Israel has celebrated its first Olympic gold medal, saying Gal Fridman #39;s win gave pride and joy to Jewish people around the world.

Israel celebrates joy of first gold medal


ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (Ticker) - Denver Broncos defensive tackle Luther Elliss has a herniated disc and will miss the rest of the season, coach Mike Shanahan announced on Friday.

Broncos lose DL Elliss for season


HARTFORD, Conn. -- Despite charges of bid-rigging and conflicts of interest against the insurance industry, Connecticut insurance Commissioner Susan F. Cogswell said she has not found corruption in Connecticut.

Insurance chief says she #39;s heard no complaints in wake of scandal


FOXBOROUGH -- Red Sox owner John W. Henry lugged the World Series trophy, but Johnny Damon walked off with the Oscar here last night when a small contingent of Red Sox Nation visited Gillette Stadium before the Patriots-Bills game.

Damon was into this game early


Rain and strong winds in the Australian city of Melbourne is expected to bring a swag of international horses back into contention for the nation #39;s best known horse race, the Melbourne Cup.

Rain hits ahead of Melbourne Cup


The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) expects to find a solution with non-OPEC members and oil companies to jointly stabilize oil prices at their meeting next month, OPEC president Purnomo Yusgiantoro said.

OPEC To Try To Curb Oil Prices


According to Friday #39;s Vancouver Province, Bertuzzi #39;s defence team and the Crown are very close to a plea bargain deal. Bertuzzi was charged with assault causing bodily harm stemming from his attack on Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore on March 8.

Report: Bertuzzi close to plea bargain


Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. posted fourth-quarter profit Wednesday that trounced Wall Street forecasts due to an unexpected revival of its investment banking business, a signal that could bode well for some of its rivals.

Brokerage Stocks Rise on Lehman Results


A tiny craft powered by Star Trek technology was standing today at the gateway to the moon - and a landmark date in the history of European space exploration.

European Spacecraft to Research  #39;Moon Colonies #39;


NBC Sports executive Dick Ebersol and his son were released from the hospital on Monday, a week after an executive jet crash that killed three people, including Ebersol's youngest son.

Ebersols Released From Colorado Hospital


The storms are done and the floodwaters have abated, but lightning still struck for the second time at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today, as New Zealand #39;s James Franklin emulated his idol, Wasim Akram, by claiming cricket #39;s equivalent of the hole-in

A second strike of lightning


US officials are blaming Darfur rebels for this week #39;s renewed violence in the troubled region of western Sudan. The Sudanese government says more than 30 of its policemen have been killed in Darfur clashes since Monday.

US Blames Darfur Rebels for Latest Upsurge in Violence


Told that he ticked off the Chicago Bears with his latest touchdown celebration, Terrell Owens shrugged.  quot;Oh, well, quot; the Eagles wide receiver said today after his team #39;s 19-9 victory over the Bears at Soldier Field.

Owens makes Bears sit up and take notice


Handheld game devices and satellite radio receiver vie for gadget fans' attention with camcorders, big LCD TV, and more.

Tokyo Edge: Autumn Brings Gamers' Delights


Astronomers are claiming to have found a  quot;super-Earth quot; orbiting a star some 50 light years away. They say the finding could significantly boost the hunt for worlds beyond our Solar System.

It #39;s out there somewhere


According to the Yankee Group, the adoption of Linux on the desktop should grow to the mid-single digits in the next year. It #39;s common knowledge that Microsoft rules the desktop operating system (OS) environment

Linux growing on SMB desktops: Yankee Group


Boston Police Commissioner Kathleen O #39;Toole said officials chose not to hold a rally for the Red Sox on City Hall Plaza because of fears that it could create a  quot;dangerous situation.

Boston Prepares For Red Sox Parade


#147;The Macintosh, with its OS X operating system, is rock solid, #148; writes Walt Mossberg for the Wall Street Journal.  #147;It is elegant, and  #151; when you do a feature-by-feature price comparison with Windows competitors  #151; it #146;s surprisingly affordable. #148; Dec 09

Mac OS X  #151; Rock Solid


While nomadic running back Ricky Williams is taking classes at an unidentified Northern Californian university, his attorney laid the groundwork for his possible return to the Dolphins and NFL.

Ricky Williams #39; lawyer disputes drug test


The European Commission has asked four European Union countries to justify why they favor Intel Corp. processors in computers for public authorities, it announced Wednesday.

EU asks four countries to justify call for Intel chips


Consumer electronics retailer Circuit City Stores Inc. on Monday said each of more than 570 Superstores in the United States will feature a Verizon Wireless store, following an exclusive agreement with the communications provider.

Circuit City Partners With Verizon


IBM plans to start shipping its PCs with a new chip designed to thwart hackers by safeguarding passwords and other sensitive identity information.

IBM adds  #39;trusted #39; chip to PCs


Grotech Capital Group Inc.  is getting back into the fish business.

Grotech Hopes to Repeat Success of Long John Silver's


Sir Clive Woodward has confirmed that he will be pursuing a career outside of rugby union, but he refuses to be drawn on whether it will be at Southampton football club.

WOODWARD:  #39;...AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT #39;


Nearly half of US internet users say they could not go without the web for more than two weeks, with many suffering  quot;withdrawal quot; symptoms while offline, according to a recent survey.

Life without the net  #39;not possible #39;


One day Hewlett-Packards Utility Data Center (UDC) is proof of the companys leadership in the emerging on demand, adaptive computing, pay-as-you-go world.

-Posted by dan.farber  7:24 pm (PDT)


Surfers Paradise and Mexico -- remaining on the Champ Car circuit this year, is the former bastion of American open-wheel racing finally out of gas?

AUTO RACING: IRL, Champ raise a lot of questions


Reuters - The record price of oil has ruled Wall\Street for months now and next week investors will get a close\look at just who has profited the most from black gold's big\run.

Markets Brace for Earnings Week (Reuters)


A British Airways passenger plane was forced yesterday to make an emergency landing, escorted by two fighter jets, after a security scare.

Bomb scare diverts BA flight


The BBC holds talks with Bertelsmann, Walt Disney and Time Warner but denies that the talks focused on the sale of BBC Worldwide.

BBC in talks on Worldwide future


United Nations - The United States on Tuesday vetoed an Arab-backed draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council, which would have called on Israel to end its deadly military operation in the Gaza Strip.

US vetoes Arab resolution


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar sagged early on Monday,  helping to send Asian exporters' shares sharply lower, after a  meeting of the Group of 20 rich and developing nations said  nothing to arrest its fall.

Greenspan Saps Stocks, Dlr Teeters


(CBS) When the pharmaceutical giant Merck pulled its blockbuster pain medication Vioxx off the market in late September, it became the largest prescription drug recall in history.

Prescription For Trouble


Industrial conglomerate Tyco International Ltd. swung to a fiscal fourth-quarter profit on a double-digit jump in sales and on lower one-time charges compared with the year-ago quarter.

Tyco turns corner over year-ago period


AP - A Japanese court dismissed a request to halt deportation proceedings against fugitive chess legend Bobby Fischer, his lawyers said Friday.

Japanese Court Dismisses Fischer Request (AP)


Prepare yourself for

News: Say hello to the 'time bomb' exploit


A model of the North Sea's ecosystem suggests the total fish stock has dropped from 26 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes in just over a century.

Picture of North Sea fish decline


Analyzing the success of the iPod mini in Japan, JapanConsuming writes,  #147;The iPod mini is in fact one of those all too rare examples of an ideal product for the Japanese market. It is a product that does something useful, does it really well, and looks terrific too. None of these factors on their own is enough to make the iPod mini a success; their combination, through deft and creative implementation of function, is what makes the difference. Add in some tried and tested limited supply marketing, a store that looks as good as Louis Vuitton and a high impact award winning advertising campaign that has covered Tokyo in pink, green and yellow for weeks, and some of the reasons for the iPod mini phenomenon can be understood. #148; Aug 10

Technology as Fashion


When Sean OKeefe was named NASA Administrator about three years ago, he had already had experience with fixing troubled organizations.

Sean OKeefe Departs


The world suffers an epic tragedy as a tsunami spreads death across Asia. An on-the-scene look at how it happened--and whether the carnage could have been avoided

Sea of Sorrow


A new report urges humanitarian groups to maintain a local presence in disaster-prone areas.

Aid agencies rethink strategy


Reuters - U.S. chip maker Advanced Micro Devices\ has unveiled a low-cost Internet access device that\could cost just a few hundred dollars, aimed at first-time\technology users in the developing world.

AMD Rolls Out Low-Cost Net Access Device in India (Reuters)


Description: NPR #39;s Alex Chadwick talks to Colin Brown, deputy political editor for the United Kingdom #39;s Independent newspaper, currently covering the British Labour Party Conference.

Blair Battles Own Political Party on UK Iraq Policy


AP - The Senate shipped President Bush a wide-ranging  #36;136 billion corporate tax-cut bill and a disaster aid package on Monday, letting lawmakers head home for the finale of the presidential and congressional campaigns.

Congress OKs  #36;136B Corporate Tax-Cut Bill (AP)


Don't bother buying Star Wars: Battlefront if you're looking for a first-class shooter -- there are far better games out there. But if you're a Star Wars freak and need a fix, this title will suffice. Lore Sjberg reviews Battlefront.

Only Star Wars Nuts Need Apply


Servers for small businesses are one of the fastest-growing areas of the IT market, according to market researcher IDC. Much of this is down to the Small Business Server (SBS) software

Tools Of The Trade: The Microsoft Windows 2003 Small Business <b>...</b>


Dutch food retailer Royal Ahold NV said income from its U.S. retail operations plunged 30 percent in the second quarter, blaming sluggish performance at Giant Food and Stop   Shop Stores, its two biggest American chains.

Ahold Sees U.S. Retail Profits Fall


Parmalat's government-appointed administrator filed a suit yesterday against Bank of America in a federal court in North Carolina in the latest attempt by the collapsed dairy giant to recoup money from financial institutions with which it dealt.

Parmalat sues in US for \$10b to recoup losses


Looking for an eco-friendly gift for that special tree-hugger in your life? This guide has you covered, right down to the wrapping paper. By Lewis Wallace.

Turning the Holidays Green


AFP - A grandson of Thor Heyerdahl, the Norwegian who 60 years ago sailed from Polynesia to Peru aboard Kon-Tiki, will launch a reenactment of the trip in April 2005 across the Pacific.

Norwegians to relive Kon-Tiki Polynesia-Peru trip (AFP)


By now, most people will have heard of the rather sordid tale of the Pitcairn Islands. For those who haven't, it is a tale of sex, scandals, infamy, mutineers, fights for survival and all sorts of other stuff that tabloid newspapers love.

Pitcairn


Three European powers and Iran have begun talks on a long-term agreement on nuclear, economic and security cooperation with both sides seeking to build trust amid continuing suspicion over Tehran #39;s atomic programme.

Iran nuke talks launched


The chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan, warned that the government might have to scale back programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Warning Anew About Retiree Expectations


Timberwolves center Michael Olowokandi is arrested early Thursday after police use a stun gun to subdue him when he refuses to leave a club.

Olowakandi Arrested


SAN FRANCISCO -- At a special music event featuring Bono and The Edge from rock group U2 held here this week, Apple Computer took the wraps off the IPod Photo, a color IPod available in 40GB or 60GB storage capacities.

Apple Unveils Photo IPod


THE oldest British Royal in history, Princess Alice, the Duchess of Gloucester, has died at the age of 102 after a life that mixed both adventure and personal tragedy.

Joy and tragedy of oldest ever royal


A design for a futuristic glass building with a giant plasma video screen landed Cesar Pelli the job as architect for the new science center at Adriaen #39;s Landing.

New Haven architect to design Adriaen #39;s Landing science center


A jury decides the Office technology doesn't impose on another software maker's patent.

Microsoft wins Smart Tags case


A panel of leading computer scientists warned in a report issued on Monday that unless the federal government significantly increased support for advanced research on

Panel Urges Washington to Finance Fast Computer


AFP - Chelsea failed to make any ground on Premiership leaders Arsenal after they were held 0-0 by Spurs at Stamford Bridge here.

Santini's men earn their Spurs after drawing with Chelsea (AFP)


A Chinese human rights activist who worked as a researcher for the New York Times has been detained on charges of leaking state secrets, said his lawyer on Friday.

China detains New York Times researcher


AP - Right now, life is a blur for new South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier.

Spurrier Sees SEC Title for Gamecocks (AP)


It #39;s not often that the lead item in the blog is NASCAR-related, but we try to be versatile. So let #39;s talk about Dale Earnhardt Jr.

To prevent more dirty words, NASCAR needs to clean up its post <b>...</b>


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - A strong domestic economy and healthy global demand means Ottawa is on pace to record another whopping budget surplus -  #36;8.9 billion - this fiscal year, says Finance Minister Ralph Goodale.

Federal surplus at least  #36;8.9 billion but clouds on horizon, says Goodale (Canadian Press)


When Hal Sutton made his two captains selections for the US Ryder Cup team, he really chose from only about five serious candidates.

Langers picks could define new Ryder era


Reuters - Business software maker Oracle\Corp.  on Friday said it had decided to move forward\the release date of its fiscal second-quarter earnings to\Monday, Dec. 13 before markets open instead of Thursday, Dec.\16.

Oracle Moves Earnings Forward to Dec. 13 (Reuters)


More than one-third of the largest transportation and logistic firms shared customers' personal data without their permission, according to a survey by The Customer Respect Group Inc. And one-fifth of the companies didn't even have privacy policies in place.

Survey: Transportation, logistics firms' privacy policies flawed


What would Benjamin Franklin say? Philadelphia plans citywide free Wi-Fi Internet access for computer users.

Big Wi-Fi Project for Philadelphia


President Hugo Chavez charged Thursday that the United States had been aware that dissident military officers were planning a coup in 2002.

Venezuela's Chavez Says Bush Knew of Coup


The recording industry on Thursday filed another round of copyright infringement lawsuits against people it said were illegally distributing songs over the Internet.

Recording Industry Files More Downloading Suits


Justine Henin-Hardenne, the 2004 Australian Open and Olympics champion, will miss the rest of the season because of a blood disorder.

Ailing Henin-Hardenne done for season


US stocks opened flat on Friday, with higher oil prices and shares of drugmakers weighing on Wall Street after Thursday #39;s late-session rally.

Stocks Open Flat; Pressure on Drugmakers


Research In Motion is launching a new wireless BlackBerry in conjunction with its BlackBerry Enterprise Server software in an appeal to enterprise customers and developers of mobile-workforce applications.

RIM Intros Souped-Up BlackBerry for Mobile Enterprise


As infected images plant back doors on PCs, experts see possibility of virus too.

Picturing the next Net exploit


Iranian officials said on Sunay night they were close to reaching consensus with Germany, Britain and France over a resolution on Tehran #39;s nuclear programme expected

Iran says nuclear deal with Europe is close


In a spot similar to Game 7 of last season's American League Championship Series, Pedro Martnez got another chance Friday night. Again, he failed.

Red Sox Forget, and Yanks Gladly Remind Them


At least seven small bombs have exploded in Spain's seaside resorts this month.

Series of explosions mark ETA's return


GENEVA (Reuters) - Mobile phone subscribers around the  globe totaled nearly 1.5 billion by the middle of this year,  about one quarter of the world's population, the International  Telecommunication Union (ITU) said on Thursday.

Mobile Phone Users Double Since 2000


Eidur Gudjohnsen scored a hat trick yesterday to help Chelsea beat Blackburn 4-0 in the English Premier League of soccer and close the gap to league-leading Arsenal to two points.

Chelsea closes in


Israel agreed last week to pay settlers in the Gaza Strip who voluntarily leave up to \$500,000.

Gaza settlers weigh price of withdrawal


Stafano Baldini of Italy took the lead two miles from the finish to win the gold medal and American Meb Keflezighi took a stunning silver Sunday in an Olympic marathon disrupted by a costumed intruder who grabbed the race leader with about three miles to

Italian first, American surprising second in bizarre marathon


Greg Rusedski, has booked himself a place in the quarter finals at Delray Beach in Florida after his straight sets 6-3, 6-4 win over Matias Boeker.

Millennium International Tennis Championships


Microsoft on Thursday flatly denied reports that one of Windows XP Service Pack 2 #39;s most touted features leaves users open to possible attacks.

IE Flaw Affects Windows XP SP2 Systems


AP - The pounding of three major hurricanes in Florida during the past five weeks will require a long-term rebuilding effort comparable to the 1994 Los Angeles area earthquake, the nation's top emergency official said Saturday.

FEMA: Storms Require Long-Term Recovery (AP)


President Bush says recent statistics showing a slight drop in the US unemployment rate show America #39;s economy is strong and growing stronger.

Bush Touts Unemployment Rate Drop


The group of fans approached the coach after spotting her on a street in downtown New Orleans, eager to share their admiration of her team, even though it was missing from the women's Final Four.

Final foray


Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United Football Club are preparing themselves for a tilt at the Premiership title. The Reds are somewhat off the pace at the moment with eleven points separating them and the

Manchester United Football Club ready for title tilt


Derek Jeter, who has been through this line of questioning before, shrugged his shoulders, flipped through the file of stock answers in his mind and hit the play button when he reached the Boston Red Sox folder.

Yankees, Red Sox tangle with division title on the line


Kanpur: Andrew Hall got a maiden Test century as South Africa made steady progress, frustrating India on the second day of the first Test at the Green Park Stadium on Sunday.

Hall frustrates India with maiden ton


Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Ravens will again be without cornerback Deion Sanders for the team #39;s nationally-televised Monday night battle against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Deion not ready for prime time


The parents of a Colorado State University student who died from acute alcohol poisoning in September said Monday they will not accept any money raised by a series of gelatin wrestling tournaments in Fort Collins that also promoted drinking.

Spady #39;s kin outraged


Reuters - Two aerospace giants,\Boeing Co. and Northrop Grumman Corp., said on Tuesday they\will form a partnership to compete for the contract to build

Boeing, Northrop Grumman to Team Up on Spaceship (Reuters)


Florida is already teeming with lawsuits charging the state and its county elections supervisors with voter disenfranchisement.

In '04 Florida, Lawsuits Begin Before Election


Turnovers near their opponents #39; goal line. Missed tackles near their own end zone. One 49ers quarterback after the other getting pummeled and injuring their shoulders.

Rattay rallies, but effort falls short


LONG-SUFFERING Boston Red Sox fans partied far into the night after their team won the 2004 World Series over the St. Louis Cardinals in four straight games.

Now what, Boston?


The European Union said Wednesday it would consider appealing a World Trade Organization ruling that found its subsidies to European sugar producers violate global trade rules.

EU Ponders Appeal of Sugar Subsidy Ruling


The 35th Ryder Cup starts at 1310 BST on Friday, when the opening fourball match between the USA and Europe is set to tee off at Oakland Hills, Detroit.

Live: Ryder Cup


Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz arrives tomorrow in his capacity as the Chairman of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) before he hands the Chair over to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia during the 13th Saarc summit in Dhaka between

Pakistan PM due tomorrow


SACHIN Tendulkar will return to India this week with genuine concerns his troublesome elbow will keep him out of next month #39;s showdown with Australia.

Tendulkar Test doubt


A mutant form of political animation born of the marriage of video games and Dada photomontage has been gaining ground on the Internet since Sept. 11, 2001.

Point, Click and Mock on the Wild, Wild Web


CLEVELAND - Vice President Dick Cheney faces a

Edwards, Cheney Set to Meet in Only Debate


Imagine getting more than a dozen seasons of Homer and Bart all on one disc. Or, sure, you could back up a terabyte of corporate data.

Simpsons swallowed whole by DVD of the future


AP - For all the changes in the intelligence bill, many question whether it will help prevent another terrorist attack and make the major improvements promised by ardent supporters.

Many Ask if Intel Bill Will Prevent Attack (AP)


Not for the first time does Internet Explorer users got a warning from a government organization. US-CERT released similar warnings in June this year, following a malware attack, which affected Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer gets Finnish Thumbs Down


KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Stowers Institute of Medical Research will not build its second center in Missouri if the state outlaws stem cell research, Stowers president William Neaves said Friday.

Stowers Expansion Hinges On Stem Cell Research


An Iraqi firefighter arrives to the scene of a burning vehicle after it came under attack by unknown gunmen in the center of the capital Baghdad, Nov. 7, 2004.

Iraq Rebels Strike Before US Attack on Falluja


AP - Ron Artest scored 28 points and Jermaine O'Neal added 19 to lead the shorthanded Indiana Pacers past the Boston Celtics 100-94 on Friday night.

Shorthanded Pacers Top Celtics 100-94 (AP)


Jay Fiedler has a cracked rib and AJ Feeley a concussion. So the Miami Dolphins might be forced to turn to third-string quarterback Sage Rosenfels when they play the Buffalo Bills next Sunday

Dolphins may have to turn to third-string QB


JEBALIYA REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip - Israeli troops and aircraft hit hard at Palestinian militants this weekend, killing at least 11 in a massive Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip's largest refugee camp, as masked Hamas gunmen vowed more rocket attacks on Israeli towns.    About 2,000 soldiers have taken control of a 5-mile-deep chunk of northern Gaza to counter militants firing homemade rockets into Israel...

Israeli Forces Kill 11 in Gaza Camp Raid


Though Microsoft Corp.'s new security update package is all about protecting systems from worms, viruses and spyware, it can't do much about what's already on computers - and that could pose a problem.

Microsoft Warns Spyware Could Bungle Update


Google and Microsoft separately plan to introduce on Thursday enhanced information sharing services for Internet users. Microsoft plans for the first time to offer a

2 Giants to Introduce Enhanced Data Sharing Services on Net


AFP - Russian President Vladimir Putin conceded that oligarchs who made their billions in the first hectic days of post-Soviet reform still held a grip over the state despite his efforts to sideline them from power.

Oligarchs still control Russia: Putin (AFP)


A penchant for making big plays and the recent release of Ifeanyi Ohalete has ripped open the door for rookie Sean Taylor to claim a starting spot.

Taylor Is Moving Closer


AP - Neither President Bush nor Democratic challenger John Kerry has been invited to this year's Alfred E. Smith Memorial political dinner because campaign issues could detract from the

Bush, Kerry Not Invited to Annual Dinner (AP)


Australia have just resumed their chase of New Zealand #39;s first-innings total of 353 in the first Test in Brisbane. The Australians ended day two on 197-4 with Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke at the crease.

Australia resume chase


The Gartner-sponsored ITXpo symposium in France sets itself to identify long-term technology trends that are altering sectors like travel, marketing and investing. More web-enabled mobile devices and a smarter internet are key players.

Smart Web Changes World


Just when lawmakers thought a thorny tax dispute was behind them, the European Union raised objections to parts of the corporate tax bill that was passed last month.

Europe Still Unhappy With U.S. Tax Subsidy


Bankrupt cable operator Adelphia Communications Corp. (ADELQ.PK: Quote, Profile, Research) , which is mulling a sale of its assets, on Tuesday said it will accept offers for

UPDATE 1-Adelphia groups itself into 7 clusters for sale


Anybody? Someone stand up. Well, since the Tiger Woods of the late 90s is absent, the number one golfer in the world is...Vijay Singh?

Looking for Tiger Woods


Ford duo Francois Duval and Markko Martin crept ahead of world championship leader Sebastien Loeb after day one of the Rally of Corsica.

Ford duo keep leader Loeb at bay


Police in Ireland question two men arrested in Dublin in connection with the murder of the daughter of Malawi's chief justice.

Garda quiz two over African death


Apple Computer (AAPL) stock jumped to a four-year high Monday after a major Wall Street firm nearly doubled its price target on the stock, saying that customer satisfaction with its iPod music player is creating  quot;wildfire word-of-mouth

Apple stock sets four-year high


Donovan McNabb passed for 237 yards and a touchdown Sunday as the Philadelphia Eagles posted a 19-9 victory over the Chicago Bears.

NFL: Philadelphia 19, Chicago 9


Microsoft and Dell are looking to merge their Systems Management Server and OpenManage suites to create a powerful, easy and cost-effective server management solution.

Dell and Microsoft to Launch Server Management Tools


No Australian has ever won the Funai Classic at Disney World, but there were signs here today of an impending break in the drought.

Aussie drought to break at Classic?


MICROSOFT has unveiled a new range of peripherals that include the company #39;s first foray into biometric identification on the desktop.

Microsoft builds-in biometric


AP - A U.S. soldier was sentenced to a 25-year term Saturday after a court martial convicted him in the death of an Iraqi National Guard member in May, the military said.

G.I. Sentenced for Murder of Iraqi Soldier (AP)


The issue of compulsory annuities will be reviewed, the government pledges, after another defeat in the Lords over the rule.

Ministers promise annuity review


SAN JOSE, Calif. - South Korean DRAM maker Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., said Thursday (Oct. 28) that it  quot;played an integral role in the development and manufacturing quot; of the Personal Internet Communicator (PIC), announced by Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

Samsung claims DRAM design-win in AMD low-cost  #39;PIC #39;


With oil near \$50 a barrel, alternatives to gasoline are attracting more attention - including fuel cells, devices that convert hydrogen into electric current with no waste products except heat and pure water.

Cheaper Part for Fuel Cells to Be Announced on Tuesday


Ford Motor Co. #39;s Mercury brand, in the midst of launching six new vehicles over the next four years, will call its new entry-level sedan the Milan and try to use the car to attract a younger buyer.

Mercury continues product offensive with new mid-size car called <b>...</b>


One night after being outslugged, the Marlins came up on the short end of a splendid pitchers #39; duel. Carl Pavano was as efficient as he #39;s been all season, limiting the Braves

Pavano #39;s gem goes for naught


A body resembling a Japanese captive has been found in Iraq and is being shipped to Qatar for identification, Japanese officials have said.

Body resembling Japanese captive found


Computer-security companies TruSecure Corp. and Betrusted Holdings Inc. said last week they would merge to create a new company called Cybertrust that would sell a portfolio

Security Companies Plan Merger


1 September 2004 -- Seven employees of a Kuwaiti firm taken hostage in Iraq on 21 July were freed today. Spokeswoman Rana Abu-Zaineh of the Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Company confirmed that the three Kenyans

Seven Hostages Freed In Iraq


AP - Nobody is more responsible than Colin Montgomerie for Europe's surge to supremacy in the Ryder Cup. That didn't keep him in the lineup Saturday with the Europeans on the verge of a rout.

Europe Looks to Rout U.S. Without Monty (AP)


Israel carries out an air raid on the northern part of the Gaza Strip, killing a Palestinian near the Jabaliya refugee camp.

'Militant' killed in Gaza strike


Just why the United States team is considered the favorite in the Ryder Cup is a bit of a mystery, given the simple fact that the European team is 5-3-1 in the last nine matches.

Will favorites finally win one?


SAN FRANCISCO - Business software maker Oracle Corp.'s quarterly earnings exceeded analyst expectations, overcoming sluggish sales in a product line that the company hopes to bolster by completing a long-sought takeover of rival PeopleSoft Inc.    The Redwood Shores-based company said Tuesday it earned \$509 million, or 10 cents per share, during the three months ended in August, a 16 percent improvement from \$440 million, or 8 cents per share, at the same time last year...

Oracle's Earnings Just Top Expectations


A Lebanese opposition leader on Saturday renewed his criticism of pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud #39;s extended term, a day after a close supporter was wounded in a car bombing regarded as a warning not to upset Lebanon #39;s Damascus-backed establishment.

Druse leader criticizes Lahoud #39;s extended term


Order was restored to the Jets' quarterbacking universe on Wednesday when Chad Pennington returned to practice with the first team.

After Musical Chairs, Jets' Conductor Is Back


NewsFactor - Tesco (Nasdaq: TESOF), the UK's biggest supermarket chain, has announced an online music service that it hopes will be able to rival Apple's market-leading iTunes store.

Tesco Launches Online Music Store (NewsFactor)


SALT LAKE CITY -- Notre Dame began its pursuit of Utah #39;s Urban Meyer, with school officials arriving here Thursday to meet with him about becoming head coach of college football #39;s most glamorous program.

Irish are in Utah to talk to Meyer


WASHINGTON -- A group of technology companies Tuesday renewed pressure on accounting rule makers to drop a stock-options expensing rule, unveiling an alternative that they say is easier and less expensive to adopt.

Tech cos. unveil options-expensing plan


Wake Forest, which is ranked No. 1 for the first time in the 99-year history of its program, could have picked up a nose bleed from the altitude, but 6-2 junior guard Justin Gray, a first-team

Gray, Wake save face


FORT HOOD, Texas -- A military judge ruled yesterday that statements by President Bush and military leaders about alleged Abu Ghraib abuses do not appear specific enough to taint the jury pool for next month's trial of a reputed ringleader in the case.

Judge rules Bush statements pose no threat of jury taint


Wholesale prices -- catapulted by more expensive energy and food -- soared last month by the largest amount in more than 14 years.

Wholesale prices rocket 1.7 increase is the largest in over 14 years


Google Stock Gobbled by Fidelity Investments\\Fidelity Investments, the world's largest mutual fund manager, bought \$549 million of stock in search engine Google's IPO, about 23 percent of the shares offered during the initial public offering. Fidelity reported in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it now ...


Soldiers order about 1,500 ethnic Hmong people to leave a refugee camp in central Thailand.

Hmong ordered from Thai camp


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

Judge Strikes Down Section of Patriot Act Allowing Secret Subpoenas of Internet Data


Security firm will operate as a division of 3Com; deal expected to close next year. By Networking Pipeline News. 3Com has signed an agreement to purchase the security company TippingPoint for \$340 million.

3Com To Buy TippingPoint for \$340 Million


TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average fell 1.2 percent by  midsession on Friday as broad-ranged selling was prompted by  Thursday's fall on Wall Street due to concern about high oil  prices.

Japan Stocks Slip After Wall St Fall


Lexmark is recalling 39,400 laser printers because of a potential short circuit that could create an electric shock hazard. The printers, priced at about \$200, were sold under the Lexmark, IBM and Dell brand names starting in May 2004.

Lexmark Recalls Laser Printers


The roots of rock 'n' roll -- and even the bloodline of geekdom and the home electronics explosion -- can be traced to a little room in Memphis, Tennessee. Michelle Delio reveals the secrets of Sun Studio's signature sounds.

Sun Shines Light on Music History


When he finally flopped into bed well after 2 in the morning, naturally Red Sox manager Terry Francona couldn't sleep. His brain kicked into overdrive as soon as he lay down, and as the details of Game 1 of the World Series whirred through his head at near warp speed, he remained stuck on one particular juncture of the victory ...

Just call it the bullish pen


US scientists working with images from the Hubble Space Telescope have identified what may turn out to be some of the earliest star-forming galaxies.

Hubble Finds Most Distant Galaxies Yet


Google has announced plans to beef up its Gmail service with POP, or post office protocol, over the next couple of weeks. The feature, announced yesterday, will allow users to use other

Google Adds POP3 Support to Gmail


The team behind the Beagle 2 mission to Mars has unveiled its design for the successor to the British spacecraft. At a London meeting, Colin Pillinger, lead scientist on the previous venture

Scientists lift veil on Beagle 3


CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices ended higher on  Tuesday after soft August retail sales and a record high  current account deficit kept dealers focused on the possibility  of a slower pace of official interest rate hikes.

U.S. Treasury Prices End Higher


A day after Microsoft announced it would give customers early warning of impending patches, the Redmond, Wash.-based developer fleshed out its heads-up with a notice that next Tuesday #39;s patches

Microsoft To Patch ISA Server Next Week


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some people have a great excuse for being bad at math -- their language lacks the words for most numbers, US-based researchers reported on Thursday.

Brazil Tribe Has Great Excuse for Poor Math Skills


Dow Jones  amp; Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, has agreed to buy online financial news provider MarketWatch Inc. for about \$463 million in a bid to boost its revenue from the fast-growing Internet advertising market.

Dow Jones to Buy MarketWatch for \$463 Mln


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Tyson Foods Inc. <A HREF=

Tyson Cuts Earnings Forecast, Shares Fall


Students have developed a web-based tool which can automatically spot and update broken weblinks.

Web tool may banish broken links


NewsFactor - PayPal (Nasdaq: PYPL) says it has recovered from the software glitches that disrupted the online payment service starting Friday, October 8th.

PayPal Overcomes Glitches (NewsFactor)


All the F1 teams are meeting today in London to discuss the urgent measures needed to reduce costs in the sport. All the teams? Almost... one team didn #39;t want to be part of the talks: Ferrari. The other nine

F1 teams meeting in London


Two American soldiers were killed and five injured Monday in a rocket attack in Baghdad. The military said the incident occurred in the southern part of the city but provided no other details.

Baghdad Rocket Attack Kills Two US Soldiers


Jos Manuel Barroso, the incoming European commission president, was under strong pressure last night to dump Rocco Buttiglione, a professed opponent of women #39;s and gay rights, as the next commissioner for justice and security, after the European

MEPs reject candidate who called gays sinful


The Bush administration yesterday raised serious objections about congressional efforts to approve a corporate tax-cut bill this week, warning that the Republican-backed

Tax-Cut Bill Draws White House Doubts


Anaheim, Calif. - By standing still, the Rockies seem to be falling in the National League West. The Rockies finished fourth in their five-team division in 2004, behind the San Diego Padres and ahead of the abysmal Arizona Diamondbacks.

No moves for Rockies


It #39;s not what Washington has grown accustomed to, the Redskins being a defense-first team. From Otto Graham to Sonny to Joe Gibbs riding Riggo, Theismann and Art Monk, it #39;s almost always been about offense.

Michael Wilbon


Description: Drug maker Merck knew about the health risks of taking the pain medication Vioxx long before it pulled the drug from the market, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The Marketplace Report: Vioxx Risks Long Known?


AP - The chief executive of Nortel Networks Corp. insisted Monday that the troubled telecom equipment giant will be able to compete with Chinese vendors doing similar work with lower-paid software engineers.

CEO: Nortel Can Compete With China Rivals (AP)


A few months ago I wrote about Web browser hijacking. It #39;s a problem a lot of computer users are facing these days. You open your Internet Explorer, but instead of being directed to your homepage, you #39;re sent to some search engine you #39;ve never heard of.

They think it #39;s OK to make money hijacking my PC


Reuters - Sears, Roebuck   Co , the largest\U.S. department store chain, on Thursday posted a third-quarter\loss as its clothing sales continued to slide and cuts its\forecast for the full year.

Sears Posts a Loss, Cuts Full-Year View (Reuters)


Ziff Davis - World Champion Boston Red Sox employ video cataloguing of every pitch in every game using specialized software.

Video System Provides Bench Strength (Ziff Davis)


Mortgage giant Freddie Mac announced Monday that it is shutting down some operations of its debt-securities sales division and transferring others - moves that experts said should tighten the company #39;s internal controls after an accounting scandal.

Update 2: Freddie Mac Announces Changes in Division


Forget the Earth Simulator and IBM #39;s Blue Gene/L, Silicon Graphics (SGI) (Quote, Chart) is laying claim to the fastest supercomputer in the world.

SGI Takes Off With NASA Supercomputer


A European Union judge's decision on whether to suspend sanctions against Microsoft Corp. could come as early as mid-November, sources familiar with the process said today.

EU court ruling on Microsoft could come by next month


Scientists say changes in the earth #39;s climate from human influences are occurring particularly intensely in the Arctic region, evidenced by widespread

Scientists Find Arctic Warming Quickly


BOSTON - Down to their last three outs of the season, the Boston Red Sox rallied - against Mariano Rivera, the New York Yankees and decades of disappointment. Bill Mueller singled home the tying run off Rivera in the ninth inning and David Ortiz homered against Paul Quantrill in the 12th, leading Boston to a 6-4 victory over the Yankees on Sunday night that avoided a four-game sweep in the AL championship series...

Red Sox Beat Yankees 6-4 in 12 Innings


Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Tim Duncan had 26 points and 16 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs past the Los Angeles Lakers, 105-96.

Duncan, Spurs hold off Lakers


Brett Favre celebrated his 200th consecutive start by throwing three touchdown passes as the Green Bay Packers destroyed the St. Louis Rams 45-17 at Lambeau Field Monday.

Brett Favre Shines as Green Bay Mauls St. Louis


Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) employees have got another email. This one went from their vice-chairman, Anil Ambani, on Monday seeking their support for both himself and elder brother and chairman Mukesh Ambani.

Anil sends out another mail, now to RIL


The release of the open-source Web browser by the Mozilla Foundation last week prompted Microsoft to break the silence about Internet Explorer.

Firefox Excites Web Browser World


JVC has joined the Blu-ray Disc Association, the group responsible for promoting the Blu-ray Disc optical disc format. This format aims to become the successor to current DVD discs for high-definition video content.

JVC and Fox back Blu-Ray DVD standard


It was goal number five for the Nigerian, a header from strike partner Lomana LuaLua #39;s cross, though Spurs were unlucky when Anthony Gardner #39;s header hit a post.

Nigerian heads Pompey home


The board of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has approved an issue of shares representing a 2.75 per cent stake to Warburg Pincus International LLC.

Kotak Mahindra Bank to sell 2.7 stake to Warburg Pincus


An ecstatic Azzam Azzam, the Israeli Druze businessman held in an Egyptian jail for seven years on spying charges, was released yesterday in a prisoner swap seen as signalling a thaw in relations between the two countries.

Spy freed as part of prisoner exchange


The battle for the hands of gamers is intensifying, with two new portable consoles due out in the UK shortly.

New handheld consoles fight it out


SYRACUSE, NY -- Hakim Warrick scored 20 points and Syracuse held Princeton to five free throws over the final 8:41 in a 56-45 victory Friday night in the second round of the Coaches vs.

No. 6 Syracuse fights off pesky Princeton for win


AP - Cuba's top tobacco farmer predicted Monday that Hurricane Ivan's sudden turn to the west would ensure the storm causes only minimal damage to the island's key tobacco growing region.

Cuban Tobacco Farmer Hopes Ivan Turns West (AP)


LONDON: Flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, who kicked the winning drop goal in last November #39;s World Cup final against Australia, was named yesterday as England captain.

Wilkinson to lead


The nation's top bank regulator asked examiners to avoid going to work for banks they supervise for at least a year after leaving the government, but acknowledged he lacks the authority to make such a restriction mandatory.

Examiners Asked to Wait Before Taking Bank Jobs


There are dozens of other games going on as this story is filed at 7:28 Eastern time on a crazy Saturday, but Notre Dame #39;s win over Michigan might be the craziest in the bunch.

Instant Analysis: Michigan at Notre Dame


More than one-fifth of US science and engineering workers do not have a bachelor #39;s degree, according to a new report from the National Science Foundation.

Many engineers lack a four-year degree


The Motion Picture Association of America said Tuesday that the agency had begun to file suits against suspected file traders. The MPAA did not disclose how many suits had been filed.

MPAA Starts Filing Lawsuits Against Movie Traders


In a burgeoning political and engineering scandal, Boston #39;s gleaming new underground Interstate 93 is riddled with hundreds of leaks.

Boston #39;s  #39;Big Dig #39; is still a big nuisance for officials, builders


BAKU, Azerbaijan -- England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson promised Tuesday he will  quot;take care quot; of the controversy surrounding David Beckham #39;s yellow card against Wales later this week.

Eriksson plans action over Beckham


RIYADH, Sept 11: Two explosions of mild intensity hit Jeddah on Saturday, on the third anniversary of the Sept-11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.

Two blasts rock Jeddah


AFP - Where the frenetic pace of technological change is concerned Asia's general dominance in the race to provide the next must-have gadget seems only too apparent to many a European.

Asian firms bridging the tech divide in Spain (AFP)


It #39;s been a busy month for Fannie Mae #39;s chairman and chief executive, Franklin D. Raines. The huge mortgage investing company he heads has been accused of using improper accounting to get good financial results.

MONDAY MORNING


AP - Struggling Sammy Sosa was dropped to No. 6 in the Chicago Cubs' batting order Saturday, the first time he's hit that low in more than 10 years. Booed frequently at Wrigley Field recently, Sosa was batting just .254 before Saturday's game with Florida.

Struggling Sosa Dropped to Sixth in Order (AP)


Oil prices jumped from a four-month low on Wednesday as slow growth in US heating fuel inventories heightened fears for tight winter supplies.

Oil Rebounds on Winter Supply Worries


PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters) - The death toll in Haiti  from flooding and mudslides triggered by Tropical Storm Jeanne  rose above 660 on Tuesday and government officials were still  struggling to reach areas cut off by flood waters.

Death Toll Nears 700 from Haiti Flooding


Reuters - Tony Blair will get short shrift from\George W. Bush on global warming when he leads the G8 in 2005\but the fight with Washington might help him shed the

Blair Faces Test of Bush Friendship on Environment (Reuters)


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Peyton Manning threw for a career-high 472 yards and five touchdowns on 25-of-44 passing, but his last-ditch comeback attempt ended with an interception in the end zone in the closing minutes as Kansas City outlasted Indianapolis 45-35

Chiefs spoil Manning #39;s big day


As if the rivalry weren't chock-full of subplots already, the Red Sox will inject another today when they submit their 25-man roster for the American League Championship Series and replace Kevin Youkilis with Ramiro Mendoza , who won two World Series rings with the Yankees.

Mendoza in, Youkilis out


An investigation by the New York Attorney General has insurance companies in Canada scurrying to review their commission policies.

US probe stirs Cdn. insurance market


washingtonpost.com - Internet Explorer, you're fired.

Firefox Leaves No Reason to Endure Internet Explorer (washingtonpost.com)


The Oakland A #39;s have been problematic for the Anaheim Angels for so many years (think the early  #39;70s, late  #39;80s, and the last few seasons) that you #39;d have thought this was a bigger deal than it was.

Angels shine under huge spotlight


Now that the US Department of Agriculture has confirmed that Asian soybean rust has been found in Louisiana, the first known incidence of the fungus in North America, the next step is forming a response to its arrival.

Response to soybean rust under planning


HOUSE prices have shown their largest decline in four years, according to figures out yesterday. The data came as the Bank of England announced that its interest rates would stay at 4.75 per cent.

House prices down by 1.1


VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran's government is conducting nuclear  activities linked to a covert atomic weapons program at a  military site unknown to U.N. inspectors, says an exiled  opposition group that has given accurate information before.

Exiles: Iran Hides Secret Military Nuke Site from U.N.


French networking gear maker offers \$250 million for Spatial Wireless and \$27 million for eDial.\

Alcatel to buy wireless, conferencing companies


Google's already soaring stock price rocketed even higher after reporting strong growth in its first quarter as a public company.

At Google, Earnings Soar, and Share Price Follows


27 August 2004 -- A deal has been reached to end three weeks of unrest in the Iraqi holy city of Al-Najaf when Iraq #39;s top Shi #39;ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, reached an agreement with radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Al-Sistani Brokers Disarmament Deal For Holy City


It #39;s a thing of beauty: a two-page  quot;advocacy ad quot; in The New York Times featuring, among other things like quotes from satisfied Firefox users, all 10,000 names of those who donated to The Mozilla Foundation so that it could take a NYT ad that it hopes

10,000 Mozilla Donors Get A Very Public Thanks


By The Associated Press. Frank Thomas, who played in only 74 games with the Chicago White Sox this season, had surgery yesterday on his left ankle and might not be ready for spring training.

BASEBALL ROUNDUP Frank Thomas Has Ankle Surgery and Prepares for a <b>...</b>


OCTOBER 05, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Toshiba Corp. #39;s new desktop-replacement multimedia notebooks, introduced on Tuesday, are further evidence that US consumers still have yet to embrace the mobility offered by Intel Corp.

New Toshiba notebooks highlight long-running trend


UFTON NERVET, Nov. 7. - Six people died and 11 were seriously injured when a train derailed during a collision with a car at a crossing in southern England, medics said.

Six killed in train crash


New York, Fiji-born Vijay Singh, who traces his roots to India, has replaced American Tiger Woods as the top-ranking golfer in the world.

World News: Vijay Singh dethrones Tiger Woods


Nepal #39;s capital, Kathmandu, has been paralyzed by Maoist rebels, who have imposed a virtual blockade of the city.

Nepal #39;s Maoist Rebels Blockade Paralyzes Kathmandu


LONDON (Reuters) - The euro <A HREF=

Global Markets: Euro Eases from \$1.30


Munich, Germany (Sports Network) - Claudio Pizarro returned from injury and scored twice in Bayern Munich #39;s 2-0 win over Bundesliga leaders Wolfsburg.

Pizarro inches Bayern closer to Bundesliga lead


good

Thinner Bill Clinton feels


China said Tuesday it will temporarily suspend initial public offerings until it comes up with new rules on share offer pricing. The China Securities Regulatory Commission

China temporarily suspends IPOs


With two months to go before the Kyoto Protocol starts operating, the 10th United Nations conference on climate change conference is underway in Argentina.

US resists Kyoto talks as climate summit begins


India crawled to 235 for one at lunch as the first Test against South Africa in Kanpur headed towards a draw on the fourth day today.

GAMBHIR MISSES OUT


Justice Department urges FCC to deny extension request of Alltel, along with those of AT #38;T, Sprint.

Push-to-talk wiretaps on feds' speed list


Texas Instruments have just announced they will be building a single chip that will that will allow cell phones to receive digital television broadcasts over a wireless network.

TI to put DVB-H in Single Chip


CHANHASSEN, Minn. - Campaign aides to President Bush on Saturday laughed off rampant Internet speculation about whether the president was wired to get help from advisers during his first debate with Sen...

Bush Aides Laugh Off 'Wired Debate' Rumor


NEW YORK - Jon Lieber nearly pitched a game for the ages. As it was, he was plenty good...

Yankees Beat Up Red Sox 14-4, Widen Lead


Sports India, Cricket: New Delhi, Dec 10 : For a person, who bowled fast before switching to leg-spin, Anil Kumble has travelled a long way to become India #39;s top wicket taker in Tests Friday taking his 435th scalp against Bangladesh.

Pacer-turned-spinner Kumble betters Kapil #39;s 434-wkt tally (PROFILE <b>...</b>


Reuters - Movie studios and record labels on\Friday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that\Internet

Hollywood Asks Top Court to Weigh File Trading (Reuters)


Curry, a 10-year veteran, should help the Pacers deal with a roster that has been depleted due to suspensions and injuries. Last season he averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 rebounds in 70 games for Toronto.

Pacers sign Curry


Microsoft chairman Bill Gates will sign a co-operation agreement with Unesco today to improve access to computers, the Internet and IT training in developing countries.

Bill Gates to Seal Unesco Partnership


In the next version of Windows, Microsoft will give big companies a way to block use of devices that can easily be used to transfer data to and from personal computers, while making it easier for consumers to connect their home systems to them.

Longhorn equipped against iPod


Data obtained by the ESA probe Mars Express and the US spacecraft Mars Odyssey show that in some equatorial locations, low-atmosphere levels of water vapor and methane  quot;significantly overlap, quot; says the ESA.

ESA Findings: Mars Could Harbor Microbial Life


Sandy Spring Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Sandy Spring Bank, reported Wednesday that it cut its outlook for the year because the company to adjust its balance sheet to exit a leveraged position.

Sandy Spring Bancorp Lowers 2004 Outlook


Researchers say a new programme could help create a DNA database of all life on Earth, ever.

Scientists plan Jurassic archive


BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - A 15-year-old Argentine  killed four fellow students and wounded six on Tuesday in a  school shooting that shocked Argentines unaccustomed to such  violence.

Argentine Teen Kills Four in School Shooting


News.com #39;s John Borland lays out the issues with shelving Microsoft #39;s insecure Internet Explorer with a non-MS brower, such as Firefox... The problem is that many Web developers create their sites so they

-Posted by dan.farber  10:15 am (PDT)


PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Reuters) - Hurricane Ivan tore  down trees, blew off roofs, knocked out power and forced  hundreds of people to evacuate coastal areas as it pounded the  tiny islands of the southeastern Caribbean on Tuesday.

Hurricane Ivan Pounds Eastern Caribbean Islands


quot;They stormed the villa with automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. They had no chance, quot; said a policeman. A company guard was killed in the attack.

American, Nepali and Arabs kidnapped in Iraq


One of the ironies of Wednesdays flight of SpaceShipOne is that those who had the worst view of the flightand the drama that unfolded during the ascentwere the members of the media who came to report on the event.

Rolling towards history


While many high-tech firms scored well in a new study of how they treat customers online, more than a third of the surveyed companies still share personal data without permission.

Study: High-tech firms praised for online customer respect


Survey points to popularity in Europe, the Middle East and Asia of receivers that skip the pay TV and focus on free programming.

'Free-to-air' powering growth of satellite TV boxes


What is JoePa working up to stop Kyle Orton? Where did the Little Brown Jug come from? What #39;s the deal with Iowa #39;s newfound running game?

A look around the Big Ten


A new bill aimed at tackling organised crime will be published by the government on Wednesday morning.

40bn criminal networks targeted


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Gunmen kidnapped two Americans and a Briton from a house in the heart of the Iraqi capital Thursday, the Interior Ministry and witnesses said.    The three were seized from a two-story house surrounded by a wall in Baghdad's al-Mansour neighborhood at dawn, said Col...

2 Americans, 1 Briton Kidnapped in Iraq


After a tedious crawl across the desert floor and a slow, energy-strapped hike up hills, the Mars rover Spirit has finally rewarded scientists with tantalizing

Mars Rover Sniffs Out Signs of Water


SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea wants bilateral nuclear talks  with the United States but would rejoin stalled six-party  immediately if Washington dropped what it called its

N.Korea Says It Will Resume Talks if U.S. Ends Hostility


AP - Pavel Nedved scored the winner as Juventus edged Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first meeting between the two storied clubs, maintaining its perfect record in the Champions League.

Juventus, Real Madrid Win Matches (AP)


AFP - Tens of millions of Nigerian workers began a four-day nationwide strike over rising fuel prices as labour leaders launched their latest challenge to President Olusegun Obasanjo's economic reforms.

Nigerian workers launch four-day general strike over rising fuel costs (AFP)


NAJAF, Iraq - Iraq's most powerful Shiite cleric returned home from Britain on Wednesday to help broker an end to nearly three weeks of fighting in Najaf and is calling on his followers to join him in a march to reclaim the holy city, his spokesmen and witnesses said.    Grand Ayatollah Ali Husseini al-Sistani return came as heavy fighting persisted in Najaf's Old City...

Top Cleric Looks to Broker Deal in Najaf


AP - As of Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004, at least 1,216 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. At least 945 died as a result of hostile action, the Defense Department said. The figures include three military civilians.

A Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq (AP)


Reuters - U.S. stocks opened with an upbeat\start to 2005, rising on Monday as oil prices tumbled, Wal-Mart\Stores Inc.  brightened its outlook for December sales,\and Goldman Sachs raising fourth-quarter estimates for Google\Inc.  and Yahoo Inc. .

U.S. Stocks Higher; Wal-Mart, Oil Help (Reuters)


washingtonpost.com - Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said for the first time yesterday that genocide has taken place in Sudan and that the government in Khartoum and government-sponsored Arab militias known as Janjaweed

U.S. Calls Killings In Sudan Genocide (washingtonpost.com)


Many people don #39;t pay all that much attention to their e-mail software. After all, it takes a real geek to care about the fine points of one program or another, especially when they all do more or less the same thing.

Thunderbird well worth a test flight


Just a day before an international deadline, Iran agreed Sunday not to test any centrifuges as part of a total suspension of nuclear activities that can yield uranium for atomic weapons.

Iran agrees to full uranium enrichment freeze, diplomats say


Japanese consumer electronic giant Sony is hoping to close a deal that will give it control of the famed MGM studio in the United States.

Sony to Pay Billions for MGM Film Library


Reuters - Polish police have broken up a gang of\more than 100 hackers who sold pirated music and films, using\academic computer systems around the world to store their\wares, a police spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

Polish Cops Bust 100-Member Computer Piracy Gang (Reuters)


College kids may never darken the library's door again, thanks to Google's move to digitize the vast holdings of several prestigious university libraries. <FONT face=

Google -- 21st Century Dewey Decimal System


EAGAN, Minn. (AP) -- Several Minnesota police departments are field testing a handheld device that scans a suspect's fingerprint and digitally checks it against Minnesota's criminal history and fingerprint database...

Cops Test Handheld Fingerprint Readers


David Howell further justified his selection by readaBet on the second day of the Dunhill Links Championship and now holds a one-stroke lead after posting a 65 at St.

DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPS LATEST BETTING ODDS NEWS


Oil prices declined Monday in what traders describe as profit-taking after futures hit a new high above \$55 a barrel. November crude futures fell \$1.

Oil Prices Slide After Posting New High


5 LSU at 14 Auburn  3:30 p.m., WUSA-9, WJZ-13 <br>Don't expect a resolution to LSU's quarterback controversy, which pits freshman JaMarcus Russell against senior Marcus Randall.

The Rundown


Reuters - Former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar\said Islamic militants tried to use the Madrid train bombings\to oust the pro-U.S. ruling party from power in Spain, but not\because of its support for the Iraq war.

Aznar Denies Madrid Bombs Were Linked to Iraq War (Reuters)


West Bromwich Albion manager Gary Megson has been sacked after telling the club he would quit at the end of his contract in June.  quot;The club accepts this as a letter of resignation, quot; said a statement by Albion

Megson Sacked By West Brom


Two years of hype for Microsoft video-game sequel Halo 2 began to pay off yesterday as fans snapped up millions of copies of the alien-blasting game for the Xbox console.

Halo 2 blasts off shelves


Mike Timlin #39;s reaction when he saw Manny Ramirez slip on Ben Davis #39;s routine fly ball was probably no different than yours was last night.

No slipups this time as Timlin holds his own


AP - Singapore's economy expanded 5.4 percent in the fourth quarter from a year ago and grew by 8.1 percent for the full year in 2004, the city-state's Ministry of Trade said Monday.

Singapore's Economy Grows in 2004 (AP)


The FDIC on Friday issued an alert about an increasingly common e-mail scam designed to steal personal information and money from millions of unwary consumers.

FDIC Warns Consumers on E-Mail  #39;Phishing #39; Scam


AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta conceded Barcelona #39;s superiority during Tuesday #39;s dramatic 1-2 loss at Barcelona #39;s Camp Nou.

Nesta - Barca Deserved To Win


SINGAPORE The takeover battle for Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group and its liquor stores appeared to come to an abrupt end on Tuesday as the retailer Coles Myer handed its rival Woolworths what analysts said might prove a Pyrrhic victory.

Woolworths beats rival to buy liquor company


A car bomb exploded near the convoy of a Palestinian security chief in the Gaza Strip as it left a security headquarters on Tuesday, witnesses said.

Blast Near Convoy of Palestinian Security Chief


Cingular, the largest mobile operator in the US, has signed Ericsson, Lucent and Siemens to build a 3G network. Beginning next year the telco will build networks in  quot;a number of major urban and suburban markets quot;.

Cingular signs for 3G


It #39;s like nails on a chalkboard. It #39;s like housing a headache before jumping on a jackhammer. Wondering if lowly Sirius Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) is about to change the world hurts.

Is Sirius a Rule Breaker?


washingtonpost.com - The major Hollywood movie studios today sued hundreds of people suspected of trading illegally copied movies on the Internet, a move closely modeled on the recording industry's aggressive legal campaign to stamp out music piracy.

Hollywood Sues Movie Pirates (washingtonpost.com)


Ferrari #39;s Rubens Barrichello admitted he was relieved after his race strategy earned him his first victory of the season at the Italian Grand Prix.

Gamble paid off - Barrichello


The law lords have produced a historic, landmark judgment upholding fundamental rights. It is a decision which demonstrates how vital it is for us all that an independent judiciary is able to scrutinise every act and decision of government and parliament.

Praise the lords


Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira is set to miss Sunday #39;s trip to Manchester United as well as the Champions League game with Panathinaikos.

Arsenal hit by Vieira injury blow


The Bush campaign runs a new attack ad against John Kerry, saying he fails to understand the war on terror.

Bush camp in new attack on Kerry


(Chalons-en-Champagne, France-AP) Dec. 5, 2004 - A French soldier angry about being forced to retire is threatening to blow up an army depot containing 60 tons of explosives.

French soldier threatens to blow up army explosives depot


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose a bit on Thursday  after a revision in factory orders in June suggested orders are  improving and some apparel makers raised profit forecasts or  reported better-than-expected sales in August.

Stocks Up a Bit, Factory Orders Revised


SKOPJE, Macedonia -- A referendum bid to block a law that gives Macedonia's Albanian minority more rights failed yesterday, upholding the Western-brokered peace plan that ended ethnic fighting in 2001.

Low turnout sinks Macedonia referendum


A Boston developer will break ground today on a North End condominium complex he is marketing as one of the first new residential construction projects in the historic neighborhood in more than a century.

In old North End, new plans


Reuters - Maryland's highest court has\rejected a challenge to the state's electronic voting system\and upheld a ruling that touchscreen-style voting machines\provide a reasonable level of ballot security.

Maryland Court Rejects Electronic-Voting Challenge (Reuters)


NewsFactor - It is a race that echoes the Beta versus VHS format competition of the 1980s. Only this time the technology is high-definition DVDs, and the stakes are even higher.

Studios Support Toshiba's DVD Format (NewsFactor)


No. 14 Broadneck waited through a three-day postponement for the conclusion of its 30-0 win over Arundel.

Over Before It Started


Google #39;s still-not-released-to-the-public free Gmail e-mail service adds POP3 support, letting users send and receive messages from Microsoft Outlook clients.

Google #39;s Gmail Gains Integration With MS Outlook


We #39;ve heard from the NHL and the NHLPA, so now let #39;s get a broader perspective. What we are going to see in the next little while is an increase in the rhetoric, which will get cranked up to an unbelieveable level.

McKenzie: I #39;ve got a news flash for both sides


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi,  grappling with the violence blighting Iraq, lived up to his  tough image on Sunday by declaring martial law.

Iraq's Allawi Declares Martial Law


NEW YORK, October 6 (newratings.com) - The US and European Union (EU) have filed counter-complaints with the World Trade Organization (WTO), alleging that government aids to the aircraft companies, Airbus and Boeing (BA.

US, EU move to WTO over subsidies to Airbus and Boeing


As many as 20 people were killed on Saturday in suicide car bomb attacks in Iraq with dozens of others wounded amid US claim of the arrest of a senior aide to Washington #39;s top foe, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

20 die in suicide bombings as US claims capture of senior Zarqawi <b>...</b>


Reuters - The United States, the EU and Russia\urged Iran Monday to comply with the U.N. nuclear watchdog's\demand that it halt all activities linked to uranium\enrichment, a process that can be used to build an atom bomb.

Big Powers Urge Iran to Heed UN Nuke Freeze Demand (Reuters)


Anyone who hoped the decision to move this year #39;s Wales Rally GB from its usual place on the World Rally Championship calendar would result in easier and safer driving conditions had a rude awakening on the first full day #39;s competing.

Different date, same story


p2pnet.net News:- In an interview in China Scope Dynamic Internet Technology (DIT) ceo Bill Xia described Dynamic Internet as,  quot;a technical system to break through China #39;s Internet blockade ... People in China cannot access any political forums or .

Symantec #39;s  #39;trojan #39; mistake


A jailed Indonesian militant's autobiography urges fellow Muslim radicals to attack U.S. computers, with the particular aim of committing credit card fraud.

Memoir Takes Holy War Into Cyberspace


Virgin Mary Grilled Cheese Miracle Blesses eBay\\A partially eaten piece of a grilled cheese sandwich has become the most talked about item on eBay over the past week, bringing in bids of almost \$19,000. Don't get me wrong, this is not ordinary grilled cheese sandwich. You see, it's a miracle. ...


ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox won their first  World Series title since 1918, and buried a curse, with a 3-0  victory over the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday.

Red Sox Lift Championship, Bury Curse


Officials at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded a \$1 billion contract to an industry team led by Northrop Grumman Corp. to build three robotic reconnaissance aircraft and a computer operating system to help fly them for the Air ...

DARPA awards robot aircraft deal


The London Stock Exchange plans to set up an Asia headquarters in Hong Kong to tap the growing number of mainland corporates eyeing listings abroad, a local newspaper reports.

London Stock Exchange eyes Asia HQ


SINGAPORE : Investment firm Temasek Holdings has made public its report card for the first time in its 30-year history. Its performance in financial year 2003 sparkled, with

Temasek posts S\$7.4b net profit in first-ever report card


According to a Washington Post survey, nearly three dozen of the 117 Division I-A universities award academic credit to varsity athletes for participating in intercollegiate sports.

Practice Makes Credit


Reuters - Oakland Raiders running\back Tyrone Wheatley is expected to miss this week's game\against Kansas City with an injured left hamstring.

Raiders' Wheatley Out with Hamstring Injury (Reuters)


MacCentral - Quark Inc. on Tuesday introduced QuarkXPress 6.5, a new version of their flagship desktop publishing software. New features have been added including the QuarkVista image editing plug-in, native multi-layer Photoshop file import and layer editing and an upgrade to the QuarkXClusive XTensions module used for variable data publishing that's available only to Mac OS X users.

QuarkXPress 6.5 offers PSD Import, more (MacCentral)


AFP - Sudan will ignore a UN Security Council deadline to end militia attacks in Darfur by the end of the month and instead resolve the crisis through African Union peace talks, Khartoum's chief negotiator said.

Sudan dismisses UN Security Council ultimatum on Darfur (AFP)


CHAGMALAI, Pakistan -- Pakistani special forces attacked kidnappers holding two Chinese engineers near the Afghan border yesterday, killing all five of the Al Qaeda-linked militants, who were followers of a former Guantanamo Bay prisoner. One of the hostages was killed in the raid, while the other survived.

Pakistani forces attack kidnappers


It was a glorious surprise, igniting a party complete with song and dance: The Greeks won the first gold medal of their hometown Olympics with an unexpected victory last night in synchronized diving.

Greeks get surprise gold in synchronized diving


AFP - Relief agencies battled bad weather to deliver supplies into storm-ravaged areas of the Philippines as the toll of dead and missing from two storms in one week exceeded 1,400, officials said.

Toll of dead and missing from Philippine storms tops 1,400 (AFP)


SAN JOSE, Calif. A Union City start-up company is introducing a service today that is sure to raise the eyebrows of Hollywood. Orb Networks will unveil a service that allows subscribers to remotely access

New service to give remote access to digital media anywhere


Wireless equipment vendor Nokia and wireless operator Vodafone said Thursday that they are launching an initiative to simplify standards for developing mobile Java applications.

Nokia, Vodafone Launch Java App Simplification Drive


Multiculturalism is stirring a bitter public debate about national identity in Turkey.

Identity politics: Is a Christian or Kurd 'a Turk'?


AC Milan and Barcelona joined the other powerhouses in the second round of the Champions League on Wednesday while Arsenal had two players sent off in a fourth tie in a row and still isn #39;t there yet.

Ch. League: Milan, Barca, power through


The crew of the International Space Station flew an emergency lifeboat from one docking port to another at the outpost Monday, clearing the way for two spacewalks planned for next year.

Successful docking clears way for two spacewalks


An economist has warned that China did not raise its interest rates enough to curb inflation, the China Daily reported. Tang Min, chief economist with the resident mission

China #39;s rate rise not enough: expert


NewsFactor - The iPaq H6315 from Hewlett-Packard is the first all-in-one wireless device to combine GPRS wireless data, Wi-Fi (802.11b) and Bluetooth functionality in a single package.

Product Review: iPaq 6315 Smartphone (NewsFactor)


(Sports Network) - The Chicago White Sox were handed an 8-4 setback by the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. Bobby Higginson homered twice to lead Detroit.

Chicago White Sox Team Report - August 20


BUENOS AIRES -- Two sets of Americans have come here to talk global warming: the United States, opposed to controls on carbon emissions, and a bloc of united states, from Maine to Delaware, that plan to impose them.

US feeling the heat at climate conference


AUBURN, Ala. Auburn tailbacks Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown combined for 260 yards of total offense and each scored a touchdown as the third-ranked Tigers dropped eighth-rated Georgia 24-to-6.

(3) Auburn 24 (8) Georgia 6


Bolton has leapt to third on the English Premier League table with an impressive 1-0 win over Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium. A goal to Kevin Davies in the 38th minute, when he got on the end of a cross from

Davies fires winner as Trotters sink Reds


Vijay Singh didnt have his golf clubs. He wasnt inside the ropes where hes gotten so comfortable this year, either. As Singh looked out at the gathering of

Singh attends THE PLAYERS charity luncheon


Hewlett-Packard turned on the music a little early Friday morning, revealing on the Web the details of its new HP-branded Apple iPod music player clone.

HP tips its hand on new iPod


FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Booster clubs for high school marching bands that have made it to the state finals have spent more than \$12 million the past four years for props, music and other necessities that help make the bands successful.

State #39;s top marching bands spend millions


Libyan leader asks kidnappers to make contact with him in bid to help release British hostage in Iraq. TRIPOLI - Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi appealed Wednesday for the liberation of Kenneth Bigley, the British

Kadhafi appeals for release of Bigley


E-commerce sites have been dabbling in catalogs for the past few years, but now theyre getting more serious, with more sites mailing more catalogs than ever.

Internet Retailers Reaching Out to Mailbox Surfers


By GRETCHEN PARKER     BALTIMORE (AP) -- At the Walgreens flu shot clinic, the honor system is in place.    If you tell nurses there you have a chronic heart problem, you can get a shot...

Honor System Used for Flu Shots at U.S. Chain Stores


AP - Paul Pierce had 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth career triple-double, and Raef LaFrentz had 14 points and 12 rebounds as the Boston Celtics defeated New Orleans 108-90 Monday night, sending the Hornets to their eighth consecutive loss.

Celtics Defeat Reeling Hornets 108-90 (AP)


LONDON - Britain #39;s Sir Richard Branson reinforced his reputation as an entrepreneurial showman by announcing a US\$100 million (S\$170 million) plan to take well-heeled passengers, with him possibly being among the first, for a sub-orbital ride into space.

Branson reaches for the stars in latest venture


Across most of Amman you could hear the guns blasting out their ceremonial salute, as King Abdullah arrived for the state opening of the Jordanian parliament just a few days ago.

Arab reform dreams run aground


The first vending machines to sell music downloads will be introduced in London next month as Britons continue to turn their backs on traditional methods of buying singles.

Britain #39;s Idea to Rock Out


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - It appears Marvin Harrison will be the recipient of Peyton Manning #39;s passes for years to come. An anonymous NFL source revealed Wednesday that Harrison has agreed to a six-year, \$66-million

Colts ink Harrison to extension: source


Miguel Tejada homers and drives in three runs to boost his major league-leading RBI total to 146, and the Orioles cruise past Toronto, 9-3, Thursday night.

Tejada Powers Orioles


Gil Meche pitches a five-hitter for his second career shutout and Raul Ibanez hits a two-run shot to lead Seattle over Boston 2-0 Sunday.

Mariners Blank Bosox


The lights at Athens #39; Olympic stadium turn red to signify the handover of the Paralympic Games to the host city, Beijing. Photo: AFP.

Popular Games end on sombre note


AFP - While the surge in world oil prices has been a godsend for African exporters, it has placed an extra burden on other economies on the world's poorest continent, whose governments have passed on the cost increase to petrol pump users.

Surging oil prices lighten already-meagre African pocketbooks (AFP)


LONDON -- After continuous computer failures forced the top civil servant of the U.K.'s Department of Work and Pensions' Child Support Agency (CSA) to step down from his job this week, the government is considering scrapping a welfare case management and telephony system developed in large part by Electronic Data Systems (EDS).

Pressure mounts on EDS over U.K. government IT system grows


Reuters - The price of crude oil broke into new\record territory above  #36;52 Thursday on heightened concerns that\supplies of heating fuels will prove inadequate during the\northern hemisphere winter.

Concerns About Winter Push Oil to Record (Reuters)


RACINE, Wis. Aug. 23, 2004 - John Edwards chose the almost evenly divided state of Wisconsin to tout the Democratic presidential ticket #39;s economic plans and criticize the Bush administration #39;s new rules for overtime pay.

Edwards Hits Bush on Overtime Pay Rules


The United States will press the EU to get tough with Iran at a meeting of the UN #39;s nuclear watchdog on Thursday, urging a trigger for UN Security Council action if Tehran resumes any uranium enrichment work.

US to Urge EU to Get Tough on Iran Nuclear Aims


SIMON Thompson was the feelgood story when he made the Australian Olympic triathlon team last December. Today, though, Thompson was feeling as bad as they come after believing two crashes on the bike cost

Crashes cost Aussie a medal


An ABC-TV cross-promotion on  quot;Monday Night Football quot; for the new series  quot;Desperate Housewives quot; worked a little too well, so the network apologized all over itself yesterday.

ABC gulps down a promo-seltzer


The dollar is poised to decline against the euro, creating its longest losing streak in almost a year, a Bloomberg News survey indicates.

Dollar Is Poised for Longest Losing Streak in Almost a Year


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar rose near a  two-and-a-half-week high versus the yen on Monday after a jump  late last week following a U.S. employment report.

Dollar Near High Vs Yen on Jobs Data


A FIRED-UP Lleyton Hewitt is charging into the first round of the US Open on the back of another tournament win yesterday. After a 6-3 6-1 victory against Peruvian Luis Horna in the TD Waterhouse Cup final

Hewitt feels invincible


Wayne Rooney believes the time has come for him to leave Everton as he is  #39;disappointed #39; by the way the club has been dealing with his transfer request.

Roon: Its time to leave Everton


AP - A swarm of earthquakes  #151; one a magnitude-5.5  #151; jolted a remote, sparsely populated area along the eastern Sierra Nevada on Saturday, authorities said.

Earthquake Swarm Shakes Eastern Sierra (AP)


Apple's iPod is the 800-pound white gorilla of the digital music market. But a number of new music players, on the market or in the works, have Apple in their sights.

And Now for Something Slightly Different


AP - A lawsuit demanding touch-screen voting machines be made to produce paper records will not be heard until Oct. 18, a judge ruled Friday, raising doubts that any significant changes to the system used by about half of Florida's voters will happen before the election.

Election-Related Lawsuits Pile Up in Fla. (AP)


Troy Brown has had to make a lot of adjustments while playing both sides of the football.  quot;You always want to score when you get the ball -- offense or defense

Patriots trounce Bills


Nov. 10, 2004. Microsoft is extending the policy that currently protects some of its business customers from potential legal costs associated with intellectual-property disputes to all of its customers, including consumers.

Microsoft Extends Legal Protection To All Customers


Economic growth in South Africa is reviving, helped by high commodity prices and low interest rates, the country's central bank says.

South African growth accelerates


Paula Radcliffe has no idea what went wrong in the Olympic marathon and is undecided about running the 10,000m.

Radcliffe baffled by failure


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices hovered below \$47 a barrel on  Wednesday, awaiting U.S. data that was expected to show a big  drop in fuel stocks after Hurricane Ivan disrupted operations.

Oil Holds Near \$47


Clothing and footware company Colorado Group Ltd today confirmed that Australian Retail Investments (ARI) had sold its \$115 million stake in the company.

ARI sells \$115m stake in Colorado


Reuters - Troops secured\buildings against looters and authorities imposed a\dusk-to-dawn curfew as the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada\struggled to recover on Friday from Hurricane Ivan's\devastating strike.

Troops Patrol Streets in Hurricane-Ravaged Grenada (Reuters)


E-mail users inundated with unsolicited  quot;spam quot; messages have reason to hope Microsoft Corp. will develop better tools for tackling the problem: Bill Gates is suffering more than anyone.

Microsoft #39;s Gates Is World #39;s Most  #39;Spammed #39; Person


Japan's second-largest bank says it is committed to supporting struggling Mitsubishi Motors, despite denying it is preparing 100bn yen of fresh investment

Mitsubishi gets pledge of support


Britain #39;s top law-enforcement officer, a key member of Prime Minister Tony Blair #39;s cabinet, resigned on Wednesday after acknowledging that his department had fast-tracked a visa for his former lover #39;s nanny.

Senior British cabinet minister David Blunkett resigns in fallout <b>...</b>


New Delhi, Sept. 22 (PTI): Threatening legal action, ESPN-Star Sports today demanded a  quot;public apology quot; from Zee Telefilms chief Subhash Chandra, for his remarks alleging collusion between the BCCI and the sports broadcaster.

ESPN-Star threatens legal action against Zee #39;s Chandra


JERUSALEM -- Shattering decades of public policy, Israel #39;s parliament -- for the first time in the nation #39;s history -- approved a plan Tuesday night that would uproot Jewish settlements from some of the land claimed by the Palestinians for a future nation

Historic pullout approved by Israel


ST. LOUIS -- It was bad enough that Bill Belichick had to design a defensive game plan with Asante Samuel and Randall Gay at cornerback. But four minutes into the game, the Patriots coach watched in dismay as Samuel went off with a shoulder injury that sent him to the locker room.

Brown pulls double duty for defense


BEIJING: On the eve of the US Presidential poll, one of the key architects of China #39;s foreign policy lashed out at the controversial  quot;Bush doctrine quot; of pre-emptive strikes, the  quot;catastrophic quot; war on Iraq.

Chinese deputy Prime Minister attacks  #39;Bush doctrine #39;


Fremont Investment Advisors has agreed to pay \$2.1 million in restitution and \$2 million in civil penalties to end federal and state mutual fund timing cases, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said yesterday.

Fremont settles with Spitzer, SEC


Yesterday, thanks to judicious leaks from Bill and the Boyz, the media splashed Microsoft to launch MSN Search and today, thanks to Microsoft #39;s official announcement, it #39;s Microsoft launches MSN Search.

New MSN Search - down


A group of 44 North Korean asylum seekers used makeshift ladders to scale the fence and leap into the Canadian embassy in Beijing on Wednesday, officials said.

44 N.Koreans Break Into Canada #39;s Beijing Embassy


The Federal Trade Commission has filed suit against two companies owned by New Hampshire resident Sanford Wallace. The firms allegedly infected users #39; computer with spyware -- and also sold anti-spyware software.

FTC Acts Against Spyware Distributor


It #39;s hard to see the silver lining to the clouds over Florida at the moment. Soaking debris and destroyed homes, bereaved families and a rearranged landscape are the testament to Hurricane Charley #39;s power.

Insurers escape Hurricane Charley


Reuters - Flooding and landslides set off by\heavy rains have killed 55 people and left 52 missing in\China's southwestern province of Sichuan, state media said on\Monday.

Heavy Rains, Flooding Kill 55 in China's Sichuan (Reuters)


Prince Bernhard, a bon vivant and outspoken member of an ancient German royal family who became husband of one queen of the Netherlands and father of another, died yesterday at a hospital in Utrecht near Amsterdam.

Prince Bernhard, Father of Dutch Queen, Dies at 93


Toshiba has announced an 80GB version of the 1.8in hard drives used in the iPod. The drive sets a new capacity record for its size and combines several developments including a new magnetic disk structured

Toshiba pushes iPod limits to 80GB with new drive


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his axed goalkeeper Jens Lehmann could still be the man for Germany at the 2006 World Cup and has ruled out any moves in the transfer market.

Wenger backs Lehmann for Germany


Scott McNealy isn #39;t throwing barbs at Microsoft anymore. But the chief executive of Sun Microsystems still has choice words for IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Red Hat Software and other rivals.

Sun CEO lays out server strategy


NEW YORK -- RealNetworks Inc. survived the dot-com collapse and an assault from Microsoft Corp. Now it #39;s trying to remake itself into a provider of paid Internet content.

RealNetworks to offer paid online content


AP - Minnesota Vikings star Randy Moss will miss a game for the first time in his NFL career, sitting out Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts with a strained right hamstring.

Moss to Miss First Game of NFL Career (AP)


David Blunkett is set to back plans to work closely with other European Union states on asylum and immigration.

Blunkett to back EU asylum plans


The grilled cheese sandwich that launched a thousand or more eBay hits was sold to the highest bidder Monday for \$28,000. The sandwich, said to bear the image of the Virgin Mary, was first offered up for sale

Dania Beach woman #39;s holy sandwich sells for \$28,000


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks looked to open a touch  higher  on Tuesday, with Wall Street welcoming a slip in oil  prices and a report of a possible \$24 billion takeover of  cardiovascular device maker Guidant Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks Look to Nudge Higher; Oil Dips


Mozilla Firefox has Google, Yahoo and other search tools baked in, but they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to search capabilities available with this innovative new web browser that launched its first official version today.

Firefox, Google and Web Search


AP - Siebel Systems Inc., the largest maker of customer-relations management software, Friday said it agreed to acquire Edocs Inc., a closely held provider of electronic-billing software, for  #36;115 million.

Siebel to Buy Edocs for  #36;115 Million (AP)


Odyssey HealthCare Inc., which operates 72 hospices in the US, replaced Chief Executive Officer David Gasmire amid a US Justice Department investigation of the company #39;s billing practices.

Odyssey Replaces Chief Amid Justice Department Probe (Update1)


A BETTING ring accused of insider trading had no idea that information leaked to it by former Credit Suisse First Boston compliance officer Asif Butt was confidential, a court has heard.

CSFB betting ring denies abuses


AP - John Kerry's campaign has joined a lawsuit by third-party presidential candidates seeking a recount in Ohio. A lawyer for the campaign said Thursday the campaign does not question the Democrat's loss but wants any counting to take place statewide.

Kerry Campaign Keeping Eye on Ohio Cases (AP)


JERUSALEM - Israeli troops closed off a West Bank city and Palestinian militants celebrated after Hamas blew up two buses, seconds apart, in the desert town of Beersheba, killing 16 Israelis and ending a months-long lull in suicide attacks.    The twin bombings shattered hopes in Israel that the period of suicide attacks - more than 100 in four years - was over...

West Bank City Closed Off After Blasts


BEIJING (Reuters) - A man forced his way into a primary  school in northeast China Friday and stabbed and injured 12  grade-one pupils, the latest in a wave of recent school attacks  in China, Xinhua news agency said.

Twelve Stabbed in Latest China School Attack


Saudi Arabia #39;s oil minister Ali Naimi said Monday that the  quot;fear factor quot; over supplies has added \$10 to \$15 a barrel to the price of oil and reiterated that his country is working toward lifting its sustainable oil production capacity.

Official: Fear Factor Adding to Oil Price


AP - Israeli aircraft struck more targets in the Gaza Strip on Friday as the army massed an armored force in apparent preparation for a major military operation against militants in Jebaliya, the Palestinians' biggest refugee camp.

Israeli Army Prepares for Showdown in Gaza (AP)


washingtonpost.com - Despite all the hype about Linux and other open-source operating systems, the fact remains that Microsoft Corp. continues to dominate the desktop universe, with 90 percent or so of the world's personal computers powered by one version of Windows or another.

Linux Ready for Prime Time, Intel Says (washingtonpost.com)


HEAVYWEIGHT contender Mark Latham lost the biggest fight of his life but his ladder of opportunity still lives in the career of Kostya Tszyu.

Kostya #39;s glove affair


Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko pursues a vote in parliament, as the crisis in Ukraine continues.

Yushchenko seeks confidence vote


 By Daniel Flynn

 MADRID (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez'sfence-mending visit to Spain sparked political uproar onTuesday when Madrid for the first time backed his allegationsthat the former Spanish government backed a coup against him.

Chavez Visit to Spain Sparks Coup Controversy


The Football Association has revealed England #39;s players refused to talk to the media after their win in Poland in protest at criticism aimed at them.

FA explains player silence


MOSCOW - A top Russian general on Wednesday warned the military will strike

Russia Threatens to Strike Terror Bases


#147;No other DVD authoring program in the \$500 price class is capable of creating such stunning, highly creative DVDs as Apple #146;s DVD Studio Pro 3, #148; writes PC Magazine.  #147;For video pros looking to take their productions to the next level, it #146;s worth a serious look. #148; Aug 4

Creating Stunning DVDs


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The biggest U.S. weight loss companies  are taking aim at the low-carb diet craze with new programs,  products and marketing campaigns they hope will boost  membership rolls and revitalize sales.

Brands Change Course to Combat Atkins


AP - A Virgin Atlantic plane was diverted to land at Stansted airport north of London Thursday after receiving a bomb threat, police said.

Virgin Flight From Hong Kong Diverted (AP)


The Stockholm International Water Institute in Sweden claims it takes 15 cubic metres of water, or 15,000 litres, to produce one kilogram of grain-fed beef.

Produce less beef and save water


DALLAS - As Americans get older and fatter, the number of adults with high blood pressure has climbed to almost one in three over the past decade, putting more people at risk of a stroke, heart attack or kidney failure, government researchers said Monday.    A little more than a decade ago, the number was closer to one in four...

Study: 1 in 3 Adults Has Hypertension


THE CAPITAL division of Intel has invested in a Seattle firm in bid to promote the WiMAX wireless standard. Speakeasy, based in Seattle, is a beneficiary from the Intel Communications Fund but it #39;s not clear

Intel injects cash into WiMAX firm


World No. 1 Vijay Singh believes Tiger Woods is paying a heavy price for failing to adapt his swing to the changes in his body.  quot;I think his body and his swing do not match like

Woods must adapt swing says Singh


The French government today backed the creation of a new champion in the aerospace and defence sector as Snecma, the part-privatised aero-engine maker, and Sagem, the electronics group, announced plans to merge in a deal valuing Snecma at about 4.

Snecma and Sagem plan \$6 bn merger


National Hockey League Players Association executive director Bob Goodenow said Thursday night in Toronto that when some members of his constituency found out the union was offering a 24 percent rollback on salaries across the board as one of its concessions to the owners in an effort to forge a new collective bargaining agreement and thereby save part of the ...

Players react to proposal


com. The Padres signed two players Wednesday, bringing back right-handed pitcher Woody Williams and adding infielder Geoff Blum. Both are one-year deals with Williams getting an option year in 2006.

Padres ink Williams, Blum


TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average opened down 0.29  percent on Monday with airlines, exporters and banks under  selling pressure amid growing worries about higher oil prices  and the domestic economic outlook.

Tokyo Stocks Open Lower on Oil, Economy


House prices fell at their sharpest rate in four years in October, the Halifax bank says, in another sign that the property boom is over and that interest rates could already have peaked.

Housing market cools


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Solidarity was the key word at Tuesday #39;s meeting between NHL Players #39; Association notables and executive director Bob Goodenow.

NHLPA remains united in labour dispute


HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Hong Kong shares closed at a seven-month high Monday, led by China-related and local property stocks, with recent Wall Street gains boosting sentiment.

HK Shares End Up At 7-Mo High; Led By China,Property Stks


INDIANAPOLIS (Sports Network) - Indiana Pacers forward  Jonathan Bender will be out indefinitely due to his chronically  injured left knee.

Pacers' Bender Out Indefinitely with Knee Injury


AP -

Belarus Opposition Streams to Kiev (AP)


NewsFactor - An undercover investigation led by the U.S. Secret Service has led to the arrests of 28 individuals suspected of being part of a global organized cybercrime network. Charges against the suspects include identity theft, computer fraud, credit-card fraud and conspiracy.

Secret Service Nabs 28 in Online Fraud Sting (NewsFactor)


Indiana's Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson charge into the stands and brawl with fans in the final minute of their game against Detroit.

Fans, Players Brawl


Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, arriving in Israel for his first visit in a year and a half, said he would work with Palestinian leaders to come up with an American

Powell Arrives in Israel in Latest Push for Peace


NEW YORK - Disappointing retail sales and oil prices that threatened to top \$53 per barrel sent stocks lower Thursday as investors worried that rising energy costs could further hamper consumer spending.    With a number of companies having already warned that energy costs would squeeze third-quarter profits, investors saw the September retail sales report as reason to worry that a sustained rise in oil prices could harm fourth-quarter results as well...

Stocks Fall on Poor Retail Sales, Oil


Mitsubishi Motors Corp. suggested Thursday it is in talks with DaimlerChrysler AG to review the existing partnership arrangements between them.

Mitsubishi Motors, DaimlerChrysler reviewing partnership


President Vladimir Putin #39;s economic adviser has warned that Russia is jeopardising its economic growth by drifting away from liberal market reforms and moving towards increased state intervention.

Putin aide warns of dangers to economy ECONOMIC POLICY


AP - Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez won their third straight U.S. Open women's doubles title by beating singles champion Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Likhovtseva 6-4, 7-5 Sunday.

Ruano Pascual, Suarez Win Women's Doubles (AP)


Edify on Tuesday is announcing that its Edify Voice Interaction Platform (EVIP) 9.0 system for deploying speech activation applications has received VoiceXML 2.0 Certification from the VoiceXML Forum.

Edify gets VoiceXML certification


AP - Chuck Hiller, who hit the National League's first grand slam in the World Series, has died. He was 70.

Mets Adviser Chuck Hiller Dies at 70 (AP)


The New Jersey Nets have acquired five-time NBA All-Star guard/forward Vince Carter from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for center Alonzo Mourning, center/forward Aaron Williams, forward Eric Williams and two first round draft picks, Nets President Rod

Vince Carter traded to Nets


Neah Power Systems, which develops fuel cells for notebooks, raises \$12 million in venture funding.

More money for fuel cells


AFP - The African Union's peace talks on the crisis in Darfur restarted at the end of a one-day boycott called by two rebel groups in protest over alleged government attacks on civilians.

Sudanese peace talks restart after one-day rebel boycott (AFP)


The Norwegian Shipowners Association threatened on Monday to lock out more oil and gas rig workers, a move analysts said could result in a near shutdown of the third-largest petroleum exporter #39;s production and drive world oil prices even higher.

Shipowners Association May Expand Lockout


By JILL BARTON     WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- It's not just roofs that have come apart and walls that are falling down...

Storm Stress Hitting Many Floridians


Cisco has released a new line of switches and services for small and medium sized businesses aimed at helping companies with 100 to 1000 employees deploy converged voice

Cisco targets SMBs with new switches, software