Reuters - The dollar fought back from one-month\lows against the euro and Swiss franc on Wednesday as investors\viewed its sell-off in the wake of the Federal Reserve's\verdict on interest rates as overdone.

Dollar Recovers Footing After Fed (Reuters)


Pubs and hotels group Whitbread today unveiled an 800 million asset disposal programme and plans to quit its London head office.

Whitbread unveils sell-offs and savings


BISSAU (Reuters) - Soldiers who staged a mutiny last week  in Guinea-Bissau agreed on Sunday to return to their barracks  after striking a deal with the government to end a five-day  standoff in the West African country.

Guinea-Bissau Standoff Ends as Soldiers Sign Deal


Port-Au-Prince - Young gangsters rampaged through a neighbourhood blocks from the presidential National Palace, torching cars and firing in the air in what many expect is a prelude to another fearsomely violent day in Haiti #39;s capital.

Haiti bracing for more violence


A sleek desktop debuts, along with VR-like games that help you exercise--and a robot that doesn't.

Digital Gear: Slimming Down Systems and Users


The Yankees have found a new leadoff man, signing free-agent second baseman Tony Womack to a two-year contract, Sporting News has learned.

Yankees acquire new leadoff man


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Allstate Corp. <ALL.N>, the No. 2 U.S.  home and auto insurer, on Monday said potential losses stemming  from Hurricane Charley could hurt its current results.

Allstate Says Charley Could Hurt Results


Samsung Electronics will provide 3G-capable phones that work over Verizon Wireless #39; and Sprint #39;s emerging 1xEV-DO cellular data networks starting in the first quarter

First Verizon, Sprint 3G phone plans emerge


A former well-known New York stockbroker pleaded guilty Tuesday to cheating his clients out of millions of dollars and generating fraudulent commissions for himself.

Broker Pleads Guilty to Cheating Clients


It looks like Google's public stock offering will proceed, no matter how hard the company tries to shoot itself in the foot. Not only that, its unique approach to the IPO game could result in an overhaul of federal securities regulations. <FONT face=

Google Stays on Track Despite Best Efforts


Irony alert: Game publisher is furious over stolen copy of

Grand theft intellectual property


Astronomers plan to slam an armchair-sized  quot;impactor quot; into comet Tempel 1 to see what #39;s inside -- and possibly help future scientists determine how to keep such space rocks from colliding with Earth.

Deep Impact Space Probe Aims to Slam Into Comet


The yen advanced against the dollar and euro after the Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose to a five-week high on expectations the government will double its economic- growth estimate for the second quarter.

Yen Advances Against Dollar, Euro as Nikkei Stock Average Gains


Desktops, servers affected, but no vulnerabilities deemed critical.

Microsoft Issues Five Bulletins on Windows Flaws


Shaquille O'Neal made sure the arena was filled. Dwyane Wade took care of sending the record crowd home happy.

Shaq turns up Heat at home


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - White House officials have asked the  Justice Department to determine whether Air Force Secretary  James Roche engaged in possible misconduct over an initial  proposal to lease 100 Boeing Co. <A HREF=

Air Force's Roche Eyed Over Boeing Deal


Amazon.com and Microsoft Corp., the twin peaks of the Seattle area #39;s technology community, are joining forces to attack the tide of spam and fraudulent e-mail messages that clog in-boxes

Microsoft, Amazon Take a Phishing Trip


NHL officials Wednesday canceled the 2005 All-Star Game, scheduled for Feb. 13 in Atlanta because of the lockout. The weekend All-Star extravaganza was a showcase event for the league.

Should play resume, league would need all available dates for a <b>...</b>


Materials used by Abbott Laboratories to promote its HIV-fighting drug Kaletra overstate the medicine #39;s effectiveness and fail to warn about risks in taking the drug, the US Food and Drug Administration said in a letter sent to the company.

FDA letter asks Abbott to pull Kaletra promotions


ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Reuters) - US Airways Group Inc. probably  will need more cost cuts or a boost in revenue to attract the  \$250 million in equity it says it needs to leave bankruptcy  next year, the company said on Thursday.

US Air Needs Cuts to Entice Investors


AP - Vice President Dick Cheney, asked Friday what he and President Bush would do to help the working poor, said

Cheney: Jobs Best Solution for Povery (AP)


LONDON (Reuters) - Ryder Cup hero Colin Montgomerie will  lead a clutch of his victorious European team mates into a  links championship in Scotland next month, organizers said on  Tuesday.

Monty, Ryder Cup Teammates to Play Links Championship


BATTERED but unbowed, England lost the re-run of the World Cup final in one of the most sensational matches Twickenham has seen in recent years.

England 19-21 Australia


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices eased again on Tuesday with  the re-opening of two Iraqi pipelines, helping lift shares but  leaving most financial markets trading in narrow ranges after  sharp reactions in previous sessions.

Global Markets: Oil Prices Ease


With several players suffering from minor injuries, Wizards coach Eddie Jordan decides to give the team a day off on Friday.

Wizards Get a Break


JERUSALEM - Opposition leader Shimon Peres warned on Monday Israel would face a catastrophe if the pullout from Gaza is blocked, saying a continued presence in the territory ran counter to national security.

Failure of Gaza pullout plan would be catastrophic: Peres


Bee Staff Writer. On a warm, calm day in the foothills, Christina Kim splashed plenty of color onto The Ridge Golf Club in Auburn.

Kim possible in first round


Starbucks had indicated in July it would likely raise drink prices for the first time in nearly four years to keep up with costs, although the coffee retailer did not say how much or when.

Starbucks Confirms Price Increase


The United Nations secretary-general has urged the Security Council to take immediate action over a US draft resolution on Sudan #39;s Darfur region.

UN chief urges action over Darfur


I grew up in New York, where giant alligators -- sometimes more ornately described as albino alligators -- were rumored to roam the citys sewer systems. According to legend, vacationers picked up the tiny crocodilians in Florida, brought them home to New York, and eventually flushed the little buggers when they grew too big for the local concrete jungle.

IT alligator tales


HAVANA: President Fidel Castro, recovering from a fall that broke his kneecap and an arm, has received get-well wishes from the leaders around the globe, state media reported Saturday.

Castro receives get-well wishes from presidents


Veritas Software Corp. , the leading storage software provider, said on Tuesday it agreed to acquire email backup company KVault Software Ltd.

Veritas Software Buys Email Backup Firm


Asa Dotzler writes  quot;We took one more important change into the builds last night, moving from a blacklist to a whitelist for external protocol handlers, so today #39;s builds are the new candidate 1.0PR builds.

Firefox Pre-Preview Release Available for Testing


Minority Leader and Member of Parliament of Nadowli North Alban Kingsford Sumani Bagbin says current happenings in the Ivory Coast have vindicated the submission he made at an NDC function in Kumasi that the International Community had lost confidence in

Ivorian Crisis Vindicates Me -Bagbin


The Florida Marlins signed free-agent pitcher David Weathers on Wednesday in an attempt to strengthen their bullpen for a run at the National League wild card.

Marlins sign pitcher David Weathers to bolster staff for playoff <b>...</b>


Britons are set to face some stark choices over their pensions with the publication of a new report on Tuesday. The Pension Commission #39;s independent report is expected to warn that the UK population needs

Pensions - your views


Sir Elton John accuses Madonna of cheating fans by miming on stage, while collecting a Q Award.

Sir Elton attacks 'mime' Madonna


Here we go again! First, remarks made by Pervez Musharraf over a mouthful of Iftaar goodies are touted as a blueprint for peace and then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gives it legitimacy by rejecting it.

Looking beyond the K-word


Astronomers have discovered four new planets in a week's time, an exciting end-of-summer flurry that signals a sharper era in the hunt for new worlds.    While none of these new bodies would be mistaken as Earth's twin, some appear to be noticeably smaller and more solid - more like Earth and Mars - than the gargantuan, gaseous giants identified before...

NASA to Announce New Class of Planets


AFP - The Sudanese army expressed opposition to the upgrading of an African Union protection mission newly arrived in the wartorn western region of Darfur into a full-blown peacekeeping force.

Sudan army voices opposition to upgrading of African Union mission (AFP)


On Ashley Lelie #39;s game-altering, 33-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter Sunday, the Denver Broncos wide receiver was supposed to run a post pattern but was prevented

Lelie #39;s alternate route provides road map to win for Broncos


The release of the Web browser by the Mozilla Foundation prompted Microsoft to break its silence about Internet Explorer, which won't get an overhaul until the next version of Windows is released in 2006.

Firefox lights up Web browser world


Sony said Thursday that it would begin selling eight new television models outfitted with semiconductors designed to produce sharper images, including two with a lighting system that the company says is the world #39;s first.

Sony brings new technology to TV line


Schabir Shaik #39;s trial on two main charges of corruption and a third of fraud is due to start in Durban today. The charges relate to what the State has described as the  quot;general corrupt relationship quot; between

Shaik Trial Due Today


Alliance Capital Management Holding LP (AC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has agreed to sell its cash management business to Federated Investors Inc.

UPDATE 1-Alliance Capital to sell cash management business


THE battle against spam took a turn for the worse yesterday when America Online pulled back support for an industry-wide email authentication system aimed at reducing junk email.

Spam wins the second round


Few who witnessed the decisive sucker-punch try by Ireland #39;s Ronan O #39;Gara in Dublin last Saturday, scored while the Springbok captain John Smit was engaged in a lengthy conference with his team on the subject of illegal ball-killing, would use the word

Boks bring  #39;streetwise #39; approach to Twickenham


Nomar Garciaparra was scratched from the starting lineup for the second straight day yesterday as his Chicago Cubs beat the Astros, 11-6, in Houston.

Report: Idled Garciaparra will have MRI on Achilles #146;


Air France and KLM ticket prices are to rise after the carriers imposed further surcharges to counter high fuel costs.

High oil costs hit more airlines


It was not the year of the Tiger. He #39;s off to the Far East now, for a couple of events there. Then it #39;s back to the US for a skins game in the California desert.

Tiger pays for failing to make the kill


SAN FRANCISCO : Intel Corp. on Thursday said it has scrapped plans to enter the digital television chip business, marking a retreat from a major component of its consumer electronics initiative.

Intel cancels plan to enter digital TV chip market


In 30 sorties on Monday, U.S. helicopters delivered more than 60,000 pounds of water, medical supplies and food.

U.S. and Other Countries Deliver Aid in Indonesia


Layoffs at Cingular Wireless were inevitable after it acquired AT amp;T Wireless, but what #39;s with the timing? A Cingular spokesman yesterday confirmed an Associated Press report that Cingular

Cingular Confirms Job Cuts


With its labor negotiations faltering, US Airways Group Inc. has begun consultations with bankruptcy advisers in anticipation of a filing, a source familiar with the talks said yesterday.

US Airways Retains Its Previous Adviser


Florida insurers, after weathering two hurricanes in the last month, are scrambling to compile damage assessments while bracing for another potential storm this weekend that could further erode profits.

Battered US insurers brace for 3rd hurricane


A US company is helping politically wary American travellers pose as peace-loving Canucks. For \$25 US, the T-Shirt King.Com provides a package with enough red-and-white gear for vacationers to pass themselves off as Canadians abroad.

Good disguise, eh?


PORTLAND, Ore. - It's been almost a year since singer-songwriter Elliott Smith committed suicide, and fans and friends will be looking for answers as the posthumous

Elliot Smith CD Released Year After Death


A fossil resembling the Loch Ness monster has been found on a remote Arctic island. The well-preserved bones belonged to a plesiosaur, a giant marine reptile with a long neck and tail, plump body and legs which evolved into flippers.

Found: Nessie #39;s distant cousin


Until recently, they were able only to detect the presence of planets equivalent in size to our own neighboring gas giant Jupiter.

Scientists discover planets in our galactic back yard


BAGHDAD, Sept 15: American troops found three bodies and their severed heads north of Baghdad on Wednesday while 13 people died in clashes in Ramadi, two more in a car bomb attack and two Iraqis employed by the US Army were shot in the north.

13 killed, 3 bodies found in Iraq


Chairman Bill hopes we'll keep pushing his buttons

Gates: PC will replace TV, TV will become a giant Google


New England Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis may have a golden opportunity to head to the Golden Dome. Seeking a successor to Tyrone Willingham

Notre Dame sets sights on Weis


Players and co-workers marvel at the head coach #39;s consistency, a word applies to few other aspects of the Panthers season. As a result of his leadership and their steady work, the Panthers are

Fox has winning formula for Panthers


How do you top a battle between marines and an alien religious cult fighting to the death on a giant corona in outer space? The next logical step is to take that battle to Earth, which is

Best game yet for the Xbox


The planet with the second largest number of moons now has two more. The US Cassini spacecraft discovered them around Saturn, bringing the giant ringed planet #39;s known total to 33.

Cassini Spacecraft Discovers 2 More Moons Around Saturn


Ricky Williams's representatives are considering having him file for bankruptcy in an attempt to void the remainder of his contract with the Miami Dolphins.

Weighing Options


Oil prices hit record highs again Wednesday, amid continuing concerns about the supply of crude oil. In New York, crude oil for future delivery hit an all-time high of \$51.

Oil Prices Rise Toward \$52 a Barrel, Set Another Record High


CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- Circuit City Stores shares plummeted 10 percent Monday after the nation #39;s No. 2 electronics retailer said that its third-quarter same-store sales fell 4.3 percent.

Circuit City Q3 same-store sales fall


The funeral has taken place of Dr Beyers Naude, one of the leading anti-apartheid campaigners in South Africa, who died earlier this month aged 89.

Funeral held for anti-apartheid Afrikaner


The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way. by Anonymous Coward on Thursday August 26, 10:48PM (#10084803).

TiVo-like Application for XM Radio Under Fire


Israeli PM Ariel Sharon appears to have eased his preconditions for resuming talks with the Palestinians.

Sharon 'eases' talks conditions


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose modestly on Friday  after durable goods orders for August, excluding transportation  orders, exceeded market expectations, but gains were capped as  investors focused on high oil prices.

Stocks Rise After Durable Goods Data


When Lawrence Dallaglio walked into the late-night bar of the Hilton Hotel in Brisbane a couple of hours after England #39;s 36-point defeat at the hands of the Wallabies last June and pronounced himself  quot;suicidal quot;, no one among his handful of listeners felt

Lawrence Dallaglio: The England captain who said  #39;enough is enough <b>...</b>


Rogers Communications Inc. said it will offer about C\$774 million (\$646 million) in stock for the shares it doesn #39;t own in Rogers Wireless Communications Inc.

Rogers May Seek Remainder of Its Wireless Unit Shares (Update1)


Reuters - U.S. forces and\their allies in Afghanistan remembered the third anniversary of\the Sept. 11 attacks in somber fashion Saturday, conscious that\the war on terror will be a long one.

Afghans Mark 9/11 Anniversary with Mixed Feelings (Reuters)


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices held firm on Friday after  leaping almost \$2 a day earlier on news U.S. crude stocks sank  to a five-month low last week and distillate fuels barely grew  ahead of winter.

Oil Firm After 4 Percent Jump


The F.D.A. cleared the way for a company to market implantable microchips that would provide easy access to medical records.

Identity Badge Worn Under Skin Approved for Use in Health Care


AT amp;T Corp. said it would restructure its business, cutting 20 percent of its jobs and writing down the value of its network by \$11.

AT amp;T Plans More Cuts In Workforce


AP - On the campaign trail, Democrat Ken Salazar criticized President Bush, Iraq and the war on terrorism. But the soft-spoken moderate spent just as much time talking about family, faith and the spirituality of his home in Colorado's San Luis Valley.

Colorado May Be Blueprint for Democrats (AP)


AP - Peyton Manning won't threaten Dan Marino's record when the Colts play at Detroit on Thanksgiving, but he can take another step toward the milestone the former Miami Dolphins star set in 1984.

Manning to Face Detroit, Marino's Record (AP)


Fairbanks has been labeled the fourth most dangerous metropolitan area in the nation by the publisher of a reference book,  quot;City Crime Rankings.

Book ranks Fairbanks high in crime


NASA #39;s Mars Odyssey orbiter begins working overtime today after completing a prime mission that discovered vast supplies of frozen water, ran a safety check for future astronauts, and mapped surface textures and minerals all over Mars, among other feats.

NASA Mars Odyssey Begins Overtime After Successfull Mission


AP - Leaping into a burgeoning price war with low-cost exchange traded funds, Fidelity Investments has slashed fees on five index mutual funds widely used in group and individual retirement accounts.

Fidelity Slashes Fees on Index Funds (AP)


Nashville, Tenn. (WVLT/AP) - It looks like Mother Nature isn #39;t much of a sports fan. The Tennessee Titans and the Miami Dolphins will play 24 hours early, courtesy of Hurricane Ivan.

Hurricane Ivan Pushes Up Titans Game in Miami


Security alliance asks for more funding for cybersecurity research and development.

Tech Firms Urge Bush to Focus on Cybersecurity


Traders expect the dollar's rebound to be short-lived because of persistent concerns about the United States' huge trade and budget deficits.

Dollar Gets a Reprieve From Its Steep Losses


PPARC -- British astronomers are celebrating a world first that could revolutionise the future of astronomy. They have just begun a project to operate a global network of the world's biggest robotic telescopes, dubbed 'RoboNet-1.0' which will be controlled by intelligent software to provide rapid observations of sudden changes in astronomical objects, such as violent Gamma Ray Bursts, or 24-hour surveillance of interesting phenomena...

Intelligent Telescopes Survey the Violent Skies


EBay, the world's largest online marketplace, today posted a quarterly profit that rose 77 percent from a year ago, fueled by growth in its international and PayPal businesses.

Ebay Reports Sharply Higher Profit


Description: Jury selection got underway Friday in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault trial in Eagle, Colo. News organizations have argued that limits on media access inside the courtroom does not let them fully cover the story.

Joe Davidson: Access to Info in Kobe Bryant Trial


European research ministers state their intention to go it alone on a multi-billion euro nuclear project if arguments with international partners are not resolved soon.

EU gets tough on fusion reactor


GAZA CITY, Oct 22 (AFP) - Israel carried out another air strike on Gaza City overnight Thursday, witnesses said Friday. Helicopter gunships fired three missiles at the house of a local chief of the so-called People #39;s Resistance Committees.

Israel carries out new air strike on Gaza City


Esteban Loaiza is pitching his way out of the New York Yankees' rotation. Jose Guillen and Jeff DaVanon homered off the newest target of booing at Yankee Stadium, and Loaiza failed to make it out of the fourth inning yesterday in the Angels' storm-interrupted 6-1 win over New York.

Loaiza elicits boos


THERE are green ones, yellow ones and even blue ones. But how many beetle-coloured Smarties have you tried? Red Smarties get their bright colour from a dye made from dried and crushed insects.

Vegetarians see red over Smarties colouring


ST. LOUIS - President Bush and John Kerry sprinted back to the campaign trail, trying to build on their performances in an argumentative second debate that saw the presidential candidates colliding over war, jobs, education, health care, abortion, the environment and prescription drugs...

Kerry and Bush Face Off Over War, Jobs


Britain #39;s world record holder Paula Radcliffe won the women #39;s New York marathon Sunday in an unofficial two hours 23 minutes seven seconds.

Radcliffe Wins Women #39;s New York Marathon


He retired nearly a year ago for health reasons after 15 seasons at Utah, but he couldn #39;t stay away from his life #39;s passion.

Majerus leaves TV gig to take coaching job at Southern California


TOKYO - NTT DoCoMo Inc said Wednesday it has developed five new models for the 901i series of 3G FOMA cell phone handsets, featuring an enhanced audio system, and will market one model, the SH901iC, nationwide Nov 26 with other models to follow.

DoCoMo to launch 5 new 3G FOMA cell phone models


NewsFactor - IBM (NYSE: IBM), Intel and NTT DoCoMo (NYSE: DCM) have proposed a new industry platform to guide the development of security technologies in both software and hardware for wireless mobile devices. The companies are part of new group pushing the Trusted Mobile Platform.

Trusted Mobile Platform Launches Early Stage Specifications (NewsFactor)


Rio #39;s new 5GB Carbon is the sleekest MP3 player I #39;ve laid eyes on. Happily, the device, which hits stores this week, isn #39;t just about looks: A simple interface and amazing battery life make it the new mini to beat.

First Look: Rio #39;s Hot New Carbon MP3 Player


VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope John Paul, looking tired and  speaking with difficulty, put five Catholics on the road to  sainthood on Sunday, including the 19th century German mystic  nun who inspired Mel Gibson's film on Christ's passion.

Tired Pope Beatifies Mel Gibon's 'Muse'


Officials in Californian announce tough new regulations to stem the emission of greenhouse gases from cars.

Laws to cut California car gases


The top Maoist rebel leader in Nepal  renews a call for international mediation to resume peace talks with the government

Nepal Maoists call for mediation


The United Nations is investigating around 150 allegations of sexual abuse by UN civilian staff and soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

UN probing alleged abuse by staff in DRC


In a swirl of dust, the first convoy moved out of the Black Watch base near Basra and headed north. Warrior armoured fighting vehicles were transported on low loaders while some troops moved in

Fear and pride from Black Watch


TEHRAN (MNA) -- The Europeans should understand the mood in Iran and move in the direction of recognizing Irans legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy through mutual respect and understanding, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi

Europe should understand the mood in Iran: FM spokesman


McAfee Inc. on Monday plans to announce an add-on for its enterprise antivirus products to offer increased protection against spyware.

McAfee takes on more spyware


BRONX -- New York Yankees righthander Kevin Brown underwent surgery Sunday for a broken left hand and is expected to miss at least three weeks and perhaps the rest of the season.

Yanks #39; righthander could miss rest of season


US banker Frank Quattrone wins the right to stay out of jail pending an appeal against an 18-month sentence for obstruction of justice.

Quattrone wins reprieve from jail


Friday prayers marked the start of Ramadan in the Middle East as millions of Muslims around the world began observance of the holy month of fasting and prayer.

Muslims mark start of Ramadan


ATHENS (Reuters) - Disgraced Greek sprinters Costas  Kenteris and Katerina Thanou were charged Thursday with missing  drugs tests on the eve of August's Athens Olympics and faking a  motorcycle accident.

Greek Sprinters Charged Over Missed Test


AP - Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick is impressed with what former Rams assistant Urban Meyer has done in just two years at Utah.

No. 7 Utes Go for First School 9-0 Start (AP)


Reuters - Oracle Corp.  on Friday\won the backing of two more key public pension funds in its\ #36;8.8-billion hostile bid for PeopleSoft Inc.  as the\17-month takeover battle between the two California-based\business software makers neared a key deadline.

Oracle's PeopleSoft Bid Deadline Nears (Reuters)


SINGAPORE: Oil prices held steady yesterday near seven-week lows on forecasts of colder-than-normal weather in the US northeast.

Oil prices hold near 7-week lows on US weather forecast


AP - The Fiesta Bowl gladly invited BCS-buster Utah on Sunday and had no choice but to accept Big East champion Pittsburgh as the unbeaten Utes' opponent.

Utah, Pittsburgh to Play in Fiesta Bowl (AP)


FLEDGLING space power China today launched a satellite from a remote desert region for a short-term scientific mission, state media reported.

China launches satellite


AP - Sensuous, intellectual woman, 5'3, adventurous, pretty and open, seeks a life partner who is sexy, highly intelligent and cheerful. How old is this woman? In her early 60s. That's the profile Mary Bellis Waller, now 64, posted on two Internet dating sites during her search for a companion.

Older People Turn to Internet to Find Love (AP)


AP - Don't mention the streak within the confines of Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots take a string of 17 straight victories into Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. A win at Ralph Wilson Stadium would make them the sixth NFL team to win 18 straight, including playoff games.

Patriots Say They're Focused on Bills (AP)


Delta Air Lines world headquarters in Atlanta is shown in this Sept. 8 file photo. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the airline reported that it expects its quarterly report to be released

Delta expects net loss up to \$675M


DETERMINATION, character and resolve are the usual words reeled off when talk turns to praising David Moyes #39;s latest Goodison revival.

Newcastle 1, Everton 1 (D,Post)


Mr. Bush told reporters Friday after meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair that he sees a great chance for creating a Palestinian state in the aftermath of the death of longtime Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Bush Sees Great Chance For Creating Palestinian State


AP - The chemicals go down the drain, but in the environment they remain. Researchers have found that a complex brew of everyday compounds  #151; from products as ubiquitous as shampoo, bug spray and even that morning cup of coffee  #151; lingers in Minnesota waters even after they're showered off or dumped down the sink.

Study: Chemicals Linger in Environment (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Treasury yields retested recent lows  on Tuesday after a soft reading on U.S. consumer sentiment  encouraged those who hope the Federal Reserve will have to slow  the pace of interest rates increases.

Treasury Yields Dip on Data


The cheers swept over Camp Randall Stadium with 8:13 remaining in the second quarter of Saturday #39;s game -- and the applause had absolutely nothing to do with Wisconsin #39;s growing lead over Minnesota.

Badgers just happy to go  #39;one-and-oh #39;


THERE is no doubt that the Beslan school siege ended in almost the worst way imaginable. Nightmarish scenes of half-naked, bloodied children running from the school and dead bodies laid out on stretchers spoke of events that had gone dreadfully wrong.

Sad day for Russia


Despite an encouraging third quarter, the market still isn't sure what to make of Goody's.

The Elusive Value of Goody's


WE all love Google. For six years now, Google has been helping us find information from the dark holes of the Internet with utmost devotion.

Locate your files


White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, set to start a two-game suspension Tuesday night, went to a hospital before the game against Detroit because of pain in his back and side.

White Sox manager sent to hospital


Flash memory remained profitable for AMD, but declined sharply from the previous quarter due to inventory adjustments at cell phone manufacturers.

AMD Shares Slip in Wake of Q3 Report


BAGHDAD/PARIS (Reuters) - A French Muslim delegation in  Iraq said Thursday they had proof that two French hostages held  by Islamic militants were alive, even though France refused to  lift a ban on Muslim headscarves as the school year began.

French Hostages Said Alive, Headscarf Ban Enforced


AP - The Miami Hurricanes spent the last year preparing to move to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Are they ready?

ACC Football Begins New Era With Miami (AP)


A powerful rainstorm triggered landslides and flash floods that killed nearly 340 people in the eastern Philippines, officials said Tuesday, and rescuers raced to save those stranded in three coastal towns before a typhoon strikes the hard-hit region.

Nearly 340 people killed as second storm in a week slams eastern <b>...</b>


washingtonpost.com - National security adviser Condoleezza Rice said yesterday it is still unclear whether Iraq attempted to procure tens of thousands of aluminum tubes for a nuclear-weapons program or a conventional rocket program, despite conclusions by the Senate Intelligence Committee and U.N. investigators that the tubes could not be used in any nuclear program.

Rice Defends Iraq Weapons Characterization (washingtonpost.com)


ABUJA, nigeriaAs the UN ultimatum for Sudan to disarm murderous militias ticked down to today #39;s deadline, peace talks resumed between the Sudanese government and the rebel groups who accuse it of backing the militia attacks.

Sudan peace talks resume as UN deadline approaches


It is the Yankees, not the

History on Their Side?


The Terps suffer their first three-game losing streak under Ralph Friedgen as Reggie Merriweather's two-yard touchdown with 23 seconds left lifts Clemson to a 10-7 win.

Terps Lose It Late


Electronic voting in the US. The saga continues. Here is an interesting comparision with a Venezuelan referendum.  quot;80 of Americans could correctly name the first President Bush #39;s pet dog Millie, but only

NVIDIA and Sony hook-up


Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou may not be fit enough to attend the hearing into their missed drugs test.

Greek duo could miss drugs hearing


AFTER an slow start as Wall Street took a breather after Thursdays rally, a late surge saw the Dow finish almost 70 points ahead, topping the significant 10,500 mark.

Late surge after quiet day sees Dow at highest level for months


The Arizona Diamondbacks kept busy Friday, signing free-agent pitcher Russ Ortiz to a four-year deal a day after agreeing to terms with third baseman Troy Glaus.

Diamondbacks stay active by signing Ortiz


Until yesterday, they were all big men, swaggering round a tiny island. But in its sweltering courtroom, six Pitcairners were exposed for what they are: bullies, rapists and child-abusers.

Island in shock at verdicts


NASA researchers are developing an exquisitely sensitive artificial nose for space exploration.

Electronic Nose


The final berths for the revolutionary new playoffs will be determined in a deeply traditional way, slam-banging around a short track on a Saturday night.

Dothemath:15stillcontend


BAGHDAD -- Iraq's interim prime minister, Iyad Allawi, said yesterday he held private meetings with representatives of insurgent groups from the restive cities of Fallujah, Ramadi, and Samarra to persuade them to accept an amnesty offer.

Allawi describes talks with militants


AP - In a move sure to raise the eyebrows of Hollywood and its partners, a California startup will unveil a service Monday that allows subscribers to remotely access their digital media files  #151; even watch live television  #151; from any gadget with an Internet connection.

Orb Unveils New Service for Digital Media (AP)


THE crisis in Darfur is now affecting at least two million people as violence and insecurity in the war-torn region of Sudan intensify, the United Nations warned last night.

Darfur crisis now affects two million, UN reports


com. One day after signing a right-handed hitter with two 45-home run seasons on his resume, the Mariners are on the verge of signing the current Major League home run champion.

Mariners, Beltre reach agreement


Microsoft - and indeed Bungie - can #39;t be happy. Reports are sweeping the inform-o-tron superhighway that the comeplte code for Halo 2 has leaked onto the net, through newsgroups and file sharing networks.

Which bugger did it?


President Vladimir Putin #39;s government has played down revelations of terrorist involvement in the crash of two airliners, apparently not wanting to highlight an embarrassing security

Russia downplays terror crash revelations


MacCentral - Apple has a habit of quietly releasing special Macintosh models for schools and colleges. There were, for example, the Power Mac 5000 line and the G3 All-in-One Mac for education (both of which resembled early and somewhat pedestrian precursors to the original iMac).

For schools, Apple offers special iMac G5, eMac (MacCentral)


AP - A string of bombs killed 35 children and wounded scores of others as U.S. troops handed out candy Thursday at a government-sponsored celebration to inaugurate a sewage plant. It was the largest death toll of children in any insurgent attack since the start of the Iraq conflict.

Iraq Bombings Kill 35 Youths, Hurt Scores (AP)


SUN CITY, South Africa (Reuters) - Australia's Stuart  Appleby carded a second round 69 to move to five-under par 139  and a one-stroke lead at the Sun City Golf Challenge on Friday.

Appleby Takes Halfway Lead in Sun City


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - It's being likened to a roll of the dice.

Bush visit, new relationship with U.S. fraught with political risk for Martin (Canadian Press)


XSTRATA, the diversified miner, will have to increase its A\$7.4 billion (3.1 billion) bid for WMC Resources if it is to succeed, analysts have said.

Xstrata  #39;will have to raise bid #39; to win WMC


Hard drive manufacturer Seagate Technology is now shipping what it claims is the world #39;s largest capacity hard drive holding a whopping 400Gb.

Seagate ships 400Gb drive


AFP - Eritrea has broken up a  quot;terrorist network quot; backed by Sudan that had plotted to assassinate President Isaias Afwerki and attack civilian targets, the government said in a further escalation of tensions between the two neighbors.

Eritrea dismantles 'terrorist network' backed by Sudan: official (AFP)


Gen. Augusto Pinochet was indicted Monday for the kidnapping of nine dissidents and the killing of one of them during his 1973-90 regime, and the former dictator was placed under house arrest.

Chile's Ex-Dictator Pinochet Is Indicted


Intel also unveiled a key optical design win with Emulex Corporation and a new compiler for storage applications. Intel introduced the 64 bit-capable Low Voltage Intel Xeon Processor 2.8 GHz with 800

Intel Launches Storage Processor


Reuters - Mobile phone giants Vodafone and

Vodafone, Nokia Team Up for Simpler Mobile Software (Reuters)


ASHINGTON, Aug. 17 (AP) - A legal overseer will be appointed to represent participants in United Airlines #39; pension plans now that the company has halted contributions, the Labor Department said on Tuesday.

US Wants a Trustee Named to Oversee United #39;s Pensions


Attack was the first time insurgents had penetrated the heavily protected area that is the home of the Iraqi government and U.S. officials.

Blasts Inside Green Zone Kill at Least Five


AFP - When jewellery designer Cynthia Dillon offered to help galvanize Republican support among Europe-based US voters, she didn't have to wait long to realize her key weapon on the stump in Spain was a skin as thick as her party's elephant symbol.

Thick skin helps Republican volunteer campaigner in Spain (AFP)


Pakistan said Sunday it still has no information about the whereabouts of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and his close associates.

OBL still untraced, says Pakistan


IN JUNE, the House and Senate each passed corporate tax bills. As we wrote at the time, both threatened to inflict further complications on the tax code, widen the budget deficit and affirm the belief of corporations

Veto This Bill


Australia warns that terrorists could be preparing an attack in Indonesia, possibly targeting a Hilton hotel.

Australia alert on Indonesia attack


Johannesburg, 7 October 2004 - Computer Associates International, Inc (NYSE: CA) today announced general availability of eTrust Antivirus for Microsoft Windows XP Embedded - the industry #39;s first virus protection solution designed specifically for

CA delivers industry #39;s first virus protection solution for <b>...</b>


PORTSMOUTH - Five former or current city residents are among the individuals the Internal Revenue Service is looking for because their income tax refund checks could not be delivered.

IRS seeks to refund locals


NAIROBI (Reuters) - The Sudanese government and its  southern rebel opponents have agreed to sign a pledge in the  Kenyan capital on Friday to formally end a brutal 21-year-old  civil war, with U.N. Security Council ambassadors as witnesses.

UN Security Council to Witness Sudan Peace Pledge


Up to five people have died and at least 20 injured after security forces in southern Thailand fired shots in the air and used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protestors.

Police open fire at Thai Muslim protest


It seems that Microsoft will release a Second Edition of Windows XP: If you thought that Service Pack 2 for Windows XP was the last of the big updates, think again.

Microsoft to launch Windows XP Release 2


Even Peter Garrett, former rock star and one-time darling of Greens and the Left, could not escape the fury of demonstrators as he arrived for the official launch of Labor #39;s election campaign in Brisbane yesterday.

Rock credentials fail to cool protest anger


INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Sports Network) - The Toronto Raptors  have traded All-Star swingman Vince Carter to the New Jersey  Nets in exchange for center Alonzo Mourning, forward Eric  Williams, center/forward Aaron Williams and two conditional  first-round draft picks. The trade cannot be announced until  the NBA approves it for salary-cap purposes.

Vince Carter Traded to Nets


In addition to relieving Mexico City #39;s top cop Marcelo Ebrard of his duties, the president also let go Jos Luis Figueroa, director of the Federal Preventative Police.

Fox fires police chief over mob attacks


Oracle Corp CEO Larry Ellison won the backing of PeopleSoft Inc shareholders for his US\$8.8 billion hostile takeover bid, taking him a step closer to clinching the deal after a 17-month fight.

PeopleSoft shareholders back Oracle bid


The Intel Pentium M processor 765 will be featured in Intel Centrino mobile technology-based systems being introduced worldwide. Intel is also shipping boxed versions of the new processor to

Intel Ramps Up with New Pentium M 765 Processor


(Aug. 22, 2004) -- The Miami Dolphins desperately needed a receiver. The Chicago Bears desperately needed a defensive end. But take a closer look, and it seems clear that the Bears came out on top in the deal -- by a lot.

Bears have edge in Ogunleye trade


Scotland manager Berti Vogts has expressed his confidence that his team will win in Moldova on Wednesday. There have been calls for his resignation after Saturday #39;s 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Norway.

Vogts sure side will beat Moldova


AP - Rookie quarterbacks don't have immediate success in the NFL. Neither do first-year middle linebackers. The positions simply are too complicated and too critical, and coaches won't trust them to the novice.

Roethlisberger, Vilma See Early Successes (AP)


EVERTON midfielder Tim Cahill could win a reprieve within the next 48 hours after a dramatic intervention from FIFA over his controversial dismissal.

FOOTBALL: FIFA CLAIMS LIFT CAHILL HOPES


CANBERRA : Australian opposition leader Mark Latham is in hospital with an inflamed pancreas, his office said.

Australian opposition leader hospitalised with pancreatitis


Japanese computer games firm Nintendo raises its sales target for the DS handheld  games console after strong early sales.

Nintendo's DS beats sales target


DeShaun Foster runs well when he #39;s angry and he was angry Sunday. So were his Carolina Panthers teammates. On Monday night, the Panthers admit they stunk it up in a 24-14 home loss to the Packers.

Foster pounds Chiefs in second half


He has been described as India #39;s answer to Robin Hood. But Koose Muniswamy Veerappan was a ruthless killer who admitted to 120 murders before he died in a hail of police bullets on Monday.

Koose Muniswamy Veerappan: The Bandit King


PC World - Violations appears to be commonplace, even though professionals agree it is risky.

Almost One in Four Businesses Pirate Software (PC World)


AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar, Dec. 11 -- In an effort to reduce the amount of military cargo hauled in vulnerable ground convoys across Iraq, the U.S. Air Force has begun airlifting much larger quantities of materiel to bases around the country.

Dangers on the Ground in Iraq Lead to Increased Use of Airlifts


Reuters - Shares in global news and information\provider Reuters Group Plc rose to their highest level since\April after a report Thursday that the firm may sell its U.S.\electronic trading subsidiary, dealers said.

Reuters Up on Report Instinet Up for Sale (Reuters)


Major Gulf producer Kuwait will back a hike of 1 million barrels per day in OPEC #39;s output ceiling if oil prices stay at record levels, a move that

Kuwait to Back Quota Hike if Price High


PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Haiti #39;s interim prime minister said Friday that he is seeking a warrant against ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide amid allegations of corruption.

Haitian Leader Seeks Warrant Vs. Aristide


Upcoming elections in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian Authority are initial steps on still rocky paths to democracy.

Democracy stirs in the Arab world


The current recovery of the global economy is dampened by risks that could give rise to financial and exchange-rate instability and to a slowdown in growth, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) warned Thursday.

Economy: Unctad Warns of Threats to Global Recovery


Serena Williams #39;s clash with Maria Sharapova in the WTA Tour Championships final was billed as a Wimbledon grudge match, but by the end Williams was too worried about the future to be looking back.

Williams dejected after latest injury setback


Two Great White Sharks have killed a teenage surfer off a popular beach in southern Australia. The 18-year-old man was attacked after falling from a surfboard being towed behind a boat at West Beach in the city of Adelaide, authorities said.

Australian surfer eaten by sharks


Northern Rock #39;s full-year profit will at least meet analysts #39; expectations as the mortgage bank continues to pile on business despite the slowing housing market.

Northern Rock upbeat as loans surge


Anastasia Myskina helped Russia tiedefending champion France 1-1 in their Fed Cup final, beating Moscow-born Tatiana Golovin 6-4 and 7-6 in the second singles on Saturday.

Russia ties France 1-1 in Fed Cup final


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Steve McNair returned to the lineup, and the Tennessee Titans returned to form.

McNair cures Titans' ills


Researchers on Monday unveiled genetically engineered mice that can run farther and longer than their naturally bred brethren, bringing the  quot;genetic doping quot; of elite athletes a small step closer to reality.

#39;Marathon #39; mice engineered for extra endurance


AP - Kobe Bryant is a free man  #151; and the Los Angeles Lakers are his team. Shaquille O'Neal, Derek Fisher, Gary Payton and Karl Malone are gone, leaving Bryant as Showtime's lone superstar.

Kobe Takes Over As Lakers' Leader (AP)


Three of the five new NTT DoCoMo models are equipped with Sony #39;s FiliCa contactless IC card technology that enables the handsets to function as electronic money.

NTT DoCoMo To Launch New Mobile Phone Models


In the wake of escalating deadly violence in the Gaza Strip, the UN Security Council met Monday at an open debate to hear many speakers urge an end to conflict there.

UN Security Council urges end to violence in Mideast


Karrie Webb shot an opening round of four-under par 68 to be two shots behind Annika Sorenstam at the LPGA Tour Championship at Trump International golf course.

Webb two off Sorenstam #39;s pace


AMD and IBM have extended their chip-manufacturing technology agreement for another three years according to investors.com. The previous deal, signed in 2002, was due to run out next year.

AMD and IBM to share chip technology for three more years


Rising sea levels could put many of Northern Irelands most vulnerable coastal areas under threat if carbon dioxide emissions are not cut immediately, a new report has claimed.

Coastal NI under threat from melting Arctic


The seven lawsuits were filed on Wednesday in Washington State Superior Court in King County against John Doe defendants who have yet to be identified.

Microsoft files seven new spam lawsuits


Adrian Mutu has issued an apology to fans at his former club Chelsea for testing positive for cocaine last month. The Romanian striker was sacked by Chelsea and handed a seven month ban by the English Football Association for failing the drug test.

Mutu says sorry to Chelsea fans


UN refugee commissioner Ruud Lubbers is due to meet top Sudanese officials on Tuesday to discuss what the UN calls the world #39;s worst humanitarian crisis.

Lubbers set for new Darfur talks


BT HAS re-entered the mobile phone market, launching its own branded cellphone service on Vodafone #39;s network as it looks to boost revenues with its fixed-line business in decline.

BT plots comeback


Utah defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham was hired as the school #39;s football coach to replace Urban Meyer. Whittingham rejected an offer from rival BYU to take the Utes #39; job.

Utah hires Whittingham to replace Meyer


Carol Williams, a family nurse practitioner and director of women #39;s services at the McDowell Healthcare Center in Phoenix, talks about World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. This year #39;s focus is on women and girls.

Question and Answer


Reuters - Apple Computer unveiled, after a\two-month delay, its new iMac desktop computer on Tuesday which\integrates disk drives and processors into a flat display less\than two inches thick.

Apple's New iMac Computer Is All Display (Reuters)


Police were reviewing video camera footage to find out who discharged pepper spray inside an elevator at Toys R Us #39; crowded flagship store, sending at least three people to the hospital, authorities said.

Shoppers Hospitalized After Pepper Spray


NEW ORLEANS - With 135-mph Hurricane Ivan closing in with frightening intensity, this flood-prone city scrambled Wednesday to get people out of harm's way, putting the frail and elderly in the cavernous Louisiana Superdome and urging others to move to higher floors in tall buildings.    Along some 300 miles of threatened coastline from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, the churning surf, ominous clouds, swaying traffic lights and escalating winds were all the reminders some people needed to take cover from a storm that made a slight turn north on a path that could bring it ashore early Thursday at the Alabama-Mississippi line, near Mobile, Ala...

New Orleans Urges People to Take Shelter


ZURICH, Switzerland -- Venus Williams avenged her controversial loss at this year #39;s Wimbledon tournament with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Karolina Sprem at the Swisscom Challenge on Tuesday.

Venus wins in 54 minutes


Blogs Have Overtaken 8 Million Americans, 57 Are Male\\After being pounded in the blogging stakes by rampant female blogging last year, men have flocked back to the blogosphere in increasing numbers, safe in the knowledge that once more, the Pew Internet and American Life Project would restore what many of ...


Political rivalries, ethnic strife and poverty have fueled the clashes, but that has not stopped combatants from invoking religion and challenging the devotion of their rivals.

Religion Feeds Sudan's Fire


Australian troops serving in Iraq suffered their first casualties from hostile action on Monday when a car bomb exploded near their convoy in Baghdad, media reports said.

Aus Iraq patrol attacked for first time


After touching 53 dollars a barrel, light crude for November delivery settled with a gain of 65 cents at 52 dollars, 67 cents. Oil prices have risen more than 20 percent over the past month, largely in reaction

Crude touches new settlement high


Michael Schumacher dedicated Sunday #39;s Japanese Grand Prix victory to Ferrari #39;s tyre suppliers Bridgestone after they helped him to a new record and ended his run of three races without victory.

Schumacher dedicates Japan win to Bridgestone


With quarterback Alex Smith at the controls, unbeaten Utah is second in the nation in scoring. Utah #39;s offensive architects don #39;t take credit for reinventing the spread, the veer, option football or the wheel, for that matter.

Utes spread the wealth


AP - Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison reiterated his determination to prevail in a long-running takeover battle with rival business software maker PeopleSoft Inc., predicting the proposed deal will create a more competitive company with improved customer service.

Oracle's Ellison Confident in PeopleSoft (AP)


The UN Security Council is to meet behind closed doors today on the crisis threatening to reawaken central Africas devastating six nation war in Congo, Africas third-largest nation.

Security Council to Discuss Growing Congo Crisis


You can learn something about a rock by looking at it. But what most geologists really want is to smack it with a hammer. And that #39;s just what planetary scientists will do July 4 when NASA #39;s Deep Impact mission

If NASA had a hammer . . . it would smash comets


DirecTV reported a net loss of just over \$1 billion in the quarter ended September 30th, compared to a loss of \$23 million in the same period last year.

DirecTV Reports Larger Q3 Loss


LISBON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Portugal captain Luis Figo said on Wednesday he was taking a break from international soccer, although he would not confirm if the decision was final.

Figo takes break from international football


Chip maker plans for smaller, faster, less power-hungry processors.

Intel Prepares for the Next 20 Years


ISLAMABAD: Waseem Haqqie, chairman Board of Investment (BoI) said Wednesday that the government aims to enhance the ratio of foreign direct investment (FDI) to GDP from 18 percent to 22 percent in the next three years.

Govt aims to raise FDI to GDP ratio to 22 in 3 years


The Astros charged into the playoffs with their 18th consecutive home victory, capping an incredible turnaround by beating Colorado on Sunday.

Houston Earns N.L. Wild-Card Spot


Researchers at a British university say they have seen monkeys in South America using stones to dig for food in the wild, a use of tools never previously seen in non-human species.

Using tools is monkey business in Brazil


GREENSBORO, NC -- Golfer Brent Geiberger today cruised to a two-shot victory in the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro, five years after his only victory on the PGA Tour.

Geiberger Holds On For First Victory Since 1999


Imagine the long centuries of the Stone Age, when life was, by definition, hard and there was not a tipple to be had. People in the Middle East came to find a pleasing remedy in the marvel

Chinese Pottery Yields Leftovers of Stone Age Happy Hour


AP - Other measures related to transportation security, besides expanded use of government watch lists on flights, cruises and at airports, included in the intelligence overhaul legislation:

Watch Lists Glance (AP)


AP - Online retailer Buy.com is inviting itself into the expanding social networking scene, acquiring a Web site that rewards members with checks or gift certificates if they persuade others to buy their favorite products.

Buy.com Entering Social Networking Scene (AP)


PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Time Warner Inc. withdrew its bid  for Hollywood film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on Monday, after  sources said a rival bidder group headlined by Japan's Sony  Corp. raised its offer to nearly \$5 billion.

Time Warner Drops MGM Bid, Sony Persists


SBC Communications Inc. plans to cut at least 10,000 jobs, or 6 percent of its work force, by the end of next year to compensate for a drop in the number of local-telephone customers.

SBC to trim its work force 6 percent by the end of 2005


CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A man who heckled President Bush at a political rally was fired from his job at an advertising and design company for offending a client who provided tickets to the event...

Graphic Designer Fired After Heckling Bush


Tim Henman acknowledged the dilemma of his life in tennis.  quot;I #39;ve never hidden behind the fact that I #39;ll be judged on whether I win Wimbledon or not, quot; he said.

Safin cuts short Henman #39;s year


AP - Convinced that the road to Jerusalem doesn't run through Baghdad, British Prime Minister Tony Blair is trying to turn President Bush's attention from Iraq to the stalled Mideast peace process.

Blair, Bush Meet to Discuss Mideast Peace (AP)


Sears Roebuck and Co. has closed the acquisition of ownership or leasehold interest in 50 stores from Kmart Holding Corp., including one location on Oahu, the Chicago retailer said Wednesday.

Sears closes on Kmart stores


AP - International Business Machines Corp. said Wednesday it signed a pair of outsourcing contracts worth more than  #36;1 billion with two Danish companies, continuing the computer giant's push into northern Europe.

IBM Inks Outsourcing Deals Worth  #36;1B (AP)


The Norfolk Broads are on their way to getting a clean bill of ecological  health after a century of stagnation.

Clean-up works on Norfolk Broads


The great debate over file-sharing rages on, with some, like the Electronic Frontier Foundation maintaining that copyright law doesn #39;t matter anymore.

RIAA follows MPAA in fight against file swappers


Letters Featuring rare praise for Reg hack

Talented flunkeys unite against phishing


Grocery store chain Kroger Co. said Friday that its grocery and meat employees in the Seattle area approved a new three-year labor contract.

Kroger Workers OK New 3-Year Contract


NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Myanmar's military ruler, Senior  General Than Shwe, arrives in India on Sunday on a landmark  visit to strengthen economic and political ties with one of the  few friends his junta has in the world.

Myanmar Strongman Begins Historic India Visit


AP - Spurred by what appear to be unusual radiation readings offshore, the U.S. government is sending a team of 20 scientists to try to find a hydrogen bomb lost off the Georgia coast in 1958.

Federal Scientists Search for Lost H-Bomb (AP)


Paris 2012 organisers have been accused of breaking Olympic bid rules by using French embassies to promote the city. Madrid 2012 have made an official protest to the International Olympic Committee #39;s (IOC) ethical commission.

Paris 2012 accused over embassies


BALTIMORE -- Manuel Llinas knew his career was at stake. The young scientist had just finished work on an eye-catching paper on the genome of a parasite that causes malaria. Now he and his lab director faced a critical decision: where to submit the article for publication.

Internet publishing attracting academics


AFP - At least 79 people were injured, two of them seriously, when a high-speed train carrying more than 160 passengers and crew derailed in eastern Australia, police said.

Australian train derailment injures 79 (AFP)


But Australia has overwhelmed the apparent next best one-day team in the world with a seven-wicket win over New Zealand set up by Glenn McGrath #39;s early burst and finished off by a brutal knock from Andrew Symonds.

McGrath proves he #39;s on the way back


Computer Associates International Inc. announced a restructuring plan Wednesday that would reduce its work force by 800 people worldwide, saving the business software maker \$70 million annually once the plan is fully implemented.

Computer Associates Announces Restructuring


French and US Open runner-up Elena Dementieva overcame an inconsistent Patty Schnyder 6-2 6-3 to reach the second round of the Kremlin Cup on Tuesday.

Russians dominate early-round action in Moscow


Texas Tech men #39;s coach Bob Knight was the guest speaker Monday at the National Press Club, offering his opinions on basketball topics and downplaying any ambitions to make the jump to politics from the world of sports.

Knight slams NCAA in Washington


WASHINGTON Federal regulators have cleared the way for Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams Company to buy paint brush and roller-maker Paint Sundry Brands Corporation.

Sherwin-Williams has antitrust OK to buy Paint Sundry


On Wednesday August 25, Microsoft is rolling out the Windows XP Service Pack 2 to the new Windows Update site so the public can update automatically. For the majority of home users, it #39;s a case of Just Do It. The SP2 update adds security ...

Security Watch Letter:New MyDoom Piggybacks More Dangerous Worm


THE sight of Andrew Strauss delivering the penultimate over of this mismatch said more about the state of Zimbabwe cricket than any number of words.

Vaughan and Jones to fore in another mismatch


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices rallied to a record high  above \$55 a barrel on Friday on rising fears of a winter fuel  supply crunch and robust economic growth in China, the world's  number two user.

Oil Hits New Highs, China Growth Supports


TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp. and Samsung Electronics said  on Tuesday they had agreed to share patents on basic technology  to speed up product development and avoid adding to a growing  number of cross-border patent disputes.

Sony and Samsung to Cross-License Patents


OCTOBER 19, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Apple Computer today added a new entry-level model to its Power Mac G5 line, unveiling a desktop machine with a single 1.8 GHz processor that sells for \$1,499.

Apple unveils low-end Power Mac, updates Xserve RAID and iBooks


Gateway is returning to Japan and will be launching some new desktop and laptop computers for the new market. Leveraging the distribution channels of its eMachines brand, the company now offers its new line

Gateway Returns To Japan


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Circuit City Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Circuit City Posts Narrower Loss


An innocent financial background check can send ripples through your credit file.

I Caught You Looking!


AP - The bombing of a U.N. election office in Afghanistan that injuring six policemen drew calls from a U.N. union Friday for a withdrawal of staffers from the embattled nation.

Bombs Prompt Call for U.N. Afghan Pullout (AP)


ATHENS (Reuters) - American champion Tim Mack won the  Olympic pole vault title on Friday with a Games record 5.95  meters after an engrossing duel with teammate Toby Stevenson.

American Champion Tim Mack Wins Pole Vault Gold


The leader of a nationalist group that seized a remote police station, taking 10 police officers hostage, and later allegedly ambushed a police vehicle, killing four other officers, agreed Sunday to publicly lay down his weapons.

Peru Gunmen Seize Police Station


Growth in chip sales is set to halve next year due to a glut in the market, Korean chipmaker Samsung has warned. The firm said memory chips were in for a slowdown, with prices for flash memory set to fall as much as 40 in the three months to September.

Samsung sees chip sales slowing


The Ford-owned carmaker is to cut production at its three UK plants by 11 because of poor sales in the US.

Jaguar confirms cut in production


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Soaring oil prices may again hijack  Friday's gathering of finance chiefs from the world's top  economic powers, though a U.S. drive to pressure  China over  currency policy was gathering steam on Thursday.

Oil Markets to Overshadow China G7 Debut


In the year that ended June 30, 2004, Massachusetts was the only state in the country that lost population -- 3,852 people to be exact. So here is my question: Are we Sweden or North Dakota?

Population decline? It's the economy, stupid


With time running out and its future on the line, US Airways will look to the leaders of the pilots union to do Wednesday what the union #39;s negotiators refused to do over the weekend: accept the airline #39;s demand for \$295 million in pay and benefit cuts.

DAILY DIGEST


Demand for expensive LCD televisions is not growing fast enough to absorb output from a slew of new factories starting production, and analysts expect prices to keep falling into 2005.

LCD glut drives LG Philips profits down 15


Police investigating last week's car bombing in Jakarta find the chassis number of the vehicle used.

Progress in Jakarta blast probe


Thailand is in shock after 78 arrested Muslims died in overloaded army trucks after a protest turned violent. The BBC #39;s Tony Cheng has visited the camp where more than 1,000 survivors of the journey are still being held.

Eyewitness: Thailand #39;s deadly protest


This morning, Interstate Bakeries (NYSE: IBC) announced that it would be adding a new product to its line of baked goods: financial reports.

Stale Wonder Bread?


Hopes -- and worries -- that U.S. regulators will soon end the ban on using wireless phones during U.S. commercial flights are likely at least a year or two early, government officials and analysts say.

Airborne Cell Phone Ban Like To Remain in Effect


The micro-robot weighs a mere 8.6 grams without battery, or 12.3 grams with the battery attached. It measures 13.6 centimeters in diameter and 8.5 centimeters in height.

Epson develops worlds lightest flying robot


Fast Forward columnist Rob Pegoraro will be online to talk about The Washington Post's special report on digital television.

Personal Tech: HDTV


By a 5-0 vote Thursday, Maines Gambling Control Board granted Penn National Gaming Inc. a conditional license to operate slot machines at Bangors harness racing track.

Gambling board gives conditional OK to Bangor slot license


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Oracle is close to gaining approval from European Union regulators regarding its proposed takeover of PeopleSoft, according to the Financial Times on Friday.

EU reportedly to OK Oracle bid for PeopleSoft


For the purist, watching basketball played at the Olympic level is a nice break from what #39;s become of the game in this country.

Overrated NBA athletes losing to better teams


Under pressure from Washington, Tehran acquiesced November 28 to demands by the French, German, and British governments that it halt all activities related to the enrichment of uranium.

Under US pressure, Tehran halts uranium conversion


NEW YORK - Tommy Hilfiger Corp. - whose once-hot preppy clothing business has cooled - is making a play to rekindle growth by buying luxury brand Karl Lagerfeld.

Hilfiger to Acquire Lagerfeld Trademarks


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Texas Instruments Inc. <A HREF=

TI Profit Up on Cellular, TV Chip Sales


A magnitude-5.9 earthquake rocked northern Japan this morning near the area where the countrys deadliest earthquake in a decade struck last month.

Strong Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan


NEW YORK A new survey says consumer sentiment improved in the first half of December. The subscriber-only University of Michigan  #39;s preliminary index on consumer sentiment for December rose to 95-point-seven from 92-point-eight seen in November.

Consumer confidence improves in December, survey says


The body of an Italian, who claimed to be with a British charity, has been displayed by Iraqi rebels who executed him after he crashed through a roadblock.

Mystery  #39;British Charity #39; Worker Executed in Iraq


AP - This November, Eileen Rivera Ley, 41, will vote by herself for the first time. Blind voters in Maryland and several other states will use electronic voting machines equipped with technology that allows the disabled to vote independently.

Disabled Are Pleased With E-Voting (AP)


Computer Associates today officially announced that John Swainson, an IBM veteran, has been named president and CEO-elect, as well as a member of the CA board.

CA officially taps Swainson for CEO job delays CA World


GONAIVES, HAITI - Workers in hurricane-battered Gonaives, Haiti, used a dump truck on Monday to put bodies of flood victims in a ditch dug as a mass grave.

Mass graves in flood-ravaged Haiti


Reuters - The death toll from a coal mine blast\in northern China has risen to 166, Xinhua news agency said on\Wednesday.

China Mine Death Toll 166 -Xinhua (Reuters)


OPEC #39;s president said yesterday the United States should tap into its emergency petroleum reserve to help lower oil prices.  quot;We have asked the United States to use their oil reserves

OPEC asks US to tap its reserve


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - The House of Commons should not waive the legal privilege that protects a key witness at the federal sponsorship inquiry, a panel of MPs recommended Thursday.

Commons advised not to waive privilege protecting key sponsorship witness (Canadian Press)


AP - Brazil's president called Tuesday for a U.N. Security Council that reflects

Nations Lobby to Expand Security Council (AP)


MacCentral - U.K.-based Internet entrepreneur Benjamin Cohen says that he got an unexpected shock last month after he checked his voicemail and heard a lawyer representing Apple Computer Inc. telling him to hand over his Web site domain, itunes.co.uk. Apple alleges that Cohen's CyberBritain Holdings Ltd is a

Apple tangles with owner of itunes.co.uk (MacCentral)


Nov. 18, 2004 -- An FDA scientist who says he was pressured by superiors not to warn the public about the cardiovascular risk of Vioxx urged lawmakers Thursday to create an independent safety office free of

Scientist: FDA Incapable of Protecting Safety


Crude oil futures markets reflected some caution Tuesday about tight distillate supplies, despite expectations that a winter supply crisis will be averted.

Update 8: Oil Market Cautious on Tight Supplies


: Search teams have found the body of a local official beheaded by suspected Muslim insurgents as revenge for the deaths of 85 rioters in southern Thailand last week, police said.

Suspected insurgents behead official in revenge for deaths of 85 <b>...</b>


WHO'S NEXT?
at Lakers
Friday, 10:30 p.m.
Comcast SportsNet

WIZARDSINSIDER


The economys 6.2-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the second quarter may have exceeded expectations, but the stock market nonetheless shrugged off the positive news.

Business shrugs off robust GDP data


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Cisco Systems Inc. <A HREF=

Cisco Plans to Accelerate New Product Offerings


With \$3.9 million in new capital, First National Bank of Ipswich is pushing farther into New Hampshire and may add an investment arm to the \$330 million-asset community bank. And with a new ticker symbol of FIWC, First National is now publicly traded on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board.

Growth is prime on agenda for Ipswich bank


Remember how people would stand in line for hours to see the first showing of a hot new movie? This week, a video game generated the same kind of excitement.

Slam-bang sequel


By the numbers. By Elia Powers. With recent reports stemming from grand jury testimony that link major league baseball sluggers Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds to past steroid use, discussion of the sports tainted image resurfaced this week.

Local manager weighs in on steroid use


Green Bay, WI (Sports Network) - The Green Bay Packers could be without two starters in their defensive backfield for this weekend #39;s game at Washington.

Packers #39; secondary banged up


With Toomer a question mark for Sunday, Taylor, a 6th-round draft choice, might start after making his pro debut last week vs. Lions.

Suddenly in the mix


Hewlett-Packard is returning to a software market where it suffered one of its worst defeats. But this time, the company has open-source software as its ally.

Hewlett-Packard takes another stab at software


AP - Colin Montgomerie will play in his seventh Ryder Cup, added to the European team Sunday as one of two wild-card selections by captain Bernhard Langer. Langer also chose 26-year-old Luke Donald, giving England five players on a team that will try to retain the Ryder Cup against the United States on Sept. 17-19 at Oakland Hills outside Detroit.

Montgomerie Gets Spot on Ryder Cup Team (AP)


Future Opteron processors will have power management technology from AMD #39;s laptop and desktop systems, the company has announced.

AMD adds power saving at the high end


VIENNA (Reuters) - The U.N. nuclear watchdog has found no  sign of nuclear-related activity at a site in Iran called  Parchin that several U.S. officials said may be linked to  secret atom bomb research, Mohamed ElBaradei said on Friday.

ElBaradei: No Sign of Nuke Activity at New Iran Site


VALDERRAMA, Spain -- Britain #39;s Ian Poulter beat Ryder Cup team mate Sergio Garcia at the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the Volvo Masters in Valderrama.

Poulter pips Garcia in a play-off


COLOMBO (Reuters) - Two people were killed and 11 wounded  when a hand grenade exploded in the VIP section of the audience  at a concert led by Indian film superstar Shah Rukh Khan and  two other actors, police said.

Grenade Kills Two at Colombo Bollywood Concert


Shawn Green hit a grand slam in the first inning and a solo homer in the third to lead the Dodgers to a 7-4 victory Saturday against the Atlanta Braves

Green flexes muscles vs. Braves


Reuters - India's most wanted bandit,\Koose Muniswamy Veerappan, was killed Monday in a shootout with\police who have for years been hunting the smuggler who killed\more than 100 people and kidnapped a movie star.

India's Most Wanted Bandit Killed in Shootout (Reuters)


Attendance is up and some players with NHL experience welcome the playing time in the minors. Ten of the American Hockey League #39;s top 13 scorers were on NHL rosters a year ago.

Minor league hockey attendance up in NHL #39;s troubled times


CHICAGO (Reuters) - United Airlines on Friday said it will  need about \$500 million in annual cost cuts above the \$655  million now in the works and also received court approval for  more time to develop a reorganization plan without interference  from creditors.

United Air May Need More in Cost Cuts


SKOPJE (Reuters) - Macedonian opposition parties looked  headed for a flop on Sunday in their referendum bid to block a  Western-inspired law that gives the ethnic Albanian minority  more local autonomy.

Low Turnout Likely to Kill Macedonian Referendum


PAULA RADCLIFFE insisted last night that her Olympic disaster will not  quot;ruin my life quot; as she bids to rebuild her career.

ATHLETICS: I CAN #39;T LET ATHENS AGONY DESTROY MY LIFE


WASHINGTON -- America's trade deficit is soaring, and the once highflying dollar has sunk to record lows against Europe's common currency. But the Bush administration has reacted with remarkable calm to developments that raise worries about a possible dollar crisis.

Dollar's slide elicits hands-off approach by US


NEW YORK (Reuters) - LaBranche   Co. <A HREF=

LaBranche Posts 3rd-Quarter Net Loss


The federal Securities Exchange Commission has asked General Motors, Ford and Navistar Corp., a maker of trucks and engines, to provide financial information about their pension and post-retirement healthcare plans.

SEC Probes Auto Pensions


AP - Republicans hold their convention next week in New York, home to the GOP-like Yankees. The Democrats chose Boston, whose Red Sox resemble that party.

Republicans Might Be Yankees of Politics (AP)


The prospect that Chinese exports will soon overwhelm the worldwide clothing market was thrown into doubt yesterday after Beijing announced it will tax its shipments of textiles and apparel once the global market is liberalized Jan. 1.

China to impose textile-export tax


AP - Flames engulfed a mosque in southeastern Netherlands early Saturday, the latest in a string of fires at Muslim institutions since the killing of a Dutch filmmaker who was critical of Islam.

Flames Engulf Mosque in Netherlands (AP)


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi delegates delivered a peace proposal to aides of Muqtada al-Sadr in Najaf on Tuesday, but the militant cleric refused to meet with them as explosions, gunfire and a U.S. bombing run persisted in the holy city...

Najaf Fighting Continues Amid Peace Push


A messy contract holdout and the need for a top-flight wide receiver prompted the Dolphins to agree on a trade Saturday that will send defensive end Adewale Ogunleye to the Chicago Bears for Marty Booker and a 2005 third-round draft pick.

Ogunleye traded for Bear receiver


Lindsay Bove, a graduate of Holliston High School, has made an immediate and positive impact on the women's soccer team at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y.

Holliston grad off to a fast start in college


College basketball: Men -- Hofstra at Dartmouth, 7 p.m. Pro basketball: Utah vs. Celtics at the FleetCenter, 7:30 p.m.

Today's schedule


Dell has slashed the price of its 15-GB Dell DJ to \$149, down from its normal list price of \$199, and \$100 less than the price of Apple #39;s iPod mini.

Dell Lowers DJ Price, Takes On Apple iPod


Egypt yesterday released Azzam Azzam, an Israeli arrested and jailed in Egypt eight years ago on charges of espionage. In exchange, Israel freed six Egyptian students who were captured in August this year

Egypt frees Azzam Azzam after 8 years


Scientists successfully inject male monkeys with a protein that renders the chimps temporarily infertile. The research may provide a new birth-control option for men in the next decade.

Male Contraception Gets a Boost


Glasgow - Scotland manager Berti Vogts has resigned because of  quot;disgraceful abuse quot; including being spat upon, he said in a Scottish Football Association statement on Monday.

Spat-on Vogts resigns


EU trade chief Peter Mandelson wants clarification of the US stance in threatened WTO action over aid to Airbus, his spokeswoman said Friday after a US official indicated Washington was delaying such action.

EU seeks clarification of US delay in WTO air row


Trying to head off growing competition from open-source rivals, Microsoft is expanding a program to give government organizations access to some of its tightly guarded software blueprints.

Microsoft Shares More Source Code


Militant Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir is escorted from prison after being re-arrested at the end of his 18-month sentence for minor immigration offenses in this file photo from April 30, 2004, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Cleric Charged in Jakarta Hotel Attack


Even with a degree in finance from Bentley College and a year working for a financial planning firm, John Tosti found the prospect of planning for retirement so intimidating that he avoided organizing his savings.

Just subtract the fear, and add some planning


Bill Clinton was an active, jogging, jovial time bomb. Like thousands of others, he had no idea how close he was to a heart attack and possibly death - even though he had years of presidential health care and continued checkups.

Heart Disease Should Not Come As A Surprise


SEATTLE (Reuters) - RealNetworks Inc. <A HREF=

RealNetworks Sells 3 Mln Songs, Ends Download Promo


U.S. Postal Service refuses to extend Stamps.com's PhotoStamps customized stamp service.

Personalized stamps canceled


Northern Uganda, where around 20,000 children have been kidnapped and many forced to serve as combatants, is the world #39;s biggest neglected humanitarian crisis, the head of UN humanitarian affairs said yesterday.

Northern Uganda  #39;world #39;s biggest neglected crisis #39;


By analyzing elephant DNA, a research team led by Seattle scientists has discovered a way to trace the origins of ivory and help stem the poaching that still threatens the giant beasts across much of their habitat.

Seattle team traces origin of ivory via elephant DNA map


NEW YORK - Stocks were narrowly mixed Wednesday as investors digested a jump in the second-quarter gross domestic product, while keeping a close eye on falling oil prices.    Investors saw the Commerce Department report, which said the nation's GDP grew 3.3 percent from April to June, as fairly good news, with a few caveats...

Stocks Are Mixed on Latest GDP Reading


Long lines form in Japan where shoppers finally get their hands on the portable gaming device. Sony Computer Entertainment #39;s long-awaited PSP (PlayStation Portable) went on sale in Japan Sunday to long lines

Sony #39;s PSP Hits the Streets


The euro surged to a new high against the US dollar for the fourth straight day Friday, although the greenback rose off its low point.

Dollar hits new low against euro


JOHN Howard has been officially sworn in as prime minister by Governor-General Michael Jeffery. In front of his new ministry, Mr Howard took the oath of office for the fourth time as prime minister.

Howard takes oath of office


KHARTOUM, August 21 (IslamOnline.net  amp; News Agencies) - Eight days before the expiry of the UN Security Council deadline on Darfur, Sudan said it would disarm militias in the troubled area gradually, and signed a deal with the United Nations saying it

Sudan, UN Sign Deal on  #39;Refugees Return #39;


NEW YORK -- Bacardi Ltd. Monday said President and Chief Executive Officer Javier Ferran has resigned for family reasons after more than 18 years with the distiller.

Bacardi CEO Ferran to depart for family


Seven Venezuelans, including six soldiers, were killed near the border with Colombia, and Venezuelan authorities suspect that Colombian rebels could be behind the shootings, an official said late Saturday.

Venezuelans killed on Colombian border


OREM, Utah - Family and friends of Lori Hacking gathered Saturday for a memorial service to remember the woman whom authorities believe was slain by her husband while she slept.    About 600 people attended the service, including the parents of both Lori Hacking and her husband, Mark, who has been charged with her murder...

Memorial Service Held for Lori Hacking


IBM, HP, Sun and Manhattan Associates head the list of vendors launching new products and services at this week's EPCglobal U.S. Conference 2004 in Baltimore.

EPCglobal: Users to get RFID progress update


Vodafone Group Plc, the world #39;s largest mobile-phone operator, said it #39;s not in talks with US partner Verizon Communications Inc.

Vodafone Says It Isn #39;t Discussing Bid for Sprint With Verizon


PeopleSoft reported a 12 increase in revenue, to \$698.8 million, and a slight uptick in revenue from software license sales in the quarter that ended Sept. 30.

PeopleSoft posts solid Q3 revenue growth


WASHINGTON : The International Monetary Fund commended Australia #39;s economic management and said the country #39;s 13-year expansion is likely to continue with 3.75 percent growth in 2004.

IMF heaps praise on Australia, sees growth at 3.75 percent


Canadian Press - MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - A 36-year-old businesswoman was believed to be the first woman to walk around Australia on Friday after striding into her hometown of Melbourne to complete her 16,700-kilometre trek in 365 days.

Woman believed to be 1st to walk around Australia strides back to hometown (Canadian Press)


Atlanta Thrashers forward Dany Heatley agreed to contract terms Wednesday with Bern in Switzerland to play with the club during the NHL lockout.

Heatley approves Swiss-league deal


The Bank of England today held the base interest rate at 4.75 for the fourth consecutive month, with the decision coming amid evidence of a slowdown in house price growth and weak economic data.

Bank keeps interest rate unchanged


All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Day 7 of joint Exp.9/Exp.10 operations and last full day before 8S undocking.

NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 22 October 2004


The UN Security Council must impose sanctions on the Sudanese officials and pro-government Arab militia behind ethnic cleansing in Sudan #39;s Darfur region, a human rights group and aid agencies said Monday.

UN pressed on Darfur sanctions


ATHENS (Reuters) - Shawn Crawford denied fellow American  Justin Gatlin a sprint double Thursday as he set up a United  States clean sweep in a controversial Olympic men's 200 meters  final.

Crawford is Golden Amid a Chorus of Boos


Or it could be that double-digit declines in mobile phone sales in the first quarter suggested that they go with the country #39;s largest wireless service provider instead.

Circuit City Hears Verizon #39;s Call


American Airlines is offering passengers a dozen on-demand movies, on-demand audio channels, video games, audio books, and newspapers.

On-Demand Movies at 30,000 Feet


CAMARILLO, Calif. Gasoline prices are dropping, thanks to an increase in the supply of crude oil. The semimonthly Lundberg Survey finds the combined national average price for all grades of gasoline is now two dollars and four cents.

As crude oil supply grows, gas prices drop


Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on the afternoon of November 1. Hu Jintao said, as an

China aims at high-standard 2008 Olympics: President Hu


Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Sunday there was still time to resolve a nuclear crisis with North Korea through six-party talks despite Pyongyang #39;s refusal to resume the negotiations.

US Seeks Strategy with Japan for New N.Korea Talks


Replacing coach Dave Wannstedt isn #39;t the only major management shakeup the Dolphins are facing in the offseason. President Eddie Jones confirmed Tuesday that he is retiring in March.

Dolphins GM may not have total job security


Two federal advisory panels meet Monday and Tuesday to discuss how to balance growing concerns that antidepressants may increase the risk of adolescent suicide vs.

Depression-Drug Suicide Debate Returns to a Boil


The update includes complete manuals, 90-day installation support, both 32-bit and 64-bit versions (including Intel #39;s EMT architecture) and around 3,500 packages.

Suse 9.2 goes mobile with Bluetooth and power management


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Former HealthSouth executive Emery Harris must be resentenced. That #39;s the ruling from the Atlanta-based 11th US- Circuit Court of Appeals.

11th Circuit orders resentencing for HealthSouth exec


UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrives in Khartoum to discuss the problem of refugee security in the troubled region.

Straw to press Sudan over Darfur


Here in the lime-green payload bay of the space shuttle Enterprise, Anne McCombs is going boldly where -- well, where only a few men have gone before.

Ready for Liftoff


By BILL KACZOR     PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) -- Many of Florida's beaches have taken on a different look after this year's parade of hurricanes finished shifting, eroding or completely relocating tons of sand...

Parade of Hurricanes Erode Florida Beaches


Militants have kidnapped two relatives of Iraqi Defense Minister Hazim al-Shalaan and demanded US forces leave the holy city of Najaf, Al Jazeera television reported Wednesday.

Militants Kidnap Relatives of Iraqi Minister-TV


By MARCIA DUNN     (AP) -- Hurricane Charley's 145-mph force took forecasters by surprise and showed just how shaky a science it still is to predict a storm's intensity - even with all the latest satellite and radar technology.

Hurricane Charley's Force Took Experts by Surprise


Mortgage rates inched up last week, but they remained well below the year-high levels set during the spring. Freddie Mac, in its weekly survey released Thursday, reported that rates on 30-year

Freddie Mac finds stability in this week #39;s mortgage rates


GROZNY, Russia - The Russian government's choice for president of war-battered Chechnya overwhelmingly won an election that opponents claimed was riddled with fraud, news agencies reported Monday, citing preliminary results.    Although the Kremlin portrayed Sunday's election as a step toward stability, terrorism cast a shadow over balloting with the downing of two Russian airliners five days earlier...

Kremlin Choice Appears to Win in Chechnya


Ordinary mice can be turned into marathon racers that run for hours and eat huge amounts of food without getting fat by altering a single gene, according to US and Korean scientists.

Marathon mice lose weight without exercise


The shockwaves generated by Bernie Ecclestone #39;s decision to scrap the British grand prix rippled out yesterday to touch every corner of the country #39;s motorsport industry, threatening Britain #39;s position as the global centre of international motor racing.

Meal tickets go as Silverstone is removed from the menu


NEW DELHI, SEPT 6: Oil ministers of India and Pakistan will hold talks on plans for a gas pipeline from Iran to India and New Delhi #39;s proposal to sell diesel to its South Asian neighbour, officials said on Monday.

India, Pakistan To Discuss Gas Pipeline Issue


By EMMA ROSS    MUNICH, Germany (AP) -- People with high blood pressure seem to be more vulnerable to heart attacks when the temperature drops, new research shows.    The findings, presented Monday at a conference of the European Society of Cardiology, are not surprising because cold weather makes the blood vessels constrict, making it harder for blood to move through, but the study is the first to document that variations in the weather increase the occurrence of heart attacks in people with high blood pressure...

Heart Attacks More Likely to Occur in Cold Weather


The surprise decision by Micky Adams to resign as Leicester Citys manager after two-and-a-half years in charge of the club was explained by the man himself today during a press conference at the Walkers Stadium.

Why Micky Adams Quit Leicester


It was a battle between the some of the league #39;s best offensive and defensive lines. Packers have pieced together one of the better offensive lines in the NFC.

Packers Win Season Opener


The move by JPMorgan Chase to cancel a \$5 billion technology services contract with IBM may show  quot;megadeals quot; are going the way of the dinosaur.

Outsourcing megadeals lose momentum


A campaigner dressed as Batman, from the fathers #39; rights group that pelted Prime Minister Tony Blair with flour-filled condoms, has staged a dramatic protest on a Buckingham Palace balcony.

Batman scales Buckingham Palace in protest


Although Brian Clough retired from management 11 years ago, he continued to monitor football with his usual passion. He followed the fortunes of his son, Nigel - the player-manager at Burton

Clough: A genuine original


Shortly before 11:30 am a large explosion was heard in Tel Aviv #39;s Carmel Market. A suicide bomber entered the market and blew himself up close to a stall at the corner of Hacarmel St.

Suicide bomber kills 4 in Tel Aviv #39;s Carmel Market


Iraqi officials say the bodies of 51 Iraqi soldiers have been found on a remote road in the east. The soldiers were apparently victims of an ambush as they were headed home on leave.

51 Iraqi soldiers found shot to death on road


New research is casting doubts on the usefulness of the human embryonic stem cells available under the White House #39;s research policy.

#39;Approved #39; Stem Cells Found Faulty


The citizens of Washington came to the DC city council on Thursday to express a variety of opinions about the proposed new stadium deal that would bring the Expos to the city.

Public debate begins in DC


AFP - European stock exchanges retreated, weighed down by end-of-the-year profit-taking and amid concern over possible interest rate hikes in the United States.

European stock exchanges run out of steam at week's end (AFP)


AP - Roger Clemens accepted the Astros' offer of salary arbitration Saturday, meaning he will either pitch for Houston next season or retire.

Clemens Accepts Astros' Arbitration Offer (AP)


Maybe the reason so many coaches have steered clear of the job at Notre Dame is that they got a look at the people they would be working for, and under what circumstances.

Gold Standard No More


LONDON - The entire management board of the embattled Russian oil company Yukos appears to have fled the country for fear of arrest.

Yukos directors  #39;flee #39; Russia


Goldman cuts No. 1 retailer #39;s rating to  quot;in-line quot; from  quot;outperform quot; on heels of weak November sales. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the world #39;s biggest retailer, suffered another blow to its star

Wal-Mart suffers another blow


NEW YORK - Former President Bill Clinton was described as doing well Tuesday, breathing on his own as he recovers from an operation to relieve arteries so severely clogged that he was in imminent danger of a major heart attack.    He was taken off his respirator Monday night - a crucial step in his recovery, Dr...

Clinton Breathing on Own After Surgery


San Francisco, December 7: Oracle Corp on Monday said it believes its business software applications, an area that has lagged the rest of the company, are gaining ground against market leader SAP AG of Germany.

Oracle says its software gaining on rival SAP


Jim Mora gathered his team for its first meeting in late March and built a fire. A lot of new coaches do that and six months later there are just embers.

Mora lighting a fire with Falcons


ATHENS (Reuters) - The Greeks were shamed again at their  own Olympics on Sunday when bronze medal weightlifter Leonidas  Sampanis was kicked out after failing a dope test.

Greece Shamed Again at Their Own Games


NEW DELHI, Dec 3. Technical level talks, led by railway officials of India and Pakistan, concluded in Islamabad today with an agreement to start the rail link, but no agreed dates on which to launch the train.

India, Pak end technical talks on rail link


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corp. said on  Tuesday it would gradually stop making liquid crystal display  (LCD) panels for televisions and computers, instead focusing on  smaller LCD panels.

Mitsubishi Elec to Stop Making Large LCD Panels


The Atlanta Braves don #39;t have the dominating pitching or explosive hitting of previous years, but they do have a penchant for scratching out wins, as they did Sunday, beating

Comeback part of Braves #39; makeup


Graves, a right-hander, was out with back spasms. He leads the Reds with 37 saves. Matthews, a left-hander, had surgery in July to remove bone chips in his elbow.

Graves activated; Padilla claimed off waivers


Reuters - The number of people filing an\initial claim for U.S. jobless aid fell by a\larger-than-expected 25,000 last week, the government said on\Thursday in a report seen as a good sign for job growth.

Jobless Claims Drop More Than Expected (Reuters)


AP - Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Monday he was

Son's Payments on Deal Disappoint Annan (AP)


A big home run by Ruben Sierra, a clutch 11th-inning hit by Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees are headed right back where most people figured.

Yankees Earn Shot at Red Sox in A.L.C.S.


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar fell in choppy trade on  Thursday as traders tried to sort out what a surprise interest  rate hike from China meant for currencies.

Dollar Falls, Market Ponders China's Move


AFP - A powerful bomb planted by suspected Maoist rebels exploded in a brand new government office block in the centre of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, injuring 32 people, police said.

Powerful bomb injures 32 civilians in Kathmandu (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - New applications for U.S. home  mortgages rose last week as lower interest rates spurred  purchases, an industry group said on Wednesday.

Mortgage Applications Up - MBA


AP - Elton Brand scored six of his 25 points in the final four minutes and finished with 13 rebounds, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 103-91 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

Clippers Defeat Warriors, 103-91 (AP)


A United Nations deadline is set to expire on Monday for the Sudanese authorities to improve security in the troubled Darfur region.

UN deadline on Darfur approaches


Reuters - Government scientists said that\volcanic activity on Washington state's Mount St. Helens had\started to taper off and downgraded their safety warning on\Wednesday, following nearly two weeks of seismic activity and\steam eruptions.

Mount St. Helens Calms Down, Scientists Lower Alert (Reuters)


Guy, a former Utah State assistant coach from 1992-94, has spent the last four seasons as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Arizona State.

Utah State hire Brent Guy as football coach


Chicken cooperative Gold Kist Inc. appears only days away from hatching into a public company -- a move intended to put more cash in the hands of farmers and increase Gold Kist #39;s own ability to raise money.

IPO will be golden for farmers


The new owners of Abbey National, Banco Santander Central Hispano, yesterday appointed their own man to head up their 9.1bn acquisition and pledged not to close any of Abbey #39;s 740 branches.

Abbey top job for Santander man


In the wake of the NBA's big basketbrawl, the Internet served its predictable role, offering up...

NBA on eBay


The Northeast-10 Conference race is entering the final third of the season, and the four teams atop the standings are separated by just a half-game.

Bentley comes home just ahead of NE-10 crowd


Some of the country #39;s richest businessmen said yesterday they couldn #39;t wait to splash their cash on the first commercial flights into orbit.

High flyers aiming for the stars


Input, a Reston provider of government market intelligence, said the federal budget for first responders to attacks and disasters may decrease for the first time since the Sept.

IN BRIEF


AP - After taking a rest in June, the nation's consumers were full of energy last month, boosting their spending by a strong 0.8 percent, a hopeful sign the economy may be emerging from a summer funk.

Consumer Spending Up 0.8 Percent in July (AP)


Trying to counter the loss of Pedro Martnez and their failures in other contract negotiations, the Red Sox have reached an agreement shortstop Edgar Renteria.

By Signing Renteria, Red Sox Finally Make a Big Splash


The underdog in the microchip business says its new line of chips is the fastest on the market. Five days after Intel announced it would abandon development of 4-gigahertz (Ghz) chips, its archrival pounced

AMD kicks Intel when its down


They battled over the final three kilometers before Carter pulled ahead for a victory by just under eight seconds. Carter covered the three-event competition in one hour, 51 minutes, 7.73 seconds.

New Zealand wins gold, silver in triathlon


AP - Kevin Brown had successful surgery on his broken left hand Sunday and vowed to pitch again for the New York Yankees this season.

Yankees' Brown Has Successful Surgery (AP)


BOSTON (Reuters) - Diversified manufacturer General  Electric Co. <A HREF=

GE OKs \$15 Billion Buyback, Ups Dividend


Indonesia announced on Monday its aspiration for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council, saying it should be given a voice on thecouncil.

Indonesia says it wants permanent Security Council seat


It #39;s a place where ghouls are immortalised in paint. The queue is always long, even when the weather #39;s grim. The Ghost Train is Luna Park #39;s most popular ride.

The technology of ups and downs


For weeks Turkey has been talking frenziedly about adultery. It #39;s nothing to do with the country #39;s sexual habits. There #39;s been nothing to indicate an upsurge in infidelity.

Analysis: Turkey, adultery, and the EU


PHILADELPHIA (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Phillies  have picked up the option for next season on closer Billy  Wagner. Under the terms of the contract, Wagner will make \$9  million in 2005. If the club not exercised the option, Wagner  would have been owed a \$3 million buyout and would have been  eligible to file for free agency.

Phillies Decide to Keep Wagner; Rodriguez Also to Stay


Young adults are the prime target of Vodafone's first video phones, which supports music downloads and TV clips.

Vodafone targets iPod generation


AP - A rebel leader said Tuesday that Haiti's U.S.-backed interim government must meet demands to rebuild the storm-devastated city of Gonaives or face a revolt like that which drove out President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Rebel Leader Says Haiti Must Meet Demands (AP)


com September 27, 2004, 5:00 AM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.

Russia gets budget version of Windows


Scotland #39;s World Cup qualification campaign began disappointingly as they were held to a goalless Hampden Park draw by Slovenia.

FOOTBALL LIVE REPORTS


The Pistons ended up on the wrong side of history Tuesday night at the Charlotte Coliseum. They became the first defending NBA champion to lose to an expansion team since

Lethargy helps  #39;Cats #39; historic win, 91-89


Alltel Corp. on Tuesday said it has completed its \$144 million summer deal with US Cellular and TDS Telecom, only days after announcing it plans to acquire wireless properties

Alltel closes deal with US Cellular on heels of Cingular <b>...</b>