The parent company of the Petro home heating oil company, which serves over 100,000 customers on Long Island and in New York City, said today that the division is facing a liquidity crisis due in part to its inability to pass on record high heating oil

Oil dealer facing bankruptcy


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Cosmetics maker Revlon Inc. <A HREF=

Revlon 3rd-Quarter Loss Widens


David Beckham broke his rib moments after scoring England #39;s second goal in yesterday #39;s 2-0 win over Wales in a World Cup soccer qualifying match in Manchester.

Madrid #39;s Beckham suffers broken rib


The last time the Boston Red Sox won the World Series, Woodrow Wilson was president, suffragettes were demanding that women get to vote and doughboys were  quot;over there, quot; fighting a war in France that wasn #39;t called World War I because

Red Sox retrospective


Reuters - Democrats could have a chance at seizing\a crucial Republican U.S. Senate seat in Colorado in a\neck-and-neck battle pitting a brewing magnate against a\Hispanic from humble origins.

Democrats Could Win Republican Seat in Colorado Race (Reuters)


The arthritis drug Vioxx, used by millions of people around the world, is being pulled off the market after a study confirmed long-standing concerns that it raises

Arthritis Drug Vioxx Being Pulled


AFP - Leading shares closed just above the gain line, after US indices regained some earlier losses and mining blue chips lent support, dealers said.

London shares close just higher; NY regains some losses (AFP)


PERTH (Dow Jones)--Financially distressed Australian mining company Sons of Gwalia Ltd. (SGW.AU) said Monday that it has been approached by several parties interested in buying its gold business.

INTERVIEW: Gwalia Approached By Gold Ops Buyers -2-


KOHLER, Wis. (Reuters) - Fiji's Vijay Singh held his  composure to win the 86th U.S. PGA Championship in a three-way  playoff on Sunday, clinching the third major title of his  career.

Singh Wins Playoff to Seize Third Major Title


A computer program known as Brutus.1 is generating brief outbursts of fiction that are probably superior to what many humans could turn out.

Computers as Authors? Literary Luddites Unite!


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The euro and Swiss franc both fell  about 1 percent and the Japanese yen shed half a percent in  Asia Monday as the dollar rallied broadly in thin trade.   Holidays in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and London kept  volume low, exaggerating moves, and dealers said there was  nothing particular behind the dollar's rise.

Dollar in Broad Rally at Start of 2005


Prime Minister Tony Blair said in a prepared speech yesterday that he realized the war in Iraq had divided Britain, but that he could not sincerely apologize for helping topple Saddam Hussein.

Blair battles to unify party ahead of election


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Quentin Richardson poured in 37  points, including eight three-pointers, and Shawn Marion added  16 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 121-99  thrashing of the host Portland Trail Blazers Sunday.

NBA-Suns Scorch Trail Blazers, Kings Beat Celtics


US warplanes and artillery units bombed the Sunni stronghold of Fallujah yesterday, a day after scores died when insurgents hammered the capital.

PM: Iraq will vote


The rural affairs minister defends his decision to drop out of a right to roam march amid the threat of protests.

Minister defends march decision


Metal recycler Sims Group has reported a net profit for the year to June 30 2004 of \$112.5 million, up 50 per cent on the previous year.

Sims Q1 earnings to match or exceed Q4


Pro baseball: AL Championship Series -- New York Yankees vs. Red Sox (Game 3) at Fenway Park, 8 p.m.

Today's schedule


American Express Co. said Monday it was suing rivals Visa and MasterCard for blocking the sale of its credit cards through US banks.

American Express suing card companies over sale of cards by US <b>...</b>


If you're tired of all those candidate polls after the long election season, you aren't alone. So are the pollsters.

Political Pollsters  Don't Live on Elections Alone


AP - The NBA has no plans to change its rules for the 3-point shot, though it will proceed with an experiment for its developmental league in which all field goals will be worth 2 points until the final five minutes of regulation and overtime.

NBA: No Plans to Change 3-Point Shot (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel Corp. <A HREF=

Intel Corp. Makes Marketing Push for Centrino Chip


(IsraelNN.com) An attempted launch of the Ofek 6 surveillance satellite by Israel today was unsuccessful officials report, apparently due to technical malfunction.

Ofek 6 Launch Fails


Halliburton, beset by controversy over its work in Iraq, said Thursday that it would sell its KBR engineering and construction unit if the oilfield services company #39;s share performance did not measure up to sector rivals.

Halliburton may shed KBR unit


Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri , left, arrives at the the presidential palace to submit his resignation to President Emil Lahoud Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004.

Lebanese PM Resigns, Dissolves Cabinet


November 08, 2004 - AnandTech have slapped up a great feature and review on ATI #39;s new chipset for AMD processors, which seems to give Nvidia a run for their money.

ATI Xpress 200 Review


A drug currently prescribed to combat advanced breast cancer can now be used to help prevent the disease from recurring in women who have been treated for early forms of the disease, the US Food and Drug Administration ruled Friday.

Health Highlights: Oct. 31, 2004


AP - Hungry, thirsty and increasingly desperate residents burned tires in protest and attacked each other in a panic to get scarce food and water Thursday as workers struggled to bury hundreds of victims of Tropical Storm Jeanne.

Rising Death Toll Prompts Haiti Protests (AP)


US blue-chip stocks declined to the lowest level in more than a month on Thursday as crude oil prices touched \$49 a barrel and renewed concerns that high fuel costs will erode corporate profits.

Blue Chips End Lower After Oil Hits \$49


Viacom Inc., the media conglomerate that owns CBS and MTV, posted a third-quarter loss of \$487.6 million Thursday as its earnings were hit by a \$1.

Update 1: Viacom Posts Loss on Blockbuster Charge


No. 10 Pittsburgh suffers its first loss of the season Sunday to Bucknell, 69-66. The defeat snaps the Panthers' 48-game non-conference home winning streak.

Bucknell Stuns Pitt


Reuters - Amjad Hussain Farooqi, who was shot dead by security forces on Sunday, was one Pakistan's most wanted men, a cohort of Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and a key link between al Qaeda and local Pakistani militants.

Farooqi key link between Pakistan and al Qaeda (Reuters)


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Marsh  amp; McLennan said late Monday that the contingent commissions that the firm suspended late Friday amid a probe by New York #39;s Attorney General accounted for 7 percent of its total revenue in 2003.

Marsh  amp; McLennan details MSAs


The work of Bill Belichick's muted underlings was never more noticeable than during Sunday's 40-22 win over the St. Louis Rams, in these most challenging of times for these Patriots.

Exemplary assistance


Jose Mourinho said Chelsea played the  quot;perfect game quot; after they romped to an impressive 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Mourinho joy at perfection


In a dismal season defined by offensive futility, Penn State fans have pleaded for changes to the Nittany Lions #39; offense. They have chanted the name of the true

PENN STATE 37, MICHIGAN STATE 13 Rousing Finale for the Seniors <b>...</b>


General Motors Corp., the world #39;s largest automaker, announced Tuesday that the 1,100 remaining workers at its Baltimore assembly plant will lose their jobs

1,100 losing jobs at GM Baltimore plant


RSFs third annual worlwide press freedom index says East Asia and Middle East have worst press freedom records EU members among the first 40; Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia lag behind.

Turkey is the 113rd in RSFs Freedom List


Scientists are developing a device which could improve the lives of kidney dialysis patients.

Device 'may aid kidney dialysis'


NEW YORK - Intel certainly surprised many semiconductor industry watchers today with its improving sales forecasts for the current quarter, but not everyone is convinced that all is as rosy as it seems at the world #39;s biggest chipmaker.

Intel Rally May Be Premature


A suicide car bomber struck at an entrance to Baghdad #39;s Green Zone government compound on Tuesday, 24 hours after an almost identical attack on the same checkpoint, a US military spokesman and Iraqi police said.

Suicide Car Bomber Hits Baghdad Checkpoint Again


Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner has laughed off suggestions that he has granted Sebastien Sainsbury a seven-day extension to conclude a 25million takeover deal.

Leeds deny Sainsbury deal extension


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sports Network) - Florida State and West  Virginia will meet in the Gator Bowl on New Year's Day.

FSU and West Virginia Headed to Gator Bowl


Paris - Vivendi Universal #39;s recovery was almost complete, the French media and telecommunications giant said yesterday, despite a massive second-quarter net loss, bloated by the effects of the weaker dollar.

Vivendi says it has turned the corner despite net loss


AP - Sounds like David Letterman is as big a

South Carolina's 'Pops' Goes Late Night (AP)


The Italian government said Tuesday it would maintain its 3,000 troops in Iraq despite an ultimatum from a radical Muslim group holding an Italian journalist and demanding that Rome withdraw its forces within 48 hours.

Italian troops to stay on in Iraq despite hostage ultimatum


Tradition goes that if you #39;re lucky enough to shoot a hole-in-one, then you buy the drinks back at the clubhouse. Steve Percassi, 57, and his 28-year-old son, Steve Jr.

Father and son collect consecutive holes-in-one as partners in <b>...</b>


European Union officials have agreed to recommend lifting the bloc #39;s arms embargo on Libya following pressure from Italy, which wants to help the North African country tackle illegal migrants, an EU diplomatic source says.

EU officials back Libya arms embargo end


Former Medimmune executive Eric Tsao is expected to plead guilty Friday to securities fraud, a case legal experts say is the latest in a series against high-profile defendants who allegedly try to subvert investigations.
<FONT face=

Plea Due in MedImmune Fraud Case


LONDON (CMC) - Jamaica Reggae Boyz striker Ricardo Fuller made a successful debut for Portsmouth, setting up one goal and playing a role in another as the Hampshire club beat Fulham, 4-3, in the English Football Premiership yesterday.

Fuller thrills on Premiership debut


long days

Reliance vice-chair sees


For AOL to quite literally breathe new life into the Netscape browser, it needs to do more than embrace and work with IE: Netscape needs to surpass IE in terms of ease-of-use and functionality.

Netscape supporting IE is good, but it #39;s not enough


BOCHUM, Germany (AFP) - Workers at the Bochum factory of German car maker Opel voted to return to work after paraylsing assembly lines for six days in protest at plans by Opel #39;s US parent, General Motors, to slash 12,000 jobs in Europe.

Opel workers vote to end wildcat strikes


Software provider Convera Corp. of Vienna was awarded \$800,000 by a CIA-funded private-venture group to expedite the development of its search-and categorization capability.

Intelligence Community Looks at Convera Software


WASHINGTON - The Army is investigating up to 19 members of a supply platoon in Iraq who refused to go on a convoy mission, the military said Friday. Relatives of the soldiers said the troops considered the mission too dangerous, in part because their vehicles were in such poor shape...

Army Probes if Iraq Unit Refused Mission


The European Commission froze its threat of fines against France and Germany on Tuesday, granting the two biggest economies in the euro zone an extra year to bring down their bloated budget deficits.

France and Germany Get Deficit Reprieve


Israel has responded coolly to reports of secret contacts with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana has revealed there has been some contacts, but he has

Israel downplays EU meetings with Hamas


The International Monetary Fund on Friday granted an Argentine government request to defer \$1.1 billion in debt repayments that Buenos Aires was scheduled to make between now and January.

IMF lets Argentina defer \$1.1 billion in debt.


Maternity leave could be extended to twelve months, as part of plans being considered by Labour, newspaper reports suggest.

Labour pledges new worker rights


Jimmie Johnson went from top contender to also-ran to unbeatable, and now he has all the momentum heading into the last race of the Nextel Cup season.

Chase for Cup coming to wild finish


Shopping has emerged as one of the most important vertical categories in the specialized search arena, for searchers, advertisers and merchants alike.  This week we take a look at what's new and improved in shopping and product comparison search engines.

Shopping Search Week 2004!


After investing roughly \$500 million and spending years of development time on its next-generation operating system, Sun Microsystems Inc. on Monday will announce an aggressive price for the software - free.

Sun to Give Out Operating System for Free


The latest round of economic data was again mixed, reports showed Friday: Manufacturing activity increased in September for the 16th consecutive month and construction spending surged in August to a record high.

Manufacturing grows; construction up; sentiment down


The family of Kenneth Bigley who was taken hostage in Iraq on Sept. 16 confirmed that the engineer has been killed by his captors.

UK Hostage Bigley #39;s Killing Confirmed by His Family (Update1)


Frank P. Quattrone, the former chief technology banker at Credit Suisse First Boston who was sentenced to 18 months in prison last week, accused the judge in his case yesterday of callousness

Ex-Banker Asks Appeals Court to Seal Letters


A design flaw in the reentry system of NASA #39;s Genesis space probe has been pinned as the most likely cause behind the spacecraft #39;s wild plunge into the Utah desert last month, investigators said Thursday.

Investigators Find Preliminary Cause of Genesis Crash


Office Depot Inc., the world #39;s No. 2 office-supplies retailer, said it expects earnings per share for the third quarter to fall below current First Call estimates partly because of the recent Hurricanes in Florida.

Office Depot Won #39;t Meet Analysts #39; Earnings Estimates for 3 Qtr


Manchester United #39;s Scottish international midfielder Darren Fletcher is expected to make a rare appearance against Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup.

Ferguson sure that Fletcher will come good


Reuters - OPEC vowed Sunday to do what it can\to deflate record high oil prices that have soared above  #36;53 a\barrel, and top exporter Saudi Arabia promised to keep the\world supplied with as much oil as it needs.

Saudi Vows to Guarantee Oil Supplies (Reuters)


The Hornets have experienced a Christmas miracle and his name is Dan Dickau. The recently acquired PG paved the way for just their second win all season with his game-high 23 points in a victory over Golden State.

Dickau #39;s big shot lifts Hornets


Michael Kasprowicz dismissed Daniel Vettori in just the fifth over of the session to reduce New Zealand to 8 for 264 on the second day of the Gabba Test this morning.

Early breakthrough to Kasper


Reuters - Owners on Thursday\unanimously voted to extend the term of baseball commissioner\Bud Selig for three years through 2009.

Selig Receives Three-Year Extension (Reuters)


AP - A French soldier who locked himself in an explosives depot and threatened to blow it up surrendered Monday, ending a three-day standoff, the Interior Ministry said.

French Soldier Surrenders After Threat (AP)


The price of crude oil surged 4.8 percent in New York yesterday, the biggest rise in more than five months, on concern that cold weather in Europe will draw heating oil from the United States.

Temperatures Dip in Europe, Sending Price of Oil Up 4.8


The Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, has been hit by bomb blasts on the third day of a blockade called by Maoist rebels. Nepalese business leaders are calling for a cease-fire between the government and the rebels.

Bomb Blasts Hit Kathmandu, as Rebel Blockade Continues


Toys R Us #39; (TOY.N: Quote, Profile, Research) earnings report on Monday was nothing special, but some traders think the company #39;s upcoming holiday sale season could be impressive.

US CREDIT-Toys R Us could supply Christmas cheer


TOKYO -- Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova advanced to the Japan Open quarterfinals on Wednesday after overcoming a shaky second set to defeat Australian Samantha Stosur 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

Sharapova, Hewitt advance at Japan Open


Department of Defense asked to lead review of contracts awarded by a former procurement official who has admitted giving Boeing Co. preferential treatment.

Air Force Seeks Contract Reviews


More than ever, today's consumers need to plan and research their tech purchases to make sure the parts of their digital dream home will actually work together.

Home Is Where the Help Desk Is


The influx of doctors has created teething problems, some amusing - like the language confusion - some more serious.

Britain's imported MDs scratch noggins over language


SUNDAY #39;S Belgian Grand Prix is set to provide another Michael Schumacher win in the most boring championship in the sport #39;s 54-year history.

Another Schu in


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices hit \$46 on Monday after  Russian oil giant YUKOS said it would cut some oil shipments to  China, the first toll on exports from the company's financial  turmoil.

YUKOS Woes Drive Oil Above \$46 a Barrel


The United States and European Union called a temporary time-out on Thursday in a cross-Atlantic dispute over government support for Aviation rivals Boeing (BA.

US, EU Put Airbus-Boeing Spat on Hold


Two people were killed and 11 others wounded on Saturday when a hand grenade was lobbed into the VIP section of the audience at a concert led by Indian film star Sharukh Khan, police said.

Grenade Kills Two at Colombo Concert - Police


Actor Michael J. Fox added his Hollywood power to Sen. John F. Kerry #39;s campaign yesterday, denouncing President Bush #39;s stem-cell research policy as blocking promising research on major diseases.

Fox fires volley over stem policy


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

SEC May Sue AIG Over Press Releases


Ask Jeeves (Nasdaq: ASKJ) has gotten a face-lift this week, and in more ways than one. Not only did the search engine add some functionality but also someone over there decided to give the PG Wodehouse-inspired

Ask Jeeves Shapes Up


Advanced Micro Devices will add  quot;strained silicon quot; to its microprocessor lineup this quarter, a company spokesman confirmed Friday, an esoteric technique used to improve performance.

AMD To Add  #39;Strained Silicon #39; To Processors


Comcast Cable yesterday announced a plan to roll out Microsoft #39;s software across its digital-cable system in Washington state.

Microsoft comes to small screen


Spain #39;s banned Batasuna party, widely considered the political mouthpiece of the armed Basque separatist group Eta, offered last night to open a process of negotiations and dialogue to achieve peace in the Basque country.

Basque separatists signal end to 35 years of conflict


AFP - An Australian-led consortium said it would buy the broadcast business of communications and entertainment group ntl Inc for 1.27 billion pounds.

Australia-led consortium to buy ntl's broadcast business (AFP)


WASHINGTON -- UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, fending off Republican demands for his resignation over alleged corruption, said yesterday he will expand UN support for Iraqi elections if need be. He said he was not offended that President Bush did not ask to see him during this visit to Washington.

Annan cites readiness to expand UN aid


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Donovan McNabb threw three of his four touchdown passes to Terrell Owens as the Philadelphia Eagles pasted the Dallas Cowboys 49-21 victory at Texas Stadium on Monday.

Eagles embarrass hometown Cowboys


Fosrenol is Shires biggest new drug hope as it looks to reduce its reliance on hyperactivity drug Adderall XR, which accounts for about 40 percent of revenues but could face cheap, generic competition from 2006 or 2007.

Shire boosted by US approval of kidney drug


BRITAIN #39;S largest financial institutions are being urged to take lead roles in lawsuits seeking hundreds of millions of dollars from the scandal-struck US insurance industry.

UK urged to join US insurance action


A JUDGE today ordered Chile #39;s former dictator Augusto Pinochet to stand trial for murder and kidnappings under his iron-fisted rule between 1973 and 1990.

Pinochet to stand trial for murder


 By Fernanda Ezabella

 SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Matthew Barney haschoreographed dancing girls, filmed a demolition derby insidethe Chrysler Building and dressed up like Harry Houdini all inthe name of art.

Artist Barney Looks to Brazilian Gods in New Film


Osama bin Laden #39;s Yemeni driver will today become the first Guantnamo Bay prisoner to stand before a US military commission to face war crimes charges, in proceedings that have been denounced as unfair by human rights groups and American military lawyers

Guantnamo hearings begin


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- US Airways Group and its pilots union have resumed negotiations, the Air Line Pilots Association said Wednesday afternoon.

US Airways, pilots resume talks


German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will travel to Tripoli on October 15 for a meeting with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, government sources said on Saturday.

Schroeder meeting with Gaddafi announced after deal


It #39;s not all bitterness and resentment in Raptorland these days. While Vince Carter has demanded to be traded, Rafer Alston was expressing his joy yesterday at being back in Toronto.

At Least Someone Wants to Play Here


Top seed Roger Federer toiled to beat battling Frenchman Nicolas Thomann and reach the second round of the Thailand Open on Tuesday.

Top Seed Federer Struggles Through in Thai Opener


A new version of the Sober e-mail worm started spreading in Europe on Friday, according to antivirus suppliers, which have given the worm a mid-level threat rating.

New Sober variant spreading


Three top Hollywood studios are throwing their considerable weight behind one of two competing formats for the next generation of DVDs.

Studios choose sides in format battle to succeed DVDs


US express mail operator United Parcel Service Inc. will take direct control of a large share of its joint venture operations in China next year, the company said Thursday.

UPS to buy out local partner #39;s share in China joint venture? <b>...</b>


EverNote offers a slick way to collect and retrieve random information on multiple devices.

Take a Note--Or Lots of Them


What's it been, something like 222 days between meaningful NFL games? What a stretch of misery, so totally demoralizing, each and every day without a pigskin party to attend.

Ways to pass time between TD passes


Reuters - Amazon.com Inc.  on\Thursday posted quarterly earnings that more than tripled on\strong international sales but offered an outlook for the\current quarter and next year that was below the more bullish\analyst forecasts, sending its stock down 8 percent.

Amazon Posts Profit, Outlook Disappoints (Reuters)


KHARTOUM, Sudan -- Helicopters rescued more than 40 aid workers who fled into the bush to escape fighting in Darfur yesterday as renewed violence flared in the crisis-plagued region of western Sudan.

Aid workers rescued amid renewed Darfur violence


When IBM (Quote, Chart) unveiled its new, high-octane storage server at an event in New York Tuesday, it became apparent the company made some headway in taking virtualization features from its mainframe systems and dropping them into its storage line.

IBM Increases Storage Space


Six people were found dead in two deserted cars over the weekend in Japan #39;s latest group suicides, police said Monday. A woman and two men in their 20s were found slumped over in a car parked

Six bodies found in two group suicides in Japan


Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. on Tuesday raised its full-year sales expectations, as stronger demand in North and South America fueled a sharp increase in global machine and engine sales.

Caterpillar Boosts 2004 Sales View


p2pnet.net News:- With news that the real-world p2p file-sharing networks are thriving comes other news that Apple has invaded the European Union with a version of its iTunes corporate music store.

Apple launches EU iTunes


Hackers are using porn images posted on Usenet newsgroups to take advantage of the flaw in Microsoft programs regarding JPEGs. An overflow occurs in the GDI JPEG decoder from malicious code in the JPEG.

Porn JPEG Virus will Hijack your PC #39;s


Did India goof their lines by staging the Test series opener at Bangalore? There are very good reasons to believe so, among them being the not so insignificant one that we ended up losers by 217 runs.

No more Bangalores, please


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

Negotiations Seek End to IRA Threat (AP)


Maraf Safin finally secured a berth at the semi-finals of the year-end Masters Cup after an easy victory over Tim Henman. The two were even at 1-1 when they took to the court.

Safin secures last berth


A historic name in mutual funds will soon vanish from Boston #39;s investing scene, with BlackRock Inc. #39;s agreement yesterday to acquire State Street Research  amp; Management

State Street Research acquired


Premier Yu Shyi-kun yesterday made a rare stopover on Japanese soil, thanks to Typhoon Aere, prompting  quot;grave concern quot; from China over the unexpected trip #39;s diplomatic overtones.

Premier Yu makes rare stopover in Japan


Greg Kramer, author of The Sims 2: Prima Official Game Guide, will be online to talk about the latest release of the video game.

Personal Tech: The Sims 2


The Formula One boss wants damages and an apology after Sir Jackie suggested on the BBC that he had broken promises made to Sports Minister Richard Caborn to save the British Grand Prix.

F1 BOSS SUES IN  #39;SLUR #39; ROW


The departure Tuesday of Stephen Friedman, who left Wall Street to assume one of the top economic posts in the White House as director of the National Economic Council, will open a key economic policy position just as President Bush begins his ambitious push to overhaul Social Security and the tax code.

Top Economic Adviser to Bush Is Leaving Post


This is what passes now for perspective in college football. Where the fire-the-coach Web sites pop up by his third game, and the boosters circle like sharks.

ND #39;s move raises host of questions


Matt Leinart of the University of Southern California won the Heisman Trophy last night, becoming the second Trojans quarterback in three seasons to capture college football #39;s most prestigious award.

USC #39;s Matt Leinart Wins College Football #39;s Heisman Trophy


AFP - Maoist rebels who have cut off Kathmandu for three days attacked security forces and bombed buildings inside the Nepalese capital, as the government partially agreed to guerrilla demands for lifting the blockade.

Violence in blockaded Kathmandu as Nepal agrees to meet Maoists halfway (AFP)


At 8:41 pm Thursday, Greek time, Michael Phelps was on the medal stand, the champion of the 200-meter individual medley. He was wearing his official

Michael Phelps: A very nice guy finishes first


Reuters - Basic producers helped European shares\turn positive on Friday, but telecoms firm Cable   Wireless\bucked the firmer trend after unveiling a hefty investment and\volatile oil prices kept investors cautious.

Miners Help European Stocks Turn Around (Reuters)


Yousuf Youhana has played many outstanding innings but few will have given him more pleasure than that which took Pakistan to a three-wicket victory over their fiercest rivals here yesterday.

Youhana sparkles for Pakistan


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell slightly on Monday after a  meeting of rich and developing nations offered no resolution to  arrest the dollar's fall, adding to worries about the U.S.  economy and foreigners' appetite for U.S. stocks.

Stocks Edge Down, Hurt by Weak Dollar


Crude oil rose, erasing a 2 percent loss, after Senator John Kerry conceded the US presidential race to George W. Bush. The re-election of Bush means the US is likely to keep adding oil to its Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Oil Rises After Kerry Concedes US Presidential Race to Bush


Saudi rulers may have breathed a sigh of relief when protests calling for change were thwarted this week but reformists, scholars and even royal family members say the challenge will not go away.

ANALYSIS-Saudi thwarts protests but reformists demand change


Putin makes an unexpected concession to public demands--and then moves to bolster his powers significantly. ULYANOVSK, Russia--A week after the shock of the Beslan tragedy, President Vladimir Putin, a man

The War Spirit


The single-elimination quarterfinals of the World Cup of Hockey #39;s North American pool start tonight in St. Paul, Minn. And the biggest question remains just which Team USA will show up for

New stars and stripes: US may bench vets to keep Cup


Nike Inc. (NKE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) co-founder Philip Knight, who helped transform a small start-up into the world #39;s biggest athletic shoe company, will step

Nike Co-Founder Knight Steps Down as CEO


A package filled with explosives blew up outside the Indonesian Embassy in Paris on Friday, slightly wounding nine people in the first terror attack in the French capital in years. The motive was not clear.

Indonesian Embassy Bomb Wounds at Least 9


A policeman ran amok at a security camp in Indian-controlled Kashmir after an argument and shot dead seven colleagues before he was gunned down, police said on Sunday.

Indian Policeman Kills Seven Colleagues in Kashmir


Juan Pablo Montoya wins his final race for Williams at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Montoya says goodbye with a win


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marsh   McLennan Cos. revealed what's  at stake in the probe into its behavior by New York Attorney  General Eliot Spitzer, saying it generated \$845 million of fat  fees from a practice at the center of a bid-rigging scandal.

Marsh Reveals What's at Stake in Probe


RAMALLAH: Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is  quot;very, very sick quot; and the ex-guerrilla who for decades symbolised a struggle for statehood is slipping in and out of consciousness, officials and medics said today.

Yasser Arafat  #39;very sick #39;


Kevin Millar, at the center of a scrum of New York media types seeking some back-page material for the weekend Red Sox-Yankees series, insisted before last night's first pitch that his team's focus had not strayed ahead to the pinstripers.

Rays are spoilsports


The United States has set final anti-dumping duties of up to 112.81 percent on shrimp from China and up to 25.76 percent on those from Vietnam to offset unfair pricing, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday.

US Puts Hefty Duties on Imported Shrimp


Mobile device vendor palmOne Thursday denied a report that its executives had said the company was developing a Pocket PC version of its Treo smartphone.

PalmOne Denies Pocket PC Rumors - Kind Of


AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- Ajax Amsterdam qualified for the UEFA Cup after finishing third in Champions League Group C with a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Ajax make point to grab UEFA slot


It was two years ago when Ernie Els explained how it was possible that Tiger Woods could be overtaken in the world rankings. Of course, at the time the South African

On world stage, no one else compares to Els


KUALA LUMPUR: A consortium comprising TM International, the international arm of Telekom Malaysia Bhd, and Singapore Technologies Telemedia, have entered into definitive agreements to acquire a 47.7 stake in India #39;s leading cellular operator, IDEA

Consortium to buy 47.7 stake in Indian mobile firm


sluggish gross domestic product reading was nonetheless better than expected, prompting investors to send stocks slightly higher yesterday.

STOCKS  amp; BONDS Markets Rise a Bit Despite Sluggish Growth of the <b>...</b>


In the realistic portion of their brains, the Indiana Pacers know they aren #39;t supposed to be all that good right now. But they also know they aren #39;t supposed to be this bad.

Kings pull Pacers off East pedestal


Ben Roethlisberger hits 17 of 25 passes for 174 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions and Duce Staley runs for 123 yards in a 28-17 victory Sunday over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Rookie Rallies Steelers


We do not have to believe every cynic who says that all the great players are mercenaries who flit like butterflies through the big money clubs of the Champions League.

Soccer: Larsson leaves Celtic a calling card as Barca rolls


LIVERPOOL, Dec 15 (SW) - Rafael Benitez Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Portsmouth last night, after Lua-Lua grabbed an equalizer in the stoppage time.

England: Lua-Lua denies Reds


Luxembourg #39;s Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker was chosen on Friday as semi-permanent president of the group of finance ministers from the 12 countries that share the euro

Luxembourg prime minister chosen as  quot;Mr Euro quot;


The third-ranked Yellow Jackets use a stifling defensive effort to crush the Alabama State Hornets, 74-37, on Friday night.

Georgia Tech Wins Easy


AP - In the nation's most dramatic  #151; and most expensive  #151; Senate race, Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota is scrambling to maintain his political life as Republicans argue the Democrat is out of touch with people in a state that solidly supports President Bush.

Daschle in Tough, Costly Election Fight (AP)


AFP - French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier made an impassioned plea to try to save the lives of two French journalists held hostage in Iraq as an ultimatum issued by their kidnappers neared expiry.

French FM appeals for release of hostages in Iraq (AFP)


the German vehicle producing giant Volkswagen will assemble trucks in Abu Dhabi and enter a car leasing joint venture with the Gulf emirate, it was announced Monday.

Volkswagen enters close cooperation with Abu Dhabi


AFP - A key witness in the trial over the murder of British backpacker Caroline Stuttle said he saw a man running from the bridge after the victim fell to her death but that man was not the accused.

Witness says he did not see accused at Stuttle murder scene (AFP)


Because Javier Vazquez fizzled while Brad Radke flourished, the Yankees sustained their first regular-season defeat by the Minnesota Twins since 2001.

Vazquez and Yankees Buckle Early


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars did everything you should do to protect an inexperienced quarterback. They ran the ball well, limiting his chances for mistakes.

Lions return star nearly steals Garrard #39;s turn in spotlight


Paul Broadhurst, the former Ryder Cup player, is in the hunt for a first European Tour victory for nine years after yesterday adding a 65 to his opening 67 at Club de Campo in the Madrid Open.

Broadhurst ticks over for Volvo


Montgomery-based Colonial BancGroup Incorporated has agreed to buy Union Bank of Florida for about 233 million dollars. In a statement Tuesday, Colonial says Union Bank operates 18 branches and holds 687 million in total deposits.

Local Bank Buys Florida Banks


As many of you have noticed, there has been a deluge of recipes and food related stories. It's as if a floodgate of anecdotal recipes and comments has been unleashed upon the queue. Both balsamic vinigga's and Trollaxor's stubble stories were meant to discourage this swell of Christmas time cheer. Now, I present for the meek, scared of e-backlash, a guide to making your very own K5 recipe from scratch.

The Joy of K5: Recipes


Two leading names in the travel industry were today bought for 1.1 billion dollars (563 million) - the second major UK deal by US giant Cendant this month.

Cendant Buys Two Leading Names in Travel Industry


Tokyo #39;s Nikkei average fell 0.14 percent by midday on Thursday with losses in shippers, steel makers and several technology shares overshadowing gains in select small-cap

Tokyo Stocks Lower


On Thursday, two bomb attacks killed up to six people in Baghdad #39;s heavily fortified Green Zone. It was believed to be the most secure part of the city, housing the Iraqi interim government and the American and British embassies.

Living to the sound of gunfire


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Calpers, the biggest U.S. pension  fund, said on Thursday that it had tendered its 1.5 million  shares of PeopleSoft Inc. <A HREF=

Calpers Tendered Its PeopleSoft Shares


Captain Alessandro Del Piero scored his third goal in two games and Uruguayan Marcelo Zalayeta added another Thursday to give Italian league leader Juventus a 2-0 victory over traditional rival AS Roma 2-0, extending its unbeaten

Juventus beats Roma, stretches unbeaten streak


Three former BEA Systems Inc. executives who left earlier this year have resurfaced as founders of a Seattle startup that plans to begin integrating and supporting a variety of open source server software next year.

Former BEA executives launch open source company


Olympic events involving athletes and coaches with connections to Michigan. All listed are on Team USA unless otherwise indicated: Andre Dirrell of Flint advanced into the boxing quarterfinals, needing

How Michigan athletes fared at the Olympics


Three Royal Group Technologies (RYG.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) (RYG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) executives, including the company #39;s founder and its chief executive, may have defrauded shareholders and creditors, Canadian

UPDATE 1-Police probe Royal Group fraud allegations


Sept 17, Colombo: While welcoming Norway #39;s role in the peace process, President Chandrika Kumaratunga accused the LTTE of  #39;indecision over commencement of talks.

* CBK welcomes Norway #39;s role, accuses LTTE of  #39;indecision #39;


The Iraqi Red Crescent and Red Cross say they are increasingly worried about civilians trapped in the city of Fallujah. The relief workers say no drinking water or electricity is available, food is running

Worries about civilians trapped in Fallujah


BOSTON (Reuters) - Financial services company State Street  Corp. <A HREF=

State Street Profit Lower Job Cuts Coming


HANOVER - About 4,000 Volkswagen workers stayed off the job for about an hour Friday to press demands for higher wages that remained unresolved after a fifth round of talks between their union and management at Europe #39;s largest car maker.

VW workers launch warning strikes


Internet company Yahoo! Inc. said Tuesday it will buy privately held music software company Musicmatch Inc. for about \$160 million in a bid to bolster its online music services.

Yahoo! makes a Musicmatch


AP - Researchers are going scuba diving in Lake Michigan later this month to try to learn why an increasing amount of stinky green algae is accumulating on the shore.

Researchers to Probe Algae on Lake Shore (AP)


AP - Eric Hinske and Vernon Wells homered, and the Toronto Blue Jays completed a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles with an 8-5 victory Sunday.

Blue Jays Beat Orioles 8-5 for Sweep (AP)


Reuters - Youth-oriented retailer Abercrombie  \Fitch Co.  on Tuesday posted an unexpected fall in\quarterly profit, due largely to a lawsuit settlement charge\and warned of a profit shortfall for the current quarter.

Abercrombie Warns of Profit Shortfall (Reuters)


The Vancouver Canucks have called a news conference for Wednesday morning at GM Place to announce the sale of a percentage of the National Hockey League club.

Canucks to announce partial sale


JERUSALEM - Facing unrelenting criticism from Jewish settlers, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Monday that nothing would deter him from pushing forward with his plan to pull out of the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank.    Also Monday, scattered fighting in the Gaza Strip killed at least five Palestinian militants, including two Palestinians who infiltrated Israel from Gaza early Monday and were shot in a lengthy gunbattle...

Sharon Says Nothing Will Stop Gaza Plan


AP - Jamaal Tinsley scored a season-high 29 points and the Indiana Pacers snapped a seven-game losing streak Tuesday night, beating the Atlanta Hawks 108-97 in overtime.

Pacers Top Hawks 108-97 in OT (AP)


AFP - Sporadic gunfire and shelling took place overnight in the disputed Georgian region of South Ossetia in violation of a fragile ceasefire, wounding seven Georgian servicemen.

Seven Georgian soldiers wounded as South Ossetia ceasefire violated (AFP)


A cloning scientist yesterday rejected accusations that his work was exploitative, unsafe and socially unacceptable. Panayiotis Zavos, of the Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Lexington, Kentucky, claims

Cloning experiment condemned


Yahoo #39;s Spartan home page will look even less flashy soon, thanks to an upcoming makeover. The Web media giant offered a preview of its redesigned front page Tuesday (www.

Yahoo #39;s Home Page Gets Functional Facelift


With Nokia #39;s Personal Telephone Integration System, users can access key mobile-phone functions, such as viewing and selecting phonebook entries, initiating and receiving incoming calls, viewing

Nokia, Land Rover Team on In-Vehicle System


Woody Williams tried cutting the ball. He tried sinking it, tried spinning it. He threw fastballs over the middle, inside, up, down, and he changed speeds.

All offense, no defense: Sox take wild Game 1


CARROLLTON, Texas -- Accor North America has reached an agreement with T-Mobile USA Inc. to install wireless Internet access throughout all of its Red Roof Inns over the next year, officials said.

Red Roof Inns to get Wi-Fi hotspots


AP - Dale Earnhardt Jr. lost his appeal of a 25-point penalty and  #36;10,000 fine for using a vulgarity during a postrace TV interview.

Earnhardt Loses Appeal of 25-Point Penalty (AP)


After its recent delays and missteps, chip maker sets its sights on a dual-core future. Intel will look to a multicore future during the Fall Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco this week as it tries

Intel Looks to Get Back on Track


OTTAWA (CP) - Casey Printers pronounced himself fit to play Wednesday, but whoever fits into the BC Lions #39; plans at starting quarterback for the Grey Cup remained anyone #39;s guess.

Quarterback controversy rages as Lions get back to work for <b>...</b>


Militants attacking an Israeli armored bulldozer inadvertently killed three other Palestinians Tuesday during an Israeli operation to destroy weapons-smuggling tunnels from Egypt.

Attack On Israeli Army Backfires


Pfizer Inc. said Friday that it found an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes for patients taking high dosages of its top-selling arthritis painkiller Celebrex, the same

High dosage of Celebrex carries heart attack, stroke risk, Pfizer <b>...</b>


KUALA LUMPUR : Two people have been hospitalised in Malaysia #39;s northeastern Kelantan state after a suspected new outbreak of the deadly strain of bird flu that has killed 27 people across Asia, officials said on Tuesday.

Two hospitalised in Malaysia amid bird flu outbreak


NEW YORK -- Todd Martin retired from professional tennis on Monday night at the US Open after falling to the 31st-seed, Fabrice Santoro 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

First day of Open ends with a retirement announcement <b>...</b>


Names, addresses, telephone and Social Security numbers, and the birth dates of as many as 1.4 million Californians, may have been stolen by the hackers who broke into a university computer in August.

California warns on massive ID theft


Athens, Greece (Sports Network) - Gunn-Rita Dahle of Norway captured the gold medal on Friday in the women #39;s mountain bike competition at the Summer Olympics in Athens.

Dahle takes Olympic gold in mountain bike


Some experts doubt whether the California law will have much impact on illegal spyware activity. By George V. Hulme. A new California law aimed at curbing spyware, software applications that surreptitiously

Spyware Legislation To Take Effect Jan. 1


AP - The U.N. war crimes tribunal took custody Sunday of a Bosnian Serb commander who is accused in the 1995 genocide of Muslims in the U.N.-protected zone of Srebrenica and is one of the most senior army officers to fall into the court's hands in recent years.

Bosnian Serb Accused of Genocide Held (AP)


Television stations in two Arab states have abandoned plans to broadcast a soap opera set in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, after an internet threat to  quot;strike quot; against the actors and executives involved.

Taliban #39;s sense of humour fails TV test


ST. LOUIS -- Don't look now, but there's a bit of drama building in the  quot;other quot; League Championship Series.

Edmonds, Cardinals have a blast


November 21, 2004 -- After his second straight victory over Shane Mosley on Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Ronald  quot;Winky quot; Wright was quick to call out who he wants next -- Felix  quot;Tito quot; Trinidad.

After defeating Mosley, Wright calls out Tito Trinidad


ATA Holdings Corp., the biggest airline at Midway Airport, sought bankruptcy protection Tuesday amid high fuel costs and losses, and agreed to transfer its Chicago operation and some other assets to AirTran Holdings for \$87.

ATA seeks bankruptcy protection


If Kurt Busch goes on to win his first NASCAR title, he can point to the 500 miles at Lowe #39;s Motor Speedway as the defining race of his season.

Busch bounces back from everything to hang on to points lead


PC World - New server is designed to run AMD's upcoming Opteron chips.

IBM Announces Dual-Core Support (PC World)


Apple Computer Inc. confirmed for MacCentral on Wednesday that the Canadian iTunes Music Store has been delayed. Company representatives declined to comment on a specific timeframe for the store, but said in a statement that it would be very soon.

Canadian iTunes Music Store postponed


ARSENALS recent stumble continued when they were held to a draw by Panathinaikos in the Champions League last night, and the Greeks may have won had Angelos Basinas not missed a second-half penalty.

Penalty miss allows Arsenal off the hook


Since founding Sequoia Capital in 1972, he #39;s helped nurture some of the Valley #39;s biggest successes, including Apple Computer, Cisco Systems, Electronic Arts and Oracle.

Legendary venture capitalist looks ahead


pk2000 writes  quot;Microsoft withdrew from a United Nations software standards group for commerce. quot;  #39;Unfortunately, for now, we have made the decision to stop participating in UN/Cefact for business reasons and this serves as notification of our immediate

Microsoft Leaves UN Standards Group


Time Warner (TWX:NYSE - news - research) is on the brink of announcing settlements with the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission, it was reported Wednesday.

Time Warner Near AOL Settlement


A Greek plane has landed safely atStansted Airport, north of London, after a bomb alert forced it tomake a diversion, the BBC reports on Sunday.

Greek plane diverted to London after bomb alert


AP - A lawsuit against Unocal Corp. over alleged atrocities that occurred during a 1990s pipeline project in Myanmar can proceed before a jury, a California judge ruled Tuesday.

Judge OKs Rights Suit Against Unocal (AP)


Elton Brand had a season-high 30 points and and Bobby Simmons scored 9 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter as the Clippers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 94-82, in Los Angeles last night to complete the second-best November in franchise history.

Smoother sailing for Brand, Clippers


Suicide bombers penetrated the headquarters of allied forces in Iraq for the first time yesterday, killing 10 people and provoking an urgent review of security in Baghdad #39;s Green Zone.

Bombers kill 10 in  #39;safe #39; zone


Microsoft #39;s E-mail-filter technology, Sender ID, is unpopular with open-source advocates but popular with spammers, who are using it to bypass other filters.

Spammers Hijack Sender ID


KAREN TSO: Brokers have upgraded their recommendations for Woolworths after the company reported a 13 per cent jump in net profit for the year, to \$688 million.

Financial markets


China has rejected Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian #39;s call for dialogue and peace talks. President Chen made the overture during a much-publicized National Day speech in Taipei on Sunday.

China Rejects Olive Branch Offered by Taiwan #39;s President


The Mets' Jeff Keppinger got his first major league steal in the seventh, swiping second.

NL notables


Samsung is marketing the world #39;s first camera phone that is capable of delivering 5 megapixel resolution digital images. The SCH-S250 camera phone, which will be introduced

Samsung 5 Megapixel Camera Phone


Norwegian police trying to track down The Scream could do worse than check out the Blackburn Rovers technical area. Graeme Souness was on his feet and incandescent with rage for much of this game, and with good reason.

BROADSHEET/ COMPACT VIEWS


It #39;s part of the company #39;s effort to beat back Linux and piracy efforts in developing technology markets. Microsoft says it will offer a simplified and lower-priced version of Windows XP in Russia, matching

Microsoft to Offer Cheaper, Limited Windows in Russia


A bomb killed two American soldiers and wounded three others in southern Afghanistan, the U.S. military said Saturday, while a separate attack in an eastern Afghan province killed at least three children and a policeman on the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Two U.S. Soldiers Die in Afghan Attacks


US stocks were little changed on Thursday as an upbeat earnings report from chip maker National Semiconductor Corp. (NSM) sparked some buying, but higher oil prices limited gains.

Stocks Flat; Higher Oil Limits Gains


By FADI KHALIL    SOUTHERN SHOUNEH, Jordan (AP) -- Jordan has gone from providing one computer for every 82 students to one for every 17 in its drive to become a leader in information technology, the minister in charge of the campaign told a conference on Tuesday.    Minister of Information and Communication Technology Fawaz Zu'bi said the dramatic increase in access to computers for students was logged last year...

Jordan Strives to Become Global Tech Leader


DUBAI, United Arab Emirates A collapse at a construction site at the Dubai airport on Monday killed five people and injured a dozen, the Department of Civil Aviation said.

Workers die in collapse at airport


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. current account trade gap  widened slightly to a record \$164.71 billion in the third  quarter, data showed on Thursday, but U.S. dependence on  overseas capital was not as great as feared, fueling a big  dollar rally.

U.S. Current Account Gap Widens


Microsoft, IBM and Borland are upgrading their software and offering users new workflow features, support for multiple languages and tools to manage the lifecycle of in-house applications.

IBM, Borland and Microsoft boost developers #39; ability to <b>...</b>


Reuters - Intel Corp.  will unveil\next year a bundle of chips designed for home entertainment\computers, and support the move with a branding campaign\modeled on the successful launch of its Centrino chips for\notebook computers, a person briefed on the matter said.

Intel Readies Centrino-Style Push for Desktops (Reuters)


PARIS, Nov 9 (AFP) - Suha Arafat, the wife of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, has held a covetous vigil in the military hospital where her husband may lie dying, protected by a French law that has let her shoulder her way into the Palestinian power

Arafat #39;s wife under fire, clashes with PA chiefs


Barring negative impacts on the aviation industry, such as global terrorism, Australia #39;s flagship carrier had an upbeat future, Qantas #39; chief executive Geoff Dixon said.

Qantas points to upbeat outlook


BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (Reuters) - Unless golf history is  made, Europe will comfortably retain the Ryder Cup on Sunday  against a U.S. team which has been in disarray for the first  two days.

Europe Aims to Close Comfortable Ryder Victory


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar shuffled in narrow ranges  against the yen on Monday as option-related and exporter  selling capped the U.S. currency and traders awaited a key  corporate sentiment survey from the Bank of Japan.

Dollar Stuck Vs Yen as 'Tankan' Awaited


FOXBOROUGH -- If you listened to Patriots coach Bill Belichick and others speaking about the Bills last week, Drew Bledsoe was playing like the second coming of Johnny Unitas and Willis McGahee was running like Walter Payton.

Home rule


HOUSTON -- Roger Federer dangled, Andy Roddick got mangled, and the nerves of 6,510 devotees were tangled and jangled during a breezy, bleak afternoon as the four best tennis players of the universe jammed with each other to see who would remain standing for the Masters Cup final.

Hewitt, Federer to clash for Cup


President Bush #39;s choice of Kellogg chief executive Carlos Gutierrez as commerce secretary leaves the cereal and snack giant without the dynamic leader who has guided its remarkable turnaround.

Kellogg chooses experience for CEO


Not even an incoming storm can keep NASA #39;s accountants from doing their job, thanks to the space agency #39;s financial management system.

CFO praises NASA financial system


AP - A British hostage appeared on a video posted on an Islamic Web site Wednesday weeping and pleading for his life as Iraq's leader and U.S. officials crushed reports that a high-profile female Iraqi weapons scientist could be released from jail soon  #151; as demanded by the kidnappers.

U.K. Hostage Pleads for Life on Videotape (AP)


A group of developing countries Friday proposed that the World Trade Organization study the global impact of phasing out a textiles and clothing quota system, saying many countries are losing out because of this trade liberalization.

Developing countries propose WTO study


Palmsource has introduced a new version of Cobalt, its software platform for smartphones. The new smartphone OS includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support and an enhanced Web browser.

Palm Produces Smartphone OS


: Sudanese authorities accused an opposition party Saturday of plotting to abduct and kill more than three dozen senior government officials and blow up key sites in the capital, where the army was out in force.

quot;Sudan coup plotters planned to kill 38 officials quot;


FT.com - The number of mobile phone subscribers in India last month swept past the country's fixed-line telephone base in a growth trajectory that is second only in speed and magnitude to that of neighbouring China.

India's mobile phone users surpass land line base (FT.com)


AFP - Southampton manager Steve Wigley breathed a sigh of relief after earning his first league victory at the 11th attempt in the 2-1 defeat of rivals Portsmouth.

Phillips winner gives Wigley a stay of execution (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar was on the defensive on  Tuesday as data showing the U.S. current account deficit  ballooned to a new record in the second quarter put further  downward pressure on the U.S. currency.

Dollar Slips on Current Account Deficit


World News: The Hague, Nov 8 : Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says a visit to the Netherlands brought him luck. It was on his return from a visit to this country in 1991 that he was called upon to

Netherlands brings me luck: Manmohan Singh:


Detecting ions, or charged particles from either solar wind or comet tails, is one goal for the comet-chasing space probe, Rosetta.    Astrobiology Magazine -- The Ion and Electron Spectrometer (IES), one of three NASA instruments aboard the European Space Agency (ESA) Rosetta comet orbiter, successfully underwent an intensive commissioning exercise that qualified it for operation during the next decade...

Positive Charge for Rosetta


A privacy advocate who is suing the government for allegedly forcing airlines to ID passengers is pressing to have his case aired publicly. Government attorneys, meanwhile, want the court to hear their arguments in secret. By Ryan Singel.

Flight ID Rules Fuel Fresh Furor


When Paula Radcliffe #39;s autobiography My Story So Far hits the bookshelves next week it will already be out of date, because it will not include the tale of her dramatic victory in the New York City Marathon here yesterday.

Radcliffe finds the old character for her next book


IT #39;S OFFICIAL. People didn #39;t flock to buy LCD units in the second quarter which is disappointing news for manufacturers, which are now awash with the fancy thin film transistor glass.

Failure in demand causes LCD sales slump


AFP - Organising the first presidential election in Afghanistan, a country largely without power, roads or literacy, has required a leap of imagination that has encompassed everything from donkeys to satellite phones.

Donkeys and satellite phones pave the way for Afghan elections (AFP)


PeopleSoft Inc. won't discuss a sale to Oracle Corp. for a price of \$24 per share, the company's board of directors Saturday told Oracle Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Larry Ellison in a letter.

PeopleSoft board won't negotiate takeover with Oracle


Evertons matchwinner Lee Carsley insisted the great team spirit at Goodison Park was the key to their Merseyside derby victory over Liverpool this afternoon.

Carsley: Team Spirit Secured Derby Glory


NEW YORK - Should Merck have conducted a bigger trial to test the safety of its arthritis drug Vioxx? Merck (nyse: MRK - news - people ) pulled Vioxx from the market two weeks ago, but questions about the

Merck #39;s Missing Vioxx Study


SLALEY, England, Aug 17 (Reuters) - England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has thrown down to gauntlet to the international soccer authorities to preserve the health of the world  quot;superstar quot; footballers for major tournaments.

Eriksson urges more rest for top players


Jamie Dimon waited less than three months after becoming president of JPMorgan Chase  amp; Co. to install as finance chief a banker he worked with for more than a decade.

JPMorgan #39;s Dimon, Three Months on Job, Reshuffles Leadership


The US economy grew faster in the second quarter than previously thought as business inventories rose at the strongest rate in four years, the government said on

Economic Growth Better Than Thought


FOXBOROUGH -- With the injured Deion Branch and Troy Brown on the sidelines, it was time for David Givens and David Patten to step up.

Givens and Patten are on receiving end of praise


Shares of Fannie Mae (FNM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) fell 2 percent in premarket trading on Monday, a day after reports said the embattled mortgage finance giant was close to a deal with regulators.

Before the Bell - Fannie Mae down 2 pct


AFP - The United States and Europe's three main states reached agreement after days of talks on a UN draft resolution on Iran's alleged nuclear weapons program, a US official said.

Europe, US agree draft resolution on Iran nuclear program: US official (AFP)


Oklahoma appeared to be one of the greatest teams in college football history last season until it lost its final two games. Through their first three games this season

Sooners Methodical in Picking Off the Ducks


AP - The United States plans to rejoin the international body that regulates the global coffee trade. Assistant Secretary of State Anthony Wayne will make the formal announcement Wednesday, the State Department said in a statement.

U.S. to Rejoin Coffee Trade Regulators (AP)


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

Schilling #39;s ankle will require surgery


DaimlerChrysler #39;s (DCX.N: Quote, Profile, Research) (DCXGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) Chrysler division is recalling more than 98,000 cars and sport utility vehicles because of problems that could cause either engine compartment

Chrysler Recalls 98,000 Cars and SUVs


Boeing Co. still expects to receive a contract to build 100 refueling planes for the Air Force, chief executive Harry C. Stonecipher said Monday.

Boeing Expects Air Force Contract


AUSTIN, Texas _ Dell Inc. expanded its share of the personal-computer market in the third quarter, taking advantage of its traditionally strong commercial sales in the period to extend its lead over rival Hewlett-Packard Co.

Dell pulls away from HP


Israeli soldiers killed nine Palestinian gunmen yesterday as tanks, troops and armoured vehicles continued with the biggest reoccupation in the Gaza strip since the Palestinian uprising began almost exactly four years ago.

More than 45 dead in Gaza battles


EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Notre Dame's size and speed took all the drama out of its 41st straight victory over Navy.

Irish extend streak, hand Navy its first loss of year


MELBOURNE - Australian nickel and copper miner WMC Resources rejected aA\$7,4bn takeover bid from Xstrata, but left the door open for a higher offer, which sent its shares soaring.

WMC rejects \$5.5bn Xstrata bid


BHP Billiton today announced the approval of the \$US990 million Spence Copper Project in northern Chile. The project will have a designed capacity to produce 200,000 tonnes of copper cathode per annum and will have a mine life of 19 years.

BHP Billiton approves \$US990m mine


SYDNEY: The top two executives of James Hardie Industries NV stepped down today, a week after a government inquiry found the company broke the law and lied to thousands of asbestos victims and financial markets.

Asbestos scandal forces Hardie CEO, CFO to step down


US Secretary of State Colin Powell rejects Russian claims that the West wants more influence in Ukraine.

US denies Ukraine interference


Justin Langer has defended his Australian opening batting partner Matthew Hayden #39;s decision not to walk after hitting a catch back to New Zealand bowler Paul Wiseman on day one of the second Test in Adelaide yesterday.

Langer plays down Hayden walking row


After debating proposals put forward by Germany #39;s Otto Schily, the European Commission has agreed to set up pilot schemes in five North African countries to cope with the influx of refugees heading to Europe.

EU Approves Refugee Camp Pilot Schemes


Founded in 1990 by Bill Phillips and then sold in 1999 to a North Castle Partners, EAS is being acquired by Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT).

EAS changing hands


\Dentists develop an alternative sedation procedure to potentially risky general anaesthetic.

Alternative for dental sedation


Kevin Keegan has been charged with criticising the referee after Manchester City #39;s weekend Premier League defeat against Newcastle United, the Football Association (FA) said on Tuesday.

City boss Keegan charged over referee criticism


The Arctic ice cover will completely disappear in summer by the end of this century unless carbon dioxide emissions are significantly reduced, according to a scientific study to be released next week.

Arctic ice to melt in summer this century unless greenhouse gases <b>...</b>


The Symantec Corporation, a leader in security software and one of Silicon Valley #39;s oldest companies, announced early Thursday that it would acquire Veritas Software

Symantec to Buy Veritas Software in Deal Worth \$13.5 Billion


LONDON (Reuters) - Cheryl Samuel-Todd completes her round  with seconds to spare, despite having a journalist and a public  relations officer in tow.

Clever Shopping Trolley Helps E-Tail Come of Age


The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which has refused to approve California #39;s demand for \$2.8 billion in refunds from power companies found to have gouged the state during the 2000-2001 energy crisis, has been ordered to rethink its position and

FERC faulted for failing to order refunds for California power <b>...</b>


Palmer Johnson hopes to regain its former glory by introducing a sleek new motor yacht design and concentrating on building boats.

Venerable Yacht Builder Tries to Regain Sea Legs


US consumers already swamped with offers from credit card companies can expect more solicitations in the coming months from American Express and Discover Financial Services.

New rival for credit card leaders


Marc Eddy threw for 351 yards and three touchdowns as Bentley routed Pace, 47-6, last night in Waltham.

Eddy, Bentley outpace the Setters


AP - Teresa Heinz Kerry was back on the campaign trail at Labor Day parades in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia after a brief hospitalization over the weekend in Iowa because of an upset stomach.

Heinz Kerry Recovers, Attends Parade (AP)


The Department of the Interior #39;s US Geological Survey is collaborating with partner agencies to conduct scientific experiments designed to evaluate the effect of a high-flow release from Glen Canyon Dam on the natural resources of the Colorado River in

Scientists Study Effects of High-Flow Test on Grand Canyon


As Intel moves in step with the rest of the chip industry toward the multicore design era, it is preparing to overhaul the memory bus architecture that has served it well for so many years, according to company executives and analysts.

Multicore designs might force Intel off its bus


A cohort of Palestinian intellectuals proposed setting up a central Zakah fund to channel the alms into productive projects

Palestinian Zakah to Combat Poverty


The quartet, of course, represents the four hurricanes that raked across Florida in late August and the first half of September -- storms blamed for death, destruction and a dampening of retail sales as well.

Shoppers still frugal lot


SEVILLE, Spain It was not quite what Carlos Moya missed the first time. The setting was not his country #39;s tennis capital and former home city of Barcelona but the capital of the Spanish region of Andalusia.

Tennis: Spain grinds US into the red clay


OAKVILLE, Calif. Robert Mondavi has laid off 360 Napa Valley workers, mostly at its flagship winery here. The maker of Woodbridge and Opus One wines announced September 14th that the company will sell off its Napa Valley vineyards.

Robert Mondavi lays off 360 Napa Valley workers


PARIS (AFP) - Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher found himself overshadowed as young Finn Heikki Kovalainen beat him on his way to winning the Race of Champions at the Stade de France.

Young gun Kovalainen puts Schumacher in shade


The German state of Bavaria is the latest federal states to ban Muslim school teachers from wearing headscarves.

Bavaria bans teacher headscarves


LONDON - British American Tobacco PLC posted a 60 percent jump in third quarter net profit Tuesday, thanks partly to lower taxation charges.

British American Tobacco Sees Profit Rise


The recently withdrawn painkiller Vioxx may have caused as many as 139,000 heart attacks, strokes and deaths, a government drug-safety scientist told lawmakers on Thursday.

Scientist blasts FDA over Vioxx, says other drugs pose similar <b>...</b>


A FAST finish in the pool at Athens has delivered Australia #39;s best swimming medal haul since the 1956 Melbourne Games. A heroic butterfly leg from Petria Thomas in the women #39;s medley relay yesterday snared the team #39;s seventh and final gold medal.

Our swimming saviours


The European Union's heavy fishing off West Africa may be causing a rise in poaching of Africa's wildlife as hungry Africans seek alternative protein, a new study suggests.

African Bush-Meat Hunting Linked to EU Overfishing


Brazil will limit United Nations #39; access to a uranium enrichment plant as US Secretary of State Colin Powell visits the country to press for unimpeded inspections, the country #39;s ambassador in Washington said.

Brazil to Limit UN Access to Uranium Plant as Powell Visits


A GLOBAL drugs recall caused a \$US26.5 billion (\$A36.5 billion) wipeout for US giant Merck  amp; Co yesterday. Merck #39;s loss was the equivalent of the entire Commonwealth Bank, which has a similar market capitalisation

Merck hit by \$36bn backlash


Leaders of al-Qaida and the Taliban have held a series of meetings in Pakistan to discuss how to disrupt Afghanistan #39;s upcoming elections, the US military said Monday.

US: al-Qaida, Taliban Plotting Attacks


BRUSSELS (AFP) - The EU hailed a  quot;new chapter quot; in ties with Iran and confirmed plans to resume trade talks rapidly, after a UN-brokered deal under which Tehran pledged to freeze uranium enrichment activities.

EU eyes  #39;new chapter #39; in Iran ties, but tensions remain


AP - Two U.N. peacekeepers were wounded in shootouts with supporters of Haiti's ousted president in the capital and storm survivors in flood-ravaged Gonaives, the first casualties of the 4-month-old U.N. mission, officials said Sunday.

U.N. Peacekeepers Hurt in Haiti Shootouts (AP)


MONTREAL - Despite a jump of 19 percent in world air traffic this year, airlines are expected to lose as much as \$4 billion in 2004 because of high fuel costs, the International Air Transport Association said Monday.

World airlines #39; loss estimate: \$4 billion


Inhabitants of the Iraqi city of Najaf enjoy their first night of peace in several weeks after a ceasefire deal.

New calm in revolt-wracked Najaf


The Chesapeake Innovation Center is an Annapolis incubator focused solely on developing homeland security technologies.

Center Nurtures Newborn Security Cos.


The trade deficit increased to the second-highest level in history as surging demand for foreign oil swamped a small gain in US exports, the government reported yesterday.

Pricey oil pushes US trade deficit to near-record levels


Northern Ireland #39;s Graeme McDowell will take a three-shot lead into the weekend at the German Masters. The 25-year-old fired the round of the day at Gut Larchenhof - an eight-under 64 to take him to 11 under par overall.

McDowell sets halfway pace


Clearing the way for a do-or-die restructuring, unions at Italian airline Alitalia AZPIa.MI have agreed to unemployment packages for around 3,700 employees, union sources say.

Unions clear way for Alitalia turnaround plan


DECEMBER 07, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - SAN FRANCISCO -- Oracle Corp. tomorrow is set to introduce Oracle Application Server 10g Release 2, which is being characterized as a significant upgrade offering improvements

Oracle readies major app server upgrade


AP - A man identified as Osama bin Laden bitterly criticized the Saudi regime in an audiotape posted on an Islamic Web site on Thursday.

Alleged Bin Laden Tape Criticizes Saudis (AP)


AFP - An international human rights group said its observers for the 2004 US election found access to polling stations difficult in Florida and Ohio.

Vote observers: access to US polling places difficult (AFP)


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Cisco Systems agreed Monday to acquire closely held Internet protocol service provider P-Cube for \$200 million in cash and options.

Cisco to pay \$200 million for P-Cube


#39;Remove Miller from the scorecard and he still lives. That can be said of few cricketers. quot;. That quote from Keith Miller #39;s biographer Mihir Bose helps explain why the death Monday of a cricketer who played

Cricket: A star revered for more than just numbers


No. 1 USC Pummels Notre Dame 41-10; Matt Leinart Makes Heisman Case With 400 Yards, Five TD Passes. Southern California #39;s quarterback Matt Leinart throws during their 41-10 win over Notre Dame during the first half in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov.

Leinart Passes USC Past Notre Dame 41-10


Topiramate reduced cravings in small study    HealthDayNews -- A drug called topiramate shows promise as a potential new treatment for alcoholism, according to a study in the August issue of Alcoholism: Clinical   Experimental Research.    This early-stage study of 150 people with alcohol dependence found that topiramate can reduce self-reported drinking and may reduce self-reported craving for alcohol...

Drug Shows Promise for Alcoholism


BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Europe again proved to be the best in the Ryder Cup with its biggest romp over the Americans, as Lee Westwood ended any remaining suspense at Oakland Hills with a 4-foot par putt on the final hole to beat Kenny Perry on Sunday...

Europeans Easily Take Ryder Cup, Again


American tennis player Lindsay Davenport has knocked Australia #39;s Alicia Molik out of the WTA event in Filderstadt, Germany. Davenport became the first player to book her place in the quarter-finals of the

Davenport destroys Molik in Germany


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The first case of soybean rust has  been found on the mainland United States and could affect U.S.  crops for the near future, costing farmers millions of dollars,  the Agriculture Department said on Wednesday.

USDA Finds Devastating Soy Rust in Louisiana


So you've decided to sell your small company. You figure that all you have to do is put an ad in a newspaper or trade publication and you'll have a buyer in no time.

Selling your small business? Broker can smooth the way


The European Commission on Wednesday opened an in-depth investigation into plans for joint takeover of ContentGuard, a US anti-piracy tech firm, by Microsoftand Time Warner.

EU probes Microsoft-Time Warner deal


Hammered by iPod, Sony will retool, adding native MP3 support to some digital music players by next summer.

Sony retuning to pick up MP3s


PALM HARBOUR - Vijay Singh became the first golfer to earn more than US\$10 million (\$14.79 million) in prizemoney in a season with a five-stroke victory in the Chrysler Championship yesterday.

Golf: VJ shatters season earnings record


A member of Hamas, the militant Palestinian organisation, survived an apparent assassination attempt yesterday when his car blew up in the Syrian capital, Damascus, a Palestinian source said.

Hamas target of bomb in Syria


The changes include an end to exclusivity arrangements with stores or restaurants, while allowing Coca-Cola to avoid a fine and potentially years of continued legal wrangling.

E.U., Coca-Cola Antitrust Case Over


AFP - Afghan President Hamid Karzai's running mate survived an assassination attempt when a bomb killed two people in a convoy carrying him to an election rally, a government official said.

Two die in bid to assassinate Karzai's running mate in Afghan polls (AFP)


The Bush rally roared into a second day yesterday, with a big assist from oil that pushed blue-chips to their biggest gain in 13 months.

Bush rally continues, with Dow soaring 177


Ex-Enron Chief Executive Officer Jeff Skilling today asked a federal judge to move his trial from Houston because of the prejudice against him here and the personal, emotional and economic stake this community has in Enron #39;s fortunes.

Skilling #39;s lawyers say Houston sees Enron execs as  #39;evil #39;


SEOUL - French carmaker Renault plans to invest 600 billion won (\$573.1 million) in South Korea over the next three years, its chairman said on Tuesday.

Renault to invest \$573 million in South Korea, chairman says


MedImmune Inc. reported a third-quarter loss Thursday, despite a \$61 million, 25 percent increase in sales of its lead product, Synagis, over the same period a year ago.

MedImmune Quarterly Earnings Fall Again


Ajax Amsterdam qualified for the UEFA Cup after a 2-2 Champions #39; League Group D draw with Bayern Munich at the Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday evening.

Ajax Make UEFA Cup After Bayern Draw


AFP - The 2004 presidential campaign has marked the coming of age for Internet 'blog' journals as a cutting edge political tool for raising cash and revving up political support.

Bloggers become weapon in US presidential election (AFP)


Sean O'Keefe quit Monday to pursue a job as chancellor of Louisiana State University Baton Rouge campus.

NASA Administrator Steps Down


Anaheim Angels: Center fielder Garret Anderson left the game at Texas because of a sore left knee. The Angels said Anderson irritated the patella tendon near his left knee.

Angels center fielder agravates knee


WR Grace  amp; Co. said Friday it is the target of a federal grand jury investigation involving possible obstruction of federal agency proceedings as well as violations of and conspiracy to violate federal environmental laws.

WR Grace Is Target of Federal Probe


A late equaliser from Pape Bouba Diop gave Fulham a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United on Monday and prevented Alex Ferguson #39;s team from moving back into to the thick of the Premier League title race.

UPDATE 2-Late Bouba Diop strike denies United


In life, there are certain things that are beyond indispensable. Like brake lights, hot showers, birthday candles and second chances.

As for the competing IRAs, the Roth wins hands down


Defending Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova of Russia has advanced to the semifinals of the China Open women #39;s tennis tournament in Beijing.

Tennis: Sharapova Advances to China Open Semifinals


A South Korean embassy spokesman in China has confirmed that a group of people, claiming to be North Koreans, has entered a school for South Koreans in Beijing seeking asylum.

SKorea investigates suspected NKorean asylum seekers in Beijing


The Internet Engineering Task Force has disbanded its working group tackling spam, saying it was deadlocked, in part, over troubles related to Microsoft Corp.

IETF Disbands Anti-Spam Working Group


Columbia River Basin dam operations don #39;t jeopardize imperiled salmon and steelhead, according to a new biological opinion released Tuesday by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Fish agency lets dams off hook


Raytheon Co. #39;s board of directors is recommending that shareholders approve annual elections for all board members to replace the current system of three-year terms.

Raytheon Seeks to Change Board Election


President Bush attacked John Kerry on Iraq on Friday, taking a more aggressive approach than he had in the previous night's debate.

Bush and Kerry Follow Debate With Sharp Jabs


AP - Senate Democrats are changing management, their ranks reduced to a 74-year low and their longtime leader defeated for re-election back home.

Reid Poised to Be Senate Democratic Leader (AP)


Although Microsoft won't announce the release date of the next version of its Exchange Server until next year, users can expect more management tools for existing versions in the meantime.

IT Forum: Exchange users to get more tools


President Bush asked Treasury Secretary John Snow on Wednesday to stay in his administration, and Snow agreed, keeping a key member of Bush's economic team in place.

Snow to Stay at Treasury


Millions of computer users are at risk of attack because flaws in the way Windows handles some images.

Image flaw exposes Windows PCs


Manchester United have announced a fall in pre-tax profits to 27.9million for the financial year ending July 31. Profits were down from 39.

UNITED #39;S PROFITS FALL


The PGA of America is expected to introduce Tom Lehman as the next US Ryder Cup captain in a news conference at Amelia Island today.

Lehman to be next captain


Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s biggest retailer, reported a 13 percent rise in quarterly profit on Tuesday, in line with expectations, and raised its outlook for the full year.

Wal-Mart Profit Rises, Raises Outlook


KABUL, Afghanistan - Demonstrators stormed U.N. compounds and stoned U.S...

Protesters Attack Soldiers in Afghanistan


Secretary of State Colin L. Powell urged Europeans on Wednesday to put aside their differences with the United States over the Iraq war, arguing that Americans and Europeans have common values and face similar threats that should outweigh the controversies of recent years.

Powell Urges Europe To Reconcile With U.S.


The deaths of dozens of protestors on October 25 at the hands of the Thai security forces, and the horrifying manner in which they died, has unleashed fury in the predominantly Muslim provinces

Outrage over murder of Thai Muslim demonstrators


AP - The Indiana crowd jumped to its feet with a jubilant roar when Jamaal Tinsley scored off a steal by Fred Jones in the third quarter. After a long weekend of enduring the embarrassing fallout from their brawl in Detroit, the Pacers used a makeshift lineup and gave their fans plenty to cheer about.

Pacers Give Fans Something to Cheer About (AP)


The United States space agency Nasa has salvaged precious solar dust from the \$260-million Genesis capsule that crashed to Earth three weeks ago.

Solar dust salvaged from fallen capsule


NEW YORK - From the creators of the political satire sensation

Satire Sequel Parodies U.S. Newsmakers


SPURRED on by shouts of  quot;shove it in, shove it in quot;, 19-year-old Don Ezra Nicholas stuffed more than three McDonald #39;s hamburgers into his mouth - without swallowing - and claimed a new global record at the close of Singapore #39;s contest to be the world #39;s

Burger mouthful goes for record


AP - Police arrested a man for allegedly throwing acid in a Pakistani courtroom on Monday, injuring his brother-in-law and four other people with burns, an official said.

Pakistani Man Arrested for Acid Attack (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. technology shares tumbled on  Friday after Intel Corp. <A HREF=

Tech Stocks Tumble as Intel Disappoints


Troy Glaus gave the Anaheim Angels just what they needed to help break a three-game losing streak. Glaus homered for the first time since May 11, and Garret Anderson and Bengie Molina also

GAME DAY RECAP Friday, September 03


LONDON, Aug 21 (AFP) - A young Frenchwoman has been bludgeoned to death with a blunt instrument in a park on the outskirts of London and police do not rule out that she was the victim of an unknown serial killer, they said Saturday.

Young French woman murdered in London park


The Dow Jones industrial average fell 106 points to 10,440. Decliners on the New York Stock Exchange outnumbered advancers by a three-to-one margin.

Stocks sink on profit taking


Shell have to move a mountain of cultural, religious and sexual prejudice to achieve this in a country where, only a few years ago, women could not work or walk the streets on their own, and

Afghan woman takes on presidential politics


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. consumer spending rose a  sharper-than-expected 0.7 percent in October, showing the  economy off to a solid fourth-quarter start despite a step-up  in inflation, a government report showed on Wednesday.

Consumer Spending Stronger Than Expected


Bangladesh #39;s opposition supporters staged their fourth strike within a week in the capital, Dhaka, in protest at an attack on a political rally that killed 20 people, Agence France-Presse reported from the city.

Bangladesh Opposition Stages Fourth Strike in a Week, AFP Says


SINGAPORE : Crude oil prices slipped further in Asian trade on Tuesday as the market increasingly turned to the view that winter in the northern hemisphere will be mild, dealers said.

Asian oil prices drop further on expectations of a mild winter


AC Milan played to a 1-1 tie with AS Roma on Sunday, failing to take advantage of a loss by league leader Juventus. Andriy Shevchenko put Milan ahead before a home crowd in the sixth minute, heading in Cafu #39;s cross as Milan dominated the first half.

AC Milan ties AS Roma in Italian league


Wired  amp; Wireless continues its reign as the top IT priority among IT managers due to widespread wireless installations, IP telephony deployment, and other network infrastructure upgrades.

Broadband pushes Europe Web users to 100 million


AP - Eddie Johnson had two goals and Ronnie O'Brien added a goal and two assists to lead the Dallas Burn to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.

Johnson Has Two Goals, Burn Beat Fire 4-1 (AP)


North Korea has hurled invective at US President George W. Bush for a second day, calling him a political idiot and human trash, and has said six-party talks on Pyongyang #39;s nuclear ambitions appear doomed.

N. Korea calls Bush  quot;human trash quot;


Luke Donald and Paul Casey are unlikely to be awarded MBEs but they have given England another World Cup victory to crow about. The pair will not be talked about in the same way as Jonny Wilkinson after his

Golf pair deliver another World Cup for England


AP - Fresh violence erupted Thursday with the bombing of a bar in Thailand's mostly Muslim south, while villagers held a mass burial for some of the 78 protesters who suffocated while in army custody this week.

Fresh Violence Erupts in Southern Thailand (AP)


The announcement will be made at a news conference led by company CEO Carly Fiorina in Miami. The company will also unveil a range of products aimed at the consumer markets, including a 42-inch

HP iPod launches today


Officials say the country will move away from peg of 8.28 yuan to the dollar amid US pressure. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Chinese officials reiterated that the country would move toward a flexible foreign exchange

China eyes flexible exchange rate


IBM Corp. (NYSE: IBM) and Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) said Monday that they have developed a strained silicon transistor technology aimed at

IBM, AMD speed chips


Lebanon says it has arrested 10 members of a suspected terror cell who allegedly were planning to bomb foreign diplomatic missions in Beirut and to attack coalition forces in Iraq.

Lebanon: Terror Suspects Linked to Bombing Plot Arrested


Chip designer announces new processor for wider digital-device market, moving it beyond portable-device niche.

ARM's new chip aims beyond cell phones


GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP - Six Palestinians were killed when Israeli troops raided a Gaza refugee camp on Friday in retaliation for militant attacks on a Jewish settlement in the past week.

6 Palestinians killed in Gaza raid


SpaceShipOne, the world #39;s first privately built manned spacecraft, blasted into space for the second time in less than a week on Monday to claim the \$10 million Ansari X Prize.

Private craft launches a new era


(Sports Network) - The inconsistent San Diego Padres will try for consecutive wins for the first time since August 28-29 tonight, when they begin a huge four-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

San Diego Padres Team Report - September 13


Lockheed's third-quarter earnings rose 41 percent behind higher sales of military transport planes and an increase in the company's IT business.

Lockheed Earnings Up on Plane Sales


HICHAM El Guerrouj wrote his name large in the annals of Olympic history last night when he bestrode athletics middle and long-distance disciplines by completing a 1500m and 5,000m double gold.

No hitches for hero Hicham


IRVING, Texas (Sports Network) - The Dallas Cowboys dealt  wide receiver Antonio Bryant to the Cleveland Browns Tuesday in  exchange for wide receiver Quincy Morgan.

Cowboys and Browns Swap Receivers


Telekom Austria yesterday said it had agreed to buy MobilTel, Bulgaria #39;s leading mobile telephone operator, in a step widely seen as preparing the way for a big share placement in the Austrian group.

TA agrees to acquire Bulgaria #39;s MobilTel


Decision may bring world of wireless peripherals to market.

Wireless USB Standard Pledged by Year's End


British rowing looks set to lose the services of two of its Olympic champions in the space of 24 hours. Today Matthew Pinsent, who has won four Olympic gold medals, is expected to announce his retirement.

Cracknell to take a year off


MacCentral - Microsoft Corp.'s Mac Business Unit (MacBU) on Tuesday announced the availability of Office 2004 for Mac Service Pack 1, an update for the latest Macintosh release of the company's popular productivity application software suite. The service pack

Microsoft offers Office 2004 Service Pack 1 (MacCentral)


USATODAY.com - Fans of The Incredibles looking for another fix from director Brad Bird can look no further than The Iron Giant, out on DVD Tuesday. The little-seen 1999 animated adventure shows off the early talent of the director, who is the force behind this holiday season's animated superhero smash.

Film rescued from scrap heap (USATODAY.com)


Wayne Rooney arrives at Man Utd's training ground for a medical ahead of a 25m move from Everton.

Rooney set for Man Utd


BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (Reuters) - The United States,  needing a miracle comeback in the last-day singles to prevent a  runaway European victory at the 35th Ryder Cup, got off to a  strong start on Sunday.

U.S. Leads in First Four Ryder Singles


Analysis: A program to encourage members of the public to become  quot;bounty hunters quot; tracking down email spammers received the luke warm backing of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) yesterday.

FTC backs spammer bounties (false)


Third-string tailback Chris Markey ran for 131 yards to lead UCLA to a 34-26 victory over Oregon on Saturday. Markey, playing because of an injury to starter Maurice Drew, also caught five passes for 84 yards

UCLA 34, Oregon 26


Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian Wednesday offered to cut the island #39;s troops by 100,000 to ease military tensions with mainland China.

Taiwan offers to cut troops by 100,000


ASPEN - Finn Tanja Poutianen won the second giant slalom of the season Friday, holding off defending World Cup champ Anja Paerson of Sweden by 0.09 seconds.

Poutianen Wins Aspen GS


Ranbir Mahendra was elected president of India #39;s national cricket board after edging out a powerful federal minister at an acrimonious election on Wednesday.

Mahendra elected India #39;s board chief


Eye care specialist TLC draws eyes to the field of high-tech vision correction.

Eyeing Laser Care Profits


Anti-Spyware Bill Passed by House\\Legislation prohibiting spyware practices was passed Tuesday by the United States House of Representatives in a 399-1 vote. Termed the Spy Act, this bill not only prevents all things associated with spyware, but it also requires that opt-ins, notices and consents accompany any legal software that ...

Anti-Spyware Bill Passed by House


Fresh signs of strength in the economy have caused mortgage rates to rise. Mortgage company Freddie Mac says the average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is now 5.81 percent, up sharply from 5.72 in last week #39;s survey.

Mortgage rates going up


A slowdown in economic growth and oil prices hovering around \$48 per barrel renewed fears of disappointing third-quarter earnings Thursday and kept stocks mixed.

Unemployment, Oil News Keep Stocks Mixed


A militant group in Iraq claimedthat it had executed two Macedonians accused of spying for USforces, pan-Arab al-Jazeera TV reported Monday.

Two Macedonians executed in Iraq: al-Jazeera


STARKVILLE, Miss. (Sports Network) - Lawrence Roberts  scored 19 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to lead  15th-ranked Mississippi State to a 66-52 victory over South  Alabama at Humphrey Coliseum.

College Basketball: Miss. State Beats South Alabama


Port Adelaide Power beat the Brisbane Lions by 40 points in the Australian Football League grand final to win its first premiership, ending the Lions #39; run of three titles.

Port Adelaide Beats Brisbane for 1st Australian Football Title


Sydney - Doubts over the fate of British aid worker Margaret Hassan, kidnapped in Iraq in October, increased on Wednesday after a newspaper reported that her dental records did not match a mutilated body believed to be hers.

Hassan #39;s fate still remains uncertain


Pfizer said today that it would sponsor a major clinical trial of Celebrex, its prescription arthritis pain medication, to further assess the cardiovascular safety of the drug.

Pfizer Announces Major Trial for Celebrex


AP - Iran said Saturday it would continue its nuclear program but provide

Iran Ready to Provide Nuke 'Guarantees' (AP)


Their decaying carcasses gave a super-size boost in nutrients to forest soil and stimulated seed and nitrogen production in a plant important to the forest ecosystem, researchers reported in Friday #39;s issue of the journal Science.

Study finds cicada carcasses boost soil nutrients, plant growth


Zenit St. Petersburg faces the daunting prospect of being picked to play against Lazio, Newcastle United or Feyenoord in Tuesday #39;s draw for the inaugural group stage of the UEFA Cup.

Zenit Eyes Lazio, Newcastle in Draw


CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA #39;s Swift satellite successfully was launched Saturday aboard a Boeing Delta 2 rocket. About 80 minutes after the 12:16 pm launch, the spacecraft successfully separated from the Delta second stage rocket and entered orbit.

Oft-Delayed Swift Launched, Soars Skyward


US crude climbed 40 cents to \$43.50 a barrel, around \$6 below a record peak struck last Friday at \$49.40. London #39;s Brent crude gained 42 cents to \$40.

Oil Losses Ease on Iraq Pipeline Attack


Reuters - E*Trade Financial Corp. , an\online bank and brokerage, on Monday said its third-quarter\profit rose as lower expenses offset a drop in net revenue.

E*Trade Profit Rises as Expenses Drop (Reuters)


Just days after SpaceShipOne #39;s prize-winning flight opened the world #39;s eyes to the prospect for private spaceflight, legislation that might have opened the way for paying passengers to get on

Suborbital legislation suddenly sinks


The three-year patent dispute between BlackBerry device maker Research In Motion Ltd. and patent holding company NTP Inc. isn #39;t over yet.

Court Upholds RIM Patent Infringement, Sends Case Back for Further <b>...</b>


The new code is more dangerous than the exploit that appeared earlier this week, since it allows malicious hackers to run their own code on vulnerable machines, according to the SANS Institute's Internet Storm Center.

New, dangerous Microsoft JPEG exploit code released


CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Browns traded wide receiver Quincy Morgan to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday for wide receiver Antonio Bryant.

Browns, Cowboys swap wideouts


I'll be back with the news about Howard Stern's planned departure to satellite radio. But first, this endless block of commercials and station promotions.

Radio's Stern reality


The Federal Trade Commission yesterday gave limited endorsement to offering cash rewards to people who help track down e-mail spammers, suggesting that such bounties might work but in fewer

Cash Bounties For Spammers Win Limited FTC Backing


The Palestinian groups yesterday carried out a joint operation at a military position near Mouraj settlement to the north of Rafah to the south of Gaza that resulted in killing three Israeli soldiers, one of them is an officer and wounding other two.

One Israeli officers is among three killed Israelis in the <b>...</b>


Bergamo, Italy (Sports Network) - Serie A cellar dwellers Atalanta fired its coach Andrea Mandorlini after he failed to produce a victory in any of the club #39;s first 14 league matches this season.

Atalanta fires coach


Amgen Inc. said Sunday results of a small trial showed its experimental osteoporosis drug increased bone density in post-menopausal women, potentially reducing the risk of fractures associated with the bone-thinning disease.

Amgen bone drug shows success


TBILISI, Georgia -- The old white Zhiguli fairly flew down the highway, skimming precariously over the potholes as Garri Nersesov clutched the wheel and declared victory in the war on corruption.

In Georgia, transformation isn't fast enough for some


The Hitachi Ultrastar 10K300 Fibre Channel drive will be offered in the HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Array (EVA), and the Ultrastar 10K300 SCSI drive will go in HP #39;s ProLiant servers and StorageWorks Modular Smart Array (MSA) family, the vendors said

HP, Hitachi Offer 300-Gbyte Storage Platform


You're at a dance club or shopping mall when you hear a great new song. So you pull out your cellphone, press a few keys, hold it up to the speakers, then press a few more keys. Now a digital recording of the song is on its way to your home computer, with the 99-cent charge added to your phone ...

AT amp;T Wireless cranks up music service


AP - Small island states pleaded for more aid as they face a devastating hurricane season and warned that the threat of climate change was as urgent as the fight against terrorism and should get the same attention.

Small Islands Caution on Climate Change (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of U.S. wireless  subscribers who are switching providers while keeping their  telephone numbers is accelerating, the Federal Communications  Commission said on Friday.

Pace for Wireless Number Switches Quickens


NEW YORK, September 28 (newratings.com) - The airline industry is expected to lose as much as \$4 billion in 2004 due to the high fuel costs, despite an increase of about 19 in international passenger traffic so far this year.

High fuel prices to cost airline industry up to \$4 bn this year


AFP - Oracle can pursue its 7.7 billion hostile takeover bid for rival business software maker PeopleSoft, a federal judge has ruled in a stunning setback for the US Justice Department.

Oracle wins antitrust case, can pursue PeopleSoft (AFP)


Disgraced Romanian striker Adrian Mutu on Sunday blasted Premiership side Chelsea for their haste in sacking him after testing positive for a banned substance.

Chelsea have destroyed me complains Mutu


The hurricane season ended Tuesday with Texas escaping major storms, while Florida residents were hard hit with four major storms that claimed 117 lives and caused billions of dollars in damage.

Texas got a break


NASA agrees to fund the Mars rover project for six more months, allowing further study.

Mars rovers roll on with new funding


A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 has jolted Tokyo and surrounding areas, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries and no tsunami warning was issued.

Strong earthquake jolts Tokyo


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. economic outlook dimmed  somewhat on Tuesday after reports said business productivity  grew more slowly in the third quarter than first estimated,  labor costs rose and other indicators signaled softening  activity.

U.S. Economic Outlook Dims a Bit


The World Anti-Doping Agency is considering whether speedskating athletes should be allowed to use oxygen-deprived chambers designed to build endurance.

Living the High Life