The NBA has come to basketball-crazy China -- but it doesn #39;t expect to make any money soon. The league flew more than 100 people halfway around the world for its first games

NBA Notebook column


SAN ANTONIO - City Manager Terry Brechtel shunned demands for her resignation Thursday and vowed to fight for her job by meeting with the elected officials who want to oust her.

City manager says she #39;ll meet with opponents


A US soldier was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of an Iraqi National Guardsman in May, the US military said Saturday.

US Soldier Gets 25 Years In Murder of Iraqi Guard


AP - Vladimir Guerrero figured someone from his baseball-crazed country would be chosen as the American League's Most Valuable Player.

Angels' Vladimir Guerrero Wins AL MVP (AP)


Well on its way to serving up a quarter-billion iTunes tracks by next Spring, Apple claims to have sold over 200 million tunes to date.

iTunes Music Store downloads top 200 million songs


NewsFactor - A federal judge on Thursday dismissed an antitrust lawsuit brought by Internet registry firm VeriSign (Nasdaq: VRSN) against the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), handing VeriSign a second defeat in its dispute over the company's controversial SiteFinder service.

VeriSign Suit Against ICANN Dismissed (NewsFactor)


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

New York Times to Sell Its Headquarters


After enduring the indignity of having to train at a nearby college track by herself while heats of the 100 and 200 meters were being run, Marion Jones finally made her grand

Jones advances to long jump finals


While Terrell Owens would never say he's sorry for his flashy touchdown celebrations, he did apologize yesterday to anyone offended by his role in a steamy segment with actress Nicollette Sheridan for the intro to  quot;Monday Night Football. quot;

Now, Owens a little skittish


OTTAWA (CP) - Manhattan and mad cow may seem an unlikely combination but Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell will be mixing the two Saturday when he travels to New York City to meet his American counterpart to lobby for an end to the costly mad cow crisis.

Quick results unlikely from mad cow meeting but Ottawa hints at <b>...</b>


NEW YORK - Yesterday, in writing about the rise in oil prices--which have roughly doubled in a year--I noted,  quot;No one saw it coming.

Is Oil Heading For \$100?


WASHINGTON - Scientists say changes in the earth #39;s climate from human influences are occurring particularly intensely in the Arctic region, evidenced by widespread melting of glaciers, thinning sea ice and rising permafrost temperatures.

Scientists Find Arctic Warming Quickly


TechWeb - Global Logistics Technologies Inc. plans to launch next week an upgrade of its logistics and transportation system.

G Log Readies Launch Of Logistics Software Upgrade (TechWeb)


Iyad Allawi, Iraq #39;s interim Prime Minister, said yesterday that the gross negligence of American forces had led to the massacre of 49 Iraqi army recruits by insurgents on Sunday.

Negligent US forces to blame for massacre of recruits, says Allawi


Angry villagers in Nigeria #39;s restive oil-producing south have stormed and shut down three oil flow stations, preventing at least 107 oil workers from leaving two of the facilities

Nigerian villagers shut down oil facilities, trap over 100 workers


A versatile portable device can play a role in tests, note-taking and homework, and even act as a blackboard.

The Tablet PC Takes Its Place in the Classroom


Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has thrown his support behind David Coulthard gaining a seat in his team in 2005. The former McLaren driver has impressed in testing and while Mateschitz, the man behind

Mateschitz wants Coulthard


LINSPIRE INC. the company formerly known as Lindows announced on November 18 that it has licensed Windows Media technology and made it immediately available via a click-and-run online update to the users of the Linux distro.

Linspire #39;s Robertson embraces Windows Media


Struggling computer maker Gateway has added Micro Center to the list of retailers selling its new line of retail desktop and laptop computers and monitors.

Gateway Computers To Be Sold through Micro Center


Reuters - Everything about the Atlantic hurricane\season was big -- lots of powerful storms that spawned hundreds\of deadly tornadoes, many deaths, an unprecedented onslaught on\Florida, a huge damage toll and millions evacuated.

Blockbuster Atlantic Hurricane Season Closes (Reuters)


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

SunTrust Expects to Restate


San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - The San Diego Padres requested unconditional release waivers for righthanded reliever Rod Beck on Tuesday, ending the 36- year-old #39;s run in Southern California.

Veteran hurler Beck released by Padres


Margaret Hassan, a British-born Iraqi national, the director of CARE International #39;s operation in Iraq, is seen in this January 2003 photo taken in New York.

CARE Director Believed Slain in Iraq


SEOUL : UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei said he wants South Korea to come clean about past unauthorized nuclear experiments and not to repeat its mistake.

UN nuclear watchdog chief wants SKorea to come clean


LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton said Wednesday that first-half net profit soared 49 percent, as its watches and jewelry and selective retailing businesses returned to the black.

LVMH First-Half Net Profit Jumps 49 Pct.


Looking for independent stock research with results?  Fredhager.com portfolio B was up 187 #37; in 2003.  Hager is setting the pace for performance again in 2004.

ADV: Investment Letter Performance Leaders


Bodies, dirty water spreading disease. Medical supplies have started to run out and panicked residents are fighting for provisions.

Health workers fear deadly epidemic in Haiti


Fast Forward columnist Rob Pegoraro will be online to discuss recent reviews, including high-end handhelds and Google Desktop Search.

Google Desktop Search


LANDOVER, Maryland The coaches are older and grayer, and Lawrence Taylor and Mark Rypien are long retired. But on the football field little else has changed in the rivalry between Bill Parcells and Joe Gibbs.

NFL: Parcells bests Gibbs


To the list of things intrinsically American -o jazz and baseball, apple pie and muscle cars  -dly add the quarter mile. The 400 meters is run internationally, but

American men run away from field in 400 meters


Giants left-handed reliever Jason Christiansen, who created a mild controversy last season when he taped a hand-lettered sign complaining he #39;d gone 15 days without

Giants re-sign Christiansen


NEW YORK - With four of its executives pleading guilty to price-fixing charges today, Infineon will have a hard time arguing that it didn #39;t fix prices in its ongoing litigation with Rambus.

Infineon Execs Plead Guilty


washingtonpost.com - Google Inc. released free software yesterday that lets people simultaneously search the Web and their personal computers for information, a move analysts described as a potential blow to rivals Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc. in the race to woo more searchers.

Google's New Tool Brings Search Home (washingtonpost.com)


Scientists believe learning a second language alters a part of the brain.

Learning languages 'boosts brain'


Looking to turn its mobile phones into an electronic wallet, Samsung has inked a deal to use Philips Electronics #39; Near Field Communication (NFC) contactless chip solutions in future devices.

Samsung Taps Philips For NFC Technology


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Strength in heating-oil and natural-gas futures led an overall climb among energy prices for a second session Tuesday, as cold US weather sparked concerns over heating-fuel supplies for the winter season.

Heating-oil, natural-gas futures rise amid Northeast chill


The office equipment supplier jumps into the growing market of placing cheap calls over the Net.

Office Depot hears call for VoIP


Internazionale boss Roberto Mancini has challenged his players not to drop any points between now and next month #39;s game against Juventus, but immediately faces a stiff test when they travel to high-flying Lecce on Wednesday.

INTER VISIT SURPRISE PACKAGE


SEATTLE, DEC 9: Hewlett-Packard Co will be under pressure to sell its personal computer business after IBM #39;s decision to sell its PC operations to China #39;s top PC manufacturer, but analysts said the No 2 computer maker would hold on to its \$25 billion PC

HP pressured to sell PC business after IBM


A day after Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat #39;s funeral, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky arrived in the Middle East amid an atmosphere of anxiety about what will happen next.

McConnell #39;s Mideast trip at tense time


IT spending in Western Europe is lagging behind the rest of the world, according to figures unveiled at Gartner #39;s annual Symposium IT Expo in Cannes this week.

Europe lags behind rest of world on IT spend


AP - Pounding ferocious forehands and covering the baseline with the muscular legs of a Tour de France rider, Svetlana Kuznetsova overwhelmed Elena Dementieva 6-3, 7-5 Saturday night in the U.S. Open's first all-Russian final.

Kuznetsova Tops Dementieva for Open Title (AP)


Wall Street is down on AOL Time Warner -- and worried about its moguls. Yet deeper in the ranks, a cadre of executives is working hard to bring the troubled colossus to life.

AOL #39;s True Believers


(Sports Network) - Jerome Williams will take the mound for the first time in two months tonight, as the playoff-hopeful San Francisco Giants conclude their three-game series with the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

San Francisco Giants Team Report - September 30


A videotape posted on a Web site shows the beheading of three hostages who are said to be members of a Kurdish party in northern Iraq.

Three Kurds Beheaded in Iraq


YANGON : Myanmar #39;s mass release of nearly 4,000 prisoners has sparked faint hopes for political detainees including pro-democracy figures, but one observer it was aimed at easing international criticism over last month #39;s power struggle.

Myanmar orders mass release of nearly 4,000 prisoners


Tom Jarrett, the new president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers will discuss challenges facing state government information technology officials. Filter columnist Cynthia L. Webb will moderate the discussion.

Government IT


Jay Fiedler played an efficient game and the Dolphins became the NFL #39;s last team to win, posting a 31-14 victory over the St. Louis Rams.

Offence comes alive, Dolphins get 1st win


NEW YORK (Reuters) - JetBlue Airways Corp. <A HREF=

JetBlue Profit to Be Hurt by Hurricanes


WASHINGTON - U.S. President George Bush could continue his largely hands-off, market-driven approach to technology issues, while Democratic challenger John Kerry would take a more government-focused approach to issues such as encouraging broadband, cybersecurity and spam, said think tank pundits on both sides of the debate.

Debate: Bush's IT approach contrasts with Kerry's


AP - The surging Boston Red Sox have seized control of the AL wild-card race  #151; with an eye on winning their division. Derek Lowe (13-10) pitched effectively into the eighth inning and Boston completed a three-game sweep of the Anaheim Angels with a 4-3 victory Thursday night  #151; the Red Sox's season-high ninth straight win.

Red Sox Take Control of AL Wild-Card Race (AP)


Yahoo Acquires Email Search Developer Stata Labs\\Yahoo announced on Thursday it has acquired privately held e-mail search company Stata Labs, opening up a new email and attachment file search market for Yahoo Search Technology and Overture Search Advertising. Stata Labs is the company behind its flagship software product Bloomba, which ...


Police in Nepal say more than 1,000 Maoist rebels have stormed a district headquarters in the country #39;s northwest, bombing government buildings and killing at least one soldier.

Maoist rebels bomb government buildings


CNN News Group on Monday said it has tapped an online media CEO and news veteran as its new president overseeing US news, just a little over a year after hiring a former local TV newsman to run its domestic operations.

CNN Hires New President for Its US News Group


AP - Survey crews searching through woods and neighborhoods in northeast Indiana have not found any new signs of the beetle blamed for killing millions of ash trees in Michigan and Ohio, a state official said.

Crews Fail to Find Tree-Killing Beetle (AP)


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Medtronic Inc. (MDT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday said its quarterly earnings rose on surprisingly brisk demand for devices that slow racing heartbeats, offsetting a weaker-than-expected performance in some ...

Medtronic Net Up on Higher ICD Sales


The High Court in London has ordered Internet service providers to hand over the names and addresses of 28 alleged music pirates to Britain's trade body for the recording industry.

British Court Orders ISP to Identify Alleged Pirates


tarting Grand Slam tournaments is usually not a problem for Amelie Mauresmo of France. Finishing on top is. Mauresmo, who has never won a Grand Slam, began the long climb through the United States

Mauresmo Starts US Open With a Win


TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average was flat in  mid-morning trade on Wednesday, bolstered by bargain-hunting of  a number of blue-chip stocks after U.S. stocks showed  resilience despite a rise in oil prices to new highs.

Japan Stocks Flat After Wall Street


The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has said he will not resign over the controversial Iraqi Oil-for-Food programme.

Annan refuses to resign over Iraq programme


Notre Dame guard Charel Allen, left, looks for a shot in front Dayton guard Ashley Armstrong, right, during the second half Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004 in Dayton, Ohio.

No. 7 Notre Dame Drubs Dayton 65-39


AP - Demonstrating he retains firm control over Cuba after fracturing his knee and arm in a fall at a public event, President Fidel Castro told of conducting government business by cellular phone during an ambulance ride and later refusing general anesthesia.

Castro Says He's Working Despite Injuries (AP)


Sachin Tendulkar today described his record-equalling 34th century as a  quot;turning point quot; in his career. The champion batsman did not agree with suggestions that he had gone past his prime and said he will continue to  quot;hit back quot; at critics.

Yearning for more: Sachin eyes 50 tons


Arsenal #39;s Brazilian midfielder Gilberto will be sidelined for at least a month with a back injury according to a club report.  quot;Gilberto is out.

Gilberto out with back injury


The Nigerian government has confirmed reports that rebel groups in the country #39;s main oil producing region have agreed to a ceasefire.

Nigeria Delta rebels agree truce


Some of the earliest settlers of America may have come from Australia, southern Asia, and the Pacific, new research suggests. Traditional theories have held that the first Americans originated from northern Asia.

Tribe challenges American origins


AP - Earthlings are about to be treated to a total lunar eclipse, just in time for Halloween. For more than an hour Wednesday night, the moon will be covered entirely by Earth's shadow and resemble a glowing pumpkin.

Earth to See Total Eclipse of the Moon (AP)


ADVOCATES of open-source software will celebrate Software Freedom Day on Saturday by holding Linux installation events around the country.

Line Up for Linux On Day of Free Software


Jenson Button #39;s Formula One future looks likely to be decided by a meeting in Milan on October 16, the Williams team said on Wednesday.

Button hearing adjourned to October 16


LOS ANGELES - Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron was injured while shooting her new Paramount film,

Actress Theron Hurt on Germany Film Set


The African Union (AU) has issued a 24-hour deadline to the Sudanese Government and Darfur rebels to end fighting after a massive military build-up in the region over the past two weeks.

Deadline issued over Sudan  #39;timebomb #39;


ATHENS -- Maurice Greene flexed his arms, thumped his chest and gathered the media for a post-race announcement.  quot;We #39;re going to have a party tomorrow and everybody #39;s invited -- I #39;m buying, quot; said the defending

Listen to Greene roar


A new Trojan horse program that attacks and removes troublesome advertising software, known as

New trojan program squashes adware


Wholesale inflation rose last month at the fastest pace in more than 14 years, largely because of steep jumps in energy and food costs, the government reported yesterday, raising concerns

Wholesale Inflation Rises Sharply


Blackburn recovered from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Birmingham in the English Premier League on Sunday, but stayed bottom of the standings.

England: Balckburn still in last


Researchers have found flight simulators may help treat people for chronic dizziness.

Flight simulators 'treat vertigo'


Reuters - More than a week after floods\devastated this impoverished Haitian city, aid workers were\struggling to bring food and clean water to thousands of\residents, some still perched on roofs.

Aid Workers Struggle to Feed Flooded Haitian Town (Reuters)


Reuters - Insurgents armed with automatic rifles\and rocket-propelled grenades skirmished with U.S. and Iraqi\forces in Sunni Muslim areas of Baghdad Saturday and at least\three police and seven insurgents were killed.

Insurgents Attack Baghdad Police, National Guard (Reuters)


St George Bank Limited (SGB) today advised it was targeting 10 earnings per share growth in FY05 after a solid increase in full year earnings.

Unleash the dragon


A Pakistani court has granted bail to the husband of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, which should result in his release after eight years in prison.

Liberty likely for Bhutto


Today, Panasonic revealed the new models of DIGA DVD recorders. These recorders have HDD capacities of 160GB to 400GB. This is massive storage space for DVD Recorder; it also has high-speed dubbing, and superb home and mobile networking capabilities.

Panasonic unveil DVD Recorders with 400GB HDD Capacity


Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today headed for Geneva on way back home wrapping up a  #39;highly successful #39; visit to Britain and the US.

Manmohan wraps up US tour


It follows the announcement last week that Zurich would not be able to host any of the 2008 European football championship games, owing to a legal wrangle over plans for a new stadium.

Zurich says no to 2014 Winter Olympics


IBM Corp. said Wednesday it will take a \$320 million charge this quarter to settle some claims and cap its liability on others in a long-running class-action dispute about changes made in the 1990s to its pension plan.

IBM to pay \$320M to partially settle pension case


Ethiopia #39;s Meseret Defar pulled away from Kenya #39;s Isabella Ochichi in the final half-lap to win the Olympic 5,000 meters in 14 minutes, 45.

Ethiopia takes gold, bronze in women #39;s 5,000


The UN peacekeeping force in Haiti should reach the planned 8,000 or more by the end of November, Haitian radio reported Saturday.

UN force should expand in Haiti by Nov.


USATODAY.com - CNet.com - a go-to Web site for tech product reviews - is expanding from geekville to soccer moms and dads. The shift is aimed at showing tired, wired consumers how to make high-tech gadgets work together.

CNet gets makeover to broaden its appeal (USATODAY.com)


The talks, on the second day of informal ministerial talks in a Romanian ski resort, were given focus by the school massacre in Beslan in September, which left as many as 350 people, most of them children, dead.

Defence ; NATO, Russia Vow To Boost Anti-Terror Cooperation


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Merck   Co. on Friday said U.S.  regulators won't approve its experimental arthritis drug  Arcoxia until the company provides more data showing it is safe  and effective.

FDA Holds Off Approval of New Merck Arthritis Drug


When technicians examined the PCs of 329 respondents, they found 80 percent loaded with dozens of spyware programs that track the user #39;s browsing habits.

New Study Finds Many US Home PCs Infected


Lennar Corp., one of Florida #39;s largest home builders, Monday posted a 12 percent rise in profit for its latest quarter, despite the interruptions due to Hurricane Charley, as revenue surged.

Profit Jumps at Homebuilder Lennar


TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp. on Monday said it had won  support for the HD DVD optical disc standard from four  Hollywood studios, advancing its cause in the battle for the  next-generation DVD.

Toshiba Wins HD DVD Support from 4 in Hollywood


imminent

China's annual central economic meeting


BRUSSELS Outokumpu, IMI and five other companies were fined a total of E222.3 million on Friday by the European Commission for fixing the prices of copper tubing used in household plumbing.

EU fines 7 firms for price-fixing


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Now, Ben Roethlisberger has done it all, at least in the confines of the regular season. Staring at a 16-14 deficit with 1:50 left in the game, Roethlisberger led the Steelers to the

Steelers rally for victory


After more than 90 speeches on Wednesday - the vast majority against putting Taiwan on the assembly #39;s agenda - President Jean Ping of Gabon asked the assembly #39;s General Committee if there were any objections to not including the issue.

Taiwan loses out again


Discount retailer meets expectations, forecasts 19 earnings gain next quarter.

Dollar Tree Spreads Roots


The high-stakes standoff between General Motors and Fiat over the terms of a 2000 partnership moved a step closer to the courtroom on Tuesday.

G.M.-Fiat Talks Fail to Resolve Rift Over Partnership Agreement


quot;There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. quot;.

Personal Technology Entertainment goes digital with armchair ease


Insurers and fund managers are set to cash in on Asia #39;s private pension industry, which is expected to grow nearly four-fold in 10 years as the world #39;s most populous region grows older.

Private pension firms find Asia a draw, with risks


Since outclassing Real Madrid in the Champion #39;s League two weeks ago, Bayer Leverkusen has been a shadow of its former self. In a high-profile game against Stuttgart Saturday, they continued their spiral.

Stuttgart Sends Leverkusen Spiraling


Democratic Unionist leader the Rev Ian Paisley and Prime Minister Tony Blair will hold make-or-break talks today on a deal to revive power sharing at Stormont.

Blair and Paisley in Crisis Talks


New Zealand #39;s bid to rescue the first test against Australia has started a shade sooner than expected. Given little chance of upsetting the world champions, New Zealand were living up to their

Cricket: Oram and Sinclair overcome blunders


CHICAGO, Aug 18 (Reuters) - US airlines have agreed to limit flights into Chicago #39;s O #39;Hare International Airport at peak periods to stem record delays that have slowed aviation nationwide, federal officials said on Wednesday.

US airlines agree to cut flights at Chicago #39;s O #39;Hare


MSN Music Store Launches\\MSN has unveiled MSN Music Store, their pay per download WMP driven system which is predicted to give Apple iTunes, Napster, and RealNetworks a run for their money in the realm of legal music download search. MSN Music Service will initially offer music downloads of 500,000 music ...

MSN Music Store Launches


A Buddhist village chief was beheaded in Thailand #39;s Narathiwat province yesterday in an apparent revenge killing, a week after 78 Muslim protesters were crushed to death en route to a military detention centre.

Buddhist chief beheaded in revenge for Muslim deaths


NAIROBI (Reuters) - U.S. pressure on Sudan's Islamist  rulers over Darfur will stir fresh separatist turmoil elsewhere  in the vast country and could torpedo peace efforts in the  south, a Sudanese parliamentary delegation said on Thursday.

U.S. Pressure Risks Turmoil Across Sudan -Lawmakers


The Swiss pharmaceutical group Novartis withdrew on Tuesday an application for EU approval of a new arthritis drug called Prexige to await a review of such treatments next year.

Novartis withdraws application for EU approval of new arthritis <b>...</b>


South Africa has defeated Australia in the final match of the rugby Tri Nations series. Africa correspondent Sally Sara reports, the Springboks won 23 to 19 in front of a home crowd in Durban.

Springboks beat Australia in tr-nations rugby


com. With the American League East title hanging in the balance, the Yankees and Red Sox lock up on Saturday afternoon in the Bronx in one of the final five meetings of the season between

Yankees, Red Sox lock up on FOX


VeriSign Inc. lost another round in its battle against the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) on Thursday when a US federal judge dismissed the

VeriSign dealt another legal blow in ICANN suit


A US Army and Iraqi military convoy passes through after conducting a joint search operation in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004.

US Jets Pound Parts of Fallujah


ATHENS (Reuters) - With 76 percent of Greek households  owning mobile phones, interest for third-generation services is  rising, the country's statistics service (NSS) said on Monday  based on the findings of a recent survey.

Nearly 8 in 10 Greeks Own Mobile Phone -Survey


AP - Torry Holt of the St. Louis Rams became the first player in NFL history with five straight 1,300-yard seasons when he caught a 44-yard touchdown pass near the end of the first half against the New York Jets on Sunday.

Holt First With Five 1,300-Yard Seasons (AP)


Matt Millen has survived a number of missteps since becoming president of the Lions in January 2001 and now believes the franchise is heading in the right direction.

Millen Guides Lions


Chinese officials lauded the comfortable majority of the Beijing camp in Hong Kong #39;s election as a vote for prosperity, but the city #39;s leading liberal said yesterday China should not doubt the popular desire for democracy.

Politicians debate Hong Kong poll results


AP - Kidnappers have released a 7-year-old Lebanese boy after a week they grabbed him as he was walking home from school in Iraq, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry said Friday. It was not immediately clear if a ransom was paid.

Lebanon: Kidnappers Have Freed Boy in Iraq (AP)


WASHINGTON - It #39;s night, under the lights at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, and No. 2 seed Lleyton Hewitt is still wearing his white cap backward, the bill of it running down the back of his sweating neck.

Hewitt drives home his return point


DUBAI (Reuters) - A hitherto unknown Islamist group has  threatened to kill 15 captured Iraqi soldiers if authorities do  not release an aide to Shi'ite rebel cleric Moqtada al-Sadr  within 48 hours, Arab television Al Jazeera reported Sunday.

Report: Group Threatens to Kill 15 Iraqi Soldiers


In this year's national reading group competition, the Racketeers stood alone as the only all-male outfit.

Spotted in England: men reading ... and talking about it


Olympic time trial champion Tyler Hamilton has secured his gold after being cleared of any doping offense at the Athens Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Thursday.

Hamilton to keep his Olympic gold


TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp., the world leader in video  equipment, finds itself in the unusual position of playing  catch-up in the next battleground for technology used in  cameras, video recorders and phones.

INTERVIEW: Sony Chases Rivals in Image Chip Race


Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox video game business will lay off 76 workers and stop making some sports games, the company said.

Xbox to Stop Making Some Sports Games


The interim Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi refused to abide by the demands of the kidnappers of the British hostage Margaret Hassan who is threatened to be killed unless the British government withdraw its forces from Iraq.

Allawi refuses to abide by demands of the British hostage <b>...</b>


Reuters - AstraZeneca Plc suffered its third\setback in two months on Friday as lung cancer drug Iressa\failed to help patients live longer in a major clinical trial,\sending its shares down as much as 9.2 percent.

Drug Failure Deals AstraZeneca Fresh Blow (Reuters)


Reuters - Vivendi Universal raised its 2004\earnings forecast as it reported a 19 percent increase in\underlying third-quarter profit on Wednesday, driven mainly by\strong mobile phone sales.

Vivendi Universal Raises Profit Forecast (Reuters)


KUWAIT (Agencies): HH the Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent on Tuesday a cable of condolences to Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifah bin Zayed Nahayan on the demise of the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al

Kuwait a half mast; Amir condoles death of Sheikh Zayed


Less than a week after he was formally inaugurated as Afghanistan #39;s first popularly-elected president, Hamid offered words of advice for the people of Iraq, who are preparing to go to the polls next month.

First Popularly-Elected Afghan President Urges Iraqis to <b>...</b>


DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi militant group has kidnapped two  French journalists and given the French government 48 hours to  end its ban on Muslim headscarves in school, Arabic television  station Al Jazeera said Saturday.

End Headscarf Ban, Iraq Hostage Takers Warn France


GEICO's case alleges that keyword advertising programs infringe on its trademark.

Google May Face Another Lawsuit


A two-year-old boy was pulled alive from the rubble today after nearly four days under a landslide caused by the earthquake that devastated northern Japan.

Toddler rescued from rubble


Samsung is now the world #39;s second-largest mobile phone maker, behind Nokia. According to market watcher Gartner, the South Korean company has finally knocked Motorola into third place.

Samsung phones outsell Motorola #39;s


Enterprise IT security consultants TruSecure and BeTrusted have merged to form a standalone managed services firm called CyberTrust.

TruSecure, BeTrusted Announce Merger


No. 8 Georgia Hangs on to Beat Georgia Tech, 19-13, After Collapsing in Second Half of Game. Georgia quarterback DJ Shockley evades Georgia Tech defender Gerris Wilkinson during the first quarter Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004 in Athens, Ga.

No. 8 Georgia Beats Georgia Tech, 19-13


Diana Duyser will become \$28,000 richer today, stand at the center of a media spotlight, and embark on a nationwide tour starring herself -- and all it cost her was a 10-year-old sandwich.

Iconic grilled cheese feeds Internet frenzy


Paul Scholes grabbed his third goal in three games with a brace against West Brom on Saturday, and then urged United to make up for their sluggish start to the campaign.

Scholes: We Must Make Up For Lost Time


AppleStore buyers' ratings scheme limited to non-Apple products

Apple kit rated five out of five by... er... Apple


Apple has had to recall up to 28,000 notebook batteries that were sold for use with their 15-inch PowerBook. Apple reports that faulty batteries sold between January 2004 and August 2004 can overheat and pose a fire hazard.

Apple Recalls 28,000 Faulty Batteries Sold with 15-inch PowerBook


ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - Pedro Martinez made his World Series  debut a memorable one Tuesday helping the Red Sox to a 4-1 win  over the St. Louis Cardinals and moving Boston one win away  from capturing their first World Series since 1918.

Martinez Strikes for Red Sox in Game Three


The United States hit its stride just in time to avoid elimination from the World Cup of Hockey. Facing the same Russian team that dominated them five nights earlier

World Cup of Hockey: US beats Russia 5-3


The SANS Institute identifies the top 20 Internet vulnerabilities of the year.

Find the Web's Worst Security Flaws


Microsoft has doubled the time that businesses can block Windows XP SP2 from downloading automatically, giving them until mid-April to test the update.

Microsoft Doubles Blocking Time For SP2


PeopleSoft Inc. (PSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , which is trying to fight off a hostile takeover by rival Oracle Corp. (ORCL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , on Friday said its board

PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Amid Oracle Battle


The first request by British scientists to clone human embryos has been granted by experts.

Scientists given cloning go-ahead


SANTA CLARA, Calif., (Sports Network) - The San Francisco  49ers Tuesday re-signed general manager Terry Donahue to a  multi-year contract. As per team policy, financial terms were  not released, but the deal is a four-year extension and will  run through 2009.

49ers Give Donahue Contract Extension


By ANICK JESDANUN    NEW YORK (AP) -- Passwords alone won't be enough to get onto America Online under a new, optional log-on service that makes AOL the first major U.S. online business to offer customers a second layer of security...

AOL Moves Beyond Passwords for Web Log-Ons


AOL (Quote, Chart) has withdrawn its support for Microsoft #39;s controversial Sender ID technology and falling back on Sender Policy Framework (SPF), internetnews.

AOL Dumps Sender ID


Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has indicated he is reconsidering a promise to relinquish his second post as military chief later this year.

Musharraf Poised to Keep Military Post Despite Earlier Promise


STORM 70, LYNX 58: At Minneapolis - Lauren Jackson scored 14 points to lead Seattle past Minnesota on Saturday in the first game of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Storm, Mystics take 1-0 leads


Hyatt Corp., the Chicago-based hotelier owned by the infighting Pritzker family, agreed to buy the AmeriSuites chain of 143 hotels to tap rising demand from corporate travelers for upscale self-service rooms.

Hyatt, Gripped by Family Lawsuit, Buys AmeriSuites (Update1)


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- American International Group #39;s shares gained Monday on optimism the world #39;s largest insurer is close to resolving regulators #39; investigations into so-called income-smoothing products it sold.

No. 1 insurer reportedly close to settling with SEC


Rain is continuing to fall around Brisbane, threatening the deciding match in the Chappell-Hadlee one day series between Australia and New Zealand.

Rain eases to showers ahead of one-day decider


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 passes bill imposing prison time over  #39;spyware #39;


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

Men and Women More Different Than Thought


McAfee on Monday unveiled a new security service designed to let small companies outsource their e-mail security to the antivirus software maker.

McAfee aims at small firms with e-mail service


BESLAN, Russia (Reuters) - Russian troops stormed a school  Friday in a chaotic battle to free hundreds of parents,  teachers and children who had been held hostage for two days by  Chechen separatists.

Bloody Shootout Ends Russian School Siege


IBM #39;s motive is not altruistic. By making the software open-source, IBM hopes that other programmers will make improvements, thus speeding the development of speech applications and allowing

IBM Makes Speech Code Open Source


Richard Branson could qualify to buy a stake in an Indian airline in his personal capacity under India #39;s existing foreign investment regulations, a top government official says.

Branson can buy Indian airline stake


A prominent Internet safety organization and leading computer-maker Dell Inc. launched a campaign Friday to help consumers fend off

Web Safety Group Launches Anti-Spyware Campaign


Novell, responding to Steve Ballmer #39;s latest attack on Linux, is accusing Microsoft of selectively using biased reports to back up its claims.

Novell responds to Microsoft email


IF IT looks insane, that is because it is. An agreement so comprehensive in scope, so profound in implication and so improbable after so much history seems to have been brought down by a dispute about a photograph.

For want of a photo, agreement is lost


St. Louis advanced to the N.L. championship series for the third time in five years, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers, 6-2, Sunday night.

With Precision and Power, Cardinals Stop the Dodgers


Geico Corp., the nation's fifth-largest auto insurer, started selling policies in New Jersey yesterday for the first time in 28 years, leaving Massachusetts as the lone state where the company won't do business.

Mass. still a no-go for Geic


Using power lines for the net could disrupt a new digital radio system, a broadcasting conference hears.

Fears for new digital radio system


Scott Wilhelm skipped school, took a day off from work, drove 15 miles and visited five stores - just so he could roam the fake streets of San Andreas and shoot people.

#39;Grand Theft Auto San Andreas #39; blows away gamers, reaps criticism


Any revaluation of International Monetary Fund (IMF) gold reserves would have to be done in a way which would preserve gold market stability, British Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown said on Monday.

Britain seeks gold mkt stability in IMF revaluation


Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso wants his side to build on Sunday #39;s confidence-boosting win over Arsenal. The Spaniard, who scored his first goal at Anfield to open the scoring, said:  quot;The result was very good for our morale and to score was even better.

Alonso wants further improvement


Just four days after he was introduced as the Arizona Diamondbacks manager, Wally Backman was fired yesterday following revelations he was arrested twice and struggled with financial problems.

Diamondbacks dump Backman, hire Melvin


Consumer goods company posts flat 1Q, warns that 2Q profit will come in below Wall Street #39;s views. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Sara Lee Corp.

Sara Lee sees not-so-sweet 2Q


If you #39;ve followed Arkansas football for the last four years, you know by now that the best play Houston Nutt can summon up from the sidelines - the kind of play that gives his offense the best chance to score, his team the best chance to win -s the

Matthew Zemek / CollegeFootballNews.com Posted: 10 minutes ago


South Africa will be rejoining the Formula One Grand Prix circuit, SABC radio news reported on Wednesday. Formula One boss Bernie Eccleston, throwing his weight behind a South African bid to join the prestige

F1 circuit to be extended to Mother City


The United States Chamber of Commerce plans to spend roughly \$10 million attacking trial lawyers, including Senator John Edwards, with television and mail advertisements.

Businesses Plan Attack on Edwards


Naomi Ehrich Leonard trains robotic fish to swim the oceans and glean information. The fish also helped her pick up a \$500,000 'genius' prize from the MacArthur Foundation. Read the first in a series of Wired News profiles featuring MacArthur winners. By Kari Lynn Dean.

Robotic Fish Gather Data, Prize


AP - The last time Jim Bates was head coach of a football team, it was with the San Antonio Gunslingers of the USFL. In 1985. The Miami Dolphins' new interim coach expects some things have changed.

New Dolphins Coach Inherits Troubled Team (AP)


Intel may be struggling a bit with its processors right now, but the company smacked one out of the park with the introduction of its 900-series chipsets.

ATI #39;s Radeon Xpress 200 chipset reviewed


Former NL Most Valuable Player Ken Caminiti has failed four drug tests since going on probation in 2002 for possession of cocaine, including one last week that landed him in jail, his probation officer said Tuesday.

Judge holds Caminiti #39;s fate after drug test


MANCHESTER, England - Wayne Rooney #39;s three-goal debut for Manchester United in the Champions League doesn #39;t guarantee the 18-year-old striker will start Sunday #39;s Premier League game against Middlesbrough, manager Alex Ferguson said Friday.

Man U manager hints at dropping hat-trick star to the bench


Beijing, Sept 4. (PTI): China will host the first International Stewardess Beauty Pageant in early November in Zhuhai in south China #39;s Guangdong Province, the organisers announced today.

China to host first stewardess beauty pageant


Calcutta, India - South Africa #39;s Shaun Pollock became only the fifth player in Test history to take 300 wickets and score 3 000 runs on the fifth day of the second and final Test against India on Thursday.

Pollock joins elite list of Test all rounders


Reuters - Oil prices jumped to the highest\level in two weeks on Thursday, buoyed by a cold weather front\in the United States and below-average stocks of winter heating\fuels.

Oil Climbs to Two-Week High (Reuters)


CHARLOTTE, NC The Carolina Panthers finally found a way to contain Michael Vick, but it didn #39;t matter. The Atlanta Falcons still found a way to win, moving to 4-0 to match the best start in franchise history.

Pantherscontain Vick,butstilllose


Ninety-six days after his last competitive game Wayne Rooney was handed his Manchester United debut in tonights Champions League clash with Fenerbahce.

Rooney Up and Running


KABUL, Afghanistan -- Fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar has fallen out with some of his lieutenants, who blame him for the rebels' failure to disrupt the landmark Afghan presidential election, the US military said yesterday.

US cites Taliban rift in sabotage failure


quot;On behalf of the Board of the Lenovo Directors I am honored to announced to the world that Lenovo Group has bought IBM #39;s PC division for US\$1.25 billion.

From Lenovo of China to that of the world


Big Blue aims to rapidly expand its application partner network with a more structured program for recruiting allies.

IBM sweetens the pot for partners


MIAMI -- Reggie Merriweather ran for a career-high 114 yards and three touchdowns, including a 2-yard score in overtime last night to cap Clemson's 24-17 comeback victory over No. 11 Miami.

Miami melts in OT


The Boston Cannons lost their last regular-season game but it really didn't matter. They had already clinched a spot in the Major League Lacrosse playoffs. What mattered was that attackman Conor Gill went down with a left knee injury in the fourth quarter and was out for the rest of the game.

Cannons' Gill fit for playoffs


AP - Federal and state officials plan to announce Friday an agreement to spend  #36;1.3 million over the next five years to save California's state fish.

#36;1.3M Plan Aims to Save Calif. State Fish (AP)


Pfizer Inc., the world #39;s largest drugmaker, said third-quarter earnings jumped 49 percent after merger-related expenses fell and sales of the cholesterol treatment Lipitor rose.

Pfizer #39;s Earnings Rise on Lower Costs, Lipitor Sales (Update1)


The former Iraqi general known as Chemical Ali, who is accused of using chemical weapons attacks to kill thousands of Kurds, will be the first of Saddam Husseins cohorts to stand trial next week, a government official said today.

Chemical Ali Will Be the First to Go on Trial


Colombian cyclist Felix Cardenas has won the 17th stage of the Tour of Spain, but Spain #39;s Roberto Heras remains the overall leader heading into the race #39;s final days.

Cycling: Cardenas Wins 17th Stage of Tour of Spain


QUEENSLANDER Rod Pampling made four birdies on the front nine to grab the outright lead in the second round of the Australian Open in Sydney.

Pampling jumps to front


Does replacing personal income and payroll taxes with a national sales tax, an idea President Bush has shown interest in, help the U.S. tax system?

What If a Sales Tax Were the Only Tax?


Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired slugging outfielder Carlos Lee from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for speedy outfielder Scott Podsednik, pitcher Luis Vizcaino and a player to be named later.

White Sox deal Lee to Brewers for Podsednik


Two studies released this week confirm that venture capital funding is lagging in Colorado in comparison with other parts of the nation.

Merger, purchase activity climbing


Washington -- All of the human embryonic stem cells available to federally funded scientists under President Bush #39;s 3-year-old research policy share a previously unrecognized trait that fosters rejection by the immune systems, diminishing their potential

Stem cells scientists can use are tainted


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices raced to fresh highs on  Friday, carrying U.S. crude over \$49 a barrel, driven by  escalating violence in Iraq and unabated demand growth from  China and India.

Oil at New High Over \$49


FOXBOROUGH -- Steve Ralston will be in the Revolution's starting lineup tonight against Kansas City, but his position is a mystery. Ralston has played more MLS games (271) than anyone, until recently nearly all of those matches in the same role, but Ralston has moved into three midfield positions and displayed some of his most impressive performances at right back ...

Ralston's position? Whatever it takes


Craig Barrett couldn #39;t improve on his efforts of four years ago as he ended more than four hours of hot toil with a 29th placing in the Olympic Games 50km walk here today.

Athletics: Aarrett 29th in 50km walk


Disillusioned by officials #39; failure to improve Bosnia #39;s economy, many voters said they were staying away from the polls in Saturday #39;s vote to choose municipal leaders.

Many Bosnians stay away from elections


Can technology save us from a pre-emptive war on sex, should the Bush administration choose to wage one? I sure hope so. Commentary by Regina Lynn.

Curbing Your Enthusiasm


Often pigeonholed as just a seller of televisions and DVD players, Royal Philips Electronics said third-quarter profit surged despite a slide into the red by its consumer electronics division.

Philips Posts Best Quarterly Results in Four Years


Resellers may feel the Ingram Micro acquisition of Tech Pacific in the pocket as their credit lines could be cut in half once the two firms join.

Industry reacts to Tech Pacific buy


A furious China has shut down over 1,600 Internet cafes and arrested people in a bid to curb the menace of content which is harmful to public morality.

China shuts 1,600 cybercafes


Its official: Yuta Tabuse is the first Japanese player to make an NBA team. The Suns put the 5-foot-9 guard on the active roster, part of the 14-man roster submitted to the NBA on Monday afternoon.

Like a Rolling Stone, Tabuse makes Suns roster


The Yankees finally played ball last night, taking advantage of an opponent that looked as if it had spent the whole day sitting in ballparks, on buses and in an airplane.

Yanks Show Visitors No Shelter


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

Circuit City Cuts Loss, Stock Soars


Secretary of State Colin Powell says the United Nations Security Council may ultimately have to deal with questions surrounding Iran #39;s nuclear program.

US: Iranian Nuclear Program May Come Before UN Security Council


FOR the past two years, Asian stock markets have been high on the favoured list for Britains pension and life assurance funds. Asia, particularly China, has offered the double attraction of strong current

UK economy to feel the ripple effect of slow boat from China


A year ago Freddy Adu attended Major League Soccer #39;s championship game at The Home Depot Center and was introduced to the media, having just signed with the league at age 14.

Life in the fast lane


JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered the Israeli Army to prepare itself for an evacuation under fire from the Gaza Strip where a Palestinian militant was shot dead in a botched bombing Sunday.

Sharon tells army to prepare to leave Gaza under fire


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Visteon Corp. <A HREF=

Visteon Posts \$1.36 Bln Loss on Charges


Microsoft is investigating reports of a serious security flaw in Internet Explorer, but has not yet seen malicious code that exploits the reported flaw, the company said today.

Microsoft Investigates Reports of New Internet Explorer Hole


LONDON (Dow Jones)--HSBC Holdings PLC (HBC) has expressed an interest in the \$3 billion store and credit card operations of Federated Department Stores Inc.

UK PRESS: HSBC Interested In \$3B Federated Card Ops


NEW YORK, November 12 (newratings.com) - Crude oil prices were volatile this morning, briefly rising on concerns regarding potential crude export disruptions in Nigeria due to a nationwide strike.

World oil prices rise modestly; to decline further


ighteen days after they began a hunger strike demanding improved humanitarian conditions, Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails resumed eating last night.

The Palestinian hunger strike ends


Just about now Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales are beginning to get the full impact of that magic moment they created in vying for the WBC super featherweight crown the other night in Las Vegas.

Welsh: Barrera Morales Might Do IV!


While praising Turkey #39;s  quot;stunning quot; economic performance over the last three years, the OECD also outlined some major problems the country needs to address.

OECD Applauds Turkey #39;s Economic Growth, Urges Cutting Unofficial <b>...</b>


WASHINGTON - The Sept. 11 commission closes down Saturday, but its members plan to continue testifying before Congress and traveling the country to try to get the government to improve homeland security...

9/11 Commission Formally Disbands


The withdrawal of Merck  amp; Co. Inc. #39;s arthritis drug Vioxx will make it harder for drug companies to win approval for products aimed at big patient populations as regulators

Vioxx Will Weigh as Drugmakers Consider Strategy


The Senate in Nigeria reportedly passes a motion requiring Shell's operation in the country to pay \$1.5bn in compensation to oilfield communities.

Shell 'faces \$1.5bn Nigeria bill'


SEC filing shows just how much open source is worrying the software giant.

Microsoft: Linux may mean price cuts, fewer sales


El-Hadji Diouf is back doing what he appears to do best - spitting on people. Not content with covering a variety of fans with spittle he has now targeted his fellow professionals.

Your Verdict: Diouf spitting shame


Australia #39;s central bank said Monday that an expected increase in inflation next year could force it to raise interest rates. The government has pledged to keep interest rates low, but prices have been rising

Australia May Boost Interest Rates


DUBAI (AFP) - An audiotape message attributed to top terror mastermind Osama bin Laden and broadcast on an Islamist website laid the blame for the unrest in Saudi Arabia on the kingdom #39;s regime.

Bin Laden tape lays blame for Saudi unrest on regime


Microsoft #39;s WMA, Apple #39;s ACC, Sony #39;s Altrac and others -- compete in a variety of digital music devices, support for MP3 is becoming a required ingredient for any successful portable player.

Sony Embraces MP3 in Ploy To Please Public


The old bromide that promises you can #39;t get a computer virus by looking at an image file crumbled a bit further Tuesday when Microsoft announced a critical vulnerability in its software #39;s handling of the ubiquitous JPEG graphics format.

Microsoft warns of poisoned picture peril


ATHENS, Greece -- Things are clearly far from perfect for the US Olympic men #39;s basketball team. But now, perfection isn #39;t important. Victories are. Against anybody.

LeBron, USA Slide By Greece


Reuters - Powerful and\strengthening Hurricane Ivan killed at least three people in\Grenada and devastated its capital, St. Georges, as it pounded\the tiny islands of the southeastern Caribbean on Tuesday.

Hurricane Ivan Devastates Isle of Grenada (Reuters)


Proposals for changing the gambling industry in Britain are published by the government.

Gambling law shake-up is unveiled


The \$40 million high-security laboratory will test and develop new vaccines and treatments to defend the public against bioterrorism, officials announced Tuesday.\
<FONT face=

GMU Plans Terrorism Defense Lab in Va.


Prosecutors said Tuesday that they would charge a Dutch chemicals dealer as an accomplice to genocide for supplying Saddam Hussein with lethal chemicals used in

Dutch Say Dealer Sold Chemicals to Hussein


A federal agency filed a lawsuit against the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington yesterday, claiming the hotel discriminated against a former dishwasher by failing to rehire him because he does not speak fluent English.

EEOC Files Suit Against English Fluency Policy


AP - Hawaii football coach June Jones knew something special was in store four years ago when a lanky, baby-faced teenager stepped onto the practice field and completed eight straight passes.

Hawaii's Chang Eyes Career Passing Mark (AP)


Syria denied yesterday that it was forgoing Israel #39;s commitment to withdraw from the Golan as a basis for negotiations. The commitment was made by former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin.

Syria denies giving up previous negotiating achievements


Toyota Motor Corp., the world #39;s second- largest carmaker, had an unexpected drop in quarterly profit as investment earnings at its truck making unit fell and a stronger yen cut the value of overseas sales.

Toyota #39;s 2nd-Qtr Profit Shrinks on Truck Unit #39;s Slump (Update4)


Two female Italian aid workers were liberated yesterday after three weeks of terrifying captivity at the hands of Iraqi abductors, and flew home to tears and cheers in Rome.

#39;MOMENT OF JOY #39; AS THUGS LET 2 WOMEN HOSTAGES GO FREE TO ROME


The following stocks may make significant gains or losses in German markets today. Futures that track Germany #39;s benchmark DAX Index rose 0.4 percent to 3890.

Bayer, Deutsche Bank, Munich Re, SAP, VW: German Equity Preview


A car bomb has exploded in the Iraqi town of Suwayra, south of Baghdad, killing two people and wounding 10, the Interior Ministry says.

Two killed in bomb blast south of Baghdad


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Lawn-care equipment maker Toro Co.  <A HREF=

Toro Earnings Rise; Dividend Doubled


Leaders of the rebel army that ousted Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide vow to end violence in the capital.

Haiti ex-troops 'to impose order'


On a day when it would #39;ve been easy to lose, Evansville #39;s Jeff Overton instead advanced to the semifinals of the 104th US Amateur Championship.

Overton beats hometown favorite


Southwest Airlines (LUV:NYSE - news - research) said demand for tickets outstripped increasing supply in November, allowing the carrier to fill more seats on its planes than a year ago.

Southwest Air Traffic Jumps


Delaware State scores on a 73-yard punt return and a 25-yard interception return and defeats Howard, 32-13, Saturday at Greene Stadium.

Diminishing Returns


quot;There were 16 people travelling aboard. ... It crashed into a mountain, quot; Col. Antonio Rivero, head of the Civil Protection service, told.

Venezuelan plane crash kills 16


Reuters - A submarine that intruded into waters off\Japan earlier this week has been identified as Chinese, Japan's\top government spokesman Hiroyuki Hosoda said on Friday, adding\that Tokyo would protest to Beijing.

Japan to Protest to China Over Intruder Submarine (Reuters)


Rescuers were searching for 141 miners trapped in a coal mine in central China after a massive explosion tore through the shaft killing at least 25 others.

Coal mine explosion in central China kills 25, leaves 141 trapped? <b>...</b>


John Stockton #39;s No. 12 will be retired by the Utah Jazz in November, honoring a point guard who spent his entire 19-year career with the team.

Jazz retiring Stockton #39;s number


Illinois head coach Ron Turner expects Jon Beutjer to be in the starting lineup when the Illini start Big Ten play Saturday against No.

Turner expects Beutjer to start vs. Purdue


The United States has reported encouraged Israel to help strengthen the position of moderate Palestinians in the wake of Yasser Arafat #39;s death.

Israel may encourage moderate Palestinians


If the rumors-- some now reaching fever pitch-- are to be trusted, Google is cooking up a whole slew of products and technologies that could unseat Microsoft.

Is Google ogling a browser?


SINGAPORE: Singapore #39;s economy slowed in the third quarter but still recorded growth of 7.7 percent year-on-year. After posting its fastest quarterly expansion in 10 years in the three months to June, a slowdown

Singapore #39;s economy grows by 7.7 percent in third quarter


Interactive exhibits have been a mainstay in museums for more than three decades. In recent years museums have become more creative about the way they introduce technology into their exhibits.

At Museums, Computers Get Creative


While horses continue to fall off an extremely bumpy road to the Breeders #39; Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, Evening Attire keeps on trucking.

Evening Attire is wearing well


Want to age gracefully? Keep moving. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic disease -- such as heart trouble, diabetes, even cancer -- and keep you feeling and looking younger as you age.

Exercise -- the Real Fountain of Youth


Reuters - TransMedia has unveiled\the latest version of its Colaborata online media platform and\said that ASCAP and SLG Advertising were among the first\customers to license the product. Other major\entertainment-related customers will be announced soon.

Latest Colaborata Upgrade Bows (Reuters)


With its eyes on the future of home entertainment and a relatively uncluttered band of radio spectrum, Cisco Systems Inc.'s Linksys division on Wednesday unveiled a line of IEEE 802.11g/a wireless LAN products.

Update: Linksys goes dual-band on Wi-Fi


Four major pension funds, including the California Public Employees #39; Retirement System, said Tuesday that they will push for shareholders to be able to nominate up

Funds seek Disney change


Almost two weeks of troubleshooting is paying off for the two Expedition 9 crewmembers. Today they restarted the International Space Station #39;s primary oxygen generating unit.

International Space Station Status Report: SS04-031


PARIS: Chelsea beat Porto, Barcelona blew away Shakhtar Donetsk and AC Milan struck twice in the last two minutes to sink Celtic but Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich was the biggest winner of them all.

Chelsea and CSKA win, ousted coach Ranieri loses


Jos Manuel Barroso, the incoming European commission president, today failed in a bid to appease key European parties demanding that the justice minister designate, Rocco Buttiglione, be removed.

Barroso fails to calm Buttiglione row


APPLE Computer #39;s new iMac G5 Macintosh may be the first desktop computer that doesn #39;t need a desktop: you can hang the thing on a wall and operate it using wireless keyboard and mouse.

iMac G5 goes after the iPod set


Instead of installing a handful of wireless access points in an office ceiling, Aruba Wireless Networks' new Wi-Fi Grid system will offer a larger number of tiny

Aruba brings Wi-Fi down from the ceiling


AFP - Australian Prime Minister John Howard outlined his vision for a fourth term as a new poll showed voters warming to the  quot;soft focus quot; leadership of the opposition Labor Party's Mark Latham.

Australian PM outlines softer image for fourth term (AFP)


Report says investment bank plans job, pay cuts prior to a public offering valuing firm at \$3B. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bruce Wasserstein, head of investment bank Lazard, is planning a new round of job cuts and

Lazard cutbacks may precede IPO


When Texas Tech coach Mike Leach left Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops to accept the head position with the Red Raiders after the 1999 season, he might not have thought his old boss would hold a grudge.

Raiders seeking to attack Oklahoma sooner


SIR Alex Ferguson is set to take the axe to his under-performing side after a shambolic start to his 10th Champions League campaign as Manchester United manager.

Sir Alex sharpens axe


France launched the sale of at least 9.6 percent of France Telecom, a move that could raise up to 5.8 billion euros (\$7.1 billion) that will be used to help the French government reduce its national debt.

Gov #39;t Launches France Telecom Stake Sale


Putin signs law restricting airtime and content in effort to curb his country #39;s alcohol intake. MOSCOW (Reuters) - A sweeping ban on beer advertising in Russia became law Tuesday in a move to curb the country #39;s

Russian beer advertisements canned


Lauren Jackson and the Seattle Storm have forced the WNBA Finals against the Connecticut Sun to a decisive game after a nail-biting 67-65 victory on Sunday.

Storm force decider


BEIJING (Reuters) - The world's two most populous nations  promised Wednesday to eradicate ignorance about AIDS, a disease  that was at first dismissed by many as a Western evil confined  to drug users, homosexuals and prostitutes.

Condoms, Parades Mark AIDS Day; China Gets Tough


MOSCOW Aug. 28, 2004 - Russian airlines will be required to document passengers more thoroughly following this week #39;s twin plane crashes, a news agency reported Saturday, as the discovery of explosives stoked

Russia to Tighten Passenger Requirements


Wal-Mart amasses more data about the products it sells and its shoppers' buying habits than anyone else, and some privacy advocates worry about the potential for abuse.

What They Know About You


AFP - Outgoing US Secretary of State Colin Powell had been a great friend to Australia who helped fight terrorism in Asia, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.

Australian FM praises Powell as a great friend to Canberra (AFP)


Delta Air Lines, which is trying to avert a bankruptcy filing, said Monday that General Electric #39;s commercial finance unit would provide it with \$500 million of financing.

Briefs: Delta gets financing from GE


You cant get your hands on one quite yet (they want to see how badly you really want it and so wont be shipping them out until the 18th), but tons of reviews of Dells new Axim X50 and X50v Pocket PCs have started popping up, and as were known

Dell Axim X50 and X50v Pocket PC reviews roundup


MADRID: Amnesty International applauded on Friday the decision by Chile #39;s Supreme Court to revoke the immunity from prosecution of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, calling it  quot;a first step toward justice.

AI welcomes revoking of Pinochet #39;s immunity


Rahal Letterman Racing will be a three-car team in the Indy Racing League #39;s 2005 season when team officials confirm Buddy Rice, Vitor Meira and newcomer Danica Patrick on Wednesday.

Rahal to have 3 cars


OCTOBER 25, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Cingular Wireless LLC will divest itself of wireless customers and other assets in 13 US markets as a requirement for its \$41 billion acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.

Cingular reaches deal with DOJ on AT amp;T Wireless takeover


ANKARA - These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in Turkish press on September 19th, 2004. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

Press Scan


AP - Olli Jokinen of the Florida Panthers scored twice and teammate Ville Peltonen added two goals and an assist, leading Finland to a 4-2 victory over Germany in a World Cup of Hockey exhibition game Thursday.

Jokinen, Peltonen Combine for Four Goals (AP)


COLES Myer yesterday waltzed in and trumped rival Woolworths in the battle for pubs group Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality. But Coles chief John Fletcher #39;s \$3.

ALH goes with Coles bid


Halfway through the election campaign and Mark Latham is now out-campaigning John Howard, with two of his major policies launched, but still no guarantee he will be in front on polling day.

Howard still a nose in front


com September 28, 2004, 9:54 AM PT. There #39;s no doubt the Internet will continue to make its mark in the world of business and technology.

Analysts can #39;t peg Google


Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's\chief of staff on Thursday called a Gaza withdrawal plan a\possible step toward a Palestinian state, in a clear sign of\softening following Yasser Arafat's death.

Gaza Plan May Bring Palestinian State-Sharon Aide (Reuters)


Marks   Spencer begins buying back more than a quarter of its shares in a move that will return 2.3bn (\$4.2bn) to shareholders.

M S starts share buyback


Microsoft Corp. and UK mobile phone maker Sendo Holdings PLC have ended a two-year legal dispute over smart phones with a settlement, the companies said Monday.

Sendo, Microsoft settle smart phone lawsuit


Crude oil futures prices dropped below \$51 a barrel yesterday as supply concerns ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter eased after an unexpectedly high rise in US inventories.

Oil price drops to under \$51 per barrel


The Bush administration is trying to stifle scientific evidence of the dangers of global warming in an effort to keep the public uninformed, a NASA scientist said Tuesday night.

NASA: Bush stifles global warming evidence


Work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith's resignation prompts speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle.

Departure sparks reshuffle fever


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices eased on Friday, but still  within sight of the \$55-mark as traders feared time was running  out to top up low heating oil supplies before winter.

Oil Dips But Near \$55 on Winter Anxiety


Heineken buys a majority stake in Nigerian brewer Consolidated Breweries, boosting its position in Africa's second-largest market.

Heineken boosts African position


Troubled Serbia-Montenegro champion Red Star Belgrade on Saturday named Ratko Dostanic its new coach, signing him on for a three-year contract, the club said.

Red Star names Dostanic new coach


Christian Laettner knows what #39;s coming. He braces for it every time he sees an article with his name in it. Somewhere in the middle of the story - usually past the part where it talks about Laettner #39;s remarkable

Will Graves: Laettner has learned to live with the labels


The increasing popularity of PC-based multimedia applications, particularly home video editing and downloading of films and TV shows from peer-to-peer networks, is driving demand for bigger hard-disc drives.

PC hard drive expands size and speed


The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a legal complaint against two companies that allegedly infected computers with spyware and pop-up advertising, then tried to sell spyware-blocking software.

FTC files suit against alleged spyware distributor


With the Huskies reeling at 0-4 - the only member of a Bowl Championship Series conference left without a win -an Jose State suddenly looms as the only team left on the schedule that UW will be favored to beat.

Notebook: Huskies say SJSU game is must-win


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chief executives in the U.S. are not  as pessimistic as the Business Council thought last week when  it issued its economic survey, the group said on Tuesday,  citing a

Business Council: We Got Survey Wrong


AFP - An activist dressed as Batman and campaigning for fathers' rights evaded guards at Buckingham Palace to climb up to the main balcony of Queen Elizabeth's residence, in the latest security scare for the royal family.

New security lapse at Buckingham Palace as 'Batman' scales queen's ledge (AFP)


WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Federal Reserve policymakers met, poised to raise key interest rates to remove some of the cheap-money stimulus washing through the economy.

Federal Reserve opens meeting, tipped to raise rates


BERKELEY -- Because a season unfolding as this one comes so seldom to Cal football, many who have spent years loyal to the program await not the immortal victory but the inevitable heartbreak.

Many loyal Cal fans still afraid to believe


Cisco Systems Inc. on Tuesday reported significant gains in earnings and revenue for its fiscal 2005 first quarter that met analyst expectations.

Cisco boosts Q1 net income, revenue


WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- Qualcomm on Friday said it may have to reduce this year #39;s revenue by \$298 million because of the way it accounts for royalty payments.

Qualcomm falls on accounting news


TORONTO -- No decision has yet been made on what to do with American radio shock-jock Howard Stern if an application to bring the US subscription service Sirius to Canada is successful, says the CBC, which is involved in the application.

Stern show ruling  #39;a long way off #39;


Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the\world's largest retailer, on Thursday said sales at stores open\at least a year rose 2.4 percent in September, slightly higher\than its preliminary report but still toward the low end of its\forecast range.

Wal-Mart Same-Store Sales Up 2.4 Percent (Reuters)


Syracuse forward Terrence Roberts, who left Thursday #39;s opener with a sprained his left knee, had eight points and six boards...Wallace blocked three shots...The Orange now lead the all-time series, 24-9, with Princeton #39;s last win in 1964 at MSG behind

NCAA Game Summary - Princeton at Syracuse


LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Ukraine's Vitali Klitschko left Danny  Williams battered and bruised on Saturday, stopping the Briton  in the eighth round to retain his World Boxing Council  heavyweight crown.

Klitschko Batters Williams to Retain WBC Title


24/08/2004 - Authorities in China are trying to calm fears over the spread of the deadly avian influenza strain H5N1 to pigs by stating that recent tests carried out on pig farms in the country have shown that the animals are now clear of the disease.

Bird flu spreads to pigs


Climate scientists tell a Stockholm conference that greater efforts should be made to pull CO2 from the atmosphere.

Need for carbon sink technologies


Students who use computers a lot at school have worse maths and reading performance, research suggests.

Doubts about school computers


More than 500,000 notebook power adapters sold by IBM are being recalled to offset the threat of melting plastic and even fire. IBM and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall, saying

IBM recalls 500,000 melting notebook adapters


By MICHAEL LIEDTKE    SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Internet whiz kids Marc Andreessen, Josh Kopelman and Joe Kraus share something in common besides reaping huge jackpots during the dot-com boom.    All three belong to LinkedIn, a rapidly growing online networking service whose ability to connect people with common friends and work interests helped persuade the trio to invest in the company before it even started to generate revenue...

Investors Flocking to Web Networking Sites


Determined to give his best setup man, Tom Gordon, the night off, Manager Joe Torre watched as the Yankees disintegrated in the eighth inning Saturday.

Relievers Are Lucky the Yankees Didn't Need This Game


Reuters - The U.S. Securities and Exchange\Commission voted 3-2 on Tuesday to adopt a rule that for the\first time will require hedge fund advisers to register with\the agency and submit to SEC examinations.

SEC: Hedge Fund Advisers Must Register (Reuters)


Insurgents renewed attacks on United States troops and Iraqs security forces today, killing five police officers, including a general, and wounding 14 American soldiers in continuing attempts to derail the coming elections.

Insurgents keep up deadly attacks in northern Iraq


A US federal judge sentenced an author who wrote a series of books about avoiding taxes in off-shore locations to six months in prison on Monday.

US jails author who promoted off-shore tax havens


Nextel Communications Inc. is offering its first camera phone, the Motorola i860, which boasts a large color screen, measuring 2.2 inches and 262,000 colors.

Flip and shoot


When the Bowl Championship Series committee set out in the summer to reorganize the formula by which the BCS standings are calculated, it decided to give more weight to the human polls than the computer rankings.

USC, Miami atop first BCS rankings


AFP - For wine snobs, it could be the ultimate vintage guaranteed to impress: A 9,000-year-old prehistoric preserved wine dug up from the Neolithic village of Jiahu in northern China.

What's your tipple? How about a prehistoric Chinese brew (AFP)


PARIS: Turkey is not yet ready for entry into the European Union, but the 25-nation bloc cannot reject Ankaras membership if it meets all the requirements, the incoming EU Commission chief said on Tuesday.

Turkey not yet ready for EU entry: Barroso


NEW DELHI - At least two Indian policemen have been killed and five wounded in a Muslim rebel attack on their camp in Kashmir. Two of the wounded are in critical condition, according to police.

Violence flares in Kashmir


The football team is 2-4 and attendance is down, but Middle Tennessee State is hoping OutKast #39;s Big Boi can save the day. No, the rapper isn #39;t suiting up.

Football Team Hoping to Score With Big Boi


BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese leaders closed a key economic  meeting on Sunday with pledges to maintain stable fiscal and  monetary policies in 2005 and keep a tight lid on fixed-asset  investment, state radio said.

China Pledges Stable Policies


Baseball owners took another step toward moving the Montreal Expos to Washington next year, giving conditional approval Friday but hinging their decision on the September agreement that did not cap the cost of a new stadium.

Expos #39; move given conditional approval


Worried about radio-frequency radiation, Fairfax parents urge school board to ban placement of antenna poles near campuses.

In Cellular Towers' Shadows, Anxiety


Got the munchies at 30,000 feet but don #39;t care for the typical  quot;complimentary quot; airline food? You don #39;t need to bail out on the eats much longer - more and more airlines are grounding such chow.

AA passengers can chew on this offer


Israeli troops have destroyed hundreds of houses and left thousands of Palestinians homeless in the southern Gaza Strip in operations that far exceeded military security requirements during the past four years, the New York-based organization Human Rights Watch said in a report issued Monday.

Israeli Demolitions Deemed Excessive


roundup Plus: Unisys signs up Linux allies...LookSmart names new CEO...Akamai boosts Web application services...Good Technology supported by HP, Samsung.

Briefly: Target to sell TiVo DVRs


Now that he #39;s married, Tiger Woods says it won #39;t be long before he starts a family.  quot;I don #39;t want to be an old father, quot; Woods said Thursday.

Tiger says children in the near future


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Hurricane Jeanne got stronger, bigger and faster as it battered the Bahamas and bore down on Florida Saturday, sending huge waves crashing onto beaches and forcing thousands into shelters just weeks after Frances ravaged this area...

Jeanne Bears Down on Fla.; Thousands Flee


SYDNEY : Australian share prices returned to record territory, adding 0.28 percent as investors shrugged off disappointing results from National Australia Bank to send the market higher, dealers said.

Australian shares back in record territory on NAB strength


AFP - A New Zealand doctor and United Nations employee who co-wrote a book exposing sex, drugs and corruption among UN peacekeeping forces said his contract with the world body was not being renewed.

Author of expose on UN peacekeepers says his contract not renewed (AFP)


AdWeek.com - NEW YORK -- Intel is reintroducing the Blue Man Group, not used since 2001, in a campaign for its Centrino mobile technology for wireless computing.

Hotlines: Blue Man Group Returns in  #36;120 Mil. Centrino Campaign (AdWeek.com)


AS IF ending Arsenals unbeaten run were not enough, Manchester United supporters had more reason to celebrate yesterday when the club rejected a possible 800 million takeover by Malcolm Glazer.

United refuse to buy into Glazer #39;s takeover plans


They are two of the most hawkish members of President George W. Bush #39;s cabinet and key architects of. the Washington-backed war that overthrew the Taliban in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Karzai set to be Afghan president in ring of steel


Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has acknowledged testing positive for cocaine, the players #39; union chief said Tuesday. The Romanian international met with union officials Monday, agreeing to accept

Mutu admits testing positive for cocaine


CAIRO, Egypt Oct. 14, 2004 - A man identified as a Turkish truck driver kidnapped in Iraq was beheaded in a video shown on an Islamic Web site Thursday.

Video: Kidnapped Turkish Driver Beheaded


With Scott Williamson bracing for a potentially grim diagnosis of his latest elbow injury, the Red Sox last night appeared poised to move on without him as Curtis Leskanic inched closer to rejoining the club. The Sox initially indicated they would make an announcement last night on Williamson's injury but changed their position during the first inning of the game ...

Leskanic winning arms race


AP - Tim Wakefield allowed two runs in six innings for his first victory since August, and Johnny Damon and David Ortiz homered to power the Boston Red Sox past the Baltimore Orioles 8-3 on Friday night.

Red Sox Rally to Drop Orioles 8-3 (AP)


In the days after the report that the Yankees' Jason Giambi admitted to using steroids in testimony before a federal grand jury, Giambi's agent, Arn Tellem, was silent.

Giambi's Agent Breaks Silence


SPACE.com - Is there really life out there?  Was a kinder, wetter Mars once dotted by bacterial blooms whose progeny now await our discovery?  Do unseen, alien microbes swim in the buried oceans of Europa, Callisto, or Ganymede?  What about Titan's sub-zero methane lakes?

Intelligence Gathering: The Study of How the Brain Evolves Offers Insight into the Mind (SPACE.com)


Australia captain Ricky Ponting, recovering from a broken thumb, is confident he can improve his poor record in India and help his team win the test series.

Cricket: Ponting gives thumbs up


Dec 7, 2004 - ATLANTA BRAVES Named Tim Conroy special assistant to the general manager-major league scout. CHICAGO CUBS-Agreed to terms with SS Nomar Garciaparra on a one-year contract.

Tuesday #39;s Sports Transactions


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - An Iraqi peace delegation has urged a radical Shi #39;ite cleric to call off his uprising in the city of Najaf, where US troops have been pounding militia positions near the country #39;s holiest Islamic sites.

Iraq peace mission arrives in Najaf


Employees still pose the biggest corporate security threat, while IT systems are the main corporate security focus, reports audit and business advisory firm Ernst  amp; Young in its latest Global Information Security Survey.

Users Hamper Information Security


From the first day of the Washington Redskins #39; first minicamp in March, Clinton Portis was marching to a different beat. While his teammates were practically swooning over their first practice under returning

Portis the showman remains a team player


BMC Software announced Tuesday the release of BMC Batch Impact Manager, a system that allows customers to manage batch processes according to their business importance.

Software tracks status of batch processes


Led by Simon Katich, Aussies piled on the runs against a hapless Indian bowling attack taking a firm step to conquer the Final Frontier on the third day of the third Test at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground in Nagpur on October 28.

Aussies pile on the runs in Nagpur


Not so long ago, in a galaxy not so far away, Chip Collier was on a mission.

Web Gaming Changes Social Interactions


BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (Reuters) - U.S. helicopters shuttled  injured refugees, many of them children, out of some of the  worst hit parts of tsunami-devastated Aceh province, even as  reports surfaced of trafficking in orphans from the disaster.

Cheers Greet Rescuers in Aceh, Children Suffer


THE government agency that owns the World Trade Center site has joined a US\$7 billion (S\$11.9 billion) suit against Saudi Arabia and Al-Qaeda for the Sept 11 terrorist attacks.

Agency joins suit against Saudi Arabia


The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe regarding the damage left behind at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Frances.

NASA Administrator Offers Support for Kennedy Space Center


Gunmen kidnapped a Lebanese-American businessman -he second US citizen seized this week in Baghdad  - militants released a tape Wednesday showing the beheading

Kidnappers grab second US citizen in a week


India News, Bhopal, That cold night 20 years ago in this capital of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh changed Chiraunji Bai #39;s life forever, just as it did for tens of thousands of others.

India ; 20 years on, Bhopal #39;s gas tragedy continues


ARIEL Sharon warned yesterday he would bring about the demise of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat  quot;when the time is ripe quot;.

Arafat #39;s  #39;demise #39; up to us: Israel PM


ATHENS, Greece - Now this was a duel in the pool. With Michael Phelps leading off Tuesday night, the United States bested its top rival in the most thrilling race of the Athens Games...

Thrilling Relay Win Gets Phelps Third Gold


Hewlett-Packard will detail enhancements to its virtualization products, the HP-UX 11i Unix operating system, and its AlphaServers this week during its HP World 2004 conference in Chicago.

HP invokes Adaptive Enterprise mantra


The Baltimore Ravens are excited about the prospect of having Deion Sanders come out of retirement and be a part of their defensive backfield. The question now is: Will he take them up on their offer?

Sanders excites Ravens


RAMADI, Iraq (Reuters) - A car bomb exploded near a U.S.  convoy in the western city of Ramadi on Tuesday, killing two  civilians and wounding at least four, witnesses said.

Car Bomb Near U.S. Convoy in Ramadi Kills 2 Iraqis


The company's upcoming earnings increases aren't exactly the stuff of investment dreams.

Navistar's Paper Profit Puffery


DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (Sports Network) - NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been fined \$10,000 for cursing during a TV interview following his win at Talladega Superspeedway.

Earnhardt Bounced from Top Spot in NASCAR Standings


Investors have grown increasingly anxious about how soaring energy costs might dent consumer spending ahead of the what is widely expected to be a chillier than normal winter.

Fall in oil price provides welcome boost for Wall Street


Olympic champion Tyler Hamilton said on Tuesday he was  quot;100 percent innocent quot; as the Phonak rider responded to testing positive for blood transfusions.

#39;I #39;m 100 Percent Innocent #39;, Says Hamilton


Former US Army Sgt. Charles Jenkins believes his conviction and sentence to 30 days in jail for desertion after nearly 40 years in North Korea is very fair, his defence lawyer said in Japan today.

US Deserter Begins 30-Day Jail Sentence


Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the European Union on Friday not to meddle in Turkey #39;s domestic affairs after an EU Commission spokesman expressed concern over a delay in key penal code reforms.

Erdogan warns European Union not to meddle in Turkey #39;s affairs


LONDON: British Grand Prix organisers will stage an emergency meeting today aimed at blocking Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone #39;s plans to scrap the race.

British officials call emergency meeting


Microbe colonies discovered living under rocks in the Arctic and Antarctic are just the latest example of life's ability to cope with extremes.

Rock bugs resist polar extremes


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Brokerage Bear Stearns Companies  <A HREF=

Bear Stearns Profit Falls


Distribution giant Ingram Micro Inc has acquired Australia #39;s largest IT distributor Tech Pacific in a \$700 million (US\$493 million) cash deal.

Ingram buys Tech Pacific


The US Labor Department said Thursday the number of workers filing first-time applications for unemployment benefits rose by 10,000 last week.

US Weekly Jobless Claims Rise


Parma, Italy (Sports Network) - Parma fired coach Silvio Baldini Monday after a loss to Livorno on Sunday left the club near the bottom of the table.

Baldini out at struggling Parma


HONG KONG (CBS.MW) -- UK wireless operator Mmo2 (OOM) (UK:OOM) said it will launch Europe #39;s first  quot;super-fast quot; third-generation (3G) mobile broadband data network in the summer of 2005 at mmO2 #39;s subsidiary, Manx Telecom on the UK #39;s Isle of Man.

Mmo2, Lucent to launch 3G mobile network in summer  #39;05


Eastman Kodak Co. (EK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday raised its growth forecast on digital products and services, the areas the photography company is depending

Digital Driving Kodak, Shares Up


Reuters - Video games makers searching\for the next big thing to pull in players at Europe's biggest\computer games fair hope to tempt more gamers to pit their wits\against one other online as Web technology improves.

Online Games Could Be Next Big Thing, But Not Yet (Reuters)


SEOUL (Reuters) - A permanent solution to the North Korean  nuclear crisis is unlikely until Pyongyang's communist system  gives way to democracy, a prominent former South Korean general  said on Friday.

End to N.Korea Crisis Unlikely Under Kim--General


The Motley Fool - Investing genius Peter Lynch liked to say that to find

Dentsply Is More Than a Mouthful (The Motley Fool)


Investors in US Treasury notes are growing more bearish that the dollar #39;s decline to a record against the euro and a four-year low versus the yen will diminish the appeal of US assets.

US Treasury Debt Investors Turn More Bearish on Dollar Drop


Interstate Bakeries Corp. , maker of Wonder bread and Hostess Twinkies, said yesterday its auditors' report may raise questions about its ability to continue as a going concern, sending its shares tumbling more than 42 percent. The company said in a statement that its annual report would again be delayed because of uncertainty over whether it will ...

Interstate Bakeries falls on auditor report warning


For many Israelis, the Olympics evoke memories of a terrorist massacre and political boycotts, but windsurfer

Sound of success: Israel strikes gold


The federal loan board that was created to oversee an airline industry bailout is about to play a key role in determining the next phase of industry competition.

U.S. Board Close to Backing a Bidder for ATA Airlines


The cost of term life insurance has never been cheaper. On that, industry experts agree. Over the past decade the price of term life insurance, the plain vanilla type that offers coverage only for a set number

Life (Insurance) Is Cheap -- for Now


In a Nov. 10 product review of the Mozilla Firefox browser, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the Internet Explorer browser from Microsoft Corp.

Correction: Tech-Test-Firefox-Browser


Movie Villain of the Year

Bush voted


Intel Pentium M processors, along with Intel 855 chipset family and the Intel PRO/Wireless Network Connection family, are key components of Intel Centrino mobile technology -- Intel #39;s best technology for mobile computing.

Intel Debuts Centrino Pentium M 765 with 2MB Cache


International observers say calls to annul  the Afghan presidential  poll on grounds of fraud are unjustified.

Observers approve Afghan election


The Federal Communications Commission is expected to vote today to exempt Internet-based phone companies from state regulation, a step that could help boost the emerging services.

FCC expected to exempt VoIP from state rules


Just five days before their season-opener against the New Orleans Saints, the New York Jets shuffled their secondary. Cornerback Ray Mickens was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, ending his season, while veteran cornerback Terrell Buckley jetted in.

JETS SHUFFLE SECONDARY


PARIS (Reuters) - Arsonists set fire to a Jewish soup  kitchen in central Paris early on Sunday morning and daubed  Nazi symbols on the building, police said, in the latest  anti-Semitic act in France.

Arsonists Set Fire to Parisian Jewish Soup Kitchen


Small, poor and 45 minutes from the nearest town with a shopping mall, West Virginia Wesleyan College couldn't attract enough students to fill its classrooms and improve its struggling finances. To survive and thrive, it needed to stand out. The answer, college leaders decided, was technology.

Small College Debates Its High-Tech Gamble


AP - Heavy rains washed out Wednesday night's game between the New York Mets and the Colorado Rockies before it ever started.

Heavy Rains Wash Out Mets-Rockies Game (AP)


KEVIN KEEGAN is to apologise for his abuse of Steve Dunn, the referee, in the wake of his Manchester City team #39;s 4-3 defeat away to Newcastle United on Sunday.

Keegan to apologise for outburst in tunnel


TIGER Woods hinted that his victory at the Target World Challenge on Sunday was a sign that his old self may be set for a return in 2005.

Woods looks on target for return to winning ways in 2005


Landslides and flash floods triggered by torrential rain in south western China leave 19 people dead and 21 missing.

China flash floods leave 19 dead


Jeffrey W. Greenberg, chairman and chief executive of Marsh  amp; McLennan Companies Inc., which is the target of a bid-rigging investigation by New York #39;s attorney general, submitted his resignation on Monday, the company said.

Marsh  amp; McLennan Chairman Resigns Post


Elliott Sadler raced to his second victory of the season and wrapped up a spot in the NASCAR #39;s new championship playoff Sunday night at California Speedway.

Sadler wins race, clinches spot in top 10


AC Milan held host Celtic to a 0-0 draw in its final Champions League group match on Tuesday and finished at the top of the Group F standings.

Champions League: AC Milan tops its group after 0-0 draw at Celtic


AP - A US court says the makers of two leading file-sharing programs are not legally liable for the songs, movies and other copyright works swapped online by their users, in a stinging blow to the entertainment industry.

StreamCast, Grokster escape suit


washingtonpost.com - We know what piracy debaters Lars Ulrich and Chuck D think of file sharing. But aside from the few who speak out publicly, musical artists typically sit out the rhetorical crossfire over copyright protection. This silent majority is the central focus of a new survey on Internet file-sharing, which discovered a significant sentiment: Most artists don't view unauthorized swapping of music and movies as a threat to their livelihood, even if many think it should be illegal.

Musicians Sing Different Tune on File Sharing (washingtonpost.com)


Manufacturer Honeywell International agreed Monday to a \$1.5 billion bid for Britain #39;s Novar PLC, beefing up its security business and lifting 2005 earnings towards consensus forecasts.

Honeywell bids \$1.5B for Novar


A U.S. soldier was killed and another wounded Friday when their patrol was attacked with a homemade bomb, the U.S. command said in a statement.

U.S. Soldier Killed in Iraq Attack


It #39;s going to be difficult, if not impossible, to beat Google at its own game. Google is king of the search engine world for a very good reason: Google works.

Microsoft to launch search engine that competes with Google, Yahoo


AP - Maria Sharapova overcame an early third-set mental lapse against an injured Serena Williams to win the WTA Championships 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 Monday night in a rematch of their Wimbledon final.

Sharapova Defeats Serena in WTA Final (AP)


Reuters - A rally in semiconductor-related\stocks, including Advantest Corp., propelled Asian shares\higher on Monday as investors added to a U.S. buying spree and\turned optimistic on earnings prospects.

Asian Tech Stocks Rally, Dollar Edges Up (Reuters)


SEOUL - Two soldiers were killed and 12 others injured yesterday when an anti-tank rocket that was fired by mistake hit a group of troops in training, the army said.

Quickly Asia


MUNCIE, Ind. - Auto parts supplier Magna International Inc. will build a \$73 million factory to produce powertrain components for General Motors Corp.

Canadian company to create 310 jobs at Muncie drivetrain plant


Netsky-P, an e-mail computer worm that disrupted tens of thousands of businesses and homes worldwide, was the hardest-hitting virus of 2004, according to Web security firm Sophos.

Sophos: 2004 was the year of Netsky worm


One US Marine was killed in action Saturday in Iraq #39;s volatile western Anbar province, the military said. The Marine, who was assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, was killed  #39; #39;while

US Marine killed in Iraq #39;s western Anbar province


FALLUJAH, Iraq -- They carried surface-to-air missiles and armor-piercing bullets, but they wore plastic thong sandals and often died barefoot.

Deadly arms, simple tactics


The accusations were levelled by Victor Conte, founder of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO), the firm at the centre of the biggest doping scandal in sporting history.

Jones denies using performance-enhancing drugs


Mike Williams is a terrific wide receiver -- an All-American at Southern California last season who will probably be a star in the NFL someday.

NCAA ruling makes Mike Williams a football star without a team


Astronomers have estimated the age of our galaxy at about 13,600 million years old.

Astronomers give Milky Way an age


AP - San Francisco's quintessential meal is fresh Dungeness crab, a glass of chardonnay and sourdough bread. But now, local crab fishermen and connoisseurs worry that one of the city's most beloved delicacies is in trouble, a victim of too many boats pulling up too many crabs all at once.

Big Crab Catch Sparks Overfishing Worries (AP)


Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi confirmed on Tuesday that two female Italian aid workers who had been taken hostage in Iraq had been released and turned over to the Italian Red Cross.

Italian Hostages Released in Iraq


Grace Park closed with an eagle and two birdies for a 7-under-par 65 and a two-stroke lead after three rounds of the Wachovia LPGA Classic on Saturday.

Park uses late rally to take lead at Wachovia Classic


Ben Roethlisberger threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns to help the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-3, knocking off the National Football League #39;s last undefeated team.

Steelers Hand Eagles First Loss, 27-3: NFL Week 9 (Update1)


roundup Plus: Oracle extends deadline on PeopleSoft bid...MLB sells game clips for 99 cents...TiVo hires marketing chief...Jail time for California swappers?

Briefly: TV chip company gets \$19 million


A senior Taliban military leader has been killed in southern Uruzgan province, Afghan top security official confirmed Sunday.  quot;Mullah Abdul Ghafar along with his two colleagues

Top Taliban commander killed in Afghanistan


Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen hit back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning to lead the St Louis Cardinals to a 6-4 win over the Houston Astros in Game Two of the NL Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Thursday.

Homers by Pujols, Rolen Power Cards to Victory


Shares in US drug maker Merck tumbled nearly 10 on Monday after a press report suggesting the firm may have ignored problems with one of its drugs.

Merck shares dive on Vioxx fears


ST. LOUIS - Like so many other riveting contests in this most magical of baseball post-seasons, last night #39;s Game 6 of the NL Championship Series was decided by a walkoff home run, sending the St.

Astros, Cards to meet in Game 7


LAHORE, Pakistan -- A suicide bombing at a Shi'ite mosque yesterday in this eastern city killed four people, including two security guards who confronted the attacker and prevented a far greater number of deaths.

Mosque bombed in Pakistan


The Atlanta Motor Speedway will pay tribute this weekend to the victims of a plane crash that killed members of a prominent racing family.

Atlanta Track to Honor Hendrick


Canadian Press - TOKYO (AP) - Japan has determined a submarine that briefly intruded into Japanese territorial waters earlier this week without identifying itself came from China, an official said Friday.

Japan says submarine that intruded into its waters was Chinese (Canadian Press)


Millions must work longer or save harder to pay for the pensions blackhole detailed in an official study published tomorrow. At 57 billion the annual savings

Millions Must Work Longer to Pay for Pensions Blackhole


The Jacksonville Jaguars released defensive end Tony Brackens yesterday after the team #39;s all-time sack leader struggled this preseason with the latest in a string of leg injuries.

Jaguars give Brackens his release


DUBLIN Willie Walsh, the chief executive of Aer Lingus, holds interviews and meetings in a former chairman #39;s unused office since his own is too messy for visitors, he says.

Spotlight: Aer Lingus chief #39;s survival guide


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Kmart Holding Corp. <KMRT.O> on Monday  reported its third consecutive quarterly profit despite  slumping sales as it cut jobs and reduced advertising and  discounts, boosting its cash pile to \$2.6 billion.

Kmart Posts Profit After Cost Cuts


The Munch Museum in Oslo could be shut until next summer while it introduces drastic security measures after the theft of its most famous painting.

Drastic changes to Scream museum


ROME -- Yell for a doctor in an Italian moviehouse and you risk a stampede. Almost everybody here, it seems, is a ''dottore. quot;

In Italy, just about everyone's a doctor


BRUSSELS (AFP) - Eurozone finance ministers were to focus at a meeting on the rise of the single currency to record levels against the dollar, with swelling deficits also set to share the limelight.

Eurozone finance ministers mull rising euro, stability pact


Ever since she was a little girl, buzzing around her father's knees while he worked on his race cars at the family garage, Kelly Sutton dreamed about being a racer. Just like her daddy and granddaddy.

Obstacles? Sutton keeps on truckin'


Major League Baseball is set to confirm that the Montreal Expos will move to Washington for the 2005 season, according to reports.

Expos  #39;set for DC switch #39;


When the leading left-wing tabloid sells a sizable stake to a Rothschild heir, you know things are getting desperate for France #39;s newspaper industry.

Rothschild Buys Stake in Liberation Paper


Australia #39;s biggest supermarket group, Woolworths Ltd, has won a fierce Aust. \$1.33 billion (\$1 billion) battle for pubs chain ALH on Tuesday, beating out rival Coles Myer Ltd which has conceded defeat.

Woolies wins \$1 billion pub battle