Vikings owner Red McCombs backed away from some of the comments he made to SI. Contrary to what he told SI, McCombs said he has made no decision regarding the 2005 option on coach Mike Tice #39;s contract.

Truth  amp; Rumors: Oct. 28, 2004


Frank P. Quattrone, the former star investment banker who was found guilty of obstruction of justice, has been barred from the securities industry for life by regulators who contend

Quattrone Barred for Life From Securities


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks to watch: GOOGLE INC.  <A HREF=

Stocks to Watch on Aug. 20


By Channel NewsAsia #39;s Indonesia Bureau Chief Haseenah Koyakutty. JAKARTA : Indonesia #39;s top terror suspect Abu Bakar Bashir has dismissed his trial as a joke, saying that the only reason he is being detained

Indonesian cleric accuses US, Australia of mastering his trial


Reuters - U.S. producer prices edged up just\0.1 percent in September, held back by a big energy-price drop,\but the cost of non-energy items picked up steam, a government\report showed on Friday.

Producer Prices Up 0.1 Pct, Energy Drops (Reuters)


Tracy McGrady is more than willing to trade individual statistics for victories with Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets.  quot;I #39;m really not concerned about that, quot; McGrady said Wednesday.

McGrady, Yao set for first NBA exhibition game in China


FOUR women and a 12-year-old girl died and at least 10 people were injured in a stampede at the Indian capital #39;s main railway station today as hordes of people tried to board a train, officials said.

Five die in stampede for train


NEW YORK For the second time in six months, a large worldwide advertiser is shifting its account to agencies owned by WPP Group from agencies owned by Interpublic Group.

Samsung ads shifted from Interpublic


A powerful car bomb exploded near an entrance to Baghdad's fortified Green Zone Monday morning, killing 11 Iraqis and wounding at least 13 people, according to officials at nearby Yarmouk Hospital.

Car Bomb Kills 11, Wounds 13 in Baghdad


AP - Garret Anderson hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning, Darin Erstad had a three-run homer and the Anaheim Angels beat Oakland 5-3 Saturday to move back within two games of the AL West-leading Athletics.

Angels Nip A's 5-3, Stay in AL West Race (AP)


GENEVA (Reuters) - International airlines are heading for a  near \$5 billion loss this year, largely due to the oil price  rise, the chief economist of the industry's global body IATA  said on Tuesday.

Airlines Expect \$5 Bln Loss in '04 --IATA


AP - Harvie Ward, a two-time U.S. Amateur champion and a top teaching pro whose clients included the late Payne Stewart, has died after a long illness.

Former Amateur Golf Star Dies at 78 (AP)


Reuters - Software maker Adobe Systems\Inc. on Thursday posted a quarterly profit that rose\more than one-third from a year ago, but shares fell 3 percent\after the maker of Photoshop and Acrobat software did not raise\forecasts for fiscal 2005.

Adobe Profit Up, Shares Fall on Outlook (Reuters)


GAZA CITY, Oct 21 (AFP) - An Israeli man and two Palestinian militants were killed Thursday in two separate incidents in the Gaza Strip, sources on both sides said.

One Israeli, two Palestinian militants killed in Gaza violence


Dell and PalmOne roll out their latest pure PDAs, and heap on the extras.

First Look: Axim X50v Versus Tungsten T5


Sprint Corp. said yesterday it will acquire Nextel Communications Inc. in a \$35-billion deal that will create the nation #39;s third-largest wireless phone carrier, Sprint Nextel.

Sprint acquiring Nextel in \$35B deal


AP - That noise the crowd made Sunday during the Miami Dolphins' victory at Pro Player Stadium was faintly familiar from seasons past. It's called cheering.

Dolphins Top Rams for 1st Win of Season (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks were knocked lower on Thursday  as investors worried that rising prices for oil and commodities  would shrink corporate profits, while drug shares fell on  possible stricter scrutiny from regulators.

Drugs, Oil Drag Stocks Lower


Messina upset defending champion AC Milan 2-1 Wednesday, while Juventus won its third straight game to stay alone atop the Italian league standings.

Messina upsets AC Milan; Juventus leads Serie A


PC World - Study shows most attacks come from exploited PCs beloging to DSL or cable customers.

Has Your PC Gone Phishing? (PC World)


Jewelry retailer Tiffany  amp; Co., dragged down by weaker-than-expected sales in Japan and higher precious metal and diamond costs, recorded a 26 percent drop in third-quarter earnings.

Tiffany profit slips on weak Japan sales


Nokia and Vodafone announced they will team up for a mobile service architecture initiative, with the aim of simplifying mobile Java standards.

Nokia, Vodafone Collaborate on Mobile Java


NAGPUR, India : World champions Australia conquered the final frontier here when they won their first series on Indian soil in 35 years with a 342-run rout in the third Test.

Cricket: Fired-up Australia end 35-year drought as India hit new <b>...</b>


Crude oil futures rose above \$41 a barrel yesterday as traders focused on OPEC's planned production cutback and colder weather in the United States.

Oil prices top \$41 as traders weigh production, weather


Japan #39;s current account surplus expanded 8.2 percent in July from a year earlier for its 13th consecutive month of growth, the government said Thursday.

Japan Current Account Surplus Up 8.2 Pct.


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Tony Blair forecast an upsurge  in violence in Iraq ahead of planned January elections but said  Wednesday he had not yet decided on a U.S. request for back-up  from UK troops.

Blair Sees More Iraq Violence, No Ruling on Troops


AFP - China Unicom, the nation's second-largest mobile phone carrier, plans to open up to 3,000 Internet cafes by the end of the year, state media said.

China Unicom to open 3,000 Internet cafes in tightly controlled industry (AFP)


A slew of third-quarter earnings reports dominated technology and telecommunications stocks last week. Much of the news was positive, with key players posting impressive earnings growth, but the December quarter outlook remained unclear for some.

Robust Tech Earnings Can #39;t Shake Tough Outlook


The British, French and San Marino Grand Prix Formula One races got a reprieve Wednesday, when they were listed on the provisional 2005 Formula One calendar.

Britain, France and San Marino Provisional on 2005 F1 Calendar


A judge said it would be too costly to allow voters skeptical of electronic voting systems to opt for paper ballots.

Maryland court rejects paper requirement for e-voting


Reuters - Iran escaped U.N. censure over its\nuclear program but Washington, which accuses it of seeking an\atomic bomb, said on Monday it reserved the right to take the\case to the Security Council on its own.

Thwarted U.S. May Seek Lone Push on Iran Sanctions (Reuters)


AP - President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill confirming Russia's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, the Kremlin said Friday, clearing the way for the global climate pact to come into force early next year.

Putin Signs Bill to Ratify Kyoto Protocol (AP)


The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has filed 750 new lawsuits against alleged file-traders using P2P software. The 750 new lawsuits were against  quot;John Doe quot; defendants not yet identified by the RIAA.

RIAA files 750 new file-trading lawsuits


Bangalore, Oct. 8. (PTI): After winning the battle against Indian spinners Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, Australia #39;s Test debutant Michael Clarke said the tour of 2003 for a triseries helped him adapt to the subcontinent conditions.

2003 tri-series helped me: Clarke


LONDON (Reuters) - Copper prices declined a further 2  percent on Thursday on selling by hedge funds that has toppled  the key industrial metal off 16-year peaks hit on Monday.

Copper Slide Continues


Server: requires Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, Red Hat Linux 9.0 or later, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3, SuSE Linux 9.x, or Mac OS X 10.

Kerio MailServer 6


Shares in PeopleSoft surged in New York after Larry Ellison #39;s Oracle tabled a take-it-or-leave-it \$8.8 offer for the business software company.

Oracle sees future in \$8.8bn PeopleSoft


LONDON (Reuters) - The yen sank to a four-month low against  the euro and a six-week low versus the dollar on Tuesday as  investors fretted that soaring oil prices could jeopardize  Japan's economic recovery.

Yen Weighed Down by Rising Cost of Oil


Reuters - Treasuries prices plunged on Friday\after a startlingly strong U.S. jobs report confounded\speculation the Federal Reserve might soon pause in its rate\hikes.

Treasuries Plunge on Huge Payrolls Rise (Reuters)


AFP - The research and development costs of Airbus's new A380 super-jumbo will be 1.45 billion euros (1.9 billion dollars) more than planned, the co-chairman of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, Rainer Hertrich, revealed.

A380 super-jumbo to cost 1.45 bln euros more than planned: EADS (AFP)


Harry Sinden didn't want to say,  quot;I told you so, quot; because he didn't see there was anything to be gained from it.

Sinden: Owners in lockstep on lockout


Editor - FirstScience.com. I have been experimenting of late with various internet browsers as potential replacements for Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Google Browser - The Future of the Internet?


Sylvain Wiltord scored one goal and made another as he returned to lead Olympique Lyon to a 2-1 victory over AJ Auxerre in a Ligue 1 game on Saturday.

Wiltord helps leaders Lyon beat Auxerre


Ziff Davis - Ex-president Bill Clinton last week delivered the keynote address at the launch of a new business-focused search engine.

Clinton Stumps for Newest Search Engine (Ziff Davis)


YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - Secretary of State Colin Powell arrived in Seoul on Monday, beginning the final leg of a three-nation swing meant to shore up support in the dispute over North Koreas nuclear ambitions.

Powell seeks Asian support in dispute over N. Korea #39;s nuclear <b>...</b>


As announced earlier, Microsoft today released the second beta of their upcoming Search Engine, which would replace the current version running on MSN website.

Microsoft releases Beta MSN Search to counter Google


Internet service providers and other technology firms are proposing to soften a bill in Congress that they claim will make them targets of frivolous entertainment industry copyright lawsuits.

Tech firms craft alternative to anti-piracy bill


A group of Saudi religious scholars have signed an open letter urging Iraqis to support jihad against US-led forces.  quot;Fighting the occupiers is a duty for all those who are able, quot; they said in a statement posted on the internet at the weekend.

Saudi call for jihad


WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain called Friday for  quot;full accountability quot; for Air Force officials involved in a controversial contract to acquire tanker aircraft from Boeing, accusing them of incompetence or corruption.

McCain: Air Force fixed bids


The New York Giants announce that two-time MVP Kurt Warner beats out Eli Manning for the starting quarterback job.

Giants to Start Warner


AP - Brett Favre would love to throw fewer interceptions this season. He's just not sure he can.

Favre Not Sure He Can Throw Fewer Picks (AP)


Microsoft is on the move again. As it has in the past, the software giant is trying to elbow aside rivals who have pioneered new markets.

Microsoft Sharpens Up Its Elbows


Large sections of the Genesis Sample Return Capsule that survived the hard impact landing in the Utah desert Sept. 8 were shipped to Lockheed Martin #39;s facilities in Denver, Colo.

Genesis at Lockheed Martin - 2


With its most serious legal troubles apparently behind it, Computer Associates is once again focusing on growth and new ways of packaging and delivering its products, interim CEO Ken Cron said in an interview on Tuesday.

Computer Associates Temp CEO Outlines Growth Plans


The companies expand a security alliance to help businesses keep worms and viruses from getting onto their networks.

IBM, Cisco aim to protect networks


Sony will lend one of its five Qrio public relations robots to schools in Japan, India, and Vietnam to stimulate children #39;s curiosity in science and technology, the company says.

Sony Sends Its Robots to School


Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Charles Roberts was named the Canadian Football League #39;s Offensive Player of the Month for September.

Roberts highlights CFL monthly honorees


The Federal Aviation Administration needs to improve its oversight of air carriers and passengers who bring hazardous materials onto airplanes, according to a report released yesterday by the Department of Transportation's inspector general.

FAA Must Improve Oversight of Hazardous Materials, Report Says


Crude oil climbed to a two-week high on concern colder winter weather will drain supplies of North American and European heating fuels before inventories rebound.

Oil Jumps to Two-Week High on Concern About Heating-Fuel Supply


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - SBC Communications <A HREF=

SBC May Cut More Than 10,000 Jobs


TAMPA, Fla. - Chris Simms first NFL start lasted 19 plays, and it might be a while before he plays again for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Simms doubtful; Griese to start


Watching Parcells use the media this week provided another example of why he #39;s one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Parcells has used his regular news conferences to send messages to

ON FOOTBALL Parcells had a plan, and he stuck with it


United Airlines on Tuesday announced it has secured a tentative contract agreement with its pilots. The agreement makes the pilots the first of United #39;s four big unions to come to initial terms.

United says it has landed tentative pact with pilots


VIENTIANE: Leaders of the four poorest countries within the 10-nation Southeast Asian group agreed to forge closer economic links Sunday as they strive to catch up with their wealthier partners.

ASEAN #39;s minnows agree to enhance economic cooperation


Nortel Networks said the further delay in its release of financial information will  quot;permit the resolution of focused revenue reporting issues and remaining accounting matters identified by Nortel management.

Nortel Further Delays Release of Financial Statements


When does winning 18 consecutive games matter less than winning 17? When No. 17 is a Super Bowl triumph that caps the first undefeated season in NFL history -- a season in which the team leads the league in total offense, total defense, points scored, and points allowed. Members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins are quick to mention that their ...

Not a perfect match


Jeff Cunningham scored in the first half and the Columbus Crew extended their MLS-record unbeaten streak to 17 games with a 1-1 tie against the MetroStars last night in East Rutherford, N.J.

What a Crew: Unbeaten streak reaches 17


The US House of Representatives passed a second spyware bill on Thursday adding more teeth to a previously passed spyware bill that included fines for offenders.

House passes second spyware bill


When most of us contemplate the holidays, we think of friends, family and fellowship. But Susan Larson has phishing on her mind. Larson works for SurfControl, an Internet and e-mail security company.

Holidays are a hit with thieves


COMMENTARY -- Judging by his latest blog entry, Sun COO and president Jonathan Schwartz has something new to keep him up at night -- the growing perception that Solaris x86 is anti-Linux -- anti-GNU/Linux, to be specific.

Sun #39;s Schwartz living a Linux nightmare


Ghana's Lake Bosumtwi holds clues to Africa's climate past - and a massive space impact.

Drilling for Africa's climate history


MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - German police detained 10  neo-Nazis on Saturday before a march marking the anniversary of  the death of Adolf Hitler's deputy Rudolf Hess.

German Police Detain 10 Neo-Nazis Before Hess March


AP - Jeff Brehaut shot an 11-under 61 Friday and took a two-stroke lead halfway through the PGA Tour's final qualifying tournament.

Brehaut Takes Lead in PGA Tour Qualifier (AP)


MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- The defiant tone was set the moment Boston College's motorcade arrived at the foot of West Virginia's campus yesterday and began chugging its way up the hill on Patteson Drive, escorted by four State Police cruisers, sirens blaring. The caravan of four buses streaked past a queue of cars waiting to make a left turn onto University ...

King of the mountain


CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. investment fund Steel Partners II  on Thursday offered to buy 90 percent of Gencorp Inc. <A HREF=

Steel Partners Bids \$700 Mln for Gencorp


GAZA: Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinian gunmen belonging to Hamas on Wednesday, Israeli and Palestinian sources said. An Israeli military spokeswoman said that the two gunmen had fired homemade rockets

Israeli troops kill two Hamas gunmen


THE search mechanism used by the Kazaa file-sharing network could contain malicious code, the Federal Court heard yesterday. Counsel for the record companies, John Nicholas SC, said in recent years there had

Kazaa could have bugs


LONDON (CBS.MW) -- European drugmakers Novartis, Schering and Sanofi-Aventis on Thursday all posted rising third-quarter sales, helped by sales lifts in the companies #39; key products.

Novartis tops Q3 forecast, Schering ups EPS view


WASHINGTON : The United States said it had no objection to North Korea wanting to resume six-party talks on ending the Korean nuclear crisis after the November 2 US presidential elections.

US has no objection to NKorea delaying nuclear talks until after <b>...</b>


JERUSALEM, Oct. 12 -- A top Palestinian security leader who is related to Yasser Arafat escaped unharmed Tuesday when a booby-trapped car exploded near his convoy in Gaza City.

Arafat Relative Unhurt in Gaza Car Bombing


In football, as in life, the past is always so much more rosy than the present. More than eleven years ago, Germany beat Brazil 2-1 in Cologne.

Reliving the samba dream


According to a Pentagon announcement issued Friday, last week Boeing (NYSE: BA) successfully completed a test of one of the coolest weapons ever designed (not their exact words).

Boeing Wields a New Laser


Quentin Griffin rushed for 156 yards and scored three touchdowns to lead the Denver Broncos to a 34-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Broncos Beat Chiefs 34-24 Behind Griffin: NFL Week 1 (Update3)


AP - Annika Sorenstam is mixing it up with the men again, and this time the competition includes Tiger Woods. Sorenstam and Woods will play against each other for the first time when they tee off Saturday in the Skins Game at the Trilogy Golf Club in the middle of the desert.

Sorenstam Plays Tiger Woods in Skins Game (AP)


Ford raised its earnings guidance for 2004 today in part on the back of continued strong performance by its financial services business.

Ford Raises Quarter and Full-Year Outlook


A spokeswoman said he was charged with two counts of illegally using his weapon, of obstruction of justice, conduct unbecoming an officer, and improper use of authority.

Israeli Officer Charged with Pumping Bullets into Girl


THE HAGUE - Former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic can defend himself at a war crimes tribunal but he must accept a standby lawyer in case he becomes ill again, judges ruled on Monday.

Milosevic can defend himself, court rules


SCHEVENINGEN, Netherlands European Union leaders clashed Friday over a plan to set up camps in North Africa to process immigrants and asylum seekers to help stop the flow of illegal migrants across the Mediterranean to Europe.

EU leaders clash over immigration camps


MICROSOFT Corp. is staging another attack against software pirates with an amnesty program for unwitting users of bootlegged copies of its Windows XP operating system (OS).

Microsoft offers amnesty program to pirated WinXP users


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks rose sharply on Friday in heavy  trading as software company PeopleSoft Inc. and chip-related  stocks boosted the Nasdaq and Standard   Poor's 500 indexes to  their highest closes in about three months.

Stocks Rise; Nasdaq, S P at 3-Month Highs


STRASBOURG, France/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The European  Commission on Tuesday approved Oracle Corp.'s <A HREF=

EU OKs Oracle's Bid for PeopleSoft


A solar cell made with spinach has been developed that promises electronic devices incorporating photosynthesis, the highly efficient process plants use to produce energy from sunlight.

Solar Cell Built with Spinach


Hackers co-opted several popular Web sites including comedycentral.com over the weekend, using them to infect thousands of computers with a virus that can be used to steal passwords, bank accounts and other personal information. <FONT face=

Hackers Use Web Sites, Ads to Infect PCs


Google has launched a beta test to let US mobile phone and handheld device users tap into its search results via the short message service (SMS) platform.

Google Launches Beta of SMS Search Queries


Boston coach Doc Rivers was golfing with Bob Cousy and KC Jones when the two Celtics Hall of Famers started talking about Bill Russell.

Celtics tradition attracts Rivers


TEMPE, Ariz. - President Bush and rival John Kerry vaulted into the home stretch of the race for the White House by trading blows on taxes, gun control, abortion and jobs, striving in their final debate to cement impressions in voters' minds...

Bush, Kerry Duel Over Domestic Policy


Reuters - Passengers wanting to skip airport\queues will be able to check in for flights using their mobile\phone beginning next year, two European firms set to offer the\service announced on Tuesday.

Speedy Plane Check-In by Mobile Phone Set for 2005 (Reuters)


By time-hallowed tradition, the English pub evokes an image of low beams, warm ales and the toxic swirling smog of tobacco smoke. But not, perhaps, for much longer.

Blair Sees England's Cozy Pubs as a Smoke-Free Zone


Oracle Corp. notified Delaware's Court of Chancery of plans to drop a lawsuit pending there against PeopleSoft Inc. if PeopleSoft shareholders reject Oracle's tender offer. The notification is a sign that Oracle is serious about its current offer being the final one.

Oracle to drop PeopleSoft suit if tender fails


Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said the country will continue to provide support for Kashmiri people to achieve the right of self-determination.

Pakistan stresses support for Kashmir cause


ATHENS, Greece -- Duvall #39;s Amy Tryon will return home from the 2004 Olympics with a medal after all. Tryon and the other members of the US equestrian team earned the bronze medal in the team-eventing competition

Duvall rider, teammates awarded bronze medal


Reuters - Lawn-care equipment maker Toro Co. on\Wednesday reported stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings\and doubled its dividend, citing increased sales and cost\controls.

Toro Earnings Rise; Dividend Doubled (Reuters)


BERKELEY, Calif. -- Geoff McArthur caught eight passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns, and fourth-ranked California's defense stopped Oregon near midfield with 1:39 left when Keith Allen couldn't hold the final pass in the Golden Bears' 28-27 victory yesterday that solidified their BCS hopes. Aaron Rodgers passed for 275 yards and three TDs, and J.J. Arrington ran for 188 ...

Late drop helps Bears duck Oregon


Apple's new London store on Regent Street puts the iPod music player front and center.

Photos: iPod lands in London


JM Smucker Co., the largest US maker of jellies and jams, sold its operations in Brazil to closely held Cargill Inc. The sale of Smucker do Brasil Ltda.

Smucker Sells Brazilian Unit to Closely Held Cargill (Update1)


Once roof gardens were just a matter of aesthetics; now there's something called a  quot;green roof quot; that has environmental benefits.

Roof gardens: looking good, saving money


In a few years, every new electronics device will likely have a network address.

Future Tech: The Internet Reloaded


The Deutsche Bank Championship got a dream match-up for the final round when Vijay Singh shot a 3-under 68 on Sunday to move to 14 under, three strokes ahead of Tiger Woods.

Singh keeps his lead in Boston


England are sitting pretty and well on the way to World Cup qualification after beating Wales - and with the added bonus of new options opening up for Sven-Goran Eriksson all the time.

Eriksson seems to have strength in depth in all positions


Sleepy Spokane, Wash., has a secret: it's the wireless hot spot of the future

The City That Cut the Cord


US regulators filed fraud charges on Monday against former Hollinger International Inc. (HLR.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Chairman Conrad Black and his deputy, David Radler.

UPDATE 1-SEC charges Hollinger #39;s Black with fraud


WholeSecurity Inc has released technology that the firm says can be used to block web users from inadvertently accessing phishing web sites. The company has signed eBay Inc as a flagship customer, and has the software on millions of desktops.

WholeSecurity takes phish-blocking to browser


Reuters - J.P. Morgan Chase   Co. , said\on Wednesday it was scrapping a  #36;5 billion outsourcing deal\with IBM Corp., amid an overall plan to manage more of\its own technology services.

JP Morgan KOs  #36;5 Bln IBM Outsourcing Deal (Reuters)


Shane Warne, Test cricket #39;s leading wicket-taker, will miss the fourth and final Test match against India in Mumbai tomorrow after breaking his right thumb while practicing his batting, a Cricket Australia statement said.

Warne Breaks Thumb, Will Miss Final Cricket Test Against India


As Condoleezza Rice enters the State Department, she will face a number of pressing foreign policy problems that she cannot solve. This will not be for lack of effort or intelligence on her part. It's just that many foreign policy crises involve the interests and activities of countries across the globe, and changing them takes time. And even then, whether it's Iran, North Korea or Darfur, there is no quick fix that Washington can impose. But there is a growing danger for the United States that needs urgent attention, that can be solved and that is almost entirely within Rice's power to handle. It's the foreign visa crisis. Left unattended, it is going to have deep and lasting effects on American security and competitiveness.

Rejecting the Next Bill Gates


An Arizona man who claims his car was attacked by Mike Tyson, said on Friday he will drop his criminal complaint against the ex-heavyweight champion for damaging the vehicle outside a local nightspot.

Arizona Man to Drop Mike Tyson Car-Beating Charges


BALI (Reuters) - Top seed and French Open champion  Anastasia Myskina wilted early on at the Wismilak  International, falling in the second round to Maria Elena  Camerin 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 Thursday.

It's an Early Exit for Myskina


Construction spending sprang back to life in July, rising to the highest level on record, the government reported Wednesday.

Construction Spending Hits All-Time High


In a shift in strategy, Nintendo was expected to announce yesterday that it plans to begin selling its next generation of hand-held video game devices in the US in time for the Christmas season.

New Nintendo hand-held game device to debut in US


AP - Stanford football coach Buddy Teevens was fired after three straight losing seasons, an athletic department source said Monday on condition of anonymity.

Source: Stanford Fires Coach Teevens (AP)


PC World - Software giant teams with Polycom to boost sales of Live Communications Server.

Microsoft Eyes Video for Business IM (PC World)


Security firm F-Secure warned that the latest Windows vulnerability appears to be attracting more than the typical interest among the hacking community and that given the speed at which the

#39;JpegOfDeath #39; Using Windows Weakness To Spread Trojan


In a highly anticipated move, Red Bull Racing announced today that it has signed David Coulthard to a one-year contract. Coulthard, by no means a spring chicken as far as F1 goes, is lucky to have gotten this

Coulthard Gets 1 Year F1 Career Extension from Red Bull


SEPTEMBER 16, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Martin Taylor recently marked his one-year anniversary as Microsoft Corp. #39;s chief Linux strategist.

Q amp;A: Microsoft #39;s Linux strategist Martin Taylor


Reuters - About 150 people were ready\to begin cleaning up an oil spill threatening endangered\animals on Sunday, four days after a ship broke apart and six\people died in a helicopter rescue attempt.

Alaska Oil Spill Crews Seize on Calmer Weather (Reuters)


By MAY WONG    SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Sometimes it pays to befriend an enemy...

PalmOne and Microsoft Join on Mobile E-Mail


While Oracle Corp. awaits a judge #39;s decision on whether it can continue in its quest to acquire PeopleSoft Inc., the company faced a setback in an unrelated case.

Appeals court revives Oracle shareholder case


AFP - The United States said it would be  quot;concerned quot; by Iran's acquisition of any new nuclear technology, signaling opposition to a reported European offer to give Tehran a light-water reactor it proves it is not secretly developing atomic weapons.

US frowns on reported European nuclear offer to Iran (AFP)


Key factors help determine if outsourcing benefits or hurts Americans.

Weighing Outsourcing's Impact


Japanese stocks may rise after oil prices fell from a record in New York, easing concern higher energy costs will damp consumer spending and corporate profits.

Japanese Stocks May Gain After Oil Declines; Toyota May Advance


The US airline industry, riddled with excess supply, will see a significant drop in capacity, or far fewer seats, as a result of at least one airline liquidating in the next year, according to AirTran Airways Chief Executive Joe Leonard.

AirTran CEO Sees Another Airline Liquidation Soon


Clearly viable on server, client to follow within two years

Linux poised for move from data centre to desktop - report


Dan Wheldon #39;s win leads the Andretti Green Racing Team to a 1-2-3 finish in the final race at Nazareth Speedway. By CHUCK GIVLER.

The Perfect Ending


Former Enron Corp. executive Mark Koenig pleaded guilty in federal court in Houston to aiding and abetting securities fraud and has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

Former Enron Executive Pleads Guilty to Aiding Securities Fraud


LAMONGAN, Indonesia (Reuters) - Indonesian farmer Agus  Saefuddin lives in the East Java regency of Lamongan, home to  three brothers who were key players in the Bali bombings that  killed 202 people, but he doesn't know their names.

Islamic Radicalism Not an Issue in Indonesia Vote


Three years of solid development in wireless broadband lie ahead, Intel says, as it gives a first look at its Rosedale WiMax processor.

Intel plots path of WiMax


A seventh-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 1998, Moran played in three games with the Blue Jackets last season, recording his first career points with a goal and an assist on January 27 against New Jersey.

Blue Jackets re-sign C Moran


Cal coach Jeff Tedford knows Arizona State will run some in Saturday night #39;s game at Memorial Stadium. He #39;s just not sure who will carry the ball.

CAL NOTEBOOK Mystery rushers, QB threaten Bears


com. Orlando Cabrera has already figured out how to part the Red Sea. With a three-run double in the top of the ninth, Cabrera sent waves of red-clad Angels fans to the exits.

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images


China #39;s Sichuan province faced the threat of epidemics yesterday after the worst flooding in a century killed at least 172 people and

China #39;s worst floods in a century kill at least 172, injure <b>...</b>


The Brazilian government on Tuesday condemned Israeli incursions into the Gaza Strip that killed at least 70 Palestinians and injured 250.

Brazil condemns Israeli offensive on Gaza Strip


Tom Brady threw for two touchdowns as the New England Patriots held off the visiting Cincinnati Bengals for a 35-to-28 victory Sunday.

Pats keep a-rollin #39;


BEIJING - Martial law was declared in a town in central China after at least four people died in rioting, residents said on Monday.

Martial law in Chinese city after riot


LONDON (Reuters) - The remaining seven vacancies in the  first knockout stage of the Champions League will be decided  this week with some of Europe's biggest clubs anxiously  considering their fates.

Tension-Filled Nights Loom for Europe's Big Guns


Airline travel has always been a welcome refuge from the incessant chatter of cellphone users, so it is sobering to hear that regulators are thinking of allowing the use of cellphones up in the friendly skies.

Are cellphones meant to fly?


Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Shimon Peres, chairman of the opposition Labor Party, said Israel should have early elections after the ruling Likud Party voted against coalition talks.

Peres Calls for Israeli Elections After Likud Rejects Talks


The Children #39;s Place Retail Stores Inc. announced Wednesday it will buy The Walt Disney Co. #39;s flagging retail chain in an effort to become a bigger player in the infant to preteen market.

Disney reaches deal for beleaguered retail chain


Investor's Business Daily - The answer -- if you believe Hewlett-Packard  , IBM   and Sun Microsystems   -- is those bar codes printed on the side of just about every product sold today.

IBM, HP, Sun Micro Sensing Opportunity In RFID Sensor Field (Investor's Business Daily)


SINGAPORE--Seven mobile operators in Asia-Pacific have joined forces in a new alliance, aiming to crank up the clout and appeal of service providers in the region.

Seven operators team up for Asian mobile venture


MOJAVE, CALIFORNIA - In a mission that could herald a new era of space tourism, a privately built, three-person rocket ship flew to space and back today in a mission that frightened those who watched from the ground and on a live webcast.

Tense Moments During Trailblazing Private Space Flight


AUBURN HILLS - Chrysler Group is recalling 1.2 million minivans worldwide, including 955,000 in the United States, because an electrical problem could cause the driver #39;s side air bag to fail.

DCX recalls 1.2M minivans for glitch


AP - President Bush got a convention bounce even in heavily Democratic New York but still trailed rival John Kerry, two statewide presidential polls said Wednesday.

Polls: Bush Trails Kerry in New York (AP)


In losing 20 of 38 games, including six of eight to start this month, the Padres blew several chances to keep the Los Angeles Dodgers close to them going into a September showdown between the two.

Nevin cleans up


Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka said Thursday his country would not enter into negotiations with the kidnappers of a Polish woman in Iraq.

Polish PM refuses talks on Iraq kidnapping


LONDON (Reuters) - World oil prices eased on Thursday as  signs of strong supply on physical crude markets encouraged  dealers to take profits from a bounce in the previous session.

Oil Falls on Signs of Rising Crude Supply


Swirling winds and 252 yards of a confounding downhill shot created quite a backup at Brae Burn Country Club's par-3 17th hole yesterday, player after player having to pursue shots that were blown off line. But when he got to the tee, Ron Philo Jr. wasn't about to complain about the delay.

Philo puts finishing touch on elusive crown


The way children learn may determine the building blocks of language, suggests a study of deaf Nicaraguan children. Ann Senghas of New York #39;s Columbia University, US, and colleagues studied three generations

Childhood learning may determine linguistic rules


Wal-Mart Stores Inc. confirmed Wednesday that it dumped several executives but would not detail why they were fired. The terminations occurred over the past several days, spokeswoman Mona Williams said.

Briefs: Wal-Mart fires execs, citing rules violations


Reuters - The Charlotte\Bobcats signed free agent shooting guard Steve Smith on\Thursday.

Bobcats Sign Veteran Guard Smith (Reuters)


This would appear to be an appropriate time to discuss the potential for Palestinian nonviolence and its ramifications for Israel.

Palestinian nonviolence may bring more than weapons did


ONLY two days after returning from a six-month space expedition, US astronaut Michael Fincke said that he was ready to return to orbit with his Russian colleagues.

Fincke would return to ISS  #39;tomorrow #39;


America Online is tapping the vast media assets of parent company Time Warner to outdo rivals Google, Yahoo and Microsoft in the search wars.

AOL looks to outwit Google


Offering evidence of a possible shift in the housing market, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported yesterday that sales of single-family homes fell for the third straight month in October and that the number of homes and condos on the market is up 7.6 percent from a year ago.

Mass. home sales fall 5.3


AP - Lawmakers have agreed to return California's primary to its traditional date of June, ending the state's eight-year experiment with a March primary.

Calif. Lawmakers Vote to Switch Primary (AP)


AP - Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman said Sunday he is not interested in becoming President Bush's national intelligence director or homeland security chief, shooting down speculation he might be under consideration for those jobs.

Lieberman Shows No Interest in Cabinet (AP)


AP - Sitting at a folding table under fluorescent lights, Republican Lloyd Haskins Sr. held up ballots for Democrat Carl Brownstein to see, and they both marked their running totals on white scrap paper.

Hand Recount Starts in Wash. Gov.'s Race (AP)


Zhang Yuehong #39;s winner spike capped China #39;s brilliant comeback in the women #39;s volleyball final on Saturday, winning the country #39;s first Olympic volleyball gold medal in 20 years.

Day 15: China totals 31 after volleyball gold


Third baseman Vinny Castilla said he fits fine with the Colorado youth movement, even though he #39;ll turn 38 next season and the Rockies are coming off the second-worst

Castilla would like to return


Cazenove #39;s investment banking unit, which advises nearly half of Britain #39;s leading companies, is to be merged with the rival operation run by JP Morgan, ending 181 years of independence.

Cazenove agrees JP Morgan merger


Description: NASA is considering an unprecedented robotic mission to save the Hubble Space telescope. But a final report from the National Academy of Sciences says the robotic mission probably won #39;t be ready on time to save the telescope.

Report: Robotic Hubble Mission Likely to Fail


AP - Seattle at Toronto (7 p.m. EST). The SuperSonics, winners of eight straight, face Vince Carter and the Raptors.

NBA Today (AP)


Australia cricket coach John Buchanan has warned England #39;s master blaster Andrew Flintoff he won #39;t have things so easy when he faces the world champions on Tuesday.

Flintoff a reminder of Botham years


Previously unpublished videotapes of Diana, Princess of Wales, reveal she only met Prince Charles 13 times before their wedding. The tapes, which are being shown on US television, feature the princess talking

Diana tapes broadcast in US


If you want the  #39;security enhancements #39; of Windows XP SP2 but you #39;re running an earlier version of Windows, then you #39;re going to have to upgrade, Microsoft has been confirming to the public prints this week.

So what is it about Win2k security MS won #39;t enhance?


SAN FRANCISCO - Candlestick Park, home of the San Francisco 49ers National Football League team, was renamed  quot;Monster Park quot; today in a US\$6 million (\$9.

American Football: Candlestick Park renamed  #39;Monster Park #39;


The International Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in the Hague Wednesday sentenced former Bosnian Serb Deputy Prime Minister Radoslav Brdjanin to 32 years in prison.

Former Bosnian Serb leader convicted of war crimes


TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo stocks posted strong rises by  Friday afternoon as hopes for a seasonal year-end rally and the  imminent inclusion of oil and gas developer INPEX Corp. into  the TOPIX index, spurred buying in a wide range of stocks.

Nikkei Up 1.5 Pct, Year-End Rally Eyed


PHOENIX The Arizona Diamondbacks have worked out a four-year deal with third baseman Troy Glaus. The 2002 World Series MVP hit just .251 with 18 homers and 42 RBI #39;s in 58 games this year, missing much of the season due to shoulder surgery.

D-Backs get Glaus


Alex Dobin can take down a terrorist at 1,000 yards, rip up enemy ground forces with RPGs, and maneuver tanks, helicopters and jets bristling with America #39;s deadliest weapons.

Can video games really be blamed for violence?


Nation needs government help to maintain competitive edge, group says.

IBM, Others Push for Greater U.S. Innovation


Gov. Rod Blagojevich plans to propose a ban Thursday on the sale of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors, something other states have tried with little success.

Governor wants to ban sale of explicit video games to minors


Standard  amp; Poor #39;s on Wednesday raised its ratings on AT amp;T Wireless Services following its acquisition by Cingular Wireless, a joint venture of SBC Communications Inc.

S amp;P raises rating on AT amp;T Wireless Services


Carl Wayne, the lead singer of influential 1960s pop group the Move, dies at the age of 61 after battling cancer.

Move singer Carl Wayne dies at 61


AP - China said on Monday a misunderstanding caused it to bar a top Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmaker from entering the mainland over the weekend.

China Calls Barring of Lawmaker a Mistake (AP)


Vijay Singh outlasts Justin Leonard and Chris DiMarco in a three-way playoff to win the PGA Championship on Sunday at Whistling Straits in Haven, Wisconsin.

Singh Snares PGA Title


quot;DS provides the road map to the future of video games, quot; Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America #39;s executive vice president of sales and marketing said.

Nintendo DS Readies for Portable Gaming Competition


Angelo Giuliani, who was behind the plate for Joe DiMaggio #39;s first at-bat in the majors and went on to sign Kent Hrbek as a Minnesota Twins scout, died at 91.

Former Twins scout Angelo Giuliani dies at 91


The National Hockey League pulled the plug on the start of training camp Wednesday, threatening the entire 2004-05 professional hockey season.

Lockout stalls NHL season


The Foreign Minister says Australians may have been the target of a suicide car bombing in Baghdad which injured three Australian soldiers.

Australians may have been target of bombing: Minister


AFP - A US Congresswoman who has criticised Vietnam's human rights record has been denied a visa to visit the communist country for the second time, she said.

US Congresswoman says she was denied Vietnam visa (AFP)


Police in Peru storm an ancient Inca temple to free foreign 19 tourists taken hostage by coca growers.

Tourists freed in Peru coca siege


Amkor Technology Inc. said Tuesday that the Securities and Exchange Commission began an informal inquiry into trading of the company #39;s securities.

SEC Begins Amkor Technology Inquiry


Professor Maurice Wilkins, who helped unlock the structure of DNA with Crick, Watson and Franklin, has died aged 88.

DNA pioneer Wilkins dies aged 88


A well known Kenyan businessman has been imprisoned in the first conviction under President Mwai Kibaki #39;s promised anti-corruption drive.

Kenya #39;s  #39;first #39; graft conviction


Three foreign election workers were kidnapped by armed men in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, government officials said. The workers were from Britain, the Philippines and Kosovo, the

Three Foreigners Kidnapped in Afghanistan


Financial problems in the airline industry are imperiling the federal fund that backs pension plans for 44 million Americans. Two senior government officials have delivered that

Airline crisis imperils pension insurer


Afghanistan could become a

UN warns of Afghan 'drug state'


New Zealand triathlete Hamish Carter says he felt bulletproof during his gold medal winning performance at the Athens Olympics. The champion says it has been a crazy day in the aftermath of his win, which

Carter  quot;bulletproof quot; snatching gold


LONDON - Despite a recent plunge in oil prices, Opec producers appear to be in no rush to cut output quotas and markets expect the taps to be left wide open when ministers meet in Cairo this week.

Opec in no hurry to cut quota


It #39;s hard to believe that, although I am typing this opinion after finishing the regular season 12-0, I am not as ecstatic as I should be .

One Man #39;s Opinion - UCLA review


KIEV -- Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych said yesterday that he would not accept a victory by his opponent in the Dec. 26 rerun of Ukraine's contested presidential race and that his supporters were likely to turn out onto the streets en masse to block such an outcome.

Ukrainian warns of protests


AP - With Justin Zwick hindered by a slightly separated shoulder, Troy Smith will start at quarterback for Ohio State on Saturday against Indiana.

Smith to Start at Quarterback for Ohio St. (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Sun Microsystems Inc. <A HREF=

Sun Microsystems Rolls Out Much-Awaited Solaris 10


Riley Property Holdings LLC, a new company majority owned by affiliates of New York-based investment firm Cerberus Capital Management LP, agreed to purchase LNR Property Corp.

Cerberus to Buy LNR Property for Cash


ALTENMARKT, Austria (Reuters) - Finland's Tanja Poutiainen  snatched back the women's World Cup lead with her third victory  of the Alpine ski season on Sunday but played down her chances  of winning the overall title.

Poutiainen Wins But Plays Down Cup Hopes


Ernie Els got the better of Thomas Bjorn yet again yesterday to win his first solo World Golf Championships title. And on a horribly wet and windy day at Mount Juliet in County

Els earns title as Woods is relegated


IT managers are struggling to make sure their organizations comply with a raft of regulations on lean IT budgets, according to Open Text CEO Tom Jenkins.

Q A: Open Text CEO on wrestling with regulatory compliance


Including snippets of another artist's song in your work -- a popular rapper technique known as 'sampling' -- may violate copyright law, an appeals court rules.

Facing the Copyright Rap


Citigroup said today that federal regulators had warned the bank that an investigation of its asset management unit could result in an enforcement action against the executive who ran the division until this week.

Ex-Citigroup Executives May Face SEC Charges


AP - French President Jacques Chirac, arriving Wednesday in Libya for the first visit there by a French head of state in more than half a century, said that turbulent times were over as the two countries embark on a

France's Chirac Makes Historic Libya Trip (AP)


Microsoftis testing a new subscription Hotmail service that includes 2GB of e-mail storage and a copy of Outlook 2003 to access the service from the desktop.

Microsoft testing new e-mail subscription service


Microsoft issues patches for holes that could allow remote attackers to gain control of your PC. Microsoft this week released 10 software security patches for its products, including seven it deemed critical

Critical Flaws Found in Windows, Office


Shares of Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co. surged 23 percent Friday after a real estate investor disclosed it had bought a stake in the department-store chain.

Market roundup


International aid organisation CARE is trying to secure the release of its Iraq director who was kidnapped in Baghdad early yesterday morning.

CARE believes kidnapped aid worker unharmed


About one million customers remained without power in Florida early Tuesday after Hurricane Jeanne tore through the state over the weekend, according to two of Florida #39;s largest utilities.

A Million in Florida Still Powerless After Jeanne


The wait for millions of Sims fans is over. Electronic Arts announced that The Sims 2, has shipped to retailers under the EA GAMES brand and is now available on store shelves.

The Sims 2 Is Now In Stores


That Indias politicians have been rated among the most corrupt in the world in a report brought out by Berlin-based NGO Transparency International (TI) isnta matter of surprise at all.

Corrupt ways


Princess Diana continues to fascinate her fans around the world even seven years after her tragic death. In an NBC News exclusive, for the first time, revealing new tapes are coming to light.

Tapes reveal more from Princess Diana


Sports India, Cricket: Mumbai, Oct 23 : Sachin Tendulkar is to play in the third cricket Test against Australia in Nagpur commencing Tuesday.

Sachin to play in Nagpur Test:


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Lucent Technologies Inc. <A HREF=

Wireless Networks Business Helps Lucent


AT amp;T said yesterday it was slashing the fee for its Internet phone plan, CallVantage, to \$29.99 a month for unlimited local and long-distance service.

Companies slash fees for Net phone plans


MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Sports Network) - The Memphis Grizzlies  didn't take long to match the Cleveland Cavaliers' offer sheet  given to center Jake Tsakalidis.

Grizzlies Quickly Match Cavs' Offer to Tsakalidis


Firefox seems to have reignited the browser war. First, Google made headlines when it got hold of the domain name GBrowser.com pointing towards a possible browser release from them.

AOL making a Standalone Browser


Reuters - Yasser Arafat will undergo a\battery of medical tests on Saturday as French doctors try to\discover whether the ailing Palestinian leader is suffering\from leukemia or some other blood disorder.

Ailing Arafat Faces Days of Medical Tests (Reuters)


Flights out of Gatwick were leaving on time this morning despite the start of a 24-hour strike by hundreds of baggage handlers. The airport said scheduled flights

Flights Leave on Time at Strike-Hit Gatwick


Florida has found the highly contagious soybean rust fungus in one of its soybean fields on Wednesday, becoming the third infected US state in a week, state officials said.

USDA Tests Confirm Soy Rust in Florida


In a series of continuing twists, Microsoft has now announced that their Internet release of Service Pack 2 will be delayed in light of serious complaints from current users who have installed it.

Microsoft SP2 release delayed by security threats within pack


US retailers including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Toys R #39; #39; Us Inc. opened as early as 5 am, greeted by lines of customers waiting to buy discounted merchandise including \$17.99 DVD players as the holiday-shopping season began.

Wal-Mart, Toys R #39; Us Lure Shoppers With Discounts (Update6)


Permira, the private equity firm that owns New Look, has moved to increase its exposure to the retail sector by bidding for Toys  #39;R #39; Us, the struggling toy chain.

Permira links with Apollo to join Toys  #39;R #39; Us auction


Fred Jones scored eight of his 23 points in the final 2:30 to rally the Pacers from a six-point deficit in an 82-77 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night.

Pacers 82, Bobcats 77


Rod Eddington, the head of British Airways, and his boardroom colleagues will work alongside terminal employees at Heathrow this weekend as the airline pulls out all the stops to cope with a chronic shortage of ground staff.

BA boss to work in departures as airline battles staff shortages


AP - Three Georgian peacekeepers were killed in overnight shooting in South Ossetia, officials said Wednesday, while Russia scoffed at Georgia's appeal for foreign mediation in the breakaway region where daily exchanges of gunfire have stoked fears of war.

3 Georgian Soldiers Slain in South Ossetia (AP)


NEW DELHI: Paul Kirui pulled away from the field in the final stages to claim the men #39;s title and lead Kenya to the team honours in the world half-marathon championships yesterday.

Kirui and Sun are best in half-marathon


roundup Plus: Tibco scoops up software company...PeopleSoft extends customer assurance...Siebel moves toward self-repairing software.

Briefly: Sun draws Nvidia graphics into Solaris


Yukos shares rose more than 10 on Monday as Russia #39;s leading energy firms said they would not bid for its main west Siberian production subsidiary.

Yukos shares rise on bid denials


As Florida was cleaning up yesterday from its fourth hurricane in six weeks, insurance executives and analysts said they expected the cost of coverage to rise sharply for millions of homes and businesses in the state.

Rises Seen in Florida Insurance Premiums


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Friday it would go ahead  and sell Yuganskneftegaz, the main oil production unit of  YUKOS, despite a U.S. bankruptcy court order which seeks to  halt Sunday's auction for at least 10 days.

Russia Says to Hold YUKOS Sale Despite U.S. Ruling


MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Australian dairy company National Foods Ltd. (NFD.AU) said Friday that it plans to launch at least 80 new products over the next 12 months, compared with the annual average of less than 20.

National Foods To Boost Product Release Fourfold -2-


Editor and Publisher - CHICAGO In a Canadian version of the U.S. Supreme Court's Tasini decision on copyrights, a divided Ontario Appeals Court Thursday declared that The Globe and Mail violated a freelance writer's copyright when it republished her articles online and in electronic databases.

Freelancer Wins Big in Canadian 'Tasini' Case (Editor and Publisher)


By ELLEN SIMON    NEW YORK (AP) -- Need any proof that traditional media can send readers to the Web? Look no further than this week's Doonesbury.    The cartoon, which is in about 1,400 daily and Sunday newspapers and appears online at

Comic Strip Spurs Surge in Internet Traffic


AP - An explosion Thursday hit the heavily fortified Green Zone, home to Iraqi government offices and the U.S. Embassy in central Baghdad, sending up a plume of gray smoke.

Blast Hits Heavily Fortified Baghdad Area (AP)


The Afghan government says it is confident that presidential elections will go ahead despite threats of violence.

'Violence can't stop Afghan poll'


The key to hidden treasure lies in your handheld GPS unit. GPS-based

GPS Technology Drives Global Treasure Hunt


Sylvia Fowles had 18 points and 18 rebounds, and Seimone Augustus added 23 points to lead No. 2 LSU to a 64-51 victory over No. 22 Maryland in the opening game of the Coors Classic on Friday night.

No. 2 LSU 64, No. 22 Maryland 51


Vivendi Universal SA, owner of the world #39;s largest music company, said it will sell a 15 percent stake in Veolia Environnement SA to cut debt and focus on its media business.

Vivendi to Sell 15 Stake in Veolia to Cut Debt (Update2)


Bill Gates and Microsoft were in the news a lot this week, most notably with CEO Steve Ballmer claiming that Gates is the most spammed person in the world.

Gates: Most Spammed Man Alive


EMC Corp. on Monday announced the availability of its new Documentum Enterprise Content Integration (ECI) Services, enabling end-users to expand the discovery and management of content from internal and external data sources.

Documentum ECI Steps Up Content Management


Bryan Randall throws for 253 yards and two touchdowns and Virginia Tech snaps a four-game losing streak with a 63-0 win over Western Michigan on Saturday.

Hokies Stomp Broncos


By MICHAEL LIEDTKE    SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Online search leader Google Inc. (GOOG) is becoming more bookish...

Google Launches New Book-Search Feature


No, really, they do. Logitech's Z-5500 speaker set cranks up the sound for computers, game consoles and home theaters. By Leander Kahney.

These Speakers Go to 11


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - When it comes to world affairs, nobody speaks for Canada except Canada, says Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Lucienne Robillard.

Quebec can't speak for Canada on world stage, says Robillard (Canadian Press)


Nicolas Massu beat Taylor Dent of the United States 7-6 (5), 6-1 Friday in the tennis semifinals to move within one victory of giving Chile its first Olympic gold medal in any sport.

Massu beats Dent to reach gold medal match


Reuters - The number of Americans seeking\initial jobless benefits jumped by 18,000 last week, the\government said on Thursday, but it attributed the entire rise\to the effects of hurricanes that have battered the southern\United States.

Jobless Claims Rise on Hurricanes (Reuters)


IBM, a while back, showcased its supercomputer, Blue Gene/L, at Top 500 supercomputer contest. At that time, the company was behind in performance by a Japanese firms supercomputer that managed to take away the first place crown.

IBM supercomputer sets new speed record


The coupling of Martha Stewart housewares and Kenmore #39;s appliances could make the combination of Kmart Holdings Corp (KMRT.O: Quote, Profile, Research

Sears, Kmart match could pinch rivals, experts say


The F1 teams will lobby Bernie Ecclestone to include the British GP on next years calendar - but admit that there isnt much they can do to sway the F1 supremo.

Teams to lobby for Silverstone


Upgrade to high-performance server will include AMD's dual-core chip.

IBM to use AMD's dual-core Opteron


Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Saturday that Israel should expand its massive raid of northern Gaza, the army #39;s biggest and deadliest offensive in more than four years of conflict with the Palestinians.

Ariel Sharon Calls for Expansion of Army #39;s Gaza Raid


SiliconValley.com - In the latest sign that Americans are taking more of their finances online, Wells Fargo on Monday will start allowing its customers to transfer up to  #36;1,500 a day to another Wells Fargo account holder at no charge.

Wells to allow online transfers to other account holders (SiliconValley.com)


The palm trees that narrowly missed Leo Berard #39;s pondside condominium in Naples, Fla., when they toppled Friday spared him from major repairs on his second home.

Florida may be insurance bellwether


AP - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was cited with improper conduct by the Football Association on Monday for calling Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy a

Arsenal Manager Cited for Improper Conduct (AP)


The company will pony up \$2.6 million to settle a lawsuit over allegedly flawed electronic voting systems it sold to California counties. Surprise: E-vote activists still aren't happy.

Diebold to Settle E-Voting Suit


LONDON (Reuters) - European shares hovered near 2-1/2 year  highs on Tuesday as economic optimism prevailed, but British  retailer Woolworths fell 8 percent after it reported sluggish  Christmas sales.

Europe Shares Hover Near 2-1/2 Year Highs


One reason pennant races have heated up in both leagues is because the supposed spoilers are the ones getting spoiled. Consider the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who once were third in the American League East and flirting with .

Baseball contenders feasting on also-rans


WHAT #39;s the prize beneath the cap of that soft drink bottle? A trip into space. It may sound far-fetched - if not a little crass -ut the commercialisation of the final frontier began in earnest yesterday

7Up tops off space flight with ticket to ride


Reuters - The U.S. Congress was forced to pass\a temporary measure keeping the government open on Wednesday\after one embarrassing clause allowing lawmakers to see\individual tax returns held up a crucial  #36;388 billion spending\bill.

Congress Passes Stop-Gap Measure to Fund Government (Reuters)


Typhoon Meari, the eighth tropical cyclone to reach Japan this year, is moving over the southwestern main island of Kyushu, disrupting flights and cutting power.

Typhoon Meari Moves Over Kyushu, Flights Canceled (Update2)


The battle between the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP handheld game players just heated up again. Faced with the PSPs movie and music playback capabilities, Nintendo announced yesterday that it will be releasing

Nintendo Powers Up


BRITAIN and Germany gave Iran a final chance yesterday to co-operate over its nuclear programme - or face the prospect of sanctions.

Last chance for Iran over nuclear deadline


The Toronto stock market headed lower this morning after the long Labour Day weekend, held back by lagging gold and energy stocks as the price of oil dropped by almost \$1 (US) a barrel.

TSX dips on gold, energy; Dow rises


American commanders in Iraq say they are preparing operations to open up rebel-held areas, especially Falluja, the restive city west of Baghdad now under control of insurgents and Islamist groups.

U.S. Plans Year-End Drive to Take Iraqi Rebel Areas


JOHANNESBURG -- Meeting in Nigeria four years ago, African leaders set a goal that 60 percent of children and pregnant women in malaria-affected areas around the continent would be sleeping under bed nets by the end of 2005.

Africa specialists expect boost in production of malaria nets


Reggie Bush had 335 total yards as the Trojans survived with a victory, a 12-0 record and a good chance to play in the B.C.S. title game.

Top-Ranked U.S.C. Barely Keeps Grip


The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has filed 754 new lawsuits against alleged file-traders using peer-to-peer services, the trade group announced Thursday.

RIAA files 754 new file-trading lawsuits


A referendum on whether to give citizenship to ethnic Hungarians aboard failed Sunday because of low voter turnout, preliminary official results showed.

Low voter turnout invalidates Hungarian referendum on citizenship


KIEV, Ukraine (Reuters) - Opposition hopeful Viktor  Yushchenko said Wednesday a parliamentary vote to root out  cheating in elections opened the way for him to win a re-run of  a rigged presidential poll.

Ukraine's Opposition Sees Path to Victory


CONCORD, Calif. They lost for the first time since 1991, but there #39;s no bitterness on the De La Salle High School football team.

De La Salle coach, players, take snapped streak in stride


Mayor Anthony A. Williams says the deal to bring baseball to D.C. is in

Deal in 'Great Jeopardy'


Walt Disney Co. has given maverick Hollywood movie moguls Harvey and Bob Weinstein notice that it intends to end their Oscar-winning partnership after 12 years.

Disney to cut crusading Miramax bosses free of contract : report


RUSSELS, Aug. 19 - Agfa-Gevaert, one of the oldest names in the photography business, said on Thursday that it was selling its consumer film and photo labs business to the team running it to focus on its more profitable medical imaging and ...

Agfa-Gevaert, Photo Pioneer, to Sell Film and Lab Business


Vancouver #39;s Intrawest Corp. returned to profitability in its fourth-quarter results released Tuesday as stronger results from its management services and real estate development operations made up for a poor showing from its resort operations.

Intrawest enjoys strong finish to fiscal year


AP - Pauline Gore, whose son Al became vice president and nearly captured the presidency and whose husband had a long and distinguished career in Congress, died Wednesday. She was 92.

Pauline Gore, Mother of Former VP, Dies (AP)


NBC is adding a 5-second delay to its NASCAR telecasts after Dale Earnhardt Jr. used a vulgarity during a postrace TV interview last weekend.

NBC Adding Delay to NASCAR Telecasts


I have tested Google search on WAP and it works fine. But considering Google has around 4.2 Billion pages (as per their homepage), finding information on a mobile phone is not fun.

Google SMS is good for the Company and the Users


AP - Someday, Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens may connect again.

Garcia Wishes Owens Would Let Bygones Go (AP)


Internet Explorer users are at least four times as likely to click on Web ads than Firefox users, a German advertising technology company said last week.

Firefox users ignore online ads, report says


NAIROBI - The son of a Somali warlord who eluded and embarrassed United States forces a decade ago on Sunday stepped up his campaign to become president of a country his father helped plunge into anarchy.

Son of anti-US warlord seeks Somali presidency


Researchers working with slices of rat brains come up with a microchip that mimics the part of the brain responsible for creating memories. They hope to create a prosthesis for the human brain within 15 years. By Lakshmi Sandhana.

Chips Coming to a Brain Near You


At Connect conference, customers will hear about the progress of its Total Cost of Ownership initiative, as well as upgrades to its HR and JD Edwards #39; manufacturing software.

PeopleSoft Forges Ahead With Product Plans


AP - Testing with dye is planned next spring to find out why water in a creek near the East Entrance has turned greenish.

Dye Test Planned on Yellowstone Creek (AP)


There is some confusion about threats posed by the new search tool. Google says common sense is enough of a patch. By Thomas Claburn.

Assessing The Security Threat Of Google #39;s Desktop Search


Canadian Press - KINSHASA, Congo (AP) - U.N. forces and fighters of a tribal militia traded fire Sunday in Congo's lawless northeast Ituri province, wounding at least two U.N. troops, a U.N. spokesman said.

United Nations, militia battle in east Congo; 2 U.N. troops injured (Canadian Press)


Rocky Legends may offer simple button-bashing but its gorgeous visuals make it a surprise KO.

Rocky Legends knock out


Adam Vinatieri kicks five field goals, Corey Dillon rushes for 151 yards and the Patriots intercept four passes Drew Bledsoe passes to dump the Bills, 29-6.

Patriots Handle Bills


Suzuki Motor Corporation has lined up investments of \$191 million (Rs 860 crore) to ramp up capacity in its Indian subsidiary Maruti Udyog Ltd.

Suzuki on Rs 860 cr expansion drive


The Indian army says it has overrun scores of camps in a four-week drive against separatists in the north-east.

India 'overruns' separatist camps


LINCOLN -- At the moment, Walter McCarty has his sizable hands full. He's holding 15-month-old Gabrielle, plus a baggie full of Cheerios and an Elmo book for her, and a grape soda for himself. The doorbell rings. It's the contractor, wanting a vehicle moved from the driveway. There's a backhoe digging a pool, and another one tunneling 4 feet into ...

Walter McCarty, on the bench


A great white shark which killed a teenage surfer should be hunted down and destroyed, officials say. But the dead boy #39;s father has said he doesn #39;t want the creature to be killed.

Killer shark  #39;will be destroyed #39;


The US Secret Service Thursday announced arrests in eight states and six foreign countries of 28 suspected cybercrime gangsters on charges of identity theft, computer fraud, credit-card fraud, and conspiracy.

Secret Service Busts Cyber Gangs


AFP - President Hu Jintao of China ended a visit to Brazil, the first leg of a tour of Latin America that has raised expectations of untold riches in every country on his list.

Hu's South American tour raises hopes of Chinese riches (AFP)


In many Olympics competitions winners and losers are determined by less than a fraction of a point and even the slightest error in scoring can set back an athlete from the gold to the bronze.

Men #39;s Gymnastics Mired in Scoring Fiasco


EAGLE, Colo. Aug. 27, 2004 - Some 500 potential jurors began arriving at the courthouse here Friday, the first step toward choosing 12 people who will decide whether NBA star Kobe Bryant is guilty of sexually assaulting a resort worker last summer.

Bryant Trial Opens With Jury Selection


Typhoon Aere battered northern Taiwan on Tuesday with howling winds and sheets of rain that grounded flights, shut down financial markets and triggered mudslides on the densely populated island.

Typhoon Aere Lashes Taiwan #39;s Capital


On September 11, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported a huge blast and a 2.5 mile diameter mushroom cloud in North Korea 6 miles southwest of Yongjori Missile Base...on Thursday.

Nuclear Test in North Korea?


Reuters - U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans on\Tuesday brushed off financial market concerns about America's\massive trade deficit and stressed that a recent sharp uptick\was fueled in part by surging energy prices.

US Trade Deficit No Cause for Alarm-Evans (Reuters)


Samsung Electronics, Asias largest technology firm with a market cap of \$67 billion, outstripped Motorola ousting the American company from the No.

Samsung ousts Motorola from No.2 spot, but the profit margin <b>...</b>


One week after the announcement of significant price reductions, the Real Networks is already able to show impressive results. Since they began selling music for US\$0.

Price cuts boost Real sales


AFP - Australia's government has admitted for the first time that its decision to participate in the Iraq conflict may have increased the terrorist threat to Australian interests.

Australia acknowledges Iraq move increased risk of terrorist attack (AFP)


Sony Computer Entertainment held a party in Tokyo yesterday to celebrate the completion of Polyphony Digital #39;s long-awaited Gran Turismo 4, which is set for release in Japan - and, apparently, in North America - this December.

Gran Turismo 4 finished


NCAA president Myles Brand is urging athletic directors to take a closer look at minority coaching candidates this year.

NCAA President Urges Coaching Diversity


For people so sure that most fans don't care what Barry Bonds has fed his body, I would ask, why has baseball suddenly rethought its marketing position on his home-run record chase?

Fans Do Care About Players Who Cheat


Royal Group Technologies Ltd. fired Chairman Vic De Zen, the target of a police probe, and Chief Executive Douglas Dunsmuir after finding they failed to disclose their interest in a parcel of land sold to the company in 1998.

Royal Group Removes Chairman De Zen, Names New Chief (Update2)


com. It sure looked that way over the weekend at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox played with hands of stone in the field and stranded enough runners to fill the Boston Marathon.

Press Row: Ugly Sox burying curse


Jerome Williams pitched seven strong innings in his first start in two months and the San Francisco Giants jumped back into a tie for the wild-card lead by beating the Padres, 4-1, last night in San Diego.

Giants win, tie Astros in wild race


USATODAY.com - Once upon a time, r #233;sum #233;s were traditionally delivered by a postman. But in the age of e-mail, where information flows as quickly as electricity, they mostly travel across the Internet.

In cyberspace, new rules for your r #233;sum #233; (USATODAY.com)


Credit Suisse First Boston maintained a  quot;neutral quot; rating and \$20 target price on Electronic Data Systems (nyse: EDS - news - people ), saying the decision to delay the third-quarter earnings announcement was disappointing but that the company #39;s core

Uncertainty Persists Around EDS Navy Contract


It is the nature of terrorism that every time one thinks there is a limit to the depths to which terrorists can sink, they contrive even baser atrocities.

The Lessons of Beslan for Russia and the World


Now there #39;s something else for airline passengers to worry about -- the safety of their drinking water. New tests show nearly one of out every eight passenger airliners flying in the United States has drinking

EPA Finds Problem With Airline Drinking Water


More African Union troops from Rwanda have deployed in western Sudan to help monitor a cease-fire in the region. Rwandan military officials say 100 soldiers arrived Sunday in the North Darfur capital

AU Mission Expands in Sudan #39;s Darfur


\

 By Toby Reynolds

 LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices held firm on Tuesday as China\showed no let-up in its strong import growth and U.S. Gulf\producers reported damage to offshore rigs from Hurricane Ivan.

Oil Holds Above \$46 Supply Worries Linger


NASA has selected Northrop Grumman Space Technology to help design a nuclear-powered spacecraft to orbit and explore three moons of Jupiter that may have oceans beneath their icy surfaces.

On the horizon


Europe #39;s second-largest country -ill go to the polls in an election that will have a profound influence on European politics for years to come.

Ukraines Choice


AFP - Tearaway world oil prices, toppling records and straining wallets, present a new economic menace barely three months before the US presidential elections.

Oil prices soar to all-time record, posing new menace to US economy (AFP)


The president leveled his toughest attack on John F. Kerry, warning that his Democratic challenger

Kerry Would 'Weaken' U.S., Bush Says


Sudanese government envoys and rebel leaders from the western province of Darfur have formally opened peace talks in Nigeria #39;s capital, Abuja.

Darfur Peace Talks Officially Open in Nigeria


Former US Open champion Marat Safin of Russia has advanced to the finals of the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing after scoring a straight-set win over Finland #39;s Jarkko Nieminen 6-2, 6-4.

Tennis: Safin Advances to China Open Finals


AP - Poles lit candles and laid flowers Tuesday at the grave of pro-Solidarity priest Jerzy Popieluszko, abducted and killed by the communist secret police 20 years ago in a murder described in parliament as

Poland Honors Priest Slain in 1984 (AP)


Iraq's interim government announced a state of emergency on Sunday as the country braced for a massive U.S. military assault on Fallujah. Latest insurgent attacks kill 21 police officers in towns west of Fallujah.

Allawi Declares Martial Law in Iraq


Reuters - A U.S. air raid, aimed at foreign\fighters led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, killed 11 people and\wounded 17 after a wedding party in the rebel-held Iraqi city\of Falluja Friday, residents and doctors said.

U.S. Air Strike Kills 11 in Iraq's Falluja (Reuters)


Computer Associates on Monday announced it is upgrading and consolidating its storage management software line. The computer software giant is offering 13 new versions of its BrightStor storage management

CA polishes up BrightStor products


CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. consumers cheered up in early  December, sending potentially good news to retailers during the  crucial holiday shopping season, a report showed on Friday.

Consumers Perk Up, So Do Wholesale Prices


Reuters - Think of it as Wi-Fi on steroids.

PluggedIn: Ultrawideband Heralds Zippier Wireless Connections (Reuters)


Broadband across America Broadband has finally superseded dialup connections to the Internet, according to the latest measurements by Nielsen NetRatings. Nielsen reports broadband is used by 63 million users, or 51 percent of the ...

Broadband Rules the Internet


AP - A sick man among the sick, Pope John Paul II struggled through Sunday Mass at a French shrine that draws desperate people seeking miracle cures. The 84-year-old pontiff gasped, trembled and asked aides for help during the 2 1/2 hour service in sizzling heat.

Pope Struggles Through Mass at Lourdes (AP)


Take away the glut of turnovers, and Bill Callahan says Nebraska #39;s transition from the triple-option to the West Coast offense has gone smoothly.

Callahan says change in offense has been smooth


US Treasury notes rose, heading for their biggest monthly gain since September, after reports today showed declines in consumer confidence and a slowdown in manufacturing.

Treasuries Rise After Manufacturing and Confidence Indexes Drop


Martin Keown, told that he could leave after a row with former manager Micky Adams, is to return to Leicester #39;s squad following the appointment of Howard Wilkinson as temporary first-team coach.

Wilkinson reprieve for Keown


ROME -- An Italian judge indicted six men suspected of involvement in a group to recruit militants for suicide attacks on US-led forces in Iraq, news reports said yesterday. Abderrazak Mahdjoub, an Algerian, and five others will stand trial on Feb. 22 in Milan, the ANSA news agency said. They are accused of association with the aim of international terrorism, ...

6 suspected of aiding terrorism indicted


Special operations forces, armed with machine guns, began patrolling Singapore #39;s residential neighbourhoods and busy shopping districts to thwart a potential terror attack in the city-state, a staunch US ally.

Armed police start Singapore patrols


Crude oil rose on Monday in New York as market concerned that the approach of Hurricane Ivan woulddisrupt production and tankers shipments in the Gulf of Mexico.

Crude oil prices climb on fears of Hurricane Ivan #39;s path


Members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries were divided Tuesday on whether output should be increased in a bid to boost global supply that might cause prices to drop.

OPEC Weighs Output Increase


The Securities and Exchange Commission is months away from deciding whether Washington mortgage giant Fannie Mae will need to restate its earnings in the aftermath of a sharply critical report on its accounting practices, according to government and company officials.

Restatement Decision Deferred


Washington state #39;s highest court has agreed to review a key issue in a contentious lawsuit that could determine whether Seattle continues to have two daily newspapers.

Justices to hear Seattle newspapers #39; dispute


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Technology stocks were given a lift on  Thursday when bellwether Nokia raised its earnings forecast,  but blue chips were lower as oil prices moved higher,  increasing concerns about future corporate profits and consumer  spending.

Nokia Lifts Tech Stocks; Blue Chips Slip


IMlogic Inc. on Tuesday launched a free tool to let enterprises detect and block the use of instant messaging, peer-to-peer file sharing networks and voice-over-IP applications within their walls.

IMlogic Launches Free IM, P2P Blocker


Top News News, Dallas,Snow and rain snarled the holiday plans of millions of Thanksgiving travellers across the US as they battled flight delays and hazardous driving, reports UPI.

Top News ; Rain, snow snarls US holiday travel


A European Union version of Apple #146;s iTunes Music Store gives music fans in Austria, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain the same innovative features and breakthrough price of  #8364;0.99 per song that have made iTunes the number one online music service in the world. Apple will launch the iTunes Music Store in Canada in November. Oct 26

EU iTunes Music Store


The New Republic Endorses Kerry!


AP - The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday filed the first case in the country against software companies accused of infecting computers with intrusive

FTC Files Case Against Spyware Suspects (AP)


By JOHN PORRETTO    DETROIT (AP) -- Honda Motor Co. (HMC), with help from partner IBM Corp., is preparing to introduce an improved speech-recognition system that will allow drivers to get voice navigation guidance without having to manually punch in any information or take their eyes off the road to read a computer screen...

Honda Enhances Speech-Recognition System With IBM


TOKYO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The yen held off from six-week  lows against the dollar on Wednesday, but traders said the  Japanese currency would likely weaken further if oil prices  keep striking record highs.

Yen Off Lows Vs Dollar as Oil Pauses


Australia #39;s largest listed company, telecommunications giant Telstra Corp., announced Wednesday that its chief executive will stand down by July 2005 - two years before his contract ends.

Update 2: Telstra Announces Departure of CEO


United Airlines Inc., under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since 2002, called an emergency hearing today in Chicago to stop a group of creditors from repossessing 10 of its planes.

United asks judge to block repossession of 10 planes


AP - There'll be no last-minute pressure this time. The United States advanced to the next round of World Cup qualifying with a game to spare.

Soccer World Cup: U.S. Beats Panama 6-0 (AP)


2003 was the first time plastic and other electronic payment methods beat out checks, according to a survey released yesterday by the Federal Reserve.

Debit Cards  Give Plastic Edge Over Paper


The mantra in the days leading up to this morning #39;s start of the 35th Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills has been pride, heart, patriotism.

Victory pays for visitors


AP - All-Star shortstop Edgar Renteria has agreed in principle to a  #36;40 million, four-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, who beat his St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series when he grounded to the pitcher for the final out.

Source: Renteria Agrees to Sign With BoSox (AP)


The US team has regained some ground against Europe on the second day of the Ryder Cup golf competition outside Detroit, Michigan.

Ryder Cup Golf: European Team Leads


STANFORD, Calif. -- Matt Leinart passed for 308 yards and LenDale White scored on a 2-yard run with 6:15 left, capping top-ranked Southern California's comeback from an 11-point deficit for a 31-28 victory over Stanford last night.

Trojans dodge upset


Broadcom has rolled out a line of local area network (LAN) chipsets it says can boost the range of existing Wi-Fi networks by as much as 50 percent.

Broadcom LAN Boosts Wi-Fi Range


AP - A new round of talks to cease hostilities in the Baghdad slum of Sadr City has ended in deadlock, with fighters loyal to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr refusing American demands to disband and turn in weapons, both sides said Sunday.

Shiite Cleric's Militia Refuse to Disband (AP)


European regulators may be getting ready to let the countdown to their decision begin, a source tells CNET News.com.

Europe to restart Oracle clock?


He #39;s part of a proposed three-team trade that also includes the Diamondbacks and Dodgers -- a deal reportedly close to being finalized.

Randy Johnson headed to Yankees?


UNITED NATIONS -- The Bush administration is pressing the United Nations to reward Sudan with a major package of international debt relief and reconstruction funds if the Islamic state signs a peace deal ending a brutal, 20-year civil war with the Christian-backed Sudan People's Liberation Army in southern Sudan by the end of the year.

US revises its strategy on Sudan, seeks UN aid if peace deal signed


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices rose a dollar on Friday as  worries a cold spell in the United States could erode already  depleted winter fuel inventories spurred the market higher.

Oil Up \$1 on Winter Weather Worries


Moscow - Officials said Saturday they had found traces of an explosive in the wreckage of the second of two Russian airliners that crashed just minutes apart last Tuesday.

Traces of explosive found on second plane in Russia


Noah Lowry takes a lesson out of every outing, and the baseball world is quickly learning that this kid is pitching nothing like a 23-year-old rookie.

Giants 5, Astros 1


Levey, who is the lead author of the study, added that the finding is particularly noteworthy because it demonstrates that tool use can substantially benefit a wild animal.

Owls Use Dung to  quot;Fish quot; for Beetles


The Breeders #39; Cup is making its first visit to Texas and not everyone thinks the world of it. There has been grumbling about the tight-turned turf course that has scared away many European runners.

Texas not popular choice


AP - Southern Mississippi hasn't lost a Conference USA game in nearly two years, but some Golden Eagles players aren't all that impressed.

Southern Miss Looks to Extend Win Streak (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Barry Bonds went 3-for-3 with a walk  but failed to hit his 700th career home run Thursday as the San  Francisco Giants beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-0 in National  League play at Miller Park.

Bonds 3-For-3 But No Homer, Remains at 699


BRUSSELS, Belgium -- In a move that could extend Europe #39;s borders to the edge of the Middle East, the European Union on Wednesday recommended starting negotiations with Turkey on full membership.

EU panel urges talks with Turkey about membership


AP - Running back Edgerrin James, sidelined two days with a strained hamstring, returned to practice Thursday and could be ready to play when the Indianapolis Colts host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

James Practices, May Play Against Packers (AP)


Miami University head coach Terry Hoeppner hyped Wednesday night #39;s game against Marshall as a college football playoff. He had good reason, in five of the last six

RedHawks fumble chance for fast start toward title


BANGALORE - The success of India #39;s high-tech and outsourcing industry was built on Bangalore but the southern city where the boom began has now become a victim of its own success.

Gloom amid the boom


The treacherous, treacle-tinged tune began blaring over the Qualcomm Stadium sound system with just over five minutes left in the third quarter, afflicting 65,395 fans with Sunday afternoon fever.

Playoff road will be tough, but Indy #39;s offense will lead team to <b>...</b>


MSN Search to Challenge Google and Yahoo\\The new MSN Search is a full speed ahead effort for Microsoft to catch Google and Yahoo in the search engine race and are about ready to release their MSN Search Engine. Microsoft has offered a search engine since long on their MSN website ...


Microsofthas joined the desktop search fray with its release Monday of the beta test version of a suite of tools designed to let users find information stored in their PCs.

Microsoft releases desktop search suite to testers


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Investment bank Lehman Brothers  Holdings Inc. is negotiating to buy GLG Partners, a leading  British hedge fund, the Wall Street Journal reported on  Thursday, citing unnamed sources.

Lehman in Talks to Buy UK Hedge Fund-WSJ


Inter Milan, AC Milan and Chelsea all virtually sealed their places in the knockout phase of the Champions League on Wednesday by maintaining 100 percent starts with their third successive victories.

WRAPUP-1-Milan clubs and Chelsea eye next stage


UK technology that will safely guide a spacecraft to Saturns largest moon is being adapted to land aeroplanes, help emergency services reach accidents quickly and improve safety on our roads.

Saturn Mission to Benefit Earth: UK Technology Will Help <b>...</b>


Arsenal beat Blackburn 3-0 for its 43rd consecutive English Premiership match without a loss, breaking a record for England #39;s top soccer league set in 1978 by Nottingham Forest, which went without a loss from November 1977 to December the following year.

Sports briefs for August 26, 2004


President and CEO Tom Curley told the Online News Association conference in Hollywood today it #39;s time for traditional media outlets to tailor their products for consumers who demand instant, personalized information.

AP chief says Internet represents the future of news


This week Oracle added a planning and budgeting solution, Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting (EPB), to it enterprise application offerings. The application will over time replace the current Financial Analyzer and Sales Analyzer.

Oracle unveils planning and budgeting application


Colin Montgomerie will take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the Target World Challenge as he attempts to capture his first victory of the season.

Monty leads in California


A total of 12,000 counterfeit track suits bearing the Nike logo were discovered in a 40-foot container by the container monitoring unit of the Customs Department.

12,000 counterfeit track suits seized


Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced an agreement with Nigeria to set up a new airline following the collapse of the African nation #39;s flagship carrier last year.

Virgin to launch Nigerian airline


Reuters - BellSouth Corp. (BLS.N) said on\Wednesday its new labor contract had triggered a  #36;3.3 billion\increase in its estimates of future retiree medical costs,\reducing fourth-quarter earnings by 3 cents to 4 cents a share.

BellSouth:  #36;3.3 Bln Rise in Benefit Costs (Reuters)


Iran's foreign minister said that a preliminary agreement had been reached to suspend Iran's production of enriched uranium immediately.

Iran Claims Draft Accord With Europe on Uranium


Two of the world #39;s consumer electronics giants, Samsung Electronics and Sony, have signed a cross-license agreement detailing mutual usage of patents across major product lines owned by the two companies.

Samsung, Sony in cross-license deal


A new research published by the Lancet suggests that Vioxx, a widely-prescribed arthritis drug withdrawn on safety grounds in September should have been taken off the market several years earlier.

Heart attack causing arthritis drug should be withdrawn


AFP - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will lower its 2005 French economic growth forecast from 2.5 percent to 2.3 percent, the financial daily Les Echos said, without quoting its sources.

IMF to lower French growth forecast (AFP)


Online travel and leisure business Lastminute says chairman Allan Leighton will leave the firm in January.

Leighton steps down at Lastminute


McAfee today announced that it has extended its online managed services portfolio with Managed Mail Protection, a new secure content management offering to provide SMBs with an integrated anti-spam and anti-virus capabilities.

McAfee Releases New E-Mail Managing Service


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A deadline set by militants who have  threatened to kill two Americans and a Briton seized in Iraq  was due to expire Monday, and more than two dozen other  hostages were also facing death unless rebel demands were met.

Hostages in Iraq Face Death as Deadline Nears


World champion pairs skater Tatiana Totmianina sustained a concussion but no broken bones in a fall during the free skating program at Skate America, the ITAR-Tass news agency quoted the head of Russia #39;s figure skating federation as saying

Report: Russian pairs skater suffered concussion in fall at Skate <b>...</b>


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Robust consumer spending during the  third quarter helped the U.S. economy advance faster than first  thought, a government report showed on Tuesday, while  underlying inflation was the tamest in decades.

Consumers Fuel Faster Economic Growth


LONDON (Reuters) - Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes scored their  first Premier League goals of the season to give Manchester  United a 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic in Alex Ferguson's  999th match in charge of the club Saturday.

Giggs, Scholes Back on Goal Trail to Give United Win


MONTREAL (Reuters) - Shares of Air Canada  <A HREF=

Air Canada Stock Plunges on Review


Australian kayaker Kate Barclay can #39;t recall the first of eight Olympic gold medals won by German rival Birgit Fischer, whom she raced in the K4 500 final on Friday.

Fischer paddling for a record ninth gold and 24 years #39; domination


Computer chip maker Infineon Technologies AG posted a 10 percent drop in net profit for the fourth quarter after taking large charges to cover potential civil claims from US and European antitrust actions, the company said Tuesday.

Update 4: Chipmaker Infineon Sees Net Income Fall


Ryan Newman left misfortune behind and ran away from the field, while four-time series champion Jeff Gordon took the NASCAR Nextel Cup points lead Sunday at Dover International Speedway.

Newman dominates Dover; Gordon takes lead


Stake in Deutsche Telekom AG may be sold by Germany for 4.45 billion (\$5.5 billion) as EU faces finance deficits and seeks for the ways to resolve the problem.

Deutsche Telekom stake may be sold for 4.45 billion


Defending champion Valencia #39;s recent improvement will be put to the test when it visits runaway leader FC Barcelona in the Spanish league #39;s 16th-round this weekend.

Leader Barcelona hosts defending champion Valencia in Spanish <b>...</b>


They are two schools known for their quarterback pedigree. Purdue #39;s Kyle Orton and Notre Dame #39;s Brady Quinn added to that mystique Saturday.

Purdue rumbles past Notre Dame


It seems you are having a problem finding a new coach for the legendary Notre Dame football team. After firing Tyrone Willingham you had your sights set on Utah coach Urban Meyer.

Notre Dame must make right choice


Patriots coach Bill Belichick believes All-Pro defensive lineman Richard Seymour has played very well this season, despite being held to four tackles and no sacks through the first two games.  quot;In our defense, and in our offense, when the opportunities come, you count on the players to make the plays, quot; Belichick said.  quot;Not everybody gets the same number ...

Coach is in Seymour's corner


The US dollar fell to another new low against the euro Friday, pushing the European currency higher than \$1.34 after US employment data came in weaker than expected.

Update 5: Euro Reaches New High Against US Dollar


Iraq #39;s Shi #39;a spiritual leader rushed back from abroad on Wednesday to  quot;save Najaf quot; after American forces smashed militia defences to trap hundreds of supporters of rebel cleric Moqtada al-Sadr in the city #39;s shrine.

Sistani returns as US forces trap Mehdi Army


After a disastrous performance in Sydney, NBC proved its Olympic mettle with multi-network, vastly expanded coverage that both did better and was better.

NBC finishes Summer Games like a champ


Virgin is all over the map. Yesterday morning, Sir Richard Branson introduced to the world that he was ready to make astronauts of us all by 2007.

Virgin Digital Online Music Store Is Open For Business!


Reuters - Three Iraqis were killed on\Wednesday when a suicide car bomber attacked a U.S. convoy in\the northern city of Samarra, a local police official said.

Three Iraqis Killed in Bomb Attack on U.S. Troops (Reuters)


BAGHDAD -- Insurgents unleashed a pair of powerful car bombs yesterday near the symbol of US authority in Iraq -- the Green Zone, where the US Embassy and key government offices are located -- and hotels occupied by hundreds of foreigners. Three other explosions brought the day's bombing toll to at least 24 dead and more than 100 wounded.

24 killed in Iraq car bombings


The meetings of Major League Baseball #39;s general managers officially open today in Key Biscayne, Fla., though Jim Bowden -- the GM of the franchise that is supposed to depart Montreal for Washington

Bowden, at Least, Is Certain to Make Moves


INTEL CORP.<A HREF=

Stocks to Watch on Friday, September 3


As baseball finds itself struggling to control the steroid issue, its past serves as a cautionary tale.

Another Chance for Baseball to Settle Its Score With Drugs


Exclusive Canadian mountie, Olympics organiser and now ICANN Ombudsman

Meet Frank Fowlie, the Internet's physician


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The wireless industry, not content  with getting corporate executives addicted to e-mail on the go,  is setting its sights on the instant messaging generation.

PluggedIn: Wireless Companies Chat Up Teens, Young Adults


Reuters - Shares of Google Inc.\ hit a new high on Monday as traders who had shorted\the stock scrambled to buy back scarce shares after the Web\search leader's better-than-expected quarterly results last\week.

Google Soars, Shorts Scramble to Cover (Reuters)


People who sell drugs near schools or use children to aid them could get tougher  sentences under a new law.

Bill to get tough on drug dealers


He was the walking insurance policy the Jets did not want to cash and perhaps the one player his teammates hoped would never see extended time on the field.

Carter and Jets Ready to Step Into the Unknown


The United States bristled on Friday at an Airbus plan to ask for up to 1 billion euros in European government loans to develop a new plane despite US complaints that the  quot;launch aid quot; violates world trade rules.

US Blasts Airbus Plan To Seek New EU Loan


HOSTILITIES between Manchester United and Arsenal could well resume after the sides were paired in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup.

Cup draw serves up Gunners clash


Crude oil prices surged to a record in New York and London on concern that hurricane damage to production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico will keep supplies from rising enough to meet winter needs.

Crude Oil Jumps to Record on Concern Over Low US Supplies


Grant Hill missed a game for the first time in this season Friday night, a precautionary move because of a badly bruised right shin.

Hill sits out with bruised right shin


San Francisco 49ers coach Dennis Erickson met with Mississippi #39;s athletics director and chancellor for two hours Tuesday night to discuss the school #39;s vacant head coaching position.

Ole Miss officials interview Erickson


Maria Sharapova #39;s drive to win another grand slam tennis title was dashed when the Wimbledon champion lost to Mary Pierce 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the third round of the US Open on Saturday.

Pierce, Rochus post wins


The Universe is not as violent a place as we thought, an Australian astronomer has found.  quot;Galactically speaking, things seem to be a little bit safer out there, quot; said Graham, whose research supports the idea

Universe a bit safer than we thought


THE MAKERS of the free open source browser Firefox are expected to release version 1.0 today. Although it will technically be a preview release, with the full 1.0 version hitting the web in about a month #39;s

Firefox becomes one today


Detectives warn internet auction bidders to be wary of how they pay after a teenage fraudster conned customers.

Teen's eBay con prompts warning


Reuters - The family of a British hostage\threatened with execution in Iraq made a desperate appeal to\Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday to meet kidnappers'\demands and save his life.

British Hostage's Family Appeals to Blair to Save Him (Reuters)


ANGRY soccer fans missed most of Harry Kewell #39;s rare Sydney performance on Tuesday because of long queues to buy and collect tickets.

Queuing fans miss Kewell


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

Accredo Cuts Forecast, Stock Plummets


The new melee combat engine of Prince of Persia: Warrior Within beefs up the action of the popular game series. But the dark and bloody style doesn't suit the franchise. By Chris Kohler.

New Attitude: Prince of Persia


WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 14: Under American encouragement and, in some cases, pressure, Israel has quietly taken steps aimed at strengthening the standing of Palestinian moderates and has agreed to consider others now that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has

Back to future, Israel builds bridges with moderates


Finnish energy giant Fortum Corp. has signed a five-year agreement with Hewlett-Packard to manage its IT infrastructure and support about 10,000 users across Europe.

HP to manage IT for Finnish energy giant


MAKYBE Diva joined racings immortals with a commanding win in the\$4.6 million Melbourne Cup yesterday. Backed into 5/2 favouritism by a flood of money from around the country, she became the first mare to

Favourite rewrites history