The new group, to be called Royal Dutch Shell, will be headquartered in the Netherlands with a single board, chairman and chief executive.

Royal Dutch/Shell to Unify


AP - Corp. Eugenio Mendoza, a young veteran of the Iraq war, had to carry his buddy for 50 yards, scale an 8-foot wall and crawl through a water-logged tunnel at the 4th International Sniper Competition, where the challenges are designed to simulate combat scenarios in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Military Snipers Learn From Competition (AP)


After some four months of waiting for both the Google (GOOG ; ranked hold; recent price: \$108) IPO and our subsequent initiation of coverage on the shares to be completed, I, like many Americans this time of year, am thinking about one thing -- travel.

Online Travel #39;s Narrowing Horizons


Two members of the Iraqi prime minister #39;s family were nabbed from their home in Baghdad, his spokesman said Wednesday. The kidnappers said they would execute them in two days if their demands are not met.

Iraqi PM #39;s relatives kidnapped, face execution threat


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Redback Networks Inc.  <A HREF=

Before-the-Bell: Redback Falls 24.5 Pct.


THE HAGUE (Reuters) - South African President Thabo Mbeki  said on Wednesday it might be necessary to send more troops to  Ivory Coast to quell tension unless there is a deal soon  between the government and rebels.

More Troops May Be Needed in Ivory Coast -Mbeki


Some people think a budget means they have to live an austere life. In fact, in an effort to get people to budget, some experts say don't call it a budget at all.

No-Fuss Budgets


BETHLEHEM Several thousand Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails were on their 13th day of a hunger strike on Friday, but the Israeli government has provided few concessions and there has been relatively little interest from the outside world.

Spotlight fails to focus on Palestine hunger strike


Scotland's CRLO Displays, which specializes in a type of LCOS chip for large-screen projection TVs, nabs funding.

TV chip company gets \$19 million


Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has offered an up-beat assessment at the end of talks in Pyongyang about the North Korean nuclear crisis.

Downer up-beat on North Korean nuclear talks


Colman M. Herman, the Dorchester activist who made enforcement of the state's item-pricing regulation a one-man crusade, has struck again.

OfficeMax agrees to item-price settlement


ADDIS ABABA : British Prime Minister Tony Blair was due to outline his personal vision for the future of Africa at a meeting of the organisation he set up to spur development efforts in the region.

Blair in Ethiopia to outine vision for Africa


PC World - Microsoft exec announces new tool designed to make patching simpler.

Gates Touts Software Magic (PC World)


The company reported net income of \$509 million in its first fiscal quarter, compared with \$440 million in income for the same quarter a year ago.

Brief: Oracle profit rises on software demand in Q1


US stock futures pointed to a higher market open on Wednesday, with oil dipping below \$49 a barrel and a batch of economic data on tap.

Stocks Seen Higher as Oil Slips Below \$49


President Bush has been saying that the US economy has ''turned the corner. quot; Democratic presidential candidate Senator John F. Kerry, in the wake of this month's poor jobs report, quipped that it was more like a U-turn.

Somewhere between gleam and gloom


A Greek passenger jet bound for New York made an emergency landing in Ireland yesterday after a warning that a bomb was about to explode on board.

Second bomb threat on Greek plane


The Spartans upset No. 4 Wisconsin, 49-14, Saturday to open the door for the Wolverines to go to the Rose Bowl with an outright Big Ten championship.

Spartans demolish No. 4 Wisconsin


Tenet Healthcare Corp., the second- largest US hospital chain, said fourth-quarter charges may exceed \$1 billion and its loss from continuing operations will widen from the third quarter #39;s because of increased bad debt.

Tenet Says 4th-Quarter Loss to Widen From 3rd Quarter (Update2)


Installing Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 will leave corporate users better-positioned when the first release of the Longhorn operating system is released, according to a report from Gartner.

Analyst: SP2 Paves Road to Longhorn


Hossein Rezazadeh sets a new world record as he reclaimed his Olympic title in weightlifting's 105kg class.

Rezazadeh wins gold


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jeffrey Greenberg, chairman and chief  executive of embattled insurance broker Marsh   McLennan Cos.  <A HREF=

Marsh to Replace CEO Greenberg - FT


Blockbuster Inc., locked in a bidding war for Hollywood Entertainment Corp., announced Wednesday that it may sweeten its offer for the rival video renter.

Update 1: Blockbuster May Raise Offer for Rival


GREENSBORO, NC -- Tom Lehman called a one-stroke penalty on himself during Sunday #39;s final round of the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro.

Lehman finishes T-4 at Greensboro


Linda Coyle, a science teacher at Mountain Trail Middle School in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, was recently named Arizona Middle School Science Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Science Teachers Association.

Science teacher receives award


FALLUJAH: US forces cornered insurgents Wednesday in a small pockets of Fallujah after a stunningly swift advance that seized control of 70 percent of the militant stronghold and claimed to get hold of the entire city within two says.

US forces claim hold of Fallujah within two days


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Insurgents penetrated Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone and detonated explosives at a market and a popular cafe Thursday, killing five people, including four Americans, in the first bombing inside the compound housing the U.S. and Iraqi government headquarters...

Blasts Kill Five in Baghdad's Green Zone


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chipper Jones hit a three-run homer  and J.D. Drew also went deep as the Atlanta Braves continued to  close in on another division title with an 8-1 win over the  Florida Marlins in Miami on Friday.

NL Wrap: Jones Leads Braves Closer to Division Title


Michael Phelps led all the way in winning the 200-meter freestyle at the World Short Course Championships on Thursday night, giving the world #39;s best swimmer a chance to equal the six gold medals he won at the Athens Olympics.

Phelps wins first medal at Short Course World Championships


BOUAKE (Reuters) - Government warplanes and helicopter  gunships pounded rebel-held towns in northern Ivory Coast for a  second day on Friday, fueling fears of a slide into all-out war  in the world's top cocoa grower.

Ivory Coast Bombs Rebel Zone Again, War Fears Rise


New England banks are racing to make the most of their World Series tickets and marketing opportunities during the games. Citizens Financial Group distributed Red Sox tickets to about two dozen employees through a random drawing, while Bank of America Corp. is encouraging its Boston employees to wear Red Sox hats or shirts to work. An internal note asked employees, ...

Banks plan Series events


By LAURAN NEERGAARD     WASHINGTON (AP) -- Americans' supply of flu vaccine was abruptly cut in half Tuesday, prompting the government to ask most healthy adults to delay or skip flu shots so that the elderly and others most at risk from influenza can get scarce supplies.    British regulators unexpectedly shut down a major flu-shot supplier Tuesday, prompting a record shortage in this country just as flu season is about to begin...

Flu Vaccine Supply Cut in Half


Singapore hopes President Yasser Arafat #39;s death will be  quot;an opportunity for a lasting, just and peaceful solution to the Arab-Israeli issue, quot; a spokesman said.

Singapore: Arafat #39;s death chance for peace


Browns offensive guard Kelvin Garmon is probably done for the season after tearing knee ligaments during Cleveland #39;s loss in Baltimore.

Browns #39; Garmon injures knee


VIENNA (Reuters) - Officials from France, Britain and  Germany will meet Iran's top nuclear negotiator in Vienna on  Thursday to offer Tehran a final chance to halt uranium  enrichment plans or face possible U.N. sanctions, diplomats  say.

EU Makes Final Nuke Offer to Iran Thursday-Diplomats


During Ramadan muslims fast each day from sunrise to sunset, practice abstinence and seek repentance and spiritual guidance. As of today Ramadan is over but not for all muslims.

Region 8 Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan


Three U.N. workers kidnapped in Afghanistan four weeks ago were released unharmed Tuesday, a day after a string of raids by U.S. and Afghan security forces.

U.N. Hostages in Afghanistan Freed


GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian gunmen kidnapped a top  security official in the Gaza Strip on Thursday in a fresh  challenge to President Yasser Arafat's rule amid a wave of  unrest.

Gaza Gunmen Kidnap Senior Palestinian Official


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Investigators examined flight recorders  Thursday from Russia's mystery double air crash in which 89  people died, but one official doubted they would be of any use.

Russian Air Crash Flight Recorders May Not Help


The meat from wild animals killed illegally is being sold in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, a report has said.

Bushmeat trade thriving in Kenya


UK Prime Minister Tony Blair #39;s government, risking criticism from lawmakers in the ruling Labour Party, said it will redeploy 850 troops now in southern Iraq to a region controlled by US forces.

UK to Send Troops Into US-Controlled Area of Iraq (Update1)


OTTAWA - A Boeing 747 cargo jet registered in Ghana crashed and burned on take-off from Halifax airport in the eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia on Thursday, killing all seven crew on board, police said.

7 killed in crash of cargo jet in Canada


OPEC decided at its ministerial meeting here Wednesday to increase its oil production ceiling by 1 million barrels a day beginning Nov. 1, but the decision will have little real impact on the high oil prices.

News Analysis: can 1 million barrels of oil revive world market?


CHARLOTTE - In a move it says will strengthen its bid to dominate information integration markets, IBM announced Thursday that it was acquiring Venetica, a Charlotte-based developer of database integration tools.

Big Blue Absorbs Venetica in Move To Strengthen Information <b>...</b>


Unwilling to concede any corner of the commercial-airplane market to Boeing, Airbus yesterday formalized plans for a new jet that will compete head-to-head with the 7E7.

Airbus targets the 7E7 niche with new plane design


Moscow - Blonde teenage pin-up Tatiana Golovin hopes to crown a first ever return to her native Russia by leading France to victory over the hosts in the Fed Cup final on Saturday and Sunday.

French teen homes in on Fed Cup win


System administrators who have been installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 on their own PCs and on test systems are reporting the results of their practice runs to the SANS Institute Web site--and the failure rate seems to be pretty high.

Enter your e-mail:


The Palestinian Authority is negotiating with the World Bank and, indirectly, with Israeli representatives, regarding economic and administrative arrangements for the post-disengagement Gaza Strip.

PA in talks with World Bank over Gaza after pullout


The state of West Virginia is developing the first state-sponsored open public Internet grid computing effort. The tool will be used in such fields as biometrics and cancer research.

Brief: West Virginia funds public grid computing effort


Declaring that peace had been restored in part of Pakistan #39;s restive tribal areas, Pakistani military officials have announced that troops will

Pakistan to Scale Back Force Around Town Near Afghan Border


Hurricane Ivan, responsible for at least 60 deaths in the Caribbean, was expected to move westward later today, lessening the threat to Cuba and prompting a warning for Mexico #39;s Yucatan Peninsula.

Ivan Moving Westward Between Cuba, Mexico; Alabama Threatened


Buddy Bell knew the question was coming. To his credit, he had an answer ready for the media -- a good one. Bell interviewed for the Phillies vacant managerial position Monday.

Bell would be more than just Davids Buddy


US consumer spending rose in October as a surge in hiring led to the biggest rise in incomes in five months, a government report showed.

US October Personal Spending Rises 0.7; Incomes Up 0.6


The dismissal of Burma #39;s Prime Minister Khin Nyunt is causing concern that it may set back efforts to move the country toward democracy after more than 40 years of military dictatorship.

Burma #39;s Power Change Causes Concern About Progress Toward <b>...</b>


An exploit attacking the most recent Windows bug is circulating on Usenet, security experts said Tuesday, that crashes machines, yet another indicator that attackers will chase the vulnerability until they #39;ve launched mass mailing-style worm-based attacks

JPEG Exploit Hits Usenet, Worm Close Behind


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana  heads for Africa on Friday where he is likely to announce a  contribution of more than 100 million euros to an African Union  force in Sudan's Darfur region, an EU diplomat said.

EU's Solana Heads for Darfur, May Offer AU Funding


Miss Subways has returned, in a revival of a contest that wilted in 1976, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the New York City subway system. But please  it's Ms. Subways now.

After a 28-Year Hiatus, Miss (er, Ms.) Subways Is Back


Apple is bringing the worlds most exciting retail experience to Europe for the first time, with a brand new store in the heart of one of the worlds most vibrant shopping districts - Londons West End.

London Calling - Apple Stores to Make European Debut


AP - As of Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, at least 1,104 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. At least 844 died as a result of hostile action, according to the Defense Department. The figures include three military civilians.

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


WOBURN - Retief Goosen will have friend and rival Ernie Els firmly in his sights when he tees off in the E2 million Heritage tournament tomorrow.

Els faces goose chase in England


Governments and private sector officials from around the world sought ways Thursday to jointly combat cybercrime, whose growth mirrors the phenomenal rise of the Internet #39;s popularity.

Group Seeks Ways to Prosecute Cybercrime


AP - President Bush's re-election insures that more federal money will flow to abstinence education that precludes discussion of birth control, even as the administration awaits evidence that the approach gets kids to refrain from sex.

Bush Seeks Money for Abstinence Education (AP)


AP - A former Senate Intelligence Committee chairman asserted Sunday that the general who ran the war in Afghanistan said more than a year before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq that his resources were being shifted in preparation for taking on Saddam Hussein.

Senator: Commander Told of Military Drain (AP)


EMPLOYER hiring confidence in Scotland is robust for the first quarter of 2005, notably above the national average, according to research released today.

Scots employers aim to go hire


Saints special teams captain Steve Gleason expects to be fined by the league after being ejected from Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers for throwing a punch.

Saints' Gleason apologizes for low blow


Canada confirms that a cow from the province of Alberta has tested positive for mad cow disease.

Canada confirms mad cow case


Readers of Physics World magazine recently were asked an interesting question: Which equations are the greatest?

What Makes an Equation Beautiful


Seagate #39;s native SATA interface technology with Native Command Queuing (NCQ) allows the Barracuda 7200.8 to match the performance of 10,000-rpm SATA drives without sacrificing capacity

Seagate Offers Record 400 GB Hard Drive


Tim Farrelly held a meeting for his San Francisco staffing company Wednesday to raise morale after John Kerry lost the presidential election.

Photo: Company president holds morale meeting


CHICAGO Whitehall Jewellers Incorporated has agreed to pay 13 (m) million dollars to settle a lawsuit and a federal investigation into fraud charges.

Whitehall settles federal investigation for \$13 million


Description: The two Mars Rovers, Opportunity and Sprit, are showing signs of wear... not surprising, since their mission was expected to end in April.

Mars Rovers Still at Work


Chelsea have followed Tottenham in pouring cold water on rumours that England striker Jermain Defoe was set for a switch across London.

Chelsea Deny Chasing Defoe


The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said Monday that the air traffic has seen continued recovery but, with the industry loss for 2004 expected to be 3 to 4 billion US dollars, there is no excuse to relax.

IATA says air traffic recovery continues, so do losses


NEW YORK A new study shows that genes from genetically engineered grass can spread much farther than previously known, a finding that raises questions about the straying of other plants altered through biotechnology.

Grass study adds to worry on genes


More Americans are quitting the workforce without retiring their mortgage. Big mistake? It could prove more taxing than they ever imagined.

Before you retire, make sure you also retire your mortgage


Dozens of the political action committee's subscriber pages revealed by simple Google search.

Moveon.org subscribers exposed


NEW YORK: Lennox Lewis was the main topic here when it was announced that Vitali Klitschko, the World Boxing Council No. 1 heavyweight contender, will fight Kirk Johnson over 12 rounds at Madison Square Garden on December 6.

Lewis Waits For His Rival


WHITE HOUSE The White House is reacting cautiously to Vladimir Putin #39;s announcement that Russia #39;s developing an entirely new nuclear missile.

White House reacting cautiously to Putin nuclear missile remark


The Gunners have one more chance to prove they can cut it in Europe. Arsenal needs to beat Norway #39;s Rosenborg at Highbury on Tuesday to guarantee a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League.

Arsenal faces must-win game against Rosenborg to reach knockout <b>...</b>


Amazon.com Inc. has agreed to buy Joyo.com, China #39;s largest on-line retailer of books, music and videos, for \$75-million (US) to gain access to the world #39;s second-biggest Internet market.

Amazon to purchase Chinese on-line retailer


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli opposition leader Shimon  Peres said on Saturday coalition talks between his party and  Prime Minister Ariel Sharon could be resolved in days, a move  likely to avert snap elections and promote a Gaza pullout.

Peres Says Coalition Talks Could Be Resolved in Days


Britain's scientific community fuels controversies by shunning colleagues with rebel ideas, research suggests.

Science creates 'own mavericks'


AP - Anyone who has cursed when their flashlight goes dead may have something new to beam about  #151; a flashlight that accepts batteries of different sizes.

Flashlight Takes Batteries of Any Size (AP)


Sony #39;s handheld gaming device, the PlayStation Portable, reportedly sold more than 200,000 units on its first day of availability in Japan.

Sony PSP Flying Off Shelves - 200,000 First-Day Sales


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Wachovia Corporation says it will build a 400 (M) million dollar data center off Lakeshore Parkway in Birmingham.

Wachovia plans \$400 million data center in Birmingham


AMSTERDAM -- Steel tycoon Lakshmi N. Mittal yesterday said he would pay \$4.5 billion in cash and stock for US steelmaker International Steel Group Inc., which had been cobbled together by onetime investment banker Wilbur L. Ross Jr. from mills whose parents landed in bankruptcy court.

\$4.5b deal to create steel giant


Serbian President Boris Tadic says sorry for crimes committed in the name of the Serb people in Bosnia.

Serb leader apologises in Bosnia


palmOne, Inc. is at last bringing a SD wi-fi solution for a couple of its handheld models. To date, palmOne #39;s Wi-Fi option was the Tungsten C, which comes with built-in wireless, incorporates a keyboard and a 320 x 320 transflective TFT display. palmOne ...

palmOne announces SD wi-fi card for Tungsten T3 and Zire 72


ELECTION spending and increased usage of cellular phones allowed the Philippine economy to grow by 6.2 percent in the April-June quarter despite the government #39;s fragile fiscal position, official data showed Monday.

Economy posts surprise growth: 6.2 in 2nd quarter


Things looked bleak for the US boxing team before a pair of Andres stepped up and saved the Americans from further Olympic embarrassment.

Pair of Andres hold key to US boxing medal hopes


AP - House-Senate bargainers neared agreement Friday on an election-season  #36;14.7 billion package of aid for East Coast hurricane victims and drought-stricken farmers, participants said.

Lawmakers Move Toward Deal on Storm Aid (AP)


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

Tyson Cuts Fiscal 2004 Earnings Forecast


Forget the 10 miles that separates their two home arenas and the fan chatter heard within that short expanse. The Nets and Knicks rivalry is now based on a different type

Dry spell dooms Nets


Links to this week's topics from search engine forums across the web: Live from SES Chicago 2004 - White Hat/black Hat SEO Panel - So Now You Can Search Videos - Google Wins Major Legal Victory vs. Geico - Google Suggest Beta - The Dark Side of Exchanging Reciprocal Links

Search Engine Forums Spotlight


Ruud Lubbers, the head of the UN refugee agency UNHCR, has urged the Sudanese government to give autonomy to the western Darfur region to help end a rebellion there which has led to massive reprisals by Arab militias against black African villagers.

Sudan: UNHCR Boss Urges Sudan to Give Darfur Autonomy


By MAY WONG    SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Online auctioneer eBay Inc...

EBay Buys 25 Percent Stake in Craigslist Network


ZURICH (Reuters) - Nestle confirmed its 2004 guidance on  Tuesday, a day after competitors Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive  cast doubts over the consumer goods industry's outlook by  issuing profit warnings.

Nestle Confirms Targets After Rivals Warn


A novel method of optical data storage could soon be used to hold a terabyte of data on a disk the size of a normal DVD, say researchers at Imperial College London, UK.

Optical technique promises terabyte disks


Newspapers in the Arab world and Israel have reacted with caution to Syria #39;s decision to redeploy some of its troops in Lebanon away from the capital Beirut.

Press caution over Syria Lebanon move


Microsoft #39;s web browser, Internet Explorer, is continuing its slow but steady slide in market share. According to fresh numbers from web metrics firm Websidestory, IE #39;s share has slipped 1.8 per cent in the last three months.

More web surfers abandoning the good ship Internet Explorer


LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Four Peruvian police died on Sunday  after security forces battled to retake parts of a southern  town seized by an armed group early on New Year's Day to demand  the resignation of President Alejandro Toledo.

Four Police Dead in Peru Shootout; Rebel Defiant


A military probe #39;s secret findings on the fire that crippled HMCS Chicoutimi has propelled the navy to dock its four second-hand submarines indefinitely.

Navy docks sub fleet


NEW YORK -- Securities regulator NASD on Monday charged H amp;R Block Inc. with fraudulently promoting Enron Corp. bonds to customers just weeks before the energy trader declared bankruptcy in 2001.

NASD charges H amp;R Block on Enron bonds


Mobile phone signals will be jammed in French cinemas and theatres to prevent audience disturbance.

French cinemas act to jam mobiles


Peru midfielder Nolberto Solano helped Aston Villa to a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, handing the London club sixth straight league defeat Monday in the PremierLeague.

Villa give Tottenham sixth straight league loss


Sun Microsystems is buying IT services company SevenSpace for an undisclosed amount of cash, helping to expand its support for operating systems outside of Solaris.

Sun buys IT services company to help HP/IBM fight


Brussels - Belgium #39;s central bank chief and European Central Bank (ECB) board member Guy Quaden added his voice Tuesday to those warning of the surging value of the euro.

Belgian ECB board member warns over euro #39;s rise


The apparent demotion of Zimbabwe #39;s controversial Information Minister Jonathan Moyo in the ruling Zanu-PF party hierarchy has been greeted with cheers by the independent media who said he deserved to fall.

Media cheer downfall of Mugabe #39;s spin doctor


UAL Corp. (UALAQ.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday announced new cuts in employees #39; salaries as the parent of United Airlines looks to make \$112 million in annual savings and emerge from bankruptcy protection.

UPDATE 1-UAL sets salary cuts; aims for \$112 mln savings


More than 11 years after scientists predicted it would occur, a strong earthquake rocked the central California town of Parkfield on Tuesday morning.

Quake Hits California 11 Years Late


AP - The New York Yankees are annoyed at the commissioner's office over the way their game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays was postponed.

Yankees Miffed With Way Game Was Postponed (AP)


The Prime Minister has confirmed the two Israelis convicted and sentenced earlier this year for passport fraud, have been deported.

Suspected Spies Heading To Israel


Two Arabs, a US citizen and an Asian working for the Saudi Arabian Trading and Contracting Company were abducted today in Iraq, Agence France-Presse reported citing a spokesman for the Iraqi interior ministry.

Iraq Group Kidnaps Four, Including an American, AFP Reports


Oracles 18-month hostile takeover battle for PeopleSoft came to an end on Friday evening with a single phone call. A PeopleSoft director, through an attorney, contacted Oracle with the lucky number: \$26.50

Battle ended with a single phone call


Crude oil prices passed \$49 per barrel today, striking fresh record levels amid heightened concern about supplies in Iraq.

Oil Tops \$49 Amid Iraq Supply Worries


AP - The Philadelphia Phillies are clinging to their slim playoff hopes even if they're having trouble hanging onto fly balls.

Phillies Win Again, Cling to Playoff Hopes (AP)


quot;Russia is not the only country that has announced the possibility of using or carrying out preventive strikes. I would like to stress that we did not invent it, quot; he added, hinting that Moscow was following a US lead.

World ; Russia defends anti-terror preventive strikes


Ukraine's Supreme Court overturned the results of the country's disputed election and ordered a new runoff by Dec. 26.

Ukrainian Court Orders New Vote for Presidency


US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Friday applauded El Salvador for its deployment of 380 troops in Iraq and denied any appeal for more troops, reports reaching here said.

Rumsfeld praises El Salvador for troops deployment in Iraq


Cingular Wireless said Monday it has agreed to sell its Cingular Interactive unit to investment banking firm Cerberus Capital Management LP, but will retain the operation #39;s e-mail customers and several key accounts.

Cingular Sells Interactive Unit, Keeps Key Customers


WASHINGTON Oct. 2, 2004 - The United States and its major economic allies struggled Saturday to resolve deep differences over how best to relieve the heavy debt burden for Iraq and the world #39;s poorest countries.

US, Allies Far Apart on Debt Relief


NAJAF, Iraq - A rebel cleric's militiamen kept their guns outside a holy site Friday after issuing a surprise offer to give up control of the Imam Ali Shrine to Shiite Muslim religious leaders, but negotiators wrangled into the night over getting the militants out of the compound.    The removal of weapons and pledge to hand over keys to religious authorities was seen as a big step toward a resolution of the two-week faceoff in Najaf that has killed dozens of people and wounded hundreds in fighting between Muqtada al-Sadr's militia and a joint U.S.-Iraq force...

Militia Offers to Cede Control of Shrine


Credit Suisse First Boston expects  quot;good financial results quot; from five cable/multiple systems operators (MSOs), with revenue growth ranging from 10 to 13 and growth in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of 10 to 18.

Cable Operators Seen With Good Financial Results


US oil firm ConocoPhillips (COP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) will be able to add 10 percent of Russian major LUKOIL #39;s (LKOH.RTS: Quote, Profile, Research) total reserves to its books after it completes buying a 10 percent stake

UPDATE 2-LUKOIL says Conoco can book 10 pct of its reserves


The Russian government is demanding a total of \$4.09 billion for 2001 from Yukos. Apart from the fines, more than \$3 billion in back taxes are being docked from the oil giant #39;s frozen accounts.

Yukos Ordered To Pay \$1.3 Billion in Tax Debt


Reuters - Ericsson, the world's biggest\producer of mobile phone networks, said market growth would\slow next year, sending its share price down sharply despite\reporting a big jump in third-quarter profits on Friday.

Cell Phone Market Growth Slowing-Ericsson (Reuters)


A Trojan virus has that uses infected computers to send SMS spam to mobile phones in Russia has been discovered. The Delf-HA Trojan uses the infected PC to exploit the  quot;send an SMS for free quot; service common on a number of Russian mobile operator websites.

Russian Trojan sends SMS spam


Delta Air Lines Inc. could file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as early as next week, a source familiar with the matter said Friday.

Bankruptcy reportedly likely for Delta


Federal regulators narrowly approved rules Wednesday that phase out many of the government-mandated discounts the four major regional telephone companies must give rivals to encourage them to compete for local service customers.

Update 1: FCC OKs Rules for Local Phone Competition


William Donaldson, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, said Friday that the securities industry has improved its corporate governance standards in the past year but

Securities chief says industry is better


Safeway Inc.'s third-quarter profit shrank by 21 percent as the supermarket giant continued to absorb financial aftershocks from a devastating strike in Southern California earlier this year.

Safeway Earnings Drop on California Strike


Newly freed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has pressed his country #39;s highest court to overturn his last criminal conviction, saying his opponents have  quot;no case quot;.

Malaysian opponents have no case: Anwar


AP - Greek sprinters Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou and their coach were charged Thursday with avoiding a drug test on the eve of the Athens Olympics and faking a motorcycle accident hours later.

Sprinters Charged With Dodging Drug Test (AP)


Treasury Secretary tells IMF that economic outlook is bright but  #39;cannot rest on our laurels. #39;. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Treasury Secretary John Snow said Saturday the outlook for global economic growth is good

Snow: Oil clouds global growth


Jason Casey threw a pair of second-quarter touchdown passes and Tufts stymied a fourth-quarter uprising to hold off Bates, 14-12, yesterday at Ellis Oval/Zimman Field in Somerville.

Jumbos hold off Bates


A forest of trees will fall and a lake of ink will be emptied hashing and rehashing the baseball games played in Boston and New York over the past four days.

Color of your shirt determines if it was comeback or collapse


It is the news that Internet users do not want to hear: the worldwide web is in danger of collapsing around us. Patrick Gelsinger, the chief technology officer for computer chip maker Intel, told a conference

Internet is caught in its own web


Cingular Wireless continues to meet its AT amp;T Wireless merger approval obligations to shed some assets. The latest: The carrier is selling its stake in IDEA Cellular.

Cingular Sells IDEA Cellular Stake


AP - The U.S. economy continued to grow in the early fall despite being buffeted by rising energy costs and hurricanes, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday, providing its last snapshot of business conditions before Election Day.

Fed Reports Continuing Economic Growth (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose in light volume on  Tuesday as a fall in oil prices eased investor concerns that  high energy costs would hurt corporate profits.

Stocks Rise as Crude Falls


AP - Upon further review, baseball will hold off on taking a look at instant replay. After watching umpires reverse almost every missed call in the postseason, major league general managers split 15-15 Thursday on whether to keep exploring the subject.

Baseball GMs Split on Instant Replay (AP)


Do-it-all convergence devices, plus a MiniDisc player, both tiny and high-end cameras, and big LCD TV debut this fall.

Tokyo Edge: The Latest in Home Theater


Fido may not be able to say where it hurts, but veterinarians at Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain will be able to peer into his brain with an MRI being installed this month.

MRI machines adapt to newest patients: pets


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury debt yields held near  seven-month lows on Tuesday after a soft reading on U.S.  consumer sentiment added modestly to concerns about the  economy.

Treasuries Flat, Consumer Gloom No Shock


The Cubs briefly lead the NL wild-card standings after winning the first game of a doubleheader with the Marlins, but lose the sceond.

Cubs, Marlins Split


Insurance companies played the largest role in compensating people and businesses hurt by the Sept. 11 attacks, paying slightly more than half of the \$38.

Study: Half of post-9/11 payments came from insurance


RMC, the world #39;s biggest supplier of ready-mixed concrete, has agreed a 2.3bn takeover deal from Cemex of Mexico, raising fears of job cuts and quarry closures.

Mexican firm buys RMC for 2.3bn


As it said it would, Novell (NOVL:Nasdaq - news - research) filed a federal lawsuit in Utah alleging that Microsoft (MSFT:Nasdaq - news - research) tried to eliminate competition in the office productivity applications market when Novell owned the

Novell Files Antitrust Suit Vs. Microsoft


Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - A man who the B.C. Court of Appeal found was

High court asked to hear case forcing unfaithful husband to continue support (Canadian Press)


A WEBSITE that promised a free iPod has been slammed as a sham by users, who are still waiting for their re-assuringly free kit to arrive.

FreeiPods.com isn #39;ta free launch


EINDHOVEN: Thierry Henry is doubtful for Arsenal #39;s Premiership clash with Liverpool on Sunday after aggravating a lingering achilles tendon problem in the stormy Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven here on Wednesday.

Henry a doubtful starter


Funeral processions filled the rainy streets of Beslan, carrying coffins large and small, as townspeople buried scores of victims of a carefully planned school siege that prosecutors linked to a Chechen rebel leader.

Weeping Families Bury Their Dead as Siege Criticism Grows


Antonio Alfonseca #39;s return to the Marlins #39; bullpen has been put on hold because of a physical that found problems in the right-handed reliever #39;s back.

Physical may stall deal for Alfonseca


A few years ago, when MP3 players were establishing themselves as the hot cool thing, the next step seemed clear: What if you could take along not only music but movies, television programs

Is portable video ready for its closeup?


com October 22, 2004, 1:56 PM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been enterprise directories as organizations spawn projects around identity infrastructure.

Microsoft fixes date for desktop search tool


NEW YORK (Reuters) - FedEx Corp. <A HREF=

FedEx Earnings More Than Double


ATHENS (Reuters) - Americans Misty May and Kerri Walsh  finished off their Olympic beach volleyball competition with a  perfect record and a gold medal after beating Brazil in  straight sets in the final match Tuesday.

A Golden Moment for Misty May and Kerri Walsh


TORONTO (CP) - Non-energy income trusts are disappointing investors, with two more cutting or suspending their cash distributions to unitholders this week and causing the value of their units to plummet.

Specialty Foods, General Donlee funds sink on suspended or cut <b>...</b>


The agreement with Connexion by Boeing will give iPass customers Wi-Fi access while flying, while Boeing gets a partner that knows how to sell service contracts for hot spot connectivity to business travelers.

Connexion by Boeing partners with iPass


Reuters - The Senate confirmed Porter Goss as\the new CIA director on Wednesday amid growing momentum for\intelligence reform, terrorism threats and a persistent\insurgency in Iraq.

U.S. Gets New Spy Chief as Senate Confirms Goss (Reuters)


Murphy, who went to the San Francisco Giants game when Barry Bonds hit his 700th homer Sept. 17, is suing Steve Williams. According to a story on ESPN.

There is no crying in baseball


International aid workers kept a low profile today after the brazen daylight kidnapping of a British woman and two other foreign UN election staff in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

Seven Uniformed Men Held But No Word of Kidnapped Britain


AP - Abu-Musab al-Zarqawi, the most feared terrorist operating in Iraq and the man believed to be shown on several grainy videotapes beheading foreign captives, was indicted Sunday in Jordan, a U.S. ally and an Arab nation supporting the war on terror.

Jordan Indicts al-Zarqawi on Plot Charges (AP)


Credentials: Bachelor #39;s degree in psychology from Michigan State University; master #39;s degree in education/political science from Arizona State University; doctorate degree in educational leadership/policy studies from ASU.

Manitas principal collaborates


US stocks were set to open slightly higher on Monday, helped by another retreat in oil prices, while business software maker Oracle Corp.

Stocks Seen Slightly Higher, Oil Slips


UNITED NATIONS (CP) - President George W. Bush defended his Iraq invasion Tuesday in a speech to the United Nations as he called on the world body to do more to help the chaotic country and establish a fund to spread democracy elsewhere.

Bush defends Iraq invasion and says UN should offer more help


New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming won the toss and elected to bat first in the second Test against Bangladesh. Fleming was batting with 37 runs along with Styriswho scored 9. New Zealand replaced Ian Butler

Spinners strike early for Bangladesh


AP - The man at the center of the nation's first spyware case  #151; a businessman notorious for his junk Internet mailings  #151; says federal regulators were politically motivated in targeting him for enforcement of new bills outlawing intrusive software.

N.H. Man Denies FTC 'Spyware' Charges (AP)


Jay Triano was fired as coach of the Canadian national team yesterday, a move Triano said was due to his inability to give enough time to the job.

The Dotted Line


General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG are throwing their combined weight behind a new hybrid technology for cars and trucks, setting the stage for a spread to the mainstream.

Rivals Join  to Develop  Hybrid-Car Technology


Two weeks ago, the NFL was as certain and predictable as a German train schedule. All you needed to do was page ahead to February to see which two trains were going to meet at the Super Bowl station.

Doubt removed: Steelers simply looking Super


The government will take over from the airlines responsibility for checking passenger names against terrorism watch lists and will begin testing its system within two months, the

Government to take over terrorist watch lists from airlines


Insurgents have detonated two bombs near a convoy of US military vehicles in southern Baghdad, killing at least 16 people, Iraqi police say.

Baghdad blasts kills at least 16


Domain hosting and parking services drop in price, rise in capacity to lure small businesses.

Yahoo Unveils Budget Domains Deal


AP - The prime minister of the Bosnian Serb-run half of the country resigned Friday, a day after the U.S. government and Bosnia's top international administrator sanctioned Bosnian Serbs for failing to arrest and hand over war crimes suspects to the U.N. tribunal.

Bosnian Serb Prime Minister Resigns (AP)


A bomb-threatened Olympic Airways plane landed safely at Shannon airport today after being diverted to Ireland following a warning telephoned to an Athens newspaper.

Second Bomb Threat Plane Lands Safely


Martin Frankel,  who defrauded insurance companies out of more than \$200m is sentenced to more than 16 years in jail.

US ex-financier jailed for fraud


American Airlines will defer 54 of 56 aircraft originally scheduled for delivery between 2006 and 2010, American and Boeing Co. said Monday.

American, Boeing reach agreement on aircraft deliveries


IBM Rational on Wednesday plans to flesh out complete plans for the upcoming IBM Software Development Platform, code-named Atlantic.

IBMs Atlantic tools platform set to sail


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange  Commission is investigating about a dozen brokerage firms that  may have failed to obtain the best price for stocks traded for  customers, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

SEC Looking Into Broker Trade Prices


AP - A Scottish man convicted of murdering his best friend, whose blood he said he drank in an effort to gain immortality, was found dead Tuesday in his prison, officials said.

Vampire-Style Killer Found Dead in Prison (AP)


The Federal Reserve yesterday raised its key interest rate to the highest level in three years, suggesting more increases will follow as the economy gains strength.

Fed raises key rate to 2, a 3-year high


AP - Matt Harpring had 10 points and nine rebounds despite missing much of the first half with a bloody nose, and rookie Kris Humphries scored 13 in the Utah Jazz's 101-88 preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.

Bloodied Harpring Leads Jazz Over Kings (AP)


Iraq #39;s stagnant economy and lack of employment opportunities are feeding instability in the violence-torn country, hindering prospects for prosperity, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said on Monday.

Allawi says Iraq economy, security needs resolving


AP - Almost the only thing Chase Lyman has kept healthy while playing football is his head.

Top End for No. 10 Cal Finally Healthy (AP)


Shoppers rediscovered their buying groove last month, propelling sales at the nation's retailers by a strong 1.5 percent. It was the best showing since March.

Shoppers Spring Back to Life in September


Company ramps up to increase production as demand for new handheld exceeds expectations.

Nintendo reacts to DS demand as orders, share price rise


WASHINGTON -- Several lobbying camps from different industries and ideologies are joining forces to fight an overhaul of copyright law, which they say would radically shift in favor of Hollywood and the record companies and which Congress might try to

Senate May Ram Copyright Bill


College basketball: MEN -- Harbor Invitational at Dorchester, 1 and 3 p.m.; Northeastern at Harvard, 2 p.m.; MIT at Suffolk, 2 p.m.; WOMEN -- Wagner at BU, 1 p.m.; Dartmouth at Fairfield, 1 p.m.; Hartford at Central Conn., 2 p.m.; BC at UMass, 4 p.m.

Today's schedule


AP - The 300 men filling out forms in the offices of an Iranian aid group were offered three choices: Train for suicide attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq, for suicide attacks against Israelis or to assassinate British author Salman Rushdie.

Iran Group Canvasses for Suicide Bombers (AP)


A former general with a doctorate in economics is to be sworn-in as Indonesia #39;s first popularly elected president. . Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has enjoyed a distinguished career in the military and politics.

Yudhoyono Becomes President of Indonesia


The European Commission has given the green light to the proposed Oracle acquisition of PeopleSoft, European Union Competition commissioner Mario Monti said.

EU clears Oracle bid for PeopleSoft


AP - Hank Kuehne and Jeff Sluman birdied four of the last five holes and beat Justin Leonard and Steve Flesch by two strokes at the Franklin Templeton Shootout on Sunday.

Kuehne, Sluman Win Shootout Title Again (AP)


Ten percent of all bird species are set to disappear by the end of this century -- and with them the services they provide such as cleaning up carcasses and spreading seeds, US researchers said on Monday.

Ten Percent of Bird Species to Disappear - US Study


HONG KONG Traders on Monday decreased bets that the yuan would be allowed to strengthen after Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China said increasing speculation in the currency would delay an easing of its fixed exchange rate to the US dollar.

Traders decrease yuan bets


Parind Raval and Siamak Asgari spent six years working for a variety of technology companies while seeking a niche that would allow them to start their own business. Two years ago, Asgari met a school-system official who mentioned the need for an effective student management system in public schools.

NetInterlink Offers Schools a Way to Stay on Track


A merger between Sprint and Nextel would create a powerful new cellular competitor with some 39 million customers.

Sprint Near Deal to Buy Nextel for \$34 Billion


UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations has rejected  a request from Iraqi leaders to train some 30 judges and  prosecutors who would be trying former President Saddam  Hussein, in part because Baghdad has the death penalty, a U.N.  spokesman said on Friday.

UN Declines to Train Iraqis for Saddam Trial


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Wal-Mart Brightens Dec. Sales Forecast


Reuters - U.S. Treasury debt slid for a second\session on Tuesday as data showed the U.S. economy expanded at\a slightly faster pace than first thought in the third quarter,\though inflation remained subdued.

Treasuries Skid, Yields Hit Fresh Highs (Reuters)


A new crew will be sent to the International Space Station next month, even though there are concerns about maintaining adequate oxygen and other supplies on the orbiting laboratory, NASA officials said Friday.

New Crew to Leave for Space Station on Oct. 11, NASA Says


Now that he has decided to stay with the New Jersey Nets, Rod Thorn must make a decision on whether all-star guard Jason Kidd should go.

Around The NBA


IT WAS a good sign that those claiming to have kidnapped two Australians in Iraq had not released the names of their alleged hostages, Prime Minister John Howard said today.

No names is good news: PM


AP - Fund raising and spending in the 2003-04 election cycle by President Bush, Democratic rival John Kerry and national party committees:

Fund Raising by Candidates, Parties (AP)


London is seen starting slightly higher on Tuesday after a late recovery on Wall Street, but the continents bourses are seen opening flat.

London seen higher but bourses unchanged


New Delhi: India and Russia on Friday gave a new thrust to their relations when they signed a joint declaration and eleven agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in banking, energy, space exploration

India-Russia sign joint declaration, accords


Russia #39;s refusal to cooperate with the West to ensure a fair election in Ukraine signals that Moscow is slipping back to Soviet-style tactics, a senior Polish diplomat was quoted Wednesday as saying.

Russia Using Soviet Tactics Over Ukraine -- Warsaw


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eastman Kodak Co. <A HREF=

Kodak Reiterates Outlook


BROOKLINE -- There was some fine football played at Parsons Field yesterday, as the University of Massachusetts defeated Northeastern, 26-22. UMass junior running back Steve Baylark took over the game in the second half, finishing with 181 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries, as he went over 1,000 yards for the second straight year. And NU senior linebacker Liam ...

Bitter' win sweet for UMass


ZURICH (Reuters) - Credit Suisse will fully integrate its  investment bank Credit Suisse First Boston with its flagship  private bank, the Swiss banking giant said on Tuesday, as it  set ambitious earnings targets for 2007.

Credit Suisse to Integrate Units


England lifted the pressure off the shoulders of coach Sven-Goran Eriksson on Wednesday after a 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Poland.

Europe: Vieira sent off: wins for England, Italy


PASADENA, Calif. (Reuters) - NASA has recruited two Hollywood helicopter stunt pilots for an especially tricky maneuver -- snagging a capsule full of stardust as it parachutes back to Earth next month, mission managers said on Thursday.

Helicopter Stunt Pilots to Snag Stardust for NASA


HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba said on Monday that it was ending  circulation of the U.S. dollar in its territory as of Nov. 8 in  response to tightened U.S. economic sanctions.

Cuba to End Circulation of U.S. Dollar Nov. 8


Senator John Kerry will assail George Bush tonight as the first president since Herbert Hoover to preside over a four-year term with fewer Americans working than when he began.

Topics A, B and C in Run-up to Debate: Jobs, Jobs and Jobs


Daniel F. Akerson says the decisions he made as chief executive of Nextel Communications Inc. were all about survival. The choices facing the company in recent weeks, he adds, are a matter

Merger Puts Nextel at Crossroads


Bago restored the lustre to his reputation with a sensational return to form in the Prix de l #39;Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere at Longchamp today.

BAGO BLASTS BACK FOR ARC GLORY


AP - Russian President Vladimir Putin issued New Year's greetings Saturday to a former pro-Soviet partisan convicted in Latvia of killing civilians during World War II.

Putin Sends Greeting to War Crimes Convict (AP)


JAKARTA, Indonesia -- A court sentenced Tempo magazine editor Bambang Harymurti yesterday to one year in prison for defamation and inciting unrest in a case watched by press freedom advocates.

Indonesian editor found guilty in libel case


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales rose 0.1 percent  in November, the Commerce Department said on Monday in a  stronger-than-expected report that cemented views the Federal  Reserve will raise interest rates again this week.

Nov Retail Sales Edge Up as Car Sales Dip


Los Angeles Dodgers #39; Shawn Green watches his home run in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004, in Los Angeles.

Dodgers Lead Cardinals 1-0 After One


Paul Bigley, brother of Kenneth Bigley who is being held hostage by militants in Iraq, called on British Prime Minister Tony Blair Monday to step up efforts to win the release

Brother of UK hostage urges Blair to plead for hostage release


Tendulkar, who is in a race to try and make the first Test against Australia in Bangalore, told the Press Trust of India that team physiotherapist Andrew Leipus was limiting his time in the nets.

Tendulkar taking baby steps


DUBLIN, Ohio - Wendy #39;s International Inc. said Tuesday it expects a fourth-quarter loss because of a writedown of up to \$195 million and a charge related to the closing of as many as 18 of its Baja Fresh Mexican Grill restaurants.

Wendy #39;s Expects Fourth Quarter Loss


AP - Ronald Reagan, in his 1988 State of the Union address to Congress, hefted a 1,000-page, 14-pound spending bill and warned lawmakers against sending him more

Big Spending Bills Become Congressal Habit (AP)


Japan was waiting Sunday for China to respond to claims that a nuclear-powered Chinese submarine entered Japanese waters. Japan #39;s Trade Minister Shoichi Nakagawa said Sunday

Japan demands apology from China


The Chicago Cubs have fined Sammy Sosa a club-record \$87,400 -- one day #39;s pay -- for leaving the team #39;s last game shortly after it began.

Cubs Fine Sosa for Leaving Game


Reuters - The U.S. trade deficit widened\nearly 9 percent in October to a record  #36;55.5 billion as\sky-high oil prices helped propel imports into new territory,\the government said on Tuesday.

Trade Gap Swells More Than Expected (Reuters)


Reuters - The pilots union at Northwest Airlines\Corp. , the No. 4 U.S. air carrier, ratified a  #36;265\million concession package that includes 15 percent pay cuts,\the union said on Friday.

Northwest Pilots OK  #36;265 Mln Concession (Reuters)


The Labor Department report offered some political relief to the White House but only tepid signs of a rebound in employment.

144,000 Jobs Were Added in August, a Bit of an Uptick


Tony Blair says the government would respond

Blair pledges over Bigley captors


AFP - China's Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that a deadly strain of bird flu was found in pigs last year, the Xinhua news agency reported.

China confirms bird flu found in pigs last year (AFP)


Immucor Inc. on Tuesday said president and chief executive Gioacchino De Chirico will step aside as CEO while the company investigates a criminal probe into De Chirico and an Italian subsidiary.

Immucor CEO Is Subject of Criminal Probe


On Tuesday of this week the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) got off to a great start after Paul Otellini took the stage and officially kicked off the Fall 2004 forum.

IDF 2004: Day 1 Coverage


It may be beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but Rich Forney is worried it sure won #39;t sound like it. Forney, administrator of the Salvation Army #39;s Lawrence operations, said the nonprofit #39;s annual bell

Bell-ringer shortage could take toll


Top Palestinian political faction Fatah is to hold its first internal elections for 16 years next August.

Vital polls for Palestinian party


The soaring cost of oil hits global economic growth, although recovery is not a distant prospect, according to the OECD.

Soaring oil 'hits world economy'


St George Bank, Australia #39;s fifth-largest, says annual net profit rose 18 per cent to A\$717 million (\$782 million) on stronger housing and business lending and it forecasts double-digit

St George profit \$782m


NEW YORK (AFP) - Global crude prices fell, capping a 13-percent, three-day plunge triggered by news of an unexpectedly sharp gain in US petroloeum stockpiles.

World oil prices slip, capping sharp weekly decline


SECAUCUS, NJ Disney has a deal to sell its retail chain in North America to Children #39;s Place. The long-sought agreement includes a licensing pact allowing Children #39;s Place to operate the 313 stores under the Disney Store brand name.

Disney finds buyer of retail chain


Joe Randa ties a major-league record with six runs scored as the Kansas City Royals break a club record for runs in a 26-5 rout of the Detroit Tigers in the first game of a doubleheader on Thursday.

Royals Erupt for 26 Runs


AFP - On one side is Sydney Harbour Bridge, on the other Sydney Opera House and the relaxed faces give little indication that this area is probably Australia's prime terrorist target.

Terrorist attacks abroad fail to dent Australia's sense of security (AFP)


TOKYO - Japan's Justice Ministry rejected former chess champion Bobby Fischer's demand for protection as a political refugee on Tuesday and issued an order to deport him.    Fischer, in custody since he was detained by Japanese airport authorities on July 13 with an invalid U.S...

Japan Rejects Fischer's Refugee Bid


Near the back of its football media guide, the Atlantic Coast Conference lists 71  quot;procedures quot; for determining its Bowl Championship Series representative in case of a tie atop the final league standings.

Another road test for  #39;Noles


Last week, I received an e-mail that read Steve Jobs, Bono and The Edge invite you to attend a special event. (Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton were indifferent about my attendance, I guess

Socks, Photos, and Rock n Roll


DUBLIN The United States backs a strong dollar, US Treasury Secretary John Snow reiterated Monday. But he added that it was up to the market to determine exchange rates based on economic fundamentals, leading

US backs  #39;strong dollar #39;


AP - Democrats criticized President Bush's record on national security and military matters Monday, seizing on the president's comment that he doesn't think the fight against terrorism can be won.

Democrats Decry Bush Comments on Terror (AP)


AP - A stream of red tracer bullets cut through the night sky amid a hail of celebratory gunfire as Iraqis, exhausted from war and unending violence, celebrated their national soccer team's startling 1-0 victory over Australia in the Olympic quarterfinal.

Iraq Celebrates Surprise Win in Olympics (AP)


Hawaiian Airlines has wrestled a lease agreement from Boeing Capital Corp., after nearly two years of negotiations, adding a vital link in the chain of events as it attempts to get out of bankruptcy by the end of this year.

Hawaiian secures critical lease agreement with Boeing


Chechen rebels are offering a \$20 million reward for the capture of Russian President Vladimir Putin. A Chechen separatist web site posted the offer of a bounty Thursday, a day after Russia offered \$10 million

Chechen Rebels Offer \$20 Million Reward for Putin


Former Motherwell manager Billy Davies was appointed Preston #39;s full-time boss Monday after taking over the club last month on an interim basis.

Davies appointed Preston manager


Oh, those wacky Red Sox. Nothing like a little levity to take the edge off a playoff race. That #39;s why Terry Francona #39;s merry pranksters last night let Manny Ramirez lead the charge out of the dugout in the ...

Last laugh


AP - Leaders representing over 100 million Christians, Muslims and Jews urged Secretary-General Kofi Annan to report the number of deaths and rapes in Sudan's Darfur region daily to highlight what they say is genocide.

Annan Urged to Report Sudan Deaths Daily (AP)


ATLANTA - Coca-Cola Co. will damp growth prospects for next year and outline plans to increase  quot;marketing and innovation expenses quot; by as much as \$400 million on an annual basis when management speaks to analysts and investors later Thursday.

Coca-Cola Revises Financial Targets


The fossil of a sea reptile with a neck twice as long as its body is solving the mystery of how some ancient reptiles used their long appendages.

Ancient Sea Reptile Explains Long Neck


D.C. United, riding a season-high two-game win streak, will try to hand the Crew its first loss in three months as it visits Columbus.

Mixed Bag for United


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - The federal parties have struck a deal for a new process to overhaul in the way Supreme Court justices are selected, NDP Leader Jack Layton said Monday.

Federal parties strike deal on overhauling Supreme Court nominations (Canadian Press)


AP - U.N. mission officials in Sudan said Friday they hope an expanded African force will be on the ground in Darfur by the end of October, after Sudan's foreign minister agreed to allow in 3,500 outside troops.

Strong African Force Sought in Darfur (AP)


SanDisk this week announced a series of CF (CompactFlash) cards that double the read and write speeds of its fastest flash cards available today, as well as an 8GB version of its Ultra II CF Type 1 flash memory card.

SanDisk flashes new memory cards


OCTOBER 20, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - IBM has become the latest company to join the Liberty Alliance, a global consortium aimed at developing standards for managing user identities.

Liberty Alliance holdout IBM ends resistance and joins


UNI Southampton Sept 17: Rain interrupted a gripping contest between England and Sri Lanka in the Group D league match at the ICC Champions Trophy at the Rose Bowl here today.

Rain takes England-Lanka tie into second day


SpaceShipOne #39;s successful flights did more than win \$10 million - they proved to the world that space is open for all humanity.

And the winner is  SpaceShipOne


The arrest last month of Neameh Qayssamani, a newly elected member of the municipal council in Lebanon, and dozens of other men in the Chouf Mountains recalled a fearful time most people believed had passed forever.

Sectarian Tensions Simmer in Lebanon


It signals the possibility of peace in the Middle East, they said, with the appointment of a new leader to replace the 75-year-old head of the PLO.

Local Muslims reflect on Palestine and peace


SEATTLE Oct. 2, 2004 - No. 258 for Ichiro Suzuki was like so many others, a little ground ball up the middle. Only this one made history, a hit cheered  #39;round the world.

Ichiro Breaks Sisler #39;s Season Hits Record


PHNOM PENH - Cambodia #39;s legislature agreed Monday to prosecute former Khmer Rouge leaders for their role in the deaths of nearly two million people in the late 1970s.

Cambodia approves Khmer Rouge trial


Two of tennis #39;s strongest personalities have officially parted ways, as Andy Roddick and his high-profile coach, Brad Gilbert, announced that they had stopped working together by way of their own web sites and then made no further commen.

Tennis: After mixed year, Roddick drops his coach


Hewlett-Packard will stop selling workstations equipped with Intel #39;s 64-bit Itanium processors. HP said its workstation customers want chips that are more compatible with 32-bit software, like Intel #39;s Xeon and the AMD Opteron.

HP Cuts Itanium-Based Workstations


HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros will try to set a franchise record for consecutive home wins and inch closer to the National League wild card lead when they wrap up a three-game set with the St.

St. Louis at Houston, 8:05 PM


IBM (Quote, Chart) is donating software for speech-enabled applications to the open source community, a move supported by more than 20 speech vendors and platform companies, including communications systems player Avaya (Quote, Chart).

IBM Donates Voice Code to Apache


JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesians began voting on Monday in a  landmark election expected to remove President Megawati  Sukarnoputri and install an ex-general who has vowed firmer  leadership in fighting terror and boosting the economy.

Indonesians Begin Voting in Landmark Election


OSLO (dpa) - Two pilots and a passenger on a Kato Air flight to Bodo airport in northern Norway were attacked and injured by an axe-wielding passenger Wednesday, reports said.

Axe-wielding man attacks pilots


On February 9 the US will open the final round of World Cup qualifying in Trinidad  amp; Tobago after the draw was announced Tuesday morning by FIFA.

Hex draw announced


Nortel Networks, one of the world #39;s biggest telecommunications gear makers, has again delayed filing its restated financial results mainly because of revenue reporting issues, the company said Thursday.

Nortel delays filing for fourth time


AP - Crystal Robinson scored a season-high 22 points and paced a 12-0 run that helped the New York Liberty gain a playoff berth in the WNBA with a 69-66 victory Friday night over the Connecticut Sun.

Liberty Beats Sun 69-66 to Reach Playoffs (AP)


It was hard to imagine the situation getting worse for the Giants defense in the aftermath of the Eagles torching it with 330 passing yards, but the news that

Giants Lose Stoutmire for Season With Injury


HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall University Director of Athletics Bob Marcum announced Tuesday that Marshall University has accepted an invitation to play the University of Cincinnati in the PlainsCapital Fort

Marshall Accepts Invitation to the PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl


The Phillies have reportedly settled on former Indians manager Charlie Manuel to become the team #39;s 50th skipper, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on its Web site Wednesday night.

Report: Manuel to helm Phillies


Forbes.com - Craig Murphy has had enough. As chief technology officer at Sabre Holdings, which runs the world's largest airfare and ticketing network, Murphy has spent millions of dollars on database and other software from companies like Oracle. But last year, when Sabre was building a new computer system for online shoppers, Murphy took a flyer on a database program from a little-known company in Sweden that charges only  #36;495 per server computer, versus a  #36;160,000 list price for Oracle. Guess what? The Swedish stuff works great. ...

Cheapware (Forbes.com)


Reuters - Rwandan troops were airlifted on Sunday\to Sudan's Darfur as the first foreign force there, mandated to\protect observers monitoring a cease-fire between the Sudanese\government and rebels in the troubled western region.

Rwanda Troops Airlifted to Start AU Mission in Darfur (Reuters)


AP - U.N. and U.S. officials accused rebels Wednesday of sparking the latest violence in Sudan's troubled Darfur region, actions that violated a cease-fire deal and prevented aid from reaching thousands of refugees.

U.S., U.N. Blame Rebels for Sudan Strife (AP)


Nortel Networks will lay off about 1,400 employees in the US and about 950 in Canada, with those employees to be notified by the end of June 2005.

Nortel to lay off 3,250 staff worldwide


ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat has resigned from his office and the federal cabinet has also been dissolved. The national assembly will elect the leader of the house on Friday while the new prime minister will take oath on Saturday.

PM Shujaat tenders resignation, federal cabinet dissolved


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -

EA Video Game 'Madden' Tops 1.3 Million First Week


Both Nebraska Sens. Ben Nelson and Chuck Hagel said Thursday they will continue to work with state producers and bankers following an announcement Thursday by the Omaha-based Farm Credit Services

FCSA board terminates Rabobank deal


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Athletic shoe and apparel maker Reebok  International Ltd. <A HREF=

Reebok Posts Higher Earnings, Stock Up


AP - It was billionaire Paul Allen's  #36;20 million that allowed Burt Rutan to build SpaceShipOne, the first privately financed manned rocket to reach space.

Space Tourism Seeking Public Investors (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Bush administration is  considering tightening U.S. economic sanctions on Syria to put  pressure on Damascus to pull its troops out of Lebanon and  crack down on terrorism, administration officials said on  Friday.

Bush Considering Tougher Syria Sanctions-Officials


TOKYO : Production at Bridgestone #39;s biggest tire plant in Japan remained suspended a day after a fire broke out at a rubber refining facility, a company spokesman said.

Fire stops production at Bridgestone #39;s biggest tire plant in Japan


South Korea have appealed to sport #39;s supreme legal body in an attempt to award Yang Tae-young the Olympic gymnastics all-round gold medal after a scoring error robbed him of the title in Athens.

S Korea lodge appeal in Hamm medal row


An executive order issued Friday night creates an agency to safeguard privacy and civil rights laws, but critics see problems with the apointees and the apparent lack of power. By Ryan Singel.

Bush Forms Civil Liberties Board


A gripping game between Arsenal and Chelsea ends with the honours finishing even at Highbury.

Arsenal hold Chelsea


Andre Agassi won his quarterfinal match at the Stockholm Open Friday, but US Open semifinalist Joachim Johansson was forced to retire.

Agassi reaches Stockholm semis


For years, geologists and devoted amateurs have lobbied for a regional trail dedicated to ice-age floods. At last, their efforts may pay off.

Ice Age Floodwaters Leave a Walkable Trail Across the Northwest


Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back on Tuesday and is expected to be ready for spring training.

Brewers Ace Ben Sheets Has Back Surgery


Q. I am 50 years old, employed at a good job, and have about \$2 million of investments, of which \$1.1 million is in cash equivalents. I have two kids, one of whom has \$150,000 in a Uniform Transfers to Minors account; the other has \$15,000. I am completely lost in terms of what to do. I have always been ...

For long term, consider bonds over cash


PATTANI - Thailand #39;s Government faced withering criticism after nearly 80 Muslims suffocated to death while in Army custody, with one newspaper blaming the tragedy on the Prime Minister #39;s  quot;flawed quot; leadership.

Thai Prime Minister admits army made mistakes


Reuters - Andhra Pradesh plans to send hundreds of farmers to east Africa to cultivate farmland in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, officials said on Thursday.

Andhra Pradesh to export farmers to East Africa (Reuters)


In the days when Britain was being forced to give up one colony after another, the phrase  quot;father of the nation quot; was much in vogue.

A tragedy and an opportunity


Reuters - Results on tests for soybean rust on\Monday were expected to confirm the fungus has spread to three\more Louisiana fields and one in Mississippi, an industry\official familiar with the investigation told Reuters.

USDA Tests Will Confirm Soy Rust Spread-Source (Reuters)


Google Froogle Adds Product Reviews\\Almost at the end of the Holiday online shopping season (unless you're going overnight delivery) Google has broken the mold of their Froogle shopping comparison search engine (not the Jello mold, but the Beta mold) and added 3rd Party product reviews.\\Google said that the product reviews ...

Google Froogle Adds Product Reviews


With just six business days remaining in the current calendar quarter, it's easy to spot the investors holding lots of technology stocks. They're the ones holding their breath.

EMC holds its breath


The president was in New Hampshire, the only state in the Northeast that he carried in 2000, while his Democratic challenger was in Florida.

Bush and Kerry Offer Competing Visions of the Future


ATHENS : Greek sprinters Kostadinos Kenteris and Ekaterini Thanou are to be investigated by the world governing body of athletics and face being charged with a doping offence, it was announced.

Olympics: Kenteris and Thanou to be investigated by athletics <b>...</b>


This column gets results. A few months ago I suggested that Internet users would do well to give up on Microsoft Corp.'s buggy and insecure Internet Explorer browser and check out some well-crafted alternatives. And so you have, in a big way.

Firefox helping to make Web better for all


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Manchester United #39;s title challenge would be strengthened by the signing of England striker Wayne Rooney.

Rooney signing could influence title race - Wenger


It is a licensed file-sharing service with almost an unlimited selection of tracks that will give record labels a degree of control over file-sharing.

Napster Founder Heads In New Direction


HP plans to add virus-throttling technology to ProLiant servers and ProCurve switches starting in early 2005. Virus Throttler technology slows the spread of a virus or worm within an infected server to give  administrators time to act.

HP to release Virus Throttler for Windows in 2005


Lakshmi Mittal, the steel tycoon, announced a deal to form a \$21bn (11bn) giant of the industry yesterday, dubbed the  quot;first super-major quot; the sector has seen.

Mittal is world #39;s undisputed king of steel after \$21bn merger deal


WASHINGTON - The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has filed 762 new lawsuits against alleged file-traders using P-to-P (peer-to-peer) services, with the total number of lawsuits filed since September 2003 now reaching more than 5,500.

RIAA files 762 new file-trading lawsuits


BRUSSELS (DPA): European Union trade chief Pascal Lamy heads off to Jakarta for a meeting with economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday, EU officials said on Thursday.

Lamy to reassure ASEAN on EU expansion


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks looked to open higher on  Friday, as the fourth quarter begins on Wall Street with oil  prices holding below \$50 a barrel.

Stocks Seen Higher; Oil Prices Slipping


As the group's Arab core is captured or killed, a new generation of Pakistanis fills the void.

Next wave of Al Qaeda leadership


The US Senate, after a weekend of behind-the-scenes negotiations, struck a deal to allow passage of a sweeping bill to provide \$136 billion (?110 billion) in corporate

9:31 am: Senate reaches agreement to allow votes on corporate tax <b>...</b>


Ottawa -- Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell is meeting with his US counterpart today in New York to lobby for an end to the costly mad-cow crisis, which began 15 months ago with the discovery of single case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy on a ranch

Agriculture Minister to lobby US on BSE


Millions of volunteers led by emergency teams fanned out across Thailand today in a new drive to fight bird flu after the prime minister gave officials 30 days to eradicate the epidemic.

Millions Join to Fight Bird Flu in Thailand


AP - At a menorah-lighting ceremony Thursday on the third night of Hanukkah, President Bush prayed for the safety and quick return of U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq.

President Prays at Menorah Lighting (AP)


Its future at stake, Italy #39;s flagship air carrier Alitalia said Monday it plans to cut 5,000 jobs - almost a fourth of its workforce - as part of restructuring efforts aimed at averting collapse.

Update 4: Alitalia Reportedly to Cut 5,000 Jobs


Iraqi insurgents are targeting fellow Iraqis serving as police or national guardsmen and their families, the New York Times reported Tuesday.

Iraqi police, troops under insurgent fire


Michael Vaughan stars as England crush Australia to reach the ICC Champions Trophy final.

Cricket: England stun Aussies


AP - A car bomb exploded near a police station in the Iraqi capital early Tuesday, killing at least 27 people and wounding dozens, officials said.

Car Bomb Blast Kills 27 in Iraq (AP)


SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Reuters) - The stars of the video  game industry came out in force on Tuesday night to honor their  peers for creative excellence -- taking a page from the  Hollywood playbook with red carpets, glittering gems and a live  nationwide broadcast.

Video Games Go Hollywood at Live Awards Show


CHICAGO -- The Montreal Expos and Florida Marlins will play games Monday and Tuesday at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the White Sox, after the Marlins were forced to adjust their schedule for the second time this month because of a hurricane.

Marlins set to 'host' Montreal in Chicago


The claimed execution of Anglo-Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan makes relief efforts almost impossible to carry out in Iraq, the EU said today.

Hassan Execution Make Relief Work Almost Impossible Says EU


Ask Jeeves, the third-biggest US Web search provider, has unveiled MyJeeves, a new product that helps users personalise their Internet searches.

Ask Jeeves personalises Web searches


Iranian President Mohammad Khatami reiterated on Saturday that Iran would never seek nuclear weapons but was determined to develop peaceful nuclear technology, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Iran vows to develop peaceful nuclear technology


A Royal Navy non-commissioned officer from Edinburgh has become the first registered Satanist in the British Armed Forces, it has emerged.

Navy man registers as Satanist


The most remarkable characteristic of Notre Dame #39;s 27-9 victory over Navy was the utter unremarkability of it. Dog bites man. Hare beats tortoise.

Irish no longer under contruction


MOSCOW (Reuters) - At least five miners were killed and 14  injured in a blast in a coal mine in Russia's Siberia, the  Emergencies Ministry said on Thursday.

At Least Five Dead in Russia Mine Blast


Officials in charge of the existing international tsunami warning system, have taken an initial step to broaden the network to the Indian Ocean and other possible trouble spots.

Tsunami Group Will Expand Its Network


Earnings at News Corp., the media conglomerate run by Rupert Murdoch, rose 27 percent in the latest quarter on stronger results from broadcast television, cable networks and newspapers, the company reported Wednesday.

TV Drives Up News Corp. Earnings


AFP - The Pentagon, which invented the precursor to the Internet 40 years ago, has laid the first connections for a secure, wireless information network that proponents say will fundamentally transform warfare, a US newspaper reported.

US to build wireless network for future warfare (AFP)


David Beckham #39;s remarkable goal in England #39;s 2-0 victory over Wales has been overshadowed by the controversy over whether he picked up a second yellow card on purpose.

ON SOCCER Beckham apologizes for intentional foul


Google Inc. has bought digital map maker Keyhole Corp., extending the search engine leader #39;s bid to fend off rivals with a toolbox that can catalog almost anything in the world.

Google buys digital mapping company


By Ed Edelson, HealthDay Reporter    HealthDayNews -- Japanese researchers say they have turned cells from the mouth into eye cells that have successfully been implanted in four patients to repair damage to the delicate outer layer of the cornea.    American ophthalmologists described the work as an impressive achievement in basic science, but one that needs much more investigation before it can be applied to treatment of patients when the outermost layer of the cornea is damaged by corrosive chemicals, fire or medical disorders...

Mouth Cells Coaxed to Repair Eye Damage


BEIJING : Thirty-three miners were confirmed dead and 61 others were missing after a fire at five iron ore mines in northern China.

Thirty-three dead, 61 missing after fire in five Chinese mines


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Teen-ager Maria Sharapova capped  her stunning year by overcoming an injured Serena Williams,  4-6, 6-2, 6-4, in the final of the season-ending WTA Tour  Championships Monday.

Sharapova Sinks Serena in Thrilling Final


KIEV (Reuters) - International mediators will step up  efforts Wednesday to resolve Ukraine's 10-day-old crisis over a  disputed presidential election after the collapse of talks  between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions.

International Mediators Try to End Ukraine Crisis


AP - One-third of the bottle-nose dolphins swimming off Israel's Mediterranean coast are too thin, apparently due to a lack of food from overfishing, researcher said Tuesday.

Study Says Dolphins Are Too Thin (AP)


In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the growing economy, Microsoft, the world #39;s largest software company inaugurated its new campus at Manikonda, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

Microsoft to go on Hiring Spree


The National Space Society today hailed Congress on its foresight to fully fund the NASA budget for FY2005. The budget, which allocates \$16.2 billion to the agency, means that NASA will be full speed ahead

NSS hails NASA budget for 2005 - Agency must now prove that it is <b>...</b>


LOS ANGELES -- The recording industry filed copyright infringement lawsuits against 761 computer users in the latest round of litigation in the record companies #39; effort to stamp out unauthorized trading of music online.

Recording Companies Sue 761 More Computer Users


Microsoft has announced a one month  quot;amnesty quot; of sorts for possessors of possible counterfeit copies of the Windows XP operating system.

Microsoft offers XP counterfeit  #39;amnesty #39; in hopes of chasing down <b>...</b>


US marines come under sustained attack from several directions in their makeshift HQ in the Iraqi city of Falluja.

Falluja troops under heavy fire


ATHENS -- The two best 10,000-meter runners in history, two slender athletes from an impoverished country, met on the greatest stage of them all last night to decide if the new truly had surpassed the old.

Distant memory in 10,000


AFP - The best of times, or the worst of times. The US economy is the strongest in years, or is mired in the deepest employment crisis in decades.

US economic outlook depends on where you stand (AFP)


Australia #39;s Rod Pampling recovered from a shaky start to Saturday #39;s third round of the centenary Australian Open to retain the outright lead going into the final day.

Pampling clings to lead at Australian Open


The trade deficit in October grew larger than analysts had expected despite the recent decline of the dollar against major currencies.

Trade Deficit Hits Record in October; November Output Up


FALLUJAH, Iraq - US air raids destroyed two buildings said to belong to top militant Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi in the restive Iraqi city of Fallujah on Wednesday where residents claimed a family of six were killed.

US air strikes hit Fallujah, locals claim family of six dead


While this weekend #39;s Major League Baseball meetings in Anaheim, Calif., will probably be dominated by talk of steroids and big player moves, Las Vegas #39; mayor hopes to grab some attention Saturday

Goodman warms up to pitch city to owners


Pepsi Bottling Group Inc., the world #39;s largest distributor of PepsiCo Inc. beverages, said third- quarter earnings rose 4.4 percent on new Tropicana juice drinks and sales in Europe.

Pepsi Bottling 3rd-Qtr Profit Rises 4.4 on Juices (Update2)


One Palestinian was killed and three others were seriously injured when an Israeli helicopter fired a missile at a group of people in the Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip early Friday morning.

Palestinian killed as Israeli army redeploys in Northern Gaza <b>...</b>


Reuters - Four U.S. troops serving on an elite\special operations task force have been disciplined for abusing\prisoners in Iraq, including unauthorized use of Taser\electric-shock weapons, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.

US Special Forces Punished for Iraq Prisoner Abuse (Reuters)


General Motors has a new pitch for car shoppers to coincide with an expected rate hike Wednesday from the Federal Reserve. GM #39;s program, called  quot;Lock  #39;n #39; Roll, quot; will give shoppers who buy a

Buy a GM Car at 0 Now, Get the Same Deal in 5 Years


Hurricane Jeanne reaches the US state of Florida, just hours after battering the Bahamas.

Hurricane Jeanne pounds Florida


The hand tool manufacturer beats estimates, but internal growth can't match competition.

Snap-On Ratchets Down Expectations


Dell (DELL) said Tuesday that it would build a US manufacturing plant in North Carolina, employing at least 1,500 people within five years.

Dell picks NC for third US plant


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- SEI Investments (SEIC) on Tuesday reported third-quarter net income of \$45.4 million, or 43 cents per share, up from \$35.

SEI Investments beats Q3 target by 6 cents per share


Scientists hope to build a giant pinhole camera in space to spot planets orbiting distant stars. The New Worlds Imager would be the size of a football field with a 30ft wide hole in the centre.

NASA Hopes to Build  #39;Giant Pinhole Camera #39;


Keith Miller, who died yesterday in Melbourne at the age of 84, was the most charismatic Australian cricketer of his generation, with film-star looks and talent to envy.

Miller,  #39;invincible #39; who defied Messerschmitts, dies in Melbourne <b>...</b>


Havana, Oct 28 (AIN) For the 13th consecutive time, the United Nations General Assembly voted Thursday for the lifting of the US economic, financial and commercial blockade against Cuba.

UN Votes Again for the Lifting of US Economic Blockade Against <b>...</b>


Newly signed New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez leveled criticism of former Boston Red Sox teammate Curt Schilling, telling the Boston Herald he #39;s much better and that Schilling was off-base when talking about Martinez #39;s workout regimen.

Martinez blasts ex-teammate Schilling


COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Courtney Lewis scored on a 25-yard run on the first play of overtime and Melvin Bullitt swatted away Sonny Cumbie's fourth-down pass in the end zone, sending No. 22 Texas A amp;M to a thrilling 32-25 win over Texas Tech yesterday.

Aggies won't be outgunned


SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore yesterday announced a partial relaxation of rules on political expression but warned that race and religion will remain sensitive issues subject to restrictions.

Lee eases curbs on political expression


Amid widespread media reports that he has accepted the job as head football coach at the University of Florida, Utah #39;s Urban Meyer was at his home Friday afternoon in Sandy, a suburb of Salt Lake City.

Reports say Meyer is gone


Fifty victims of the Beslan school siege remain in a serious condition in Moscow hospitals.

Many Beslan victims gravely ill


SEOUL (Reuters) - A huge explosion rocked an area in North  Korea near the border with China three days ago and the  accident appears to be much worse than a train blast that  killed at least 170 people in April, Yonhap news agency  reported on Sunday.

Big Explosion Reported in N.Korea


But first, two of the hottest teams in the majors get a chance to feel each other out for three games at Network Associates Coliseum.

Playoff preview? Hot Red Sox, A #39;s meet


BEIJING : Chinese President Hu Jintao was named Sunday to replace elderly leader Jiang Zemin as head of China #39;s powerful Central Military Commission, state press said.

Hu takes over China #39;s top military job from ageing Jiang


Turkey #39;s EU entry should be good news if well managed, although Ankara may have to wait until  quot;well into the next decade quot; to join, according to a European Commission study seen by AFP Thursday.

EU study upbeat on Turkish hopes, warns may take time


Nokia and Microsoft both announced new ventures in India on Wednesday, underscoring the country #39;s increasing allure for high-technology companies.

Nokia and Microsoft bet on India


Atari first with game that takes advantage of features such as more realistic graphics. But OS to run it won't appear till 2005.

First game for AMD 64-bit chip emerges


WASHINGTON (AFP) - US jobless claims rose in the past week, with Hurricane Ivan a major factor, the Labor Department reported. The number of claims rose 14,000 to 350,000 in the week to September 18.

US Weekly Jobless Claims Climb 14,000 To 350,000


MacCentral - Netflix Inc. and TiVo Inc. have signed an agreement to let TiVo subscribers access Netflix's library of movies over broadband Internet connections, the two companies announced Thursday.

Netflix, TiVo team up on broadband movies to the home (MacCentral)


Sony BMG Music Entertainment and online peer-to-peer software distributor Grokster are working on a new venture that is expected to offer paid and free song downloads over the Internet, sources say.

Sources: Sony Eyes File-Sharing Venture


hopeful

US forces in Afghanistan


HONG KONG - She needs to be coddled with sweet talk and pampered with gifts, but you'll never see her in the flesh. A Hong Kong company has developed a

'Virtual Girlfriend' Demands Gifts


The Bahamas and Florida are readying themselves for the latest savage hurricane to hit the region.

Bahamas put on hurricane warning


Madison, MS (Sports Network) - Fred Funk fashioned an eight-under 64 on Saturday to grab a one-stroke lead through three rounds of the Southern Farm Bureau Classic.

Funk leads Southern Farm by one


AP - Rookie Gabe Gross hit his first career grand slam and Russ Adams hit his first major league home run, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a 13-5 rout over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday.

Blue Jays Rout AL West Leading A's, 13-5 (AP)


BUENOS AIRES, Sep 17 (SW) - The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has revealed their new national team coach to be Jos Pekerman.

Pekerman revealed as Argentina coach


Worldwide external controller-based disc storage revenue totalled \$3.2bn (1.8bn) in the second quarter, up 5.1 from the \$3.1bn recorded in the same period last year.

Second quarter sees rise in storage revenue


With rain forecast for Saturday, Friday needed to be a solid, hard-working opening day at Spa; Fernando finished ninth fastest, with Jarno sixteenth.

Belgian Grand Prix, Friday


Two of the biggest games of the season are on this weekend #39;s SEC slate. Unbeaten Auburn visits unbeaten Tennessee and defending national champ LSU visits unbeaten Georgia.

IT Analysts Pick Key Contests


Companies to create real-time, rich-media collaboration for Windows Messenger users and later for Office Live Meeting users.

Microsoft, Polycom work on collaboration apps


MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings  star receiver Randy Moss suffered a hamstring injury during  Sunday's win over New Orleans and his status for this weekend's  game versus Tennessee is unknown.

Randy Moss' Status Unknown for Sunday


Booming sales of server and mobile-computing microprocessors push third-quarter revenue and net income beyond earlier guidance. By Darrell Dunn.

Intel Reports 3Q Sales, Earnings Gains


It is one of the world #39;s oldest questions: Why did the chicken cross the road? It might seem like a  #39;poultry #39; subject to weigh on the minds of hundreds of scientists, but research published yesterday has brought us a little closer to the answer.

Ah, the whiff of a very old yolk


The X-43A aircraft flew at a speed of around Mach 9.6 - nearly ten times the speed of sound - after a booster rocket took it to around 110,000 feet and then separated.

Nasa jet smashes world speed record


David Blunkett repays Parliament for a train ticket he gave to his ex-lover  and apologises for a

Blunkett repays lover's rail fare


First-year University of Florida President Bernie Machen has his hands on a lot of things. Becoming intimately involved in the details of hiring a football coach is no more unusual to him than gripping the

Ready to lead a Gator nation


Amateur hurricane-busters have come up with any number of crackpot ideas to spare Florida from ferocious storms. Among them: blowing hurricanes away with giant fans or blowing them up with nuclear warheads.

Groups Work on Various Schemes to Stop Hurricanes


Londons main equity market opened in positive territory on Friday on a quiet day for corporate newsflow. On the senior index, gains from Bunzl, which confirmed it expected full-year results

London higher as Bunzl confirms targets


Looksmart has thrown its hat into the 'personal web' ring, with the acquisition of Furl.net, a web page clipping and archiving service.

Looksmart Acquires Furl.net


The holiday shopping season is set to be a shoot- #39;em-up round in the video game industry, as its top players Nintendo and Sony go head to head by launching new and advanced hand held machines.

Sony, Nintendo go head to head with Christmas games


AFP - Supporters of fox hunting stormed Britain's parliament and clashed with police in the streets, but failed to stop lawmakers from voting by an overwhelming margin to ban the blood sport.

Protesters storm British parliament, but fox hunt ban proceeds (AFP)


China #39;s largest personal computer maker, Lenovo Group Ltd., said on Tuesday it was in acquisition talks with a major technology company, which a source familiar with the situation said was IBM.

Lenovo Confirms Acquisition Talks


Baghdad #39;s most notorious prisoner, Saddam Hussein, does not have much to do most days. His one court appearance in 10 months has come and gone.

Saddam clung to his fantasies


JC Penney Co. said Friday that Vanessa Castagna - chairman and chief executive of the clothing retailer #39;s stores, catalog, and Internet operations - is leaving the company when her contract expires on Sunday.

JC Penney #39;s Castagna to Leave Company


washingtonpost.com - If you're an avid instant messenger, you probably know what I mean:

Instant Messaging Is Growing Up, Going to Work (washingtonpost.com)


The euro #39;s growing strength against the US dollar is  quot;unwelcome, quot; the European Central Bank chief said Monday as the 12-nation European currency hovered just below a record high.

Update 2: Euro #39;s Eclipse of Dollar Is  #39;Unwelcome #39;


Charles Schwab Corp. said Tuesday it has agreed to pay a fine of \$350,000 related to the processing of certain mutual fund orders.

Charles Schwab fined \$350,000


The EU iTunes Music Store retains the same features and per-song price of 99 euro cents, established in June for customers in UK, Germany and France.

Apple Extends iTunes to Europe


Minnesota Vikings receiver Randy Moss might miss a game for the first time in his NFL career because of a strained right hamstring that hasn #39;t gotten worse but isn #39;t getting a whole lot better.

Vikings star Moss might get week off


WE HAVE to make sure that this afternoons match at home to Middlesbrough is not an example of after the Lord Mayors show, because everyone has been on such a high since our fantastic 6-2 Champions League win over Fenerbahce.

Take it as red, I #39;ll be a dragon against Utd pals


Yahoo is preparing to stake its claim to a key part of the burgeoning search engine business with a desktop search tool that makes it easier to find information on the hard drives of personal computers.

Yahoo set to launch desktop search tool


TOKYOJapanese telecommunications giant NTT DoCoMo Inc. is reportedly set to join Cingular Wireless LLC in a partnership designed to unify third-generation wireless technology, according to published reports in Japan.

Cingular reported to be close to DoCoMo partnership


The EU told China on Wednesday it was not yet ready to end its 15-year-old ban on selling it arms, but suggested the embargo could be lifted in early 2005 despite opposition from human rights groups and Washington.

EU Holds Out Prospect of End to China Arms Embargo


IBM announced Monday a \$250 million investment in RFID (radio frequency identification), an emerging technology that is being mandated by the likes of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

IBM Invests \$250M in RFID


\\Found this really cool search engine (Koders ) via ResearchBuzz: \\

Koders - Source Code Search Engine


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were lower on Wednesday  after a profit warning from Coca-Cola Co. <A HREF=

Stocks Down on Coke Warning


Mexico #39;s Cemex has helped RMC Group #39;s shareholders to salsa their way out of debt that weighed like concrete boots. Photo: Rick Stevens.

Mexican mixer sets sights on RMC concrete


roundup Plus: Oracle gives PeopleSoft shareholders more time...Cisco reports access control server flaws...Toshiba tinkers with Wi-Fi for TV.

Briefly: OSDL hires lawyer, opens China office


A four-day national strike has begun in Nigeria in protest at a 25 increase in the cost of oil. Oil executives in Nigeria said they were confident there would be no immediate disruption to exports.

Oil price strike begins in Nigeria


Yahoo COO Dan Rosenweig called the mobile effort a  quot;crucial step quot; in the development of relevant search products and said it is intended to take advantage of the growing base of its existing

Yahoo Expands Search Wars to Mobile Service


Mumbai, Sept. 24 (NNN):One of India #39;s most eminent nuclear scientists and the scientific mastermind behind the country #39;s first atomic test, Dr Raja Ramanna, passed away in Mumbai early this morning after a cardiac arrest.

Top Nuclear Scientist Raja Ramanna Is Dead


Manchester United may be stuttering in the league but in four European matches this season they have scored 13 goals and conceded only five compiling three wins and a draw.

Manchester United specials


Apple's CEO may be on sick leave, but a diminutive Steve Jobs doll is busy traveling the world like a kidnapped garden gnome, spreading the message of Mac unity. By Leander Kahney.

Is That Jobs in Your Pocket?


China Netcom Group Corp. (Hong Kong) Ltd., China #39;s second-biggest fixed-line phone company, raised \$1.14 billion in an initial public offering to expand and upgrade its telecommunications systems and pay bank loans.

China Netcom Raises \$1.14 Bln in IPO for Expansion (Update1)


Reuters - Switzerland's glaciers are melting\faster than expected, shrinking by as much as one-fifth of\their size over the 1985-2000 period alone, scientists at\Zurich University said on Monday.

Melting Swiss Glaciers Threaten Alps - Scientist (Reuters)


COMING OUT SWINGING: One of the team #39;s big problems the past two seasons was getting the guards to share the ball with 7-6 C Yao Ming.

Rockets Team Report


Google this week launched a beta test version of Google SMS, a new service that lets users of wireless devices query Google for specific information, such as business or residential phone listings, product prices, and word definitions, the company says.

Google Sends Out an SMS


Food and consumer goods giant Unilever reported a three percent rise in third-quarter net profits, but warned it was reviewing its targets until 2010.

Unilever 3Q earnings rise


Sweet Catomine overcame traffic problems on the turn for home and posted a 3-length victory in the \$1 million Breeders #39; Cup Juvenile Fillies on Saturday.

Sweet Catomine takes BC Juvenile Fillies


South-east Asian govern-ments yesterday abandoned attempts to censure Burma publicly for its human rights abuses, with officials admitting in private that they

Asean abandons move to censure Burma over human rights abuses


Reuters - Dwyane Wade continued his hot\start to the 2004-05 campaign with a career-high 37 points, as\the Miami Heat improved to 3-0 on the young season with a\118-106 win over the Washington Wizards.

NBA Wrap: Heat Stay Unbeaten with Win Over Wizards (Reuters)


Salt Lake City, UT (Sports Network) - The Jazz announced Tuesday that the club will retire John Stockton #39;s No. 12 on November 22, 2004, when Utah hosts the New Orleans Hornets.

Jazz to retire Stockton #39;s number


LONDON - Uproar between government and royalty broke out throughout the corridors of power yesterday in reaction to Prince Charles #39; apparent belief that people should not rise above their station.

Ministers lash Charles


Munich, Germany (Sports Network) - Bayern Munich will be without striker Roque Santa Cruz for up to six weeks due to knee surgery.

Santa Cruz out with knee injury


FLORENCE, Ala. - Chris Hatcher was atop NCAA Division II football as a player at Valdosta State in 1994. Now, the Macon native is at its pinnacle as the Blazers #39; coach.

Hatcher, Blazers win D-II title


LONDON -- Organizations concerned with reproductive health and sex education sharply criticized the Bush administration yesterday, saying that its policies are contributing to the worldwide AIDS pandemic and the deaths of women during childbirth and from unsafe abortions.

Population parley told Bush policies hurt women


Australia #39;s former champion DavidPalmer came back from two games down to beat holder Amr Shabana ofEgypt in the quarter-finals of the World Open squash championship in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday.

Defending champion Shabana crashes out of World Open squash <b>...</b>