DECEMBER 13, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - SAN JOSE -- Cisco Systems Inc. #39;s prices have typically been higher than those charged by its smaller networking rivals.

Cisco Users See Some Pricing Relief


Reuters - Financial news and information\provider Reuters Group Plc said on Thursday it plans to make\Bangalore its biggest information-gathering hub, employing up\to 1,500 people, or 10 percent of its total workforce.

Reuters Makes Bangalore Biggest Info Hub (Reuters)


The Framingham Community Health Center, which just opened in March, is hoping to relocate and expand to serve a fast-growing population of low-income, mostly Brazilian patients.

Framingham health center seeking new, larger home


Davy Arnaud scores two goals to lead Kansas City to a 2-0 victory Friday night over the Los Angeles Galaxy, putting the Wizards in Major League Soccer's championship game.

Nobody Beats the Wiz


Grid computing looks to have a promising future--if vendors can continue to educate IT departments about its benefits.

Report: Learning is key to grid success


The Canadian government is not doing enough to protect the environment because of a lack of leadership and political will, a senior official said in a scathing report released on Tuesday.

Canada #39;s Environmental Record Bad-Official Report


SINGAPORE, NOV 3: Investors grew confident on Wednesday that President George W Bush would win re-election, pushing up US stock futures and the dollar, after TV networks said he had won the key swing state of Ohio.

Stocks rise, bonds slide as investors bet on Bush


Kent Jones started slowly on Friday but consecutive birdies as he made the turn have boosted him to the top of the leaderboard at the Chrysler Championship.

Jones leads early push at Chrysler


If the holiday cards you send include a family photo, a growing number of sites can help design and produce them.

Our Smiles Are in the Mail


When the NBA season tips off, the New Jersey Nets will be without All-Star Jason Kidd, and Allan Houston of the New York Knicks will be on the injured list, too.

Kidd, Houston start season on injured list


LONDON (CBS.MW) -- British shipbuilders VT Group (UK:VTG) said Monday it has no plans to acquire BAE Systems (UK:BA) shipbuilding activities, but added it  quot;remains focused... on assisting the UK government

VT Group says has no plans to buy BAE shipbuilding


The novel, Outside the Fortress Besieged, written by Mongolian businessman Qian Fuchang, is a steamy tale of illicit love among married people and is being short-messaged in instalments of 70 characters each, reports the Inquirer.

First SMS love story will soon be broadcasted on cell phones


BOGOTA, Colombia (Reuters) - A far-right Colombian warlord  participating in peace negotiations with the government has  been killed by his own men, police said on Monday, in another  bloody incident that could undermine the shaky talks.

Colombian Far-Right Leader Gunned Down -Police


Reuters - A decision by the Bush administration to sanction two top Indian scientists for nuclear cooperation with Iran highlighted the risks of improving U.S. relations with the South Asian power.

Nuclear sanctions jar improving U.S.-India ties (Reuters)


DES MOINES, Iowa -- Federal officials say more than 400 Iowans who haven #39;t received their 2003 federal tax refunds still have a chance to claim them.

More Than 400 Iowans Haven #39;t Received Tax Refunds


Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Jose Lima tossed a five-hit shutout and Shawn Green homered twice as the Los Angeles Dodgers staved off elimination in the National League Division Series with a 4-0 blanking of the St.

It #39;s Lima Time as Dodgers shutout Cardinals


A Burmese opposition group says there has been a purge of high-ranking military intelligence officials since the departure of the ex-prime minister.

Burma army intelligence  #39;purged #39;


PARIS: European shares opened higher on Friday, led by oil heavyweights such as BP ahead of an expected decision by Opec to trim its output.

Eurostocks open higher


German Foreign Minister Fischer focused on economic ties between Syria and the EU as well as concerns over human rights and weapons of mass destruction in Syria during a visit to Damascus Saturday.

Fischer Delivers Strong Message in Syria


Ty Law tied the Patriots' all-time record for interceptions last Sunday when he made a diving catch for the 36th pick of his career, but there are other things he wants. Like Michael Haynes's arms and legs.

Law's specialty: pick-off plays


Reuters - Texas Instruments Inc. ,\the largest maker of chips for cell phones, trimmed its\third-quarter revenue outlook on Wednesday as customers worked\off inventories of unsold chips, making it the second major\chip supplier to pare third-quarter expectations.

Texas Instruments Trims Revenue Estimates (Reuters)


suicide tree

India's


AP - Saks Inc., the retailer that owns Saks Fifth Avenue and other department stores, blamed hurricanes and a string of planned store closings Tuesday for a third-quarter loss of  #36;24.8 million, surprising Wall Street which anticipated a profit.

Saks Reports Loss on Store Closings (AP)


Pathology and radiology group, Sonic Healthcare, has benefited from its expansion in the United Kingdom to achieve a 41 per cent jump in full-year profit to almost \$58 million.

UK expansion helps lift Sonic profit


Australia is moving toward having the region #39;s most advanced missile strike capability, but the plan has prompted concerns in a region where the country

Australia  #39;Lethal #39; Missile Plans Ruffle Feathers


Airline warns it may file for bankruptcy if too many senior pilots take early retirement option. Delta Air LInes #39; CEO says it faces bankruptcy if it can #39;t slow the pace of pilots taking early retirement.

Delta slashes 7,000 jobs, Dallas hub


AFP - Myanmar's military ruler Senior General Than Shwe met with the Indian leadership saying democracy was the only path to peace and prosperity, just days after he sacked the country's premier.

Myanmar junta seeks India's help to build democracy (AFP)


He #39;s all sinew and cut muscle in perhaps a slightly smaller frame than he once was as a dominant NBA center for the Heat. It #39;s as though the stunning diagnosis of four years ago - four years!

Mourning #39;s time wasting with Nets


KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's outgoing President Leonid Kuchma  said on Tuesday he had agreed to sack the central election  commission and support election law reform -- both key  opposition demands to end mass protests against a rigged vote.

Ukraine Leader Agrees on Measures for Fair Vote


DEFENDING champion Inge de Bruijn of Holland won the women #39;s 50m swim final in 24.58 seconds last night. It was the 30-year-old #39;s first gold in Athens and the fourth of her career.

De Bruijn, Hall retain 50m titles


BANGALORE, India -- Police have shot dead India's most wanted bandit, Koose Muniswamy Veerappan, accused of chopping up many of the more than 100 people he killed, officials said yesterday.

Indian police kill notorious bandit


NEW YORK US stocks were little changed Thursday, recovering earlier losses after an upbeat earnings report from the chip maker National Semiconductor sparked some buying.

Stocks: Shares rise on National Semiconductor profit


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar fell to new multi-month  lows on Thursday as a deepening sense of gloom over bulging  U.S. deficits outweighed better-than-expected economic data,  analysts said.

Dollar Drops on Deficit Concerns


AP - U.S. warplanes bombed the volatile city of Fallujah early Tuesday, and flames and plumes of smoke rose from its southern neighborhoods, witnesses said. The U.S. military had no immediate comment.

Witnesses: U.S. Warplanes Bomb Fallujah (AP)


COLUMBUS, Ohio - President Bush on Saturday ridiculed what he called the

Bush Attacks Kerry on National Security


RIYADH - Anti-regime demonstrations called for yesterday by a dissident group were thwarted as Saudi security forces, deployed en masse in Riyadh and Jeddah, detained 14 people.

14 detained in Saudi protest


The evolution of John Stocco is far from complete, but in his ninth career start he proved he was capable of putting together one of the most well-rounded games by a quarterback in University of Wisconsin history.

Stocco comes into his own as QB


US Vice-President Dick Cheney opposes a federal ban on gay marriage - seemingly contradicting George Bush.

Cheney rejects gay marriage ban


Andrew Brackman helped rally ninth-ranked North Carolina State to a tougher-than-expected, 78-72 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette Wednesday night.

COL BKB: North Car. St. 78, Lou.-Laf. 72


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Standard   Poor's Ratings  Services on Tuesday raised its general obligation bond rating  on California to 'A' from 'BBB,' citing an easing of the Golden  State's cash crunch.

S P Lifts Calif. Bond Rating 3 Notches


Hatim Kamil was assassinated in a drive-by shooting, said Baghdad Governor Ali al-Haidari. Interior Ministry spokesman Colonel Adnan Abdul-Rahman said Mr Kamil was killed when gunmen opened fire on his car in the southern Doura neighbourhood.

Baghdad deputy governor shot dead


Alitalia, the troubled Italian airline, has restated its first-half results, almost doubling its previously reported loss, as it set aside money to lay off about 20 percent of its work force.

Loss Deepens in Revision by Alitalia


The good news for coach Joe Gibbs and the Washington Redskins is that despite scoring just 10 points Sunday night against Baltimore and 13 against Cleveland the previous Sunday, the Redskins are not last in the NFL in points scored.

Offense at fault in Skins #39; skid


InfoWorld - Software publishers and users are at odds about software licensing, according a study released Monday.

Study: Software vendors, users at odds over licensing (InfoWorld)


Japan #39;s central bank downgraded its assessment of the economy for the first time in more than a year Friday, citing weakening industrial production and slowing export growth.

Japan #39;s central bank downgrades its assessment of the economy? <b>...</b>


Crystal Palace notched their first Premier League win of the season with a 2-0 victory on Monday over London rivals Fulham, who played for all but the first six minutes with 10 men.

Palace grab first win of season against 10-man Fulham


AP - Swarms of locusts that have devastated crops and pastures across West Africa may hit countries as far away as Pakistan, a U.N. agency said Wednesday as it announced an intensified control campaign.

Swarms of Locusts Devastating Crops Moving (AP)


It #39;s been a week without progress in the NHL lockout. So far, there have been no overtures from the league or the players to resume talks to save a season that is already starting to slip away.

One week into lockout: No talks, no progress


Two thousand female koalas will be given contraceptives under a new management strategy announced by the Victorian Government. The action is being taken after six years of trials at Mount Eccles between Portland and Hamilton.

Contraceptives plan aims to cut koala numbers


Japan #39;s Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura has confirmed a headless body found Saturday in Baghdad is that of Japanese hostage Shosei Koda.

Beheaded Japanese hostage found


Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday the understanding on border issues with China  quot;helped to remove serious irritants in bilateral relations, quot;Russian media reported.

Russia hails settlement of territorial problem with China


MEDEA, Algeria, 24 October 2004 - Suspected Algerian militants killed 16 people in the first attack on civilians since the start of the holy month of Ramadan , officials said yesterday.

16 Killed in Algerian Rebel Raid


Canadian Press - CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Australia will become the first country in the Southeast Asia Pacific region to be armed with long-range stealth cruise missiles in a move that could irritate its neighbours, a newspaper said Thursday.

Australia planning to buy long-range stealth cruise missiles: report (Canadian Press)


The European Union council has officially adopted a proposal to eliminate all quantitative restrictions on the import of textile and clothing from World Trade Organisation countries from 1 January 2005.

BRUSSELS:  quot;No Going Back quot; In Elimination Of WTO Quotas


AP - Pedro Feliz hit a tiebreaking grand slam with two outs in the eighth inning for his fourth hit of the day, and the Giants helped their playoff chances with a 9-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday.

Giants Blast Dodgers to Aid Playoff Hopes (AP)


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Frank Quattrone, who led some of the most celebrated initial public offerings of the late 1990s, was sentenced to 18 months in prison Wednesday for interfering with a federal probe into those hot IPOs.

Quattrone gets 18 months


IT took just eight explo- sive rounds for Felix  quot;Tito quot; Trinidad to put himself back atop boxing #39;s mantle of greatness.

FANS WANT TRINIDAD- HOPKINS II


Ryan Carrell of Carmel will be at Conseco Fieldhouse Tuesday night for the Pacers #39; game against Boston. He #39;ll have with him a petition he #39;d like Pacers fans to sign before sending it to NBA commissioner David Stern.

Suspensions greeted locally with outrage, suspicion


A STATEMENT purportedly from the captors of two French journalists in Iraq gave France 48 hours from today to accept three new conditions - agreeing to a recent truce offer by Osama bin Laden, payment of \$US5 million (\$7.

Iraqi captors set new conditions


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

Oracle Vows 'Oversupport' for PeopleSoft Customers


As nanotechnology evolves, the smart investor will keep an eye on the players most likely to be left standing -- and making money.

The Tiny Next Big Thing


HARLAN, Ky. - Out-of-state license plates tell the story of eastern Kentucky's rising popularity among off-roaders...

East Ky. Becomes Big Draw for Off-Roaders


Brett Myers pitched six solid innings and drove in the go-ahead run as the Philadelphia Phillies salvaged the final game of their three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds with a 9-1 win Wednesday afternoon.

Phillies 9, Reds 1


LISBON (Reuters) - The Portuguese government resigned on  Saturday to avoid turf battles with President Jorge Sampaio in  the run-up to snap elections in February.

Portuguese Gov't Resigns Ahead of Elections


September 6, 2004 -- RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Three Saudi Arabian security men were killed yesterday in clashes with militants in the northern city of Buraydah, state television reported.

3 SAUDI COPS MASSACRED


No discussion of war in Iraq - Thursday night #39;s presidential debate included - would be complete without a headmaster #39;s scolding of the arrogant and trigger-happy US government.

Sudanese blood on UN hands


Delta Air Lines Inc. revised its annual report yesterday to reflect its growing financial difficulties and the possibility of seeking bankruptcy protection  quot;in the near term. quot;

Doubts expressed over Delta


A 19-year-old man has pleaded guilty to infecting thousands of businesses and U.S. government computers with the Blaster B virus.\\Jeffrey Lee Parson of Hopkins, Minnesot...

Elsewhere: Blaster B Virus Creator Pleads Guilty


The Queen has led senior Royals and political leaders in laying poppy wreaths at the Cenotaph to mark Remembrance Sunday. Two minutes silence was held at 11 o #39;clock to remember all Britain #39;s war dead, including

Nation pays silent tribute to war dead


com October 19, 2004, 12:21 PM PT. ARM Holdings is moving beyond its portable-device niche and is looking to move into the broader digital products category with a new family of chips.

ARM #39;s new chip aims beyond cell phones


I Want My blinkx TV! Television Search Engine\\blinkx today announced the availability of blinkx TV, the first search engine that allows you to search TV across news, sports and entertainment programming. blinkx is the first search engine to make such TV programs fully searchable on demand. Because blinkx captures and ...


Credit card processing firm Authorize.Net said today that it was the target of a large-scale distributed denial-of-service attack that had caused disruptions for customers.

Update: Credit card firm hit by DDoS attack


SEATTLE (Reuters) - Ichiro Suzuki, baseball's sang-froid  player, is racing to shatter an elusive record for hits in a  single season, aiming to bring glory to himself, the Seattle  Mariners and his country Japan.

Ichiro Makes Run at Historic Record


FRANKFURT (Reuters) - DaimlerChrysler and General Motors  will jointly develop new hybrid motors to compete against  Japanese rivals on the fuel-saving technology that reduces  harmful emissions, the companies said on Monday.

DaimlerChrysler, GM Join on Hybrids


Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, which account for almost half of OPEC #39;s oil output, said they #39;re committed to boosting capacity to meet soaring demand that has driven prices to a record.

Saudi Arabia, Gulf States Plan to Boost Oil Capacity (Update2)


The Australian government has warned that terrorists may try to bomb a Hilton hotel in Indonesia, and it is urging Australian citizens to stay away

Festive Season Brings Terror Warning Regarding Indonesia


BANGKOK - Thailand is battling a second major outbreak of the deadly avian influenza, or bird flu, as a nine-year-old girl and a dog have both tested positive for the virus.

Girl and dog in Thailand have bird flu


AP - Because so many members of Red Sox Nation are expected in Boston to celebrate the team's World Series triumph, the victory parade Saturday won't be making any stops and won't culminate with a staged rally, either.

Boston Expects Millions at Red Sox Parade (AP)


Thanks to such free mapping sites as MapQuest and Yahoo Maps, it's been a while since road warriors have had to sketch out a route with a yellow highlighter, guessing which shortcuts to take or avoid. Instead, they can just type in start and destination addresses and print out crisply labeled, turn-by-turn directions, with the only cost being some printer ink.

Mobile Mappers Stop Short of Ideal


BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese Communist Party chief Hu Jintao  called for parliament to take a stronger watchdog role on the  eve of a key leadership meeting but ruled out Western-style  democracy for China in a sign any reform would be incremental.

China Party Chief Rules Out Democracy


ATHENS (Reuters) - The United States softball team came  into Athens on a simple mission -- take home their third  straight gold medal or call the trip to the Olympics a failure.

The U.S. Grabs the Gold in Softball


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dwayne Wade scored 25 points and  Shaquille O'Neal tied a franchise record by making all nine of  the shots he attempted as the Heat edged the Boston Celtics  106-104 in Miami Sunday.

NBA Wrap: Wade, O'Neal Lead Heat to 10th Win of Season


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar kept its overnight gains  against the euro on Tuesday, finding a tenuous footing after  weeks of losses as traders took stern words by European  officials as a signal to stop selling the U.S. currency, at  least for now.

Dollar Holds Gains on Intervention Talk


Russia #39;s Yukos oil company has filed for bankruptcy in a Houston court to halt a Kremlin-driven liquidation of the nation #39;s biggest crude oil producer.

Russia #39;s Yukos seeks protection in US


HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Lenovo Group Ltd. (0992.HK), China #39;s largest computer company, confirmed it is in acquisition talks with a major international information technology company.

UPDATE: Lenovo In Talks With Major IT Company -2-


Arsenal extended its English Premiership unbeaten streak to 49 games last weekend with a 3-1 humbling of Aston Villa that had Gunners manager Arsene Wenger talking as if he had a team of Picassos.

Arsenal unstoppable? So far


Seiko Epson have unveiled their latest wireless flying micro-robot named the FR-II. The successor to the FR robot the latest micromechatronic contraption has a number of improvements.

Seiko Epson unveil updated micro flying robot


The UN nuclear watchdog says South Korea's illegal nuclear tests were on a bigger scale than declared.

S Korea chided for nuclear tests


NEW YORK, December 6 (newratings.com) - ID Biomedical Corp (IDBE.NAS) announced today that it has signed a ten-year US distribution agreement for its Fluviral treatment, expected to generate \$2.5 billion in sales and offset the shortage of flu vaccines

ID Biomedical signs distribution agreements for flu vaccine <b>...</b>


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - If Israeli settler Rachel Saperstein  could decide the outcome of the U.S. election, President Bush  would beat Democratic challenger John Kerry by a landslide.

Israelis, Palestinians at Odds Over U.S. Election


LA QUINTA, Calif. - Annika Sorenstam calmly sank a short birdie putt on the ninth hole, earning a hug from Tiger Woods. Her putt kept \$250,000 in play in the Skins Game.

Sorenstam #39;s putt sets up big pay day


washingtonpost.com - Microsoft is going to Tinseltown today to announce plans for its revamped Windows XP Media Center, part of an aggressive push to get ahead in the digital entertainment race.

Opening the Living Room Windows (washingtonpost.com)


SEATTLE - It was a year and 12 days since the Seahawks last held an opponent scoreless in a game. The last time the 49ers were held scoreless in a game was in 1977: Jimmy Carter was in office and David Krieg

Shaun Alexander drags LB Julian Peterson


A new and perhaps final report from the international consortium of laboratories that decoded the human genome has revised the number of expected human genes sharply downward.

Humans May Have Fewer Genes Than Thought


MARK COLVIN: It #39;s been a day of records on the economic front, but they #39;re not the sort of achievements the Federal Government likes to trumpet.

Account deficit blows out to \$13.7 bn


Bankrupt specialty chemicals firm says it is likely to be indicted for violating environmental laws. NEW YORK (Reuters) - WR Grace  amp; Co.

WR Grace may soon be indicted


Presidentialaffair, blessed with blazing speed and cursed by abscessed hooves, finally settles down for saddling then blows away the field with a gate-to-wire victory in the Maryland Million Classic.

Commander and Chief


A trial opened yesterday over whether a warning sticker in suburban Atlanta biology textbooks that says evolution is  quot;a theory, not a fact quot; violates

Textbook disclaimer on evolution in Ga. court


A disparate group made up of dozens of state attorneys general, labor unions, retailers, professional sports leagues and others urged the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to hear a claim brought by the recording and film industries against two Internet file-sharing firms.

Court Urged to Hear File-Sharing Case


Kerry advocates eliminating

Kerry's plan on outsourcing faces mixed reviews


Jose Maria Lopez lost what would have been the best result of his rookie FIA F3000 season when he was pitched into a spectacular accident after his front wing fell off.

Wing failure costs Lopez second place at Monza


BAGHDAD (AFP) - A US soldier is expected to be sentenced after being found guilty of murder for shooting to death a severely wounded Iraqi civilian, while the US army pressed its sole supplier of armored Humvees to increase production amid a growing

US soldier guilty of murdering unarmed Iraqi


America Online Inc. said yesterday it is once again supporting a Microsoft Corp. plan to combat unwanted bulk e-mail by verifying senders of messages, a move that could rekindle industry adoption of a new system for attacking spam.

Microsoft Regains AOL #39;s Support for Anti-Spam Technology


AP - Mr. Raider is eager to hear cheers from the Black Hole one more time.

Tim Brown Anxious to Face Raiders (AP)


The Bush administration is moving toward releasing oil from the nation #39;s emergency stockpiles as a result of disruptions to production and imports caused by Hurricane Ivan.

Administration Considering Oil Stockpile Release


AP - Learning to hate the Atlanta Braves was easy for Brandon Backe. He grew up a Houston Astros fan.

Hometown Boy Backe Gets Start for Astros (AP)


Well, maybe not yet. But what does the future hold for those who consider their source code an important proprietary asset? Halloween this year featured more scary stuff than just ghosts and ghouls.

Your source code, for sale


SEOUL, Dec. 2 Asia Pulse - South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics Co. (KSE:005930) on Thursday introduced the world #39;s first camera phone with a 1.5-gigabyte hard disk drive that can store as many as 1,000 photos.

Samsung Electronics Unveils 1st Camera Phone with Hard Disk Drive


22.2004. Ex-Beatle and Sir Paul McCartney is set to perform as the featured halftime act at the Super Bowl on Feb. 6. McCartney is following in the footsteps of Janet Jackson, whose wardrobe

Paul McCartney To Perform At Super Bowl


The newly inaugurated Somali parliament is due to elect the speaker of the transitional assembly later on Wednesday. Twelve members of parliament have expressed interest in the position.

Somalis to elect crucial post


World News: London, Nov 8 : If your city #39;s increasing traffic leaves you with nothing but a headache, here is a godsend that promises to make life easier.

Stuck in a jam? Fly your way to work in a jetpod!:


Mattel Inc., the world #39;s biggest toymaker, said Monday its third-quarter profit fell 5.2 percent due to lower worldwide sales of its flagship Barbie doll line and its Hot Wheels and Matchbox toy car brands.

Update 3: Mattel #39;s 3Q Profits Fall on Lower Sales


At least two of the roughly dozen liquefied natural gas plants proposed for New England and eastern Canada must get built by 2010 to ensure New England has adequate supplies of gas for heating and power generation, President Bush's top energy regulator said yesterday.

2 gas plants needed for N.E.


Jonathan Anderson and Varghese George take opposite approaches to workplace use of instant messaging, an electronic method for exchanging quick text messages between colleagues.
<FONT face=

Employers Begin to Get The Message


KABUL (Reuters) - An aircraft that went missing in central  Afghanistan at the weekend is presumed to have crashed with  three U.S. military passengers and three U.S. civilian crew  aboard, military and security sources said on Tuesday.

US Plane in Afghanistan Presumed Crashed -- Sources


AP - The St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Bucs both got off to a fast start Monday night, scoring on their first possessions and they were tied 7-7 after the first quarter.

Rams, Bucs Tied 7-7 After First Quarter (AP)


BORN blind, Mr David Blunkett had to work harder than most to become Home Secretary, which makes him one of the most powerful men in Britain.

TOP UK MINISTER GOES... NUTS OVER HER


The co-chief executive of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., Rainer Hertrich, will leave his position in 2005 when his contract expires, a company spokesman said Sunday.

EADS Co-Chief Exec Hertrich to Step Down


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Privately held Copernic  Technologies on Tuesday released free desktop search software  ahead of expected offerings from Microsoft Corp. <A HREF=

Copernic Desktop Search Takes Aim at Microsoft


MCI Inc., the second-largest US long- distance telephone company, will write down its assets by \$3.5 billion in the third quarter, reflecting their reduced value as calling prices tumble and demand declines.

MCI to Write Down Asset Values by \$3.5 Bln in 3rd Qtr (Update2)


AP - Officials representing business groups, financial service companies, banks and insurance firms are gearing up for a legislative fight over Social Security, telling White House officials Thursday they are solidly behind President Bush's desire to remake the retirement system next year.

Groups Brace for Social Security Changes (AP)


ATLANTA - Recovering from a stomach illness, Roger Clemens battled through seven innings as the Houston Astros faced the Atlanta Braves in the NL division series opener Wednesday.    Clemens (18-4) got into trouble early with walks, racking up six and loading the bases twice in three innings...

Astros Lead Braves 8-3 After 8 Innings


MOSCOW: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov yesterday warned the West not to meddle with Russia #39;s Chechnya policy in the wake of a bloody hostage crisis, highlighting a growing rift over the issue between former Cold War foes.

Russia warns West


AN armed group killed six Venezuelan Army troops and an engineer in an ambush along the Colombian border, Defence Minister Jorge Garcia Carneiro said today.

Soldiers killed in border attack


A pro-Pakistan rebel group has claimed responsibility for a landmine attack that has killed 11 people in Kashmir. The Current News Service reports that Hizbul Mujahedin also claims to have snatched six AK

Pro-Pakistan rebels claim Kashmir attack


DENVER -- Third-quarter revenue fell 7 percent at Janus Capital Group Inc. as assets under management and investment-management fees fell.

Janus Capital earnings dip on lower revenue


SPACE.com - NASA researchers have teamed up with a pair of Silicon Valley firms to build \  a supercomputer that ranks alongside the world's largest Linux-based systems.

New NASA Supercomputer to Aid Theorists and Shuttle Engineers (SPACE.com)


A plausible public commitment to pursue low inflation coupled with central bank autonomy make monetary policy more effective, Federal Reserve Governor Ben Bernanke said on Friday.

UPDATE 1-Cenbank credibility helps policy-Fed #39;s Bernanke


Electronic document giant Adobe Systems said that it was partnering with digital certificate company GeoTrust to provide technology that will allow documents that use Adobe #39;s popular PDF (Portable Document Format) to be digitally certified.

Adobe does document security


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Svetlana Khorkina, who was  second to American Carly Patterson in the women's all-round  gymnastics competition, has accused the judges of robbing her  of the gold medal and said

Gymnast Khorkina Says 'Judges Robbed Me'


Honda has agreed to buy a 45 percent holding in the BAR Formula One team, the revelations of the 2004 season. Honda, the team #39;s engine maker, agreed to buy the majority

Honda buys 45 pct stake in BAR team from BAT


Kern County -- The first privately funded rocket to reach space completed the first half of a \$10 million flight competition Wednesday by soaring to an altitude of 64 miles -- but only after enduring a white-knuckle series of barrel rolls.

Spacecraft reaches its goal on white-knuckle first leg


The Consumer Price Index is a measure of the average price level of a fixed basket of goods and services purchased by consumers. Monthly changes in the CPI represent the rate of inflation.

US - Consumer Price Index (Oct, 2004)


HANOI -- What's the best way to sue my neighbor? How big is Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum? Is surgery necessary to remove a bunion? Am I pregnant?

Advice, facts a call away in Vietnam


Reuters - Verizon Wireless said on Wednesday its\stores have begun selling a phone from Samsung Electronics\(005930.KS) that was designed to work on mobile networks around\the world.

Verizon Starts Selling World Phone to Consumers (Reuters)


: The NBC journalist who filmed the fatal shooting of an apparently injured and unarmed Iraqi by a US Marine inside a Falluja mosque has written on his website that the wounded man made no sudden movements before he was shot.

Twist to unarmed man death


SHOCKING disdain for Zimbabwe and ignorance on what is happening here emerged in a debate in Britain #39;s House of Lords with some speakers alleging that Zimbabweans are eating grass and that Aids is their biggest export.

UK Displays Shocking Contempt


Scott McNealy for years has relied on Top 10 lists for comic relief during his tech show keynote speeches, but at the Oracle OpenWorld conference in San Francisco Wednesday, he tried a new stunt. Missing Links

McNealy innovates in trade-show theatrics


Hurricane Charley exposed glaring weaknesses in the emergency plans that were supposed to protect hundreds of Charlotte County #39;s most vulnerable residents, the people living in nursing homes.

Nursing homes no haven


The U.N. has not sent enough election workers to help monitor elections scheduled for January, Iraq's foreign minister charged.

Iraqi Faults U.N. on Lack of Staff to Aid in Voting


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average moved in a tight  range until late morning trade on Friday, underpinned by solid  gains in stocks dependent on domestic business, such as Kao  Corp.

Nikkei Average Moves in Tight Range


During the course of this weekend, hackers found an ingenious way to attack Microsofts ubiquitous Internet Explorer: compromise an ad networks servers.

Hackers Target IE through Ad Networks


Plans to revamp the euro #39;s battered rulebook won key backing yesterday, as the European Commission bowed to the inevitable and called for more flexible implementation of the single currency #39;s widely flouted rules.

EU attempts to make stability and growth pact flexible


Billionaire from the UK Lakshmi Mittal on Monday purchased International Steel Group from Wilbur Ross, thus creating the worlds biggest steel company.

Mittal creates new steel giant


Tens of thousands of Peruvians are surviving on international food aid after the harshest weather in decades devastated their harvests, the United Nations said Tuesday.

U.N.: Peruvians Relying on Food Aid


AFP - Arsenal striker Thierry Henry insists he will throw off an ankle injury to play in Sunday's Premiership showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Arsenal trio in injury race for Old Trafford summit (AFP)


particularly in the Far East and Eastern Europe - that they would rather give away copies of Windows XP to people who may

More on Microsoft #39;s new anti-piracy programme


NEW YORK - Stocks moved higher Friday as a stronger than expected retail sales report showed that higher oil prices aren't scaring consumers away from spending. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's positive comments on oil prices also encouraged investors...

Stocks Rise on Strong Retail Sales Report


MISSOULA, Mont. -- In a game in which something had to give, New Hampshire's defense gave the most.

Montana blows out defenseless Wildcats


Bob Lutz, the 72-year-old vice chairman of General Motors (GM), is on a mission that he likens to pulling the world #39;s largest automaker out of a death spiral.

GM #39;s Lutz: Make it the best


Shares of major Medicare providers moved higher Monday after Humana Inc. handed Wall Street strong third-quarter earnings results, echoing rather upbeat investor sentiment seen throughout the sector.

Humana Leads Insurance Sector Higher


November 20 2004 1645CET- Teresa Borcz Khalifa , the 54-year-old Polish woman kidnapped in Iraq was freed and flown back to Warsaw.

Polish woman hostage in Iraq released


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida State suspended Craphonso Thorpe for Saturday #39;s game against Duke because the wide receiver has missed too many classes, Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden said Tuesday.

Florida State #39;s Thorpe suspended one game


Office Depot Inc. Monday said Chairman and Chief Executive Bruce Nelson resigned by mutual agreement with the board, after four years at the helm.

Office Depot chief quits


NewsFactor - Security software vendor Symantec (Nasdaq: SYMC) is negotiating to buy Veritas Software (Nasdaq: VRTS), a provider of data storage software, for more than US #36;13 billion, according to press reports.

Symantec Rumored To Be Negotiating with Veritas (NewsFactor)


The government of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was thrown into crisis last night after Israel #39;s parliament rejected the proposed 2005 budget and Sharon

Budget fight deals setback to Sharon


The decision is likely to force the industry to take the more costly and less-popular route of going directly after file-swappers.

Movie Studios Lose In Case Against File-Sharing Apps


Former Qwest Communications International Inc. executive Thomas Hall agreed Friday to plead guilty to end a federal fraud case against him, but neither his lawyer nor prosecutors would disclose what charge he will face.

Ex-Qwest Executive Agrees to Plead Guilty


The five-time all-star has not played since July 23. He had a benign tumor diagnosed last month. Giambi is hoping to again play before the regular season ends.

Giambi to Return to Yankees; White Sox Waive M. Jackson


Please read this first: Following is an independent investment commentary and analysis from the Reuters.com investment channel expressing views that are not connected with Reuters News.

Fueling gains


FULHAM #39;S United old boy Andy Cole fears his former team are poised to leave their critics red-faced. The Reds haven #39;t lost in the Premiership since defeat at Portsmouth six matches ago when they were being written off in the title race.

Cole fears backlash from his old mates


MOJAVE, Calif. - A stubby rocket plane was slung from the belly of a carrier plane toward space Monday in the final leg of a trip toward the edge of the Earth's atmosphere and a \$10 million prize...

SpaceShipOne Soars to Space for \$10M Prize


A discussion of Venezuela #39;s political crisis should not begin or end with a cautionary parable about Herbert Mathews, but his image is hard to shake.

Why we must watch Chavez


Pedro de la Rosa may have destroyed the competition on the second day of testing at Jerez, but it was David Coulthard who captured the headlines making his Red Bull Racing debut.

Coulthard #39;s back in action


U.K. semiconductor design company Arm Holdings PLC has agreed to acquire a Sunnyvale, California, provider of components for chip manufacturing in a deal valued at around \$913 million in cash and stock.

Arm offers \$913 million for chip component firm


File-sharing applications Morpheus and Grokster were claiming legal victory after a US court said it was not responsible for protecting the copyrights of material swapped on its person-to-person network.

P2P Networks Score Legal Victory Against Studios


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Computer chip demand turned  positive after a

AMD Says Demand Rebounded After Election Hiccup


Reuters - Playing the U.S. housing market may no\longer require actually buying a home.

Invest in Housing Without Buying a Home (Reuters)


TEHERAN - The third round of nuclear talks with Iran and the European Union trio of Britain, France and Germany will be  quot;tough and complicated quot;, an Iranian spokesman said Friday.

Iran faces tough talks with EU big three


THE UN nuclear watchdog must accept Iran #39;s right to enrich uranium as part of its civil nuclear program, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said today.

No backdown on uranium: Iran


Iraqi interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said on Tuesday

Allawi: 'Major Neglect' Led to Recruits' Deaths


The other \$500 million will be in the form of prepayment for SkyMiles, Delta #39;s frequent flier points. American. Express issues a Delta credit card that awards SkyMiles.

Delta arranges up to \$600M in financing


Reuters - Thousands of civilians have fled\their homes after clashes in the east of Democratic Republic of\Congo, the United Nations' humanitarian arm said on Friday.

Thousands Flee Clashes in East Congo - U.N. (Reuters)


PITTSBURGH - World champion pairs skater Tatiana Totmianina was discharged from a hospital Sunday after suffering a concussion, but no other serious injuries, in a fall during Saturday night #39;s free skating program at a competition in Pittsburgh.

Totmianina discharged after suffering concussion


As the Premiership takes another break to accommodate a series of World Cup qualifiers, a number of what could be termed England fringe players gave Sven Goran Eriksson some food for thought this weekend.

Team of the Week


The Telegraph says Mutu is in rehabilitation and if he comes through that successfully, the Romanian international will be free to join another club next year.

Charlton, Spurs linked with sacked Chelsea striker Mutu


Reuters - Omnicom Group  on Tuesday\reported a higher quarterly profit as the world's largest\advertising group added several high-profile accounts to its\roster and benefited from higher global ad spending.

New Accounts Boost Omnicom Profit (Reuters)


Jewish leaders expressed growing frustration this week with continuing anti-Semitic violence in Europe following the torching of a Jewish community center in Paris early Sunday.

JCC Arson Roils French Jews


Former Ohio State basketball coach Jim O'Brien sued the school, claiming he is owed at least \$3.4 million because his firing violated terms of his contract.

O'Brien Sues OSU for \$3.4 Million


Shanghai - Typhoon Aere crashed into mainland China on Thursday, unleashing torrential rains and prompting the nearly a million people to seek safety, as the death toll climbed to on 35 Thursday after a mudslide killed 15 villagers in Taiwan.

Typhoon unleashes devastation on Asia


In a separate development, the head of the RKK Energia company, which builds the Soyuz spacecraft, said his company was planning to send a new space shuttle to the space station between 2010 and 2012, depending on funding.

NASA and Russia OK Next Space Station Crew


Cal coach Jeff Tedford, who has his team ranked No. 4 in the nation and close to claiming a berth in the Rose Bowl, has been named Pac-10 Coach of the Year.

Tedford is Coach of the Year Eight Bears receive All-Pac-10 honors


\The rate of childhood cancer has slowly increased over the last three decades, research has found.

Child cancers steadily increasing


Reuters - The British and Irish prime ministers\presented bitterly divided Northern Ireland politicians on\Wednesday with what their governments insist is their final\plan for restoring home rule in the province.

Britain, Ireland Launch 'Final' N.Irish Peace Push (Reuters)


ISLAMABAD : The body of a Chinese engineer killed in an army operation to rescue him from his kidnappers was flown to China aboard a Pakistan military plane, officials said.

Body of slain Chinese hostage flown home from Pakistan


AN ADVERTISEMENT ON THE giant screen at Ewood Park declared that Blackburn Rovers are giving generously this season and, while it purported to refer to a sale at the club shop, no one could deny that their charity extends to the pitch.

Blackburn give Hughes heart


Marxist rebels tried to organize an assassination attempt against President Bush during his visit to the port city of Cartagea last week, a top Colombian official said yesterday.

Bush was allegedly targeted


(New York-AP, Sept. 3, 2004 5:40 PM) _ Pfizer agreed to pay \$430 million to settle lawsuits alleging injury from insulation products made by a subsidiary.

Pfizer to settle asbestos claims


The 48th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded Friday evening with a call for the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass

Nuclear non-proliferation dominates IAEA conference


AP - A weakened Lindsay Davenport lost to defending champion Anastasia Myskina 6-4, 7-6 (1) Saturday in the Kremlin Cup semifinals but will still regain the No. 1 ranking next week.

Venus Williams Upset in Kremlin Cup Play (AP)


Calgary, AB (Sports Network) - Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter underwent an emergency appendectomy and is expected to make a full recovery.

Flames coach Sutter undergoes appendectomy


TEL AVIV, Israel - Israel's army will operate in the northern Gaza Strip until all Palestinian rocket fire against Israeli towns is halted, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said late Saturday in an interview on Israel Radio.    Sharon spoke as his forces ended the fourth day of an invasion in which 50 Palestinians and five Israelis have been killed...

Sharon: Operation in Gaza Will Continue


A Kuwaiti newspaper reported that a new group is trying to secure Bigleys release, which could include the possibility of a ransom.

Ransom may save Bigleys life- Report


Bronson Arroyo heads to the mound for his first career postseason start, as the Boston Red Sox try to complete a three-game sweep of the Angels and head back to the American League Championship Series for a second straight year.

Bosox try to finish Angels


It's time to talk about the serious risks and potential benefits of building an expensive ballpark in Washington.

Time to Talk Baseball


InterContinental Hotels today said it had begun the search for a new chief executive after a change in strategy forced out present boss Richard North.

Intercontinental Boss Steps Down


The State Duma is expected to vote this month on ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, the deputy prime minister said Monday. Approval would bring the international treaty on climate change into effect after years of delay.

Zhukov: Kyoto Vote in October


CAUGHT at the centre of a tug-of-love, Manny Musu could have a future with two dads, her Australian father said yesterday. Sydney policeman Dave Norman has been trying

Manny #39;s chance at life with two dads


Wavelink Managed Security allows a company to centrally deploy WPA client software and policies across multiple devices and supports a range of major authentication standards.

Wavelink unveils integrated wireless management, security software


Haiti #39;s interim prime minister on Sunday accused the ousted president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, of directing a wave of violence from exile, while

Haiti #39;s Leader Says Aristide Is Behind Violence


Hempstead, NY (Sports Network) - New York Jets wide receiver Santana Moss is questionable for Sunday #39;s game against San Francisco because of a hamstring injury.

Jets #39; Moss questionable for Sunday


We forget the judge, but we remember the ruling. For all the high marks he #39;s been getting for his decision regarding the US Department of Justice #39;s case against Oracle Corp.

Walker on the wild side


Australian Prime Minister John Howard has promised to preserve Tasmania's forests while keeping loggers in work.

Australia parties hunt green vote


So much of the Baltimore Ravens #39; identity is built around their swaggering defense, and their pride in not allowing 100-yard rushers and not giving up big plays.

Ravens #39; Secondary To Get First-Rate Test


DURHAM, NC - JJ Redick and Daniel Ewing each scored 29 points to lead the No. 10 Duke Blue Devils over the No. 11 Michigan State Spartans 81-74 Tuesday night in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

Men #39;s Top 25: Duke edges past Spartans


PRIME Minister John Howard is insisting he has not deliberately misled the Australian public over the children overboard affair.

PM denies misleading public


com. While recording and film industry interests have hammered away at the sharing of music and videos files over the Internet, the creative artists who actually produce the content welcome the Internet

Report: Artists Find Internet Useful, But Criticize File-Sharing


As boating goes, it may be summer's version of snowshoeing -- inexpensive and easy to learn. For those reasons, not to mention the beauty and exercise factors, the number of sea kayakers grows by great leaps every season as these little boats -- some costing under \$500 -- proliferate on every New England shore.

No shortcuts for staying safe


AP - New ballpark or not, Mike Lowell is staying with the Florida Marlins. Lowell, who could have opted out of his contract because the team hasn't secured new stadium financing, agreed Friday to a revised deal in which the team guarantees the remaining  #36;25.5 million on his contract.

Marlins Guarantee Mike Lowell's Contract (AP)


Since Nov. 2, countless Kerry supporters have been flocking to the Internet in search of a postelection pick-me-up. Here are some of the imaginative ways they are coping with sorrow and anger online

What's a Dejected Democrat to Do?


A second version of the MyDoom variant that uses a flaw in Internet Explorer has started to spread, antivirus researchers said on Tuesday.

Double MyDoom for Internet Explorer flaw


_ The past week #39;s 75th anniversary of the 1929 stock market crash contains a lesson for today #39;s investors: just because they #39;ve lost money in recent years doesn #39;t mean stocks are destined to return soon to ever-higher levels.

Stock market crash course: what goes down doesn #39;t necessarily come <b>...</b>


BEIJING (Reuters) - China, sensitive about issues of  national sovereignty, has banned a computer sports game that  classifies Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and Tibet as countries and  has threatened to fine Web sites that supply the game and net  cafes that let patrons download it.

China Bans Video Game for Breach of Sovereignty


British teenager Amir Khan has failed to win a gold medal in the Athens Olympics after losing his lightweight division boxing final.

Silver boxing medal for teenager Khan


Cleveland Browns running back Lee Suggs did not practice today and is listed as doubtful for Sunday #39;s season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

Browns #39; Suggs Doubtful Against Ravens


Al Qaeda will attempt an attack on a key maritime target in the next 12 months with potentially devastating economic consequences, UK security experts said on Friday.

Al Qaeda to Attempt Major Marine Attack -Report


roundup Plus: Sony speeds up Memory Stick cards...Real touts one week, 1 million songs...Chipmaker Fujitsu prepares WiMax chip.

Briefly: Microsoft IPTV to woo Swiss test group


Tens of thousands of Pakistanis endured hours of stifling heat this week to accept an offer of free mobile phone connections, a sign of the pent-up demand in a country where cell phone usage has remained low.

Pakistani firms answer call for cell phones


BEREA, Ohio  Someday, Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens may connect again. But not this week. Sunday, when the Cleveland Browns host the Philadelphia Eagles, Garcia and Owens will be in as close proximity as

Garcia-Owens feud to hit field


Negotiations in Vienna this week may give Europe the world's biggest nuclear fusion reactor.

EU confident over fusion project


The United States military says one of its airplanes carrying six people has gone missing over Afghanistan. The plane was carrying three civilian crew members and three military passengers, a statement said.

US plane missing in Afghanistan


Patrick Eaves scored two goals and added an assist to lead No. 1 Boston College to a 3-2 Hockey East victory over host UMass-Lowell last night at Tsongas Arena.

Eaves gives Eages a boost


Reuters - Taiwan's Foreign Minister warned\lawmakers on Wednesday that ties with Washington would be hurt\if parliament failed to approve an  #36;18 billion budget to buy\advanced U.S. weapons.

Taiwan Says U.S. Ties to Suffer if Arms Deal Fails (Reuters)


The Belgian Prime Minister, Guy Verhofstadt, was recovering yesterday after a road accident in which his car hit a concrete pillar and rolled over three times.

Belgian PM hurt in crash as flights row divides country


A problem in the Service Pack 2 update for Windows XP may keep owners of AMD-based computers from using the long-awaited security package, according to Microsoft.

Windows update harbors AMD conflict


Reuters - From new place names, shrinking seas\and terror attacks to soaring Internet usage, the world is\changing at a more rapid pace than in previous decades, says

New Atlas Shows Fast Pace of Changing World (Reuters)


AP - They offered ticket packages that were more family friendly. They cut prices at the concession stands for some games. Heck, they even had a

Attendance Down Again for Atlanta Braves (AP)


Less than a year after US Airways Group Inc. listed its stock on the Nasdaq National Market, the airline #39;s shares have been delisted, a result of its second bankruptcy filing.

US Airways off the Nasdaq, has 1 labor agreement


SHIITE militia leader Moqtada Sadr has ceded control of his shrine stronghold to representatives of the religious leadership following a deal with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to end weeks of deadly fighting that has devastated the Iraqi city of Najaf.

Sadr gives up Najaf shrine


Reuters - The North Atlantic\right whale, western wolverine and the dromedary jumping-slug\on Canada's Pacific coast will soon share a dubious\distinction.

Canada to Protect Slug, Whale, Endangered Species (Reuters)


AP - Michigan State used a powerful rushing attack, a trick play and a key defensive stand to defeat No. 4 Wisconsin 49-14 Saturday and knock the Badgers out of the national championship race.

Mich. State Routs No. 4 Wisconsin 49-14 (AP)


A gas explosion at a coal mine in the northern Chinese province of Shanxi killed 28 miners and five rescuers, the government said on Friday, in the latest in a grim series of similar disasters.

Latest China Mine Blast Kills 33


SPRINT and Nextel Communications are expected early this week to announce a \$70 billion (36 billion) telecoms merger that will create Americas third-largest mobile-phone company, with 39m customers.

Merger creates mobile giant


AP - Everywhere Duke University graduate student Brendan Nyhan and his partners in the political Web site spinsanity.com look, they see spin.

Web Site Takes Aim at 'Arms Race of Spin' (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. industrial output growth nearly  stalled last month as production cuts at mines and utilities  nearly swamped a solid performance in factories, a report from  the Federal Reserve showed on Wednesday.

Industrial Output Growth Nearly Stalls


WASHINGTON -- President Bush today will nominate Margaret Spellings, his chief domestic policy adviser, as secretary of education -- making her the third senior White House staff member selected to lead a key agency in his second term -- senior

Bush to name choice to lead Education Dept.


AP - Normally clannish and agressive Argentine ants have become so laid back since arriving in Australia decades ago that they no longer fight neighboring nests and have formed a supercolony here that spans 60 miles, scientists say.

Ants Form Supercolony Spanning 60 Miles (AP)


The presidential election may be decided along party lines, but in six states with close races for governor, local concerns prevail.

6 Battlegrounds for Governors


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rashard Lewis notched a personal  season-high of 37 points, including seven three-pointers, as  the Seattle SuperSonics swept aside the Los Angeles Lakers  108-93 Tuesday to collect their 18th win of the season.

NBA Wrap: Lewis Guides SuperSonics Past Lakers


Kerry Kittles hyperextended his right knee in practice Tuesday - the same knee that was operated on for the fifth time last off-season.

Like Nets, Kittles Waits for Success to Return


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines Inc. <A HREF=

Delta to Cut Employee Pay 10 Percent


InfoWorld - Caymas Systems made its formal debut Monday, releasing three identity-driven access gateways designed for control of internal and external access to enterprise data and applications.

Caymas introduces company and products (InfoWorld)


AP - Little noticed in this month's election was that the nation's third biggest vote getter, behind only President Bush and John Kerry, was Sen. Barbara Boxer, a fiery California Democrat who proudly wears her liberalism on her sleeve.

Boxer Becomes Third Biggest Vote Getter (AP)


AP - A Russian cargo ship loaded with supplies and equipment blasted off from the Baikonour cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday headed for the international space station, a Russian space official said.

Progress Cargo Ship Launched From Russia (AP)


Barber, who had just 26 yards on 10 carries midway through the third quarter, had a key 58-yard run and a late touchdown to finish with 122 yards rushing as the New York Giants beat the Dallas Cowboys 26-10 Sunday.

Giants 26, Cowboys 10


AFP - Several rounds of ammunition and grenades were stolen last week from British troops holding training exercises in Kenya's Rift Valley, the British High Commission in Nairobi said.

Ammunition stolen from British Army in Kenyan training ranges (AFP)


The sun may have captured millions of asteroids from another planetary system during an encounter more than 4 billion years ago, astronomers report today.

Sun may have captured other system #39;s asteroids


It was not a pitch Roger Clemens regretted. Inner half of the plate, a little up and 94 mph. The Rocket is going to Cooperstown on such pitches.

Pujols makes Cards a major threat


AP - Jordan Brower struck out eight batters and knocked in the winning run to lead Thousand Oaks, Calif., into the United States semifinals with a 3-1 win over Lincoln, R.I., at the Little League World Series on Tuesday.

Calif. Wins at Little League World Series (AP)


: Chechen rebel leader, Aslan Maskhadov, purportedly denied his involvement in the Russian school hostage-taking in a statement released on Friday and said another rebel chief, Shamil Basayev, should stand trial for staging it.

Maskhadov denies involvement in school seizure


THENS, Aug. 17 - Earlier this week, John Godina, a shot-putter from the United States, walked into the ancient stadium at Olympia, about 200 miles southwest of Athens, and the history he had studied in college came to life.

Ancient Site a Throwback for Select Few Athletes


Bangladesh #39;s opposition called on Thursday for another nationwide strike this weekend to protest against a deadly grenade attack on a political rally that killed 19 people and wounded over 150.

Opposition calls for another strike in Bangladesh


FORT PIERCE, Fla. - Hurricane Frances' wind and water whacked swaths of southern Florida with fire-hose force Sunday, submerging entire roadways and tearing off rooftops even as the storm weakened and crawled inland with heavy rains in its wake...

Frances Knocks Out Power, Floods Florida


The ZCU have refused to accept a ruling from the two-man International Cricket Council inquiry panel to bar three of their members from the courtroom while a group of former Test players, who made the allegations, gave evidence.

Race inquiry hits trouble


AMSTERDAM, Nov 2 (AFP) - Theo van Gogh, the maverick Dutch film maker killed in the street here on Tuesday, was a controversial figure who seemed to delight in provocation and had a penchant for portraying difficult subjects on screen.

Slain filmmaker Theo van Gogh:  #39;a champion of free speech #39;


MINNEAPOLIS - Gary Sheffield homered twice and keyed a four-run rally in the ninth inning Thursday night, sending the New York Yankees to a seesaw, 13-10 win over the Minnesota Twins.    Down 9-3 and minus Gold Glove center fielder Torii Hunter after he crashed into the fence, the Twins came back and almost swept the three-game series between AL division leaders...

Yankees Blow Lead but Beat Twins 13-10


A series of blasts rocks bank branches in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, killing a security guard.

Explosions rock Argentine banks


SOFIA, Bulgaria -- The United States and Russia clashed yesterday at a European security forum over the crisis of Ukraine's disputed election, elevating an increasingly tense debate over democracy in former Soviet republics.

Powell, Russian official in Ukraine clash


BEIJING (Reuters) - North Korea's second-most senior leader  toured a shiny new science park in Beijing Monday, a first stop  on visit aimed at finding ways to help the North's moribund  economy as much as jump-starting stalled nuclear talks.

North Korea's No. 2 Leader Visits China


Researchers who gleaned DNA from 500-year-old bone slivers said Friday that preliminary data suggests Christopher Columbus might be buried in Spain, rather than a rival tomb in the Dominican Republic, but for now they can #39;t be sure.

Columbus may not be buried in Caribbean


The competition in the PC Graphic Cards market just got hotter. ATI has good news for the computer gamers. They have released five new cards aimed at advanced gamers.

ATI launches five new Gaming Cards


Despite all the reports about SETI discovering a likely signal from an alien civilisation, you shouldn #39;t squint skywards just yet looking for a spherical disc from which little green men will hop out.

The aliens aren #39;t coming, yet


Gina Lynn wonders why cosmetic surgery has become so commonplace and suggests that it's time for a change.

It's Time for Reality Porn


Net6 says it has just the trick to make voice calling over a Secure Sockets Layer VPN work well.\

Start-up says it can deliver secure VoIP


AP - Consumer confidence, which had been on the rise since April, declined unexpectedly sharply in August, a private research group said Tuesday.

Consumer Confidence Plummets in August (AP)


SPACE.com - NASA is close \to nbsp;meeting all nbsp;of the return-to-flight safety requirements set by \Columbia accident investigators and should be able to launch a shuttle by May \2005, shuttle program officials said today.

NASA's Return to Flight on Track, Shuttle Officials Say (SPACE.com)


Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.), who led much of Congress #39; oversight of federal information technology during the past two years, has left the House Government Reform Committee and joined the Rules Committee.

Reform to Rules for Putnam


Skywatchers on half the planet are gearing up to watch Earth #39;s shadow consume a blood-red Moon tonight in the last total lunar eclipse until 2007.

Last Chance Until 2007: Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight!


The US administration seeks to refocus its spending in Iraq on better security and other short-term needs.

US to change Iraq funding focus


Mozilla Firefox is a safe, free, fast, simple and compatible Web browser that may be the answer to letting go of Internet Explorer once and for all.

Firefox Leaves No Reason to Endure IE


Hoping to drive users to its new MSN Search service, Microsoft (Quote, Chart) announced it will release a new beta of its messenger client with an embedded search bar.

MSN Putting Search in IM Beta


AFP - The Internet browser wars, dormant for several years, shows signs of heating up again as a result of gains from a new program called Firefox, a research report showed.

Firefox gains suggest browser wars may heat up (AFP)


Police look for a woman who broke into pop star George Michael's north London home earlier this month.

Hunt for George Michael intruder


Microsoft #39;s online music store, known as MSN Music store, is being hailed as the most capable competitor to the iTunes Music Store of California #39;s Apple.

Microsoft launches MSN Music online store


The King of Jordan announced an abrupt change to his succession plans yesterday, stripping his half-brother, Hamza bin Hussein, of the title crown prince.

King Hussein #39;s favoured son loses claim to Jordan #39;s throne


Montgomery County (website - news) is a big step closer to shopping for prescription drugs north of the border. On a 7-2 vote, the County Council is approving a plan that would give county

Council Approves Canadian Drug Plan


Interest rates on US 30-year and 15-year mortgages rose in the latest week as an improving economy stoked fears of inflation, mortgage finance company Freddie Mac said on Thursday.

US 30-,15-year mortgage rates rise in week


Will radio star Howard Stern do for satellite radio what The Sopranos did for cable? Mr. Stern, host of the raunchy, top-rated drive-time radio show, signed a \$500-million, five-year contract with satellite

Can Howard Stern take Sirius into orbit?


American rapper Eminem is to launch a satellite music radio channel called Shade 45 later this month. On 28 October Shade 45 will broadcast its first programme - a live concert from New York.

Eminem to launch satellite radio channel


LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea went two points clear at the top  of the Premier League after they beat Everton 1-0 and  struggling champions Arsenal were held to a surprise 1-1 draw  by promoted Crystal Palace Saturday.

Palace Holds Arsenal, Chelsea Goes Two Points Clear


If any student trying to enter the workforce in China should have an easy time finding a plum job, it #39;s Wang Zhaohui. In July, the 30-year-old graduated from China Agricultural University in Beijing -- China #39;s

Now College Grads Can #39;t Find A Job


AP - Scientists looking into air quality and climate change have found pollutants from as far as Asia over New England and the Atlantic.

Pollutants From Asia Appear on East Coast (AP)


RadioShack Corp. has agreed to take over the operaton of wireless kiosks in 542 Sam #39;s Club locations nationwide, RadioShack said Monday.

RadioShack inks deal to operate Sam #39;s Club wireless kiosks


NAJAF, Iraq - Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his fighters to lay down their arms and leave the area as thousands of Iraqis thronged the revered Imam Ali shrine Friday after he and the Iraqi government agreed to a peace proposal by Iraq's top Shiite cleric to end three weeks of fighting in Najaf.    Al-Sadr issued the order in a statement to his Mahdi Army militia from his office in Najaf that also was broadcast through loudspeakers at the shrine, which militants have used as a stronghold and refuge throughout their standoff with a combined U.S.-Iraqi force...

Thousands March to Holy Shrine in Najaf


Microsoft is targeting late 2006 for the release of Longhorn, the long-awaited and ambitious successor to Windows XP. A server version is slated for 2007.

Microsoft says Longhorn to ship in 2006 without WinFS


Reuters London Oct 29: UN figures on Afghanistan will show a big rise in drug cultivation and production in the past year, the British Foreign Secretary, Mr Jack Straw has said, as he chided international donors for not meeting their pledges.

Afghan drug statistics to show big rise: Straw


ALICIA Molik joined fellow Australian Nicole Pratt in the last 16 of the Olympic tennis competition overnight with a 7-5 6-4 second round win over Slovenia #39;s Katarina Srebotnik.

Molik joins Pratt in last 16


MOSCOW (Reuters) - A methane blast in a mineshaft in  Russia's Siberia killed at least 10 people and injured 30 on  Thursday, a government spokesman said.

Russian Mine Blast Kills 10, Injures 30


Major cell phone infrastructure provider plans to use HP's telecom software in 3G mobile network gear.

HP partners with 3G gear maker


MOSCOW - Tens of thousands of demonstrators waving banners and flags gathered in Red Square in a show of unity against terrorism as the country mourned the hundreds of victims of a hostage-taking at a school in southern Russia.    More than 100,000 people were expected to take part in the evening rally in the capital, organized by a pro-government trade union and advertised on state-controlled television by celebrities who appealed to citizens to turn out to say no to terror...

Thousands in Russia Rally Against Terror


Worldwide mobile phone sales surpassed 156.4m units in the second quarter of 2004, a 35 per cent increase on the second quarter of 2003, according to market research group Gartner, Inc.

Global mobile handset sales up 35 in second quarter


YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar's military junta is to release a  further 5,070 prisoners, state media announced on Saturday,  bringing the total number of prisoners released in recent weeks  to more than 14,000.

Myanmar to Release a Further 5,000 Prisoners


I don #39;t get to the office all that often these days -- the beauty of this job is you can do it in your bathrobe while eating oatmeal and keeping one eye on The Price is Right -- so when I do, there #39;s usually a stack of mail awaiting.

First Heisman ballot is in hand, but actually picking a winner a <b>...</b>


Q: What are the rules regarding hand shakes in business situations? Should men stand when shaking hands with each other? And are women required to shake hands?

Etiquette at Work


Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour -- were not in the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building during the onslaught of Hurricane Frances. The VAB lost about 40,000

NASA Space Shuttles Spared Frances #39; Wrath


hexene writes  quot;In an open letter to the IETF MARID Working Group, the Apache Software Foundation has rejected the patent-encumbered Sender ID specification.

Apache Rejects Sender ID


The Russian government plans to sell a majority stake in the main production unit of the embattled Yukos oil company at an auction scheduled for December 19, the Interfax news agency reported Friday.

Report: Yukos unit to be auctioned


Reuters - Hollywood film studios filed suit\against online video file swappers in federal courts across the\United States on Tuesday, making good on a promise to punish\computer users they claim are violating copyright laws.

Movie Studios Start Suing Web File Swappers (Reuters)


Southampton, England (Sports Network) - American international goalkeeper Kasey Keller has been loaned to Southampton for one month.

Keller loaned to Southampton for one month


National Commerce Financial Corp. said Tuesday that it agreed to settle shareholder lawsuits challenging SunTrust Banks Inc. #39;s proposed purchase of the financial services company.

National Commerce to Settle Suits


SANTA CLARA, Calif.Driven by demand for flash-memory chips used in cellphones, Intel Corp. #39;s third-quarter profits rose as the chip-making giant struggled to overcome lacklustre PC sales, growing inventory, product missteps and stiff competition.

Intel pumps up third-quarter profit


Fireman's Fund Insurance Co., apparently swayed by recent meetings with a Massachusetts regulator, reversed course yesterday and said it now plans to continue writing auto insurance policies in the state next year.

Fireman's Fund says it will keep insuring autos in Mass.


Your basic everyday x86 server doesn't look so average anymore. In fact, with 64-bit extensions on the table and multi-core processors in the works, this venerable PC server is looking downright jazzy.

Rebirth for the x86


UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council voted  unanimously on Friday to send another 5,900 peacekeepers to the  Congo, less than half of what U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan  had requested.

UN Council Approves 5,900 More Troops for Congo


Not too long ago, I was trying to meet up with friends at an outdoor concert in the park. We had chosen a really good, well-marked meeting place--which dozens of other people and their closest friends were

Don #39;t Call Me, I #39;ll Call You


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Army will withhold payment  on 15 percent of future invoices of Halliburton Co.'s <A HREF=

Army Won't Pay 15 Pct of Halliburton Bill


Almost 300,000 civil servants will be balloted for a one-day national strike\against government plans to cut jobs.

Civil servants face strike ballot


Kanpur: After Murali Kartik on Sunday, it was the turn of two senior India spinners to criticise the Green Park wicket. South Africa put up a huge 510 for 9 declared in the first innings and India - led

Kumble, Bhajji slam Kanpur pitch


VIENNA (Reuters) - OPEC may resist calls to raise oil  output quotas much, if at all, when it meets this week for fear  of turning a decline from record prices into a rout.

OPEC Seen Wary on Big Oil Quotas Increase


The missing handlebar moustache of forest brigand Veerappan has triggered speculation that it wasn #39;t the sandalwood smuggler who was killed in Monday #39;s encounter with the Tamil Nadu Special Task Force near Dharmapuri.

The mystery of Veerappan #39;s missing moustache


Reigning league MVP Kevin Garnett has picked up where he left off last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The same cant be said for the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons.

NBA finals preview? Wolves vs. Pistons


The Coca-Cola Co. is forecasting weakness in its key markets next year and is scaling back its long-term targets for earnings and sales volume growth.

Coca-Cola lowers long-term growth targets


Barclays said on Thursday it was in talks with Absa, South Africa #39;s largest retail bank, about a possible recommended partial offer for a majority stake.

Barclays in talks to acquire Absa


BEIRUT Lebanon said Wednesday it had arrested 10 members of a Qaeda-linked group planning to blow up the Italian Embassy in Beirut using a car packed with 300 kilograms of the explosive TNT.

Lebanon arrests 2 leaders


LSU coach Nick Saban has talked to the Miami Dolphins about their vacant head coaching position. In a statement issued by LSU on Wednesday, Saban described the talks as  quot;a preliminary conversation with the

Dolphins appear interested in LSU #39;s Saban


Jeffrey Ubben, former chairman and the largest outside shareholder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., sold more than half his stake in the company this month as shares reached their highest price in more than two years.

Ex-chairman cashes in as Martha Stewart shares recover


A growing number of contemporary musicians and techno enthusiasts have reignited interest in the Moog, which can synthesize any sound imaginable.

The Moog Synthesizer Makes a Comeback


HARARE (AFP) - A formal hearing into allegations of racism in Zimbabwe cricket, set up here by the International Cricket Council (ICC), collapsed in disarray when the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) and the rebel players refused to budge on witness procedure

Cricket-Zimbabwe race probe collapses


An attorney for Oracle Corp. says the company will abandon its legal challenge to PeopleSoft Inc.'s antitakeover protections if shareholders fail to tender a majority of their shares by a Nov. 19 deadline.

Oracle to Drop Lawsuit If PeopleSoft Tender Fails


A giant man placing his blue boots in the center of a yellow mat would be a strange sight to the uninitiated. But to American Rulon Gardner, the symbolism was huge.

Gardner Puts Down Boots to Begin New Life


A year after Congress enacted the CAN-SPAM legislation, our tests show that unsubscribing from marketing e-mail can still be hard.

Spam Law Test


Cool autumn weather and apparent pent-up demand for clothing drove strong sales in October at Gap, Neiman Marcus and other national retailers, according to company reports issued Thursday.

Cool weather heats up retail sales


BAKU (Azerbaijan) - David Beckham is so popular in Azerbaijan that the country #39;s coach, Carlos Alberto, is slightly disappointed that the England skipper will be missing when their teams meet in their World Cup qualifying match here tomorrow.

Becks #39; absence is both good and bad news


Japan, Brazil, India and Germany are joining forces to lobby for permanent seats on the UN Security Council. The move comes as a high-level panel prepares recommendations on reforming and enlarging the most powerful UN body.

Four Nations Lobby For UN Security Council Seats


AP - Here's something to ponder when you bite into your next chicken wing: A new study says about 60 percent of the genes in the critter you're eating have close cousins in your own DNA.

Chicken Genome Should Boost DNA Research (AP)


Former WorldCom Inc. chief executive Bernard Ebbers has indicated he will seek reimbursement from the company for his millions of dollars in legal bills.

WorldCom's Ebbers Wants Company to Pay Legal Bills


Personal Internet Communicator is geared toward families in so-called emerging markets, such as China and India.

AMD offering blueprint for \$249 PC


MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian colonel convicted of murdering  a Chechen woman has withdrawn his request for a pardon, sparing  President Vladimir Putin the uncomfortable choice of offending  either the volatile region or his military.

Russian Who Murdered Chechen No Longer Seeks Pardon


PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Tom Lehman, a member of three Ryder Cup Teams and winner of the 1996 British Open Championship, has been selected by The Professional Golfers #39; Association of America to captain the 2006 US Ryder Cup Team.

PGA Taps Tom


NEW YORK - Atlantas Bobby Cox and St. Louis Tony La Russa, among the top nine winningest skippers of all-time, are the leading contenders for the National League Manager of the Year honors, which will be announced Wednesday.

Cox, La Russa up for NL manager of year


The legal profession may have a reputation for being conservative, but some US courts are taking a more hi-tech approach.

US courtrooms go hi-tech


The second cricket Test between India and Australia ended in a draw Monday after heavy rain washed out play on the fifth of five scheduled days, erasing any chance of an outcome in a delicately poised match.

Second India-Australia Test ends in draw after rain washes out <b>...</b>


Reuters - German compact disc and DVD\equipment company Singulus and Japan's Sony have teamed up to\develop a new technology for music and video discs, Singulus\said on Tuesday.

Singulus, Sony Team Up on Blu-Ray Development (Reuters)


American tanks have reportedly encircled the Imam Ali shrine in the Iraqi city of Najaf, after intensively bombarding rebel positions overnight.

US tanks  #39;encircle Najaf shrine #39;


Countries involved in six-way talks on North Korea #39;s nuclear program have urged Pyongyang to return to the table sooner rather than later but have not proposed specific

N.Korea Urged to Hold Talks But No Dates-Source


AP - Christian conservatives are casting a wider net this year in their search for likely voters  #151; especially conservative ones  #151; by asking people on the phone how they feel about same-sex marriage as well as their views on abortion, a standard question in previous election cycles.

Christians Use Gay Marriage to Seek Voters (AP)


The Securities and Exchange Commission ordered mutual funds to stop paying higher commissions to brokers who promote the companies' funds and required portfolio managers to reveal investments in funds they supervise.

SEC tells funds to end perks


China #39;s former President Jiang Zemin resigned as head of the country #39;s military, leaving President Hu Jintao as undisputed leader of the world #39;s most populous nation.

China #39;s President Hu Replaces Jiang as Military Chief (Update3)


TREASURER Peter Costello warned yesterday that exporters faced a challenging year, blaming the strength of the Australian dollar for an uncomfortably large current account deficit.

Strong dollar  #39;to blame #39;


A massive suicide car bomb blast on the outskirts of of the Iraqi city of Fallujah killed seven US marines in the deadliest attack on Americans since May.

Bomber kills seven US marines


San Diego County #39;s unemployment rate plunged sharply to 3.7 percent in August - its lowest point this year -s the local economy continued to outpace the state and nation as an engine of job growth.

County #39;s jobless rate dives in August


ATLANTA -- Struggling Delta Air Lines Inc. plans additional job cuts as part of its effort to avoid bankruptcy, chief executive Gerald Grinstein said yesterday in a memo to employees.

Delta says it will cut more jobs


A group that advocates greater rights for fathers in child custody cases sent two of its operatives over the fence at Buckingham Palace today and one of them, dressed

#39;Batman #39; Ends Buckingham Palace Ledge Protest


Trying to authenticate documents or uncover forgeries is an increasingly technical pursuit.

They Are Sleuths Who Weigh Prose


A high school pupil wielding a 9mm pistol shot dead four classmates and wounded five more yesterday in Argentina #39;s worst school rampage.

Argentinian pupil shoots four dead in classroom


SIR MARK THATCHER is facing an extradition demand from Equatorial Guinea to stand trial over claims that he helped to bankroll an attempted coup in the oil-rich West African state.

Thatcher to fight call for extradition over  #39;coup #39;


A plant used to stem the hunger pangs of African tribes could soon be added to the meals of obese westerners desperate to lose their excess pounds.

Prickly solution to slimmers #39; woes


NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Google Inc., the most  popular Internet search engine, raised \$1.67 billion on  Wednesday in its long-awaited IPO after slashing the price and  size of an offer beset by missteps and poor market conditions.

Google Raises \$1.67 Bln in Cut-Price IPO


Australia #39;s ruling conservative coalition has promised to maintain its commitment to the war on terror. At the party #39;s official campaign launch in Brisbane, the Prime Minister, John Howard, said

Howard opens election campaign


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The world wants President Bush out  of the White House, according to a poll released on Wednesday  that shows in 30 of 35 countries people preferred Democrat  candidate John Kerry.

World Wants Bush Out of the White House: Poll


A judge adjourns the trial of Saudi reformists amid a\standoff over whether the trial should be held in public.

Saudi reformist trial adjourned


Dear Tom and Ray: I was pretty freaked out recently to learn that more than 20 2003-04 Honda CR-Vs had caught fire after their first oil change.

Car Talk: Fire hazard on Honda CR-V is real


AP - Democratic Party officials picked U.S. Rep. William Lipinski's son Tuesday to replace his father on the November ballot, a decision engineered by Lipinski after he announced his retirement and withdrew from the race four days earlier.

Son Running for Ill. Rep.'s House Seat (AP)


The governing body of European soccer has approved artificial turf for its competitions at the club and national team level beginning next season, UEFA #39;s chief executive said Wednesday.

UEFA approves use of artificial turf


LONDRES, 13 (ANSA)- Chelsea gole hoy 4-1 a Fulham en uno de los clsicos de Londres, y se mantuvo en el tope de las posiciones de la Premier League; mientras que en el otro derby Arsenal bati 5-4 a Tottenham Hotspur.

CHELSEA GOLEO A FULHAM Y RETUVO LIDERAZGO DE PREMIER LEAGUE


Kelly, 45, was senior vice president of Sprint Consumer Solutions, with overall responsibility for marketing, product development, advertising, strategic planning and business development.

Kelly becomes president of Sprint Consumer Solutions


Dell chief executive Kevin Rollins on Monday gave the most direct indication yet that a deal with AMD may be on the way, dropping a strong hint that the news was a question of when, not if.

Rollins signals Dell deal with AMD


Home in Panama following a terrifying accident that left two of his family members dead, Yankees star closer Mariano Rivera was absent from the club's early-afternoon workout at Yankee Stadium yesterday.

Rivera's status for opener uncertain


FIRE AT SEA: The man died while being airlifted to hospital. Bad weather has delayed rescue of the remainder of the crew, who are adrift in waters northeast of Ireland.

Canadian sailor dies of submarine fire injuries


Some of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein #39;s aides will go on trial next week, interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said Tuesday.

Saddam #39;s aides face trial


Ann Heidig fulfilled a dream when she started her own winery in Central Virginia. She produces only 5,000 cases of wine a year -oo few to attract a wholesale

Wine Case Goes to High Court


ATA Airlines is laying off 156 employees. Company spokeswoman Erica Keane isn #39;t commenting on reports that the Indianapolis-based ATA is trying to sell all or part of its holdings.

ATA announces layoffs


Wearable tech goes mainstream as the Gap introduces jacket with built-in radio.\

Gap's garment gadget blasts your favorite tunes


Cairo - The speaker of the Sudanese parliament on Sunday warned the West against intervening in his country, saying it would open the  quot;gates of hell quot;.

Sudan warns West


San Francisco  ITWeb, 9 December 2004 - Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has reaffirmed his company #39;s commitment to datahubs and hinted of a merged product line after the PeopleSoft buyout.

Ellison #39;s take on PeopleSoft, datahubs


The trial of seven Pitcairn Island men, descendants of the 18th century Bounty mutineers, began Wednesday with the mayor the first to face charges of rape and underage sex, pool reports said.

Pitcairn Mayor  #39;Led Rape #39; on Island - Prosecutor


The central bank is likely to keep interest rates at historical lows for now amid worries about weakening demand for electronics goods in the second half, economists said yesterday.

No change to interest rates seen


Company will begin production on sub-1-inch hard drive later this year.

Toshiba Has Big Plans for Small Drives


The Chief of Canada #39;s maritime defence staff is defending the submarines Canada obtained from the British navy, saying the vessels would never be sent out without being  quot;prepared, checked and tested.

Cdn navy chief defends submarines from Britain


Trading in shares of Swedish health care company Gambro AB were halted Monday by the Stockholm Stock Exchange following a report that the US dialysis company DaVita Inc.

Update 2: Swedish Exchange Halts Gambro Trading


MINNEAPOLIS (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings wide  receiver Randy Moss will be a game-time decision for Sunday's  game against Tennessee because of a hamstring injury.

Injured Viking WR Moss a Game-Time Decision Vs. Titans


Employing the latest in PC technology, the Gateway 700GR is designed on Intel #39;s highly anticipated BTX architecture, which aligns key components in a central wind tunnel.

Gateway Launches First  #39;BTX #39; Desktop PC


ATHENS - The US might have found its shooting touch in time to retain gold in Olympic basketball, but American attempts at diplomacy continue to miss badly.

Even in victory, US loses face


A blonde, 21-year-old go-go dancer is sending emails with naked photos of herself attached and asking for work as model. Or so you are led to think by the latest mass-mailing Sober worm variant to hit the Web, Sober.

Seductive virus has Sobering consequence


THE HUMAN body is a long-distance running machine that came off the evolutionary assembly line about 2 million years ago, according to researchers writing in the journal Nature last week. That may be hard to believe given the current obesity problem and the attachment Homo sapiens have for their expensive, multifunctional easy chairs. But on closer look the theory makes ...

Born to run


The score is now two out of two for Harmony Gold in its hostile bid for Gold Fields after the Securities Regulation Panel and the Johannesburg high court last week handed down judgments favourable

JP Morgan has a conflict of interest in saga


ARLINGTON, TEX. -- The baseball players #39; association filed a grievance yesterday seeking to overturn the Anaheim Angels #39; suspension of left-fielder Jose Guillen.

Grievance filed over suspension


MULTIPLEX Group has seen off a late challenge to its takeover of Ronin Property Group, yesterday securing a crucial stake that all but guarantees a successful bid and a re-rating of the developer #39;s shares.

Multiplex secures Ronin bid


Jason Campbell passed for 252 yards and two touchdowns Saturday to lead the ninth-ranked Auburn Tigers over eighth-ranked Tennessee, 34-10.

COL FB: Auburn 34, Tennessee 10


US meat processor Smithfield Foods has said its first-quarter earnings more than doubled from the year-ago period, boosted by higher sales.

USA: Smithfield Foods reports higher Q1 earnings


U.N. relief officials warned Monday that people affected by the south Asia earthquake and tsunami may be dying of hunger and disease because wrecked roads and bad communications are blocking the distribution of supplies.

Wrecked Roads Blocking Aid Distribution


SEOUL (Reuters) - Police questioned 350 South Korean  students Friday and more were under suspicion in a widening  probe into cheating that has uncovered a link between two  national obsessions -- education and mobile phones.

Mobile Phone Cheats Mar S.Korean College Exam


KHARTOUM, Sudan (Reuters) - Sudan asked the country heads  of two British aid agencies to leave the country, accusing them  of breaching Sudanese law and interfering in domestic affairs,  government and aid officials said Monday.

Sudan Threatens to Expel Two UK Aid Agency Heads


Englands controversial cricket tour of Zimbabwe was back on tonight after a ban on British journalists was lifted. But the Tories accused the Government of having

England Cricket Tour of Zimbabwe Back On


Virginia Tech's recently rebuilt Macintosh supercomputer flies past the 12-teraflop mark, but will the performance boost be enough to keep it in the supercomputer top 10? By Leander Kahney.

System X Faster, but Falls Behind


IBM Corp. plans to announce today that it has built the world #39;s fastest supercomputer at one of its facilities in Rochester, Minn.

IBM Claims Computer Speed Title


LAS VEGAS (Sports Network) - Mike Sanford has been hired as  the ninth head football coach at UNLV. The former Utah  offensive coach takes over for the retired John Robinson.

UNLV Names Sanford Head Football Coach


Creative Commons Search Engine Integrated into Firefox 1.0\\Creative Commons today unveiled an updated beta version of its search engine, which scours the web for text, images, audio, and video free to re-use on certain terms a search refinement offered by no other company or organization today. Creative Commons rsquo; announcement coincides ...


US average retail gasoline prices fell over the last two weeks and are poised to slip even further as crude oil prices continue to tumble, an industry analyst said on Sunday.

Gas Prices Continue Slide


Letters It could only happen in Letters

Prior art claimed for concentration camp invention


Pro baseball: Texas vs. Red Sox at Fenway Park, 7 p.m.; International League -- Rochester vs. Pawtucket at McCoy Stadium, Pawtucket, R.I., 7 p.m.

Today's schedule


A survey released today indicates that federal chief information security officers at agencies with small budgets are struggling under the weight of regulatory paperwork, while counterparts at larger agencies have the time, money and manpower to work on strategic planning.

Survey finds digital divide among federal CISOs


Revenue and profit at NTT DoCoMo, Japan #39;s number one cellular operator, dropped during the first half of its financial year because of discount schemes offered to win and keep subscribers to its 3G mobile cellular network.

Discounts bite into NTT DoCoMo #39;s results


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kraft Foods Inc. said on Thursday it  has agreed to sell its UK desserts unit to Premier Foods Plc  for \$135 million in a bid to focus on larger-scale businesses.

Kraft Sells UK Desserts Unit for \$135 Mln


Israel Defense Forces troops shot and killed three Palestinians in two separate incidents in the Gaza Strip on Friday, the army and Palestinian doctors said.

IDF shoots dead three Palestinians, destroys arms warehouse in <b>...</b>


The doubters were in Paul Johnson #39;s ear three years ago when the ultra-successful coach at Georgia Southern decided to accept the head coaching job at Navy.

Navy football shipshape again


Canadian Press - QUEBEC (CP) - Stephen Harper denied accusations of political opportunism in Quebec on Saturday, saying he wants voters in the province to chose the Conservatives for principles that apply across the country.

Harper maintains message consistent in Quebec and rest of Canada (Canadian Press)


The Celtics have opened the 2004-05 season with two close losses at home. Last night, they dropped a 100-94 decision to the Indiana Pacers, which went much like the 98-95 loss to Philadelphia Wednesday night.

Problems come into focus


In the name of developing simpler voice over IP solutions, Vonage Holdings has teamed with Boingo Wireless. Initially, the companies will target business travelers with Boingo #39;s Wi-Fi service and Vonage #39;s SoftPhone service.

Vonage, Boingo Team For Wireless VoIP


No consensus exists among Democrats about why John Kerry was defeated, and the party is locked in a battle of interpretation over just what went wrong.

So What Happened in That Election, Anyhow?


Dubai, Nov 3 (UNI) President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam paid glowing tributes to the late President of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and said that the UAE has lost its father figure.

Dr Kalam pays tribute to the late UAE president


Telestream announced Friday support for exporting or importing files in the Microsoft Windows Media format on Mac OS X platforms. Telestream #39;s new support capabilities for Windows Media

Telestream Unveils Windows Media 9 Series Encoding Support For Mac


KANPUR, India -- Opener Andrew Hall and debutant Zander de Bruyn defied India #39;s spin attack on Sunday to put South Africa in command of the first Test match in Kanpur.

Hall and de Bruyn grind down India


AP - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has shut down its online document library, pending a review to determine what potentially sensitive documents should be removed because they might be useful to terrorists, the agency said Tuesday.

U.S. Nuclear Panel Closes Online Library (AP)


WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- The Federal Open Market Committee should end its practice of hinting at the likely course of future policy actions, said William Poole, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St.

Fed #39;s Poole calls for end to rate hints


Merck reduced its 2004 forecast by 50 cents to 55 cents because of lost revenues. The move followed the recall of Vioxx from the global market on September 30th, due to its association with increased risk of heart attacks.

Merck To Increase Job Cuts, Further Reduce Spending


The IIHS tested dozens of seats to see how well they would protect an average-size male dummy. Eight seats got the highest rating, including those in the Volvo S-40, S-60 and S-80, the Saab 9-2X and 9-3, and the Jaguar S-type.

Whiplash Prevention Tests


Tens of thousands march in a tense Kiev in support for the opposition ahead of next weekend's election.

Marchers demand fair Ukraine poll


There was a rare piece of good news for the Japanese royal family yesterday when it was reported that the emperor and empress #39;s only daughter is to marry a commoner.

Princess to wed Tokyo civil servant


Japan #39;s government will ease a four- decade ban on weapons exports, opening up new markets for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

Japan to Ease Weapons Export Ban, Revamps Military (Update2)


Barcelona, Spain (Sports Network) - Barcelona #39;s Henrik Larsson appears likely to miss the remainder of the season after it was discovered that he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Larsson #39;s season in jeopardy


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Sports Network) - Adrian Peterson rushed for 171 yards and three scores, as the second-ranked Oklahoma Sooners likely punched their ticket to the Orange Bowl with a 42-3 pasting of the Colorado Buffaloes in the Big 12 championship game.

No. 2 Oklahoma Wins Big 12 Title Game Over Colorado


Thirteen million digital radios will be sold in the UK by the end of 2008, industry body DRDB predicts.

Digital radio sales 13m 'by 2008'


South Korea has tightened security at home and overseas after a new threat by the al-Qaida terrorist network against countries supporting the US-led coalition in Iraq.

South Korea Tightens Security Following New Al-Qaida Threat


Delta Air Lines Inc. said Friday it is extending the offer to exchange up to \$680 million in three series of newly issued senior secured notes to the holders of \$2.6 billion of outstanding unsecured debt securities and enhanced pass through certificates.

Delta Extends Note Exchange Offer


Oracle at the Oracle OpenWorld conference in San Francisco next week plans to focus on its Data Hub technology for business intelligence, content management for the masses, grid computing, and integration, an Oracle official said on Thursday.

Oracle to tout business intelligence, content management


AT #38;T Chief David Dorman says he expects VoIP to be a \$2 billion-a-year business, small change for his company.

Is VoIP just chump change?


Oil futures prices advanced to another record high yesterday as a strike began in Africa's largest exporter of crude, exacerbating global supply concerns at a time of strong demand and reduced output in the hurricane-ravaged Gulf of Mexico.

Oil prices approach \$54 amid Nigeria unrest fears


JOSE MOURINHO last night promised Barcelona that as far as football is concerned, his side can prove that size doesn #39;t matter.

FOOTBALL: MOURINHO: BEAT BARCA? NOU PROBLEM


Asian and European leaders open their biennial summit with the EU promising new sanctions against Burma.

Burma overshadows Asem


AP - Republican House leaders expressed confidence Wednesday that they will be able to extend three popular tax cuts that are set to expire at the end of this year.

GOP House Leaders Confident of Tax Cuts (AP)


SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea set three conditions on  Friday to be met before it would consider returning to  six-party talks on its nuclear programs.

N.Korea Sets 3 Conditions for 6-Way Talks to Resume


Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan was charged by the Football Association on Tuesday with verbally abusing the referee following his side #39;s 4-3 defeat to Newcastle.

FA charges Keegan with abusive behavior


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue-chip stocks fell  on  Thursday and crude oil prices touched \$49 a barrel as traders  saw a possible oil loan from U.S. government reserves as too  small to make up for supply disruptions caused by Hurricane  Ivan.

Blue Chips Drop, Oil Reaches \$49 a Barrel


Scientists monitoring Mount St. Helens, which erupted with a minor explosion on Friday, said that they were expecting a more powerful explosion within a day or so.

Bigger Eruption Predicted at Mount St. Helens


Four former Merrill Lynch employees and an ex-Enron executive are found guilty of artificially inflating the energy firm's profits.

Convictions in Enron fraud trial


Genetically altered mice that are unusually sensitive to nicotine may help scientists nail down exactly how people become addicted to smoking, US researchers said on Thursday.

Mutant Mice Help Shed Light on Tobacco Addiction


Andy Roddick has never fought harder in a Davis Cup match and has never experienced a team loss like he did in his 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-6 (6) 6-2 defeat to Spanish 18-year-old Rafael Nadal on Friday in the US-Spain Davis Cup final.

Roddick played well in Friday #39;s loss


AP - Egypt put its security forces on maximum alert and workers spruced up a modest mosque at Cairo's international airport Thursday in preparation for Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's funeral, which will include a procession led by a horse-drawn carriage.

Egypt Prepares to Receive Arafat's Body (AP)


Reuters - Biofuels could become a major revenue\earner for Britain's arable farmers within 5-10 years, but much\will depend on government support, a major study into the UK\cereals sector concluded on Monday.

Biofuels Seen Key to UK Farming Future - Report (Reuters)


You didnt read it here first, but its worth noting: Nextel has unique technology that lets them serve businesses who need push-to-talk quite well, but itsa mess of spectrum and

Nextel, Sprint Discuss Merger