The road no longer looks so long to the Seattle Seahawks after wins on consecutive cross-country trips on which they logged nearly 10,000 miles.

Seattle returns home after two huge road wins


WASHINGTON : NASA #39;s Genesis capsule slammed into the Utah desert after its parachutes failed, leaving scientists unsure if they could retrieve the bits of solar dust captured on its three-year mission.

Genesis capsule carrying solar dust crashes


England captain David Beckham has dismissed reports of his retiring after the 2006 World Cup finals and revealed his determination to become his country #39;s most capped outfield player.

Beckham denies retiring after 2006


Consumer attitudes showed more signs of improvement heading into the holidays as an early reading on consumer sentiment in December beat expectations.

Sentiment Strong in December


BAE Systems, the weapon system manufacturer, said on Monday that it was expecting a modest performance improvement in 2005, in part because of the results ongoing negotiations with the British government over the Eurofighter programme.

Eurofighter set to boost BAE in 2005


A sweeping corporate tax bill that would dole out nearly \$140 billion in business breaks over the next decade was unexpectedly delayed in the Senate on Sunday over its failure

Corporate tax cuts delayed a day in Senate


A Palestinian suicide bomber has blown himself up at a checkpoint in the West Bank, wounding at least two Israeli soldiers. The blast is being described as a revenge attack for an earlier Israeli airstrike

Suicide bomber wounds two soldiers in West Bank


Sluggish growth in the eurozone is holding back the global economy, according to the US Treasury Secretary John Snow. Speaking during a visit to Dublin, he said the zone was growing at  quot;below its potential

Snow urges faster growth in eurozone


Plus, IBM's win-win, Eli Lilly bares all, and a ticking retirement time bomb.

Pixar's Waiting for Summer


Vijay Singh, who won nine tournaments and more than \$10 million in 2004, was named PGA Tour Player of the Year Monday. Singh was chosen in a vote by his fellow golfers.

Singh named PGA Tour Player of Year


Warsaw, Poland - Poland envisions a withdrawal of its troops from Iraq by the end of next year, Polish leaders said Monday. It was the first time the key US ally has indicated a timeframe for pulling its soldiers out of the war-torn nation.

Poland considers withdrawal from Iraq by end of next year


KABUL, Afghanistan - Hamid Karzai's rivals said Sunday it was too early to call Afghanistan's inaugural presidential election, despite the interim leader's dominant showing after three days of vote-counting.    The U.S.-backed incumbent's main challenger, Yunus Qanooni, insisted that a full count and a proper investigation by a panel of foreign experts on fraud allegations could yet put him in the running...

Karzai Rival Refuses to Concede Election


Reuters - The dollar fell to a fresh four-week low\versus the euro on Monday after a widening of the U.S. trade\gap to record levels raised worries about capital inflows in\the United States and a possible slowdown in the economy.

Dollar Falls to Fresh Low Vs Euro (Reuters)


Oil prices dipped below \$46 on Tuesday, making a third day of falls as a more optimistic Iraq export picture unwound some of the supply worries that have lifted the market to historic levels.

Oil Slips Below \$46 as Iraq Flow Rises


Manchester United emerged triumphantly from an uncompromising Battle of the Titans to end Arsenal #39;s 49-match unbeaten English Premier League run with a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United ends Arsenal #39;s streak


The next time you step outside, take a good long look around. What you will see is how the Arctic has looked for at least 10,000 years and you may be among the last of the many generations who can say they have seen it that way.

Enjoy the Arctic while it #39;s still here


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. consumer prices rose an  as-expected 0.2 percent last month, a government report showed  on Tuesday, but a sharp jump in lodging costs helped push  so-called core inflation up at its fastest pace in five months.

Sept. Consumer Prices Up 0.2 Percent


The spike in oil prices in recent months is stoking heated arguments between market players, who blame each other for the lack of production capacities that has been exposed by strong global demand.

Investment needed to keep oil flowing, analysts suggest


Despite spending more than a year-and-a-half as a Knick, McDyess managed played only 18 games last season after sitting out the entire 2002-03 season with knee injuries.

McDyess plans to face the Knicks


A perfect indicator of how much respect the new-look Philadelphia Eagles offense commands these days was provided by the Detroit Lions in the third quarter of the Eagles #39; 30-13 win Sunday.

Eagles get busy on third downs


Roger Kay wanted to watch the vice-presidential debate last week, but his family went out to dinner, so his kids weren #39;t in bed until 20 minutes after the show began.

Microsoft #39;s latest offerings to get wired with TV


AP - Purdue's Taylor Stubblefield broke the NCAA record for career receptions during the first quarter Saturday against Indiana. Stubblefield entered the game needing six receptions to pass Louisville's Arnold Jackson for the career record. Jackson caught 300 passes from 1997-00.

Stubblefield Breaks NCAA Receptions Mark (AP)


Ukraine's opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko hails

Ukraine's Yushchenko hails reform


BASEBALL Arizona (NL): Signed 3B Troy Glaus to a four-year contract. Atlanta (NL): Signed 1B Julio Franco. Chicago (AL): Signed OF Jermaine Dye. Los Angeles (NL): Signed 2B Jeff Kent. New York (AL): Named Neil Allen bullpen coach and Rich Monteleone special pitching instructor. San Diego (NL): Signed OF Eric Young; designated P Mike Bynum for assignment.

Transactions


The weather played havoc with the U.S. Open schedule Wednesday, but it did not affect Lindsay Davenport, who rolled to a quarterfinal victory over Shinobu Asagoe.

After Waiting a Long Time, Davenport Keeps It Short


Space shuttle Enterprise was born to be an astronautical bridesmaid, never a bride. Built in 1976 as one of the first trio of US shuttles, Enterprise never left

Shuttle Enterprise Takes Center Stage, at Last


Snaking lines of hundreds of voters built up at balloting places across Ghana on Tuesday, as the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence voted for president.

Ghana election draws strong turnout


NEW YORK, Nov. 18. - Defending World Cup football champions Brazil suffered the most shocking result of the day, but China were the biggest losers.

Ecuador upset Brazil


Last week's disclosure that former House Speaker Thomas Finneran will run the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council was just the latest sign that life sciences is a key industry in Boston.

Money is the catalyst for good medicine


Profit at PG amp;E Corp. fell 55.3 percent in the most recent quarter, a drop the company blamed Tuesday on a lingering effect of California #39;s energy crisis.

PG amp;E profit falls 55


US Sen. Ted Stevens says he disagrees with a new scientific study #39;s conclusion that the burning of fossil fuels is a major factor in climate change.

Alaska senator disagrees with climate study #39;s conclusion


The Welsh FA are expected to name John Toshack as the new manager of their national team today, after holding interviews with all the main candidates yesterday.

Wales expected to appoint Toshack today


ATHENS -- Matt Emmons was focusing on staying calm. He should have been focusing on the right target.

They #146;re in the wrong


US holiday sales forecasts have been decidedly muted this year, but it appeared no one bothered telling the throngs of shoppers crammed into Apple Computer #39;s downtown San Francisco store last week.

Kids happy to get an Apple in their stocking


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Two Russian passenger planes crashed  almost simultaneously, killing all 89 people on board in what  investigators said on Wednesday might have been a terrorist  attack or simply a mysterious coincidence.

Two Russian Planes Crash, Cause Unclear


AP - Larry Brown didn't have much time to enjoy his first NBA title. After coaching the Detroit Pistons to a surprising victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Brown focused all his energy on getting the U.S. basketball team ready for the Olympics. Much to his dismay, the Americans came home with just a bronze medal.

Brown Says He May Never Get Over Athens (AP)


AFP - Democratic campaigners are targeting Florida's black community, hoping to channel their anger over the 2000 electoral fiasco into a resolve to defeat President George W. Bush.

Anger over 2000 election remains strong for Florida blacks (AFP)


SALT LAKE CITY Nov 8, 2004 - NASA scientists are studying autistic savant Kim Peek, hoping that technology used to study the effects of space travel on the brain will help explain his mental capabilities.

NASA Studying  #39;Rain Man #39;s #39; Brain


The Caribbean nation of Jamaica became the second major victim of Hurricane Ivan yesterday as waves the height of two-storey houses and 155mph winds smashed into the island.

Jamaican capital spared as hurricane blasts island


We live in an era when a high school kid can Google the name of the cute girl sitting in the next aisle in an attempt to find out more about her.

#39;Formulating #39; Breeders #39; Cup opinions


FORMER Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is a step closer to being tried for atrocities committed under his 1973-1990 regime after a court stripped him of immunity from prosecution.

Court ruling tightens net on Pinochet


a-flied out for Carrara in the 7th. b-popped out for D.Ross in the 7th. EIzturis (10), Werth (4). LOBLos Angeles 5, San Diego 7. 2BJHernandez (11), RaHernandez (20).

Padres box score


VANCOUVER (Sports Network) - Vancouver Canucks forward Todd  Bertuzzi is close to reaching a plea bargain in his assault  case, according to the Vancouver Province.

Report: Bertuzzi Near Plea Bargain


Although still more work needs to be done, NASA officials said Monday that they were close to meeting all safety requirements for getting space shuttles flying again by the spring.

NASA Expects Shuttle Flights by the Spring


The news comes fast and furious. Pedro Martinez goes to Tampa to visit George Steinbrenner. Theo Epstein and John Henry go to Florida for their turn with Pedro. Carl Pavano comes to Boston to visit Curt Schilling. Jason Varitek says he's not a goner. Derek Lowe is a goner, but he says he wishes it could be different. Orlando Cabrera ...

Team as we know it is history


Jared Zabransky threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to TJ Acree with 3:42 remaining and No. 21 Boise State held on, extending the nation #39;s longest winning streak with a 28-27 victory over Brigham Young on Friday night.

No. 21 Boise St. 28, BYU 27


Several obscure Islamist groups have claimed credit for Thursday's suicide attacks.

Attacks in Egypt: homegrown or part of global jihad?


In Spain scientists have discovered 13-million-year-old fossils of a new species of ape. The species may have been the last common ancestor of humans and all great apes living today. <b>Includes photo gallery.</b>

Ancient Ape Discovered: Last Ape-Human Ancestor?


Football Association of Wales secretary general David Collins has no doubts John Toshack is the man to take Welsh football to the next level.

Toshack has Calibre for Wales


Cisco is to introduce a line of branch-office routers that integrate basic routing capabilities with IP voice support and security tools.

Cisco introduces integrated routers


GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Three Palestinian gunmen infiltrated a fog-shrouded Israeli army post at dawn Thursday, killing three soldiers in a fierce gun battle before they were shot dead, the army said.    The attack on the outpost guarding the isolated Morag settlement in southern Gaza came a day after a 19-year-old Palestinian woman killed two officers of the paramilitary border police in a suicide bombing at a crowded Jerusalem bus stop...

Palestinians Kill Three at Army Outpost


VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope John Paul said on Sunday  peace was still far-off with nations racked by violence,  terrorism and war, and abortion casting a

Pope Says World Racked by Violence, Terrorism, War


Mobile phone owners are blessed with more than just free weekend minutes, as religious institutions and telcos roll out new services to help the observant practice their faith. By Elizabeth Biddlecombe.

Cell Phone Users Are Finding God


The net and video games are becoming essential tools for political activists.

Video games find their political voice


HOUSTON - After being plunked between the shoulders, Michael Barrett offered a few words of advice for Roy Oswalt when the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros meet again next week.

Wood, Baker tossed in win over Houston


Reuters - The Justice Department has asked a\judge to enter a  #36;2.53 billion judgment against two Rigas\family members, citing the amount it claims the Adelphia\Communications Corp. founders obtained illegally, court\documents released on Tuesday show.

Justice Dept. Seeks  #36;2.5 Bln from Rigas (Reuters)


After four straight birdies on his way to a 5-under 65 at East Lake, the former No. 1 player in the world was introduced Saturday as one of the 54-hole leaders in the Tour Championship.

Golf Capsules


GAZA (Reuters) - The Israeli army killed nine militants in  and around the Gaza Strip Saturday, raising the Palestinian  death toll to 47 in one of the biggest and bloodiest offensives  in four years of conflict.

Israel Kills 9 Militants in Massive Gaza Offensive


August 31, 2004 -- US technology executives are increasingly optimistic about the business climate, although plans for increased technology spending remain modest, according to a study released yesterday.

US TECH EXECS #39; OPTIMISM IS UP


Police and National Guard troops fired tear gas and plastic bullets at crowds of angry street vendors in Venezuela's capital Wednesday as officers tried to remove merchants from zones where they are barred from selling their wares.

Police, Peddlers Clash in Venezuelan City


Real Madrid and Real Socieded will play the final six minutes of their abandoned game.

Real to finish bomb scare match


AFP - Europe's youth has been singing in Romanian this summer thanks to a Moldovan boys band that has swept to the top of the charts across the continent.

Moldovan summertime 'Love Under a Lime Tree' sets European hips swinging (AFP)


Israel #39;s plan to pull out of Gaza next year passed a crucial test on Thursday when Prime Minister Ariel Sharon easily won party approval to ask the more moderate Labor party to join his coalition.

Gaza plan wins party vote


NEW YORK - For most tennis players, having about the same number of clean winners as unforced errors translates into a pretty good performance.    Roger Federer is not like most tennis players...

Federer One Step Closer to Third Title


The International Open Source Network (IOSN), an organization funded by the United Nations, has released a beginner #39;s manual for the Linux desktop.

UN-funded agency releases free Linux user manual


The UK arm of e-retailer Amazon has announced its plans to launch a DVD rental service. CEO Jeff Bezos announced the plans earlier this week, commenting that Amazon is determined to be the best place to rent DVDs -- online or off.

Amazon Launch DVD Rental Service


The US House of Representatives on Saturday approved a final US\$422 billion (\$631.64 billion) bill for defence programmes that backs next year #39;s round of military base closings and kills a proposed US\$23.

US House approves US\$422 billion arms bill


General Electric Co. raised its quarterly dividend by 10 per cent and launched a plan to buy back up to \$15 billion US in shares over three years, as it projected double-digit percentage earnings growth for 2005.

General Electric raises dividend, announces plans to buy back <b>...</b>


The judge deciding whether to suspend the European Union's antitrust order against software giant Microsoft Corp. has called a meeting for this week after two key backers of the EU's decision pulled out of the case, officials said Tuesday.

EU Judge in Microsoft Appeal Calls Meeting


Chinese center Yao Ming had 29 points and nine rebounds but he could not save the Houston Rockets from the 102-96 defeat by the Sacramen to Kings Tuesday.

Yao #39;s effort fails to lift Rockets


Proposed merger would create the country's third-largest wireless unit, and the new company could be a very formidable competitor given Nextel's prized customer base. <FONT face=

Sprint, Nextel to Build on Wireless Strength


Azeri will try to beat the boys again, this time in the \$4 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Lone Star Park on Saturday.

Azeri to Run in Classic


Reuters - Top marketers are going digital to\track the delivery of commercials into U.S. homes with a system\some advocates say will revolutionize advertising the way\product codes changed the selling of sliced bread.

Advertisers Go Digital to Track Ads (Reuters)


Nortel Networks reversed a longstanding position that its revenue growth would exceed the overall market's this year.

Nortel's Shares Fall on Revenue Warning


Premier Yu Shyi-kun () said Saturday that he attaches great importance to the signing of a free trade agreement with the United States and urged Taiwanese expatriates to help Taiwan achieve this goal.

Yu urges Taiwanese expats to help sell FTA to US


Steve Maltais can #39;t do it all for the Wolves, but the 35-year-old certainly is trying. Maltais scored the Wolves #39; first two goals Wednesday night against Houston after scoring the team #39;s only three goals in

Maltais takes air out of Aeros


November 02, 2004 - Atari announced today that real-time strategy title Axis  amp; Allies is now shipping to North American retail stores.

WWII In Your Hands


Lance Armstrong is suing a former personal assistant who claims the six-time defending Tour de France champion owes him \$500,000. In a lawsuit filed Monday, Armstrong and his personal service company, Luke

Cycling champion sues former assistant


Four goals in 11 minutes allowed Real Madrid to destroy Bernd Schuster #39;s Levante and win over some frustrated fans as it secured second place in the Spanish league standings.

Real Madrid stays in touch of leader Barcelona in the Spanish <b>...</b>


BEIRUT: Lebanon and Syria have failed to comply with the demands of last month #39;s UN Security Council Resolution 1559, which calls for respecting Lebanon #39;s sovereignty and political freedom, UN

Annan: Lebanon, Syria did not comply with 1559


For years, programmers at Microsoft and elsewhere have worked to make it easier for devices like cell phones and personal digital assistants to work instantly and easily with computers.

New Windows OS boosts security


NEW YORK - Pfizer Inc. said Wednesday that third quarter earnings, excluding charges, beat Wall Street expectations by a penny, on strong sales of Lipitor and Celebrex medicines.

Pfizer Posts Higher Earnings on Drug Sales


Ziff Davis - The software maker is facing growing pressure from open-source software across every segment of its business #151;a competitive threat that could have significant consequences for its financial future going forward, Microsoft said in its latest 10-K filing to the SEC.

Microsoft Sees Open-Source Threat Looming Ever Larger (Ziff Davis)


BEIJING (Reuters) - China has detained eight Roman Catholic  priests in northern Hebei province, continuing a crackdown on  those loyal to the Pope, a U.S.-based religious right group  said on Wednesday.

China Detains Eight Roman Catholic Priests -Group


Redmond won't just fight the

Microsoft to take direct shots at Linux rivals


FIFA has given out the nominees list for the 2004 World Player award to be presented on December 20th at the Zurich Opera House. 35 contenders are listed.

FIFA publish World Player of the year list


AP - Dusty Baker believes Barry Bonds didn't know the substances provided by his trainer were steroids.

Baker Defends Bonds Over Steroid Charges (AP)


AP - Cornerback Andre Woolfolk was added to the Tennessee Titans injury report Friday after back spasms forced him to leave practice early.

Titans Put Cornerback on Injury Report (AP)


The Indians got just what the doctor ordered Tuesday night -- an updated version of the 1960s TV show  quot;Ben Casey quot;. Ben Broussard hit a three-run homer to get Cleveland back in the game and Casey Blake singled

Killer B #39;s


Islamabad, Nov. 20. (PTI): Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today dismissed Indian government #39;s decision on the reduction of troops in Jammu and Kashmir as a  quot;cosmetic change quot; and not a strategic move that could help solve the Kashmir issue.

India #39;s decision on troop reduction cosmetic: Musharraf


CONSTRUCTION giant Multiplex was assessing at the weekend whether to top Westfield #39;s 585 million (\$1.5 billion) bid for the British property group Chelsfield.

Multiplex weighs bid in billions


Almost every single week I spend Monday morning reading the papers, watching TV and talking to my wife -- who is a great football fan.

Wannstedt was one of the good guys


TOKYO - Proponents of the Blu-ray disc standard for next-generation DVD players plan to release camcorders that will record on smaller versions of the discs as early as 2005, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported Thursday.

Sony, Matsushita to launch Blu-ray disc camcorders in 2005


Rwanda warns it will intervene to prevent genocide, as more than 150 Tutsi  refugees are buried in Burundi.

Rwanda issues genocide warning


Scientists have found a remarkable new structure deep within the West Antarctic Ice Sheet which suggests that the whole ice sheet is more susceptible to future change than previously thought.

New structure found deep within West Antarctic Ice Sheet


Pakistan are closing in fast on Sri Lanka #39;s first innings total after impressing with both ball and bat on the second day of the opening Test in Faisalabad.

RAMPANT PAKISTAN ON SHOULDER OF SRI LANKA


Copyright officials recommended on Thursday that US law be amended so that companies that rely on copyright infringement to make a profit can be held liable for their actions.

Copyright Proposal Induces Worry


Microprocessor designer Arm Ltd. has developed a new multimedia technology called Neon that will help improve the performance of mobile electronics devices that process multiple tasks, the company said Monday.

Arm reveals Neon multimedia extension technology


A top Marine officer also denied reports that one of them was the headquarters of the Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

Several Insurgent Command Bases Found in Falluja, General Says


The rollout of new servers and networking switches in stores is part of a five-year agreement supporting 7-Eleven #39;s Retail Information System.

7-Eleven Turns To HP To Streamline Operations


Prime Minister Ariel Sharon phoned the leader of the Labor Party, Shimon Peres, this morning and asked him to begin talks on forming a coalition government, Israel Radio reported.

Sharon, Bolstered by Vote, Reaches Out to Labor Party


AP - Anthony Harris scored 18 of his career-high 23 points in the second half to help Miami upset No. 19 Florida 72-65 Saturday and give first-year coach Frank Haith his biggest victory.

Harris, Miami Upend No. 19 Florida 72-65 (AP)


England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson warned striker Michael Owen on Friday that he would lose his starting place in next Saturday #39;s World Cup qualifier against Wales without being able to prove his form in training next week.

Eriksson issues warning to Owen


Olympic 1500m freestyle champion Grant Hackett has revealed that he defended his title in Athens despite suffering from a collapsed lung.

Hackett admits to Athens injury


A total of 17 people were killed when a car bomb detonated in a crowded street in central Baghdad on Thursday, the police said. A thick column of black smoke rose into the sky

17 people killed in car bombing in Baghdad


Vince Young answered his critics Saturday night. He had a career-high 300 yards of total offense, ran for four touchdowns and threw for another to lead No.

Young, Texas roll past Texas Tech


University of Louisville football coach Bobby Petrino, amid rumors of job offers coming his way, said after yesterday #39;s regular-season finale at Tulane that his first move

Petrino  #39;really happy here #39;


Pakistani jets pounded a suspected training facility for foreign militants in a two-hour barrage Thursday in tribal South Waziristan, killing 50 people, senior intelligence and military officials said.

Pakistani Strike on Terror Training Camp Kills 50


PeopleSoft's CEO fires back at rival, saying it's wrong about his stock transactions. Both companies scramble ahead of Friday deadline.

Duffield:  Oracle's skewing facts on stock sales


The king of Breeders #39; Cup trainers is pursuing his record 18th victory on horse racing #39;s biggest stage in a surprising way.

Lukas Betting on Azeri in Breeders #39; Cup


Although Microsoft still dominates the web browser space, its Internet Explorer continues to lose market share to open-source rival Mozilla.

Internet Explorer keeps losing market share


Drug companies rushing to fill the vacuum left by Merck  amp; Co.'s withdrawal of its best-selling arthritis drug Vioxx are flooding the airwaves with competing advertising claims that are bewildering many patients.

With Vioxx gone, now what do I do?


Police have detained a man and his wife in the port city of Surabaya and are questioning them in connection with last week #39;s deadly bombing at the Australian embassy, a spokesman said Thursday.

Indons detain couple in connection with embassy bombing


Sears Roebuck and Co. surprised naysayers Thursday by reporting a sales gain in October, the first in six months. Sales at stores open at least a year rose 1.9 percent versus a year ago, largely on the strength

Appliance sales give Sears an Oct. surprise


Immediately after the announcement that portions of the wire fence along the DMZ were cut, foreign broadcasters and newspapers linked it to a possible North Korean spy infiltration and reported South Koreas strengthened security measures.

Foreign News Agencies Jump on Announcement of Possible NK <b>...</b>


US Airways faces a

US Airways Outlines Time Frame for Possible Liquidation


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's leader and U.S. officials moved quickly Wednesday to squelch the idea a top female germ-warfare scientist for Saddam Hussein would be freed soon, after a senior Iraqi official said the decision had been made to release her...

U.S.: Iraqi Prisoners Won't Be Released


AP - Fitz Hill caught a glimpse of SEC media day on television last month and got another harsh reminder of how different things are where he coaches at San Jose State.

San Jose State Faces Difficult Task (AP)


The European aircraft manufacturer Airbus today announced plans for two versions of a wide-bodied passenger jet, which will see it go head-to-head with US competitor Boeing.

New Airbus planes to rival Boeing


NEW YORK, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Shares of data storage equipment maker Network Appliance Inc. (NTAP.O: Quote, Profile, Research) rose after the bell on Tuesday after the company posted a quarterly profit that rose 73 percent on strong sales in Asia and ...

After the Bell-Applied Materials, Network Appliances rise


Health officials in the Mexican state of Chihuahua fail to deal with a rat plague by sending in hundreds of cats.

Mexico rats survive cat onslaught


The tools are aimed at giving developers succinct representations of various Web applications, using detailed graphics that represent software components and helping developers to build better

Microsoft Previews Vision of  #39;Software Factories #39;


Washington, DC, Mayor Anthony Williams will try to get financing for a Major League Baseball stadium back on the city council agenda next week after the council

Washington mayor to push change in baseball bill


Sudanese security forces bulldozed a refugee camp after forcing thousands of conflict-weary Darfur villagers to another camp, an African Union official said Wednesday.

African Union: Sudan forces bulldozed Darfur refugee camp


Most Asian countries yesterday hailed the re-election of George W. Bush as a boost for the global  quot;war on terror, quot; but some asked the US president to look beyond to other issues as he begins a fresh four-year term.

Asia views Bush victory as boost for war on terror


Northumberland-born trainer Jonathan Pease was cracking open the champagne last night after winning one of the top prizes in racing.

North-born trainer lands Arc jackpot


October 25, 2004 - I #39;m not going to beat around the bush. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the single best PlayStation 2 title I have ever played.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas


Egypt and Israel signed an agreement on Tuesday that will boost employment and might act as an impetus for other Arab countries to make peace with Israel.

Egypt hopes for jobs boost as it signs trade deal with Israel and <b>...</b>


On Aug. 9, 2001, President Bush announced he would fund research only on those stem-cell lines taken from human embryos before that date.

Stem-cell limit wasn #39;t tough enough


All season, Chris Barnicle seemed prepared for just about everything, but the Newton North senior was not ready for the hot weather he encountered yesterday in San Diego at the Footlocker Cross-Country National Championships. Racing in humid conditions with temperatures in the 70s, the Massachusetts Division 1 state champion finished sixth in 15 minutes 34 seconds in the 5-kilometer race. ...

Barnicle finishes 6th in humid San Diego


AP - Brian Ching scored a team-best 11th goal of season to lead the San Jose Earthquakes past the Dallas Burn 3-0 on Saturday night.

Earthquakes Rattle Burn 3-0 (AP)


New Delhi, Dec. 4: Bangladesh finance minister S. Saifur Rahman will arrive in India late tonight for a five-day visit and interaction with Indias top political leadership.

Minister from Dhaka to call


SINGAPORE -- Crude oil prices climbed back above the key \$50 mark in Asian trade today,creeping close to an all-time high. After settling at \$49.

Crude climbs back above \$50 in Asia


and PC users no longer had to choose between Windows Media Player #39;s inadequacies or Real or Musicmatch #39;s annoyances.

Microsoft Sings New Tune with Windows Media Player


Of The Doctor and the Great Fish, Part II. Dr. Anthony is a surgeon whose deft fingers have found their way into human hearts and back many thousands of times in his career, which makes his misadventures with fish somewhat enigmatic.

Latest bluefish battle well worth the fight


Nokia will supply equipment supporting GSM and push-to-talk services.

Nokia lands \$30 million deal from Hong Kong cell firm


Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - About 60 members of the Toronto Police Services left for New York City Thursday to take part in upcoming ceremonies marking the third anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Ontario police forces set to take part in 9-11 anniversary ceremonies (Canadian Press)


TechWeb - Market-research firm Venture Development Corp. says a survey of retail IT execs shows that just 2 of point-of-sale systems use Linux, far less than expected.

Retailers Are Cool To Linux (TechWeb)


Chinese Communist Party chief Hu Jintao called for parliament to take a stronger watchdog role on the eve of a key leadership meeting but ruled out Western-style democracy

China Party Chief Rules Out Democracy


New Delhi: The Indian government decided on Friday not to increase retail prices of petroleum products despite global crude oil prices reaching record highs, Petroleum and natural Gas Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said.

Govt decides not to raise oil prices


October 26, 2004 - Apple has announced the newest model in its iPod series of portable music players, the iPod Photo. The biggest improvement with the new model is its color screen, capable of displaying 65,536 colors on its 220x176 pixel display.

Apple Unveils iPod Photo


A law that gives the government control over the content of radio and television programs in Venezuela took effect Thursday.

Venezuelan President Approves Media Law


After low turnout at the Boston Convention  #38; Exhibition Center, IDG World Expo moves the confab to the Hynes Convention Center.

Macworld Boston to move to smaller digs


Reuters - Ivory Coast's rebel chief said on\Thursday he wanted President Laurent Gbagbo charged with war\crimes as the West African country's leader called on thousands\of foreigners who fled mob violence to return.

Ivory Coast Rebel Chief Brands Gbagbo War Criminal (Reuters)


A special version of Macromedia #39;s Contribute Web publishing desktop application is designed to automate and simplify the creation and modification of EBay Stores.

Macromedia Introduces Publishing Tool for EBay


Australia is to spend up to A\$450m (US\$320m) on cruise missiles to give its military the  quot;most lethal capacity quot; for air combat in the region.

Canberra plans  #39;lethal #39; air force


quot;HP technology helps us to differentiate ourselves from other retailers in the way we run our stores, select and distribute products, work with suppliers, serve customers and communicate

HP Will Power 5,300 7-Elevens


CHIP FIRM AMD said it has introduced its Geode based Personal Internet Communicator (PIC) in a cooperative deal with Indian giant Tata Indicom Broadband.

AMD Geode Personal Internet Communicator launched


Crude oil prices rose for the second day Thursday as traders worries that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) might trim excess oil output.

Crude oil prices rise on concern about less OPEC output


London - Newcastle manager Graeme Souness was to study video evidence before deciding whether to punish Craig Bellamy who was caught by TV cameras abusing him after being substituted during Sunday #39;s 1-1 draw with Charlton.

Souness to act on foul-mouthed Bellamy


The immortal words of Spinal Tap while they were lost in the maze of backstage hallways couldn #39;t have suited the Edmonton Road Runners any better.

Rolling Moss gathers win


Congressional lawmakers are taking a cue from Hollywood with an aim to beef up penalties against people who illegally swap copyrighted movies and songs over the Internet. \<FONT face=

Congress Puts Hooks in Copyright Crooks


It was a week ago that it was first disclosed that soldiers from the Black Watch regiment had been told to prepare to deploy to an area south of Baghdad to help out the Americans planning a fresh assault on Falluja.

How army briefing to families left No 10 on the back foot


AFP - Australian police investigating the disappearance of a British tourist missing for almost a week launched a public appeal for information after her bag was found near Sydney's Bondi Beach.

Australian police concerned over missing British tourist (AFP)


YOGYAKARTA (Antara): Indonesian senior pale-anthropologist Teuku Jacob denied claims made by Australian anthropologist Peter Brown saying that fossils found in September 2003 were of a newspecies called Homo floresiensis.

Indonesian experts deny  #39;Flores man #39; fossil claim


Sao Paulo, Brazil (Sports Network) - Williams/BMW driver Juan Montoya captured the final event of the 2004 Formula One season - the Grand Prix of Brazil.

Montoya wins F1 finale in Brazil


Even with the use of home accounting software, investors should still establish a filing system for paper receipts, warranties, tax records, bank statements and other essential documents.

Methods to the Madness


Internet users may soon see two new domain name suffixes in their browser window:  quot;.post quot; to identify the postal community and  quot;.

ICANN moves closer to approving .post and .travel suffixes


Russian President Vladimir Putin predicted that the aim of the latest attacks in Iraq is to prevent US President George W. Bush from being re-elected.

Putin: Recent Attacks Designed to Hurt Bush


SERENA WILLIAMS: Serena is all-purpose with her withdrawals. She withdrew from the Acura Classic at La Costa. She withdrew from the Olympics.

A sweet sixteen


Wizards guard Larry Hughes is on pace to finish with career-highs in all major categories, keying the Wizards' early-season success.

Hughes Scores Huge


Top-seeded Tim Henman was ousted by Croatian nemesis Ivan Ljubicic 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in the third round of the Madrid Masters on Thursday.

Ljubicic beats Henman while Agassi advances


Israel reversed course yesterday and said it might coordinate next year #39;s Gaza Strip pullout with the Palestinian Authority if the Palestinians crack down on militants, a sign that

Israel eases its stance on Gaza Strip


Fourth-seeded Argentinian Juan Ignacio Chela #39;s second encounter with Florian Mayer this year didn #39;t go nearly as well as the first.

CHELA DUMPED OUT IN AUSTRIA


BAGHDAD, Iraq Sept. 16, 2004 - Gunmen kidnapped two Americans and a Briton Thursday from a house in an upscale Baghdad neighborhood where many foreign companies are based, the Interior Ministry and witnesses said.

2 Americans, 1 Briton Kidnapped in Iraq


After Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Panathinaikos at Highbury on Tuesday night, captain leaving them three points behind Group E leaders PSV Eindhoven with two games left to play, captain Patrick Vieira said:  quot;A draw is better than nothing.

Vieira: Its Still In Our Hands


India's main opposition party takes action against senior party member Uma Bharti after a public row.

High profile BJP leader suspended


ElBaradei was reacting to news reports that he had heeded Iranian demands to drop mentions of IAEA requests to visit the Parchin military site and Irans use of the sensitive material beryllium in a report he had made to the IAEA board in September.

Middle East ; ElBaradei denies charges of collaboration with Iran


(Kandahar, Afghanistan-AP) Sept. 26, 2004 - Afghan officials say an alleged senior Taliban commander and two fighters have been killed in a raid on a village home in southern Afghanistan.

Senior Taliban commander arrested in southern Afghanistan


Jean-Marie Messier, the former chief of Vivendi Universal SA who is under investigation for alleged fraud and stock manipulation, was fined 1 million euros (\$1.3 million) by French regulator

Vivendi, Messier Each Fined EU1 Million by Regulator (Update2)


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reacted skeptically on Wednesday to a redeployment of Syrian troops in Lebanon, saying that the move did not mean any real change in Syrian policy.

Syrian Troop Redeployment Said Meaningless


Tony Blair #39;s ministers have said it, his political opponents are baying for it but the prime minister refuses to utter it -- when it comes to the Iraq war,  quot;sorry quot; is the word on everyone else #39;s lips.

quot;Sorry quot; is hardest word for Blair on Iraq


A 16-year-old Palestinian blew himself up in a crowded outdoor market in central Tel Aviv on Monday, killing three Israelis and wounding 32 in the first such attack

Suicide Bomber Kills Three in Tel Aviv


About 600 Servisair baggage handlers at Gatwick International Airport in West Sussex, England, staged a 24-hour strike Saturday over a workload dispute.

Baggage handlers strike at Gatwick


Valero LP of San Antonio said Monday it will acquire Kaneb Services and Kaneb Pipe Line Partners of Dallas for \$2.8 billion. The assets of the combined partnership, which will retain the name Valero LP, will

Valero to buy Kaneb


ATLANTA -- SunTrust Banks Inc. said Monday that it expects to restate earnings higher for the first and second quarters of 2004 due to changes in loan loss allowances, and plans to delay its third-quarter

SunTrust Banks to restate 1Q, 2Q profit


For Bobby Frankel, the melancholy prince of New York adrift in a strange place called Texas, the day was neither sunny nor gray. Bobby was neither in heaven nor hell, but in something akin to purgatory.

Galloping  #39;Ghost #39; brightens Frankel #39;s view of Breeders #39;


Trend Micro announced today that they are extending their anti-virus product line into the mobile and portable space with the launch of Trend Micro Mobile Security.

Trend Micro Extends Anti-Virus Software to Mobile Market


ST. GEORGE #39;S, Grenada Sept. 8, 2004 - Hurricane Ivan made a direct hit on Grenada, killing at least three people as it turned concrete homes into piles of rubble and hurled the island #39;s landmark red zinc roofs through the air.

Hurricane Ivan Devastates Grenada


The Sony Ericsson Z500a is packed with features such as 3D gaming, music ringtones, integrated VGA digital camera with zoom with video capabilities for short taking short clips.

Cingular offering the Sony Ericsson Z500a


Masai herders in Kenya have begun cutting fences and marching their livestock onto the private ranchland of white settlers, where wildlife thrives.

Masai, Whites and Wildlife: No Peaceable Kingdom


Attackers have posted a malicious Jpeg image file to Internet newsgroups that distribute pornography. The infected Jpeg file attempts to exploit a critical vulnerability Microsoft announced and issued a patch for on Sept.

Attackers Target Microsoft Jpeg Flaw


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were seen opening  lower  on Thursday as rising oil prices and lackluster September sales  reports from retailers weighed on the market.

Stocks Seen Lower; Retailers, Oil Weigh


NEW YORK - After a daylong wait for an afternoon doubleheader that was turned into a single night game, the New York Yankees found their 1-2-3 punch.

Yankees win, denied forfeit


PeopleSoft Inc. unveiled a new incentive program on Wednesday offering customers free upgrade assistance and a credit toward new purchases, an initiative the company hopes will spark sales and encourage customers to move to its latest releases.

Update: PeopleSoft throws customers a discount and free upgrade


AFP - The surge in crude-oil prices to 50 dollars a barrel is likely to hold back the US economy but probably not cause a recession, analysts say.

High oil prices may slow US economy, won't cause recession: experts (AFP)


Last month , IntelliCorp, a software company with offices in the United Kingdom and Silicon Valley, celebrated the opening of its new East Coast office in Westborough. The expansion was welcomed by officials in the administration of Governor Romney, who have trumpeted state government's role in attracting high-tech companies. Massachusetts seems like a logical base for IntelliCorp's East Coast operations ...

High-tech CEO is bullish on region's economic future


The University of Virginia Cavaliers are 4-0, ranked tenth, and mostly invisible on the national title picture. A win Thursday against Clemson could start opening eyes.

Cavs Face First Test


Apple Computer Inc. #39;s reign as king of the digital music business is about to meet its most serious challenge as software heavyweight Microsoft Corp.

Battle brewing on the digital music front


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

AIG Says Unit Faces U.S. Criminal Probe


As of January first, you won #39;t have to pay those dreaded late fees at Blockbuster stores. Movie and game rentals will still have due dates, but if you need to keep it an extra day or so, you can do it stress-free.

Blockbuster Eliminates Late Fees


The holiday gaming season officially opened Tuesday with the release of  quot;Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. quot; The third in the immensely popular line of video games is expected by analysts to sell at least 4.5 million copies, sales figures that would put it in

Part of the ECT News Network


Apple Macintosh users might feel a bit dizzy next spring. After more than a year of negotiating brought the Macworld Conference  amp; Expo back from New York to Boston in April, the show's organizer, IDG World Expo of Framingham, said yesterday that it is moving the show again -- to the Hynes Convention Center on Boylston Street.

Macworld is moving to the Hynes


Sao Paulo - Formula One #39;s governing body the FIA confirmed on Friday that they will force through new rules in 2005 and 2006 in a bid to slow cars down in the years ahead.

FIA force through rule changes


3Com is the latest networking company to partner with a wireless LAN switching start-up. 3Com said Monday it will begin reselling a version of the Mobility Exchange Switch and management software from Trapeze Networks under the 3Com brand later this year.

3Com partners with wireless switch start-up


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

Pro-Taliban Clerics Killed in Pakistan #39;s Karachi


A TEAM of wildlife officials has left for a global meeting in Bangkok, Thailand to oppose the lifting of the ban imposed on ivory trade.

Uganda Opposes Trade in Ivory


Hewlett-Packard was the first company to offer a grid storage device, but others are moving to catch up.

Sidebar: HP's grid storage initiative leads the way


NEW YORK - A drop in oil prices and reassuring words from the Federal Reserve sent stocks higher Monday, raising hopes that Wall Street would be able to extend its recent rally.    Investors were cheered by a dip in oil prices, which backed off of the \$50 per barrel mark at Friday's close of trading...

Stocks Higher on Drop in Oil, Fed Comments


CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuelan lawmakers backing  left-wing President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday they were  working with opponents to rewrite parts of a media law that has  come under fire from critics who fear it will muzzle dissent.

Venezuela Lawmakers Rework Controversial Media Law


Defendants at the center of the BALCO steroid scandal asked a court to drop charges against them Friday, claiming misconduct by prosecutors in a case which has tarnished several top sporting names.

BALCO Defendants Want Steroid Case Dropped


Reuters - A Serb officer indicted for war crimes\in the siege of Sarajevo during the 1992-95 Bosnian war was on\his way to the U.N. war crimes tribunal in The Hague on Friday,\chief prosecutor Carla Del Ponte said.

Serb War Crimes Suspect Surrenders -- Del Ponte (Reuters)


As with Washington-area efforts to land a baseball team, Los Angeles' quest for an NFL team spans years, and is hindered by an owner who feels he has rights to the market.

NFL Blocked From L.A.


Strong aftershocks rocked northern Japan on Sunday, after a barrage of powerful quakes jolted the region the day before, killing at least 14 people and toppling buildings.

Aftershocks rock northern Japan, day after quakes killed at least <b>...</b>


Deena Kastor, as humble an athlete as they come, has been struggling with her newfound fame. For the last two months, Kastor has made the daily trek to her post office in tiny

Kastor carries new celebrity status into NYC Marathon


Reg review Does colour screen  touch-sensitive control pad = iPod killer?

Sony Vaio Pocket VGF-AP1L digital music player


Canadian Press - BEIJING (CP) - China urged the Canadian Embassy on Thursday to hand over 44 possible North Korean asylum-seekers, while officials said nine North Koreans who entered a U.S. school in Shanghai had been handed over to Chinese police.

China wants Canada to hand over North Koreans who stormed embassy (Canadian Press)


Since dismantling its weapons programs, Libya has been embraced by the West. Thursday saw Germany #39;s chancellor begin a two-day visit intended to strengthen economic ties between the countries.

Chancellor Schrder invites Qathafi to visit Germany


AP - Defending champion Arsenal stretched its unbeaten streak in the Premier League to 49 games Saturday, beating Aston Villa 3-1 behind two goals by Robert Pires.

Arsenal Streak Reaches 49 Games (AP)


AP - Russia's top general threatened on Wednesday to strike terrorists

Russia Threatens to Strike Terror Bases (AP)


Impressive rookie Kasey Kahne started what he hopes will be an uplifting weekend Thursday night, winning his first pole of the season in 22 tries in NASCAR #39;s Busch Series.

Kahne wins Busch pole at Richmond


Four companies are planning to hire more than 10,000 workers for new homeland security-related jobs in Virginia over the next five years, Gov. Mark R. Warner is to announce today.

Four Companies Plan Expansion in Virginia


The reserves are the key reason for Baltimore's 2-1 record and its place atop the AFC North standings following Sunday's thumping of Cincinnati, 23-9.

Key Backups Praised


The Federal Reserve may be fairly confident the economy #39;s soft patch is fading away, but the bond market is stubbornly betting the central bank is off the mark.

US Bond Market Begs to Differ with Fed Optimism


NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Times Co. <A HREF=

NY Times Cuts '04 Profit Targets


Prime Minister John Howard has accused Labor of holding up the release of new anti-terrorism advertisements urging Australians to be more safety conscious on public transport.

Anti-terrorism ads delayed by Labor: PM


The Bush administration plans to release oil from the nation #39;s emergency stockpile to make up for supply disruptions caused by Hurricane Ivan - the first time in nearly two years the reserve has been tapped.

Bush to tap oil reserve to counter Ivan delays


Eleven firms are barred as part of action against scams which left dial-up net users with big bills.

Watchdog takes on rogue diallers


Tennessee Titans receiver Tyrone Calico will have surgery Thursday to repair torn cartilage in his left knee and may need to have his anterior cruciate ligament fixed as well, coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday.

Receiver to have surgery Thursday, may need ACL repaired


JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia has decided to extend  emergency rule in its troubled province of Aceh, where  thousands of people have died in a rebellion, a newspaper said  Saturday.

Indonesia Extends Emergency in Aceh - Report


AFP - Egyptian telecom company Orascom has taken over Bangladesh's Sheba Telecom and plans to invest 250 million dollars to boost coverage and create nearly four million new subscribers.

Egypt firm to invest 250 mln dlrs in Bangladesh mobile phone market (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Prices for arabica coffee rallied 14  percent on Monday chased higher by commodity funds as concerns  about a decline in the number of bags in U.S. warehouses were  reinforced by an earthquake in major grower Colombia.

Coffee, Soybeans Rise, Crude Drops


PARIS -- Vivendi Universal SA has reached a deal with French authorities to change its tax regime in a deal that will boost its bottom line, the entertainment and telecommunications giant said Thursday.

Vivendi wins \$4.6 billion tax windfall


Curt Schilling needs surgery on his injured right ankle, but the Red Sox hope he will still be able to pitch Game 5 of the ALCS on Sunday.

Schilling Needs Surgery


Area travel agents say forget about taking that fall-break getaway to hurricane-hammered Florida. The situation may not be much better by Thanksgiving, Christmas or even spring break for

Florida vacation? Fuggeddaboudit!


WASHINGTON - The Bush administration for the first time on Thursday called attacks in Sudan's Darfur region by government-backed Arab militia against black Africans

Powell: Sudan Abuses Qualify As Genocide


ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- The French Olympic team is to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to try to win back its three-day event Olympic gold medal in Athens.

French to appeal after losing gold


They failed to reach the playoffs for the 11th straight season after coming in as favorites to win the NL East. They were 85-75 when Bowa was dismissed before last night #39;s game against Florida.

Manager Bowa Is Fired by Phillies


Detractors are horrified, but the developer of a video game that lets players simulate the assassination of President Kennedy says the point is to bolster the lone-gunman theory and debunk the conspiracy theorists.

You, Too, Can Assassinate Kennedy


The battle for control of Champions League Group F match begins in earnest tomorrow when AC Milan host Barcelona at the San Siro stadium.

Big two clash in San Siro tomorrrow


Amgen Inc., the country #39;s largest biotechnology company, said Wednesday that third-quarter profit fell sharply because of charges related to the acquisition of Tularik Inc.

Amgen 3Q Profit Falls on Acquisition


With the Incredibles atop the movie charts, superheroes are flying higher than ever. Now one expert says some superpowers are not exactly far-fetched.

The Science of Superheroes: Beyond the Incredibles


Two Marines with ties to the Washington region were killed last week in Iraq, the Pentagon said.

2 Marines From Woodbridge, Baltimore Area Killed in Iraq


It might have been NBA Commissioner David Stern taking his chances had he tried to enter the stands at The Palace on Sunday after suspending Ben Wallace for six games.

Fans stand behind suspended Wallace


Once again, the unintended consequences of the Internet may be heading for a big showdown before the Supreme Court.  This time, it's the war over file sharing and copyrights that the justices are being asked to review. <FONT face=

Downloading Justice


SOUTH BEND, Indiana (Sports Network) - True freshman Darius  Walker ran for 115 yards and a pair of fourth-quarter  touchdowns, leading Notre Dame to a 28-20 victory over  eighth-ranked Michigan at Notre Dame Stadium.

Notre Dame Upsets No. 8 Michigan


Reuters - Israel's labor unions ended a\paralyzing two-day general strike on Wednesday that grounded\international air traffic, shut financial markets and halted\public services in a dispute over unpaid wages.

Israeli Unions End Crippling General Strike (Reuters)


Sydney: Lleyton Hewitt crushed Mehdi Tahiri 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 on Friday to claim one of the proudest records in Australian tennis and give his country a commanding 2-0 lead over Morocco in their Davis Cup World Group play-off.

Australia take 2-0 lead


Luis Corrons, head of PandaLabs, said the Bagle worm variant  quot;is here to pick up the cyber war that started a few months ago between several groups of virus creators.

New Bagle Virus Declares Cyber War


NEW YORK: Verizon Wireless said on Thursday it had signed an agreement with NextWave Telecom to purchase all of its airwave licences for \$3bn.

Verizon to buy NextWave #39;s licences for \$3bn


AP - As Iraq's Sunni Muslims ponder boycotting the Jan. 30 election and some press for a delay, the majority Shiite Muslims face another threat to their expected victory: a split in Shiite ranks that could cost them the chance to dominate the next parliament.

Split Could Cost Iraqi Shiites Politically (AP)


Pressured by European powers, Iranian negotiators at a key UN atomic agency meeting sought approval from their government Friday for a total freeze of a program that can make nuclear-weapons grade uranium.

Uranium negotiations are close to the end


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday let  stand a lower-court ruling that telemarketers' rights to free  speech are not violated by the government's nationwide  do-not-call list.

Court Rejects Challenge to Do-Not-Call List


The torrid pace of home sales across the Bay Area and the state will cool next year, but prices will stay on an upward trajectory, according to a real estate trade group.

Housing sales to slow a bit


AMMAN (Reuters) - Logistical preparations are under way to  allow at least a million exiled Iraqis to cast their votes in  the country's first free elections next month, a senior  organizer said on Thursday.

Plans Under Way for Exiled Iraqis to Vote -IOM


SHANGHAI - Playing in his home town before an adoring crowd that chanted his name, Yao Ming had the jitters. He missed his first two shots and allowed Brad Miller to score against him repeatedly early in the first quarter.

NBA teams play first exhibition game in China


As many as 205 people were arrested in overnight unrest Saturday on the anniversary of the 1973 coup that led Augusto Pinochet to power.

Over 200 arrested in violence on Pinochet coup anniversary in <b>...</b>


FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. warplanes bombarded hard  core rebel areas of Falluja on Monday and troops hunted  insurgents house-to-house, while heavy clashes broke out in  other cities and insurgents attacked Iraq's oil network.

Falluja Rebels Battle On; Clashes Across Iraq


The City is  quot;strong and getting stronger each and every day, quot; Mayor Gavin Newsom proclaimed during his first State of the City address since taking office in January.

City  #39;getting stronger #39;


As peace between Israel and the Palestinians waxed and waned over the decades, there was one constant amid the tumult: Yasser Arafat was at its centre.

A hero, a monster, a Mideast icon


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The October average U.S. house price  jumped 8.5 percent from a year ago, setting the stage for  mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to raise the limit  on mortgages they can buy, a Federal Housing Finance Board  survey showed on Tuesday.

Average Price of U.S. House Rises 8.5 Pct


Oracle Corp. chief executive Larry Ellison testified yesterday that the business software maker is leaning toward lowering its \$7.7 billion bid for rival PeopleSoft Inc. , a shift that might create another snag in the takeover tug-of-war.

Ellison tells court Oracle may lower bid for PeopleSoft


Applied Micro Circuits Corp. (AMCC) (Nasdaq: AMCC - message board) is laying off 20 percent of its staff following a disappointing quarter, officials announced today after the stock markets closed.

AMCC to Lay Off 150


One mention of the term  quot;crunch time quot; is enough to twist some players #39; stomachs into knots.  quot;That #39;s when it #39;s fun to me, quot; he said.

Wake Forest #39;s chances could rest on player with  #39;cat burglar #39; <b>...</b>


EarthLink #39;s R amp;D lab on Thursday released a proof-of-concept application to show how a popular messaging protocol can be used for purposes other than what it was designed, including sharing data.

EarthLink Debuts P2P App Running On SIP


The person insisting loudest that the Giants' offense has bigger problems than Eli Manning is Kurt Warner, the quarterback who was benched in favor of Manning.

The Giants' Warner, a Backup, Speaks Up


As much as Bobby Labonte wants to liken finishing 11th in NASCAR #39;s revised points system to winning a table centerpiece, he finds consolation in spoils such as a \$250,000 points fund

Another  #39;Chase #39; looms for those outside postseason cut


The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will discuss recent alleged violations of South Africa #39;s laws on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) at its board meeting next week in Vienna.

IAEA to discuss S.African nuclear cases next week: report


AFP - Leading Indian software exporter, Satyam, second quarter profit rose 27.92 percent to 41.2 million dollars on the back of strong orders and rationalisation of costs.

India's Satyam posts 28 percent jump in second quarter profit (AFP)


The Home Office is touting ID cards as a solution to ID theft in today's Queen's Speech but a Yorkshire man has taken matters into his own hands.

News: DIY fingerprint idea thwarts ID thieves


AP - A law that gives the government control over the content of radio and television programs in Venezuela took effect Thursday.

Venezuelan President Approves Media Law (AP)


A flurry of year-end dealmaking hit the tech sector as companies maneuvered to get out of low-margin businesses, fill holes in their product lines and take financial advantage of the recent run-up in share prices.

Marriages Made in Corporate Heaven


By serving her sentence now, the domestic diva gives her company a better shot at reviving its badly damaged fortunes. Although more famous for her artistic instincts around the home, Martha Stewart knows her math, too.

For Martha, It #39;s Time to Do Time


A roaring jobs market in Canada and disappointing jobs data from the United States helped the Canadian dollar crack 80 cents US in trading yesterday for the first time in more than a decade.

Loonie breaks 80 cents US


ST. JOHNS, Antigua, Nov. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In a perfect example of Americana pop culture phenomenon, a grilled cheese sandwich that bears the image of the Virgin Mary has been sold on eBay to Internet casino GoldenPalace.

Mystifying Image Of Virgin Mary On Grilled Cheese Sandwich Sold To <b>...</b>


In a case that could shake up the growing market in wireless Internet  quot;hot spots, quot; a New Hampshire company is suing a leading hot spot provider, alleging patent infringement. If PowerOasis Inc. of Nashua wins its case against Wayport Inc. of Austin, Texas, thousands of travelers could lose access to the Internet in hotels and airports.

N.H. firm sues provider of Net hot spots


IBM Corp. claimed unofficial bragging rights Tuesday as owner of the world #39;s fastest supercomputer. For three years running, the fastest supercomputer has been NEC #39;s Earth Simulator in Japan.

New supercomputer called BlueGene breaks speed record, IBM says


RIYADH: The  quot;terrorist quot; murder of a French citizen in Jeddah and another shoot-out on Monday between suspected Islamist militants and security forces in the Saudi capital have

Unrest in Saudi Arabia spotlights terrorism battle


The state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Seattle is offering free legal help to anyone facing FBI questioning.

ACLU offers legal aid in interviews by FBI


PortalPlayer, whose chip powers Apple's MP3 player, files for IPO. Paperwork gives glimpse of potential evolution of iPod.

iPod chipmaker plans stock offering


CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Brett Myers continued his recent surge to help the Philadelphia Phillies avoid a rare sweep by the Cincinnati Reds .

SI.com


Britain #39;s unemployment rate fell to a new 20-year low of 4.6 percent in the latest quarter, according to official data released Wednesday.

Britain #39;s Jobless Rate at New 20-Year Low


KIRKLAND - Seahawks wide receiver Koren Robinson was suspended for four games today for violating the NFLs substance abuse policy.

NFL suspends Seahawks Robinson for four games


The dramatic surge in support for a neo-Nazi party and reformed communists in weekend state polls marks a voter drift to the extreme political fringes, an ominous trend just two weeks

Neo-Nazis and communists on the rise in Germany


A new version of the Pentium 4 aimed at the  #39;desktop replacement #39; market has been introduced by Intel. The snappily named Mobile Intel Pentium 4 processor 548 supporting HT Technology runs at 3.33GHz and is

Intel intros new Pentium 4 for desktop replacements


A hacker compromised the corporate Web site of France Telecom SA's ISP subsidiary earlier this week, causing the site to try to install a malicious software program on visitors' computers.

Hackers target French ISP's site


SafeKeeper Trusted I/O devices have a trusted platform module (TPM), which stores passwords, digital certificates, and encryption keys.

Big Blue installs Safekeeper TPM


Wrexham have been given a stay of execution after the High Court granted the club more time to solve their financial problems. However, the Coca-Cola League Two outfit have been given just two weeks to sort out the crisis or face a winding-up order.

Wrexham Handed Two-Week Stay of Execution


Hamas is demanding changes to the election system employed by the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the 1996 elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council (the parliament).

Hamas demands new Palestinian election system


Microsoft is to give users three working days notice about upcoming security patches. Starting this month the software giant will provide a general summary of upcoming updates just before it releases patches

MS debuts  #39;forthcoming attractions #39; pre-alert alert


Time Warner Inc., the world #39;s biggest media company, agreed to pay \$210 million to settle a US Justice Department probe into whether its America Online unit improperly booked advertising sales.

Time Warner to Pay \$210 Mln to Resolve Justice Department Probe


Hugh Osmond, the pubs-to-pizzas entrepreneur leading the , yesterday outlined a vision of delivering much better investment returns to policyholders stranded in closed with-profit funds.

We #39;re good for policyholders, says Osmond


SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) - Two gunmen shot dead a member  of the moderate faction of Kashmir's main separatist alliance  on Thursday, police said, days after New Delhi said it will try  to resume a stalled dialogue with the separatists.

Gunmen Kill Kashmiri Separatist Alliance Leader


OXFORD, Miss. Dec 1, 2004 - Mississippi coach David Cutcliffe was fired Wednesday after the team #39;s worst season in 10 years, a source close to the program told The Associated Press.

Mississippi Fires Football Coach Cutcliffe


Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the No. 1 US retailer, on Thursday posted weak November sales and gave its lowest monthly forecast in 19 months for December as high oil prices crimp core lower-income consumers #39; spending.

Wal-Mart Posts Weak Sales Forecast


An Islamic extremist group claimed its fighters had hijacked the planes to avenge the deaths of Muslims in Chechnya.

Traces of Explosives Found in Wreckage of Russian Jet


Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group Inc. announced Wednesday its group net profit fell 43.1 percent in the fiscal first half from a year earlier to 171.7 billion yen, while merger partner UFJ

MTFG, UFJ post declines in first half


Kashmir will be the focus of the first talks between India's Manmohan Singh and Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf.

India and Pakistan to meet at UN


The volume of worms and viruses is increasing, but the rate of successful attacks has dropped, according to a new report from Symantec.

Viruses keep on growing


Michael Ovitz, who had a brief but extremely lucrative career as president of Walt Disney Co. in the mid 1990s, might emerge as the latest embodiment of corporate spending run amok.

What can \$2-million do for your office?


Few can doubt the historic importance of the peaceful and democratic passing of executive power to Indonesia #39;s first ever directly elected president later this month -- with the former general-turned-democrat, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the winner.

Hardest part of democracy: Creating beneficent state


Reuters - A Sudanese rebel commander\in a camp in Darfur tells his troops he is hoping for peace.\But just a few hours march away, young men say they are\convinced Sudan wants to drive them off the land.

Mood Mixed Among Darfur Rebels Ahead of Talks (Reuters)


BERLIN Nov 8, 2004 - European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet expressed concern Monday about the growing strength of the euro, saying a rally that sent the shared currency to an all-time high of US\$1.

Euro Rises Up Further Against US Dollar


Reuters - Peace talks between Darfur\rebels and the Sudanese government resumed Sunday evening after\a 24 hour boycott by rebels who accused Khartoum Saturday of\violating a cease-fire by killing 75 civilians in six villages.

AU Probes Darfur Allegations, Peace Talks Resume (Reuters)


TAIPEI - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC), the world's largest contract chip maker, has teamed up with Freescale Semiconductor Inc. to jointly develop SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology for chips made using a 65-nanometer (nm) process, the companies said in a statement Tuesday.

TSMC, Freescale to jointly develop chip technology


quot;I'll be another ghost, fully capable of haunting. quot; -- Grady Little, shortly before he was let go as manager of the Red Sox

Haunting memories have managed to reappear


ALEXANDRIA, VA. The former chief financial officer for US Airways is offering a bleak outlook for the carrier. Dave Davis told a bankruptcy court in Virginia the airline doesn #39;t expect to turn a profit until 2007.

Bankrupt US Airways hopes for profitability by 2007


Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. on Friday said its business in Syracuse will hire up to 500 new engineers in 2005. In October, the Syracuse business said it would hire 40 employees by the end of the

Lockheed Martin to Hire About 500 Engineers


Both the CPSC and Apple advised G4 customers affected by the fault to contact Apple immediately. Apple said it has made provision to supply replacement batteries free of charge by arrangement with the battery #39;s South Korean manufacturer, ...

Apple Recalls PowerBook Batteries


IN A preliminary ruling, the US government has rejected Microsoft #39;s 1996 patent on technology for saving files on computers using easy-to-remember names.

Microsoft vows fight over FAT patent


The bombs called forth a scene of dying children and grieving parents, some of them holding up blood-soaked clothes.

2 Car Bombings in Iraq Kill 41, Many Children


They looked like a team that had quit, and they looked like a team that couldn #39;t be judged too harshly for quitting. There were so many young men in baggy white sweat pants and matching T-shirts on the sideline

49ers #39; attitude gets a major adjustment


The traveling  #39; #39;Windows on Wheels quot; exhibition, parked at dusk outside the Micro Center electronics palace on Memorial Drive, is jam-packed with

Is Microsoft #39;s media center ready for prime time?


Fannie Mae (FNM:NYSE - news - research), the scandal-tainted mortgage finance firm, says it #39;s looking at a \$9 billion loss in its derivatives portfolio if regulators don #39;t accept its accounting practices.

Fannie Delays Quarterly Filing


Atlanta Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal may play in the playoffs despite a probation violation on a drunken-driving charge. For the rest of the season, Furcal must remain in home confinement.

Judge says Braves #39; Furcal can play


Millions of Italian workers are expected to take part in a general strike against \$8bn in government spending cuts.

Italy braced for general strike


Give the Vikings all the yards they wanted, just not a big play. The formula worked to perfection in the Eagles' 27-16 victory Monday night.

Eagles Solve Culpepper-Moss Problem


More bad news poured out of the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation yesterday, as the clothing company - facing an investigation by the United States attorney #39;s office in Manhattan - reported disappointing sales and declining operating margins.

Hilfiger Sales and Net Fall Amid Inquiry


PC World - PC and home theater make sleek package, while new portable music devices abound.

Tokyo Edge: New Choices in Digital Entertainment (PC World)


The US Department of Homeland Security has announced an important change that will affect many Canadian residents who travel on passports from other countries.

US forces global passport change


In the 18 months since America declared victory in the war against Iraq, the contrast in military styles of the two pillars of the coalition could not be starker.

Vindication will rest in election


The US men's and women's eights pulled off huge victories in yesterday's Olympic rowing heats, each setting world bests to advance directly to Sunday's finals.

US eights glide to finals in record times


Australia #39;s apparently meticulous planning for their successful tour to India showed a flaw last night when it was confirmed that Shane Warne had a broken right thumb and would miss the fourth Test, which was due to start here in the early hours of this

Tourists in a spin without Warne


BRUSSELS, Belgium Former top-ranked Justine Henin-Hardenne (EH #39;-nah ar-DEHN #39;) has ended her competitive tennis season because of an energy-draining virus.

Virus ends season for former number one


Europe #39;s first mission to the Moon, the unmanned probe SMART-1, has been safely placed in orbit around the Moon, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced on Tuesday.

Moon probe slots into lunar orbit


Oprah Winfrey #39;s now-famous Pontiac giveaway last Monday spiked traffic to her Web site - and also drove viewers to Pontiac #39;s online site.

OPRAH CAR SPREE DRIVES SITE TRAFFIC


Bad weather hit sales at Boots in the first half, while margins felt the pressure from price cuts made to combat stiffening competition, Britain #39;s biggest health and beauty retailer says.

Boots feels the pinch from price cuts


New report on offshoring points to greater acceptance among Australians.

Offshoring gains momentum Down Under


MEXICO CITY -- Nine months after he disappeared under a cloud of corruption allegations at home, former Guatemalan President Alfonso Portillo is living and working in the same Mexican city he fled two decades ago to avoid arrest on murder charges, the Associated Press has learned.

Former leader's secret life disclosed


Matchups like this come along as often as the Red Sox go to the World Series, meaning only a few times every century. The Jets-Patriots showdown today at Gillette Stadium marks only

5-0 Jets meet streaking Pats in AFC East showdown


Google Lawsuit Thrown Out of German Court\\A Hamburg court rejected Metaspinner Media 's lawsuit against Google over allegations the Internet search engine allows rival companies to buy ads using trademarked terms, an attorney said Tuesday.\\The AP Wires report that Metaspinner Media took Google Deutschland to court in May, accusing it ...


Analysis Redefining voluntary again...

Need a job? Get a card - arresting ID pitch to business


FOXBORO, Mass. (Sept. 3, 2004) -- The New England Patriots released nine players and signed two, including quarterback Jim Miller, who was released earlier this week.

Patriots cut nine players, re-sign QB Miller


A federal judge ruled that the provision broadly violated the Constitution by giving federal authorities unchecked powers to obtain private information.

Judge Strikes Down Section of Patriot Act


Sweden #39;s Robin Soderling beat seventh-seeded American Vince Spadea 6-2, 6-4 Saturday to reach the final of the Lyon Open. Soderling will play Belgium #39;s Xavier Malisse in Sunday #39;s final.

Soderling upsets Spadea to reach Lyon Open final


Noranda Inc. said on Tuesday it is reopening the field to other bidders, or may go it alone, after failing to seal a multibillion-dollar takeover by China Minmetals during seven weeks of exclusive talks.

Noranda opens takeover field to other suitors VANCOUVER, British <b>...</b>


roundup Plus: IronPort spam shield gets steelier...Via brings PCI Express to AMD PCs...Rice lab makes nano parts less toxic.

Briefly: Avici extends AT T contract


KUALA LUMPUR: Juniper Networks Inc has introduced solutions that it claimed would provide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a secure, cost-effective and easy-to-deploy method for remote employees to access corporate networks.

Linking remote SME workers to their office networks


FORD finally delivered some good news yesterday when it confirmed its commitment to world rallying for a further four years. While the 350 employees at the Jaguar Racing Formula One team, which

Ford rallies spirits but Jaguar #39;s future still in balance


Peter Lonard was almost an afterthought last week at The Australian - until the last nine when his pressure-proof action flushed enough irons close enough to steal the championship from those who had borne the brunt of the leaders #39; tension for three and a

Exclusive to pgatour.com.au/Sportal


(Sports Network) - The Houston Astros won a franchise-record 18 straight games at Minute Maid Park to end the season and now will lean on their home crowd on Saturday for Game 3 of their National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves.

Astros ready for some good home cookin #39;


AUSTRALIAN bubbly would be available on Virgin #39;s first flights into space, British tycoon Richard Branson promised today. The Virgin airlines founder hopes five space ships, each carrying five passengers and

Branson fires up space flight plan


WASHINGTON -- The first inspections of the Big Four accounting firms by the board overseeing the industry turned up significant problems in their audits of companies' books and quality control, but the findings don't constitute a  quot;broad negative assessment, quot; an official said yesterday. .

Problems found in auditing industry


The core shareholder group of the Russian oil company Yukos has launched legal proceedings against the Kremlin under the international energy charter and says it will sue the company that wins its main production unit at auction next month, in a last

Yukos hits back with legal action against Kremlin


AP - The Expos and Marlins were pulled off the field during Montreal's final home game Wednesday night after a fan threw a golf ball that landed near second base.

Tossed Golf Ball Delays Marlins-Expos Game (AP)


An Australian journalist kidnapped in Iraq was released after the Google Internet search engine confirmed his identity to his captors.

Kidnapped Australian reporter saved by Google


DUGWAY PROVING GROUNDS, Utah -- NASA #39;s Genesis return capsule crashed into the desert Wednesday morning due to an apparent malfunction in its parachutes.

NASA #39;s Genesis Capsule Crashes


You #39;ve read the ads, heard the buzz and seen the long lineups on the news, but does Halo 2 live up to the hype? Yes. Played from an immersive first-person perspective, the original Halo: Combat Evolved was

Halo 2 gets down to Earth


Adrian Fernandez wins the Delphi Indy 300, but is overshadowed by a crash that sent Buddy Rice's car skidding upside down along the track.

Rice's Car Crashes


AP - Baseball star Barry Bonds testified to a grand jury that he used a clear substance and a cream given to him by a trainer who was indicted in a steroid-distribution ring, but said he didn't know they were steroids, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday.

Report: Bonds Admitted to Using Substances (AP)


The FTC stipulated that, if successful, a bounty system for spammers would have to do several things: tie eligibility to a court order, rather than civil penalties; fund rewards separately from

FTC Floats Spammer Bounty Scheme


Reuters - Israeli helicopters fired missiles at a\metal foundry in Gaza on Friday, one day after Israel raided\two Gaza camps in response to Palestinian suicide bombings in\Israel this week.

Israeli Missiles Hit Palestinian Workshop in Gaza (Reuters)


Sony Computer Entertainment, the game unit of Sony, will roll out worldwide a new, smaller version of the PlayStation 2 game console from the start of November, company President Ken Kutaragi said.

Sony Computer To Launch Worldwide Sales of New PS2


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq's most revered cleric arrived  in Najaf Thursday to try to end a bloody three-week uprising  but attacks on crowds of Shi'ites that killed at least 74  inflamed tensions as tens of thousands converged on the city.

Iraq's Sistani in Najaf; 74 Killed in Two Cities


Mylan Pharmaceuticals vowed yesterday to refile what it says will be a stronger federal complaint against the Food and Drug Administration over a ruling that has forced the company to compete with so-called  quot;authorized generics. quot;

Mylan vows to refile generic drug case


East Timor celebrates the fifth anniversary of a historic vote to break away from Indonesia's rule.

East Timor marks historic vote


Virgin launched its 5 GB player, whose battery life (eight hours) and retail price (\$249) both match the iPod Mini #39;s. There are also reports of the impending release of Creative #39;s

Virgin shoulders into iPod #39;s terrain


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

CORRECTED: Google Sells 19.6 Million Shares at \$85 Each


Despite a recent court victory for the area #39;s largest telecommunications company, the battle for your home phone service isn #39;t about to end.

Competition among telecom providers getting fierce


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Decode Genetics Inc.  <A HREF=

Before-the-Bell: Decode Genetics Falls


The Ulstermen finished the match with nine men while the Welsh, who fought back from 2-0 down, had 10 on the field. The match exploded after just nine minutes when both teams were reduced to 10 men.

Three red cards in Cardiff


Folgers, a brand of Procter  amp; Gamble (PG), raised the price of its roast-and-ground coffee on Thursday, affecting about 75 of the company #39;s retail coffee line.

Folgers lifts ground coffee prices 14


Cameroon's President Paul Biya is re-elected with 75 of the vote, say officials, with just a results to come.

Landslide win for Cameroon leader


HITMAN Alessandro del Piero scored in the final minute to fire Juventus into the second stage of the Champions League last night. Keeper Oliver Kahn fumbled and del Piero stabbed the ball home to hand the Italians a 1-0 win.

FOOTBALL: DEL BOY #39;S GOT IT IN THE KAHN


About 5,000 South Korean farmers fought running battles with police in the streets of Seoul on Saturday during a protest against a government plan to further ease rice imports.

South Korean farmers battle police


com September 18, 2004, 12:05 PM PT. Most IT Managers won #39;t question the importance of security, but this priority has been sliding between the third and fourth most important focus for companies.

Cybercrime summit urges international cooperation


St. Louis Cardinals Larry Walker follows through on his third inning home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday at Busch Stadium in St.

Cards rout LA 8-3 in opener


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Ben Roethlisberger became the first  rookie quarterback in 34 years to start a season with seven  straight wins and Jerome Bettis got two touchdowns as the  Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 24-10 Sunday.

Roethlisberger Helps Steelers Win Seven in a Row


LOS ANGELES: Animated film studio DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc reported on Wednesday a profit from a year-earlier loss in its first earnings period since the company went public in October.

DreamWorks Animation turns around in 3rd quarter


Reuters - Clothing retailer Talbots Inc. (TLB.N)\on Wednesday posted a slight increase in quarterly profit,\meeting its lowered forecast, as it sold more merchandise at\full price and recorded a tax benefit.

Talbots Profit Meets Lowered Forecast (Reuters)


MOSCOW : Russia #39;s justice ministry announced plans to sell a part of the Yukos oil giant to cover the company #39;s outstanding back taxes.

Russia announces plans to sell part of Yukos: report


National Lottery players will be able to buy their tickets on their mobile phones, operator Camelot will announce.

Mobile phone Lotto plan unveiled


It wasn #39;t pretty but Bayern Munich claimed a victory over arch rivals Werder Bremen on Saturday, moving up to third in the league with a 2-1 win.

Bayern Turns Up Heat with Win in Bremen


HEN Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz hit consecutive home runs Sunday night in Chicago to put the Red Sox ahead, there was dancing in the streets in Boston.

No Picnic, but Yanks Are Far From Panic


The Romanian presidential election was too close to call last night as both candidates declared themselves the victor after a run-off ballot produced a statistical dead heat.

Run-off vote produces two Romanian presidents


A 17-day Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, the biggest in four years, came to an end after the army withdrew from the Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza.

Israeli army pulls back


Normally this time of year, the ECAC hockey landscape is a familiar shade: Red. As in the Big Red of Cornell or the Crimson of Harvard. But this year? There's a bit of a change in the complexion of what is now officially called the ECAC Hockey League. The tint in early October looks green.

Color changes are in order


Cellphones that can take and display digital photographs have become enough of a market force to attract major attention from a company long synonymous with photography: Eastman Kodak Co.

Kodak hears call of camera phones, answers big time


The magnitude of the tsunami that remade the coasts of the Asian subcontinent was slowly gauged across the world.

How Scientists and Victims Watched Helplessly


Reuters - Baidu.com Inc., China's biggest\Internet search site, on Thursday said it had acquired\Hao123.com, a popular Chinese search directory, as Baidu seeks\to fend off global players now eyeing the Chinese market.

Chinese Web Search Site Baidu Acquires Hao123 (Reuters)


Tillakaratne Dilshan steered Sri Lanka to a scratchy four-wicket win over Zimbabwe in their Champions Trophy match at the Oval on Tuesday but the Africans go home with pride restored after a spirited performance.

UPDATE 2-Sri Lanka stutter to win over plucky Zimbabwe


KABUL -- Afghan troops stormed a notorious prison in a hail of gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades yesterday, ending a 10-hour standoff that began when four inmates once suspected of belonging to Al Qaeda tried to escape. Four inmates and four guards were killed in the day's violence.

Afghan troops storm Kabul jail; eight killed


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. <A HREF=

Microsoft Board Cut in Size as a Director Retires


Three-dimensional technology is changing the way buildings are designed and built--but the industry will have to change, too.

Bye-bye blueprint: 3D modeling catches on


Martha Stewart, who built an empire teaching Americans how to cook, garden and entertain, is facing a very different lifestyle after being told to report to a prison in West Virginia by October 8. The US bureau

From pesto to porridge for Martha Stewart


By ALEX DOMINGUEZ    BALTIMORE (AP) -- A dozen blind students from across the United States are at a summer camp this week working on a project most don't associate with the visually impaired - launching a NASA rocket.    The students are designing and preparing the rocket's payload at the National Federation of the Blind's Jernigan Institute in Baltimore...

Blind Students to Help Launch NASA Rocket


US chipmaker AMD on Monday introduced a faster mobile chip, Athlon 64 processor 3000, for thin and light notebook computers. The new chip enables a powerful 32-bit computing

AMD introduces new chip for notebook computers


HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Sports Network) - New York Jets  quarterback Chad Pennington is expected to start Sunday's game  against Houston after missing the last three weeks with a  rotator cuff injury.

Pennington Set to Start Sunday


WASHINGTON - The House on Thursday passed the second bill in three days that would outlaw  quot;spyware, quot; irritating software that quietly monitors the activities of Internet users.

House OKs bill imposing prison time for  #39;spyware #39;


New Delhi, Oct. 1 (PTI): Stung by the BCCI decision to award telecast rights for the India-Australia Test series to Sony TV, Prasar Bharti today said it would challenge the decision in Supreme Court.

Prasar Bharti to challenge BCCI decision in Supreme Court


AFP - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder renewed his firm opposition to deploying troops to Iraq, a spokesman said, slapping down hints at a change in policy from his defense minister.

Germany has no plans to change its Iraq policy: Schroeder (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices soared to \$44 a barrel on  Wednesday, ending an eight-day streak of losses as a U.S.  government report showed crude oil stocks falling to the lowest  level in five months.

Oil Hits \$44 as U.S. Crude Stocks Slide


Insurers could face their biggest-ever hurricane damages bill following a spate of storms in the Caribbean, an industry body says.

Record hurricane losses predicted


Reuters - Saturn's mysterious moon Titan\appears to have an environment rich in the carbon-based\molecules that spawned life on Earth and winds that etched\streaks into its icy surface, NASA scientists said on Thursday.

Titan Rich in Carbons That Gave Life to Earth --NASA (Reuters)


AP - Here's a way to spoil the celebration for No. 11 Tennessee after beating Florida: check out the Volunteers' remaining schedule and recent history.

Vols See Tough Road After Florida Stunner (AP)


AP - From the creators of the political satire sensation

Satire Sequel Parodies U.S. Newsmakers (AP)


More than 2,000 people were killed so far in the flashpoint city of Fallujah, an Iraqi senior security official said Thursday.  quot;More than 2,058 were killed and more than 1,600

More than 2,000 people killed in Fallujah : Iraqi official


American Airlines says it is raising domestic fares by \$5 one-way and \$10 per round trip to cover the high cost of jet fuel. American said Friday that the increase took effect immediately for most domestic flights as well as those to Canada.

American Airlines Raises Domestic Fares


A linguist from the University of Pittsburgh has published a scholarly paper deconstructing and deciphering the word  quot;dude, quot; contending it is much more than a catchall for

Dude, linguists are taking the word  #39;dude #39; seriously


Kurt Warner will start Friday night, but both Giants quarterbacks will play on the starting offense, which is expected to play until the middle of the third quarter.

Warner to Start Against the Jets


A stock analyst faces federal charges for trying to extort thousands of dollars from the parent company of St. Louis-based Hardee #39;s.

Man charged with extorting Hardee #39;s


It #39;s still a USC/Oklahoma one two punch in the latest Bowl Championship Series poll. In fact, Oklahoma strengthened its lead over third place Auburn in this week #39;s BCS poll; the Tigers were idle last week and have a huge game this week with Georgia.

Oklahoma Strenghens Number Two Spot In BCS Poll


Auburn Hills, MI -- Paul Davis poured in a game-high 20 points as 20th-ranked Michigan State rolled over Stanford, 78-53, at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

NCAA Game Summary - Stanford Vs. Michigan State


English and Irish classic winner Ouija Board (GB) more than justified the hype surrounding her presence in the \$1-million Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1), surging past Grade 1 winner Film Maker in the lane to capture the 1 3/8-mile contest at

Ouija Board surges to Filly and Mare Turf win


Reuters - Shares of Google Inc. \fell 6.67 percent on Tuesday, as selling restrictions were\lifted on 39 million shares held by employees and early\investors in the newly public Web search company.

Google Stock Falls as Share Total Doubles (Reuters)


ST. GEORGE #39;S, GRENADA - The most powerful hurricane to hit Grenada in a decade killed at least 12 people, damaged 90 percent of the country #39;s homes and destroyed a prison, leaving criminals on the loose, officials said Wednesday.

Hurricane Ivan leaves 12 dead in Grenada


Hicham El Guerrouj became the first man in 80 years to win the 1,500 and 5,000 meters at one Olympics, holding up two fingers in triumph Saturday after outsprinting the world

El Guerrouj Completes Rare Distance Double


ENGLAND #39;S attempt to complete a memorable summer by landing their first major one-day trophy ended in thrilling failure as West Indies scampered to a two-wicket success in fading light to win the ICC Champions Trophy final.

Cricket: Vaughan is wind-swept


WASHINGTON -- A growing number of national security specialists who supported the toppling of Saddam Hussein are moving to a position unthinkable even a few months ago: that the large US military presence is impeding stability as much as contributing to it and that the United States should begin major reductions in troops beginning early next year.

Hawks push deep cuts in forces in Iraq


PC World - Epson's Photo Fine technology promises vivid, crisp colors on digital\  camera LCDs.

Brighter Previews for Your Pictures (PC World)


The gloom of seeing their ace bounced after just three innings, his shortest outing in three years, was worsened by the knowledge that the Curt Schilling who had carried them all season might not be seen again this October.

A statement, Sox declare


AP - Italy's Flavia Pennetta won the Idea Prokom Open for her first WTA Tour title, beating Klara Koukalova of the Czech Republic 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 Saturday after French Open champion Anastasia Myskina withdrew before the semifinals because of a rib injury.

Italy's Pennetta Wins Idea Prokom Open (AP)


roundup Plus: WebSideStory cuts IPO to 4.4 million shares...BMC looks to simplify network operations...Data center firms settle cookie suit.

Briefly: PMC-Sierra lowers forecast


AP - In a move that has been unsuccessful elsewhere in the United States, 17 workers at a Wal-Mart Tire  amp; Lube Express have taken the first step to unionize at the world's largest retailer.

Colo. Wal-Mart Makes Effort to Unionize (AP)


Georgina Harland comes from 14th place on the final run to win a bronze in the women's modern pentathlon.

Harland surges to bronze


AMERICA Online has filed a lawsuit accusing numerous unnamed defendants of violating US federal and state laws by sending bulk messages known as  quot;spim quot; to instant message accounts and internet chat rooms.

AOL files  #39;spim #39; lawsuit


See our top ten picks of the oddest and most unexpected discoveries of the year, from cat cloning to hobbit-like humans to bloodsucking bedbugs.

Quirkiest News of 2004: Flatulent Fish and Beyond


Arsene Wenger insists he would rather have players in his Arsenal squad who vent their frustrations when things go wrong than men who do not care about the team #39;s performance.

Wenger admires desire of duo


PC maker plans to talk consumer electronics this week, and the conversation could turn to a

Dell taking aim at iPod Mini?


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Oracle Corp., posted a gain in fiscal second-quarter earnings Monday that beat Wall Street forecasts. The report was released three days earlier than originally scheduled because the

Oracle #39;s earnings top forecasts


Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. LOS ANGELES, California, United States of America -- Phil Jackson painted Kobe Bryant as a pampered star who

Jackson tried but failed to trade a defiant Kobe--report


LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar hit a six-month low against  the yen and drifted near recent eight-month lows versus the  euro on Friday as investors considered the effect of China's  interest rate hike on currencies and the U.S economic outlook.

Dollar Falls to 6-Month Low Vs Yen


Google's nearly year-old Google Print program is set for a huge expansion of content through the launch of a new program today allowing publishers to more easily submit material for inclusion.

Google Print Opens Widely To Publishers


washingtonpost.com - Amazon.com is trying to out-Google the king of Internet search with a new site that puts a fancy face on Google's plain-Jane search results.

Amazon's A9 Reaches Beyond Google's Basics (washingtonpost.com)


The Cubs third baseman homered, doubled and homered in his first three at-bats against Reds starting pitcher Josh Hancock at Great American Ball Park.

Home runs, errors and Cubs, oh my


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

France #39;s Raffarin sticks to optimistic growth forecast


A campaign by anti-spam groups has persuaded a large US net service provider to ban spammers using its network.

Spammers given boot by net host


KABUL, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Frustrated by his dealings  with regional rivals, Afghan President Hamid Karzai reiterated  Saturday that he would not form a coalition government if he  won the country's first direct presidential election on Oct. 9.

Afghan Ruler Again Says No to Coalition Government


TWO Great White sharks ripped a schoolboy surfer in two off a packed beach yesterday. Nick Peterson, 18, was being towed on his surfboard behind his grandmother #39;s dinghy when a shark began attacking the boat.

SURFER TORN IN TWO BY GREAT WHITE


TORONTO (Reuters) - The BlackBerry wireless e-mail device  is now being used by a record two million subscribers, less  than a year after it topped the one million market, Research In  Motion Ltd. (RIM) <A HREF=

RIM's BlackBerry Subscribers Top 2 Mln


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue chips were little changed on  Tuesday as an upgrade on Caterpillar Inc. <A HREF=

Blue Chips Nudge Ahead, Oil Eases


Drug maker Merck  amp; Co. Inc. (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) dominated trading in US stocks on Thursday, single-handedly driving the 30-stock Dow Jones average lower

Dow Knocked Lower by Merck #39;s Drug Recall


AP - Adrian Peterson's arrival at Oklahoma was accompanied by impossible expectations. Before he even stepped on a practice field, he was hyped as one of the nation's best runners who would carry the Sooners to greatness.

Peterson Could Break New Heisman Ground (AP)


Nov. 11, 2004 -- A private research team claims to have identified a unique action of the painkiller Vioxx, which is independent of its anti-inflammatory action, that might explain why it #39;s linked to heart

Study May ID Source of Vioxx Problem


ATHENS (Reuters) - Russia, silver medallists in Sydney, won  the Olympic bronze medal in the men's volleyball competition on  Sunday, beating the United States in straight sets.

Russia Beats U.S. Men for Volleyball Bronze


Jason Samples throws one touchdown pass and catches another and offensive lineman Junior Louissaint scores on a 63-yard fumble recovery as Troy upsets No. 19 Missouri, 24-14, Thursday night.

Trojans Trip Up Tigers


We knew P2P would get its day in court, but did we think it would go this far? The key issue to be decided is whether file-sharing networks should be held responsible when their users copy works protected by copyright without permission.

Supreme Court to Hear File-Sharing Case


LONDON (Reuters) - Gurkhas, who have served with British  army for nearly 200 years, won a landmark battle on Thursday to  be able to settle in the UK and gain British citizenship.

Gurkha Soldiers Win Right to British Citizenship


AP - Magma that has been rising inside Mount St. Helens after weeks of earthquakes and steam eruptions finally pushed its way to the surface Tuesday, forming a new lava dome just behind the existing one in the volcano's crater.

Magma Breaks Surface at Mount St. Helens (AP)


Microsoft is delaying distribution of Windows XP Service Pack 2 via its Automatic Update service by at least nine days in order to give corporate customers more time to temporarily block automatic downloading of SP2 by their employees.

Microsoft delays SP2 auto update


SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - Two car bombs exploded north of  Baghdad Saturday, killing eight people and wounding at least  20, police at the scene said.

Two Car Bombs in Iraq's Samarra Kill 8, Wound 20


AP - The Habo No. 1 looks like any one of the legions of Volkswagen sedans in China. But a peek under the hood reveals an array of chrome canisters in place of the usual engine.

Automakers Display Eco-Friendly Cars (AP)