A tiny telescope has spotted a giant planet circling a faraway star, using a technique that could open a new phase of planetary discovery, according to scientists.

Tiny telescope spots giant planet


Japan #39;s Supreme Court has ruled that UFJ bank can pull out of a deal to sell its trust business to rival Sumitomo. The ruling removes a key obstacle to a planned merger between UFJ and Mitsubishi Financial, which would create the world #39;s biggest bank.

Japan bank mega-merger on track


The joint Nordic pavilion at theWorld Exhibition in Japan 2005 was presented on Monday at the Nordic Council #39; 56th annual Session in Stockholm.

Nordic countries join forces at EXPO 2005


Motorola Inc. #39;s shares bounced back Monday after falling sharply at the end of last week amid conflicting views on how the telecommunications equipment supplier would fare if Sprint Corp.

Motorola stock rises; company to realign businesses


Israeli air strikes killed five Palestinians in Gaza Thursday as the Palestinian death toll rose to 100 in a 16-day-old army offensive aimed at crushing militants behind rocket salvoes into Israel.

Death Toll from Israel #39;s Gaza Offensive Rises to 100


Pittsburgh head coach Walt Harris will go from the Fiesta Bowl to Stanford after accepting their head coaching position on Sunday.

Stanford Hires Harris


Former champion Lleyton Hewitt beat Karol Beck of Slovakia 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 and rolled into the US Open quarterfinals on Tuesday without dropping a set.

Hewitt in Quarterfinals at US Open


Reuters - Interest rates on U.S. 30-year\mortgages stayed under 6 percent for a third straight week,\mortgage finance company Freddie Mac said on Thursday,\remaining at their lowest averages since early April.

30-Year Mortgage Rates Lowest Since April (Reuters)


New orders for US-made durable goods increased 0.2pc in September, held back by a big drop in orders for transportation goods, the US Commerce Department said today.

US Sept durable goods sales rise


Microsoft says the scripting platform, called Shell, is not final.

Longhorn Component to Spur Old-School Viruses?


AP - The fans' constant chants for Patrick Ramsey were a source of locker room humor among the Washington Redskins over the last few weeks, including one running gag involving Ramsey's wife.

Redskins Audition Ramsey As Offense Chief (AP)


Energy utility TXU Corp. on Monday more than quadrupled its quarterly dividend payment and raised its projected earnings for 2004 and 2005 after a companywide performance review.

TXU Raises Dividend, Yearly Forecasts


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

Wireless Companies Chat Up Teens, Young Adults (Reuters)


AP - Few people took notice when Sony Electronics Inc. opened a tiny storefront last year here at South Coast Plaza, a swanky mall south of Los Angeles. As it turns out, the small store would represent a big change in how Sony sells its televisions, DVD players and other gear.

Sony to Open More Stores, Worrying Others (AP)


AP - Third quarter profits at Texas Instruments Inc. grew by  #36;116 million from a year ago due to rising demand for its chips used in high-end mobile phones and digital light processing systems for big-screen televisions.

Texas Instruments Posts Higher 3Q Profits (AP)


IBM announced that it will begin shipping its new eServer 326 server to its enterprise clients starting next week. This server will be an upgrade from the company #39;s previously released eServer 325 model.

IBM eServer to support Dual-Core processors


By BRUCE MEYERSON    NEW YORK (AP) -- A top networking gear producer plans to offer a speedy new cellular technology that's an alternative to DSL and cable Internet access with the added advantage of being available on the road.    NetGear Inc...

Modem to Connect With Speedy Cellular Technology


Williams and BAR-Honda were at each others #39; throats yesterday over the services of Anthony Davidson barely two months after their row over Jenson Button was resolved in BAR #39;s favour by the FIA contracts #39; recognition board.

BAR prevent Davidson #39;s test switch


The Pentagon is to withhold a proportion of payments to US firm Halliburton which supplies meals to US troops in Iraq.

US to withhold Halliburton money


German business sentiment dipped in August amid concerns over the strength of the country #39;s economic recovery, a closely watched survey showed Thursday.

Update 1: German Business Sentiment Dips in August


It took only a couple of plays for Derrick Johnson to make his first huge hit as a Texas Longhorn. The freshman from Waco, fresh off the bench in a game against New Mexico State on Sept.

UT #39;s Johnson takes aim at more honors


TORONTO - Iamgold Corp. shares dipped more than 13 per cent in early trading on Monday after Harmony Gold Mining Co. launched a takeover bid for Gold Fields Inc.

Gold Fields bid for Iamgold in doubt


TAMPA  Ever since Alonzo Mourning #39;s devastating revelation of kidney illness in September 2000, the Heat has been more than aware of life without a dominant big man.

Haslem, Wade power Miami Heat


Reuters - President Bush wants Major League\Baseball management and players to come up with a tough\steroids testing program on their own and believes progress is\being made, his spokesman said on Wednesday.

Bush Wants Baseball to Work Out Steroids Problem (Reuters)


BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq #39;s landmark January polls looked set to take place as planned, although ongoing violence did nothing to alleviate the security concerns of the proponents of a delay.

Iraq elections still on target despite security concerns


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - High oil prices kept Asian stock  markets in check on Wednesday as investors fretted over the  impact of energy costs on corporate earnings, but an upbeat  outlook from Applied Materials lifted some tech issues.

Asian Shares Mixed as Oil Steady Near \$47


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hollywood dealmaker Brad Grey, an  executive producer of the hit television show

Hollywood Manager in Talks to Run Paramount


MILAN - Alitalia headed into eleventh-hour talks with unions today, a putative deadline for clinching plans to avoid bankruptcy, after winning a key deal with pilots.

Alitalia pursues rescue talks with unions


Microsoft Corp has released a patch for its latest critical rated security flaw affecting its Windows, Office and developer tools software programmes.

Microsofts spam plan rejected


Cubic Expression #39;s main objection to the Glazer family #39;s 300p-per-share bid for its 29 per cent stake in Manchester United was that the bid was not unconditional.

Glazer bid foundered on control condition


Bag it. The Blue Jays and Orioles got rained out on Tuesday night, bowing to nature #39;s demands. The game will be made up on Wednesday as part of a doubleheader, starting at 3:05 pm ET.

Notes: Rain washes out game


Reuters - U.S. Senate and House of\Representatives negotiators agreed on Wednesday on a huge\corporate tax bill that will repeal export subsidies that\violate global trade rules and give manufacturers a new tax\break.

House, Senate Agree on Corporate Tax Bill (Reuters)


Soon Japanese owners of the Nintendo DS (Dual Screen), their latest handheld console, and GameBoy Advance SP will be able to play music and video with a new adaptor on their pocket marvels.

Nintendo DS Media Adaptor soon


PHOENIX America West Airlines has backed away from a potential bidding war for bankrupt ATA Airlines, paving the way for AirTran to take over ATA operations.

AmWest passes up bid to buy bankrupt ATA assets


AP - Get ready for some more

Sen. Zell Miller to Be GOP Keynote Speaker (AP)


SALT LAKE CITY - The first solar-wind samples recovered from the crashed Genesis space capsule have been sent to researchers in California.

Samples From Genesis Craft Sent to Calif.


The update uses stronger encryption and does a better job of letting only authorised users join wireless nets. The improvements have been made to re-assure businesses that wi-fi networks can be made safe enough to be really useful and widely deployed.

Wi-fi nets get security makeover


According to a report in the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks have signed third baseman Troy Glaus to a four-year contract worth \$45 million.

Report: D #39;backs sign Glaus


washingtonpost.com - Apple Computer Inc. rolled out its latest iMac desktop computer at a convention for Mac users in Paris yesterday, a sleek model in which the processors and drives are packaged behind its 2-inch-thick monitor.

Apple Unveils Its Latest iMac, Months After Planned Debut (washingtonpost.com)


The Intel rival known for its Athlon PC and Opteron server processors announced on Tuesday plans to tap Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, a contract manufacturer, for extra chip-production capacity.

AMD turns to Chartered for help


Whether he's talking to family, friends or random people he meets out in public, Paul Hamm hears the same thing over and over: Are you going to be able to keep your Olympic gold medal?

Gold Medal Dispute Set to End Thursday


Automaker DaimlerChrysler AG and transportation company Bombardier Inc. have settled a dispute over the 2001 sale of railcar maker Adtranz, the companies said Tuesday.

DaimlerChrysler and Bombardier settle dispute over Adtranz sale


KABUL, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Three Americans standing  trial in Afghanistan Monday for imprisoning and torturing  Afghans were given a week to provide evidence, which they say  was withheld by U.S. authorities, proving that they had  official clearance.

Americans in Afghan Trial Ask FBI for Documents


A London-based Chechen rebel representative said Wednesday that Russia #39;s threats to attack terrorists around the world amount to a warning to European countries that Russian forces

Envoy Calls Russia #39;s Threats Dangerous


Palmer Johnson hopes to its former glory by introducing a sleek new motor yacht design and concentrating on building boats.

Venerable Yacht Builder Tries to Regain Sea Legs


WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Treasury Secretary John Snow said a strong dollar is the  quot;rock solid foundation quot; of US policy, but its value is best set in open currency markets.

Snow says strong dollar  quot;foundation quot; of US policy


AFP - A London-bound British Airways plane carrying 302 passengers from Phoenix, Arizona was diverted to Montreal for technical reasons, a spokesman for the airline told AFP.

BA plane makes emergency landing in Canada (AFP)


who quit as Home Secretary on Wednesday evening -fter next Mays General Election. Sources say he could return as

PM sets up Blunkett return


Court documents say Dell, Gateway, and other major PC vendors were affected.

Infineon Executives Guilty of DRAM Price-Fixing


Reuters - Palestinians began\registering candidates on Saturday for a presidential election\to replace Yasser Arafat, while officials warned the vote may\be delayed if Israel does not halt military activities.

Palestinians Register Candidates for New President (Reuters)


Any serious effort to ease America #39;s addiction to Middle East oil starts near this Alberta boomtown cut out of Canada #39;s great boreal forest.

Canada drips with oil, but it #39;s tough to get at


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Aetna Inc. <A HREF=

Aetna Posts \$1.29 Billion in Earnings


The people who call Dell Inc. #39;s customer service line often have no idea why their computers are running so slow. The ones who call America Online Inc.

Companies Scramble to Deal With Spyware


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue chips ended lower on Monday  after a disappointing sales forecast from the world's biggest  retailer, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Blue Chips End Lower, Wal-Mart Weighs


On a rollicking flight into space early Wednesday, aircraft designer Burt Rutan #39;s rocket plane completed the first half of a bid to win a \$10 million prize for the first reusable, privately built spacecraft.

Out of this world


If your on Social Security, expect fatter checks next year as benefits rise nearly \$25 a month. The government today reports more than 47 million Americans will start seeing the increase in their January checks, but some say that money wont go far.

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS BOOSTED


ONE of the seven great unsolved mysteries of mathematics may have been solved by an eccentric Russian. Grigori  #39;Grisha #39; Perelman is an expert on Ricci flow.

Long-standing Math Puzzle May Have Been Solved


It is the first rule that every aspiring pitcher learns. Without a balanced delivery, nothing works. For a right-hander, the right ankle is the foundation.

Schilling #39;s Postseason May Be Finished


NEW YORK -- Google Inc. faces serious headwinds as it prepares to launch its long-anticipated initial public offering despite a lacklustre equity market and questions about the company #39;s business plan.

Google faces bumpy IPO road, analysts say


Downloading the pirated version of Halo 2 is a disservice to an honest team of creators. October 14, 2004 - Halo 2 is the Xbox game of the year.

Countdown to Halo 2: Piracy is for Punks


Tatiana Golovin, making her Fed Cup singles debut, beat Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-3 6-3 to give under-strength champions France an early 1-0 lead in their semi-final against Spain on Wednesday.

Golovin gives Fed Cup holders France 1-0 lead


AFP - Australia signalled a new hardline approach on welfare for its Aboriginal people as it vowed to end  quot;sit-down money quot; -- generous handouts for doing little.

Australia to require Aboriginals to make agreements in return for welfare (AFP)


China's largest PC maker sees surge in profits but loses market share to multinational companies.

Lenovo revenue grows, but problems persist


There are some interesting, and telling, differences between the CNN translation of Osama bin Laden's speech, and Aljazeera's.

A Tale of Two Osamas


The Athens Olympics will cost a total of almost 10 billion euros (\$12.1 billion), more than double the original target, pushing Greece #39;s budget gap well above EU limits, finance ministry sources said on Wednesday.

Cost of Gold in Olympics: \$12.1 Bln


quot;Someday, for all countries that are entering the World Trade Organization, somebody will come and look for money owing to the rights for that intellectual property, quot; Steve Ballmer said.

Microsoft Warns of Potential Linux Suits


AP - Consumers lost a little of their enthusiasm for auto purchases last month but spent like mad in a number of other areas including clothing and gasoline, the Commerce Department reported Friday.

Retail Sales Increase, Autos Lose Luster (AP)


The Nikkei 225 average is down 0.4 percent by midday Monday as caution about the dollar #39;s weakness and the US presidential election prompts selling of exporters such as Toyota ahead of its earnings announcement.

Nikkei weakens ahead of poll


All three had huge impacts Monday in a heart-stopping 3-0 victory sending the Astros back to St. Louis with a 3-2 edge in the National League Championship Series.

Kent, Backe, Lidge offer flair to dramatic 3-0 win


American Express Co. said on Monday its quarterly earnings rose 14 percent, matching analysts #39; expectations, due to strength in the economy that spurred record card

American Express Profit Rises 14 Percent


FALLUJAH, Iraq -- US and Iraqi forces, facing sporadic but stiff resistance, advanced into the heart of Fallujah yesterday on the second day of a major offensive to wrest control of the insurgent stronghold.

Advancing forces meet sporadic resistance


Jelena Dokic ran true to the miserable form she has shown this season, falling 6-3 6-0 to Thailand #39;s Tamarine Tanasugarn in the first round of the China Open on Tuesday.

UPDATE 1-Dokic dumped out of China Open in first round


CHICAGO - At a time when restaurants typically put away their patio furniture, sweaters replace T-shirts and sailboats are plucked from the water, Midwesterners are out enjoying activities usually reserved for July and August - not weeks past Labor Day. Summer is here...

Midwest Getting Its Summer in September


The international Cassini spacecraft began unveiling Saturn #39;s mysterious sidekick Titan with a stream of increasingly sharp pictures of the surface taken during a flyby within 745 miles of the hazy moon.

Cassini Snaps Photos of Saturn #39;s Moon


SYDNEY - Lawyers for the file-swapping service Kazaa argued in an Australian court yesterday that their software is analogous to the old Betamax videocassette recorders.

Kazaa mounts Betamax defence


LAUNCHED in a fizz last summer C2, Coca-Colas low-carb, low-calorie beverage, was supposed to usher in a new era of soft drinks and hard profits at the Atlanta-based soft-drinks giant.

Cokes latest idea falls flat


Microsoft Corp. on Friday released its second Community Technology Preview of SQL Server 2005 and rolled out a new, free tool to manage SQL Server 2000 and MSDE (Microsoft Desktop Engine) 2000.

MS Rolls Out Second Interim Beta of SQL Server 2005


AP - In a seesaw campaign, President Bush has opened a lead over John Kerry in their drive to White House victory by making gains in the Midwest and solidifying his Southern base.

Bush Leads in Race to 270 Electoral Votes (AP)


LONDON (Reuters) - Wall Street was expected to open  slightly lower on Friday but United Technologies Corp. may  climb after its chief executive gave an upbeat outlook.

Wall St. Expected to Open Slightly Lower


WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - PeopleSoft Inc. rebuffed Oracle Corp. #39;s latest hostile takeover bid, vowing to fight the \$9.2 billion offer even if a majority of shareholders supported it.

PeopleSoft rejects takeover bid again


WESTLAKE VILLAGE -- JD Power  amp; Associates, the research firm best known for its surveys of cars and other consumer products, has hired a firm to explore options that could include selling the privately held company, according to newspaper reports.

JD Power Reportedly Exploring Sale


AP - Washington University researchers are the first to grow a common cause of diarrhea, vomiting and other stomach problems in a lab, a move that a North Carolina expert said could speed along development of a vaccine, the university said Monday.

Vaccine for Food Poisoning Possible (AP)


There is currently some confusion over the status of Sender ID in the IETF #39;s MARID working group which has been considering the proposed standard.

News and Trends


Microprocessor maker AMD and IBM have developed a strained silicon transistor technology aimed at improving processor performance and power efficiency.

AMD, IBM develop silicon transistor technology to improve <b>...</b>


Intel (Quote, Chart) has built a new chip with 500 million transistors using the latest advancements in nanotechnology, the company said Monday.

Intel Evolves Chipmaking Technology


The chairman of Spain's largest banking group, Santander Central Hispano, is to stand trial on charges of tax fraud.

Fraud trial for Spanish bank boss


Public fears over young people carrying knives could prompt new government restrictions.

Knife fears could prompt new law


SAN FRANCISCO - Intel has outlined its vision of the internet of the future, one in which millions of computer servers would analyse and direct network traffic to make the Web safer and more efficient.

Intel issues dire warning about internet #39;s future


The New York Mets and free agent Pedro Martinez are close to finalizing a four-year contract for the 33-year-old pitcher.

Mets Attract Martinez


LONDON, Oct 11 (AFP) - The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries says it is doing everything possible to help cool record high oil prices but its inability to meet markets #39; wishes reduces its credibility and influence, analysts said Monday.

OPEC unable to influence market as oil prices scale new heights <b>...</b>


One in 10 of all bird species is likely to disappear by the end of the century, according to a study published today. A further 15 per cent of birds could be on the brink

Tenth of all bird species  #39;to vanish #39;


Manufacture aggressively markets product before drug' long-term safety has been proven.
 <FONT face=

For Merck, a Painful Withdrawal


WASHINGTON - Newly unearthed memos state George W. Bush was suspended from flying for the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam war because he failed to meet Guard standards and failed to take his annual flight physical as required...

Memos Show Bush Suspended From Flying


If only Dale Earnhardt Jr. could jump in his car and tear away from the fuss, leaving thunder clouds of defiant black tire smoke in his wake.

Still Healing From Burns, Earnhardt Is Ready for Nascar #39;s New <b>...</b>


AP - Microsoft Corp. has begun providing free tools so government organizations can better share technological information, in a move it says is aimed at helping cash-strapped customers save money.

Microsoft Gives Sharing Tools to Gov't. (AP)


U.S. soldiers in Iraq are largely supportive of President Bush, but they also expressed widespread pessimism about the war.

From Troops, a Few Votes for a Quick Way Home


Militants convinced Israel poisoned Yasser Arafat have vowed revenge attacks on the Jewish state and warned the new Palestinian leadership against any compromise as Arafat was brought home for burial.

Militants vow to avenge Arafat death


RealNetworks Inc. will begin offering some university students its digital music subscription service at a steep discount in an effort to stem illegal downloads and attract long-term customers.

RealNetworks to Offer Discounted Music


WOBURN, England (Reuters) - Henrik Stenson led The Heritage  third round by a stroke from countryman Patrik Sjoland as  Swedes dominated the leaderboard on Saturday.

Stenson Leads Swedish Charge at the Heritage


It has been a very long time since we had an opportunity to talk, and I wish that I could meet you and see you face to face, as I would like to tell you some things on very personal level.

Dear Marwan: Don #39;t do it


Boeing NASA Systems of Houston will team with another aerospace giant to bid on building the successor to the space shuttle, a spacecraft that would take explorers to the moon and Mars, officials from the two companies announced Tuesday.

Aerospace giants hope to build next craft


The inventory correction claimed another victim late Monday as National Semiconductor (NSM:NYSE - news - research) said that second-quarter revenue would decline by nearly 20, about twice the amount it had expected.

National Semi Warns on Buildup


Hiding women away in the home hidden behind veils is a backward view of Islam, President Musharraf of Pakistan has said during a visit to Britain.

Pakistani women  #39;must not hide #39;


The World Trade Organisation gives the EU and seven countries the chance to impose sanctions in retaliation for a US anti-dumping law.

WTO rules for EU in US trade row


Japanese stocks rose, led by exporters such as Advantest Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp., after a slide in oil prices in New York trading eased concern that global economic growth will slow.

Japanese Stocks Gain, Led by Advantest on Oil; Aeon Declines


TOKYO --(Business Wire)-- Nov. 29, 2004 -- Toshiba Corporation disclosed today that the company has received separate commitments of support from Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, New Line Cinema, and Warner Bros.

Toshiba Announces the Next-Generation DVD Format Endorsement by <b>...</b>


ithout depositing any driving rain or generating any gusty wind, Hurricane Frances reached into the Bronx yesterday and disrupted the Yankees #39; baseball schedule.

At Stadium, Long Day #39;s Journey Into Night


IRAQ #39;S President Ghazi Yawar arrived in Brussels today for talks with NATO and EU officials on how they can help his war-scarred country.

Iraqi president seeks NATO help


The boss of the Gucci fashion label was fired abruptly yesterday - just one day after a US fashion magazine claimed he was preparing to resign.

Gucci chief fired after row about strategy


com December 9, 2004, 9:00 PM PT. In a step to keep pace with chief rival Google, Yahoo plans to start testing a downloadable desktop search application in early January.

Yahoo to test desktop search


Once again, the Boston College women's basketball team started strong in the second half to blow open a close game, this time using a 15-4 run after intermission to stretch a 5-point halftime edge into an easy 78-49 win over the University of New Hampshire yesterday at Conte Forum.

BC women get second wind


GAZA CITY - Two Islamic Jihad militants died in an Israeli air raid at Khan Younes in the Gaza Strip overnight, hospital officials said Sunday.

Two Palestinians killed in Israeli air raid


Gold may top a 15-year high of \$435 an ounce on speculation the re-election of US President George W. Bush will erode the dollar #39;s value and make precious metals more appealing than US stocks and bonds, a survey showed.

Gold May Top 15-Year High as Dollar #39;s Value Falls, Survey Says


Australian golfer John Senden holds a share of the lead after the first round of the PGA Tour event in Mississippi. Senden began and ended the back nine with eagles on his way to a 7-under- par 65.

Senden soars into Mississippi lead


AP - Count Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts among those Boston baseball fans who have waited a lifetime to see the Red Sox win the World Series.

Kerry Calls Red Sox 'America's Team' (AP)


The Bank of Japan left its ultra-easy monetary policy unchanged on Thursday, showing it was still committed to fighting deflation.

BOJ keeps policy ultra-easy


PARIS (Reuters) - Yasser Arafat is in stable condition in a  French military hospital and not in a coma, a senior aide to  the ailing Palestinian leader said early on Sunday.

Arafat Stable, Not in Coma Says Palestinian Spokesman


Gordon Cooper, 77, one of the seven original US astronauts, who made the nation #39;s first manned spaceflights and became known as possessors of  quot;The Right Stuff, quot; died yesterday at his home in Ventura, Calif.

Mercury Astronaut Gordon Cooper, 77


Ian Poulter won for the first time since last year #39;s Nordic Open, when he parred the first extra hole at the Volvo Masters Andalucia to edge out local hero, Sergio Garcia.

Poulter turns around frustrating year at Volvo


PHILADELPHIA -- A lawyer who was a central figure in an ongoing FBI investigation into city corruption died Thursday after a hospitalization of several days, his attorney said.

Lawyer in Philly corruption probe dies


Cabinet Spokesman Chen Chi-mai (  ) said yesterday that the improvement of the nation #39;s global competitiveness ranking in a recent report resulted from the government #39;s economic and financial reforms.

Reforms given credit for better economic ranking


TA McLendon ran for 93 yards and a touchdown for North Carolina State and Virginia Tech kicker Brandon Pace missed a 43-yard field goal attempt as time expired as the Wolfpack beat the Hokies 17-16 Saturday.

NC State 17, Virginia Tech 16


Reuters - Indian tail-enders Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh held up Australia's push for victory in the first test on Sunday with a defiant ninth-wicket partnership of 72.

Pathan, Harbhajan hold up Aussie victory push (Reuters)


NEW YORK - Stocks drifted higher Monday, brushing aside another record high for oil prices amid hopes the impending tide of third-quarter profit reports will override worries about a struggling economic recovery.

Stocks up ahead of earnings reports


Things started out oh so easy Monday for the Rams, with a fast and furious lightning bolt of a touchdown pass to Torry Holt less than three minutes into the game.

Big plays spark Rams


(Sports Network) - The Utah Jazz began their 2004-05 campaign with a 104-78 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Delta Center on Wednesday night.

Utah Jazz Team Report - November 4


ANKARA/STRASBOURG, France (Reuters) - Prime Minister Tayyip  Erdogan voiced confidence on Wednesday that Turkey would win a  date for opening long-delayed European Union entry talks at a  landmark summit of the bloc's 25 leaders this week.

Turkish PM Heads for EU Summit in Confident Mood


The system #39;s first dancing game --and a dance pad controller to play it on-- are coming this fall from Mad Catz. Fans of music games have longed for the genre to break out on GameCube, and their wish is finally being fulfilled by Mad Catz.

Dance on GameCube with MC Groovz danceCraze


WASHINGTON (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


Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili appealed to world leaders Tuesday to convene an international conference on the conflict in breakaway South Ossetia, where daily exchanges of gunfire threaten to spark a war.

Georgian Leader Seeks Ossetia Conference


AFP - France's agriculture minister, Herv #195; #169; Gaymard, will replace Nicolas Sarkozy as finance and economy minister following the latter's resignation to take up the helm of the governing UMP party, officials said.

French agriculture minister to take finance portfolio from Sarkozy (AFP)


Canadian Press - ST. JOHN'S, Nfld. (CP) - A new attempt to break an impasse over offshore energy royalties is an opportunity for Prime Minister Paul Martin to

Premiers of Nfld. and N.S. to meet with Martin on offshore impasse (Canadian Press)


European officials, blaming US deficits for a surge in the euro, are unlikely to persuade Treasury Secretary John Snow to help support the dollar when the Group of 20 finance ministers and central bankers meet in Berlin.

Europe Unlikely to Win US Agreement on Halting Euro #39;s Surge


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Vijay Singh narrowly failed in his bid  to win 10 PGA Tour titles this year but has a golden  opportunity to clinch a final victory of 2004 at this week's  PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Hawaii.

Singh Eyes 10th Title at Grand Slam in Hawaii


Reg Reader Studies But don't swallow own medicine

IT managers prescribe holistic security


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of CMS Energy Corp. <A HREF=

Before the Bell: CMS, Krispy Kreme Fall


In a strange post-industrial twist, most people who have lost their jobs in the garment industry are first-generation Mexican women.

Mexican-Americans Struggle for Jobs


Pakistan News, Islamabad,Pakistani and Indian experts began talks here Tuesday on confidence building measures (CBMs) aimed at averting any accidental outbreak of hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan ; India, Pakistan hold talks on nuclear CBMs


TOKYO Baseball players in Japan are going on strike for the first time in the sport #39;s history there. Games this weekend are being called off after extended negotiations with team officials failed to bear fruit.

Japan #39;s players go on strike, weekend games called off


Reuters - The dollar hit an eight-month low\against the euro on Tuesday, coming within a cent of a record\low, and set its lowest level in eight years versus Swiss franc\on concerns about the U.S. economy and current account gap.

Dollar Pauses Near Record Low Vs Euro (Reuters)


PFS observed that, at 10-15 kilometres above the surface, water vapour is well mixed and uniform in the atmosphere. However, it found that, close to the surface, water vapour is more concentrated in three

A New Clue to the Hypothesis of Life on Mars


London, England (Sports Network) - Disappointing Porto will meet a confident Chelsea side led by its former coach at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday as Matchday 2 continues.

Coach Mourinho to face former squad with Chelsea


Apple #39;s iTunes Music Store is causing a bit of a stir by refusing to sell the charity Band Aid song  quot;Do They Know It #39;s Christmas?

No Holiday Cheer for Band Aid and iTunes


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Applied Materials Inc. <A HREF=

Applied Materials Profit Up


US blue chip stocks rose on Wednesday, helped by drugmaker Merck  amp; Co. Inc. (MRK), but technology stocks fell as results from technology bellwether Cisco Systems Inc.

Merck Boosts Blue Chips, Cisco Fells Tech


Adobe Systems Inc. on Monday reported a sharp rise in quarterly profit, driven by robust demand for its Photoshop and document-sharing software.

Adobe Posts Sharp Rise in Profit


The US has closed its embassy in Damascus on Thursday for security reasons, the mission said in a website statement. The embassy will be closed to the public on Thursday, November 4, 2004 to enable it to reassess its security posture, it said.

US closes Syrian embassy


Reuters - The United States has manifestly failed\to uphold obligations to reject torture and cruel, inhuman or\degrading behavior in the

Amnesty Condemns U.S. for War on Terror Torture (Reuters)


Reuters - Saying the planet is at risk from human\activity, Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai urged\democratic reforms and an end to corporate greed when she\collected the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday.

Nobel Winner Maathai Sounds Alarm Over Planet (Reuters)


How many other teams can make news by finishing two-a-day practices with a bar fight -- not to mention one in which some Thundering Herd knucklehead maybe gives a ticket to the festivities to a player on a team they #39;ll be playing next month?

Will Pruett come down on Herd now?


IBM will take a \$320 million charge this quarter to settle some claims and cap its liability on others in a long-running class-action fight over changes made to its pension plan in the 1990s.

IBM to pay \$320M to partially settle pension case


PHILADELPHIA - As sophomore Dustin Salisberys desperation three-point attempt with two seconds remaining sailed awry, so did the hopes of a Temple upset over #6/5 Wake Forest , who escaped with a 67-64 win on Monday night at the Liacouras Center .

#6/5 WAKE FOREST ESAPCES WITH 67-64 WIN OVER TEMPLE


AP - Damon Stoudamire scored 33 points and Zach Randolph added 22 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 110-98 victory Friday night over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Trail Blazers Defeat Bucks 110-98 (AP)


GREECE #39;S first Athens medallist Leonidas Sampanis today denied taking banned substances despite testing positive for the male hormone testosterone.

Sampanis denies doping


SOTOGRANDE, Spain -- Alastair Forsyth shot a 4-under 67 to open a three-stroke lead over Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia after three rounds at the Volvo Masters.

Forsyth leading Volvo Masters


A new service will measure radio audiences in cars, combining global positioning technology and tracking of the radio dial to challenge Arbitron, the dominant radio ratings provider.

A Radio Challenge to Arbitron


South Africa withstood a brave Wales fightback to beat the hosts 38-36 the Millennium Stadium on Saturday and get their grand slam bid off to a victorious start.

UPDATE 1-Rugby-Springbok grand slam bid underway with Welsh win


Young royal returns to adventure in Ubisoft #39;s Warrior Within; darker storyline and new fighting system highlight the multi-console title.

Prince of Persia 2 on shelves


Computer Sciences Corporation has won a ten-year, \$1.35 billion contract to manage telephone and computer networks for Ascension Health, the largest nonprofit health care system in the US

CSC Wins \$1.35 billion Contract


ANTS use angled signposts, using tiny scent markers, to find their way home or follow the path into the wilderness, according to a study published today.

Ants use odour, geometry: study


AP - Dante Hall, Kansas City's All-Pro kick returner, could only stand on the sideline at practice on Thursday, icing his painfully infected lower lip.

Chiefs' Hall Sits Out With Painful Lip (AP)


President Hugo Chavez is incapable of uniting Venezuela, his opponents said Monday after the left-wing leader announced he would no longer recognize their

Chavez Cannot Unite Divided Venezuela, Foes Say


US auto sales declined 12 percent to 1.43 million vehicles in August, as near-record gasoline prices hurt demand. The six largest automakers all had sales drops for the first time in almost two years.

US Auto Sales Decline 12; Chrysler Gains Share (Update1)


A top aide to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was quoted as saying yesterday that Israel #39;s planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is intended to block Palestinian statehood indefinitely and that the policy had US backing.

Sharon aide tells of pullback motive


The US vice-presidential candidates will debate on Tuesday as the race for the White House remains close.

US running mates face off


The Hollywood Entertainment Corp. story took another twist Friday when New York-based investor Carl Icahn announced the purchase of approximately 8.4 percent of the Wilsonville-based company #39;s outstanding stock.

Investor Icahn joins Hollywood Video fray


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Nucor Corp., one of the largest U.S.  steel producers, on Thursday reported a more than 25-fold  increase in quarterly profit due to high steel prices, and said  it expected demand to remain strong next year.

Steel Producer Nucor Sees Profit Soar


Has anyone in the labor movement lost more altitude than the unionized pilots at the nation's biggest airlines? Until recently, they had it all: great pay, great benefits, and a great lifestyle, thanks to work rules that required senior pilots to fly only about 40 hours per month. But like the heroes in a Greek tragedy, the pilots have tumbled ...

Once highflying, unions hit turbulence


From Montana to Maine, Puerto Rico to Canada, John Gibbons tagged along wherever the military deemed his father should live. The constant travel gave him a taste of the nomadic life of a baseball manager, his future profession. It also gave him an accent all his own, a Texas twang inflected with tinges of New England.

Blue Jays hope to go places with Gibbons


THEY CAME to pay homage to the new hero of Old Trafford last night, to take their first glimpse at the glorious future. And the boy-man delivered as Wayne Rooney showed exactly why Sir Alex Ferguson was willing

FOOTBALL: UNITED #39;S ROO MESSIAH


The meekly marketed OneNote, the software behemoth's marvelous electronic filing cabinet, is The Answer when it comes to socking away the bits of wisdom and useful information we spend much of our lives trying to store.

Microsoft's OneNote Organizes Data


AFP - India is projected to outpace China and become the world's most populous country by 2050, growing by 50 percent in the next 46 years to reach more than 1.6 billion people, a US research institute said.

India to surpass China as world's most populous country in 2050: study (AFP)


Sirius Satellite Radio announced a five-year deal with Howard Stern this morning that will bring the King of All Media to satellite radio in 2006.

Howard Stern Signs \$500 Million Deal with Sirius


Oracle is expected to jump into the emerging market for content management software later this year. The database giant will announce a new product code-named Tsunami at its Oracle OpenWorld conference in

Oracle hopes for big splash with Tsunami


Bells will be ringing at Mervyn #39;s department stores this holiday season after all, store officials announced Thursday in a sudden reversal of a ban on Salvation Army collection kettles.

Mervyn #39;s reverses ban on kettles


Honeywell International of the United States is to make a US\$1.5 billion (euro1.14 billion) takeover bid for Novar PLC, the Financial Times reported Sunday.

Report: Honeywell Poised to Bid for Novar


Software companies Commerce One and Manugistics each announced on Friday plans to cut staff, the latest round of layoffs in a dismal business-software market.

Business software firms shed more jobs


NEW YORK (Reuters) - A federal grand jury is investigating  Chiron Corp.'s <A HREF=

Chiron Gets Subpoena Over Vaccine Debacle


AP - Cuttino Mobley scored 34 points in his second game back from a groin injury and made two key hustle plays down the stretch to lead the Orlando Magic past the New York Knicks 104-98 Friday night.

Magic Defeat Knicks, 104-98 (AP)


SOARING global energy demand will leave the West increasingly in thrall to the Middle East, the worlds energy watchdog said yesterday.

Oil thirst  #39;makes Middle East crucial #39;


No.1 maker of chips used in cell phones announces \$1B stock repurchase and raises payout nearly 18. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Texas Instruments, the world #39;s largest maker of chips used in cell phones, announced

TI plans a buyback and boosts dividend


AP - A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck Japan's northern island of Hokkaido early Monday, swaying buildings, throwing objects off shelves and triggering a tiny tsunami wave that reached the shore.

Powerful Earthquake Hits Northern Japan (AP)


The Cardinals' trio of MVP candidates -- affectionately called MV3 -- is the heart, if not the soul, of the team's batting order. Officially, first baseman Albert Pujols , third baseman Scott Rolen , and center fielder Jim Edmonds combined to produce 122 home runs and 358 RBIs during the regular season. Unofficially they may go down ...

Heart of order had no pulse


The US dollar sank to an all-time low against the euro yesterday amid concerns over the US trade and budget deficits and worse-than-expected US employment data.

Dollar drops again; Europeans consider intervention


Wizards coach Eddie Jordan says the team is making a statement that immaturity will not be tolerated by suspending Kwame Brown one game for not taking part in a team huddle during a loss to Denver.

Jordan Makes Statement


The outlook for US manufacturing improved in November as factories hired more workers in response to a jump in new orders, a national survey published on Wednesday showed.

Manufacturing Speeds Up as Consumers Spend Away


In an election dominated by a jailed intifada leader and a moderate veteran negotiator who both come from the ruling

#39;Unknowns #39; stirring Palestinian race


Budget airline Ryanair is obliged to be taken to court under EU law if it fails to pay back illegal state aid for flying to Belgium's Charleroi airport.

Ryanair may face Belgian courts


IT CAN only be coincidence that the power failure that ensured the closure of concession stands throughout the Riverside Stadium brought such a ravenous display from three centre forwards whose hunger has been questioned.

Viduka #39;s double lights up Riverside


Measures adopted by the Non-Aligned Movement to boycott Israeli settlers and firms building the West Bank barrier have stirred real worries in the Jewish state of a broader sanctions campaign.

NAM boycott stirs sanctions fears in Israel


CHARLOTTE -- So often in today #39;s rich-get-richer corporate climate of the NFL, everybody seems to get along just swimmingly. The league #39;s management and the players union have to endure charges of being entirely

Vick #39;s aggressive move sets tone for one-sided division rivalry


Paying passengers would be able to blast into space aboard privately operated rocket ships under legislation the House passed Saturday.

House Passes Space Tourism Bill


Chennai: Anil Kumble wove his magic over the strong Australian batting line up with a deadly seven for 48 to bundle out the visitors for 235 and give his team an opportunity to level the series after the opening day of the second cricket Test on Thursday.

Kumble #39;s magic stumps Aussies


Fans of the Seattle music pop station Kiss 106.1 FM usually have to sit through an array of disc-jockey antics and advertising between listening to favorite artists like Avril Levigne and Ashlee Simpson.

Microsoft Mimics Local Radio


AP - Alex Rodriguez is just glad he ended up on this side of the rivalry. Third base, shortstop, doesn't matter  #151; as long as he's a Yankee.

A-Rod Right in the Middle of Rivalry (AP)


The Supreme Court's decision to skip a hearing on the entertainment industry's legal campaign against online music swappers marks a huge turning point in the Internet piracy debate, regardless of the scant attention it received in the mainstream press. <FONT face=

Supremes Quietly Change Piracy Debate


When Trevor O #39;Hoy paints a gloomy picture of the outlook for Foster #39;s Group this year and describes the 2004-05 year as one of consolidation, it would be easy to think that he is sitting

O #39;Hoy #39;s complacency masks activity


AP - Submachine gun, check. Semiautomatic pistol, check. Personal digital assistant, check. In addition to their usual weaponry, some officers responsible for securing federal buildings at the Republican convention are armed with devices like handheld computers.

Handheld Computers Aid Convention Security (AP)


Speaker after speaker at the Republican convention summoned Sept. 11 in service of an overriding theme: the nation will be safer under President Bush.

First Night, Single Theme for Double Term: Sept. 11


Sony Corp. #39;s PlayStation Portable, which goes on sale in Japan later this year and overseas next spring, boasts the superb image quality of its home-console counterpart.

Price at Issue With PlayStation Portable


SANTIAGO, Chile -- Pacific Rim leaders pledged yesterday to shore up global security and push ahead with the World Trade Organization's negotiations on lowering global trade barriers.

Pacific Rim leaders vow antiterror efforts


Mauritania repeats its call for urgent aid to combat the largest locust plague to hit the region in over 20 years.

Mauritania 'on brink of famine'


Complaints about apartment buildings have found a raucous new outlet as residents turn to online message boards to share gripes and gossip.

High Rise, High Tech: Online Rant Control


That #39;s right, Davenport, the former No. 1 player, the three-time Grand Slam tournament champion, the 1996 Olympic gold medalist, who hasn #39;t been in a major final in four years.

Davenport Among Favorites


Orlando Cabrera homered in the bottom of the 12th inning to lead the Red Sox to their second straight victory in their last at-bat, 7-6, over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night.

Red Sox Win in Last At-Bat


ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- US Airways Group Inc. has reached an agreement with its lenders and the US government to extend financing necessary for the bankrupt airline to operate through mid-January, court documents showed Tuesday.

US Airways, Creditors Reach Financing Accord


AP - President Bush and Sen. John Kerry talk often about the needs and ambitions of ordinary people, but neither encounters many along a campaign trail defined by the exquisitely stage-managed photo op and fortified by Secret Service agents.

Few Tough Questions at 'Town Hall' Events (AP)


Reuters - British police said on Monday they had\charged a man with sending hoax emails to relatives of people\missing since the Asian tsunami, saying their loved ones had\been confirmed dead.

Man Charged in UK Tsunami Death Email Probe (Reuters)


Google Inc. has opened an office just down the road from rival Microsoft Corp. #39;s headquarters in Seattle #39;s suburbs as it seeks to lure local engineering talent, the No.

Google Opens Office in Microsoft #39;s Backyard


AP - It's a hugely lopsided fight, pitting Israeli troops with high-tech arms and precise intelligence against untrained Palestinian gunmen relying on homemade weapons.

Israeli Army Confronts Homemade Weapons (AP)


Oscar De La Hoya has long been compared to Sugar Ray Leonard. Saturday night he #39;ll have a potentially painful encounter to try and prove all those comparisons were right.

De La Hoya #39;s last stand


AP - The Columbus Crew won their first Eastern Conference title and extended their unbeaten streak to an MLS-record 16 games with a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire on Wednesday.

Crew Extend Unbeaten Streak to 16 Games (AP)


AP - Japan on Tuesday warned it would consider sanctions against North Korea after accusing the communist country of failing to properly investigate the fates of Japanese citizens it kidnapped years ago.

Japan Considers Sanctions Vs. N. Korea (AP)


Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - With the United States men #39;s national soccer team having already booked a place in the final round of World Cup qualifying, head coach Bruce Arena is likely to put a young squad on the field Wednesday against Jamaica at

Young US squad set to face Jamaica


AP - The Denver Nuggets signed free agent forward Rodney White to a 2-year deal Tuesday, a day after a judge allowed him to leave Washington D.C. for the first time since his arrest last month on a gun charge.

Nuggets Sign White Despite Gun Charge (AP)


Telecommunications companies Swisscom AG and Telekom Austria AG are in talks over a possible merger, Swisscom said in a statement late Tuesday.

Swisscom Confirms Possible Merger Talks


The biggest individual winners are the top three executives, Larry Page, Sergey Brin and Eric Schmidt as each make \$41 million.
<FONT face=

Insiders Get Rich Through Google IPO


Vice President Dick Cheney said that the country would be at risk of a terror attack if it made

Cheney Warns of Terror Risk if Kerry Wins


Southwest Airlines plans to step up operations at Chicago Midway Airport due to the bankruptcy of low-cost rival ATA Airlines and may also bid on some of the troubled carrier #39;s assets, said the Southwest Chief Executive Gary

Southwest plans Chicago expansion


Raiders: Sebastian Janikowski finalized a \$10.5 million, five-year contract extension with the Oakland Raiders that makes him the highest paid placekicker in the NFL.

NFL notes: Janikowski finalizes extension with Raiders


Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) (RIMM.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , which popularized wireless e-mailing with its thumb-operated BlackBerry

RIM Launches BlackBerry with Revamped Keyboard


BRUSSELS : The United States wants Europe to end all future government support for Boeing #39;s arch-rival in commercial plane-making, Airbus Industrie, or face legal action, a senior official said.

EU, US brace for turbulence at Boeing-Airbus talks


Voters in two east German states angry over high unemployment handed a rebuke Sunday to Germany's two biggest parties, giving big gains to far right and former Communist groups, television projections showed.

Far Right Groups Gain in Two German State Elections


ON a hill a few miles outside this historic city, the Ettersburg Palace sits in ramshackle splendor, thickly enshrouded by the German past.

Klezmer #39;s Final Frontier


quot;Over the river and through the woods quot; isn #39;t just a musical refrain as we enter the holiday season . It #39;s the real thing for most Americans, who are expected to hit the road in record numbers this year.

Happy trails ahead


Many Kmart and Sears employees in metropolitan Indianapolis strolled into their jobs Wednesday morning unaware that their companies #39; planned to tie the knot in an \$11 billion merger.

Employees, consumers mostly upbeat


RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian leaders plan to  send a delegation to Paris to seek details on what caused the  death of President Yasser Arafat last week at a French  hospital, officials said on Wednesday.

Palestinians Head to Paris to Probe Arafat's Death


Arsenal stretched its record unbeaten streak in the Premier League to 46 games Sunday, but the 2-2 tie with Bolton ended its perfect league record this season.

Arsenal ties Bolton, extends unbeaten streak


Angel Berroa has two hits and scores twice in a 10-run fifth inning that carries the Kansas City Royals over the Yankees, 17-8.

Royals Rout Yankees


NEW YORK (Reuters) - World number two Andy Roddick will  lead the U.S. against Spain in the Davis Cup final next month.

Roddick to Lead U.S. Against Spain in Davis Cup Final


DUBLIN, Ireland -- An equestrian doping scandal could cost Ireland its only gold medal from the Athens Olympics. Cian O #39;Connor won the individual show jumping gold aboard Waterford Crystal, but the horse was

Horse tested positive for banned drugs


\An antibiotic used to treat leprosy and tuberculosis is showing promise as a therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Antibiotic hope for Parkinson's


Tiger Woods married Swedish model Elin Nordegren at an exclusive resort in Barbados during a sunset ceremony that reportedly cost \$1.5 million.

Woods Marries Swedish Model in Barbados


At 11:33 am yesterday, in a mist of rain and confetti, a boy and his father watched history being made. The boy was 45 years old, his dad 77.

After decades of longing, generations can rejoice


The French government entrusted Thursday two banks, Dutch bank ABN Amro and Societe Generale of France, to place shares on the market for best offers to cut state stake in

French government to cut stake in Air France-KLM


Jose  quot;Pepe quot; Cancela was among the key attacking players for the Revolution last season. But Cancela has performed only briefly in the last five matches as the Revolution have struggled to a 1-3-1 record and are on the brink of elimination from MLS playoff contention.

Middle ground for Cancela


Colts.com. HEAD COACH: Jeff Fisher, 11th season as Titans head coach, 11th season as NFL head coach (92-69, 97-73 including playoffs).

COLTS-TITANS BOX


OPTUS and Vodafone yesterday formalised an alliance in which they will together spend \$1 billion on third-generation mobile phone networks.

Giants join 3G forces


For a vacationing family, it's been only two weeks since leaving a wintry Washington for sunny Sri Lanka, but it seems like several lifetimes ago. During those two weeks, they have seen both paradise and hell, and a surrealistic netherworld in between.

Survivors


Australian Lleyton Hewitt has claimed his third title of the year with victory in the Legg Mason Classic in Washington. The South Australian No.

Title No.22 for Hewitt in Washington


CRUDE oil prices surged past US\$50 a barrel for the first time yesterday to a new record high, raising concerns that higher energy costs could slow the global economy next year.

Oil soars above US\$50 to a new high


Houston-based oil company ConocoPhillips and Russia #39;s largest oil producer, Lukoil, jointly announced Wednesday in Moscow that ConocoPhillips will become a strategic equity investor in Lukoil.

ConocoPhillips to make \$2 billion equity investment in Lukoil


GAZA (Reuters) - Gunmen ambushed the commander of the  Palestinian intelligence service in the Gaza Strip on  Wednesday, wounding him, killing two bodyguards and fueling  fears of spreading chaos.

Gaza Gunmen Shoot Palestinian Intelligence Chief


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Pilots at Northwest Airlines approved a \$265 million pay cut package, the Air Line Pilots Association said Friday.

Northwest pilots OK pay cut


AP - The number of days that beaches closed or posted warnings because of pollution rose sharply in 2003 due to more rainfall, increased monitoring and tougher standards, an environmental group said on Thursday.

Annual Study Finds Rise in Beach Closures (AP)


The Russian government plans to sell a majority stake in the main production unit of oil giant OAO Yukos at an auction on December 19.

Moscow sets date to auction Yukos unit


AP - Handheld computer maker PalmOne Inc. plans to unveil Monday a new memory-packed personal digital assistant that can double as a portable USB flash drive.

PalmOne to Unveil New Handheld Organizer (AP)


The UK's years of low inflation and falling unemployment may be over, Bank of England Governor Mervyn King warns.

BoE's King warns of bleaker times


Alitalia employees leave the company #39;s Rome headquarters yesterday. The Italian carrier plans to slash thousands of jobs to get back on track.

Unions appeal Alitalia job cuts


The solution to one of the thorniest problems in the Middle East may be taking shape on an anonymous-looking building site in south-west Israel.

'Water factory' aims to filter tensions


Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday reported a \$44 million third-quarter profit from a loss a year earlier, and predicted

UPDATE 3-AMD posts profit, sees sales growth; shares rise


Beijing - The death toll in a gas explosion in a Chinese coal mine rose to 66 on Friday with 82 still missing, the government said, as another 41 miners were reported killed or missing in two other accidents.

Mine blast: Death toll rises


CHICAGO (Reuters) - America West Holdings Corp. <A HREF=

America West Posts Loss, More Losses Loom


Former WorldCom CEO Bernard J. Ebbers has been charged with conspiracy, securities fraud and making false regulatory filings in connection with a US\$11 billion accounting fraud at the company, the largest in US history.

Judge Denies Ebbers #39; Bid To Move Trial


ATHENS (Reuters) - Athanasia Tsoumeleka won Greece's first  athletics gold of the Olympic Games Monday with an upset  victory in the women's 20km walk.

Tsoumeleka Wins Greece's First Track Gold


Tim Henman was made to work hard to reach the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors tournament yesterday before eventually overcoming South African Wesley Moodie in the second round.

Henman struggles through to last eight


A rebel leader claimed responsibility for two bombings in India #39;s restive northeastern state of Assam, as authorities tightened security Friday -a day after a string of attacks killed four people and left scores wounded.

Rebel leader claims responsibility for attacks in India #39;s restive <b>...</b>


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki is the new single-season singles king of Major League Baseball. Suzuki broke the 77-year-old record with his 199th single of the year.

Suzuki breaks singles record


Sainsbury has confirmed fears of weaker-than-expected first-half profit, following a recent analyst downgrade which sparked an investigation by regulators.

Sainsbury #39;s profits weaker than expected


WHEN Belinda Corke heard her five-year-old daughter, Georgia, shout  quot;Dingo, dingo quot;, she thought the child had spotted one of the wild dogs near their hotel.

Girl, 5, saves baby sister from dingo in island hotel horror


The Linux adversary again demands evidence from Big Blue and cites allegedly contradictory testimony.

SCO challenges IBM witnesses


AP - While President Bush is busy putting together his Cabinet for a second term, the financial world's attention is on a job vacancy 14 months away: Who will succeed Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan?

Bush's Big Economic Pick Is Next Fed Chief (AP)


Martin Sargent has mixed humor and technology into an unlikely hit on G4techTVs

TV Humor With a Digital Punch Line


ATHENS The marathon was inspired by suffering, and on the day an event that is as much a test of character as a test of endurance returned to its Olympic roots and the evocative marble horseshoe that is Panathanaiko stadium, the suffering returned, too.

Where it all began, Noguchi wins marathon


In interview with Financial Times, PA chief says, With Sharon its much harder. Claims contacts with Sharon still held through his son MK Omri Sharon.

Arafat says Palestinian state more likely with Netanyahu as PM


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The United States sees no reason to  offer Iran incentives to ensure its nuclear program remains  peaceful, a U.S. government official said on Tuesday.

U.S. Official: No Prospect of Bargain on Iran Nukes


Professor wants to redesign chip software and hardware for the mobile age, creating chips that can power chameleon devices.
<FONT face=

MIT Aims to Make Computing Easy


The Garden Island. POIPU - Not even the sunscreen could cool off Phil Mickelson on his way to the 2004 Grand Slam title yesterday.

PGA grand slam: Mick-tacular performance


Corey Dillon faced his former team for the first time when it counted on Sunday in Foxboro. Dillon demanded to be let out of Cincinnati and backed up his actions with questionable behavior.

Patriots Outlast Bengals, Clinch Playoff Berth


LOS ANGELES UCLA football coach Karl Dorrell has been given a two-year extension, putting him under contract with the Bruins through the 2010 season.

More for Dorrell


Being one of the richest men in the world probably has its upsides, but it most definitely has its downsides as well. One of those downsides is that Bill Gates receives roughly 4 million email messages a day.

Gates Gets 4 Million E-Mails a Day


AP - Thirty-five years after computer scientists at UCLA linked two bulky computers using a 15-foot gray cable, testing a new way for exchanging data over networks, what would ultimately become the Internet remains a work in progress.

Internet Turns 35, Still Work in Progress (AP)


AP - Global warming could cause dramatically hotter summers and a depleted snow pack in California, leading to a sharp increase in heat-related deaths and jeopardizing the water supply, according to a study released Monday.

Study: Global Warming Could Change Calif. (AP)


Former Florida Coach Steve Spurrier said Thursday he will not be a candidate to replace Ron Zook as coach of the Gators.  quot;I have informed Jeremy Foley, our athletic director, that

Spurrier won #39;t return to Gators


Anchorage, AK (Sports Network) - New Jersey Devils center Scott Gomez has signed with an East Coast Hockey League team in his hometown of Anchorage.

Devils #39; Gomez finds work close to home


A federal judge has ordered a permanent injunction against a Rhode Island man after he allegedly sent millions of unsolicited short text messages to Verizon Wireless customers.

Court Slaps Wireless Spammer


Microsoft has unveiled its Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005, its media-centric computing offering, which allows users to access the usual capabilities of a Windows XP-based PC but focussed on delivering media content such as music, digital photography

Microsoft unveils Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005


Indian army soldiers inspect near the site of a suicide car bombing near Singhpora, some 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Srinagar, India, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004.

4 Killed, 22 Injured in Kashmir Attack


CSX Intermodal has about 500 independent truckers using RIM BlackBerry devices to report their progress in deliveries, get notices of changes in routes and more.

CSX Intermodal using CRM software with handhelds


ATLANTA (Reuters) - Lowe's Cos. <A HREF=

Lowe's Profit Up 15 Pct., Tops Estimates


Sotheby #39;s Holdings Inc. almost quadrupled its guarantees to art collectors including Philip Berman #39;s heir and Hester Diamond in the last year as it gathered works for a November sale in New York and overtook

INDUSTRY REPORT: Sotheby #39;s plans November sale


LONDON, United Kingdom -- Red-hot world oil prices simmered just above 50 dollars on Wednesday after a pledge by Saudi Arabia to lift output brought only fleeting respite to a market gripped by supply fears, analysts said.

Oil prices back above \$50 despite Saudi pledge


Real estate investment and management company LNR Property said late Sunday it has agreed to be acquired by private investment firm Cerberus Capital Management in a cash-and-debt deal valued at \$3.

Cerberus to buy LNR


The space shuttle should be used to service the Hubble Space Telescope and can do the job  without posing unacceptable risks to the astronauts, NASA's leadership was told Wednesday.<FONT face=

Use Shuttle To Fix Hubble, NASA Is Told


CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Reuters) - Legal steps are under way to  decide the fate of U.S. Army Sergeant Charles Robert Jenkins,  accused of deserting to North Korea in 1965, a U.S. Army  official said Monday as the 64-year-old soldier got set to  return to active duty for the first time in four decades.

Legal Steps Start for Accused U.S. Deserter Jenkins


At least the innocent were spared possible humiliation. Even though Britain lost to Austria 3-2 last weekend and remain in the second division of the Davis Cup, Jeremy Bates was

Bates wise to spare Britain #39;s young hopefuls in Austria


WALTER SMITH is waiting for a call from the SFA to succeed the axed Berti Vogts as Scotland manager. Vogts, 57, finally decided to go by mutual consent after thrashing out a compensation package worth an estimated 500,000.

Smith gets Scots Vogt


The Egyptian foreign ministry has confirmed the abduction of six Egyptians employed by an Iraqi unit of the Egyptian telecom giant Orascom.

US Democrats target Iraq security as kidnappings increase


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Noah Lowry has pitched so well that Felipe Alou now counts on the rookie to win every time out -- a standard the San Francisco skipper held only for ace Jason Schmidt in the past.

Mets give up six in first, can #39;t struggle back


PERENNIAL takeover target and suitor National Foods has identified SPC Ardmona as a merger partner in a deal that would add packaged fruit to its own dairy operations and build a major Australian food company.

NatFoods makes its pitch for SPC


The FA has attempted to clarify the charge being levelled against Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan. Keegan himself appeared confused about the precise nature of the charge yesterday when he revealed he would

FA:  #39;Keegan charged over ref rage #39;


The field, expected to become a trillion-dollar industry by 2012, promises a host of technological and medical advances while also stirring fears because some of the products appear to be toxic and many are not regulated.

Nanotech Group Beset by Defections


A suicide car bomber detonated his vehicle near a police academy in the Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Saturday, killing at least 17 people and wounding 32, police said.

Suicide Car Bomb in Iraq #39;s Kirkuk Kills 17 - Police


Nintendo launches its new handheld console, the DS, which aims to change the way people play games.

DS aims to touch gamers


MONTREAL (CP) - The Competition Bureau and Air Canada have ended their litigation over allegations that the airline engaged in anti-competitive practices against low-cost carriers WestJet and CanJet.

Competition Bureau and Air Canada end dispute over predatory <b>...</b>


The only thing that showed up Wednesday night at the big ball park in the Bronx was Dracula, dressed like Johnny Damon, and he sucked the life right out of the Yankees.

No Yankee Magic This Time


Colts.com. Synopsis: The Colts, in their first game of the season, will play the team they faced in their last game last season: the New England Patriots.

THIS WEEKS COLTS OPPONENT


PeopleSoft announced a broad partnership with IBM on Tuesday, in an attempt to show that it is moving forward aggressively despite the turmoil created by Oracle #39;s \$7.

PeopleSoft, Unfazed, Announces 5-Year Pact With IBM


Reuters - China poured cold water on Tuesday on\speculation it will strengthen the yuan's value soon, saying\such talk is

China: Yuan Speculation 'Groundless' (Reuters)


If you were disappointed with the meager showing put on by this years Leonid meteor shower, dont fret. What could be the best meteor display of the year is scheduled to reach its peak on Monday night.

a gem of a meteor show


Painstaking effort and computer power went into cleaning up the original Star Wars trilogy for its DVD release.

Macs do Star Wars dirty work


Without clear strategic synergies, the recently announced merger between Sears and Kmart is likely to destroy shareholder value.

A Misguided Merger


U.S. online retailers rang up holiday sales of \$23.2B between Nov. 1 and Dec. 26, up 25 from the same period in 2003, according to a survey released today by Goldman Sachs, Harris Interactive and Nielsen/NetRatings.

Web holiday shopping up 25 in 2004


NEW YORK, Aug. 19 -- National Securities Corp., a Seattle brokerage firm, has agreed to a one-month ban on opening mutual fund accounts and must pay \$600,000 in fines and restitution to settle allegations that its employees helped ...

Brokerage Gets Fine, 1-Month Ban on Opening New Accounts


Price hikes may be designed to convince you to upgrade to an all-out Internet security suite.

Antivirus Subscription Prices Climb


SAN FRANCISCO Advanced Micro Devices has brought forward a demonstration of its version of a new approach to processor design, with a chip that is expected to offer faster computing and relatively less power consumption.

AMD plans to show chip before Intel


THE US Consumer Product Safety Commission said that 78,000 NCR  quot;universal quot; inkjet refill kits have been recalled. The kits, said the Commission, were sold in Walgreens and Big Lots betwen April and June for around \$12.

NCR inkjet refills recalled


AP - The closely watched Ifo Institute index of German business sentiment barely rose in October, a result the institute said Monday illustrated that Germany's current recovery lacked the strength of previous upswings.

Ifo Index Barely Climbs in October (AP)


This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been enterprise directories as organizations spawn projects around identity infrastructure.

EMC picks up maker of backup tools


Two out of 117, do you like those odds? Thats 1.7 percent. Im not going to preach about the lack of minority head coaches in Division IA, but I just think if you sit back and try to comprehend that number

Three  amp; Out


Oracle Corp. sent yet another letter to PeopleSoft Inc. #39;s board of directors on Monday morning, pointing out that a majority of PeopleSoft #39;s owners are prepared to sell at \$24 per share and requesting once

Oracle Rubs PeopleSoft #39;s Face in Tendered Shares


roundup Plus: Macromedia taps into AIM...Hewlett-Packard packages services for blades...Corel updates Painter.

Briefly: ContextWeb nabs \$3 million


Thousands take to the streets of Taiwan's capital, Taipei, in protest at plans to buy \$18bn in arms from the US.

Arms plan sparks Taiwan protests


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The New England Patriots became the first team in NFL history to win 19 straight regular and postseason games, defeating the beleaguered Miami Dolphins 24-10 on Sunday.

Patriots set unofficial record with win


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - International Business Machines  Corp <A HREF=

IBM Rolls Out New Linux Server Using Power5 Chip


Pakistan #39;s new prime minister, Shaukat Aziz, took his oath of office Saturday, becoming Pakistan #39;s 21st prime minister in 57 years.

New Pakistani PM takes oath


Panasonic aims to be the first consumer electronics manufacturer to release a high-end DVD recorder that offers network connectivity.

Panasonic DVD Recorder Gets Connected


HOMESTEAD, Fla. - Kurt Busch wanted everyone else in contention to win the Nextel Cup Series championship to chase him in the Ford 400.

Busch wins Ford 400 pole


Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair will not play the final three games of the season and will have surgery to strengthen the bruised sternum that has plagued him most of the year.

Titans QB to sit out final three games, undergo surgery for <b>...</b>


Carlos Almanzar left the game with an apparent right forearm injury with two outs in the ninth...Texas beat the A #39;s for only the seventh time in 18 outings this season, but have won three of four from Oakland...Mark Kotsay and Jermaine Dye had three hits

American League Game Summary - Oakland at Texas


AP - It's the Internet Revolution meets the Industrial Revolution: a new program that lets people design 3-D objects like car parts and door knobs in metal or plastic then order them online.

Program Lets People Design 3-D Objects (AP)


Sean O #39;Keefe will soon step down as NASA Administrator. The formal announcement is expected this coming week. Where O #39;Keefe will be heading and exactly when he will leave remain to be determined however he

NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe to Depart Soon


EL PASO, Texas -- Jared Zabransky threw for 392 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 23 Boise State to a 47-31 victory over Texas-El Paso last night, extending the nation's longest winning streak to 14 games.

Broncos run streak to 14


Shares of Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. fell after their combined August US sales declined for the first time since 2002.

Toyota, Nissan, Honda Shares Fall as US August Sales Decline


JAKARTA Jusuf Anwar, Indonesia #39;s new finance minister, must extend the deficit-reduction policies of his predecessor to spur job growth and increase investment in the economy, according to analysts.

New minister should keep Indonesian deficit plan, analysts say


Four years ago, candidate George Bush issued a steady stream of promises to win votes. The promises were big and small, widely embraced and bitterly opposed.

Keeping Score: Bush #39;s promises


Cisco Systems Inc.'s Linksys division is set to enter the consumer VOIP (voice over Internet Protocol) space on Tuesday through a deal with Vonage Holdings Corp. to provide customer equipment for that company's Internet-based telephone service.

Linksys, Vonage team up on VOIP


Top seed Marat Safin survived a first-round scare before prevailing over his doubles partner Max Mirnyi 6-7 7-6 7-6 in the Kremlin Cup on Monday.

Safin survives first-round scare in Moscow


As usual, there has been a disproportionate and unbalanced reaction to recent and ongoing violence in our region. Since late September, Israel has been butchering civilians in the occupied Gaza Strip.

Double Standards That Kill


When a tournament winds down to the final rounds, the teams with the best players usually hold the advantage. Fortunately for Reading, it had the best field hockey player in the game last night.

Pandolfo gives Rockets a lift


The Spaniard will start tomorrows race from third position, and expects to run a strong race.

Fernando lauds fantastic qualifying result


Britain #39;s Tim Henman had to work hard before overcoming South African Wesley Moodie in the second round of the Swiss Indoors in Basle.

Henman manages to see off Moodie


As Carly Patterson waited for her final routine Thursday night, her coach looked into her eyes and saw a fire that burned brighter than the Olympic flame.

Clearly Carly in women #39;s all-around


BEIJING -- Chinese authorities have arrested or reprimanded more than 750 officials in recent months in connection with billions of dollars in financial irregularities ranging from unpaid taxes to embezzlement, according to a report made public yesterday.

China takes aim at corruption


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Home Depot Inc., the world's largest  home improvement retailer, agreed to pay \$5.5 million to settle  discrimination claims brought by some workers at its Colorado  stores, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)  said on Wednesday.

Home Depot to Pay \$5.5 Mln in Case


Tokyo, Japan (Sports Network) - Fifth-seeded Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic sent seventh-seeded American Taylor Dent packing with a tough victory in Sunday #39;s final at the \$775,000 Japan Open.

Dent proof: Novak victorious in Tokyo


P amp;O says it will cut up to 1,200 jobs and slash services as part of a review to reduce costs at its loss-making ferries business.

P amp;O to axe up to 1,200 jobs


Telecom yesterday denied its AAPT consumer business in Australia was on the block, reports NZPA. The company played down chief financial officer Marko Bogoievski #39;s statement in a media report from New York

Telecom denial over AAPT


The launch of Microsoft #39;s new search engine has ignited a new war for control of the Internet, according to analysts. A global beta, or test version of MSN Search, was launched on Thursday in 26 markets and

Microsoft heats up search engine war


The DR Congo government says its troops are battling Rwandan soldiers and not Congolese rebels, as earlier reported.

DR Congo 'fighting Rwanda troops'


Reuters - Bangladesh's main opposition party called for a fourth strike day in a week on Monday to protest against a deadly grenade attack on a political rally.

Bangladesh opposition calls for Monday strike (Reuters)


Developed by Ubisoft #39;s Montreal studio, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith on PSP, DS, and GBA will fully leverage the strengths of each handheld platform.

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith For Handhelds


CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's highest authority on Islamic law  endorsed Saturday a controversial government plan to  synchronize the call to prayer in Cairo's mosques and put an  end to the present haphazard system based on the timekeeping of  each individual establishment.

Egypt's Mufti Approves Synchronized Call to Prayer


1.8-GHz PowerPC G5 processor, 512MB DDR SDRAM, 160GB SATA hard drive (7,200-rpm), nVidia GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics, 20-inch widescreen LCD, DVD-R optical drive, three USB 2.0 ports, two FireWire ports, integrated speakers, AirPort Extreme (802.

Apple iMac G5


America Online is launching a program this week to promote and facilitate the creation of what it calls AIM Robots for its AIM instant messaging system.

AOL Builds AIM Robots


Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Phillies re-signed righthander Cory Lidle to a two-year deal worth \$6.3 million Tuesday.

Phillies keep Lidle around for two more years


Syed Mokhtar, a Malaysian tycoon, appears to have won a takeover battle for motor vehicle and banking group DRB-Hicom after his bid was supported by prime minister Abdullah Badawi in a surprise decision.

Syed Mokhtar wins bid battle


Human rights campaigners have reacted with delight to news that Chile #39;s former military dictator General Augusto Pinochet could finally stand trial.

Activists pleased by latest Pinochet ruling


AFP - Three men charged under Britain's anti-terrorism laws on suspicion of seeking to obtain radioactive material to make a nuclear device made a brief first appearance Saturday before a London court.

Three in London court appearance on terrorism charges (AFP)


Dr. Amar Bose is fascinated by drivers: those that make noise when wired to an electrical current, and those who pilot fast cars. And Bose, whose familiar name is embossed on elaborate automobile audio systems

What #39;s that sound? Bose is tinkering with the suspension


Bee Staff Writer. Translation: Let the debates begin, and break out your thinking helmets to sort it all out. It comes as no surprise USC took the top spot in the initial Bowl Championship Series standings that were released Monday.

It #39;s time for BCS madness again


A car bomb went off outside the Iraqi Education Ministry in central Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least five people and injuring four, Reuters reported.

Baghdad car blast kills at least five as first British female <b>...</b>


As Notre Dame continued to search for a football coach yesterday, the former agent for the fired coach Tyrone Willingham applauded the criticism of the firing by the university #39;s president, the Rev.

Malloy #39;s Remarks on Firing at Notre Dame Gaining Applause


The three largest computer makers spearheaded a program today designed to standardize working conditions for their non-US workers.

Computer Makers Sign Joint Code of Conduct


By MARTIN FINUCANE    BOSTON (AP) -- An appetite-curbing hormone that failed to live up to its early buzz as a possible key to slowing obesity is now being probed as a potential aid for women who suffer from infertility and eating disorders.

Hormone Leptin May Treat Infertility in Women


The Bush administration has dropped its bid this year for a global ban on human cloning, avoiding what promised to be an acrimonious battle at the United

US withdraws effort to ban human cloning worldwide


BAGHDAD, Iraq - A militant group in Iraq on Wednesday released seven foreign truck drivers they had held hostage for six weeks after dropping nearly all their demands for the release of prisoners and compensation for the victims of fighting.

7 hostages released in Iraq; attackers hit Chalabi motorcade


The board of directors at The Walt Disney Co. (nyse: DIS - news - people ) went to a less-than-magic kingdom on Wednesday, as a shareholder suit began.

Eisner: Trial Begins Re Disney #39;s Ovitz Compensation


Swatch has joined with MSN Direct, a division of Microsoft Corp. to launch a new watch known as Paparazzi. With four new multicolored styles, Paparazzi offers wearers some exclusive entertainment information and the opportunity to meet celebrities.

Swatch announces new Swatch Smart Watch with MSN Direct Service


LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Zurich Financial (ZZ:001107539) gained 2.6 percent in Swiss trade after agreeing to settle US nursing home litigation by paying \$47.5 million.

Zurich Financial gains on nursing home settlement


ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) -- The New Mexico Museum of Space History will be shipping names to the stars with the first X-Prize launch into space...

New Mexico Museum to Launch Names Into Space


You could rattle off the statistics, one after another, as the growing list of baffling facts begins to define the repulsiveness of this defeat.

Gators gag on Bulldog


ITHACA, NY Control of the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity has gradually shifted from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to Cornell University in upstate New York.

Cornell moves into the driver #39;s seat for Mars rovers


Stefan LeFors completes his first 13 passes, throws for one touchdown and runs for another in No. 15 Louisville's 41-9 victory over South Florida on Friday night.

Cardinals Trounce Bulls


Microsoft is making a serious effort to attack piracy: by giving away free copies of Windows XP to pirated users in the UK. The move is currently targeted at consumers who may be using pirated copies of Windows XP by mistake.

Microsoft Attacks Piracy  With Free Software


For Sun CEO Scott McNealy, subscription-based pricing is the most interesting part of Sun s business moving forward. He claims that the model works.

-Posted by dan.farber  6:32 am (PDT)


Citizens of Mexico pause to celebrate 150th anniversary of the country's national anthem.

For Mexicans, a Chorus of Patriotism


Chicago slugger Sammy Sosa was fined \$87,400 Wednesday for leaving the ballpark while the Cubs were playing the Atlanta Braves in the season finale.

Cubs fine Sosa \$87,400 (one day #39;s pay)


A new federal law that entitles consumers to free credit reports sounds great, but the devil is definitely in the details. The Fair

FACTA  amp; your credit


AP - Philadelphia closer Billy Wagner was furious after he was ejected in the ninth inning of Saturday's game 11-9, 13-inning win over the New York Mets for throwing two high-and-tight pitches to Cliff Floyd.

Phillies Closer Ejected in Win Over Mets (AP)


SEOUL, South Korea - North Korea said Monday that a huge cloud caused by an explosion near its border with China several days ago was the planned demolition of a mountain for a hydroelectric project, British media reported.    North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun said the blast was intentional, responding to a request for information from British Foreign Office minister Bill Rammell, who is visiting the North, the British Broadcasting Corp...

Report: N.Korea Says Explosion Was Planned


Clouds continued to gather over the chip sector last week after Philips confirmed a bleaker outlook for sales, and analog and DSP chip vendor Cirrus Logic Inc sharply downgraded its forecast for the current quarter because customers want to reduce

Philips and Cirrus cut forecasts as chip gloom deepens


Nintendo Co. is set to launch Nintendo DS, the latest of its wallet-sized game systems. The company will have its \$150 Nintendo DS in United States stores Nov. 21 -- hoping to take advantage of post-Thanksgiving shopping.

New Nintendo game system may attract wider audience


Canadian Press - FREDERICTON (CP) - Almost a year after the merger of the Progressive Conservative and Canadian Alliance parties, the reconstituted Tories are still working to portray themselves as a united, credible alternative.

Harper says Conservatives will settle for nothing less than forming next government (Canadian Press)


AP - Israel's military said Saturday that its 17-day incursion into the northern Gaza Strip struck a heavy blow against Palestinian militants routinely firing makeshift rockets into the country's southern region.

Israel Says Gaza Incursion Was a Success (AP)


Luke Donald will tell Bernhard Langer next week that he is confident enough to be paired with any of his European team-mates in the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills.

Donald up for Ryder challenge


ALAN KOHLER: We #39;re now halfway through Coles Myer #39;s ambitious five year plan but this week #39;s record profit announcement produced little more than a yawn from the market, grumbling that it has already priced in the good news.

Department stores are not extinct: Fletcher


ChevronTexaco says its Tengizchevroil venture has not been sent a \$2.5bn back-tax bill from the Kazakh government.

Chevron denies Kazakh tax claim


Samuel Etoo tapped home from Ludovic Giuly on 36 minutes as Barcelona moved six points clear in Spain with a 2-1 defeat of visiting Deportivo la Corua.

Bara Open Up Breathing Room


AP - Tiger Woods says the primary goal of his youth education center is to help students improve their grades, not master their golf strokes.

Tiger Woods Opens Calif. Education Center (AP)


IBM Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc. unveiled product updates that will tie technology from the two companies more closely together in an effort to secure customer networks from worms and viruses.

IBM, Cisco in enterprise security tie-up


TheDeal.com - The takeover fight moves to Delaware's Court of Chancery, even as PeopleSoft dismisses its CEO.

Delaware to see Oracle-PeopleSoft (TheDeal.com)


Text-to-speech technology will be featured in a range of Redmond's server products, beginning with Speech Server 2004.

Microsoft, ScanSoft pair up for speech software


LONDON (Reuters) - OPEC oil producers and Chancellor  Schroeder of Germany, which is a prominent consumer, agree that  the remorseless rise in the price of crude has so far had  little impact on global economic growth.

Economies Not Yet Dented by Oil Prices


Mike Imoh runs for 100 yards and the winning touchdown Saturday to lead Virginia Tech to a 17-10 victory over Wake Forest on Saturday.

Imoh, Hokies Nip Wake


Unions and executives at Italy's Alitalia reach a deal with the government on layoffs, opening the way for a wholesale restructuring.

Staff layoff deal for Alitalia


LOS ANGELES - Defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. #39;s third-quarter earnings rose 51 percent due to strength from its mission systems, integrated systems and ships and space technology segments.

Northrop Grumman Profit Surges 51 Percent


Bernhard Langer will lead a contented team of players on the plane to Detroit today with yet another member of the European Ryder Cup side celebrating a victory on the eve of the match against the Americans.

Harrington coasts back to form for Ryder test


SYDNEY: Mark Latham, leader of Australia #39;s opposition Labor party, will leave hospital today and plans to be back at work next week after suffering an inflammation of the pancreas just months out from a general election.

Australian opposition leader to leave hospital


You #39;ve heard of swimmer #39;s ear, but what about swimmer #39;s wave? It #39;s the odd way in which Olympic swimmers -- and many gymnasts -- acknowledge applause: By raising their arms to the sky, palms upward, then moving their hands about as if they #39;re changing ...

Life in Athens: From songs about Dutch swimmers to watching wedgies


AP - The longest serving astronaut in history, who flew twice to the moon and commanded the first space shuttle mission, has announced his retirement after 42 years at NASA.

NASA's Longest-Serving Astronaut to Retire (AP)


It is a new format, but it still encompasses all the old problems. NASCAR begins its 10-race shootout for the Nextel Cup Championship Sunday at New Hampshire, a system that essentially wipes

Who #39;s the Champ? Who Cares? NASCAR Wants TV Ratings


Reuters - Motorola Inc. said on Friday it plans\to invest  #36;90 million in a new research facility in Beijing as\the U.S. mobile phone maker fights to wrest back top position\in the domestic handset market.

Motorola to Invest  #36;90 Million in China R D Center (Reuters)


AP - President Alvaro Uribe pledged Thursday not to extradite the country's top right-wing paramilitary leader to the United States to face drug trafficking charges provided he ceases all illegal activities and stays in peace talks.

Colombia Won't Extradite Top Warlord (AP)


NASA #39;s top official, Sean O #39;Keefe, is preparing to resign to pursue a job leading the main campus of Louisiana State University, agency officials confirmed on Monday.

NASA boss prepares to take off


India imposed a life ban on three women weightlifters for doping on Thursday, including a pair thrown out of the Athens Olympics.  quot;We are taking very serious steps to root out doping from this country.

India cracks down on dopers


Nearly 9,000 rural farmworkers and landless peasants marched in the nation's capital Thursday, seeking major land reform legislation, the official Agencia Brasil news agency said.

Brazilians Protest Economic Policies


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel could end up on a collision  course with the European Union and face sanctions like  apartheid-era South Africa unless the Israeli-Palestinian  conflict is resolved, a confidential government report warns.

Israel, Europe Could Be on Collision Course-Report


In a potentially troubling development for retailers, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. warned Monday that sluggish back-to-school sales and the damage inflicted on Florida #39;s west coast by Hurricane Charley

Wal-Mart cuts August forecast


kinrowan writes  quot;MIT, inventor of Kerberos, has announced a pair of vulnerabities in the software that will allow an attacker to either execute a DOS attack or execute code on the machine.

MIT Warns of Critical Vulnerabilities in Kerberos 5


Russia will move aggressively into the war against international terrorism by cooperating more closely with the United States. President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced sweeping measures to beef up Kremlin

Post-Beslan Russia looks to US


Already there are tales of Stephon Marbury and Jamal Crawford finishing each other #39;s sentences. The energetic backcourt tandem officially began trading phone calls when

Knicks #39; new look looking good


Belgian superstar Kim Clijsters #39; career could be over after she broke down again with a troublesome wrist injury playing in a tournament in her home country at the weekend.

Clijsters #39; career  #39;could be over #39;


Oracle (ORCL) Tuesday reported a 16 rise in quarterly net income as the world #39;s second largest software company benefited from steady demand for its flagship database software.

Oracle quarterly profit rises on software demand


Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday agreed to require only a single license for server software that runs on computers powered by a new generation of chips

Microsoft Sets Licensing Policy for New Chips


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Pilots at Northwest Airlines Corp., the  No. 4 U.S. air carrier, have ratified a \$265 million concession  package that includes 15 percent pay cuts, the pilots union  said on Friday.

Northwest Pilots Ratify Concession Deal


The European Commission yesterday cut its growth forecast for 2005 and warned that nearly half of euro zone members were set to breach their own budget rules, as surging oil prices hit a fragile recovery.

Oil to hit euro growth next year


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. payrolls grew at the fastest  clip in seven months in October, the Labor Department said on  Friday, spurred by rebuilding in the hurricane-battered  Southeast and brisk hiring in service industries.

U.S. October Hiring at a Seven-Month Peak


The New York port authority has decided to join a lawsuit charging Saudi Arabia with providing financial assistance to the Osama bin Laden-led Al Qaeda.

9/11: NY port authority sues Saudi Arabia


AFP - Activists fighting for victims of the world's worst industrial accident in 1984 have accused the Indian government of dragging its feet on the extradition of the main accused in the case, US industrialist Warren Anderson.

Bhopal activists accuse Indian govt of failing to bring main accused to book (AFP)


Free from the burden of trying to make the Ryder Cup team, Stewart Cink looked at ease yesterday at the NEC Invitational in Akron, Ohio. The marathon day ended with his name atop the leaderboard.

Cink gets drop on soggy NEC field


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Clear Channel Communications Inc.  <A HREF=

Clear Channel Radio Ad Revenue Slips


Earlier this season driver Johnny Sauter was fined \$25,000 and docked 25 points after cursing during a radio interview following a Busch Series race in Las Vegas.

NASCAR had no choice but to penalize Junior


BRUSSELS : NATO remains on alert to protect the Olympics from extremists, even if no incidents have occurred and the perceived threat remains low as the Games move into their last few days, an official said.

NATO says  #39;so far so good #39; on Olympic security


VIJAY Singh shot an 8-under 64, including an eagle and six birdies, to take a three-shot lead in the first round of the 84 Lumber Classic golf tournament.

Singh leads again


What seemed like the perfect football marriage is suddenly splitting at the seams. Ajax and Ronald Koeman are no longer a couple, although they still live in the same apartment.

Crisis looming at Ajax


A village in the Ligurian hills is home to one of Italy's first envrionmentally friendly schools.

Italy's green primary school


Politicians in Spain slammed the use of models to be stand-in ball girls for the Madrid Masters. The 19 to 28-year-olds, who are likely to be in action when Tim Henman plays tomorrow, were drafted in to replace

Spanish MPs in fury over ball girl models


AFP - A portrait of the British super-model Kate Moss, heavily pregnant and looking uncharacteristically unglamorous, will be sold at auction next February, Christie's auction house said.

Lucian Freud portrait of Kate Moss, nude and pregnant, goes on sale (AFP)


AP - The United Nations is hopeful elections in Iraq can be held on schedule in January 2005 despite escalating violence  #151; but the level of U.N. electoral assistance will depend on security, the top U.N. envoy to Iraq says.

U.N. Hopeful Iraqi Elections on Schedule (AP)


Rap artist ODB collapses and dies, aged 35, while working in a recording studio.

Rapper collapses and dies at 35


Walt Disney Co. #39;s board of directors went on trial on Wednesday, on shareholder accusations that it merely rubberstamped a decision to hire Michael Ovitz and allowed

Disney #39;s Board on Trial as Shareholders Launch Case


-- The images are chilling: A young man, his face bloody and swollen, struggles to tell a television reporter that he is an undercover federal agent, then a mob burns him and another officer alive on camera.

Lynching of agents puts Mexico focus on vigilante justice


WASHINGTON : China, invited to the table of the world #39;s top financial powers for the first time, did not appear to buckle to pressure to speed up moves to adjust or end a currency peg that many say distorts global trade flows.

China #39;s central bank has no timetable for more flexible exchange <b>...</b>


Millwall and Liverpool fans have blamed each other for the violence which marred the Carling Cup third-round tie at The New Den. Lions supporters have denied chants

Fans Blame Each Other for New Den Violence


EBay, the world #39;s largest Internet auction house, increased its stake in Internet Auction, the biggest online auction company in South Korea.

EBay Takes Control of Korean Affiliate


MICHAEL OWEN is under an intense spotlight now after his early difficulties at Real Madrid and there #39;s talk Jermain Defoe may replace him for England on Saturday.

Owen should start


AP - President Bush mocked John Kerry's fitness to be commander in chief Wednesday, saying the way to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq

Bush Mocks Kerry's Leadership Credentials (AP)


Ramon Ortiz pitched four-hit ball for eight stellar innings and led the Anaheim Angels over the New York Yankees, 5-0, on Friday.

Ortiz Stones Yankees


Arsene Wenger #39;s policy of bringing youngsters from across Europe to build his next Arsenal squad could be outlawed under a new UEFA ruling.

Plan to limit foreigners mooted


Symantec Corp., the global leader in information security, today announced that its Norton Personal Firewall and Norton AntiVirus solutions will be preinstalled on all new HP Pavilion and Presario desktop PCs, expanding protection to consumers across the

Symantec solutions provide comprehensive derense for new HP <b>...</b>


Why you should NOT submit your site on Search Engines\\Before to answer to this question we have to know what is the difference between a search engine and directory. Here is a brief explanation. The main difference between search engine and directory lay in the way how websites get entered ...


Ashado for 3-year-old filly champion. No doubt about it, after her winning the Breeders #39; Cup Distaff here yesterday. The Kentucky Oaks heroine had gone through a summer

Ashado stakes claim as top 3-year-old filly


One of the world's poorest countries, Cambodia, is set to ask for almost \$2bn in aid over the next three years.

Cambodia to ask donors for \$2bn


The Israeli cabinet agreed Sunday morning to free dozens of Palestinian prisoners in a goodwill gesture ahead of the upcoming Palestinian presidential elections, officials said.

Israeli cabinet authorizes release of Palestinian prisoners


Since April, baseball fans attending San Francisco Giants home games at SBC Park have enjoyed wireless internet access if they bring a portable computer with them.

Philadelphia Goes Wireless


KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) - A heavily guarded convoy of six buses snaked its way out of Nepal #39;s capital Thursday, the first vehicles to defy Maoist rebels who blockaded Katmandu this week with threats alone and without setting up a single roadblock.

Buses defy rebel blockade of Nepal #39;s capital


Top-seeded Roger Federer of Switzerland overcame a second-set lapse and defeated Carlos Moya of Spain 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 Thursday night to remain undefeated in the ATP Masters Cup Championships.

Top-seeded Roger Federer beats Carlos Moya to remain undefeated


AFP - A large increase in the number of foreign seamen jumping ship in New Zealand has been blamed on an immigration racket and prompted a government threat to ban overseas fishing crews, according to a report.

New Zealand threatens to ban foreign crews after rise in ship jumpers (AFP)


Oil futures prices rose slightly Monday despite assurances from Middle East countries that they were committed to keeping the market well supplied as a strike began in Africa #39;s largest exporter of crude.

Update 3: Oil Prices Rise As Nigeria Strike Starts


New Internet-based technology could soon turn regular computer users into armchair spies, a Canadian inventor said on Monday. Vincent Tao, an engineer at Toronto #39;s York

Canadian Inventor Lets Everyone Be an Armchair Spy