New voters are flooding local election offices with paperwork, registering in significantly higher numbers than four years ago as attention to the presidential election runs high and an array of activist groups recruit would-be voters who could prove critical come Nov. 2...

Flood of New Voters Signing Up


By LISA SCHENCKER     CHICAGO (AP) -- Midwestern spiders always get big as they prepare to lay eggs, but this year they're even fatter thanks to a cool, wet summer that sustained their favorite snack - insects.

Cooler Summers Create Bigger Spiders


Russian state-controlled gas giant Gazprom has announced its intention to be one of the bidders in the auction of the 76.8 stake in Yuganskneftegaz to be held on Dec.19.

Gazprom expands its oil business preparing to buy Yuganskneftegaz


Innovative Solutions quot;, promises the Riggs Bank slogan emblazoned across the home page of its website.  quot;For over 165 years we #39;ve been developing innovative, custom-tailored solutions to improve the lives of our customers.

Also from this section


THE Football Association today rebuffed Sir Alex Ferguson #39;s call for action to be taken against Arsenal forward Robin van Persie over his alleged attempt to elbow Kieran Richardson during Manchester United #39;s League Cup quarter-final victory at Old Trafford

Van Persie sweet with FA


According to a recent report from a research group, Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer at an Asian Government Leaders Forum in Singapore claimed that Linux violates more than 228 patents.

Microsoft Tries To Steer Asian Government Away From Linux


Winning a spot on Madden NFL's soundtrack is a new route to an old audience, as sure a bet as any when it comes to grabbing a prized demographic.

Musicians Are Making Tracks to Video Games


The burning and deforestation of Brazils vast Amazon rain forest causes nearly 3 of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions, according to a government report released yesterday.

Brazil Rain Forest Burning A Major Greenhouse Gas Cause


Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Sunday the United States and its allies were locked in a test of wills with insurgents in Iraq and must overcome the  quot;pain and ugliness quot; of the conflict.

Rumsfeld Says US Faces Test of Wills in Iraq


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) - Wal-Mart Stores will experience the most negative impact from a plan for Standard  amp; Poor #39;s to shift the composition of key index benchmarks over a phased, year-long transition, analysts said Wednesday.

Wal-Mart to take biggest hit from S amp;P index shift


Kenya Sunday launched an international conference aimed at working toward the eradication of land mines by the year 2009 with traditional African dances and songs.

Song and Dance as Land Mine Meeting Opens in Kenya


Cadiz, Spain (Sports Network) - Ian Poulter parred the first hole of a playoff on Sunday to win the Volvo Masters Andalucia over Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia at Valderrama Golf Club.

Poulter defeats Garcia in playoff at Valderrama


A human rights group urges the UN to take recruiters of child soldiers to the International Criminal Court.

Warning to child soldier scouts


Three new software management tools are designed to help businesses keep applications configured properly to avoid snarl-ups.

Motive aims to head off system glitches


AMR Corp., the owner of American Airlines, said Friday that it received a \$850 million, revolving credit line, replacing a \$834 million line that was set to expire next year.

American Airlines Gets Credit Line Boost


LONDON - Thousands of anti-war and anti-globalization activists marched through central London and filled Trafalgar Square on Sunday to protest the U.S.-led coalition's presence in Iraq.    The march marked the culmination of the third European Social Forum - three days of speeches, workshops and debates largely dominated by Iraq and the U.S...

Thousands of Britons Protest War in Iraq


LLEYTON Hewitt is in hot form and a determined Mark Philippoussis declared yesterday he was ready to reverse his form slump and  quot;do some damage quot; at the US Open beginning tonight.

Hewitt runs hot


Aston Villa have revealed striker Darius Vassell has suffered a broken ankle and will be out of action for an  quot;extended period quot;.

Villa rocked by Vassell injury


The hotel business in Washington has largely bounced back since Sept. 11, 2001, argue some of the 3,800 hotel workers threatening a strike, but not for them.

Hotel Talks Show Mixed Progress


LONDON - For some writers who criticize Islam, bullet-proof glass, bodyguards, death threats and pseudonyms are a part of everyday life.

Critics of Islam on edge after murder


TheDeal.com - The Department of Justice has approved Cingular Wireless'  #36;41 billion acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless Services.

Antitrust clears wireless merger (TheDeal.com)


Keep on moving on. Just one month after his abrupt departure from the chip unit at Phillips Electronics (nyse: PHG - news - people ), Scott McGregor will be moving from the Netherlands back to the US to fill

McGregor: Back In The US To Head Broadcom


AP - The Cleveland Indians pulled within one game of the AL Central lead, scoring four runs in the first inning and beating the Minnesota Twins 7-1 Saturday night behind home runs by Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez.

Indians Beat Twins 7-1, Nearing AL Lead (AP)


If you #39;ve always wanted to send someone to the moon, you might just get your chance. Free! Sign up here to receive our Before the Bell e-Newsletter!

Virgin Group licenses MS co-founder #39;s spaceship concept


Clifford Robinson scored a season-high 25 points, Jason Richardson had a key follow dunk in the final minute and Golden State snapped a 12-game losing streak in Dallas.

UNDATED: the Hawks.


A former game programmer is running for the U.S. House of Representatives with a platform forcefully addressing tech industry issues like digital copyright protection. But he still lags far behind his opponent in the fund-raising department. By Jacob Ogles.

Candidate Has Platform for Geeks


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

Merrill Profit Falls, Beats Expectations


WASHINGTON: The Bush administration, unhappy with what it sees as his interference in the US election on the Iraqi explosives issue, would actively seek to oust the UN nuclear watchdog chief if the president is re-elected, a senior official said on Friday

US to seek ouster of IAEA chief


BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Reuters) - Bigger than the  Olympics boasted one paper. Excitement is a gimme promised  another.

Column: Ryder Cup Promised Much But Delivered Little


MELBOURNE: Britains HHG Plc has agreed to sell its life insurance business for 1.025bil to Life Company Investor Group, and plans to return 875mil of the proceeds to shareholders.

Britains HHG sells life services arm for 1bil


AP - For two months, this historic city of commerce and culture was a

Samarra May Be Key to Handling Iraq Cities (AP)


LANDOVER, United States : Running back Richie Anderson tossed a 26-yard touchdown pass to Terry Glenn in the fourth quarter as Dallas beat the Washington Redskins 21-18 in a National Football League matchup.

American Football: Anderson #39;s TD toss helps Cowboys shade Redskins


Its net income during the June to September period was 2.69tr won (1.2bn), 46 up on the same period a year earlier. During the period, which is Samsung Electronics #39; fiscal third quarter, the company said

Samsung Q3 sales, profits show strong growth


Shares in prime takeover target Southcorp jumped after Constellation Brands offered \$US970 million for Californian winemaker Robert Mondavi.

Lift for wine producers


The Israeli army blew up an abandoned house near a Gaza Strip settlement Thursday, sending large plumes of smoke in the air. An army spokesman said the house, not far from the Jewish

Israeli Army Blows Up House Near Gaza


Some 20,000 Afghans paid tribute Wednesday to slain anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massood, packing a stadium in Kabul ringed with security to guard against attacks by the still-active Islamic militia.

Afghans remember slain anti-Taliban commander amid tight security


Oracle Corp. has again extended its \$7.7 billion cash offer for PeopleSoft Inc. Shareholders now have until Oct. 8 to tender their shares, Oracle said Thursday.

Oracle further extends PeopleSoft offer


Reuters - Hurricane Ivan blew oil prices back\above  #36;44 a barrel on Tuesday, fueling fears of disruption to\supplies and giving European investors an excuse to take\profits from stock markets at 10-week highs.

Global Markets: Ivan Blows Oil Higher (Reuters)


Atkins Nutritionals, the food company founded by the man behind the Atkins diet, is laying off workers and cutting costs in the face of mushrooming competition to supply low-carbohydrate foods.

Atkins slims down in face of competition


Despite all the Bond touches, the latest in the Metal Gear Solid series keeps its belly on the ground and does pretty much everything right. Game review by Chris Kohler.

Snake Eater a Slithering Success


Russian oil company YUKOS said on Monday it would be able to cover only half of its \$3.4 billion back tax bill by its deadline at the end of August but it would continue making payments in September.

YUKOS Can Pay Half Its \$3.4 Bln Tax Bill


Reuters - U.N. inspectors, barred from most of\Iraq since last year's invasion, are ready to return to probe\the disappearance of equipment that could be used in atomic\weapons, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday.

U.N. Nuclear Inspectors Ready to Return to Iraq (Reuters)


An audio tape said to have been recorded by Osama Bin Laden's deputy is broadcast by Arabic TV channel al-Jazeera.

'New al-Qaeda tape' is released


IT managers on hand for this week's Storage Decisions conference said they are working ever harder to consolidate storage-area networks, attain a single view of their infrastructure and increase the amount of online disk storage.

Users struggle to cope with mounting backup dilemmas


(KAAL) -- Last week it was announced that IBM might be selling part of it #39;s company, and now that appears to have happened. China #39;s biggest computer maker says it #39;s acquired a majority stake in IBM #39;s personal

IBM sells PC business to Chinese group


NEW YORK - Martha Stewart still does not know where she will do her time for lying about a stock sale, but she #39;s already been designated federal inmate No.

Stewart becomes federal inmate No. 55170-054


The dollar fell to a seven-month low against the yen and was within sight of a record low versus the euro on Monday due in part to market views that Washington is happy to see it weaken.

Dollar Down Vs Yen


The hurricane appeared to be strengthening and forecasters warned of an increased threat of serious flooding and wind damage.

Fierce Storm Wreaks Havoc Along Florida


Borland Software this week is breaking up its Together ControlCenter package for UML modeling into separate products for developing, designing, and architecting applications.

Borland focuses on UML modeling


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices surged to new record highs on  Monday near \$50 for U.S. crude as Nigeria emerged as the latest  focus for worries about supply security on world energy  markets.

Oil Near \$50 on Supply Fears in Nigeria


LOS ANGELES - Movie-goers were easy prey for a double dose of space invaders. The sci-fi smackdown

'Alien Vs. Predator' Smacks Down Rivals


A human rights group accuses the US of holding al-Qaeda suspects at secret locations in violation of legal norms.

US tackled on al-Qaeda suspects


Sony will begin mass production of full-colour organic light emitting diode (Oled) displays next year. It is considering using the technology across a range of the company #39;s portable devices with screen sizes up to 10in (25cm).

Sony to mass produce flattest screens


President Laurent Gbagbo has named a hard-liner as army chief of staff, prompting diplomats to warn Sunday of a possible resumption of hostilities against the rebel-held north of the Ivory Coast.

Gbagbo puts hard-liner in charge of Ivory Coast army


BusinessWeek Online - Malaysia has never aspired to be the freewheeling financial hub that Hong Kong and Singapore have become in Asia. For nearly 30 years, the country has been closed to all but a handful of foreign banks -- and they were mostly outfits like HSBC Bank Holdings PLC  and Standard Chartered Bank that had been there since colonial times. During the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98, foreign banks pared back operations even more. ...

Malaysia Rolls Out The Red Carpet (BusinessWeek Online)


The standoff between Oracle and PeopleSoft is once again at an impasse, as PeopleSoft's board refuses to sell the company at the price Oracle has offered, and Oracle refuses to raise its bid.

Oracle, PeopleSoft standoff likely to linger


Martha Stewart took prison life in stride yesterday, taking a solo walk around the grounds of her new home and receiving two visitors.

Martha walkin #39; the walk


AP - Hewlett-Packard Co. unveiled its own version of the iPod portable music player Friday, showing the fruits of a groundbreaking partnership it had previously announced with Apple Computer Inc.

Hewlett-Packard Unveils iPod Clone (AP)


Share price of Telekom Malaysia Bhd rose more than 1.7 or 20 sen to RM11.80 on Dec 10 after winning the bid for Indonesia #39;s third-largest mobile phone operator PT Excelcomindo Pratama.

Telekom up 20 sen after winning Excelcomindo stake


\\Why are there no fewer than 500 different Wiki implementations?\\MoinMoin, Jot, JSPWiki, InterWiki, MediaWiki, SocialText, Twiki, Team Notepad,\PhpWiki, WikiDoc, Project Forum, xWiki, AspWiki, SnipSnap, AsWiki, eGroupware\Wiki, Hiki, MiniWiki, MyWiki, ParseWiki, PHP Groupware Wiki, Trac, Usemod Wiki,\Wiliki, Zope zWiki... I'm sure I could go on...\\Aren't most of these Open Source?  Can't some of these projects merge?  For god\sake *stop it*!  The world doesn't need another wiki applications.\

Superfluous Wiki Implementations


Gelsenkirchen, Germany (Sports Network) - Since taking the reigns of Schalke on September 28, coach Ralf Rangnick has orchestrated a turn-around that has the club thinking of a Bundesliga championship.

Rangnick showing magic touch with Schalke


The British and Irish governments summoned rival Northern Ireland parties to a moat-surrounded castle Thursday in hopes of crafting a new peace deal for the British territory.

Negotiations Seek End to IRA Threat


FEW things stir the heart of stock investors like a huge merger deal. And last week #39;s shotgun wedding between Kmart and Sears, two limping retailers, was no exception.

A Stock Party, Then a Retail Hangover


com. Almost by accident, NASA #39;s Mars rover Opportunity has found a rock that may point to a second water event in the red planet #39;s past.

Opportunity rover stumbles upon rocky, maybe watery, find


USATODAY.com - Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether  constitutional rights were violated because a dog sniffed a vehicle even though police did not have reason to suspect  a crime.

Court looks at dogs, drugs, privacy (USATODAY.com)


Beverly H. Lorell took a leave from her academic job last year to become chief medical and technology officer for Guidant Corp. The post puts her at the center

Harvard cardiologist a key player in Guidant deal


AP - Intuit Inc., the maker of TurboTax tax-preparation software and QuickBooks accounting programs, posted a wider loss in its latest quarter on acquisition-related expenses.

Intuit Posts Wider Loss on Acquisitions (AP)


South African gold miner Harmony Gold Mining Company (NYSE: HMY) officially made its much-anticipated  quot;tender offer, Part I quot; yesterday, and received a remarkably lukewarm response from shareholders of rival Gold Fields Limited (NYSE: GFI).

Gold Offer Loses Shine


A list of the worst 20 security vulnerabilities bedevilling Windows and *Nix systems was unveiled last Friday by the SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security) Institute.

The IT security vuln league table of fear


Troubled Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is to tie up with Merrill Lynch and Co. in North American financing operations as part of its business rehabilitation efforts.

Mitsubishi Motors, Merrill Lynch tie up over US auto loans


SEOUL (Reuters) - Top international nuclear regulator  Mohamed ElBaradei won a pledge from South Korea on Monday to  cooperate with the U.N. watchdog in the run-up to a report that  Seoul hopes will lift suspicions of clandestine atomic  activities.

UN Nuclear Chief Wins S.Korean Cooperation Pledge


Virgin has become the latest company to launch an online music download service, but UK music fans will have to wait before they can give it a try.

Virgin offers music downloads


Russian firms bought about 30 percent of the oil sold under Iraq #39;s now-defunct oil-for-food program, according to a UN investigator #39;s extensive list of companies that did business with Saddam Hussein #39;s government.

Russian Firms Head List of Oil Buyers from Saddam


AP - Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim is known for his cutting wit, and even his star players can wind up on the receiving end. Preseason All-America Hakim Warrick scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half to lead the fifth-ranked Orange to a 71-58 victory over No. 12 Mississippi State on Thursday night in the semifinals of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.

No. 5 Syracuse to Play No. 24 Memphis (AP)


OSLO, Norway - Police fielded a flood of tips but still had no motive Monday for the daring theft of

Norway Searches for Treasured Masterpieces


Trying to counter the loss of Pedro Martnez and their failures in other contract negotiations, the Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement with their most significant free agent this off-season

By Signing Renteria, Red Sox Finally Make a Big Splash


COLUMBUS - Sometimes the best way to deal with bad news is to run from it. Strap on your dancing cleats and fly a little. Maurice Clarett left Buckeye Nation backpedaling and scarlet-faced for more than a week, but Saturday came soon enough.

Bucks unleash their potential


The wait for Eli Manning is over, and not at the request of the New York Giants ownership. The Giants #39; quarterback of the future was given the starting job Monday after two-time MVP Kurt Warner was benched after New York #39;s third loss in four games.

Giants,  #39;Skins, Fins change QBs


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar sank on Friday as  persistent concerns over the U.S. economy and comments  throughout the week from European Central Bank and Federal  Reserve officials afforded the currency no respite.

Dollar Weakens, Seen Falling Further


XM Satellite Radio Holdings introduced a handheld portable version of its satellite radio.

Photo: XM's portable satellite radio


Christina Kim made 11 birdies and tied the tournament record of 10-under-par 62 for a two-shot lead after the opening round of the LPGA State Farm Classic in Springfield, Ill.

Kim ties record at State Farm Classic


For those tempted to question or complain about the call to the bullpen with Curt Schilling two outs away from his fourth complete game of the season yesterday, consider the example set by the pitcher himself. It was a silent, practically imperceptible, protest.

Schilling completely fine with this decision


TOKYO : A woman and two young children buried for four days after a deadly earthquake in central Japan have been pulled alive from the rubble Wednesday as another powerful temblor rocked the region.

Three survive four-day ordeal as strong tremor rattles quake-hit <b>...</b>


Facing strong protests, China broke a week-long silence Tuesday and offered Japan its first explanation about a Chinese submarine that Tokyo said intruded into Japanese territorial

China Explains Sub Incursion


LONDON COLNEY: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will send out a team of  quot;gladiators quot; to face Manchester United in Monday #39;s crunch Premier League game at Old Trafford.

Wenger to send out team of  #39;gladiators #39; against United


AP - Quarterback Mark Brunell will start for the Washington Redskins on Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys, having recovered sufficiently from a strained hamstring.

Redskins' Brunell to Start Vs. Cowboys (AP)


Samarra is hit by its first major attack since US-led forces recaptured the town from insurgents three weeks ago.

'Eight dead' in Iraq car bombs


IN an unconvincing display Australia #39;s troubled women #39;s rowing crew last night welcomed back Sally Robbins, but doubts remain about her involvement in future team events.

Girls row into calm waters


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's interim president told George W.  Bush at the White House on Monday that the

Iraq's Yawar: 'Armies of Darkness' Won't Stop Vote


AP - A fight breaks out, and even though people at the far side of the crowd can't see what's going on, they are immediately on edge. Now, a Harvard researcher has an explanation for this fear contagion, the quick spread of emotion through a crowd.

Study: Posture Able to Communicate Fear (AP)


The extra point is supposed to be a routine play. When you think about it, a lot of it is muscle memory. Snap, hold and a short kick by a former soccer player.

Week in review: A point afterthought


NASA officials said today they were more optimistic about the possibilities for extricating some science from the battered Genesis space capsule.

Scientists: Can pull science out of Genesis pieces


Microsoft has told a judge that the European Commission must be stopped from ordering it to give up secret technology to competitors.

Microsoft asks judge to suspend penalties


SiliconValley.com - Yahoo, seeking to add e-commerce to its Internet music portal, will pay  #36;160 million in cash to acquire Musicmatch, a critically acclaimed but little known music jukebox and download service.

Yahoo boosts music portal (SiliconValley.com)


Atlanta - Maybe Tiger Woods knew what he was doing after all. On the verge of becoming just another millionaire golfer, Woods finally put his new swing to good use.

Hidden swing, crouching Tiger


Russia rebounded from last month #39;s 7-1 thrashing by Portugal with a morale-boosting 4-0 win over Estonia in a World Cup qualifier in Krasnodar on Wednesday.

Russia rebound with four-goal win


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Terry Glenn scored the winning  touchdown early in the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys  continued their domination of the Washington Redskins with a  21-18 win in Landover, Maryland on Monday.

Glenn Touchdown Gives Dallas Victory Over Washington


Bartolo Colon pitched seven sharp innings, Garret Anderson drove in three runs and the Anaheim Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 11-0 Sunday.

Angels 11, White Sox 0


SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT - message board) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Nextel Communications Inc.

Moto Touts PTT Upgrade


The local newspapers had already spent several days building it up as The Return of the Legend - Yao Ming #39;s homecoming to China with the Rockets.

Yao takes coach on trip down memory lane


Considered important vulnerabilities that leave users open to attack in Microsoft #39;s (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows for desktop and server installations, the Redmond

Microsoft warns of new vulnerabilities, five bulletins issued


Russia #39;s OAO Severstal (CHMF.RTS: Quote, Profile, Research) made a bid for Stelco Inc. (STEa.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday, promising to take on the debts

UPDATE 2-Russia #39;s Severstal makes offer for Canada #39;s Stelco


The Genesis desert crash has left scientists wondering about the delicate condition of its solar wind collection. The first release of samples to the community has begun, while new tests for oxygen-isotopes may help uncover which particles might have lunar, solar or terrestrial origins.

Opening the Lid on Genesis


The World Trade Organization (WTO) general council agreed, early this month in Geneva, on the  quot;July Package quot; that set a framework for the Doha Round, which had been in trouble since the collapse of the ministerial meeting in Cancun, Mexico about a year ago

Indonesia needs to formulate country policy for WTO: Khor


Forbes, a site not usually known for rumour-mongering, believes Apple and U2 will announce special customized U2 iPods next week. The report cites  quot;sources close to the group quot;, who claim

Forbes predicts black U2 iPod


Curt Schilling, his wonky ankle held together by stitches, tossed six courageous innings to help the Boston Red Sox pound the St. Louis Cardinals 6-2 to seize control of the 100th World Series Sunday.

Baseball-Schilling Gives Red Sox 2-0 World Series Lead


TOKYO -- Responding to Sergeant Charles Robert Jenkins's pledge to surrender after spending four decades in North Korea, US military officials say they are ready to put the frail 64-year-old back in uniform, give him a haircut, set him up in on-base housing -- and then try him for desertion.

Accused deserter set to face Army trial


There were 1,999 previous wins for Bobby Cox as a major league manager, but in several respects the one on Wednesday - a 6-3 victory against the New York Mets on a gorgeous afternoon at Turner Field - was quintessential for the Braves skipper.

Cox records 2,000th win


SEOUL (Reuters) - Excess supplies of large liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are forecast to peak in the third quarter of this year, but will balance out by the fourth, a US research firm said on Friday.

Global LCD Oversupply to Peak -Report


It took 12 weeks for the Green Bay Packers to work out a deal with Tim Couch, six weeks to get him in uniform and five weeks to decide he wasn #39;t capable of playing in their offense.

Soreness nagged him through camp


Reuters - Dallas Cowboys running\back Eddie George was inactive for Sunday's game against New\Orleans as a healthy scratch and missed a game for the first\time in his NFL career.

Cowboys RB George Sits for First Time in Career (Reuters)


Former Jaguar test and reserve driver Bjrn Wirdheim #39;s Formula One hopes were dealt a blow after Red Bull told him that he will not be working with them next year.

Latest News Red Bull show Wirdheim the door


CHISINAU: Scotland coach Berti Vogts was verbally abused by fans after his side #39;s flagging World Cup qualification hopes were dealt a further blow in a 1-1 draw in Moldova on Wednesday.

Vogts abused by fans after draw with Moldova


A former assistant football coach at Kentucky has sued the university #39;s Athletic Association, the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference for \$50 million.

Ex-Kentucky assistant sues school, NCAA, SEC


By JOSHUA FREED     MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Trix Rabbit and that Lucky Charms leprechaun are going on a whole-grain diet. General Mills announced Thursday that it will convert all of its breakfast cereals to whole grain...

General Mills to Make All Cereals Whole Grain


Immerse yourself in the World of Warcraft, released simultaneously by Blizzard for both Mac and PC and get ready to play one of the years most anticipated games, released simultaneously for Mac and PC. Dec 03

World of Warcraft


Reuters - Dick Cheney is one of the most\powerful vice presidents in U.S. history, regarded as a driving\force behind the Iraq war and the Bush administration's\industry-friendly energy policy.

Cheney Is a Quiet Force Behind Bush Presidency (Reuters)


The scandal-beset company will also lay off about 10 percent of its work force.

Nortel to lay off 3,500


A meeting of OPEC members this week will decide whether to increase its production band and prices, or lower them, amid wildly oscillating oil markets.

OPEC meets to decide production quota


Englishmen Paul Casey and Luke Donald surged to a five-stroke lead in the second round of the team World Cup, shooting an 8-under-par 64 on Friday for a two-round total of 19-under 125.

England leads at World Cup of Golf


A 20-year-old man appeared in court today charged with the murder of schoolgirl Danielle Beccan. Mark Ontonio (cor) Kelly is accused of killing the 14-year-old in the early hours

Man Remanded over Danielle Murder


Software giant readies slew of new products for the holidays and revisits options for major Windows revision, News.com has learned.

Microsoft preps XP push, mulls Longhorn 'priorities'


Harvard is one of a handful of institutions in a joint venture with Google that could be the biggest development to hit the library since the card catalog went digital.

Making Widener Digital


The console will cost only USD150, which is less than half the price that Sony is expected to charge for its PSP. Nintendo also intends releasing the DS in November, to take advantage of the US Christmas market.

Nintendo aims high with low-cost console


AP - Alabama state troopers are getting on the information highway. Fifty state trooper cars are already equipped with laptop computers, scanners and printers that allow them to issue traffic tickets electronically, and the goal is to have the equipment in all 325 patrol cars within two years, state Public Safety Director Mike Coppage said Thursday.

Alabama Troopers Issue Electronic Tickets (AP)


A member of the British Parliament, George Galloway, won a libel suit today against The Daily Telegraph of London, which dubbed him  quot;Saddam #39;s Little Helper

British Lawmaker Wins Libel Suit Against Daily Telegraph


JENIN, West Bank : A Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire as the Palestinian uprising entered its fifth year. Saleh Bilalu, a 47-year-old mentally ill man, was killed in Jenin after he violated an Israeli

Palestinian killed on intifada anniversary


New Delhi: In one of the largest deals in the \$3.6 billion Indian BPO industry, US-based conglomerate GE announced it will sell 60 per cent stake in its Gurgaon-based BPO arm, GECIS, to private equity firms General Atlantic Partners and Oak Hill Capital

GE sells 60 stake in Indian BPO arm


PASKISTANI security forces today killed an al-Qaeda kingpin allegedly behind an assassination attempt on President Pervez Musharraf and charged over the murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl, a security official said.

Al-Qaeda figure  #39;killed in gunfight #39;


Mike Sherman forgot his candy bar, and because of it he and the Packers tasted a sweet victory Sunday at Lambeau Field. Sherman and Grady Jackson took part in some good-natured sparring in the days leading up to Sundays Packers-Cowboys game.

Jackson puts Cowboys in headlock


South Bend, IN (Sports Network) - Notre Dame head basketball coach Mike Brey has signed a two-year extension that will keep him under contract with the Fighting Irish through the 2010-11 season.

Notre Dame extends Brey through 2010-11 season


Reported incidents were likely a small percentage of actual problems, group says.

E-Voting Problems Found in Maryland


AMMAN (Reuters) - A French jet left Amman on Friday taking  ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for treatment in Paris,  witnesses said.

Arafat Flies to France for Treatment


At least 21 Iraqi policemen were killed by an armed group that stormed a police station Sunday in a small town located 200 kilometres west of Baghdad, a police officer said.

21 Iraqi policemen shot dead west of Baghdad


Unemployment in Brazil fell to 10.9 percent in September, the lowest rate so far this year, the government's statistics institute said Friday.

Brazil Unemployment Falls to 10.9 Percent


In his press conference last Thursday, President Bush said people who don #39;t believe in the applicability of democracy to the Arab world cannot really believe in a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict with Israel.

After Arafat


BOGOTA -- Colombia's armed forces blew up 6,800 stockpiled land mines yesterday as President Alvaro Uribe, Queen Noor of Jordan, and dozens of mine blast victims watched on large screens, launching an effort aimed at ridding the country of the weapons.

Colombia explodes 6,800 land mines as victims look on


Taiwan #39;s shares ended higher Monday, with traditional stocks gaining following the transfer of military leadership in rival China to its president, Hu Jintao, analysts said.

Taiwan Stocks Close Higher


A global oversupply of large-sized liquid crystal displays (LCDs) is forecast to peak in the third quarter of this year, but it will balance out by the fourth quarter, a US-based research firm said on Friday.

Global LCD Oversupply to Peak in Q3


SAN FRANCISCO: Internet media and Web search company Yahoo Inc. said that it bought privately held e-mail search company Stata Labs, jumping into the nascent market for search-based email programs and services.

Yahoo buys e-mail search firm


AP - Jeff Garcia threw a 46-yard touchdown pass and ran for another TD in his Cleveland debut, leading the Browns to their first opening-week win since 1999, a 20-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Browns Open With Win, 20-3 Over Ravens (AP)


WHEELING, W.Va. - Hundreds of people evacuated their homes Sunday in parts of Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania as rivers and small streams were swollen beyond their banks by the torrential rain dumped by remnants of Hurricane Ivan...

Flooding Forces Evacuations in 3 States


JERUSALEM -- An Israeli military court on Tuesday sentenced a Kuwaiti-born bombmaker to 67 consecutive life terms in jail for killing dozens of Israelis and at least five Americans.

Palestinian master bombmaker sentenced


Canadian Press - (CP) - In 1986, Ron Parkes made a pilgrimage to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington.

Canadians can discover wartime bonds to Washington monuments (Canadian Press)


ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Two Chinese engineers working at a  hydro-electric project in Pakistan have been kidnapped in a  region where security forces have been hunting militants linked  to al Qaeda, officials said Saturday.

Two Chinese Engineers Kidnapped in Pakistan


Reuters - Lofty oil prices may make\the road ahead a little steeper, but the economy is on track to\emerge from a recent soft patch intact, private-sector\economists at a weekend retreat agreed.

Economists Back Fed View on Soft Patch (Reuters)


MOSCOW - Amid rising ethnic tensions in the North Caucasus, thousands on Tuesday took to the streets of Grozny, the Chechen capital, to protest the proposed pardon of a Russian army colonel who murdered a young Chechen woman.

Pardon request draws Chechens #39; ire


Hard-hit Thailand plans a campaign to change poultry farming methods as it seeks to stamp out the deadly bird flu virus before migrating wildfowl return during the

Thailand to Change Farming Ways to End Bird Flu


AFP - British Airways (BA) said it would sell its 1.1 billion dollar (770 million US) stake in Australia's Qantas in a move seen as likely to fuel a major realignment of airline alliances.

BA sale of Qantas stake foreshadows alliance shakeup - analysts (AFP)


Astana - London, September 28. KAZINFORM quotes BBC source. - World oil prices broke fresh records on Monday, with US light crude poised to break through the \$50 a barrel mark, and Brent crude topping \$46 in London.

World oil prices hit new highs


AFP - The United States and Russia carried out a secret operation last week to remove weapons-grade uranium from the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan, whose government is facing growing Islamist unrest, the Energy Department announced.

US, Russia secretly remove uranium from Uzbekistan (AFP)


Chelsea #39;s Eidur Gudjohnsen celebrates after scoring during the Premiership game between Arsenal and Chelsea FC, London, Sunday Dec. 12, 2004.

Chelsea Ties Arsenal, 2-2


FRANKFURT, Germany -- Stuttgart stretched its unbeaten record and defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to go to the top of the German league while newcomer Mainz stunned defending champion Werder Bremen 2-1 to jump to third place.

Stuttgart stays unbeaten


DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. <A HREF=

Ford Posts Profit But Loses Money in Cars


USATODAY.com - I've apparently been carrying around pretty dumb cell phones over the years - and I bet many of you have as well. That's what the telecom geniuses would have us believe, anyway. These phones don't organize our lives, don't play music, don't take pictures or videos and don't handle e-mail.

Edward C. Baig: Personal Tech - Trade in your dumb phone for a smart one: Treo 650 (USATODAY.com)


Prime Minister Tony Blair was set to face the anger of rank and file members of his Labour Party over the Iraq war on Thursday, as party officials tried to head off a motion calling for British troops to quit the country.

Blair faces Labour wrath over Iraq


Reports of Home Office letters raise new questions on whether David Blunkett

Blunkett faces new visa questions


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Inventories at U.S. wholesalers rose  0.9 percent in August, in line with expectations, as stocks of  autos, metals and computer equipment swelled, a government  report showed on Friday.

Wholesale Inventories Up 0.9 Pct in Aug


AP - Target Corp. now expects average October sales close to the top of its previous estimate of a 4 percent to 6 percent increase from last year, the discount retailer said Monday.

Target Sees Sales Growth Near 6 Percent (AP)


A car bomb exploded in a crowded market in a town north of Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least seven people and wounding 20, underlining Iraq #39;s severe security problems with elections just two months away.

Car Bomb Kills Seven, Wounds 20 in Iraq


Growth in commercial PC shipments in the second quarter was the highest in that segment since 1999, the researcher says.

IDC raises estimate for PC sales


Oil prices surged 5 percent on Friday as frigid weather lingered in the mammoth US Northeast heating oil market and militant Osama bin Laden urged renewed attacks on Middle East oil installations.

Oil Jumps 5 Pct on Cold, Bin Laden Threat


Microsoft and Dell are pairing to develop free software for Dell server customers that will integrate Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 with Dell #39;s OpenManage 4 Change Management tool.

Dell, Microsoft Team for Management of Dell Servers


PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Roger Clemens helped himself at the plate, hurt his leg running the bases and spent the rest of the night watching his teammates pull out an important win.

Roger Clemens injures leg during Astros #39; 9-8 win over Phillies


The Bucs went on to win seven, Buffalo and Pittsburgh six, Houston five and the Giants four. The five losers made the playoffs. The Patriots, you might recall, had a pretty decent year.

Browns do all the right things to earn impressive opening-week <b>...</b>


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - It was a sight skiing fans have become all too familiar with this season - Bode Miller standing on top of the medal podium.

Bode Miller continues dominant run on ski circuit


BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Reuters) - European Ryder Cup  rookie Paul Casey has defended his decision to sack his caddie  five days before the start of the biggest team event in the  sport.

Casey Defends Decision to Fire Caddie


NASA -- Catching this week's comet is as easy as flipping the switch on your computer.     As of today, a comet is visible within the live images sent back from a spacecraft stationed one million miles away...

Armchair Astronomers Revel in Comet's Path


The Justice Department is set to announce a major crackdown on cyber-crime that will include arrests, subpoenas and property seizures of alleged e-mail spammers and online scam artists, according to law enforcement and industry sources.
<FONT face=

Justice to Announce Cyber-Crime Crackdown


FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. artillery pummelled Falluja  on Wednesday and troops hunted guerrillas still fighting days  after Washington said its offensive had destroyed rebel control  of the Sunni Muslim city west of Baghdad.

U.S. Pounds Falluja Diehards, Violence in North


Gordon Brown will scrap this year #39;s planned increase in fuel duties this week as part of a heavily political package of measures designed to win back Labour #39;s lost supporters in middle Britain.

Brown to abandon fuel duty increase


The City Ground side are languishing in 22nd place in the league and coach Mick Harford has taken temporary charge.  quot;I feel it is in the best interests of the club that I resign and give my successor the chance to turn things around, quot; said Kinnear.

Kinnear resigns as Forest manager


Australia #39;s role in the US-led coalition in Iraq was cemented at the ballot box Saturday when Prime Minister John Howard swept to his fourth consecutive

Bush Ally Re-Elected; Australia Stays in Coalition


After All-Scholastic Matt O'Brien tossed a wayward pass into the arms of Arlington's Neil Rainford in the third quarter, Cambridge could see its season of hope slipping away almost before it had a chance to get started. Rainford returned the pick 50 yards for a touchdown to give Arlington a 14-10 lead over its Greater Boston League rival, ...

Cambridge constructs comeback


TORONTO (CP) - Members of corporate boards act as independent professionals, not employees, and this should be reflected in the taxation of their fees, a group representing directors says.

Corporate directors seek tax break, say fees not  #39;employment <b>...</b>


AP - Erubiel Durazo hit three homers and drove in all five of Oakland's runs, and Mark Mulder became the majors' first 16-game winner by pitching the Athletics to a 5-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night.

Durazo Leads Athletics by Orioles 5-4 (AP)


AP - Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Montae Reagor could feel the weariness long before Thursday's game at Detroit. The constant hits, the barrage of meetings, the quick pivots from game plan to game plan had already worn down his body and mind. But Reagor and his teammates never succumbed to the Colts' most grueling test of the season  #151; playing four games in 18 days.

Colts Thrive in Grueling Four-Game Stretch (AP)


Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra says some leaders of a separatist insurgency in southern Thailand have fled to neighboring Malaysia.

Thai Prime Minister Says Some Muslim Insurgency Trained Leaders <b>...</b>


Despite objections from hospitals and the medical profession, doctors are prescribing placebos for all kinds of ailments.

This Pill Will Make You Feel Better, but We're Not Sure Why


Mozambique's outgoing leader Joaquim Chissano says more people would vote if they were paid.

Chissano suggests paying voters


With a flick of a giant switch, Canada #39;s biggest and most advanced scientific research laboratory will be officially launched later today in Saskatoon.

Synchrotron puts city into national spotlight


(Sports Network) - The Cardinals will try to get back on the winning track this evening, when they battle the San Diego Padres in the middle test of a three-game set at PETCO Park.

St. Louis Cardinals Team Report - September 7


David O #39;Leary said Aston Villa #39;s performance in their Carling Cup exit to Burnley was the worst he had overseen as manager.

O #39;Leary embarrassed by Cup exit


washingtonpost.com - The last time I browsed the selection of desktops in a computer store, I came down with a case of instant deja vu. Each time I'd spot a thoughtful feature on one company's PC -- say, both USB and FireWire ports on the front or a full set of memory-card slots -- I would look at the machine to its right or left and spot the exact same item.

3-Point Shopping For a Computer (washingtonpost.com)


ITV has reported a sharp increase in half-year profits and says advertising revenue growth is accelerating. The firm, which controls more than half

ITV says advertising picking up


Reuters - India's space agency said it\successfully launched the nation's first satellite for\educational services on Monday, which is expected to boost\distance learning in a country with a huge rural population.

India Launches First Education Satellite (Reuters)


Royal Philips Electronics NV, Europe #39;s largest maker of televisions, raised 550 million euros (\$729 million) by selling more than half of its stake in Atos Origin SA, France #39;s No.

Philips Raises EU550 Mln Selling Atos Origin Shares (Update3)


TORONTO (CP) - Outfielder Vernon Wells earned his first Gold Glove on Tuesday, becoming the seventh Toronto Blue Jays player to receive the award.

Jays #39; Wells captures first Gold Glove


SANTIAGO, Chile President Bush is welcoming word that Iraq will hold elections in January -- and that a big chunk of the country #39;s debt is being forgiven.

Bush welcoming word of debt relief and elections


The price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States fell over the last two weeks during a seasonally slow consumption period, according to an industry analyst.

Gas Prices Dip to Average \$1.96 a Gallon


AFP - Steve Nash reminded the Dallas Mavericks how impressive a National Basketball Association player he can be, scoring 17 points and adding 18 assists to lead Phoenix in a 107-101 triumph here.

Canada's Nash makes triumphant NBA return to Dallas (AFP)


(November 10, 2004) - They stood out in the cold, in the snow, in the middle of the night like concert junkies waiting for tickets to see their favorite band.

#39;Halo 2 #39; debuts to crowds


USATODAY.com - Brian Stark knows exactly what he wants for Christmas. DVDs, lots of them. There's the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. There's the new Martin Scorsese gift set, with one of his all-time favorite films, Goodfellas.

DVD box sets find a place on gift lists (USATODAY.com)


GENEVA - Those behind the  quot;cold-blooded murder quot; of 22 people at the United Nations office in Baghdad one year ago must be held to account, no matter how long it takes to find them, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Thursday.

Annan vows to protect UN staff from attacks


Chiron Corp. is delaying shipment of its flu vaccine, Fluvirin, because lots containing 4 million vaccines, do not meet product sterility standards, the biopharmaceutical company said on Thursday .

UPDATE 2-Chiron delays flu vaccine shipments


Sony plans to launch its new PlayStation Portable game console in Asia at the same time the product goes live in North America and Europe toward the end of next year #39;s first quarter, the company said on Friday.

Sony sees PSP Asia launch in spring


The casino arm of tycoon Donald Trumps business empire has filed for bankruptcy protection in the face of tough competition. The move will allow the hard-nosed businessman to restructure the business and its debts.

Trump Gambles on Bankruptcy Move


New Haven, CT (Sports Network) - Seventh-seeded Elena Bovina defeated eighth- seeded Nathalie Dechy of France in three sets Saturday to win the championship at the \$585,000 Pilot Pen Tennis event -- a final US Open tune-up.

Bovina captures Pilot Pen title


Australias third-biggest bank said one-off factors, such as the loss of earnings from the sale of its London project finance business and measures to arrest NZ retail customer attrition, would on balance have a negative impact on fiscal 2005 earnings.

Acquisition boosts ANZs profit


Japanese 10-year bonds fell after a US report showed retail sales rose more than economists expected last month, damping concern demand for Japan #39;s goods will slow.

Japanese Bonds Fall as US Sales Figures Cool Export Concern


Members of Malaysia #39;s largest political party have labelled former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim a  quot;traitor quot;. The head of the youth wing of the United Malays National Organisation ( Umno) ruled out the

Malaysia #39;s Anwar called  #39;traitor #39;


AP - It's a lesson many little humans could learn from baby birds: Sometimes, being nice to other youngsters pays off. Brown-headed cowbirds, like several other bird species, leave their eggs in the nests of other birds, who then feed and raise the cowbird chicks.

Study Says Birds Feed Other Birds' Young (AP)


Once upon a time there was a boy called Bill, and he had a vision of what a computer-operating system should be able to do: find a file that had any sort of content you were looking for, anywhere on your machine or a local network, and hand it to you

Charles Arthur On Technology


AFP - Once again, Australia's Aboriginal community has been forgotten as the country prepares for a general election, according to its only indigenous senator, Aden Ridgeway.

Aborigines left out of Australian election, says senator (AFP)


AP - China and Pakistan are among nations demanding the United States and its allies on the board of the U.N. atomic watchdog agency tone down a proposed resolution designed to ease Western fears about Iran's nuclear agenda.

Showdown Vote Likely on Iran Resolution (AP)


LAGOS (Reuters) - Unions vowed to extend a general strike  over fuel prices in Nigeria to a second day on Tuesday, helping  drive world oil prices to record highs even though shipments  from Africa's top producer were unaffected.

Nigerian Strike to Continue But Oil Exports Flow


Iamgold Corp. shares fell 8.5 percent after South Africa #39;s Gold Fields Ltd. received an unsolicited takeover bid, threatening to scuttle its plan to acquire the Canadian gold producer.

Iamgold Falls as Gold Fields Takeover Thrown in Doubt (Update1)


Japan today refused to withdraw its troops from Iraq despite demands by Iraqi militants who have taken a Japanese civilian hostage and threatened to behead him unless the soldiers left.

Japan refuses to withdraw troops in hostage drama


Sarunas Jasikevicius shoots Lithuania's men's basketball team to a 94-90 victory over the United States on Saturday, America's second loss of the Athens Games.

Another Bad Dream


The Renault F1 Team is excited to announce the launch of a collection of luxury jewellery, in collaboration with designer Mary Kaczor: Bijoux Racing.

Renault F1 Team launches Bijoux Racing


Kmart Corp. #39;s cheeky proposal to acquire Sears, Roebuck and Co. for \$11 billion may be wowing Wall Street, but it doesn #39;t do anything to fix the serious problems afflicting two

Kmart-Sears merger not a cure


The European Union #39;s chief of foreign affairs is travelling to Ethiopia and Sudan for talks on the troubled Darfur region. Javier Solana is travelling to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to meet African Union (AU) officials.

EU envoy heads for Darfur talks


WALTHAM -- Shifting his weight from right to left and glancing repeatedly at his cellphone, Al Jefferson looked a bit distracted around 3 p.m. yesterday. That was understandable. The Celtics' rookie big man had to rush home and pack before catching the team charter to Detroit in an hour.

Deeper knowledge


p2pnet.net News:- Punch in 056 for the Net, says Ofcom, Britain #39;s regulator for the UK communications industries. Ofcom says it #39;ll also offer users geographic numbers beginning with 01 or 02.

Dial 065 for CyberSpace


The bill was approved by a 69-37 vote. It cuts taxes for businesses ranging from film companies to bow-and-arrow makers. It also closes tax loopholes and brings US exporters in line with international trade rules.

Senate passes corporate tax bill


For the second time in two seasons, the Jets on Sunday will welcome Chad Pennington back after an extended absence because of injury.

Pennington Is Ready, if a Bit Rusty


LONDON : Oil prices rallied back above 50 dollars a barrel, closing in on record high points on technical factors and persistent worries about tight global supplies, traders said.

Oil prices rebound above 50 dollars, close in on record highs


At the opening of the 59th UN General Assembly, Bush talked up the scheduled elections in the country and talked again of his vision of a democratic Middle East.

Bush defends decision to invade Iraq at UN General Assembly


Indianapolis-based Guidant Corp., which co-promotes Johnson  amp; Johnson #39;s Cypher drug-coated heart stent, says the device #39;s market share has risen by as much as half, helped by Boston Scientific Corp.

Guidant says stent #39;s market share up


Cisco Systems, the world #39;s largest maker of equipment for directing Internet traffic says China is well on the way to becoming the world #39;s technology hub.

Cisco sees China as center of world tech market


Reuters - Israeli troops killed a Palestinian on his\way to a mosque in a Gaza refugee camp on Wednesday as well as\a gunman closing in on an army outpost in a nearby buffer zone,\witnesses and militants said.

Israeli Troops Kill 2 Palestinians in South Gaza (Reuters)


Campbell Soup Co., the world #39;s largest soupmaker, reported a 9 percent gain in first-quarter profits Monday as sales of products from soups to chocolates rose.

Update 1: Campbell Soup Profit Up on Sales Increase


AFP - A 10-year-old Afghan boy saved from death after being airlifted to Canada for emergency heart surgery has flown home with a new lease on life.

Young Afghan heart patient, once deathly ill, leaves Canada in good health (AFP)


AP - President Bush, meeting with Asian-Pacific leaders, is seeking more international backing to both persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions and to take concrete steps to cripple terrorist networks around the world.

Bush to Take Security Agenda to APEC Meet (AP)


The Patriots know firsthand how hard it is to repeat. They have studied why they finished 9-7 and out of the playoffs in 2002 after winning their first Super Bowl.

Repeat bears watching


Host Germany will kick off the 2006 World Cup, even though its coach didn #39;t want the honor. FIFA said Wednesday that Germany will play the opening match June 9, 2006, in Munich.

Germany to kick off 2006 World Cup


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Genentech said late Monday the US Attorney #39;s office is investigating the promotion of its key oncology drug, Rituxan.

Genentech subpoenaed over Rituxan


Talks to find a solution to the Darfur crisis in Sudan are abruptly postponed, as the security situation worsens.

Darfur talks falter over security


Nokia yesterday demonstrated the  quot;first quot; wireless IPv6 call by using the companys dual-stack CDMA handset. The dual-stack IPv6 technology was put to the test over a year ago in 2003 at the 3G World Congress in Bangkok.

Nokia Demos IPv6 Dual-Stack CDMA Handset, again


At least 13 people were killed and 56 were injured when a car bomb exploded outside the emergency unit of one of Baghdad #39;s hospitals, Agence France-Presse reported, citing medical officials.

Baghdad Car Bombing Kills 13 People Outside Hospital, AFP Says


AP - Michael Young's tying triple sparked a two-run rally in the seventh inning, and the Texas Rangers again pulled within two games of the AL West lead with a 5-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night.

Rangers Edge Mariners 5-4 on 2-Run Rally (AP)


Even though he was dominated by Larry Donald on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield said he planned to keep boxing.

NYSAC chairman:  #39;It #39;s time the bleeding stopped #39;


FALLUJAH, Iraq: Two civilians were killed and 10 injured in a series of overnight air strikes in rebel-held Fallujah, the city hospital said Sunday.

US forces target insurgents moving weapons in Fallujah


MIAMI (Sports Network) - Add the marquee showdown between  fifth-ranked Florida State and No. 6 Miami-Florida to the list  of sporting events postponed by Hurricane Frances.

FSU-Miami Showdown and Florida Opener Postponed by Hurricane


Lord James Hanson, a wealthy industrialist whose business prospered by acquiring poorly run, low-tech companies and turning them into money makers, died Monday after a long battle with cancer, his spokesman said.

Lord James Hanson, prominent British businessman, dies at 82


Deutsche Bank Securities said the communications-equipment sector is likely to report weak third-quarter results, though  quot;given the extent of negative sentiment among investors, we do not believe this will represent much of a surprise.

Three Picks For A Communications Rebound


Clush Offers Option for Meaning-Based Search\\It's sorta clustering, but it looks more to me like the old


Company lets businesses and governments obtain products at

HP showcases financing


Medical tests have shown that a man being held in Iraqi custody is not former president Saddam Hussein's deputy, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, Interior Ministry spokesman Sabah Kadhim said Monday.

Minister: Captured Man Not Ibrahim


Britain has launched an inquiry into the first storming of its parliament since 1674 after a protest stunt revealed shambolic security at the heart of Prime Minister Tony Blair #39;s government.

Probe launched into parliament intrusion


The worldwide market for personal computers will double by the end of the decade, reaching about 1.3 billion units by 2010, according to Forrester Research.

Report: Global PC Market Set To Soar


AP - Using armored cars and earth movers, U.N. peacekeepers and Haitian police moved into an area early Sunday controlled by militants loyal to ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, protecting workers removing burned out cars used as road blocks.

In Haiti, Peacekeepers Take on Militants (AP)


AP - The vast majority of provisional ballots cast in Ohio were legitimate, say election officials who are poring over thousands of presidential election ballots.

Ohio Provisional Ballots Seem Legitimate (AP)


Real Madrid got the win they needed against Roma to progress to Champions League knockout stages. An early goal from Ronaldo and a Luis Figo brace gave Real a 3-0 victory, in a match played behind closed doors at the Stadio Olimpico.

Champions League round-up


Release makes use of technology from CodeWeavers to let customers run applications from Microsoft.

Linux release features Windows support


CLEVELAND  #151; This area is football #146;s mecca  #151; the Hall of Fame is about an hour away, in Canton  #151; yet the fans here have been deprived of good football for so long.

Cleveland has nothing to lose vs. Patriots


Oil prices have stepped back from this week #39;s eight percent rout, holding well above \$50 a barrel as analysts say it will take more than China #39;s mild interest rate rise

Oil price stems slide


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were near the unchanged  mark on Wednesday as results from technology bellwether Cisco  Systems disappointed Wall Street, while investors await an  expected interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve later in  the trading session.

Stocks Flat; Cisco, Pfizer Down


Belo Corp. said on Wednesday it would cut more than 3 percent of its work force, mostly at its Dallas Morning News, which is grappling with a recent scandal into inflated circulation data provided to advertisers.

Belo to Cut 250 Jobs, Completes Circulation Probe


A federal judge last week denied a request by Advanced Micro Devices to order Intel to turn over company documents to the European Commission, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Intel Wins Ruling


NEW DELHI: Pakistani and Indian foreign secretaries Riaz Khokhar and Shyam Saran on Saturday approved proposals to break the logjam over Kashmir and strengthen bilateral relations.

* Foreign secretaries finalise agenda for FMs meeting today


India bowl out Australia for 93 to win the fourth Test by 13 runs, but the tourists take the series 2-1.

India pull off astounding victory


Florida has officially found its bowl. Now, it just needs to find its coach. The Gators accepted an invitation to play either Virginia Tech or Miami in Atlanta #39;s Peach Bowl on Dec. 31.

Gators accept Peach Bowl invite


Staggered by accusations that it cheated its customers, Marsh   McLennan will lay off 3,000 employees, or 5 percent of its work force.

Marsh Plans to Cut 3,000 Jobs to Offset Recent Setbacks


AP - The House Democratic leader Thursday asked for an investigation of alleged threatening remarks made to the ethics committee chairman by GOP lawmakers.

Democratic Leader Asks for Ethics Probe (AP)


For the second time this week, a storage hardware vendor has acquired a storage software vendor. On Thursday, officials of Louisville, Colo.

StorageTek #39;s Storability Buy Marks Second Industry Acquisition <b>...</b>


AP - Osama bin Laden, publicly injecting himself into the campaign four days ahead of presidential elections, said in a videotape aired Friday that the United States can avoid another Sept. 11 attack if it stops threatening the security of Muslims.

Bin Laden: U.S. Can Avoid Another Attack (AP)


SAN JOSE, CALIF. -- Borland with its Software Delivery Optimization (SDO) plan is looking to enable users to manage software projects like a business, Borlands Boz Elloy, senior vice president of software

Borland stresses easing software project burdens


SEATTLE (Reuters) - Now that digital cameras have overtaken  film cameras in sales, users are beginning to encounter a  familiar problem -- what to do with the bulging image files and  folders filling up computer hard drives?

Software Tackles Digital Photo Proliferation


Open-source developers have warned of serious security holes in two Linux components that could allow attackers to take over a system by tricking a user into viewing a specially crafted image file or opening an archive. Patches exist for the bugs, which affect LHA and imlib.

More big security holes in Linux


The United States men's basketball team lost to Puerto Rico, 92-73. The loss could put the American gold medal hopes in jeopardy.

Puerto Rico Upsets United States Men


RABAT, Morocco, Dec. 11 -- Senior Arab officials attending a U.S.-sponsored conference to promote democracy in the Middle East emphatically rejected on Saturday the Bush administration's assertion that greater democracy in the region would help end terrorism. They argued that the administration's strong support of Israel made it difficult to undertake political reform or to stop extremists driven by hatred of U.S. policies.

Arabs Reject U.S. Push for Reform


New chip will cut the time required to transfer content onto those devices.

AMD Chips in For Portable Video Players


WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- Shares of Qwest Communications International rose more than 5 percent in Friday action amid news that the company has agreed to pay \$250 million to end a federal probe of fraudulent accounting practices employed by former management

Qwest rises on reported settlement


Kraft Foods last night posted a 3.8 drop in quarterly profit, weighed down by higher marketing spend and increased costs for cheese, coffee and other materials.

Future for Kraft is less sweet


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel threatened Syria Wednesday  over what officials said was complicity in Palestinian suicide  bombings that killed 16 people in the first such attacks in the  Jewish state in nearly six months.

Israel Threatens Syria After Hamas Bombings


DETROIT Sergio Marchionne, the new chief executive of Fiat Group, has said that his company plans to vigorously defend its right to sell its auto business to General Motors, a move that GM has said it will contest in court if need be.

Fiat ready to test GM buyout option


Camden Property Trust has agreed to buy Summit Properties Inc., a rival owner of upscale apartments, for about \$1.1 billion. The two real-estate investment trusts Monday said the merger creates the country #39;s

Camden Property to Buy Summit Properties


Novell Inc. today said it has reached a \$536 million settlement with Microsoft over antitrust issues related to Novell's NetWare network operating software.

Novell OKs \$536M Microsoft settlement


INDIAN captain Sourav Ganguly has had his integrity questioned in an unsavoury aftermath to the series loss to Australia. Ganguly has worn continual allegations that his withdrawal

Local media turn on Ganguly


TORONTO: Canada squeezed past Finland 3-2 in the final of the World Cup of Hockey, sending a hockey-mad nation into raptures and defending its crown as undisputed champion of the international game.

Canada claim world ice hockey title


Oracle Corp. Chief Executive Larry Ellison #39;s \$8.8 billion hostile bid to buy PeopleSoft Inc. may benefit from arbitragers who have loaded up on the stock and are likely to tender their shares.

Oracle #39;s PeopleSoft Bid May Benefit From Arbitragers #39; Stake


FRUSTRATED Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has left his misfiring strikeforce in no doubt there are no excuses for their current pitiful form.

Ferguson furious as strikers dent United #39;s title aspirations


AFP - British mobile telephone operator mmO2 said it would pay a maiden dividend at the end of the current financial year, while dismissing speculation of a possible takeover by Spain's Telefonica.

MmO2 unveils maiden dividend, denies merger rumours (AFP)


SAFETY tests are to be carried out on the Forth Road Bridge after broken wires and corrosion were found inside its main cables. The weaknesses were discovered during the first full-scale inspection of the 40-year-old bridges two main cables.

Road Bridge cable alert


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

Enron Pressured Merrill in Deal -Attorney


New US applications for unemployment benefits dropped last week partly as a result of Hurricane Charley, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

US jobless claims fall


Philadelphia - Something happened - something few probably thought would make a difference - on the way to the Nuggets #39; blowout of Philadelphia that wasn #39;t.

From blowout win to defeat


Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, in Asia to prod North Korea to return to talks on ending its nuclear programs, said Sunday that while there is still time to resolve the impasse,

Powell Prods N. Korea to End Nuclear Programs


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon seeks parliament #39;s support on Monday for his plan to quit occupied Gaza and for the first time uproot settlements from land that Palestinians want for a state.

Facts about Israeli leader Ariel Sharon


AFP - Police viewed videotapes from last week's basketball brawl between Indiana Pacers players and Detroit Pistons fans seeking evidence on the eve of another Indiana-Detroit sports showdown.

Police continue probe as another Indy-Detroit battle looms (AFP)


Even if you don #39;t play video games, chances are you #39;ve heard about  quot;Halo 2. quot;. Microsoft Corp. made sure of that with a massive PR blitz, boldly proclaiming  quot;there hasn #39;t been this much anticipation

VIDEO GAME REVIEWS:  quot;Halo 2 quot; a worthy sequel that mostly lives up <b>...</b>


Microsoft Corp has signed a new 500m pound (\$920m) contract to supply a desktop operating system and software to the UK #39;s National Health Service, including provisions to develop a tailored interface for clinical systems.

Microsoft signs \$920m NHS software deal


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

Pulitzer Hired Banker to Explore Sale


US Airways Group Inc. stock fell as much as 21 percent in early trading after leaders of the airline #39;s pilots union rebuffed a plan to cut \$295 million in wages and benefits the company

US Airways Stock Falls After Pilot Leaders Rebuff Cost-Cut Plan


INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee members Susie O #39;Neill and Kevan Gosper have called for the IOC to strip Sydney triple gold medallist Marion Jones of her medals if she is proven to be a drug cheat.

Pair say strip cheats


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly lured Corey Koskie back to Canada. The third baseman from Anola, Man., has reached a preliminary agreement with the Jays on a three-year, \$17-million US contract, according to the Globe and Mail.

Jays sign Canadian Koskie: report


LONDON, DECEMBER 17: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho got the draw he desired when the English league leaders were paired with Ronaldinhos Barcelona in the first knockout round of the Champions League.

Constellation set: Stars on collision course


The service sectors in the United States, Europe and Britain all posted the slowest growth in more than a year in September, surveys of purchasing managers showed Tuesday, suggesting global growth may be cooling.

Growth in U.S., European Service Sectors Slows


The Iraqi government says it has reached an agreement to end weeks of clashes in the Sadr City district of Baghdad between Shi #39;ite fighters and American forces.

Reports of Sadr City truce agreement


Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi gives a keynote speech on government policy and the challenges facing Iraq before its elections to members of the Iraqi National Assembly in Baghdad, October 18.

Allawi announces nationwide arms buyback scheme


At least one Russian is dead and 12 others are missing after the bomb blast at an Egyptian hotel, officials say.

Russians 'missing' in Egypt blast


Area legislators and school leaders are ready for the Texas Legislature to formulate a new school finance plan, hoping for an improvement over the  quot;Robin Hood quot; plan deemed unconstutitional by a state district judge Wednesday.

Leaders ready to work on school finance


AUGUST 17, 2004 (MACCENTRAL) - Analysts from Prudential Equity Group and UBS have warned over the past two days that longer than expected G5 delays from IBM Corp. is the near-term  quot;key risk quot; for Apple Computer Inc.

Analysts concerned about longer-than-expected G5 delays


A recent monthly update to its Web site caused no end of trouble for online transaction company PayPal. But after an outage that plagued the site, PayPal appears to be back online.

PayPal Cleaning Up Site Glitch


Reuters - A Russian scientist convicted of spying\for China was sentenced to 14 years in a high security jail\Wednesday, Russian news agencies reported.

Russian Scientist Jailed for Spying for China (Reuters)


Monday's blast demonstrated the uneven vulnerability of U.S. forces, who are equipped with sophisticated weaponry and armor, and their Iraqi allies, who fight the same battles using inferior equipment.

Taking on Sadr City in a Nissan Pickup


Having launched the much-awaited version 1.0 of the Firefox browser on Tuesday, the Mozilla Foundation is busy planning future enhancements to the open-source product, including the possibility of integrating it with a variety of desktop search tools. The Mozilla Foundation also wants to place Firefox in PCs through OEM (original equipment manufacturer) deals with PC hardware vendors and to continue to sharpen the product's pop-up ad blocking technology.

Mozilla considers desktop search integration for Firefox


The Minnesota Twins agreed to a two-year contract with veteran right-hander Brad Radke, and offered arbitration to third baseman Corey Koskie, left-hander Terry Mulholland and catcher Henry Blanco, the team announced late Tuesday.

Twins, veteran Radke agree to two-year deal


Defying a U.N., Iran began enriching uranium for what it says is a power project, but the gas could be refined to use for bombs.

A Defiant Iran Starts Enriching Uranium


Jamal Crawford scored 30 points, Stephon Marbury had 18 points and 15 assists and Tim Thomas scored 17 to lead the New York Knicks to a 108-102 victory over the visiting Toronto Raptors on Saturday.

Crawford #39;s 30 keeps Knicks hot at home


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices surged nearly 6 percent on  Wednesday as the U.S. government reported a fall in heating oil  stocks in the midst of the season's first arctic cold blast in  the Northeast.

Oil Tops \$44, Heating Supply a Concern


AFP - South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun is to conduct a cabinet reshuffle to replace six ministers, aides said.

South Korea's president to replace six ministers in reshuffle (AFP)


Reuters - The leader of an armed group which\took over a police station in a southern Peruvian town three\days ago and demanded the president's resignation made a fresh\promise on Monday to surrender.

Peru Rebel Leader Offers to Surrender (Reuters)


The Fortress Sports Fund, set up to acquire a 40 percent stake in English soccer club Everton for \$36.4 million, said Monday that neither Russian pulp magnate Boris Zingarevich nor his son Anton had invested money in the fund.

Sports Fund Denies Zingarevich in Bid for Everton


AFP - Although polls show the US presidential race a virtual dead heat, Democrat John Kerry appears to be gaining an edge over George W. Bush among the key states that could decide the outcome.

Kerry leading Bush in key swing states (AFP)


A Vatican delegation has returned a centuries-old Russian Orthodox icon to Russia #39;s Orthodox patriarch in a special ceremony. The Icon of Our Lady of Kazan, which has spent the last

Pope returns icon to Russia


For a country that since World War II has eschewed any impression as an aggressor, the decision to take a leading role in a high-profile military exercise marked a rare display of force.

Exercise Displays Japan's Ambitions


About 150 union workers at three grocery chains today debated whether to offer their employers more concessions, two days before a contract extension was to expire.

Workers weigh grocery concessions


An angry mob of Australian Aborigines burned a police station and court house Friday on a remote island that has been rocked by unrest since an indigenous man died in police custody, police said.

Aborigines Burn Police Station on Island


Warmer temperatures in North America since 1950 were probably caused in part by human activity, the Bush administration said in a report that appeared to contradict the White House position there was no clear scientific proof on

White House cites human role in global warming


Unit, a big operator in Iraq, will be separated if it doesn #39;t perform after restructuring. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Halliburton Co.

Halliburton may shed KBR


New York's attorney general orders the company to change its advertising strategy.

Jos. A. Bank's (Law) Suit


OCTOBER 26, 2004 (NETWORK WORLD) - Installing and configuring storage-area network technology has gotten simpler as companies such as Dell Inc.

Users look to ease SAN adoption


The MSN Music site, now in public preview and set for its full-featured debut in mid-October, instantly makes Microsoft a major player in the field, although the store has a decidedly me-too feel about it right now.

Microsoft #39;s Pay-for-Play Music Site Could Be a Competitor


AFP - Pakistan has test-fired a short-range nuclear capable missile, its fifth missile test this year.

Pakistan test-fires nuclear-capable missile (AFP)


Hitachi and Intel are teaming up to add storage to more mobile devices.

Will Your Next Cell Phone Have a Hard Drive?


I always enjoy The Motley Fool #39;s Fool vs. Fool debates over a stock, especially when it #39;s Apple they #39;re talking about.

The Back Page - Fool vs. Fool: Apple is Rotten and Macs Suck, So <b>...</b>


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

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


A new Bagle dropper and downloader, Bagle-AQ, was bulk mailed to numerous internet users yesterday.

News: New Bagle worm drops in and downloads


Israeli troops have entered the Rafah refugee camp in southern Gaza in a new incursion to locate Palestinian weapons smuggling tunnels, the army says.

Israelis in fresh Gaza incursion


This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web Services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.

DirecTV to write-off Net-via-satellite effort


explosion in North Korea wasn #39;ta nuclear bomb doesn #39;t mean the world community should ignore it. Secretary of State Colin Powell said evidence supports North Korea #39;s statement that the blast was to remove part of a mountain for a hydroelectric.

In our view: North Korea #39;s ominous blast


South Korea on Monday slapped a temporary ban on the import and sale of plasma display panels made by Japan #39;s Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.

South Korea Bans Matsushita Products


AP - Colorado Rockies pitcher Joe Kennedy was suspended Friday for five games and Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Kendall four for their parts in a bench-clearing brawl Sunday.

Kennedy, Kendall Suspended for Brawling (AP)


The No. 2 grocer reports double-digit gains in sales and earnings after recent acquisitions.

Albertsons on the Rebound


ORLANDO, Fla. (Sports Network) - Heath Miller of Virginia  was named the winner of the John Mackey Award as the nation's  top tight end.

Heath Miller Wins Mackey Award as Top Tight End


Pakistan and India held a second day of talks on Wednesday to agree on steps to avert misunderstandings over their nuclear arsenals, a Pakistani official said.

Pakistan and India discuss missiles, hotlines


Tycoon Lakshmi N. Mittals \$4.5 billion purchase of International Steel Group will create a colossal powerhouse in the world steel industry with the capabilities of producing 70 million tons of steel annually.

New steel giant iSG, Ispat Inland joining mittal


AP - A novel by Bosnian Serb wartime leader Radovan Karadzic, the top U.N. war crimes fugitive, was a best seller at Belgrade's international book fair, a publisher and former associate said Tuesday.

Fugitive Karadzic's Novel Best Seller (AP)


Commercial bank North Fork Bancorp Inc. said Friday that it agreed to sell manufactured housing finance unit GreenPoint Credit LLC to Green Tree Servicing LLC.

North Fork to Sell GreenPoint Credit


Analysis Starmap points the way forward

Operators wake up to mobile enterprise needs


After a death-defying bungee jump, David Nalbandian sprang into the quarter-finals of the BA-CA Tennis Trophy on Thursday with a straight-sets victory over Stefan Koubek of Austria, 6-2 7-6 (8/6).

NALBANDIAN JUMPS INTO LAST EIGHT


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened flat on Wednesday,  as Wall Street mulls a mixed batch of earnings reports and  government data showing a smaller-than-expected rise in durable  goods orders.

Stocks Open Near Unchanged; Boeing Up


President Arroyo acknowledged for the first time yesterday that the Philippines is in a  quot;fiscal crisis quot; and urged the public to prepare for  quot;pain, quot; as economists warned of debt default within three years.

GMA admits RP in fiscal crisis


Bridgewater-Raynham coach Dan Buron better throw his copy of Kenny Rogers'  quot;The Gambler quot; into the CD player and drive over to Foxwoods.

B-R's risk was worth the reward


The dollar rallied after dropping to a record low yesterday against the euro amid uncertainty about whether officials would intervene to curb the currency #39;s slide.

Dollar rallies, but continued weakness expected


In an effort to stop internet dialler scams - where unwitting surfers are put onto premium rate connections - Ireland is going to block calls to 13 countries.

Phone fraud crackdown cuts off 13 countries


Jordan has so far not been affected by the swarms of desert locusts that plagued Egypt on Wednesday with authorities here saying they are ready to deal with any emergency.

Officials monitor possible locust threat around-the-clock-Jordan


London - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was fined 15 000 by the Football Association on Thursday for calling Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy a cheat.

FA fines Wenger


TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran said Thursday dialogue was the only  way to resolve an international standoff over the Islamic  republic's nuclear program which Washington says is a cover for  building atomic weapons.

Iran Says Talks Only Way to Resolve Nuke Standoff


AP - Dodgers slugger Adrian Beltre filed for free agency Thursday  #151; the same day he underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove two large bone spurs from his left ankle.

Adrian Beltre Files for Free Agency (AP)


BOSTON - Steady rain Friday night forced major league baseball to postpone Game 3 of the AL championship series between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. The steady rain began about two hours before the scheduled 8:19 p.m...

Rain in Boston Postpones BoSox-Yanks Game


AP - Sen. Patrick Leahy, contending a judicial panel has weakened ethics rules for judges who accept corporate-sponsored trips, said Friday he plans to reintroduce legislation to define standards.

Senator to Revisit Judicial Travel Ethics (AP)


BERLIN (AFP) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai said the international community would need to help rebuild the security forces in his war-ravaged country for at least another two years, in an interview broadcast Monday.

Afghan security forces will need international aid for 2-3 years <b>...</b>


The discount retailer Kmart announced yesterday an \$11bn (5.9bn) acquisition of Sears Roebuck, bringing two of the best-known names in American retailing under one roof.

Kmart snaps up Sears for \$11bn


AFP - A Sydney businessman brought a landmark case against Qantas and British Airways claiming compensation for deep vein thrombosis he developed on board a flight and which led to a stroke.

Passenger sues Qantas, British Airways over DVT, stroke (AFP)


In a series of tightly sequenced attacks, at least 25 Iraqis were killed by suicide car bombings and a barrage of missile and mortar fire in several neighborhoods across Baghdad on Sunday.

Scores Are Dead After Violence Spreads in Iraq


WASHINGTON - The economy got a double dose of encouraging news Friday as wholesale prices fell and moderating energy costs helped improve the nation #39;s trade deficit.

US gets boost as 2 key reports come in positive


Jessalyn Deveny, Clare Droesch and Brooke Queenan team for 55 points as No. 18 Boston College beats Western Michigan, 71-50.

B.C. Gets Easy Win


Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and International Business Machines (IBM) have developed a new technology that they claim will deliver higher performance margins, from their latest microprocessors, with dual stress liner technology.

AMD and IBM work together to improve chip performance


The pristine Arctic waters of the Barents Sea are overfished and face serious pollution problems, the UN says.

Barents Sea 'faces major threats'


The Manchester City flier is hoping to win his second cap in Azerbaijan on Wednesday night while the injured and suspended England skipper is forced to sit the game out.

Shaun #39;s ready


FrontBridge Technologies today announced the acquisition of MessageRite to broaden the company #39;s service portfolio to include e-mail and instant message archiving.

FrontBridge Acquires MessageRite for Message Archiving


KARACHI: President Pervez Musharraf would be violating the constitution if he reneged on his pledge to step down as army chief later this year, a former chief justice of Pakistan #39;s Supreme Court said yesterday.

Musharraf is urged to quit


TALIBAN attackers set off a roadside bomb near a convoy carrying the Afghan president #39;s running mate and other dignitaries in north-eastern Afghanistan yesterday, killing one man and injuring five.

Karzai hopeful unhurt by blast


Lockheed Martin Corp. will take a fourth-quarter after-tax charge of about \$110 million, or about 25 cents per share, for damages and costs from a court decision rejecting its request to overturn a contract #39;s termination, the No.

Lockheed to Take Charge on Court Decision


Nokia announced plans to preload Blackberry software in its Nokia Series 80-based mobile devices, including the Nokia 9500 Communicator.

Nokia Adds Blackberry Software To Series 80 Devices


Just minutes after the Red Sox acquired him last December from the Rockies, Mark Bellhorn declared that he planned to wage an all-out effort to win the job as the starting second baseman. Little did he know the Sox would sign Pokey Reese a week later and all but hand Reese the job. And few observers seemed to believe that ...

First-rate at second


AP - That was no mirage, it was the supposedly unbeatable Champ Bailey getting beaten  #151; again and again and again.

Ill-Prepared Broncs Look Bad Under Lights (AP)


AFP - Lawmakers in the Senate warned that the likely demise next week of a 10-year-old federal ban on semi-automatic assault guns will lead to a flood of such weapons on the streets of cities across the United States.

Lawmakers call on White House to back renewal of ban on assault weapons (AFP)


The blood test that showed evidence of banned transfusions by Olympic cyclist Tyler Hamilton is only one of several next-generation technologies coming to market to combat drugs in sports, athletic officials said yesterday.

Blood test in Olympic case spotlights a growing field of screening devices


NEW DELHI: Questioning the importance being given by Pakistan to separatist Hurriyat leaders, India has said there was  quot;something fundamentally wrong quot; with Islamabad #39;s understanding of realities in Jammu and Kashmir and hoped that this would not be an

#39;Pak view of JK fundamentally wrong #39;


Gordon Brown has extended his sympathies to the family of Kenneth Bigley, the British hostage being held in Iraq, as Mr Bigley #39;s brother criticised Tony Blair.

Brown speaks of sympathy for Bigley


Research In Motion, the makers of the BlackBerry push email handheld device, and Symbian have announced plans to enable BlackBerry Connect on Symbian OS-based Series 80 mobile devices, such as the Nokia 9210, 9210i, 9290 and the new 9500 Communicator.

Nokia to offer BlackBerry Connect


China strongly demanded Japan immediately repeal its decision to issue a visa to former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui, warning that if Tokyo allows the visit it will harm bilateral relations.

Japan urged to repeal Lee visit


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Tuesday  dispatched about 600 Marines and Navy personnel from Okinawa to  help residents in the flood-ravaged Philippines. The Pentagon  said tents, water and medical supplies also were being sent.

US Marines Dispatched to Storm-Ravaged Philippines


Reports that shoppers are leaving it late in the hope of finding festive bargains may be borne out by new High Street data.

No Christmas rush as sales fall


NewsFactor - Intel has unveiled a new Centrino chipset that supports three \Wi-Fi standards, along with new wireless software and improved security features.

Intel Launches Tri-Mode Wi-Fi Chipset (NewsFactor)


Written by Anna Masci The war on music downloads continues with an Australian ex-cop being sued by 25 International and six Australian Record Companies for a legal suit amounting to \$500 million.

Download Crackdown Downunder


NEW DELHI: More than a decade of reforms has not helped India shake off the perception that it #39;s amongst the most corrupt business environments.

India is 90th most corrupt nation


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Veolia Environment <A HREF=

Veolia Wins \$800 Million U.S. Deal


Rapper-producers Kanye West and Lil Jon  win three awards each at the Source Hip-Hop Music Awards in Miami.

Kanye triumphs at Source awards


Police raided the Brazilian offices of international security consultant Kroll Inc. and arrested five employees Wednesday in an investigation into allegations of illegal spying by Kroll during the company's probe of a nasty corporate dispute.

Brazil Raids Kroll Offices in Spy Probe


Tony Blair will address his party - and Britain - this week against a backdrop of war and barbarity. But his hopes for Labour #39;s re-election rely on what his government has achieved on the home front.

Under the shadow of Iraq


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Lucent Technologies Inc. <A HREF=

Lucent, Unions to Talk Beyond Deadline


After three tough races, in which he scored a total of just 10-points, Max Biaggi was back to his best at Sepang on Sunday - when he charged through the lead pack and proved the only rider capable of threatening race winner Valentino Rossi.

Biaggi sees the light.


An internet entrepreneur today claimed he was fighting a David versus Goliath battle with computer giant Apple over the ownership of a website address.

Battle over Website Address


Reuters - The Davids of the stock market are\beating the Goliaths again.

Small-Caps Still Outperform Large-Caps (Reuters)


11/11/2004 - The US Department of Agriculture #39;s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service yesterday confirmed the presence of the countrys first case of soybean rust, found on soybean leaf samples taken from two plots in Louisiana.

First case of soybean rust in US


NEW YORK - Though America just celebrated the third anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and most of the economy has more or less recovered, the announcement by US Airways Group that it is

For Airlines, It #39;s Still 9/11


The Expos seek deposits from fans who had registered for season tickets, although the process begins a day earlier than expected.

Ticket Process Begins


The NFL #39;s position on Ricky Williams #39;s playing status didn #39;t change following Thursday #39;s meeting in the Los Angeles area with attorney David Cornwell, who represents the retired Miami Dolphins tailback.

NFL Still Barring Williams


Exit polls in Ukraine #39;s presidential election appear to show that none of the 24 candidates has won the election outright. The vote has been largely split between the prime minister Viktor Yanukovich and the main opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko.

Elecciones presidenciales en Ucrania


Starting Nov. 1, if there is no new contract, unionized workers will have to bear the cost of the increase in their health insurance premiums.

Talks Between D.C. Hotels, Union Still in Deadlock


Reuters - U.S. stock futures pointed to a\higher market open on Wednesday, with oil dipping below  #36;49 a\barrel and a batch of economic data on tap.

Stocks Seen Higher as Oil Slips Below  #36;49 (Reuters)


(LOUISVILLE, Ky., October 18th, 2004, 1:30 pm) -- Yum Brands Incorporated has named David Deno as chief operating officer as the restaurant operator looked within its ranks to replace a departing top executive.

Yum Replaces Chief Operating Officer


SAN FRANCISCO - The sports media company ESPN will introduce a branded mobile service and cell phones next year in the U.S., becoming the latest in a growing number of companies entering the mobile market on the strength of established audiences.

ESPN to enter US mobile market


A bird #39;s eye view of the circuit at Shanghai shows what an event Sunday #39;s Chinese Grand Prix will be. The course is arguably one of the best there is, and so it should be considering the amount of money that has been spent on it.

China set for F1 Grand Prix


LONDON (Reuters) - European shares fell, the yen and dollar  wilted and benchmark government bond yields scraped against  multi-month lows on Thursday as high oil prices continued to  worry global financial markets.

European Stocks Down, Dollar Swoons


Mumbai, November 28 :The board of power utility Reliance Energy Ltd will meet in the next few days to consider the resignations of six of its directors, the company said on Sunday.

Reliance Energy board to meet in next few days


Goodyear Tire   Rubber Co. said\on Friday it will cut 340 jobs in its engineered products and\chemical units as part of its cost-reduction efforts, resulting\in a third-quarter charge.

Goodyear to Cut 340 Jobs, Take Charge


Today #39;s The Day. Every blade of grass has been inspected and passed fit, every weather forecast scanned. Best Mate will, short of an overnight declaration of Armageddon, make his seasonal

Racing: Best Mate in shape to hold challenge of Rembrandt


Government officials are trying to convince the chief organizer of the 2006 Turin Olympics not to quit, but Valentino Castellani says there is  quot;no room for second thoughts.

Officials try to convince Turin Games chief organizer to stay


Champion Enterprises Inc. produces and sells manufactured homes across the nation. It is no Enron Corp. But because of the infamous energy company and other corporate wrongdoers that spawned the Sarbanes-Oxley

Fed audit rules cost firms cash and time


A quiet couple in Berkeley, California, got sick of being ignored by the system. So they built a new one. How MoveOn.org changed the face of fund raising, brought P2P to political advertising and reinvented grass-roots activism. By Gary Wolf from Wired magazine.

Weapons of Mass Mobilization


As a pilot, crane impersonator and chief executive officer of Operation Migration - the whooping crane migration organization - Duff #39;s emotional well-being relies upon making sure his cranes are happy and healthy.

Rogue pilot ruffles feathers on migration


NAIROBI (Reuters) - Sudan's government and southern rebels  resumed talks on a final peace deal on Thursday amid fears that  tensions in the oil-producing south and the newer Darfur crisis  could plunge Africa's biggest country into chaos.

Sudan Resumes Peace Talks with Southern Rebels


NEW YORK, September 15 (New Ratings) - JP Morgan Chase  amp; Company (JPM.NYS) has decided to cancel a \$5 billion IT infrastructure outsourcing agreement with International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), and plans to rehire about 4,000 employees

JP Morgan cancels \$5 bn outsourcing deal with IBM


The medals and the American flag were almost too much for Kiona Bryant to hold as she sat yesterday at the grave of her high school sweetheart.

Distinct Men, Bound Now at Arlington


ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Reuters) - The African Union urged  Sudan's government and Darfur rebels to remain engaged in peace  talks Monday, after negotiations foundered over what the U.N.  has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

African Union Urges Sudan, Rebels Overcome Impasse


The Federal Reserve #39;s new wave of interest-rate increases is spilling into consumers #39; and investors #39; lives in good and bad ways.

Rate hike #39;s effects


Extra-packed version of the latest Medal of Honor establishes retail beachhead; grunt #39;s version of the game due next week. As revealed two weeks ago, the once-delayed Directors Edition of Medal of Honor

Pacific Assault Director #39;s Edition ships


Doc Rivers was on the defensive following practice yesterday at The Arena, though purely in a basketball sense, which had nothing to do with the frustrations of Paul Pierce or the ongoing constructive criticism of Gary Payton.

Rivers: It starts with stops


BELFAST (Reuters) - Northern Ireland's largest Protestant  guerrilla group promised on Sunday to join the peace process in  the British-ruled province by ending violence, but said it  would disarm only when its republican foes did so too.

N.Irish UDA Guerrillas Pledge to End Violence


AP - Republicans and Democrats were for it  #151; and against it. The families of Sept. 11 victims opposed one plan and approved another. The House wanted its bill, the Senate preferred its own. And most Americans didn't seem to care about attempts by Congress to overhaul the U.S. intelligence system.

Intel Overhaul Draws Yawns From Voters (AP)


Some advocates involved in the case were arguing that even though their legal argument may fail, the entertainment industry will actually win in the long run, as P2P networks will evolve, as

P2P Networks Score Legal Victory Against Studios


Prime Minister Manmohan Singh waves as Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad claps during a public rally in Srinagar on Wednesday. Reuters. SRINAGAR: Less than a week after announcing a troop cut, the biggest confidence

PM unveils gift of peace, a knot in the wrapping


Paris is confident of maintaining its status as the odds-on favourite to host the 2012 Olympic Games, citing widespread political backing, strong financial support, affordable tickets and 80 per cent of venues within 10 minutes reach.

Paris confident it can win bid for 2012 Summer Olympics


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks pointed to a slightly  higher open on Monday as investors seek bargains and oil prices  stay below last week's record high of nearly \$50 a barrel.

Stock Futures Rise as Oil Prices Ease


Apple #39;s latest addition to its hugely popular iPod line, the iPod Photo, has moved the bar even further as the digital lifestyle continues to converge.

MIKE WENDLAND: Pricey iPod upgrade worth every dime


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

Pfizer Profit Up on Demand for Key Drugs


LONDON -- Cell phone giant Vodafone Group PLC, which has spent years struggling to recoup billions spent on 3G licences, finally launched the cutting-edge service Wednesday in much of Europe and introduced or beefed up its operation in a dozen other

Vodafone launches 3G services in Europe


AP - President Bush sought support from congressional leaders of both parties Monday for his proposal to overhaul Social Security, which promises to be a hotly contested political issue during his second term.

Bush, Lawmakers Discuss Social Security (AP)


Ronaldo missed a penalty and Walter Samuel and Michel Salgado were both sent off as Real Madrid lost 1-0 at Espanyol on a night of self-inflicted misery on Saturday.

UPDATE 2-Nine-man Real Madrid suffer chaotic 1-0 defeat


Shares in Cairn Energy plummeted 20 per cent on Friday after the oil explorer announced it had failed to strike oil in a new field in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

Cairn plunges after drilling disappointment


An Australian detainee held at the American base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba has provided a detailed account of torture in a sworn statement.

Torture at Guantanamo Bay Described


International delegates meet in Sweden to explore ways of combating so-called

Debate opens on 'honour killings'


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The price of crude oil broke into new  record territory above \$52 Thursday on heightened concerns that  supplies of heating fuels will prove inadequate during the  northern hemisphere winter.

Concerns About Winter Push Oil to Record


(Clint Willis is a freelance writer who covers mutual funds for Reuters. Any opinions in the column are solely those of Mr. Willis.

Funds: Choose 529 plans wisely


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Thursday  delivered a stinging blow to the anti-piracy efforts of major  movie studios and music companies by ruling several Internet  file-sharing software companies are not liable for copyright  infringement.

Court Deals Blow to Movie Studios


Barcelona striker Samuel Eto #39;o was the target of apparent racial abuse from opposition fans during his side #39;s 2-1 victory over Getafe in Madrid on Saturday.

Barcelona #39;s Eto #39;o given racial abuse by Getafe fans


President Bush tied Monday's deadly assault on a U.S. consulate in Saudi Arabia to the upcoming elections in neighboring Iraq, depicting it as part of a broader campaign by Islamic extremists to drive Americans out of the Middle East.

Bush Ties Attack in Saudi Arabia to Iraqi Elections