MOSCOW : The battered Russian oil giant Yukos said a Moscow court had frozen its 34.5 percent stake in rival Sibneft, halting a reversal of their merger that would provide cash for Yukos to settle massive tax bills.

Russia freezes Yukos #39; shares in Sibneft oil company


AP - Mountain West Conference football and basketball games will move from ESPN to College Sports Television in the fall of 2006.

Mountain West Changes TV Networks (AP)


The CBI accused Gordon Brown of being  quot;too optimistic quot; over the health of the economy yesterday, as the employer #39;s organisation downgraded its own forecast for GDP growth next year.

CBI trims growth forecast and calls Brown optimistic


AirTran Airways has agreed to retain 3,200 Chicago-based employees when it acquires bankrupt ATA Airlines #39; local assets, Mayor Daley said Friday, paving the way for City Hall to approve the transfer of ATA #39;s 14 gates at Midway Airport.

AirTran clears jobs hurdle


Australia captain Ricky Ponting was ruled out of the first two cricket Tests against India next month because of a fractured left thumb.

Australia #39;s Ponting Will Miss First Two Tests of India Series


A broadband wireless network is helping researchers at an important panda park in China.

Pandas benefit from wireless net


The team behind the SpaceShipOne rocket plane says it plans to win the \$10 million Ansari X Prize on Monday, after deciding that the unexpected tumble encountered during this

prize-winning space launch


Fenerbahce are adamant they can blunt Manchester Uniteds attacking threat in the Champions League clash tonight. Wayne Rooney is likely to link up with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Alan

Rustu Prepared for United


AP - If you want to find a needle of information in the seemingly endless haystack that is the Web, just punch a few words into your favorite Internet search engine. But if you want to pull up a file from your PC's hard drive, good luck.

Review: Local PC Search Not Perfect (AP)


Major League Baseball is expected to interview Mets pitcher John Franco in light of news reports that Franco had given crime family members tickets to a Mets game.

Baseball Expected to Query Franco on Crime Figures


With political fund raising, campaign advertising and organizing taking place in full swing over the Internet, it may just be a matter of time before the Federal Election Commission joins the action.

FEC May Regulate Web Political Activity


VAL GARDENA, Italy (CP) - Michael Walchhofer and the Austrian  quot;Wunderteam quot; restored skiing to its normal pecking order Friday.

Michael Walchhofer wins super-G as Austrians finish in top three


NEW DELHI: India #39;s leading batsman Sachin Tendulkar is set to return for the third cricket test against Australia in Nagpur after coming through a fitness check yesterday.

Tendulkar set to play in third test


Rumorville, conspiracy theory, and over speculation results in crazed forum discussion and a possible slashdot mentioning. Jason Dowdell, someone I have spoken with often for about a year now, published a

MSN Does Not Steal Google Results to Seed New Index


London - The bulk of a brokerage firm #39;s 240 million (R2.7 billion) damages claim against the Financial Times (FT) could not proceed, a judge ruled yesterday.

FT defamation case founders


Ashburn, Va. -- Joe Gibbs walked past the three Super Bowl trophies in the office lobby and stood in front of a photo, taken at the White House, of the last Washington Redskins team 1999 to win more games than it lost.

With Gibbs back, Redskins raise expectations


LAKE PLACID, NY (CP) - The Canadian women #39;s hockey team drew inspiration from its gold-medal performance at the Olympics to beat the US 2-1 and win the Four Nations Cup on Sunday.

Canadian women #39;s hockey team edges US 2-1 to win Four Nations Cup


Reuters - President Bush charged on\Wednesday that Democrat John Kerry has a

Bush Says Kerry Doesn't Understand Terror War (Reuters)


AP - Those Red Sox managers just never learn. With an eerie similarity to last year's postseason debacle, Pedro Martinez took a lead into the eighth inning before tiring and the New York Yankees rallied past Boston 6-4 Friday night to open a 5 1/2-game advantage in the AL East.

Yankees Rally to Defeat Red Sox 6-4 (AP)


Squeezed at home, China #39;s biggest computer maker, Lenovo, is buying IBM #39;s money-losing PC business. But venturing abroad is fraught with risk.

A Whole Lot to Swallow


Former US President Bill Clinton has ruled out the possibility of reaching a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue and the the Arab-Israeli conflict within the next

Clinton predicts Arab world #39;s future


Computer Associates International Inc. (CA) said on Wednesday that it was joining a Cisco Systems Inc. program to harden enterprise networks against attacks by enforcing security policies on computer hosts that attempt to access network resources, the company said in a statement.

CA adds antivirus, antispyware to Cisco NAC program


Shareholders in natural gas pipeline company El Paso Corp. (EP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday rejected a bid to fire PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP as the company #39;s

El Paso shareholders vote to keep auditor


Radcliffe Makes Up for Olympic Heartbreak With Close NYC Marathon Win; S. African Wins Men #39;s Race. Great Britain #39;s Paula Radcliffe, left, and Kenya #39;s Susan Chepkemei, embrace after crossing the finish line at the New York City Marathon Sunday.

Radcliffe Wins Closest NYC Marathon


Scientists in China have found a 120 million-year-old fossil of a baby bird which is believed to have died just before it hatched and which could shed light on the relationship between dinosaurs and birds.

Bird fossil may show dinosaur link


World News: Washington, Dec 14 : A new futuristic study by researchers at the University of Stanford is predicting that by the time the next century rolls around, a number of bird species that we take for granted today will become mere pictures in bird

10 percent of birds will be extinct by 2100:


MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine movie legend Fernando Poe  Jr., who came close to unseating Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in  May's presidential election, died on Tuesday after suffering a  stroke, his family said.

Poe, Philippine Actor Who Ran for President, Dies


Spaniard Sete Gibernau stormed into pole position for Sunday #39;s Czech MotoGP Grand Prix, edging out Brazilian Alex Barros at the end of the rain-affected second qualifying session.

UPDATE 1-Gibernau storms to pole for Czech GP


Jacques Derrida was the Algerian-born, French intellectual who became one of the most celebrated and unfathomable philosophers of the late 20th century.

Jacques Derrida, Abstruse Theorist, Dies at 74


Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has made a  quot;pre-emptive strike quot; against Linux, which is fast becoming a bigger thorn in the software giant #39;s side.

Ballmer: Linux Can #39;t Compare to Windows


Europe #39;s Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer has emphasised the strength of his players #39; team spirit ahead of Friday #39;s first day.

Langer hails team spirit


Investigators for the New York attorney general have discovered evidence of deceptive and coercive practices, at Aon, the world's second-largest broker of insurance.

Investigators Find Deceptive Practices at Aon, Too


European shares opened firmer on Thursday led by ABN AMRO as investors applauded the savings the Dutch broker will make from cutting jobs.

ABN AMRO Leads European Shares Higher


Marsh  amp; McLennan, the parent company of Hub funds firm Putnam Investments, announced 3,000 job cuts yesterday as it battles a scandal and a collapse in earnings.

Putnam will miss majority of Marsh cutbacks


Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc. reported Friday that it purchased 3.5 million shares of Cyberonics Inc., taking a 14.9 percent stake in the Houston-based medical device maker, and expressed an interest in combining the two companies.

Update 1: Cyberonics #39; Shares Jump on Stock Buy


TOKYO Aug. 24, 2004 - Japan #39;s Justice Ministry on Tuesday rejected former chess champion Bobby Fischer #39;s demand for protection as a political refugee, issuing an order to deport him.

Japan Rejects Bobby Fischer #39;s Appeal


Three US soldiers were wounded, one of them critically, when Afghan guerrillas attacked their vehicle with rockets and guns, the US military said Monday.

Around the world


The patent office sided with the Public Patent Foundation, which argued that several examples of so-called  quot;prior art quot; were in existence when Microsoft sought to patent FAT.

Microsoft To Appeal Denial of Its FAT Patent


Is his mysterious three-wheeled cart a proto automobile? A remote-controlled robot? A rolling Renaissance computer? Follow the quest to rebuild Leonardo's 'impossible machine.' By Tom Vanderbilt from Wired magazine.

The Real da Vinci Code


The former chairman of Shell, Sir Philip Watts, is to take the main City regulator, the Financial Services Authority, to a public tribunal to try to clear his name over the oil giant #39;s reserves scandal.

Ex-Shell chief Watts demands public tribunal to clear his name


com October 7, 2004, 9:01 PM PT. With the economy slowly turning up, upgrading hardware has been on businesses radar in the past 12 months as their number two priority.

IBM brings Unix, faster chip to Power blades


Electors can check up of their MPs' expense claims for the first time, with the listing of claims over three years.

MPs' expense details are revealed


Aljazeera has aired a video tape showing two French journalists captured in Iraq by an armed group. The video on Saturday showed the two men standing in front of a banner bearing the name of the  quot;Islamic Army in Iraq quot;.

Iraq group captures French journalists


Former top US officials warn against election year rush to reform US intelligence agencies.

US intelligence reform 'too fast'


London - Oil prices roared to new record highs yesterday, within a whisker of \$51 a barrel, on worries about supplies from the Gulf of Mexico, where almost 30 percent of production remains shut.

Oil teases \$51 a barrel as hurricanes hit output


Ian Paisley last night emerged from Downing Street to warn the IRA that he will not compromise on the need for public proof of its disarmament, while confirming his willingness to govern Northern Ireland in partnership with his historic enemies once they

With 48 hours to go, Paisley allows deal could be near


US Secretary of State Colin Powellsaid Tuesday that Brazil will be an  quot;important candidate quot; for new permanent members of the United Nations Security Council should the council be expanded.

Brazil  quot;important candidate quot; for expanded Security Council: Powell


Device will eventually let people download sample games at stores, as well as game data included in films at movie theaters.

Nintendo handheld to feature wireless downloading


Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will become the first Spanish prime minister to be questioned by a parliamentary commission on Monday when he gives his version of events surrounding the Madrid train bombings.

Spanish Leader Faces Grilling on Train Bombings


In the wee hours yesterday morning, promoter Don King stood at a podium inside Madison Square Garden and -- in the midst of a bombastic assault on his

Trinidad #39;s sights on Hopkins


Protesters and federal agents are using new tools to communicate with cohorts during the Republican National Convention.

Wireless tech gets workout at RNC


Tellabs (TLAB:Nasdaq - news - research) rose early Wednesday after it slashed 20 from the price it will pay for Advanced Fibre (AFCI:Nasdaq - news - research).

Tellabs Slashes AFC Buyout Price


A nonpartisan group that includes advocates for business, labor, consumers, and the environment gave a significant nudge this week to the effort to craft a national energy policy.

Energy proposal pushes debate toward center


quot;If I did take away Silverstone and a British Grand Prix, I #39;d be seen as a bad guy but that wouldn #39;t bother me. quot; -- Bernie Ecclestone.

Greed gets the better of Bernie


Mulaudzi out-dipped Kipketer to win silver in 1:44.61 to add to the world indoor title he won in March. Kipketer, the world record-holder and a three-time former world champion, had to be content with bronze in 1:44.

Borzakovskiy snatches 800 metres gold


CABLE  amp; Wireless has unveiled another round of job cuts, with the announcement that it plans to reduce its head count in the UK and Continental Europe by 600.

New round of job cuts for Cable  amp; Wireless


David Beckham scored a free-kick as Real Madrid beat Osasuna 1-0 in its first match under new coach Mariano Garcia Remon to go to the top of Spanish soccer #39;s Primera Liga.

Beckham boots Real to victory


Standard and Poor #39;s Equity Research reiterated a  quot;hold quot; rating and \$27 target price on Intel (nasdaq: INTC - news - people ). The research firm said the chipmaker #39;s deal with Nvidia (nasdaq: NVDA - news - people

Nvidia Cross-Licensing Deal Positive For Intel


MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: The stage is set for a family meeting of the Ambanis in Mumbai on Monday on the ownership issue in the Rs 80,000 crore Reliance group as Mukesh Ambani has returned from the US while Anil is understood to have authorised his mother to

Ambani sisters in Mumbai for family meeting


The grind of the NBA finally got to Hubie Brown, who at 71 had neither the fervor for the job nor the good health needed to remain the coach of the Grizzlies.

Health Issue, Lack of Fervor Made H. Brown Leave


Charles Kennedy will tell Lib Dems they are on the road to  government when he wraps up their annual rally, writes Nick Assinder.

Kennedy looks forward to power


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Reserve on Tuesday  raised interest rates for the third time this year by a quarter  of a percentage point and said the economy was regaining  momentum, signaling at least one more to come.

Fed Raises Rates for Third Time This Year


Estoril, Sep 06 - Valentino Rossi won the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril for the fourth year in a row on Sunday, extending his MotoGP World Championship lead over Sete Gibernau.

Rossi wins Portuguese MotoGP


December 13, 2004 - Just when you thought ESPN Videogames was catching up, in one move, they #39;ve never been farther behind. Electronic Arts announced today an exclusive licensing agreement with the National Football League and Players Inc.

Only Game in Town


One day last November in Houston, three men met for lunch. Two of them -- Russian cosmonauts in training for an upcoming joint US-Russian space mission -- had never met the third, a slightly built American gentleman in his seventies.

Max Faget: Master Builder


The Iraq war entered a dangerous new phase today as 850 armoured British troops were ordered to the troubled heart of the country for a massive crackdown on terrorists.

Hoon confirms troops switch


French forces destroy two Ivorian planes on the ground after an air strike kills eight French peacekeepers.

France attacks Ivorian airbase


AFP - Media and mobile telephone group Vivendi Universal said that third-quarter profits had risen by nearly sixfold and upgraded its full-year profit outlook owing to a change in tax arrangements.

Vivendi reports sizzling third-quarter profits (AFP)


As one of the early U.S. adopters of the ITIL best practices framework, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company learned some key lessons on how to get the most out of ITIL. We talked with two Nationwide executives to get their perspective on how to approach deploying the ITIL framework across a large organization.

Nationwide drinks the ITIL Kool-Aid


NDS, STMicroelectronics and Thomson said on Friday they will develop new encryption technology to foil video piracy, a \$3.5 billion problem for broadcasters and movie studios.

Tech Firms Announce Video Anti-Piracy Technology


Reuters - Fighting raged between rebels\controlling the western Iraq town of Ramadi and U.S. Marines\Wednesday after two Iraqis were killed in clashes following a\suicide car bomb attack, witnesses said.

Fighting Rages in Iraq's Rebel-Held Ramadi (Reuters)


Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to become the next president of Indonesia. With most ballots counted, the former military chief and security minister has a wide lead over President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

IN THE NEWS - Indonesia #39;s Presidential Election


Shares of ATA Holdings Corp. (ATAH.O: Quote, Profile, Research) jumped as much as 22 percent on the Nasdaq on Thursday morning after a Wall Street Journal report that America West

Shares of low-cost carrier ATA jump on merger talk


IMG, the sports and celebrity management group that lists Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova and golfer Tiger Woods among its clients, was yesterday sold for \$700m (390m).

McCormack #39;s sports empire sold for 390m


Why go slowly?

Software AG charts cautious course in China


Soaring oil prices trumped positive earnings news Wednesday, sending stocks skidding as investors rushed to take profits on new fears that the market is in the midst of a commodities bubble.

Oil rally sends stocks sharply lower


Delta Air Lines Inc. took a giant step away from bankruptcy with a tentative agreement on contract concessions from its pilots. But details on the proposal reached Wednesday were withheld while it was reviewed

Update 8: Delta Reaches Tentative Pact on Pilot Deal


NEW YORK Stocks moved sharply higher Friday after US economic data showed strength in manufacturing and construction and shrugged off a softening in consumer sentiment.

Stocks: US economic data send stocks higher


The crew of the International Space Station Monday repositioned their Soyuz rescue capsule to clear the way for two space walks planned in the coming weeks.

Space Station Crew Clears Path for Space Walks


Shares of Global Crossing Ltd., 10 months out of bankruptcy, plunged 19 percent after the fiber- optic network operator said it needs as much as \$40 million in new loans to avoid running out of money this year.

Global Crossing Falls as It Seeks New Financing (Update2)


UNITED NATIONS, Sept 22 (AFP) - Gloomy news about Iraq and the Middle East peace process on Wednesday overshadowed the second day of the UN #39;s annual gathering of world leaders.

Iraq, Middle East Troubles Overshadow UN Meeting


Reuters - U.S. blue chips advanced on Friday\after Ford Motor Co.  raised its earnings forecasts, while\wireless technology provider Qualcomm Inc.  limited\gains on the Nasdaq after saying an accounting review may\reduce pretax income.

US Stocks Up, Ford Forecast Gives a Lift (Reuters)


Former chess champion Bobby Fischer announced plans Monday to marry a leading Japanese chess official and appealed to Secretary of State Colin Powell to help him renounce U.S. citizenship, the latest in a series of moves as he seeks to block attempts to deport him to the United States.

Fischer Appeals to Powell to Help Him Renounce U.S. Citizenship


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

MCI Offers to Pay Part of States' Claims


Auto-dialler programmes have plagued Irish phone users since the beginning of the year. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has received some 300 phones calls from consumers regarding excessive

ComReg calms auto-dialler storm


Afghan police are investigating a suicide grenade attack in the center of of Kabul that injured seven people, including three international peacekeepers.

Police probe Kabul suicide attack


BT GROUP is likely to clinch a controversial \$1 billion (550 million) expansion deal this week in a third attempt to build a substantial overseas presence in America.

BT poised to expand in US with \$1bn deal


Police holding four men arrested on suspicion of a terrorist plot to buy radioactive material have been given more time to question them.

More time to quiz terror suspects


The Lower Delaware, site of a recent oil spill, seems as if it has been mistakenly stuck at the end of the pristine Upper Delaware.

A River That Follows Two Paths


According to AMD, the Mobile AMD Athlon 64 processor 3000 is the first processor manufactured with AMD #39;s 90-nanometer technique, a semiconductor process designed to enable higher performance without increased power consumption.

AMD Debuts Athlon 64 3000


The world's highest peak should put on a UN danger list to force action on global warming, campaigners say.

Climate change 'ruining' Everest


AP - Fashion retailer Limited Brands Inc.'s third-quarter earnings fell 40 percent because of fewer one-time gains, the company reported Thursday.

Limited Brands Quarterly Earnings Fall (AP)


One murder case has attracted special attention amid a debate over the safety of antidepressant use in children and teenagers.

Boy's Murder Case Entangled in Fight Over Antidepressants


com October 18, 2004, 4:57 PM PT. ZDNet #39;s survey of IT professionals in October kept upgrading hardware at number two on the businesses radar throughout the year.

Dell extends lead in PCs


OCTOBER 25, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Preparing for the wave of servers with multicore processors that #39;s expected to hit data centers over the next year, Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft Takes Different Tack on Multicore Pricing


Reuters - Pakistan's new prime minister, Shaukat Aziz, a technocrat and trusted ally of military leader President Pervez Musharraf, was sworn on Saturday.

Musharraf-ally sworn in as Pakistan prime minister (Reuters)


Macromedia plans to release on Monday the first major extension for Flex, server software introduced earlier this year as part of a drive to expand use of the company #39;s Flash format.

Macromedia expands J2EE pitch


Hollywood stepped up its battle against internet pirates yesterday when the Motion Picture Association of America launched a legal battle against the filesharing networks BitTorrent and eDonkey.

Studios launch campaign against BitTorrent


AP - Houston at St. Louis (8:19 p.m. EDT). Game 7 of the NL championship series.

Baseball Today (AP)


Bangladeshi garment exporters are poised to breathe a sigh of relief as China has decided to impose tariffs on some of its textile export items in preparation of the upcoming global textile quota phase-out.

China to impose tariffs on some textile exports


John Olerud reveled in his return to Safeco Field by slapping a two-run single that lifted the Yankees and saved Esteban Loaiza from a defeat.

Olerud Bails Out Loaiza in His Latest Bungled Audition


s collisions go, the one taking place in the vicinity of the constellation Hydra is a doozy. Out there, some 800 million light-years from Earth, two galactic clusters - one with about 1,000

When Clusters Collide


Attorneys for US Airways hope to convince a bankruptcy court judge in Alexandria today that without substantial pay cuts, the airline will go out of business.

US Airways to Request Court-Ordered Pay Cuts


AFP - British voters would turf President George W. Bush out of office in favour of John Kerry by an overwhelming majority if the November 2 US election was being held in their country, a poll said.

Britons would vote overwhelmingly for Kerry in US election: poll (AFP)


ATHENS (Reuters) - It is not the color they bargained on,  but the U.S. men's basketball team were happy on Saturday to  take any medal they could get their hands on.

U.S. Men Salvage Some Pride with Basketball Bronze


John Kerry has lurched from course to course during his presidential campaign, periodically switching drivers and roadmaps -- and messages -- as he reacts to more and more information and advice.

A Focused Senator, But Indecisive Candidate


A music retailer from the Netherlands beats Apple by launching a download service in Europe's latest market battleground. Also: Movie industry wrests agreement from defunct company.... Microsoft challenges Photoshop   hellip;. and more.

Dutch Firm Beats Apple to Punch


The NBA comes down hard on the Pacers, suspending Ron Artest for the rest of the season, Stephen Jackson for 30 games and Jermaine O'Neal for 25.

Artest Out for Season


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

Ford Boosts Profit Outlook, Closes Plant


INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- David Carr would like to finally get a win against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts Sunday when the AFC South teams meet for the first time this season.

Houston vs. Indianapolis


Georgia said on Friday its troops had withdrawn after seizing strategic ground in a rebel territory, in a move sure to be welcomed by Washington alarmed at a drift toward war in an economically vital region.

Georgia Announces Troop Pullback in Rebel Region


RIM #39;s new 7100 design is now coming to Vodafone, complete with their new SureType keyboard for more space-efficient typing. Research In Motion #39;s latest BlackBerry

RIM BlackBerry 7100v goes to Vodafone


Captials prospect Alexander Ovechkin leads five different goalscorers as Russian edges the touring NHL World Stars, 5-4, in Moscow on Saturday.

Russians Defeat NHLers


TORONTO, Aug. 18  McDonald #39;s restaurants has announced an agreement to accept MasterCard PayPass, a new  quot;contactless quot; payment option utilizing radio frequency technology at select McDonald #39;s restaurants in the United States. Participating McDonald #39;s ...

McDonald #39;s to use cashless payment system


It is a management truism that low morale among workers leads to low productivity, low quality, erosion of customer loyalty and, ultimately, lower profits.

Airlines vicious circle of weak finances and low morale


Goodyear Tire  amp; Rubber, the biggest North American tiremaker, has agreed to sell its 95 percent stake in an Indonesian rubber-plantation unit to Bridgestone to end production of natural rubber and focus on tires.

Goodyear sharpens focus as it sells plantation unit


Reuters - A ship containing toxic waste sank on\Monday after being moored in a Turkish harbor for four years,\sparking fears among environmentalists of serious damage to\local marine life.

Ship with Toxic Waste Sinks Off Turkish Coast (Reuters)


Geoff Ogilvy, buoyed by one of the most unlikely pars of his life, overcame a mediocre start to charge back into contention after the third round at the Funai Classic at Disney World.

Ogilvy signals intentions at Classic


An internal Halliburton Co. investigation has uncovered handwritten notes suggesting that former employees considered offering bribes to Nigerian officials a decade ago to secure work in a \$5 billion project to build a natural gas liquefaction plant.

Bribery Considered, Halliburton Notes Suggest


Genevish writes  quot;According to an article in the Register, Microsoft and the Newham Council in London have signed an agreement making Microsoft the preferred vendor for the council, instead of the original hybrid MS / Open Source plan. The council was very ...

Microsoft Funded Study Deciding Factor in 10yr Deal


AP - The IOC has a word of advice for organizers of the 2008 Olympics  #151; prepare. Determined to avoid a repeat of the construction delays that threatened the Athens Games, Olympic officials arrived in Beijing on Wednesday.

IOC Urges Beijing to Get Ready for 2008 (AP)


Ivory Coast says 63 people have been killed in a week of clashes with French troops as it hands over military powers to a former head of its northern command, whose appointment is considered a provocation by both the rebels and France.

Ivory Coast appointment provokes rebels, France


American Airlines is recalling about 600 flight attendants on furlough, effective Nov. 17, in part due to a projected increase in international flights in December.

American Airlines to recall 600 flight attendants


A new floating mink trap developed in the UK incarcerates the predators while letting other species go free.

Stealthy doom floats up on mink


Chinese banking officials say they will not rush any moves to ease the yuan from its tight peg against the US dollar.

China holds firm over yuan reform


A new prequel to The Exorcist was the most popular film at North American cinemas at the weekend, taking \$18.2m.

Exorcist movie thrills box office


At Greensboro, NC, A heat wrap kept Brent Geiberger #39;s ailing hip from hurting, and his best consecutive rounds of the season took care of the rest.

Golf Roundup: Geiberger battles ailing hip, weather for lead at <b>...</b>


The killing of Adnan Al-Ghoul, the No. 2 leader of the Hamas military wing, is one of the most important assassinations Israel has carried out in the last few years, defense establishment officials told Army Radio on Friday.

Defense sources: Killing of top Hamas man will weaken terror


RedEnvelope is still in the red. Do investors have something to cheer about?

The Envelope, Please...


European Union regulators yesterday flexed their muscles by ordering an in-depth inquiry into plans by Microsoft and Time Warner to buy one of the world #39;s leading providers of anti-piracy software.

Microsoft faces new EC inquiry


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi delegates to a conference choosing a national assembly said Wednesday that radical Shi #39;ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr had agreed to government demands to end an uprising in the holy city of Najaf.

Iraqi Delegates Say Sadr Agrees to End Najaf Crisis


LONDON (Reuters) - A rise in crude oil prices for a second  day, a stalled recovery in the dollar and a crop of warnings in  the chip sector were set to push Wall Street lower at  Thursday's opening.

Oil, Dollar, Chips to Weigh on Wall St.


Former British PM Margaret Thatcher #39;s son arrested in South Africa for possible connection to alleged coup plot. After numerous rumors and allegations linking him to a plan to overthrow the leader of oil-rich

Son of  #39;Iron Lady #39; a coup plotter?


PARIS -- President Jacques Chirac dispatched his foreign minister to the Middle East yesterday to work for the release of two French reporters abducted in Iraq, vowing to spare no effort to free them from kidnappers demanding that France scrap its ban on Islamic headscarves in state schools.

French minister is dispatched to seek release of reporters


Indian spinner Anil Kumble takes his 400th Test wicket but Australia reach 316-5 at the close in Bangalore.

Cricket: Kumble hits milestone


From Staff And Wire Service Reports Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma keeps a list of 14 goals he wants his young basketball team to achieve in each game, and the Huskies accomplished nine of them yesterday.

UConn crushes Crusaders


High-quality, affordable TV on mobiles could be just what 3G operators are looking for, say researchers.

TV project aims to kick-start 3G


Former Bengal Corey Dillon found his stride Sunday in his second game for the New England Patriots. Dillon gained 158 yards on 32 carries as the Patriots beat the Arizona Cardinals, 23-12, for their 17th victory in a row.

Dillon rushes for 158 yards in Patriots #39; victory


MOTEGI, Japan: Local hope Makoto Tamada of Japan has taken pole position with a record lap time for the weekend Japan Grand Prix as world champion Valentino Rossi, seeking his fourth straight title, secured third place.

Motor Cycling: Japan #39;s Tamada grabs pole in Japan GP with <b>...</b>


TechWeb - Hired from IBM, CEO-elect John Swainson plans to move fast, without mimicking the software or services strategy of his former employer.

Computer Associates' Next CEO Gets To Work (TechWeb)


It doesn #39;t take a doctorate in football to recognize the differences between Joe Tiller #39;s tenure at Purdue and Ron Turner #39;s equally long stay at Illinois.

Big Ten openers haven #39;t treated Illini well


A giant rock spotted on the fringes of the Solar System has frozen water crystals on its surface, an intriguing discovery that suggests it may harbour volcanic activity, a study says.

Enigmatic deep-space object may have a hot secret


Description: US forces clash again in Najaf with fighters loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Efforts by the Iraqi government to reach a disarmament deal with Sadr are at an impasse, and his forces continue to hold the Imam Ali shrine.

Najaf Fighting Flares; Sadr Forces Hold Shrine


According to several baseball officials, District residents could learn on Thursday that Major League Baseball plans to return to the national capital next season.

Baseball Announcement Could Come Thursday


Harrison agreed to a six-year, \$66 million contract with the team on Wednesday that includes a \$22 million signing bonus, according to a league source who requested anonymity.

Harrison signs \$66M deal with Colts


LONDON (Reuters) - Parliamentarians will table a motion on  Wednesday demanding a debate on Prime Minister Tony Blair's

Politicians Seek Debate on Blair's Iraq 'Misconduct'


BASEBALL Baltimore (AL): Placed 1B David Segui on 15-day disabled list. Colorado (NL): Recalled P Chin-hui Tsao from Colorado Springs (PCL). Oakland (AL): Purchased C Mike Rose from Sacramento (PCL); designated INF Ramon Castro for assignment. San Diego (NL): Recalled OF Freddy Guzman, C Humberto Quintero and P Brian Sweeney from Portland (PCL). Texas (AL): Activated P Juan Dominguez; placed ...

Transactions


MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers may have lost the war - losing three games to the San Francisco Giants - but they won the battle against slugger Barry Bonds.

BREWERS: Another loss, but Bonds held homerless


SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame found a familiar way to make its problems go away -- beat Michigan.

Freshman mixer


Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger heaped praise on striker Thierry Henry after the Frenchman #39;s double helped the champions to a 4-0 victory over Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

Wenger praises  #39;special #39; Henry


Okay, let #39;s all agree: Nobody likes to pay taxes. That #39;s why the major candidates for president and many other politicians standing for election this year favor tax cuts or something they call tax reform.

Tilting at an Immovable Code


The dollar kept close to the previous session #39;s one-week highs against the euro and Swiss franc on Thursday, holding steady as investors awaited US data to confirm fresh signs of strength in US manufacturing.

Dollar Holds Firm Before CPI, Philly Fed


Users at Storage Networking World are developing information life-cycle management schemes within their storage networks to more efficiently and cost-effectively store data according to business policies.

Storage Networking World: ILM a business matter


Racing at Spa is tricky enough in the dry but every conceivable obstacle was put in the way of the teams yesterday as drizzle and the occasional bout of rain visited this corner of the Ardennes during qualifying for today #39;s Belgian Grand Prix.

Trulli and Alonso profit from Renault #39;s compromise


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- The magazine known for evaluating cars and electronics is setting its sights on finding the best value and quality of prescription drugs on the market.

#39;Best #39; ratings a response to rising costs, safety concerns


ISN SECURITY WATCH (25/11/04) - Syrian President Bashar Assad told a top UN envoy on Wednesday he was ready to resume peace talks with Israel  quot;without conditions quot;.

Syria ready for talks with Israel without conditions


Jason Giambi is expected to rejoin the Yankees Tuesday to continue his rehabilitation. The five-time all-star has not played since July 23.

Giambi Set to Return


Talks on setting up an Iraqi assembly continue despite fresh violence in Baghdad and the Shia stronghold of Najaf.

Tense Iraq debates new assembly


THROUGHOUT these Olympics it was feared that the only thing British sprinters would live up to was the negative predictions of those who said they would never mount a challenge to the all-conquering USA representatives.

The awesome foursome


AP - Prime Minister John Howard's government warned that Australia could become a terrorist target during a six-week election campaign that began Monday, with the war on terror and the nation's troop deployment in Iraq already taking center stage.

Australia Has Terror Worries for Election (AP)


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi  urged an Iraqi court Monday to speed up proceedings against  toppled leader Saddam Hussein and his close aides.

Speed Up Saddam's Trial, Allawi Tells Court


Reuters - U.S. Treasuries prices were a shade\firmer on Thursday, though gains were tentative at best as a\drought of major data left the market at the mercy of volatile\oil price changes.

Treasuries Tick Higher, Curve Flattens (Reuters)


America Online Inc. is preparing to fire more than 700 employees in early December -- mostly at the company #39;s Northern Virginia headquarters -- a cost-cutting move tied to the firm #39;s continuing

AOL Cutting More Than 700, Most in Virginia


The Israeli army killed nine Palestinians in Gaza yesterday as it poured its forces into the coastal strip, expanding a ground offensive intended to root out militants firing rockets into Israeli towns.

War On Terror Column


The chief executive of Gold Fields, the South African gold producer, yesterday said he would urge the board to turn down an \$8.1billion (4.

Gold Fields chief calls 4.5bn bid  #39;inadequate #39;


AP - A fish known for its voracious appetite and ability to wreak havoc on freshwater ecosystems was found in Chicago's Burnham Harbor, alarming state biologists.

Biologists Worried Over Alien Fish in U.S. (AP)


But on national television Friday night, and in a first-person story posted on a magazine #39;s Web site, the alleged mastermind of the BALCO sports doping scandal seemingly

BALCO founder goes public in sports steroids scandal


Reuters - Higher raw material costs and lower ice\cream sales in Europe ate into Nestle's (NESN.VX) first-half\results, sending shares in the world's largest food group down\over five percent on Wednesday amid concerns about its\long-term profitability.

Weak Ice Cream Sales Melt Nestle's Profit (Reuters)


MontaVista proposes a modification that could help boost the operating system for cell phones and GPS receivers.

A new direction for Linux for gadgets


Former investment adviser Martin Armstrong pleaded innocent Friday to new charges that he bilked investors out of nearly \$3 billion.

Former financier Armstrong pleads innocent to fraud


Telecom Italia (TLIT.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday offered to buy out minority shareholders in its mobile arm TIM in a 21 billion

UPDATE 8-Telecom Italia approves 21 bln euro TIM buyout


LONDON (Reuters) - European shares fell and government  bonds rose on Monday following an attack on a U.S. consulate in  Saudi Arabia and as Friday's weak U.S. jobs data continued to  chip away at economic confidence.

Shares Dip Amid Economic, Security Fears


Humana Inc. reported sharply higher third-quarter earnings Monday on the strength of broad gains in the health benefit company #39;s commercial and government business.

Update 1: Humana Reports Sharply Higher 3Q Profit


TechWeb - With more native drivers than ever, Pervasive Software's data integration suite packs a punch.

The Post-Merger Pervasive (TechWeb)


Reuters - Israel's Supreme Court has\temporarily barred the removal of thousands of tons of rubble\from Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site in response to a\petition by archaeologists, officials said Tuesday.

Court Bars Rubble Removal from Jerusalem Shrine (Reuters)


LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigerian unions on Monday suspended a  general strike due to start on Tuesday after the government  agreed to reduce domestic fuel prices, union leaders said.

Nigerian Union Withdraws Strike Threat


Ralph Lauren's latest designs didn't debut on catwalks in New York or Paris but inside a narrow storefront on Newbury Street.

Gunning to be BMOC


AP - Travis Diener scored 29 points despite playing with a sprained ankle, and led unbeaten Marquette past No. 24 Wisconsin 63-54 Saturday night.

Marquette Upsets No. 24 Wisconsin, 63-54 (AP)


AP - Derrek Lee drove in five runs with a three-run homer and a two-run double, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 12-4 Friday night for their fifth straight win.

Streaking Cubs Smack Reds 12-4 (AP)


GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Islamic militant groups behind many suicide bombings dismissed yesterday a call from Mahmoud Abbas, the interim Palestinian leader, to halt attacks in the run-up to a Jan. 9 election to replace Yasser Arafat.

Militants rebuff Abbas truce idea


NewsFactor - AMD (NYSE: AMD) has unveiled a new mobile processor, adding to its portfolio of\chips for notebook PCs and keeping pace with Intel's Centrino offering.

AMD Delivers New Mobile Processor (NewsFactor)


DHAKA (Reuters) - Angry mobs ransacked a railway station  and burned train coaches in Bangladesh on Sunday, officials  said, as sporadic violence erupted after grenade attacks on an  opposition party rally killed at least 17 people.

Sporadic Violence in Bangladesh After Rally Attack


The king of Thailand appeals for the military and police to work together to restore peace in Thailand's south.

Thai king in southern peace plea


The National Association of Realtors reports sales of previously owned US homes fell 2.9 percent in July. The Realtors said resales in July fell to 6.72 million single-family

Existing home sales decline


NEW YORK - Verizon Wireless, the hulking champ of the cellular world, is about to meet a new contender. Any day now, the Federal Communications Commission is expected to recommend the approval of Cingular

Verizon Wireless Vs. Cingular Wireless


Reuters - Coffee lovers are digging deeper into\their pockets for their daily fix of the black brew.

Coffee Prices Perking Up 14 Percent (Reuters)


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

Oracle's PeopleSoft Bid Deadline Nears


Express version of BladeCenter chassis accommodates up to 14 dual-processor servers but costs under \$1,000 instead of about \$2,800.

IBM unveils low-cost blades


WENTWORTH, England : Ernie Els proved himself the master of the World Match Play championship on Sunday when he won a record breaking sixth title - beating England #39;s Lee Westwood 2 and 1 in the 36-hole final.

Golf: Els wins record sixth World Match Play title


I admit to being skeptical that the Teen-rated Burnout 3: Takedown, from Criterion Games and Electronic Arts, was going to be just another street-racing title.

Mayhem, for fun


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

End Headscarf Ban, Iraq Hostage Takers Warn France


A sea of runners race through Millenium Park in downtown during Chicago the annual Chicago Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh).

Rutto Wins 2nd Straight Chicago Marathon


A fossil unearthed in China may provide a first look at dinosaurs #39; bird-like sleep. Xu Xing, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Mark Norell, of the American Museum of Natural History, said in a report

New dinosaur fossil dug up to give view of bird-like sleep


Google Inc.'s initial public offering of stock remained on hold Tuesday after the Securities and Exchange Commission delayed final approval of the company's prospectus. The  delay did not appear to involve any major new issues, and the company continued to maintain  that its IPO is on track. <FONT face=

Google Offering Waits For SEC Approval


US scientists have unraveled the genetic map of a microscopic algae that absorbs huge amounts of greenhouse gases. These organisms are incredibly important in the global carbon cycle, said Virginia Armbrust

US scientists map genome of greenhouse gas-eating algae


THESSALONIKI, Greece (Reuters) - Iraq's Olympic soccer  coach said Monday his side should not be seen as a symbol of  freedom, taking issue with a campaign commercial for President  Bush.

Soccer: We're No Symbol of Freedom, Iraq Coach Says


Five voting machine makers have agreed for the first time to submit their software to the National Software Reference Library for safekeeping, federal officials said

E-vote vendors to submit software for safekeeping, possible recounts


A freeware Bible reader is gaining fans--and proving again that Apple's iPod could be a saving grace for e-books.

Playing god: BiblePlayer for iPod catches on


A federal jury on Tuesday convicted a former businessman of lying about his ties to a terrorist leader, marking the second time Soliman S. Biheiri has been found guilty in a sprawling probe into whether Islamic charities in Northern Virginia were financing terrorist organizations.

Man Guilty in Case of Terror Ties


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Sports Network) - Roger Powell Jr. scored  19 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead fifth-ranked  Illinois to a lopsided 91-73 win over No. 1 Wake Forest in the  ACC/Big Ten Challenge at Assembly Hall.

College Basketball: Illinois Defeats Wake Forest


The overall Linux market is far larger than previous estimates show, a new study says. In an analysis of the Linux market released late Tuesday, market research firm IDC estimated that the Linux market -- including

Linux Looms Larger Than Thought


Bee Staff Writer. SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Padres returned the favor, and the playoff-chasing Giants gladly accepted it before a disappointed record crowd of 45,389 at Petco Park.

It #39;s on to LA for the Giants


TOKYO Global sales of semiconductor equipment will fall short of forecasts this year and shrink next year, according to a survey of manufacturers released Wednesday.

Outlook for chip gear dims


Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou's coach believes they will be cleared by the IOC.

Sprinters' coach confident


First TVs, new printers, long-lasting inks, and projectors are targeted at living room and office.

HP Unveils Cavalcade of Consumer Products


AP - The presidential campaign has left Arizona behind. Democratic Sen. John Kerry made four visits and spent nearly  #36;4 million on television commercials in an attempt to make the state competitive. But polls this fall show President Bush with a comfortable lead, and Kerry has tabled plans for advertising in the first week of October.

Campaigns Leave Red State Arizona Behind (AP)


The Bison collect their first road victory of the season, 10-7, against Bethune Cookman on Saturday. Jarah Williams catches the game-winning touchdown pass.

A First for Howard


WASHINGTON: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan threw the diplomatic world into a tizzy on Wednesday by bluntly declaring that the US decision to invade Iraq in March 2003 was illegal.

Iraq war illegal, says Annan


Starbucks, the largest US chain of coffee shops, plans to raise its beverage prices by year #39;s end to cover higher costs for milk and health insurance amid slowing sales.

Starbucks beverage prices to rise by end of the year


The bodies of 80 victims killed in the Beslan school hostage-taking, including 48 children, remain unidentified at morgues in North Ossetia and Rostov-on-Don, the southern regional

Bodies of 80 Beslan terror victims remain unidentified


Shoppers spent more freely in July as consumer spending rose slightly, though tepid growth in personal income raised concern about whether the trend will continue.

Consumer Spending Up Following June Decline


Boston Scientific Corp. reported a 69 percent increase in sales and a doubling of earnings for the third quarter. The Natick, Mass.

Sales, profits, rise for Boston Scientific


BT may be fined if found to have broken competition rules, Ofcom says, but BT says it has been cleared.

BT may face anti-competition fine


SAN ANTONIO -- With big, bad Ben Wallace back in the lineup, the Detroit Pistons almost rallied from a big deficit for a big win. A bigger night from their big man might #39;ve helped.

Wallace Returns, Pistons Lose Spurs 80, Pistons 77


Signing shortstop Cristian Guzman and third baseman Vinny Castilla indicate that Washington GM Jim Bowden takes seriously his pledge to aggressively assemble a competitive team.

Hot Stove Truth  amp; Rumors: Nov. 17, 2004


AP - Business communications software provider Avaya Inc. said Tuesday that it agreed to purchase Tenovis GmbH  amp; Co., a German provider of voice and data communications systems for European small and mid-sized business customers, from affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts  amp; Co.

Avaya Agrees to Buy Germany's Tenovis (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Shares of Google Inc. gained more  than 15 percent on Friday, to trade at more than twice the  level of its cut-price IPO, after the Web search leader  delivered strong quarterly results in its first reported  quarter as a public company.

Google Results Evoke 'Dot-Com' Fervor


The incredible shrinking handheld market continued its decline in the third quarter, with market leader palmOne (PLMO:Nasdaq - news - research) continuing to lose its stature, according to a report issued Wednesday.

Smartphones Put Handhelds on Hold


The Associated Press By Rachel Konrad

News: HP says 'virus throttling' software could slow spread of computer worms


Deutsche Bank (DB:NYSE - news - research) and Thomas Weisel Partners, two holdouts from last year #39;s so-called global settlement involving tainted Wall Street research, have finally reached their own deals with regulators.

Deutsche Bank, Thomas Weisel Join Research Settlement


AP - Juwan Howard scored 20 points, Yao Ming added 14 points and 11 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets kept Memphis winless this season, beating the Grizzlies 90-87 on Tuesday night despite losing Tracy McGrady to a hip injury.

Rockets Defeat Winless Grizzlies 90-87 (AP)


Afghan and American troops seal off the diplomatic district in  Kabul after a rocket explodes in the area.

Kabul explosion on eve of polls


US captain Hal Sutton has dumped Masters champ Phil Mickelson for the morning fourball matches on day two of the battle for golf #39;s Ryder Cup against the Europeans.

Woods woeful in Ryder Cup


The Palestinian struggle for freedom and independence is larger than the late President Yasser Arafat. The decades-long symbolism that Arafat embodied should not be underestimated.

The Palestinian struggle is greater than Arafat


AP - A Japanese civilian taken hostage in Iraq by militants has been killed, Kyodo News agency reported Saturday, citing a member of Japan's ruling party. But national broadcaster NHK said the government was still trying to confirm the information.

Report: Japanese Hostage Killed in Iraq (AP)


TRENTON, N.J. -- Lucent Technologies Inc. and two labor unions agreed yesterday to give themselves one more day to avoid a possible strike.

Lucent, unions delay pact deadline


The deal with the Defense Logistics Agency could be worth as much as \$290 million for the computing giant.\

HP grabs defense deal


When solution providers look back on Symantec #39;s acquisition of Veritas Software, they will likely remember it as the moment security and storage officially became joined at the hip.

Security, Storage To Merge


For most 20-year-olds a night on the town ends with a long wait for the last bus home. Not so Prince Harry. His latest fracas concluded with him being bundled into a limousine by royal protection officers

3am tussle that put Harry in the frame


HARRY REDKNAPP ended his two-and-a-half year roller-coaster ride on the south coast, insisting the situation was in danger of becoming a soap opera.

It #39;s like a bad soap


The Bethesda Chevy-Chase field hockey team recovers from two losses on Saturday to beat Whitman, 2-1, Monday.

No. 4 B-CC Rebounds


Apple Computer has agreed to recall about 28,000 batteries used in its 15-inch PowerBook G4 laptop computers, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission says.

Apple to recall laptop batteries


AP - The San Francisco 49ers' game Sunday in New Orleans could be moved or even postponed because of Hurricane Ivan, but the players and coaches are only worried about safety.

Ivan May Delay or Move 49ers-Saints Game (AP)


Campbell Soup Co., the world #39;s biggest soupmaker, said fourth-quarter profit declined 20 percent, the biggest drop in more than two years, because of falling sales and costs to fire workers.

Campbell #39;s 4th-Qtr Net Drops 20 on Higher Costs (Update4)


MILAN General Motors and Fiat on Wednesday edged closer to initiating a legal battle that could pit the two carmakers against each other in a New York City court room as early as next month.

Fiat and GM prepare talks to avoid costly lawsuits


To me, the Thanksgiving holiday is the beginning of a six- week stretch filled with food, family and fun. A time to reflect about the things I #39;m thankful for as well as enjoy

Clenched fists now the norm


Names Colin Montgomerie overcame a few obnoxious fans and a pairing with Tiger Woods to post a 4-under-par 67 and take a two-shot lead in the Target World Challenge in Thousand Oaks, Calif., yesterday. Montgomerie was hardly intimidated playing with the tournament host, needing only four holes to put four shots between them on the leaderboard of the 16-man tournament. ...

Montgomerie leads World Challenge


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Clothing retailer Limited Brands Inc.  <A HREF=

Limited 2nd-Quarter Earnings Climb


MUMBAI: Japanese stocks fell due to telecommunications stocks which accounted for more than third of the index #39;s drop. Japan #39;s Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 0.7 per cent to 11,131.

Nikkei slides


At least one person is killed apparently heeding a top Iraqi cleric's call to march on Najaf, where a stand-off continues.

Iraqi killed on 'march to Najaf'


AFP - Bill Clinton will return to the campaign trail on behalf of Democratic candidate John Kerry, party officials said, six weeks after the still-popular former president underwent heart surgery to bypass blocked arteries.

Clinton to return to campaign trail Monday (AFP)


KHARTOUM, Sudan -- The World Food Program has suspended its operations in most of the Sudanese state of North Darfur and relocated its staff to the capital because of renewed clashes between rebels and government forces, the UN agency said Thursday.

UN pulls food aid from Darfur


ABC has pulled its contract offer to the Bowl Championship Series, a move that could result in three of college football's biggest games moving to another network.

ABC Shuns BCS


With the presidential election less than six weeks away, activists and security experts are ratcheting up concern over the use of touch-screen machines to cast votes.

A Touchy Debate Over Voting


ELEANOR HALL: Hundreds of French reinforcements have been sent to stop escalating violence in Ivory Coast. On the weekend, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of the commercial capital Abidjan to

French troops sent to quell Ivory Coast unrest


Maryland still has a chance, although improbable, to claim a bowl berth. To do so, the Terps need to beat Virginia Tech and win their season finale against Wake Forest.

Terps Take Stock


So he would be flipping channels late into Tuesday evening and again very early Wednesday morning to monitor coverage of the American presidential election on the wide, flat-screen television

For Chirac and Others, a Close Eye on US Vote


AP - International Business Machines Corp. and LG Electronics Inc. will end an eight-year alliance that helped expand the U.S. computer maker's presence in the booming South Korean PC market.

IBM, LG Electronics to End Joint Venture (AP)


The US Supreme Court, as expected, let stand a ruling against Visa and MasterCard for anti-competitive practices on Monday, handing a victory to their arch-rival American Express.

Supreme Court upholds ruling against Visa


US stock futures were moving into negative territory early Monday at the start of a quiet earnings and a noisy political week. Dow Jones futures were down 28 points recently, while Nasdaq futures declined 8 points and S amp;P futures were down 3.4 points.

Stocks Set to Open Lower on Quiet Earnings


Bain Capital, a Boston private-equity firm, has agreed to buy the Canadian phone-directory business of Verizon Communications Inc. for \$1.54 billion. SuperPages Canada is the nation's second-largest publisher of phone directories. The deal includes online directories. SuperPages Canada had \$293 million in revenue last year. (Beth Healy)

Bain acquires SuperPages Canada


LITTLE CHUTE, Wis. - Cheese maker Bob Gilbert is struggling with his good fortune and his misfortune...

Demand Soars for Laughing Cow Cheese


Japan raced against the clock yesterday to free a young Japanese hostage in Iraq but had little reason for hope less than a day before the deadline set by al-Qaida-linked militants for his killing.

Japanese races to free hostage; hopes fading


Worries about how well SP2 will work with existing software, combined with concerns about possible security vulnerabilities, have led many corporates to hold back from installing the security update.

Security Flaws Found in SP2


WASHINGTON : The upbeat outlook from Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan has failed to convince many economists, who argue that the United States is likely to see tepid growth at best in the near future.

Rosy outlook from Greenspan fails to sway many economists


President Robert Mugabe called for unity in his ruling Zanu-PF party yesterday despite suspending six senior party officials over who will succeed the 80-year-old leader.

Mugabe calls for party unity amid suspensions


Huntington, W.Va., golfer Pat Carter has advanced to the second round of match play at the US Mid-Amateur golf tournament. Carter defeated Scott Crawshaw of Pasadena, Calif.

Carter advances to second round at US Mid-Amateur


Legislation to temporarily ban taxing Internet access is poised for approval this week after the US Senate approved the legislation and worked out wording acceptable to Congress.

Ban On Internet Access Taxes Poised For Approval


AP - The Red Cross and other international aid organizations have not been able to enter the conflict zone in Fallujah in more than a week of fighting, the agency said Monday, as concern spread about the civilians trapped inside the embattled Iraqi city.

Aid Groups Worry About Fallujah Citizens (AP)


Two days of pre-trial hearings began Monday at a US Army base in Mannheim, Germany, for four of seven US soldiers charged in the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal that took place at Abu Ghraib prison outside of Baghdad.

Abu Ghraib hearings begin in Germany


IOWA CITY, Iowa (Sports Network) - Drew Tate completed  15-of-24 passes for 186 yards with three touchdowns and three  interceptions to lead No. 17 Iowa over ninth-ranked Wisconsin,  30-7, in the regular season finale for both squads with the Big  Ten championship on the line at Kinnick Stadium.

Iowa Upsets Wisconsin to Grab Share of Big Ten Title


Counsell was a member of Arizona #39;s 2001 World Series championship team as well as the 1997 world champion Florida Marlins. He was the Most Valuable Player of the 2001 National

Craig Counsel rejoins Diamondbacks


Over three days, 12-man teams from the US and Europe will play a total of 28 matches. Each match win is worth one point; tied matches result in a half-point for each team.

Ryder Cup format


France flew home its nine dead soldiers from the Ivory Coast yesterday. The nine died in violence at the weekend that presented a bleak contrast to the long-cultivated image of the

Nation shocked by hatred shown


Shares of Overstock.com hit an all-time high Monday after the online retailer said it posted the largest sales in its history on the day after Thanksgiving.

Overstock.com Shares Hit All-Time High


AP - Hamid Karzai was closing in Sunday on a majority of the votes in Afghanistan's landmark presidential election, leaving only an investigation of alleged irregularities between the U.S.-backed incumbent and a five-year mandate.

Karzai on Brink of Victory in Afghanistan (AP)


Reuters - China's explosive economic growth is\outpacing environmental protection efforts, leaving the country\awash in

Booming China Awash in 'Out of Control' Acid Rain (Reuters)


Nike Inc., the world #39;s largest shoemaker, on Thursday said its profit grew 46 percent in the second quarter as its sales gained traction in the US, Chinese, Russian and Turkish markets.

Nike 2Q Profit Rises 46 Percent


MICROSOFT is working on technology that will give companies more control over whether to prohibit devices that can easily be used to transfer data to and from personal computers.

Longhorn locked against theft by iPod


The board of PeopleSoft Inc. yesterday rejected Oracle Corp. #39;s \$24-a-share hostile takeover bid as too cheap, but said it was open to a deal at a higher price.

PeopleSoft Directors Reject Oracle #39;s Offer


CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. - NASA #39;s departing chief says he stands by his decision to cancel a shuttle mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.

No regrets on Hubble repairs, departing NASA chief says


IBM said Wednesday that it has sewn up outsourcing deals with two Danish companies valued at more than \$1 billion over 10 years, reinforcing its strength in Europe.
ADVERTISEMENT

<img src=

IBM scores \$1B in Danish contracts


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Bankrupt US Airways Group filed a court motion Friday evening seeking permission to make pay cuts totaling \$38 million per month, saying that the move is necessary to preserve about 34,000 jobs.

US Airways files motion for pay cut


Wall Street stocks ended higher Wednesday, boosted by a late-day rally despite the record crude oil price of more than 52 US dollars per barrel.

Wall Street stocks enjoy late-day rally despite high oil price


Rutgers #39; Nikki Jett (13) fouls Temple #39;s Cynthia Jordan (1) in the second half Monday, Dec. 13, 2004, in Philadelphia. Unranked Temple beat No.

Temple Defeats No. 22 Rutgers 71-60


TALKS between the United States and the European Union over subsidies for rival aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing ended last night without agreement.

Talks with Boeing on Airbus subsidies deadlocked


ATHENS (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of athletes,  officials and visitors waved goodbye to Athens in a  post-Olympics exodus on Monday, leaving city officials to probe  a doping scandal that tarnished an otherwise dream Games.

Athens Waves Goodbye After 'Dream' Games


SPACE.com - I once thought that worrying about what we should broadcast to extraterrestrials made as much sense as fretting over the small talk I'd venture with King Carl XVI Gustaf if I won the Nobel Prize. I reckoned there was no need to dwell on the problem, as it was both hypothetical and irrelevant.

What Do You Say to An Extraterrestrial? (SPACE.com)


Sanath Jayasuriya struck a cavalier 96 not out to lead Sri Lanka #39;s fightback against Pakistan after a century by Inzamam-ul-Haq on the third day of the second test on Saturday.

UPDATE 2-Jayasuriya leads Sri Lanka fightback in Karachi


The \$41 billion cash purchase of Redmond-based AT amp;T Wireless by Cingular, likely to close this week, means long-term good news for customers, a decidedly mixed picture for shareholders and employees, and big payout to top AT amp;T Wireless executives.

The winners and losers in the AT amp;T Wireless deal


US authorities begin relief operations as south-eastern states continue to assess Hurricane Ivan's impact.

US takes stock of Hurricane Ivan


SEOUL A group of investors, including Donald Trump Jr., plans to invest \$3 billion to develop Yeongjong Island in Incheon, a South Korean lawmaker said Sunday.

A Trump takes look at Korea


Loyalist killer Ken Barrett has been sentenced to 22 years in jail for the murder of Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane at his north Belfast home in February 1989.

Barrett gets life sentence for Finucane murder


Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova surged into the Korea Open semifinals Friday with a comfortable 6-2, 6-1 win over Australian Samantha Stosur.

Sharapova advances to Korea Open semifinals


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Winn-Dixie Names Rival's Ex-Executive CEO


Reuters - Democrats raised new questions about\President Bush's Vietnam-era National Guard service on\Wednesday as White House hopeful John Kerry charged the Iraq\war was draining resources from the U.S. economy at home.

Democrats Question Bush's Service, Costs of War (Reuters)


Intel Corp. unveiled an update to its wireless networking technology Thursday, adding simpler software, improved security and support for a more robust, less interference-prone radio standard.

Intel updates Centrino wireless chips, software


IBM has unveiled today a new POWER5 system, the eServer i5 550, aimed at mid-sized businesses. The eServer i5 550 features a new Solution Edition, an offering now available with select software vendors. The new eServer i5 also delivers new capabilities ...

IBM Offers New POWER5 eServer i5 550


LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Top-ranked Southern California tries to win a school-record 21st straight home game and post a 20th consecutive victory overall when it hosts rival Notre Dame on Saturday.

Notre Dame


Oil futures prices surged to new heights above \$55-abarrel on Friday as concerns about the global supply of heating oil persist ahead of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Oil prices continue upward climb


The jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti has changed his mind again and pledged to run in the January presidential election, officials said.

Jailed Palestinian leader  #39;will now run in elections #39;


Airline stocks moved slightly higher Tuesday on hopes fuel costs might become more manageable after the head of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries said crude oil prices would likely retreat in the next few months.

Airline Shares Up on Oil Pricing Optimism


AP - Oxygen and food will be worrisomely low on the international space station by Christmas, and it's crucial that a Russian supply ship get there by then, a top NASA official said Friday.

NASA: Space Station Running Low on Oxygen (AP)


A boost in US crude supplies and the end of American election uncertainties brought some calm to oil markets Thursday, with crude futures falling but still holding above the \$50 mark.

Update 9: Crude Futures Hold Above \$50


Wireless telephone company Nextel Communications confirmed Wednesday it is being bought by rival Sprint in a cash and stock deal said to be worth more than \$35-billion US.

Sprint deal raises sponsorship questions


LOS ANGELES -- This is not the ultimate goal, that much is clear. The Cardinals have a much higher aspiration than winning one postseason series.

This is nice, but Cards not yet done


XM Satellite Radio will carry major league baseball games under a \$650 million, 11-year deal announced Wednesday, the latest move in a costly race with rival Sirius Satellite Radio to sign personalities and sports leagues as a way of winning customers. <FONT face=

XM, Baseball in \$650M, 11-Year Deal


AP - A new online medical journal will make its research articles available to the public free of charge and accessible through the Internet.

Medical Journal to Be Available Online (AP)


Cord blood offers an ethical means of using stem cells to heal illness.

Breaking Rules and Saving Lives


NEW YORK, October 19 (newratings.com) - US consumer prices increased by 0.2 in September this year, compared to an increase of 0.1 in the previous month.

US consumer prices accelerate


Prince Charles attends the premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Woman in White.

Royal approval for Woman in White


Juventus increased its lead in the Serie A on Saturday by beating newcomer Messina 2-1, ending the hopes of the unheralded Sicilian team to earn a historic first place in Italy #39;s top league.

Italy: Juventus increases lead


CHICAGO (Reuters) - General Mills Inc. <A HREF=

General Mills Profit Drops as Costs Rise


SAN FRANCISCO - Intel Corporation recently disclosed key technical details of its upcoming wireless broadband chip for WiMAX products, which will enable long-distance, high-speed wireless Internet access for homes and businesses.

Intel discloses WiMAX silicon plans


Rumor became reality Tuesday night as golf star Tiger Woods, 28, wed his girlfriend, Elin Nordegren, 24, at an exclusive Barbados resort, according to the Associated Press.

Tiger Woods ties the knot in style


For those who have been technology enthusiasts for years, there is a familiar war brewing in the technology industry. Mozilla, an open-source community of developers and testers that was started by Netscape

Bunker down, Browser Wars #39; are back


AP - Slobodan Milosevic angrily refused to work with two court-appointed lawyers Tuesday as they called the first witness in his war crimes defense case  #151; an elderly Serbian nationalist who taught the ex-Yugoslav leader law and advised the wartime Serbian government.

Hard-Line Serbian Defends Milosevic (AP)


Reuters - Yellow Roadway Corp.  on\Tuesday raised its third-quarter earnings outlook, citing\higher prices for its trucking services and better cost\controls.

Yellow Roadway Raises Profit Outlook (Reuters)


Larry Lucchino breezed into John W. Henry's office in Fenway Park yesterday afternoon carrying the newest ornament for the principal owner's desk: The William Harridge American League championship trophy, in which a golden eagle, brandishing the league banner, sits atop a silver baseball.

First impressions lasting for Henry


First-year coach Kelly Greenberg brought her Boston University squad to Philadelphia yesterday to face the team she played for in the late '80s. After 50 minutes of basketball, Greenberg had to leave the City of Brotherly Love with a loss, an 89-87 double-overtime thriller against La Salle.

Double overtime does in Terriers


CALIFORNIA #39;S MONTAVISTA HAS landed the deal to supply its Linux OS to two major Japanese handset providers, NEC and Panasonic.

MontaVista squares up to Symbian


AP - Sen. John Kerry said Wednesday night that President Bush bears responsibility for a misguided war in Iraq, lost jobs at home and mounting millions without health care. The Republican incumbent tagged his rival in campaign debate as a lifelong liberal bent on raising taxes and government spending.

Bush, Kerry Duel Over Health Care Plans (AP)


In the hours after Ty Willingham was fired by Notre Dame, ESPN News analsyst Trevor Matich (who looks, by the way, as if he could bench-press the entire College GameDay cast) implied something was askew about Willingham #39;s firing.

Irish #39;s lack of fight, Meyer #39;s availability ultimately cost <b>...</b>


The portable stereos that ruled city streets in the 1980s aren't shipping in high volumes anymore. But some sound artists are finding new ways to incorporate the devices into performances and ad-hoc radio networks. By Elizabeth Biddlecombe.

Boomboxes Are Hip Again


NewsFactor - Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM) (RIM) and mobile operating-system consortium Symbian have signed a deal that will enable BlackBerry Connect to run on Symbian-based

Nokia To Offer BlackBerry Software (NewsFactor)


(Gene Emery is a columnist who covers science and  technology. His Internet address is GEmery(at)Cox.net. Any  opinions in the column are his alone.)

Programs: For Stealth Lovers, 'Thief' Is a Steal


A videotape posted on an Iraqi Islamist web site shows what appears to be the beheading of three members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, which cooperates with the Baghdad government.

Insurgent Video Shows Apparent Beheadings in Iraq


AP - Fox Sports Networks will carry Arena League regular-season games on 11 of its regional networks in a deal announced Thursday.

Fox Sports Net to Televise AFL Games (AP)


USATODAY.com - Video games are so popular that even books about them are selling well. Hint-filled strategy guides now can sell more than 1 million copies, and long-awaited games are being given the kind of

Strategy guides are as hot as video games (USATODAY.com)


FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - A U.S. bombing raid on the  restive Iraqi town of Falluja, west of Baghdad, overnight  killed five people and wounded six, a hospital doctor said on  Friday.

Five Killed in U.S. Bombing of Iraq's Falluja


Kolkata: Sachin Tendulkar, who has been declared fit to play the third Test against Australia at Nagpur, can play with his normal heavy bat, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) doctor Anant Joshi said on Saturday.

Tendulkar can use his normal bat: Dr Joshi


Company is holding back high-speed fiber service out of fear that it will have to lease the links to rivals at below its own cost.

Verizon blames federal rules for broadband holdup


KINGSTON, Jamaica - Hurricane Ivan lashed Jamaica with giant waves and winds nearing 155 mph early Saturday, but as panicked residents braced for a direct hit, the storm unexpectedly wobbled and lurched west, possibly sparing the island the worst of its fury.    The change in course could be good news for hurricane-weary Florida, since Ivan may now head off into the Gulf of Mexico...

Jamaica Possibly Spared Ivan's Worst Fury


The company running the Japanese nuclear plant hit by a fatal accident is to close its reactors for safety checks.

Japan nuclear firm shuts plants


Seattle pounded Anaheim pitchers for 24 hits Wednessday in a 16-6 rout of the Angels. Raul Ibanez had six hits and five RBI and Ichiro Suzuki had four hits to run his total to

MLB: Seattle 16, Anaheim 6


Chinese authorities have banned a Nike television commercial that features LeBron James battling cartoon martial arts masters.

China Bans Nike Ad


Martha Stewart released a statement today saying she is headed to a federal prison Alderson, W.Va., to serve her five-month sentence.

Martha heading to West Virginia jail


The Army has agreed to a Pentagon investigation into claims by a top contracting official that a Halliburton subsidiary unfairly won no-bid contracts worth billions of dollars for work in Iraq and the Balkans, according to Army documents obtained Sunday.

Army Faces Probe on No-Bid Deals With KBR


With oil near \$50 a barrel, the Bush administration said on Thursday it would negotiate with refineries that want to borrow oil from the federal emergency stockpile to offset supplies disrupted by Hurricane Ivan.

Gov #39;t Set to Make Oil Loans to Refiners


Irish lore is full of a figurative parting of clouds. This sign from above was literal, tangible and wet. So did the Trojans start to crank up their awesome offense about the time the rain stopped Saturday night?

Like a force of nature, USC keeps flattening foes


Test results released in Washington Monday indicate US 15-year-olds are performing below the international average in math and problem solving.

Test shows US students trailing in math


November 27, 2004 -- Forget the hoopla over the newly reopened Museum of Modern Art. Hop on the 7 train to Flushing, Queens, and you can go to Mars or the ice moon Europa, just past Jupiter.

Hall of a time


Local broadcast business reporter Bonnie Kirchner Bleidt said she didn't know anything about the alleged 20-year investment scam by her husband, Bradford C. Bleidt, before she received Bleidt's taped confession last Thursday at her office at radio station WBIX-AM, which he owns.

Bleidt's wife denies knowing of scam


The World Trade Organization imposed penalties Friday on US exports ranging from apples to textiles, escalating a trade dispute the Bush administration has struggled to defuse by unsuccessfully

WTO Imposes Penalties on US Exports


AFP - The opposition Labor Party renewed its pledge to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq if it wins October 9 elections, setting relations with ally Washington at the center of the election campaign.

Australia's Labor renews pledge to bring troops home from Iraq (AFP)


Torrential floods in southwest China have claimed at least 64 lives, prompting the beleaguered local government to seek help Monday from the military in rescuing hundreds trapped by mudslides and caved-in roads, state media reported.

Floods kill 64 in southwest China; search for the missing <b>...</b>


More than 200 European bird species, including 70 in the UK, are under threat, a study warns.

Group warns of threat to UK birds


The Arizona Diamondbacks called the New York Yankees again Monday in an effort to restart trade talks on Randy Johnson. Jeff Moorad, the Diamondbacks #39; incoming chief executive officer, called Yankees president

Diamondbacks call Yankees anew on Johnson


Seattle, WA, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- RealNetworks Inc., is taking on Apple Computer #39;s wildly successful iTunes Music Store with a half-price sale offering music downloads for 49 cents a song.

RealNetwork #39;s 49 cent downloads rile Apple


The internet could be made more secure, reliable and powerful by overlaying new networking technology on top of the existing backbone, according to the world #39;s leading microchip maker, Intel.

Internet  #39;overlay #39; could boost performance


WASHINGTON: Highlighting the dilemma facing US policymakers, Vice Chairman of the 9/11 Commission Lee Hamilton has said while US had  quot;problems quot; with Pakistan President Musharraf on issues of terrorism, nuclear proliferation and lack of democracy, it

#39;Problems with Musharraf but US needs him #39;


This image is one of the closest ever taken of Saturn #39;s hazy moon Titan. It was captured by Cassini #39;s imaging science subsystem on Oct. 26, 2004, as the spacecraft flew by Titan.

Titan #39;s First Close-Up


The Walt Disney Company's multimillion-dollar contract with Michael S. Ovitz was unreasonable and one of the most generous ever, a compensation expert testified.

Trial Witness Says Ovitz Pay at Disney Was Unreasonable


Sharman Networks, the company behind the Kazaa peer-to-peer file sharing software, began its defence in a Sydney court room on Tuesday against charges by members of the music industry that the company aided music piracy and copyright infringement.

Sharman begins defense in Kazaa case


OSLO (Reuters) - Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai  became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize on  Friday, honored for her work planting tens of millions of trees  to save the environment. The award marks a new theme in  interpreting the 1895 will of Sweden's Alfred Nobel, who  founded the prize.

Kenyan Green Activist Wins Nobel Peace Prize


Reuters - U.S. warplanes attacked the\rebel-held city of Falluja overnight, killing two people, a\witness said.

U.S. Air Strike on Iraq's Falluja Kills Two (Reuters)


The holiday shopping season got an unexpected twist of craziness Saturday when someone released pepper spray in an elevator at the Toys R Us store in Times Square, sending at least three people

Holiday shoppers hospitalized after spray released in toy store


Intel today launched its latest mobile Pentium chip designed for use in high-end desktop replacement laptops. The Pentium 4M 548 runs at 3.33GHz with 1MB Level 2 cache, and is built around Intel #39;s latest 90nanometre technology.

Intel unveils latest mobile chip


MAJOR JAPANESE manufacturer Sharp said it has succeeded in developing a 65-inch Aquos colour high definition LCD TV. The unit includes a 6.22 million dot panel and Sharp is showing it off at the Ceatec show in Japan this week.

Sharp shows off 65-inch LCD HDTV


TORONTO Press baron Conrad Black says he #39;d give up his posts as head of the Toronto-based Hollinger Incorporated to ease his plan to take the company private.

Black quitting posts at Hollinger Inc.


Google unveils its first desktop application for searching through personal files on the PC and through a person's Web history.

Screenshot 1 of 4: Google Desktop Search tool


SEOUL Samsung Electronics announced on Monday that it would be investing 25 trillion won in new chip production lines in the next six years, a move that it expects will create 10,000 jobs.

Samsung to expand in chips


Joanne Peters' 12-yard header in the 82nd minute gives Australia a 1-1 tie with the United States, while the Americans already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals.

Australia Ties U.S.


Canadian Press - MOSCOW (AP) - Responding to a string of deadly terror attacks, President Vladimir Putin on Monday moved to significantly strengthen the Kremlin's grip on power with new measures that include the naming of regional governors and an overhaul of the electoral system.

Putin moves to strengthen Kremlin's grip on power following terrorist attacks (Canadian Press)


CONCORD - When the fastest car in the race went out, it opened the door for everybody else. And that was six of the 10 drivers in the Chase for the Championship and it opened the door for a clean sweep.

Johnson completes sweep at Lowe #39;s


Reuters - General Motors Corp.  and Ford\Motor Co.  are expected to announce further cuts in\vehicle production levels this week as they move to trim\inventories of unsold cars and trucks following weak sales,\analysts said.

GM, Ford See Weak Sales, Production Cuts (Reuters)


Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge exits with a separated shoulder and Notre Dame capitalizes with an interception return for a touchdown to get by the No. 9 Volunteers, 17-13, on Saturday.

Irish Pick Off Upset


SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, AUGUST 29: Michael Schumacher claimed a seventh world championship despite only finishing second behind Kimi Raikkonen at an incident-filled Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Schumi seals seventh title


A massive rise in phishing attacks this year may lead on to customised email security attacks targeted specifically at individual or small groups of companies, according to email security firm MessageLabs.

News: Who would you like to attack today?


A PBS documentary makes the case that Americans have tuned out marketers pitching everything from cars to candidates. The result: even more crass attempts to get through, and a fragmentation of American society. By Jason Silverman.

Stop Trying to Persuade Us


SAN JOSE, CALIF. -- A Sun Microsystems official at the BorCon conference here on Tuesday touted the Java Community Process (JCP) for amending the Java programming language, but did not have any revelations pertaining to industry calls for making Java available under an open source format.

Sun exec: Community brings innovation to Java


including an HP-branded version of Apple #39;s iPod - designed with an eye toward pleasure, not business. At an event in Miami Beach, the

Digital ways to have fun


BANGKOK (Reuters) - Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk, now  83, sick and dismayed at political infighting in his  impoverished country as it tries to recover from the

Cambodian King Delays Return, Wants to Abdicate


Advanced Micro Devices and Infineon Technologies, which already have chip plants in Dresden, plan to invest E170 million over the next five years in a center for nanotechnology research there.

TechBrief: Chip firms invest in nanotech


At season #39;s end there was a lot of talk about the possibility of Sean Casey being traded. That notion became extremely unlikely on Friday afternoon when Reds general

Reds pick up Casey #39;s option


Lebanon #39;s Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri resigned Wednesday after the pro-Syrian president #39;s term was extended under what lawmakers called pressure from Damascus.

Lebanon PM Resigns, Says Will Not Head New Govt.


AP - Defenseman Dmitri Kalinin re-signed with the Buffalo Sabres late Tuesday, ending his threat to play next season in Russia.

Sabres Re-Sign Defenseman Dmitri Kalinin (AP)


It seemed inevitable for so long, yet so implausible Sunday night: Yankees vs. Red Sox, winner take all. With blood seeping through his sock, a grimace on his face and pride filling his heart, Curt Schilling

Schilling-led Red Sox win again, force Game 7


Computer security giant Symantec Corp. is buying storage and backup program specialist Veritas Software Corp. to create the world's fourth-largest software maker, marking the latest merger in an industry trend that's expected to compress the competition to a few juggernauts.

Symantec to acquire Veritas


Astana - Seoul, November. 12 KAZINFORM -- A ranking South Korean official on Friday argued it was too early to assume the country will be referred to the UN Security Council for its past nuclear experiments.

Too early to expect S. Korea #39;s referral to UN Security Council


WASHINGTON, Aug 17 (AFP) - The United States is eyeing tensions between Georgia and separatists in Abkhazia and South Ossetia while hoping US influence with Georgia #39;s new president can halt broader armed conflict in the Caucasus.

US Hopes Influence Can Quell Russian - Georgian Tensions


Net phone service and retailer push misleading products on consumers, Sipphone charges.

Free Net phone upstart sues Vonage, Fry's


US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage warned Ukraine today that a flawed presidential election could have dire consequences for the country #39;s relationship with the West.

Armitage warns Ukraine to stage free election


Pope John Paul II traveled to a hilltop shrine near the Adriatic Sea Sunday to celebrate an open-air Mass attended by tens of thousands of pilgrims.

Pope Celebrates Mass Near Hilltop Shrine


Israeli Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave his support Tuesday to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on his plan to invite the Labor Party into a unity government, Ha #39;aretz reported, citing an aide of Sharon.

Netanyahu backs Sharon #39;s plan for coalition with Labor


Accredo Health Inc. (ACDO), which provides pharmacy and treatment services for patients with chronic illnesses, on Monday slashed its profit forecast due to lower reimbursements from government

Accredo Cuts  #39;05 Forecast, Stock Plummets


Canadian Press - BEIJING (AP) - China signed contracts Monday worth nearly  #36;2.1 billion US to buy 23 Airbus jetliners and other German industrial goods.

China signs US #36;2.1B worth of contracts for 23 Airbus jets, German goods (Canadian Press)


Real Madrid #39;s match against Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu was abandoned with three minutes left and the score at 1-1 after police received a warning that a bomb would explode.

European round-up


CHELSEA assistant manager Steve Clark today fired out a warning to champions Porto ahead of tomorow #39;s (Australian time) Champions League Group H game.

Chelsea warning to champions


Defense wants to remake the armed services, and one of the critical tools would be a global, common networking architecture for US forces.

Vendor Consortium Works On Common Architecture For Defense Dept


Rebels commanders in the Iraqi city of Falluja said that they are not holding Margaret Hassan, the director of CARE International in Iraq who was kidnapped three days ago, and condemned her kidnapping.

Hassan not kidnapped by Iraqi rebels


Nortel Networks Corp., which is restating results back to 1999, said it had a third-quarter loss of 6 cents a share because of expenses related to job cuts and a wireless contract in India.

Nortel Has Third-Quarter Loss of 6 Cents on Costs (Update3)


Linz - Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo of France cruised to her fourth singles title this year, beating Russian Elena Bovina 6-2, 6-0 on Sunday in the final of the Generali Ladies #39; Open.

#39;Perfect #39; Mauresmo cruises in


Alitalia's talks with unions look set to continue into the weekend, as management struggle to reach a deal with cabin crew.

Alitalia deal still on the brink


AP - Democrat John Kerry joked Monday on

Kerry Does 'Top Ten' on Letterman Show (AP)


With a little help from NASA, students from McNair High School - which is named for an astronaut -ight play a role in future space exploration.

Space isn #39;t all astronauts


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Svetlana Kuznestova became the first Russian to advance to a US Open final after defeating American and former champion Lindsay Davenport in three sets on Friday at Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, NY.

All-Russian tennis final set for women #39;s US Open


PC World - Final version is expected this month; software will compete with Outlook express.

Mozilla Previews Thunderbird E-Mail App (PC World)


Oracle says it will nix the claim unless PeopleSoft shareholders agree to sell at least half their holdings by on Nov. 19.

Oracle may drop PeopleSoft lawsuit


Consumers' renewed worries about job prospects led to a bigger-than-expected drop in confidence in August and provided more evidence of the fragility of the economic expansion.

Consumer confidence plummets


Reuters - Iran has hanged three drug smugglers in\a public square in the southern province of Kerman, the\Jomhuri-ye Eslami newspaper reported on Saturday.

Iran Hangs Three Drug Smugglers in Public - Paper (Reuters)


AP - As the first signs of winter push into the Northeast, researchers have some good news for fair weather fans  #151; spring is coming earlier than it used to. The lilacs say so.

Spring Coming Earlier Than It Used To (AP)


Reuters - Germany said on Saturday that Italy's\opposition to its campaign for a permanent seat on the U.N.\Security Council could mean Europe loses out.

Germany Says Italy's UN Stance Will Hurt Europe (Reuters)


Jan Hudec thought he knew what it would be like. Turns out he was wrong -- its even better. Hudec, a Banffite, came out of the darkness that is the 62nd starting position

Hudec delighted by top 10 at Lake Louise


The Russian who made history when she became the first woman to win a gold medal at the sacred site of ancient Olympia has tested positive for an anabolic steroid.

Olympia champion has drug positive


LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers  #39; hold on the National League West Division lead got a little more secure thanks to Milton Bradley .

SI.com


PARIS : King Abdullah of Jordan held talks on the Middle East with President Jacques Chirac after warning in a newspaper interview that elections in Iraq are impossible in the current state of insecurity.

In Paris for talks, King Abdullah pessimistic on Iraqi elections


The Palestinian Authority Friday failed its first post-Arafat test to determine whether or not it was serious about making peace with Israel.

Palestinians fail first post-Arafat leadership test


His credentials as an economist and as a Finance minister were never in doubt, but now it appears that Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is becoming politically consummate as the representative of a billion plus people residing in a single country.

Economist Manmohan gets politically savvy!


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines Inc.'s pilots union on  Tuesday directed its negotiators to work out an agreement to  address the early retirement of a large number of pilots, which  threatens to push the No. 3 U.S. airline into a Chapter 11  bankruptcy filing.

Delta Pilots Tell Negotiators to Get Pact


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  decided on Thursday that Israeli forces could withdraw from a  teeming refugee camp in northern Gaza, media reports said.

Israel to Pull Forces from Gaza Refugee Camp -Reports


In what could be a breakthrough in the search for worlds, an international team of astronomers claims to have made an image of a planetlike object beyond our solar system.

First snapshot of a distant planet?


Google Inc. may be subject to the law of gravity, after all. Its shares, which more than doubled in the two months after the company's Aug. 19 initial public offering and traded as high as \$201.60 on Nov. 3, have slipped about 17 percent over the past two weeks. They closed at \$167.54 yesterday, down 2.88 percent for the day, ...

Red hot Google shares cooling


 By Duncan Martell

 SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - IBM is expanding and adding newtechnology to 11 of its data centers in North America, Europeand Asia to meet growing demand and rolled out new services tocustomers, the world's largest computer company said late onThursday.

IBM to Expand Data Centers Across World


Social-networking site will launch premium services next year. Among possibilities: helping recruiters do

LinkedIn looks to premium services for profit


New York Jets running back Curtis Martin on Sunday became the second player in NFL history to begin his career with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons.

Jets #39; Martin ties NFL rushing mark


WASHINGTON - People fishing for sport are doing far more damage to US marine fish stocks than anyone thought, accounting for nearly a quarter of the catch from overfished species, researchers said.

Fishing Just for Fun Damages Stocks, Study Finds


AFP - SAP, the world's leading maker of business software, may need an extra year to achieve its medium-term profit target of an operating margin of 30 percent, its chief financial officer said.

SAP sets back medium-term profitability targets (AFP)


Reuters - SBC Communications Inc.  will\use its growing roster of public Wi-Fi access points as a\springboard for Cingular Wireless services, including advanced\phones and voice services using Internet technology.

SBC to Use WiFi Network to Extend Cingular Reach (Reuters)


Charlton #39;s record of 49 goals for his country still remains intact despite playing his last international for England 34 years ago.

TARGET: Owen wants Bobby Charlton #39;s England goalscoring record of <b>...</b>


AP - Israel should stop building its West Bank separation barrier if Palestinian militants halt attacks, Israel's president was quoted as saying Thursday, in the most high-profile criticism yet of the contentious project.

Israel May End Construction of Barrier (AP)


Afghans turned out to vote in large numbers on Saturday, but Hamid Karzai and his rivals disputed the integrity of the vote.

Afghan Poll Is Mostly Calm, but Challengers Cry Foul


RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Yasser Arafat's nephew said yesterday his uncle may have died an  quot;unnatural quot; death, a statement certain to renew speculation among Palestinians and in the rest of the Arab world where many already believe the late leader was poisoned despite Israel's repeated and vehement denials.

Distrust on Arafat's demise


Mike McKenzie got his wish yesterday, seven months after asking out of Green Bay. The Packers sent the disgruntled cornerback and a future conditional sixth-round

Notebook: Green Bay trades McKenzie to Saints


Voters in Slovenia, Serbia and Georgia #39;s breakaway republic of Abkhazia cast ballots Sunday in elections for lawmakers and government leaders.

Slovenia, Serbia and Abkhazia Hold Elections Sunday


SANYA, CHINA -- Miss Peru, Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia, an aspiring high school teacher, was crowned Miss World 2004 last night in this southern Chinese beach resort.

Miss Peru crowned Miss World 2004


Kyle Orton found a way to win at Notre Dame, ending a 30-year drought for Purdue. Orton threw four touchdown passes, including a 97-yarder to Taylor Stubblefield, and Jerome Brooks returned a kickoff 100 yards

Top 25 Capsules


European Union competition authorities are expected Tuesday to clear unconditionally US firm Oracle #39;s hostile takeover of business software rival PeopleSoft, sources say.

EU set to clear Oracle-PeopleSoft takeover


BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A roadside bomb exploded near an American military patrol in Baghdad Saturday, injuring six soldiers, the US command said.

Roadside bomb injures six GIs in Iraq


CAPE TOWN, AUGUST 25: The son of former British PM Margaret Thatcher was arrested in South Africa on Wednesday on suspicion of involvement in a mercenary plot against the government of Equatorial Guinea.

Thatcher son held in S Africa probe for role in Guinea coup


DreamWorks Animation #39;s initial public offering scheduled Thursday may benefit from the company #39;s recent box-office success.

Anticipation builds for DreamWorks IPO


AP - Elections in January throughout Iraq are an achievable goal, the State Department said Monday, but it refused to predict the goal would be reached.

Feds Says Iraq Election in Jan. Feasible (AP)


After playing only two downs last Sunday against Tennessee, Randy Moss will get another opportunity to increase his role against the Giants.

How Much Will Moss Play?


Unlike their red-stockinged rivals, the Yankees weren't going to use their next scheduled starter -- Mike Mussina -- to relieve if things went bad early last night.

Torre: No chance of any early Moose sightings


Pakistan #39;s military says it will remove remaining Al-Qaeda fighters and other Islamic militants from the mountainous region along the country #39;s border with Afghanistan within the next six weeks.

Pakistan Prepares Final Push In South Waziristan


Georgetown's offense sputters in a 17-6 loss to Lafayette on Saturday. The defeat drops the Hoyas to 1-1 and keeps them from their first 2-0 start since 1999.

Hoyas Fall Short


NEW YORK, Sept. 7. - Former champion Lleyton Hewitt reached his third consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final by defeating Karol Beck of Slovakia 6-4, 6-2, 6-2, at the US Open today for his 14th consecutive victory.

Hewitt advances, Federer to face Agassi


ATHENS, Greece  Grit is now available in an economy size. It can be found in Carly Patterson, and in spades.

You don #39;t use a yardstick to measure grit


Gold medals are rare enough commodities but they become even more precious when won as unexpectedly as those by Britain #39;s 4x100 metres relay team on Saturday.

Sprinters turn base metal into pure gold


Storage Technology Corp. (StorageTek) acquired Storability Inc. on Thursday for an undisclosed sum in an attempt to boost the storage management and monitoring software delivery capabilities of its ILM (information lifecycle management) portfolio.

StorageTek Scoops Up Storability for ILM Portfolio


Australian CEOs are sitting on entitlements to nearly \$100 million in termination pay despite moves to rein in  quot;golden parachutes quot;.

CEOs sitting on entitlements: report


Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) is making its iTunes service a little more user friendly, by teaming up with eBay #39;s (Nasdaq: EBAY) PayPal to facilitate payments.

Apple PayPals Around


China is becoming increasingly alarmed that Microsoft is winning the lion #39;s share of too many government contracts to supply software.

Microsoft wins over China public sector


Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - A Muslim leader under attack for calling Jews

Vancouver Muslim leader denies comments about Jews were anti-Semitic (Canadian Press)


Dr. Kashnikow (7), ridden by Richard Migliore, beats out Tam #39;s Terms (8) to win the \$200,000 Grade III Cliff Hanger Handicap at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ, Friday, Oct. 15, 2004.

Dr. Kashnikow Wins Meadowlands Feature


CHICAGO (Sports Network) - Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa  has reportedly been fined \$87,400, equal to his salary for one  game, by the team for his decision to leave Sunday's season  finale early.

Report: Cubs Fine Sosa \$87,400


Colgate-Palmolive, which makes consumer products including Ajax detergent and Irish Spring soap, plans to cut its work force by about 4,400 jobs as part of a restructuring plan aimed at boosting its sales and profits around the world.

Colgate Plans to Cut About 4,400 Jobs