID?


British regulators have extended their suspension of Chiron Corp.'s license to manufacture flu vaccine, jeopardizing the company's ability to sell millions of flu shots in the United States next flu season.

Chiron's  Suspension Extended


In cargo pants and a gray T-shirt, flanked by a couple of friends, Andy Roddick could have been a frat boy on the way to the movies.

Everything changed for Roddick after Open


AP - Kobe Bryant scored 25 points and the Los Angeles Lakers got major contributions from their ever-improving reserves Friday night, beating the Clippers 113-102 in a preseason game. Corey Maggette scored 23 points for the Clippers, whose subs were outscored 63-41 by their counterparts.

Bryant Scores 25 in Lakers' Win Over Clips (AP)


STILLWATER, Okla. (Sports Network) - Joey Graham scored 20  points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead fifth-ranked Oklahoma  State to an 86-73 win over Alabama-Birmingham at Gallagher-Iba  Arena.

College Basketball Wrap: Okla. State Vs UAB


IDF Fall '04 They really mean it this time

The digital home cometh, says Intel


Reuters - Last month's back-to-back price cuts by\Sony Corp (6758.T) and Microsoft Corp  have boosted\sales of their PlayStation 2 and Xbox video game consoles in\Britain, retail sources said on Thursday.

Price Cuts Propel UK Sales of Xbox, PS2 (Reuters)


Reuters - Teams searching for bodies in\tsunami-devastated Thailand zeroed in on the hardest hit areas\on Monday, as Thai and Japanese navy ships scoured the seas for\more dead.

Search for Thai Tsunami Dead Narrows to Hard Hit Areas (Reuters)


BERLIN -- A group of American civil rights attorneys filed a criminal complaint in German court yesterday against top US authorities, including Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, for acts of torture committed at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

US lawyers file complaint over abuses in Abu Ghraib


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government could fall after his budget is vetoed by parliament.

Israeli PM loses key budget vote


Applied Materials, the world #39;s largest manufacturer of chip-making tools, said on Tuesday that its third-quarter revenue doubled, leading to \$441 million in profit.

Applied doubles revenue


BEIJING (CP) - China said Thursday it wants the Canadian Embassy to hand over 44 people thought to be North Korean asylum-seekers who climbed over a spiked fence onto embassy grounds.

44 believed North Koreans clamber over fence into Canadian Embassy <b>...</b>


SAN FRANCISCO -- Intel continued its charge into its wireless future with news of its next generation Pentium M processor. Based on the 65-nanometer process technology, Intel is working on its  quot;Napa quot; platform

Intel Heralds Dual-Core Pentium M


NASA plans to launch a new space telescope later this month capable of spinning around at a moment #39;s notice to catch sight of the elusive, brief and powerful explosions that send blasts of light and radiation screaming through our universe every day.

NASA to Track Odd Explosions


Napster on Wednesday said that Napster to Go, its fledgling portable music service, is now available to AT amp;T Wireless subscribers who use the Audiovox SMT5600 smart phone.

Napster offers service to AT amp;T Wireless users


We didn't listen to customers, who turned to rivals, a top exec says. Can Sun turn things around?

Humble pie for Sun


Entering the inaugural Monday night outing of 2004, conventional wisdom was that the Green Bay Packers would need a supreme effort to come here and defeat the defending

Packers dominate both sides of the line


n Last edition of the Far Eastern Economic Review is shown on the streets of Hong Kong. The weekly news magazine is to fold in its current form with the loss of 80 jobs, the magazine #39;s publisher Dow Jones said yesterday.

Writing on the  #39;wall #39;


An independent inquiry is set to recommend sweeping changes to the way sudden infant deaths are investigated.

Child death inquiries set for change


UK director pay rose 12.8 to an average of almost 600,000 during 2003 - three times faster than average staff earnings, a survey says.

Director pay deals 'surge 12.8'


Soldiers from the Iraqi National Guard show off mortars after militia members delivered sacks of the rounds to Iraqi security forces in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Oct. 11, 2004.

Al-Sadr Loyalists Turning in Weapons


Japan #39;s Foreign Ministry has dismissed a claim by Iraqi militants who kidnapped and killed a Japanese hostage that Tokyo offered a ransom for his release.

Japan denies offering ransom for hostage


Hong Kong's pro-democracy parties are on course to net fewer seats  than expected in legislative elections.

Poll blow for Hong Kong democrats


There was no dancing around by the challenger this time, no late rallies to steal rounds and -- most significant for the undisputed middleweight champion of the world -- no upset.

Hopkins KOs De La Hoya


Defending women #39;s champion and top-seed Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium is out of the US Open tennis tournament in New York.

Henin-Hardenne Bounced from US Open


Reuters - A U.S. senator investigating\corruption in the U.N. oil-for-food program for Iraq said on\Wednesday U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan should resign\because the fraud took place on his watch.

Senator Calls on Annan to Quit Over Iraq Program (Reuters)


US automakers, wobbling under crushing employee benefit costs, now have a new worry: The federal government is determined to find out whether the costs are accounted for fairly and properly.

SEC Pounces on Ford and GM, the 800-Pound Gorillas


(Sports Network) - The Anaheim Angels try to make it three straight wins this evening when they start a three-game set with the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

Anaheim Angels Team Report - August 20


Maine had five interceptions in a 38-0 victory over Northern Colorado last night, returning two of the pickoffs for touchdowns.

Turnovers a treat for Maine


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Genelabs Technologies Inc. <A HREF=

Genelabs Drug Fails Late-Stage Trial


The SDA Music (pictured) phone is the first Windows Mobile Smartphone to be release by the operator and gives not only allows access to Microsoft applications like Outlook, but also can be used to relax after work thanks to the integrated audio player.

T-Mobile introduces new Windows Mobile Smartphone in Germany


Terry Shea, Carl Rundell, and Bob Busquaert have  joined the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project with hopes it will help them finish the Marine Corps Marathon with times at or below 2 hours 20 minutes.

Aiming High


PARIS (Reuters) - A top Muslim cleric rushed to Yasser  Arafat's bedside in a French hospital on Wednesday, insisting  the veteran Palestinian leader was still alive even as aides  pushed ahead with burial preparations.

Muslim Cleric Rushes to Arafat's Side Amid Confusion


Oil prices will only fall if global conflicts are resolved, the boss of oil prducers #39; organisation Opec has warned. Opec president Purnomo Yusgiantoro said its members were increasing production to meet high

Peace  #39; key #39; to lower oil prices


Berkeley, U. of Minn. students get download discounts; aim is to provide legal music alternatives. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - As an added bonus to returning to campus this fall, more than 80,000 college students

They #39;ll hear a Rhapsody on campus


TheDeal.com - The Kirkland, Wash., cell-phone game maker will use some of its  #36;19 million to buy wireless specialist FingerTwitch Inc.

MForma buys FingerTwitch (TheDeal.com)


Syria, under growing international pressure to end its longtime military presence in Lebanon, began pulling back more than 1,000 of its 20,000 troops on Tuesday, a senior Lebanese military official said.

Syria Withdrawing Military From Lebanon


Ask Jeeves Introduces Yet Another Desktop Search Tool\\Ask Jeeves yesterday joined Microsoft in introducing a beta desktop search application. Ask Jeeves states that its Desktop Search makes it easy for people to find information on their computers or the Internet. Upon installation of the small (750K) application, Ask Jeeves Desktop ...


THEY took 40 minutes to get into their majestic stride, but once they did so there was no stopping Australia as the world champions secured an opening victory in the Gillette Tri-Nations with a rousing defeat of New Zealand.

Rugby League: Australia 32 New Zealand 12: Aussies power past old <b>...</b>


AT LEAST 18 people were killed and 13 others missing yesterday as a powerful storm lashed Japan causing deadly mudslides, flash floods and prompting thousands to flee their homes.

Deadly storms leave 18 dead as  #39;Tokage #39; closes in on Tokyo


Nine people have been killed in a car bomb blast at a US-Iraqi base in western Iraq, hospital officials in the nearby city of Haditha say.

Iraq bomb blast kills nine


ANIMAL rights campaigners today claimed Japan has illegally killed hundreds of whales in an Australian sanctuary, and launched legal action aimed at stopping the hunt.

Japan whale hunt  #39;illegal #39;


AP - This is the last season the Sun Belt Conference will be scattered across the country.

3 Schools Set to Join Sun Belt Conference (AP)


SEOUL, South Korea - Hynix Semiconductor Inc., formerly Hyundai Electronics, is alleged to have committed an accounting miss-statement of nearly 2 trillion won (about US\$1.

Hynix accused of \$1.7 billion 1999 accounting fraud


Skies here were overcast by day, rainy by night. An uninitiated visitor might expect around-the-clock gloom to deepen despair over the local nine and their two-game

Rain is a gain for Boston


com September 13, 2004, 1:48 PM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.

Standards group scuttles Microsoft e-mail proposal


John Danforth, US Ambassador to the United Nations, said that the United States is playing a leading role in helping bring peace to Sudan in Gaston Hall Monday.

UN Ambassador Calls for Sudan Aid


Reuters - Einstein was right -- again.\Satellites that have been pulled slightly off their orbits show\that the Earth is indeed twisting the fabric of space-time as\it rotates, scientists said on Thursday.

Warped Satellites Prove Einstein Theory -Scientists (Reuters)


AFP - Shares in French group Skis Rossignol, the biggest manufacturer of ski equipment in the world, sizzled upwards by 12.66 percent in the first trading session of the New Year followiing a newspaper interview that US sports group Quicksilver was stalking a stake.

Skis Rossignol stock sizzles on Quicksilver (AFP)


Australia, by winning the third Test at Nagpur on Friday, also won the four-match series 2-0 with one match to go. Australia had last won a Test series in India way back in December 1969 when Bill Lawry #39;s team beat Nawab Pataudi #39;s Indian team 3-1.

Home series defeats for India


Uh-oh, your lab results are back and your cholesterol's in the danger zone. Your doctor has given you an ultimatum: Start exercising and watch your diet or you'll have to start taking a cholesterol-busting statin drug. Millions of American adults are being handed the same marching orders -- whip those cholesterol numbers into shape or go on a prescription medication.

Upping the Ante to Lower Cholesterol


PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - As Florida residents began sweeping up the wreckage left behind by Hurricane Charley, officials on Sunday estimated damages as high as \$11 billion for insured homes alone...

Charley Damage Estimated at \$11 Billion


Developers responsible for the Debian Linux distribution announced on Saturday that they will not implement Sender ID due to Microsoft #39;s insistence on licensing the anti-spam standard.

Debian rejects Sender ID


LOS ANGELES, (AFP) - Kobe Bryant committed a foot foul from the free throw line with 4.4 seconds left as the Washington Wizards snapped an 11 game road losing streak by beating Los Angeles Lakers 120-116.

Bryant stumbles as Lakers lose to Wizards


LONDON : Italy #39;s Foreign Minister Franco Frattini has slammed the refusal by European lawmakers to endorse Italy #39;s candidate for justice commissioner because of his views on gays as an attack on Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and his centre

Italian FM slams EU lawmakers for Buttiglione vote


Three proponents of the WS-Reliability standard late last week released messaging software based on the specification as open source.

WS-Reliability middleware released as open source


AP - New Orleans center Jamaal Magloire broke his right ring finger in the final minute of Friday night's 95-86 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

New Orleans Center Breaks Finger (AP)


AP - Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire still is surprised over the fuss made last year when he said a long version

Gardenhire Surprised by Song Fuss (AP)


USATODAY.com - Washington's new baseball team shut down business and promotional operations indefinitely Wednesday as its move to the nation's capital teetered on the brink of collapse. The decision by major league baseball followed the D.C. Council's decision Tuesday to require private financing for at least half the cost of building a new stadium.

Baseball in Washington in jeopardy (USATODAY.com)


In its most positive assessment of Iran in two years, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported yesterday that it had found no evidence the nation had a nuclear weapons program and that

UN Finds No Nuclear Bomb Program in Iran


LOS ANGELES - NASA #39;s Spirit rover has found more evidence of past water on the hills of Mars, while its twin, Opportunity, has observed a field of dunes inside a crater.

Martian hill shows signs of ancient water


SUZUKA, Japan - Qualifying for this weekend #39;s Japanese Grand Prix on the Formula One racing tour is rescheduled because of a typhoon forecast.

Sports: F-One qualifying postponed


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Reynolds American Inc. <A HREF=

Reynolds American Raises Outlook


At long last, Sun Microsystems has delivered a new set of thin client technology that could well push the slim computing devices into the hands of the average consumer.

Sun shows pleb-ready thin client


ATA Airlines Inc. #39;s cash crunch has worsened since August, the Indianapolis carrier #39;s owner warned investors today, raising concerns among analysts that a bankruptcy protection filing may be near.

ATA #39;s cash situation worsening


The mobile operator explained it will be the first in Europe to offer HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) and IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia Services) with download speeds of 3.6Mbps when it launches the service in the Isle of Man next summer.

mmO2 to launch speedy 3G


PESHAWAR: The Jaishul Muslimeen on Wednesday said it had agreed to an Afghan government request to give it more time to locate the 26 prisoners whose release has been demanded in return for the freedom of the three UN hostages.

Jaish gives more time to Afghan govt


Larry O #39;Bannon scored a season-high 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead No. 13 Louisville to an 85-51 victory over North Carolina A amp;T on Tuesday night.

No. 13 Louisville 85, N. Carolina A amp;T 51


GROZNY, Russia - The Russian government's choice for president of war-ravaged Chechnya appeared to be the victor Sunday in an election tainted by charges of fraud and shadowed by last week's terrorist destruction of two airliners.    Little more than two hours after polls closed, acting Chechen president Sergei Abramov said preliminary results showed Maj...

Kremlin Choice Seen Leading Chechnya Vote


AP - Southern California tailback LenDale White remembers Justin Holland from high school. The Colorado State quarterback made quite an impression.

Southern Cal Wary of Colorado State QB (AP)


Germany could hold a referendum to approve the European Union #39;s new constitution if changes can be made to its own basic law in time for such a vote, a government spokesman said Monday.

German referendum on EU constitution unlikely but not impossible


 By Alan Baldwin

 SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello fired uphis passionate home crowd on Friday with the fastest lap inpractice for Sunday's season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.

Barrichello Fires Up the Fans in Brazil


OAKLAND, Calif. -- Reality hit Jerry Rice in the final minutes and his spontaneous reaction was somewhat shocking: He kicked a yard marker and hurled his helmet at the ground.

Rice's streak ends as Raiders beat up Bills


MADISON, Miss. Fred Funk birdied the final hole to win the Southern Farm Bureau Classic by one shot over Ryan Palmer. Funk shot a 6-under-par 66 today to wind up 22-under for the tournament.

Sports: Funk wins SFC Classic


In August, in the days leading up to the Google public offering, David Menlow was among those warning investors that they should steer clear of the stock, which the company had declared worth \$108 to \$135 a share.

Google gets last laugh


CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices fell on Tuesday in  profit-taking after a weaker-than-expected consumer confidence  index failed to punch key yields below recent lows.

Confidence Index Drops, So Do Treasuries


AP - Federal regulators on Wednesday fined CBS a record  #36;550,000 for Janet Jackson's

CBS Fined  #36;550,000 for Jackson Stunt (AP)


Interest rates are on the way up but borrowers who have been biting their nails in anticipation of a rise can rest easy - until after the federal election, at least, when the sharemarket is also likely to move higher.

Rates on hold, stockmarket volatile


2) Do you believe the South Korean team #39;s assertion that they were told to file a protest after the meet? 3) Should videotape be used to review possible scoring errors?

Yes, even if South Korea did not file a protest during the event


AUSTIN, Texas - A retired Texas National Guard official mentioned as a possible source for disputed documents about President Bush's service in the Guard said he passed along information to a former senator working with John Kerry's campaign.    Also, a White House official said Saturday that Bush has reviewed disputed documents that purport to show he refused orders to take a physical examination in 1972 and did not recall having seen them previously...

Ex-Guardsman Contacted Kerry Campaign


BizRate, one of the most popular comparison shopping Web sites, will introduce a new service today, called Shopzilla.com, to compete with a host of rivals like Shopping.com.

For BizRate, a New Identity and a New Site, Shopzilla.com


Space shuttle launches are 100 times more dangerous to people on the ground than any other US missiles or rockets, and NASA fails to meet

Air Force says shuttle spectators at high risk


Now, of course, the question jumps right off the page: Is it possible for a player to continue to excel while plying his trade directly in front of a sign that compares him with the immortals of his industry?

Bonds most comfortable on the field


Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish and the Bryan Brothers, Bob and Mike, will again represent their country in Charleston, SC, as the United States plays host to Belarus in the semifinals.

US faces Belarus in semis this weekend


Dozens of professional telescopes, an army of amateur observers and three Earth-orbiting observatories will be watching July 4 when a Boulder-built NASA spacecraft collides with a comet and sparks celestial fireworks.

All eyes will be on spacecraft


ROME, Sept 23 (AFP) - Italy sought on Thursday to play down the credibility of two claims about the murder of two Italian aid workers, both young women, taken hostage in Iraq but failed to ease gnawing anguish over their fate.

Italy In Anguish Over Fate Of Aid Workers In Iraq


SPACE.com - The resignation Monday of NASA Administrator Sean \O'Keefe comes at a time when the agency has a budgetary window of opportunity to \flex its space exploration muscle, but must still deal with an agenda of thorny \issues.

What Next for NASA? O'Keefe Leaves in Good Stead, But Agency Remains Troubled (SPACE.com)


The biggest obstacle facing widespread adoption of the Firefox browser is lazy programming - not from the Mozilla Foundation but from corporates that have not tested their applications with anything but IE.

Firefoxs biggest obstacle is lazy programming


AP - When George Pataki welcomes thousands of Republican stalwarts to their national convention in New York City, more than a few will be sizing up the three-term New York governor as a national party leader.

GOP Convention a Stage for George Pataki (AP)


Products give business people and programmers a shared language that helps them implement changes quickly.

Bringing .Net rules to light


Reuters - In the shadow of colossal\pyramids left by a great Mexican civilization, a Wal-Mart\rises, and some locals have gone to court to overturn its\approval.

Locals Fight Wal-Mart Store Near Ancient Mexico Ruin (Reuters)


Darfur peace talks kicked off four days late in Nigeria on Monday amid mounting international concerns of a resurgence of fighting in the remote Sudanese region.

Darfur peace talks start in Nigeria


CEO Kevin Rollins hints that computer maker's usage of Advanced Micro Devices' processors is now more a question of when, not if.

Dell looking 'more seriously than ever' at AMD


England captain David Beckham has revealed how he intends to bow out of international football after the 2006 World Cup finals. The Real Madrid midfielder, 29, is eager to play on at club level for several

Beckham to Quit England after 2006 Finals


Boucher, asked during the press briefing whether the US government planned to get involved in the case, said, In terms of reaction, I think Id just have to say that Yukos management has the right to pursue any legal remedies it determines are in

US Recognizes Yukos Right for Court Protection


AP - Orlando Cabrera homered in the bottom of the 12th inning to lead the Boston Red Sox to their second straight win in their last at-bat, 7-6 over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night.

Red Sox Stop Orioles 7-6 in 12 Innings (AP)


German compact disc and DVD equipment company Singulus and Japan #39;s Sony have teamed up to develop a new technology for music and video discs, Singulus said on Tuesday.

Singulus, Sony Team Up on Blu-Ray Development


AP - The Dalai Lama arrived Monday for his first visit to Russia in 10 years after Moscow abruptly reversed its refusal to grant the Tibetan spiritual leader entry.

Dalai Lama Arrives in Southern Russia (AP)


Iran has missiles with a range of 2,000km, says former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Iran 'increases missile range'


Northern Ireland's politicians attend a third day of talks aimed at restoring devolved government.

Key NI talks move into third day


MAKUHARI, Japan (Reuters) - Global sales of equipment used  to make and test semiconductors are expected to fall 5.15  percent from a year earlier to \$33.49 billion in 2005, an  industry group said on Wednesday.

Global Chip Gear Sales Seen Down 5.15 Percent in 2005


Traders selling banned animal products in the UK cannot be arrested due to a government

Illegal traders 'go unpunished'


AFP - Egypt announced it had arrested five of the nine men who bombed Red Sea resorts almost three weeks ago, saying the attackers used stolen cars packed with old war-time explosives and a washing-machine timer.

Egypt arrests five over Sinai bombings (AFP)


AP - From the opening kickoff, it was awful. The Cincinnati Bengals got blown out in their last nationally televised appearance, a 30-3 loss to Atlanta two years ago that cemented their reputation as the NFL's most bungling outfit. They've spent two years trying to block it out.

Cincinnati Looks to Shed Bungles Image (AP)


AP - Marcus Randall threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to David Jones with 2:18 left to give No. 18 LSU a come-from-behind 24-20 victory over Troy on Saturday night.

Randall's Late TD Pass Lifts No. 18 LSU (AP)


Apple has unveiled, what it calls the fastest, most affordable iBook G4 ever for consumers and education customers. The latest iBook features a built-in AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.

Apple Unveils  quot;Fastest quot; iBook G4


An explosion leveled a two-story apartment building in southern Italy early Saturday, killing eight residents and injuring six others, and firefighters were investigating whether a gas leak was to blame.

Explosion in southern Italy kills eight, gas leak possible cause


Top-ranked Roger Federer reached the second round of the Thailand Open on Tuesday in a bid for his 10th title this season, winning 6-4, 7-6 (4) against France #39;s Nicolas Thomann, who is ranked 507th.

Federer gains second round at Thailand Open


One pitcher in the history of baseball has won more Cy Young Awards than Randy Johnson, and he widened his lead Tuesday. Houston Astros ace Roger Clemens earned his record seventh Cy Young

Randy no match for Rocket


ATHENS (Reuters) - Officials had to separate the U.S. and  Spanish coaches when an argument erupted at the end of the game  as the United States beat Spain 102-94 in the Olympic men's  basketball quarter-finals Thursday.

Marbury Powers U.S. Over Spain; Coaches Square Off


NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan said on Wednesday they would need to hold more talks on starting the Kashmir bus service. Two days of discussions between the two countries on what is seen as a key symbolic step

No deal on Kashmir bus


BANGKOK Thai military aircraft dropped 100 million paper birds over southern Thailand on Sunday in a gesture intended to promote peace in mainly Muslim provinces, where more than 500 people have died this year in attacks by separatist militants and

Flock of paper birds takes wing in Thailand


Cisco Systems Inc., the world #39;s largest maker of computer-networking equipment, said first- quarter profit rose 29 percent amid demand for Internet phones and devices that link homes to the Web.

Cisco 1st-Qtr Net Rises 29 Amid Web-Phone Sales Gain (Update2)


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices resumed this week's upward  march on Friday, driven by worries that a new U.S. cold spell  might erode already low winter fuel inventories.

Oil Creeps Higher, Eyes New US Cold Front


BAGHDAD -- An American diplomat was killed yesterday in an attack near the heavily fortified sector of central Baghdad known as the Green Zone, US officials said.

US diplomat fatally shot near Green Zone; bomb kills 3


The Virginia Cavaliers were in the midst of what would become a blowout victory at Western Michigan last season when rookie wide receiver Deyon Williams came to the line of

Cavs #39; Williams Is Catching On


Dale Earnhardt Jr. cursed on a nationally televised NASCAR broadcast on Sunday, and it cost him the lead in a close race for the Nextel Cup drivers championship.

Earnhardt fined for checkered language


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives  will vote as soon as next week on a measure to crack down on  deceptive

House Could Vote on Spyware Bill Next Week


Aston Villa lost 3-1 to second division Burnley in the League Cup third round on Tuesday as the top Premier League clubs made their first appearance in this season #39;s competition.

UPDATE 1-Villa suffer Cup upset, Man United ease through


Wall Street stocks traded higher Wednesday as crude oil prices, reaching above 49 dollars per barrel last week, plunged for a fourth straight session.

US stocks end higher as crude oil prices continue decline


JAKARTA - Indonesian police on Sunday reenacted Thursday #39;s car bomb attack in front of the Australian Embassy that killed nine people and injured 182 others.

Indonesian police reenact Jakarta embassy blast


AP - When quizzed this week about the prospect of facing Miami every season, Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey asked:

Ga. Tech Set for First ACC Game With Miami (AP)


Cambodia has taken a major step into the international trading system, with the National Assembly approving membership in the World Trade Organization.

Cambodian Assembly Ratifies WTO Membership


AKE LOUISE, Alberta - World Cup leader Bode Miller gave up one-hundredth of a second through the first interval yesterday then stormed through a 2-mile downhill course to win by nearly a full second.

World Cup skiing Miller #39;s career headed downhill


The Israeli parliament is set for a historic vote on whether to withdraw from Gaza Strip after 37 years of occupation. The proposal of the withdrawal was made Monday in the Israeli Parliament by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, causing heated debates.

Israeli MPs Vote Historic Exit from Gaza


House and Senate negotiators have tucked a potentially far-reaching anti-abortion provision into a \$388 billion must-pass spending bill.

Negotiators Add Abortion Clause to Spending Bill


Big Blue, now No. 3 in this hot market, is launching a new product line that has the potential to shake up the industry. Over the past four years, IBM (IBM ) used its engineering chops to take the lead in the

Can IBM  quot;Change the Game quot; in Storage?


Wal-Mart has shrugged off growing opposition to its dominance of the US retail market by announcing plans for another 500 stores in 2005.

Wal-Mart to open another 500 stores


AP - Notre Dame is negotiating with New England Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis to become its new head coach, the Chicago Tribune and two other newspapers reported Saturday.

Reports: Notre Dame Negotiates With Weis (AP)


The national economy grew at a solid rate in the last three months, boosted by a rebound in consumer spending and another strong quarter of business investment, the Commerce Department reported yesterday.

Economy grows at a 3.7 rate in third quarter


The survival of some Iowa bird species is threatened, primarily because of habitat loss, according to a group dedicated to the conservation of wild birds.

Audubon: Some Iowa birds in trouble


Russian oil giant Yukos on Monday said its tax dispute with the state will mean a 4.5 percent cut inits 2004 oil output forecast. The company said in a statement that production

Russia #39;s Yukos cuts 2004 oil output forecast


Liberty Media tycoon John Malone is planning to almost double his voting stake in Rupert Murdoch #39;s News Corporation, a move that will raise further questions about the future of the company.

Malone to raise voting stake in News Corp


Paris - Russian sixth seed Marat Safin clinched his third Paris Masters title on Sunday as he overwhelmed Czech qualifier Radek Stepanek 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.

Third Paris crown for Safin


Moscow - The Soyuz TMA-5 spacecraft carrying a replacement crew to the International Space Station (ISS) will be put into space on October 14 after technical difficulties postponed the launch, Russia #39;s space agency said on Friday.

ISS to get new crew


JUST over a year ago I travelled from Barcelona to Madrid on one of Spain #39;s inter-city trains. It was quite an experience. But there again, so is an attack of mumps.

Sorry lads, the grass is NOT greener


BOISE, Idho - Boise State coach Dan Hawkins signed a five-year, \$2.6 million contract extension on Tuesday that could keep him with the Broncos through the 2009 season.

Boise State #39;s Hawkins latest off the market


Reuters - Syria, under intense pressure to quit\Lebanon, pulled out its security forces from three key\positions in Beirut and north Lebanon on Saturday and\redeployed them in eastern Lebanon.

Syria Redeploys Some Security Forces in Lebanon (Reuters)


Firefox, the open-source challenger to market heavyweight Internet Explorer, has surpassed 10 million downloads in a little more than a month since the browser was released in November.

Firefox hits 10-million mark


Reuters - It takes a special kind of person\to stay up all night and stand in a line nearly 250 people long\just to buy a video game -- but for rabid fans of the first\

Fans Throng for First Crack at New Game 'Halo 2' (Reuters)


Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri has joined a chorus of public officials questioning whether Bank of America broke commitments by ordering job cuts after its acquisition of FleetBoston Financial Corp.

Public Officials Question Bank Of America Job Cuts


AP - Wisconsin's annual battle against a leaf-eating insect got some help from this spring's nasty weather, which resulted in a huge decline in tree defoliation, a state forestry expert said Monday.

Cool Weather Killed Gypsy Moths in Wis. (AP)


Ok, so its one thing for a cellphone to have a bug in it, it happens, but theresa defect in Siemens 65 series of cellphones (including the C65, M65, S65, SL65, CV65, CT65, CXV65, and CXT65) that could potentially result in hearing loss.

Warning: Defect in Siemens cellphones may cause hearing damage


Search engine Google has fixed a security flaw that was occurring in their email service, Gmail. The company did not reveal the nature of flaw, only that they had corrected it.

Google Corrects Gmail Exploit


South Korean officials were very cautious when they were waiting for the outcome of the closely contested US presidential election, refraining from making any prediction or comments.

Seoul worried about Bush #39;s N. Korea stance


October 28, 2004 - Atari and Liquid Entertainment today announced the opening of the Dragonshard closed beta sign-up period. Here #39;s your chance to help test the Dungeons  amp; Dragons-based real-time strategy title based in the new D amp;D universe, Eberron.

Dragonshard Beta Details


AP - The new head of Mexico's federal police force said Monday he doesn't see the U.S.-Mexico border as a terror target and that while terrorists may try to use this country to sneak into America, there's no evidence they have yet done so.

Official: Border Terror Fears Overblown (AP)


Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday posted higher quarterly earnings as revenue rose 12 percent, but its shares fell after the world #39;s

UPDATE 4-Microsoft profit, sales rise as growth stabilizes


Shipping giant P amp;O said Tuesday it was scrapping four of its 13 routes across the English Channel, with the loss of about 1,200 jobs.

P amp;O Cuts Ferry Routes, Scraps 1,200 Jobs


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Department store operator J.C. Penney  Co. Inc. <A HREF=

J.C. Penney Posts Second-Quarter Profit


Forbes.com - The wit who dubbed August

Why Tech Stocks Stink (Forbes.com)


Veritas Software Corp. shares rose as much as 13 percent after the New York Times said Symantec Corp. is in talks to buy the company for more than \$13 billion, in what would be the second-biggest deal ever in the software industry.

Veritas Shares Jump on Report of Talks With Symantec (Update5)


Rudy Tomjanovich isn #39;t sure whether the TV images of the brawl between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers affected him more deeply because of what he went through in another on-court brawl 27 years ago.

Clash brings back bad memories for Tomjanovich


CELTIC moved eight points clear of Rangers in the Scottish Premier League with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Dundee overnight. A brace for Senegalese striker Henri Camara and a solitary strike by John Hartson

Camara double boosts Celtic


Chelsea, whose coach, Jos Mourinho, led Porto to the Champions League title in May, was drawn on Friday to meet Barcelona in the final 16 of the current competition.

Roundup: Chelsea is drawn to face Barcelona


GAUHATI, India - Suspected separatists bombed a power line, a gas pipeline, a tea plantation and a crowded marketplace in northeastern India on Sunday, intensifying a campaign of violence that has killed more than 50 people and wounded at least 100 over the last two days.    The violence, affecting the states of Nagaland and Assam, was among the deadliest to hit the region, where more than three dozen insurgent groups have been active...

New Separatist Violence Strikes India


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar edged lower on Tuesday as  traders bunkered down ahead of a U.S. interest rate decision  and, later in the week, current account data that could  underscore bearish sentiment on the currency.

Dollar Inches Lower Ahead of U.S. Data


Google Inc. (GOOG) tried to democratize the IPO process through its unusual auction, but its corporate governance is anything but shareholder-friendly, according to an influential proxy adviser.

Google Ranks at Bottom of ISS Governance System


Spain #39;s Miguel Angel Jimenez was back on top in the European Masters in Switzerlnd Saturday after shooting a 5-under-par 66. Jimenez, at 15-under 198 for three rounds

Jimenez regains lead in European Masters


AP - There's a new media king, only he isn't on the radio or in the movies. His name? Master Chief. His role: Interstellar soldier and star of

Fans Flock to Buy Sci-Fi Epic 'Halo 2' (AP)