Toutatis, a mountain-sized asteroid, came the closest to the Earth since at least the 12th century, allowing scientists to gather data about its trajectory and features, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration said.

Asteroid Comes Closest to Earth Since 12th Century, NASA Says


The second of three scheduled trials to determine the amount of the recovery for the destruction of the World Trade Center #39;s twin towers ended in a victory for master lease holder Silverstein Properties, and its head Larry Silverstein.

Jury Rules WTC Attacks Were Two Events; Silverstein May Recover 2x <b>...</b>


U.S. and European negotiators agreed on a draft resolution meant to deprive Iran of technology used to make nuclear weapons.

Agreement Reached for Resolution on Iran's Nuclear Program


The OpenPower systems, starting at \$5,000, are based on the Power5 chip and will run SuSE or Red Hat versions of Linux.

IBM unveils Linux Power servers


IF, LIKE ME you get sick and tired and hassled whenever Microsoft Outlook throws a wobbly you might be inclined to try out Mozilla #39;s Thunderbird as an email client.

Mozilla Thunderbird email is go


Windows XP Service Pack 2 seems a smooth upgrade for most, but many are putting off installing Microsoft's big security patch anyway.

Is XP's Fix Safe?


BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. jets on Thursday pounded the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah and a northern town astride a major smuggling route, killing dozens of people in the two attacks, officials and witnesses said...

U.S. Jets Bomb Insurgent-Held Iraq Cities


The prosecution and defense in Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi #39;s four-year-long bribery trial have one last chance Thursday to make their case before a panel of three judges begins deliberations.

Italy readies for Berlusconi trial


TORONTO -- Last night, Doug Mientkiewicz was on call as the Red Sox' emergency catcher in case calamity befell Doug Mirabelli , raising the uncomfortable specter of the one-time minor league catcher trying to corral Tim Wakefield's knuckleball. He escaped that duty, serving only as a pinch runner and defensive replacement at first base for Kevin Millar in last night's ...

Going deep -- for memories


Johnson   Johnson, the health care conglomerate, continued its acquisition talks with Guidant, one of the nation's largest makers of devices to treat heart and circulatory illnesses.

Johnson   Johnson and Guidant Hold More Talks on Acquisition


The rand remained strong in late morning trade on Monday, having earlier touched 6.10 per dollar for the first time since July 23.

Rand eyes 6.10 as dollar wilts


Jorge Cantu hit a go-ahead, two-run double during a five-run eighth inning to help the Tampa Bay Devil Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4 Tuesday night.

Devil Rays 7, Royals 4


The ghosts that have long haunted Slobodan Milosevic have finally appeared in court, and they have fundamentally altered the war crimes trial of the former Yugoslav president.

Milosevic Loses Director Role in His Own Courtroom Drama


AFP - United Microelectronics Corp (UMC) earnings fell sharply in the third quarter and warned of a steep fall-off in wafer shipments and capacity utilization rates to come.

Taiwan UMC's profit down 14 percent in third quarter (AFP)


Lock maker Kryptonite and parent Ingersoll-Rand face at least five proposed class-action lawsuits in the United States and Canada after admitting this week that popular

After Admitting Flaw, Kryptonite Faces Lawsuits


LONG BEACH, Calif. - It was billionaire Paul Allen #39;s \$20 million that allowed Burt Rutan to build SpaceShipOne, the first privately financed manned rocket to reach space.

Investment in private spaceflight field lags enthusiasm by public


Few people get excited when some new software is released, especially when the program is not a game or a music or movie player. But the release of the first full version of a web browser called Firefox has

Firefox browser takes on Microsoft


French police said yesterday that they had ended their practice of hiding plastic explosives in air passengers #39; luggage to train bomb-sniffing dogs after one such bag got lost, possibly

Luggage may hold an explosive surprise


Scouring the web using Yahoo is set to become a lot more personal following the unveiling of the beta version of a host of new tools that allow users to search and save results just they way they want to.

Yahoo unveils personalisation tool


The operators of a Spanish-based Web site that sold music downloads have agreed to pay \$10.5 million to settle a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by several recording companies.

Online Music Site Settles Copyright Suit


The antitrust settlement between Microsoftand the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) announced earlier this month included a payment of \$9.75 million to the CCIA's president, according to a report published Wednesday.

Report: Microsoft paid CCIA official


AP - The Census Bureau says the population of those 65 and older will increase more rapidly in the West than in any other area of the country. While retirees settle in, states are figuring out how to keep up with an aging population. Will there be enough doctors and nurses? Hospitals and nursing homes? Will housing be affordable?

West Braces for Elderly Population Boom (AP)


The Champions League group stages will take two of European football #39;s biggest personalities - Jose Mourinho and Henrik Larsson - back to their old stomping grounds quicker than either might have expected.

It #39;s back to the future for Mourinho and Larsson


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - U.S. oil prices hovered just shy of  \$44 a barrel on Tuesday, awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Ivan  in the oil-rich Gulf of Mexico, where energy companies had  evacuated thousands of offshore workers and shut some  production.

Oil Eyes \$44 as Hurricane Nears Gulf


Reuters - Chinese Internet company Sohu.com\(SOHU.O) on Friday said China Mobile (CHL.N) had suspended Sohu\as a supplier of mobile phone picture services for one year for\unsolicited marketing to some customers.

China Mobile Suspends Sohu for Spamming Customers (Reuters)


The day after a caucus convened in Toronto to brainstorm ways to reinvigorate hockey, the brain trust in charge of the league descends on the game #39;s de facto capital with hopes of reviving the hockey season.

NHL players, owners will meet to seek ways to save season


German Chancellor Gerhard Schrder arrived in Beijing on Monday for a three-day visit focusing on expanding trade ties and the European Unions ban on arms sales to China.

Arms, Cars Top Schrders China Trip


VIENTIANE (AFP): Thailand #39;s prime minister will meet the leaders of Malaysia and Indonesia on Sunday to explain his refusal to allow a major summit here to broach Muslim unrest in his country, an official said.

Thaksin to meet Malaysian, Indonesian leaders about Muslim unrest


An internal Halliburton Co. investigation has uncovered handwritten notes suggesting that former employees considered offering bribes to Nigerian officials a decade ago to secure work

Bribery Considered, Halliburton Notes Suggest


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices raced to new record highs  above \$50 on Tuesday as rebel threats against Nigerian oil  facilities threatened to inflict further strain on global  supplies.

Nigeria Threat Pushes Oil Over \$50 Bbl


US OIL prices fell further yesterday on continued profit-taking as producer-group OPEC promised production increases in the coming months.

Light crude slips back


PC World - Online giant teams up with RSA Security to keep users' account info safe.

AOL Offers Added Security (PC World)


Program showing how to use flaw in Windows' handling of graphics files hits the Net--back up your family photos and beware.

Code to exploit Windows graphics flaw now public


The dog might be man #39;s best friend, but the world #39;s favourite animal is the tiger, according to an international survey published today.

Endangered tiger earns its stripes as the world #39;s most popular <b>...</b>


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia could ratify the Kyoto Protocol  by the end of the year and kick-start global attempts to  control climate change, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov  said on Thursday.

Russia Could Finish Kyoto Approval by Year-End


Reuters - Tens of thousands of\people gathered in a northern Afghan town on Tuesday to hear\General Abdul Rashid Dostum launch his bid for the presidency,\as a slow election campaign began to gather pace.

Thousands Gather as Afghan Campaigning Picks Up (Reuters)


Japan #39;s professional baseball players averted a second strike this weekend after team representatives softened their stance Thursday and agreed with management that a club may be added next season.

Japan baseball players avert 2nd strike


roundup Plus: Hitachi unleashes 100GB notebook drives...Web services security outfits merge...Groups push on for TV on cell phones.

Briefly: SanDisk to supply Samsung with miniSD


UNITED NATIONS : The UN Security Council was to discuss a new US draft resolution aimed at tightening the pressure on Sudan over the crisis in Darfur, including possible sanctions on its oil sector.

UN council mulls Sudan resolution, US to speak on genocide


The opening of ABC #39;s Monday Night Football game between the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys featured a sexy take-off skit starring Owens and three members of the popular  quot;Desperate Housewives quot; team.

#39;Desperate #39; maneuver bites ABC


Mel Stottlemyre announced his retirement on Wednesday, but that retirement won #39;t begin for another 11 or 12 months. The long-time Yankees pitching coach will return for

Stottlemyre returns for one more


Southeast Asian leaders met on Monday to agree a landmark tariff-cutting deal with China, the first flesh on the bones of what will be the world #39;s largest free trade deal within a decade.

SE Asian Leaders Meet on China Trade, Myanmar


SAN DIEGO ---- The credit rating of the city of San Diego was temporarily suspended Monday by Standard  amp; Poor #39;s, one of the major rating services of municipal finances.

San Diego #39;s credit rating suspended


Virgin is the first major music retailer to enter the download market in introducing a music store to sell music as streams of bits to be downloaded from the Internet.

Music Sites Ask, 'Why Buy If You Can Rent?'


Altec Lansing has been around since before the dawn of stereo. Altec Lansing was formed in 1941 when Altec purchased the Lansing Manufacturing Company.

Altec Lansing MX5020 Speakers


Reuters - Tokyo's Nikkei average opened up 0.54\percent on Monday with banks and exporters leading the way as a\stronger finish on Wall Street and declining oil prices soothed\worries over the global economic outlook.

Tokyo Stocks Open Up on Banks, Exporters (Reuters)


Google Making Nearly \$.10 on Every Search Query\\John Battelle's Search Blog picked this up the other day from a blogger who dissected Google's public revenue records to come to the conclusion that Google earns about \$.09 per every search query - a hefty return. With the average cost per click ...


Russia is sending a special envoy to the Middle East to defuse tensions and revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, its foreign ministry said Friday.

Russia dispatches new Mideast envoy


MacCentral - On Wednesday, Apple not only reached a major milestone with its highest fourth quarter earnings in nine years, according to CEO Steve Jobs, but it also shattered its previous record with more than 2 million iPods shipped during the fourth quarter of its 2004 fiscal year -- an incredible 500 percent increase over the fourth quarter of 2003 and 134 percent more than the previous quarter. That number not only helped the company reach a commanding 92. ...

Apple's fourth quarter, by the numbers (MacCentral)


The Solutions Sharing Network allows government entities to post their own tips, procedures and even in-house software.

Microsoft opens portals for governments


A Trojan which uses infected PCs to send spam messages to mobile phone users has been discovered.

News: Trojan infects PCs to generate SMS spam


Sniffing out any whiff of biology on Mars has become a scientific battle of the bands - spectral bands that is. The purported detection of methane in the martian atmosphere by Mars Express, the European

Scientists Seek Scent of Life in Methane at Mars


For the last two-plus years, Felix  quot;Tito quot; Trinidad did as he pleased. He spent time with his wife and children. He ate very well, rode his horses and went to cockfights and boxing matches with his friends.

Trinidad returns as requested, will face Mayorga


California will become hotter and drier by the end of the century, threatening its valuable wine and dairy industries, US experts say.

Warming threatens California wine


President Bush will keep Donald H. Rumsfeld as defense secretary, administration aides said Friday, hours after Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson resigned with a dire warning about the nation's vulnerability.

Rumsfeld to Remain at Pentagon


Pedro Martinez pitches six innings of two-hit ball, and the Boston Red Sox complete a three-game sweep of the Athletics with an 8-3 win.

Red Sox Sweep A's


The United States laid down the gauntlet to Europe Wednesday by saying the responsibility for trimming the US current account deficit cannot rest on the US alone and other countries must help by boosting demand.

Snow tells Europe to boost growth


US economic growth slowed more sharply in the second quarter than first thought as oil prices rose and the trade gap swelled, the government said on Friday in a report

Now It #39;s Official: US Growth Slowed


Led by General Motors Corp., the US automotive industry rebounded in September with one of its most robust months of the year. Sales were pushed up by 2005 models

Automakers report Sept. sales strong for all but Ford, Honda


LONDON What excites us more, the dazzling skills that young players perform on the pitch, or the seemingly bottomless fortunes of the rich entrepreneurs apparently willing to speculate on the clubs?

Soccer: US overture puts Manchester United in play


War crimes trials will begin next week for some of Saddam Hussein #39;s most senior deputies, Iraq #39;s prime minister, Ayad Allawi, said yesterday.

War crime trials will start next week


Taylor Stubblefield caught a 40-yard touchdown pass and became the Big Ten #39;s career receptions leader as No. 9 Purdue held on to beat Penn State 20-13 on Saturday night.

No. 9 Purdue 20, Penn St. 13


Reuters - Secretary of State Colin Powell said\on Thursday that U.N. plans to help with the upcoming election\in Iraq appeared to be on track, despite months of pressure for\the world body to increase its staff.

Powell Says UN Is Doing Enough for Iraq Elections (Reuters)


SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- After one final day off, the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants resume their quest to reach the postseason when they begin a three-game series.

San Francisco at San Diego, 10:05 PM


In CHICAGO story headlined  quot;UPDATE 2-Krispy Kreme lawyers found no purposeful misconduct, quot; please read in paragraph 9 ... a former operating manager of a Northern California franchise ... instead of ... a

CORRECTED - UPDATE 2-Krispy Kreme lawyers found no purposeful <b>...</b>


After more than two weeks of investigating the IFRAME Bofra exploit, Microsoft has yet to announce when it will be able to fix the problem.

Bofra exploit ticks away at Microsoft


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

Delta Explores Options, Hopeful on Pilots


Top executives of Verizon and Comcast called for less regulation of communications at the Telecom '04 trade show .

Verizon, Comcast execs slam regulation


Rescuers in northeastern India have recovered at least 23 more bodies after flash floods, bringing the death toll from new rains in the state of Assam to at least 88.

Flash Floods in Northeastern India Claim More Lives


The brother of a British hostage in Iraq says intelligence officers raided his Dutch home, copied data from his computer and forced him to make a five-page statement about his activities.

Bigley #39;s brother says police raided home


Flarion Technologies is making its European debut by powering T-Mobile's wireless broadband service in The Hague.

T-Mobile tries on start-up's wireless gear


Reuters - AT T Corp  on Thursday said it\was lowering the price on its CallVantage Internet calling\service by  #36;5 per month, matching the price from several other\suppliers.

AT T Lowers Price on Internet Calling Service (Reuters)


One single change in inherited DNA can put people at a heightened risk of heart disease and strokes, according to new research. Richard Lifton and his colleagues at Yale University school of medicine report

Gene mutation linked to strokes and heart trouble


Using the Nouse in three-dimensional environments, such as design and game software, requires the use of two broadly spaced Web cams.

Point and Snoot: Introducing the Nose Mouse


The Steelers forces four turnovers, makes a key fourth-down stop and beats the hapless Miami Dolphins, 13-3, Sunday night.

Steelers Slog to Win


They threw Carlos Bocanegra into the deep end of the soccer field last December. A few days after Bocanegra arrived in London to play for Fulham FC, he was assigned to mark Newcastle United's forwards, including scoring machine Alan Shearer.

He has been making his mark on defense


The 49ers announced a four-year extension for general manager Terry Donahue in a news conference Tuesday with Donahue and owner John York.

Staying course on  #39;rocky #39; road Donahue gets 4-year extension from <b>...</b>


RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Seriously ailing  Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat agreed on Thursday to be  rushed to a French hospital as fears grew for the icon of the  struggle for a Palestinian state.

Arafat to Be Flown for Treatment in France


Two years ago in his Pre-Budget Report, Gordon Brown bit the bullet and admitted that he had got his borrowing forecasts badly wrong, revising them sharply higher.

Pre-Budget Report


Google stole some thunder from Microsoft #39;s introduction of a rival search engine by announcing that it has doubled the number of indexed pages its search engine processes, from 4 billion to 8 billion.

Google Adds More Searchable Pages


Blog Search Engines\\When searching for blogs or marketing your own blog, one must always take blog search engines and directories into account. Some blog search engines search databases of thousands of blogs, while some search through their own directory listings. If you own a blog, you're going to want to ...

Blog Search Engines


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury debt was down a sliver  on Monday, but four straight days of selling appeared to be  sputtering out as investors awaited key events like a speech  from the Fed chairman and the crucial September jobs report.

Treasuries Dip But Selling Momentum Slows


The Killer B's didn't have to go it alone. Roger Clemens and the powerful Houston lineup made sure the Astros got off to a good start in their quest to finally win a playoff series.

Astros discover killer instinct


Uncertainty about future foreign exchange moves and what impact they might have on interest rates and asset prices is one possible risk to a stable outlook for the financial system, the Bank of England said on Monday.

Bank of England warns on currency


Doctors in the Netherlands call for new laws allowing the mercy killing of newborn babies under certain conditions.

Dutch consider infant euthanasia


SALISBURY, Md. -- Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps has apologized after his arrest for driving under the influence. He was arrested after a state trooper saw an SUV allegedly driven by the 19-year-old

Phelps Apologizes After DUI Arrest


A profit warning from Coca-Cola took the fizz out of leading Wall St shares and sent the main indices sharply lower. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones was down 86.

Coke takes the fizz out of Wall St


Global cellphone sales rose to record levels in the second quarter as Nokia clawed back some of its lost market share, according to figures released Thursday.

Nokia Lifts Profile in a Rising Cellphone Market


Mayor Anthony Williams is exploring ways to raise money to invest in neighborhoods and schools and allay critics of the mayor's plan to pay for a stadium.

Help for Home Team


The absence of a United States broadcaster at the Paralympic Games has led senior figures within the International Paralympic Committee to raise doubts over New York #39;s bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

US media snub may hit bid


Big Blue plans is expected to announce the servers Friday, stirring up major new challenges for Sun and HP. \

IBM readies new top-end Unix servers


WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- A supercomputer used to generate the special effects for the

'Lord of Rings' Supercomputer Turns to Commerce


AFP - Italian Transport Minister Pietro Lunardi urged trade unions to cooperate in efforts to end the crisis at Alitalia, warning that the government had already done all it could.

Italian transport minister in call to unions over Alitalia crisis (AFP)


The New York Mets started looking for a manager even before they announced Omar Minaya as general manager and president of baseball operations Thursday, lining up Carlos Tosca for an interview, according to the New York Daily News.

ESPN.com news services


Though Microsoft #39;s new security update package is all about protecting systems from worms, viruses and spyware, it can #39;t do much about what #39;s already on computersand that could pose a problem.

Spyware Could Bungle XP SP2 Update


The NASD on Monday permanently barred former star technology banker Frank Quattrone from the securities industry for refusing to testify about his possible role in destroying documents and obstructing justice.

NASD Bars Ex-Banker Quattrone for Life


Venture capitalists are lavishing money on the fashionable Linux supercomputing concept--but smaller firms face much larger rivals.

Linux cluster firms attract new funding


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Alexei Kovalev doesn #39;t think the NHL lockout will end soon so he #39;s decided to do something about it. The gifted winger signed with Russia #39;s AK Bars Kazan, a team already loaded with NHL stars.

Kovalev joins AK Bars Kazan in Russia


The US and Spanish coaches had to be separated when an argument erupted at the end of the game as the United States beat Spain 102-94 in the Olympic men #39;s basketball quarterfinals Thursday.

Marbury Powers US Over Spain, Coaches Square Off


It could turn out to be a revolutionary step in the field of digital photography - if everyone adopts it, anyway. Adobe Systems plans to introduce a new format for digital photos.

Adobe proposes new file standard for digital cameras


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - More than a dozen explosions shook  central Baghdad at dawn on Sunday and heavy gunfire erupted in  a street at the heart of the city, leaving a U.S. armored  vehicle on fire, witnesses said.

Dawn Blasts and Gunfire Rock Heart of Baghdad


Reliance Industries vice-chairman Anil Ambani broke his silence on Thursday. But not to comment on the  quot;ownership issue quot; raised by elder brother and chairman Mukesh Ambani.

Anil will speak when necessary


Start-up TouchDown Industries thinks a slew of rabid football fans will help its novelty PC succeed where others have failed.

Helmet PC aims to score with football fans


VIENNA (Reuters) - World number two Amelie Mauresmo  shrugged off a thigh strain to cruise into the last eight of  the Linz Open with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Marta Domachowska  Thursday.

Mauresmo Joins Zvonareva in Linz Quarterfinals


Morningstar, the research firm that tracks more than 16,000 mutual funds, is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Morningstar fund data probed by SEC


Aluminum producer Alcoa Inc. said Tuesday it is closing its Northwood, Ohio, automotive components factory by year-end to trim excess capacity, which will impact about 140 employees.

Alcoa to Close Ohio Plant, Cut 140 Jobs


AP - No more mulligans. When Nextel Cup leader Kurt Busch was hit by engine failure at Atlanta Motor Speedway and finished 42nd last Sunday, the mishap tightened NASCAR's new 10-race championship format. It also meant each of the 10 drivers in the title chase has had at least one finish of 30th or worse in the first seven events.

NASCAR Contenders Aim to Avoid Mistakes (AP)


VODAFONE faces losing its last opportunity to gain an independent foothold in the US as the bidding war for Sprint, Americas top US mobile operator, heats up.

Vodafone faces US lockout if Sprint merges


New Zealand partially resurrected their stricken tour of Australia last night when they won the first of their three-match one-day series with a hair-raising two balls to spare.

Cricket: Back in breathtaking business


American Phil Mickelson registered a 59 to win the Grand Slam of Golf in Kauai, Hawaii. The Masters champion had an eagle putt on the 18th for a record 58 but missed and tapped in for a birdie and a 59, equalling the lowest score in stroke-play history.

Mickelson shoots 59


Cambodia expects a  quot;Killing Fields quot; tribunal to be set up next year to try up to 10 former leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime blamed for the deaths of some 1.7 million people, a senior official says.

Cambodia set for  quot;Killing Fields quot; trials


Reuters - A surprisingly soft 112,000 new U.S.\jobs were created in November, the Labor Department said on\Friday, casting a shadow across an already downbeat holiday\sales season with consumers apparently worried by scarce work\and high oil prices.

November Job Growth Unexpectedly Soft (Reuters)


AP - The House ethics committee ended its initial information gathering Monday and now must decide whether to order a formal investigation of whether Majority Leader Tom DeLay has misused his office.

Ethics Committee Ends DeLay Fact-Finding (AP)


UK mortgage lending rose at the slowest pace in more than two years in August, the British Bankers #39; Association said, adding to signs that five interest rate increases since November are cooling the housing market.

UK Aug. Mortgage Lending Weakest Since June 2002, BBA Says


AFP - Japanese anti-war campaigners said they planned a

Hiroshima group plans 'people's tribunal' over US atomic bombings (AFP)


There's little doubt Mike Vrabel is the quintessential Patriot, but there's another team he loves and is loyal to -- his alma mater, Ohio State.

Against Clarett, Vrabel lines up alongside OSU


Microsoft on Tuesday laid out five new security bulletins, including three that address problems in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the massive security update rolled out in October, and one that fixes a vulnerability made public several weeks ago.

Microsoft Patches WINS Vulnerability, Plugs Three Holes In SP2


On Mexican billboards, drivers can still see the Marlboro Man, Philip Morris #39;s masculine image of a smoker. Television stations in

Global effort to curtail smoking hits milestone


Micky Adams has been rightly regarded as one of the brightest young managers in English football over the last number of years. His glowing coaching reputation has been bore out of a playing career which was

MANAGER PROFILE: Micky Adams


AP - Austria's Stefan Koubek defeated ATP world No. 4 Tim Henman in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 Saturday to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the World Group relegation playoff.

Koubek Beats Henman, Gives Austria Lead (AP)


WASHINGTON: United States consumer spending rebounded sharply in July, government data showed yesterday, erasing the disappointment of June and bolstering hopes that the US economy has recovered from its recent soft spot.

US spending rebound in July good news for growth


The most requested online definition this year was

'Blog' Most Popular Word on Web Dictionary


SAN FRANCISCO, CA - December 2, 2004 -bisoft, one of the worlds leading video game publishers, today announced that Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is now available on store shelves for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Xbox

Ubisoft Ships Prince of Persia: Warrior Within


The question late in Tuesday #39;s Michigan State-Duke game became: Would JJ Redick and Daniel Ewing wear down while the Spartans #39; depth became the difference?

Redick, Ewing each score 29, total 10 three-pointers


The personal computer market in India will see a massive boom by 2010, according to a new report by Forrester Research. India, says the report, will add 80 million (8 crore) new PC users by 2010.

80 million more PCs in India by 2010!


LANCE ARMSTRONG has left the question marks hovering over his participation on next year #39;s Tour de France. Armstrong claimed a record sixth yellow jersey in July when he eclipsed Tour legends Miguel Indurain

Armstrong keeps Tour guessing


Microsoft Corp. will expand its software development operations in India , according to the companys statement. Microsoft #39;s chief executive Steve Ballmer has formally opened the first building of the campus near Hyderabad .

Microsoft expands software development operations in India


Advanced Micro Devices on Thursday formally announced a low-cost Internet device targeted at emerging markets. As reported earlier, AMD #39;s Personal Internet Communicator is designed to provide Net connectivity

AMD debuts low-cost Net device


AP - It seems that the players in the Chrysler Championship all have different goals.

Players Have Different Goals for Chrysler (AP)


Retailer's Japanese arm posts product page for hotly anticipated game console.

Amazon lists PlayStation 3


The maker of FluMist said it is looking into whether it can make more of the inhalable flu vaccine to help the federal government deal with a looming flu vaccine shortage.

Inhale Some Drugs, Feel Better


Newly-crowned world champion Valentino Rossi expects his Yamaha factory bike will be faster next season to meet the challenges of Honda.

Rossi shapes up to new challenges to remain MotoGP king


David Healy #39;s dad Clifford said that he could not believe it when he saw his son sent off for his celebrations during the 2-2 draw with Wales.

Healy gets Dad #39;s backing


The U.S. military raced into the streets of Mosul to root out bands of rebels. Also, a kidnapped aid worker is feared dead.

U.S. Troops Move to Rein in Rebels in North of Iraq


DALLAS (CBS.MW) -- The Dutch government agreed Monday to buy the pipeline unit of the Dutch gas company Gasunie for \$3.55 billion from Exxon Mobil and the Royal Dutch/Shell Group.

Exxon, Shell sell gas pipelines


AP - It may fall a shade shy of catching thieves red-handed, but for farmers fed up with methamphetamine cooks filching their fertilizer, staining them pink will do just fine.

Meth Cooks May Be Caught Pink-Handed (AP)


Intel, seeing growing demand for Linux desktop systems in the Asia-Pacific region, is stepping up its outreach efforts to channel partners.

Intel Helps Asian PC Partners Ship With Linux


LIBERTY Media #39;s move last week to grab up to 17.1 per cent of News Corporation voting stock has prompted the launch of a defensive shareholder rights plan.

News sets up takeover defence


The labor cost and productivity problems of major airlines have been intractable for a couple of decades, which makes imminent pay concessions by Delta pilots a hopeful event for the airline, lenders, investors and the industry.

Pilots Saying Yes to Less Money May Save Delta Air


SEOUL, South Korea The head of the UN nuclear watchdog says although the nuclear experiments South Korea performed years ago were small, his agency needs to make sure they don #39;t happen again.

Head of UN nuclear watchdog arrives in South Korea


CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuela's left-wing  President Hugo Chavez won a recall referendum on his divisive  rule in a vote backed on Monday by international observers who  found no

Venezuela's Chavez Wins Recall Referendum


Wireless services will lead the next growth phase of the Internet as venture capitalists who helped fund the early boom open their wallets again, industry leaders said Monday.

Wireless to Drive Internet Growth, Tech Leaders Say


A minor 3.1 magnitude earthquake has split the lava dome in the crater of Mount St Helens, continuing a series of minor earthquakes that have rattled the site since October.

Earthquake lets volcano blow off steam


AP - Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens went back to describing touchdown patterns instead of explaining sideline confrontations.

Loss Behind Them, Eagles Dominate Again (AP)


REDMOND, Wash. -- Their biggest clients hit hard by viruses, worms, and other attacks, Microsoft Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc. said today that they plan to work together to help their corporate customers fight back.

Cisco, Microsoft team on security


USC is the country #39;s top-ranked team, in no small part due to its fetish for the football. It #39;s apparent in everything from T-shirts the program special ordered for players -- which read  quot;It #39;s All About the

Emphasis on turnover margin pays off big for teams such as USC


Huffy Corp. (HUFC.PK: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as the bicycle and sporting goods company struggles with mounting losses and a heavy debt load.

UPDATE 1-Huffy files for Chapter 11


Shannon McClintock, a ninth-grader at Scripps Ranch High, did well performing science experiments put before her in a national competition this week in Maryland.

Ninth-grader named country #39;s top young scientist


LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar clung to most of the previous  session's gains against the euro on Monday after a positive  U.S. jobs report last week reinforced expectations for an  interest rate rise this month.

Dollar Keeps Gains Against Euro


AP - The CIA is offering a rare glimpse into its successes and failures at trying to understand China during its first communist decades in a huge cache of newly declassified documents released this week in Washington.

CIA Documents Show Struggle Over China (AP)


A record-breaking crowd of 6,280 football fans packed into AFC Telford #39;s New Bucks Head to get the chance to see England #39;s Steven Gerrard in action.

Thousands watch Gerrard #39;s comeback


Greek shipping company Stelmar Shipping Ltd. (SJH.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday agreed to be acquired by shipbuilder Overseas Shipholding Group Inc.

US Shipper Buys Stelmar for \$843 Mln


The first analysis of a rare Roman skin cream shows that it is similar to modern equivalents and suggests that women went to the same lengths to look beautiful two thousand years ago as they do today.

Make-up, another thing the Romans did for us


Credit Suisse First Boston raised estimates on Apple Computer (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) and raised the target price. CSFB said the company #39;s latest fiscal fourth-quarter results were the strongest since

Apple #39;s IPod Shows No Signs Of Slowing Down


Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine stopped Danny Williams of Britain in the eighth round to retain his World Boxing Council heavyweight crown in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Ukrainian Klitschko retains WBC heavyweight crown


After 30 years of coming up short in Notre Dame Stadium, the Boilermakers took the fight out of the Irish early to remain unbeaten (4-0), winning 41-16.

I Rushed The Irish


Foreigners entering the United States zipped through the lines at the main port here and several other locations in Arizona and California as a new digital screening program went into effect.

New Fingerprint Scans Expand to Borders


TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Seattle Seahawks had a bad fourth quarter against St. Louis two weeks ago, then a bad first quarter last week in New England.

Seahawks lay an egg with loss to Cardinals


Chicago Bull #39;s player Scottie Pippen will join former teammate Michael Jordan in retirement. He is reportedly to announce his retirement from the NBA on Tuesday.

Pippen to retire from NBA


BOSTON (Ticker) - The only poll people care about in Boston tonight is the Pesky Pole. Mark Bellhorn #39;s two-run homer with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted the Red Sox to a wild 11-9 triumph over the St.

GAME DAY RECAP Saturday, October 23


As Saturn grows closer through the eyes of the Cassini spacecraft, which is hurtling toward a rendezvous with the ringed world on June 30 (July 1, Universal Time), both Cassini and the Earth-orbiting Hubble Space Telescope snapped spectacular pictures of

Saturn Pictures Seen from Near and Far - Saturn Pictures from <b>...</b>


President Vladimir Putin has announced new measures to strenghten the governments power in tackling the fight against terrorism. In a cabinet meeting today, Putin blamed Russian authorities for being inefficient

Putin  quot;Dictates quot; new measures of control over Russia


A record 2,596 convicted hooligans have been barred from attending football matches both at home and abroad for up to ten years, the Home Office announced yesterday.

Record 2,600 football hooligans get game bans


Hundreds of insurgents arrive from other cities amid airstrikes by the US, which sees the city as a terrorist haven. By wire services.

Forces target tense Fallujah


Next week #39;s Champions League match between Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk will go ahead as scheduled in Ukraine after authorities guaranteed security for the game.

Barcelona assured of safety in Ukraine


ATLANTA - Major League Baseball #39;s regular season officially closed last Sunday. Somebody forgot to tell the Houston Astros. The team that came from nowhere to capture the National League wild card came from

Steamrolling Houston flattens Atlanta


Chad Pennington could feel the pressure of trying to make franchise history weighing down his teammates. Trailing 14-3 at halftime, Pennington spoke up in the locker room.

Jets shake off slow start, stay undefeated


Within this year, tech-savvy Koreans will be able to make and receive calls through Internet-enabled phones as you would do on regular phones, at a lower cost.

2-Way Internet Phone Scheduled for This Month


Reuters - The United Nations said on\Wednesday it was concerned by Sudan's lack of progress in\bringing security to Darfur, where more than a million people\have fled their homes for fear of militia attack.

UN Concerned by Lack of Darfur Progress on Ground (Reuters)


Thousands of armchair sky watchers are pairing computers and consumer-grade meteorological equipment to share their observations of local conditions online.

Hobbyists Fill Out the Weather Map


LONDON -- The British police yesterday charged eight men with conspiracy to murder and violations of the Terrorism Act after finding that two of them possessed surveillance information on the financial centers in Washington, New York ...

British charge 8 tied to terror conspiracy


Loudon, NH --- The 10 contenders were worried about some wild Sunday driver messing up the chase for the Nextel Cup championship, and then Robby Gordon came crashing in.

Busch wins as wreck rattles top 10


JAPAN was counting the cost of its worst typhoon in two decades yesterday after it swept across the country, killing at least 66 people.

66 die as Typhoon Tokage hits Japan


SEATTLE -- 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 offers discounts to students


Eindhoven, the Netherlands (Sports Network) - American winger DaMarcus Beasley scored his second Eredivisie goal during PSV Eindhoven #39;s 3-0 win over FC Groningen on Saturday.

American Beasley scores in PSV win


After the first round of voting, the two leading candidates in Ukraines presidential elections are running neck and neck. KIEV, UkraineUkraines presidential elections look certain to go to a second

A Race Too Close to Call


SINGAPORE : Singapore #39;s white collar crime buster, the Commercial Affairs Department, has arrested China Aviation Oil #39;s beleaguered chief executive, Chen Jiulin.

China Aviation Oil CEO arrested in Singapore, helping CAD with <b>...</b>


LONDON (Reuters) - Fierce guerrilla attacks in Iraq and  U.S. assaults on rebel bastions have unleashed a new wave of  bloodshed that threatens to discredit the interim government  and undermine prospects for fair elections in January.

New U.S. Offensive Could Backfire in Iraq


Israel says it #39;s considering releasing some Palestinian prisoners -- as part of a deal in which Egypt has freed an Israeli Arab man convicted of spying.

Israel to consider releasing Palestinian prisoners


Reuters - The cost of goods imported into the\United States rose by a smaller-than-expected 0.2 percent in\September, a government report showed on Thursday, as petroleum\import costs rose a modest 0.6 percent.

Import Prices Rise Less Than Expected (Reuters)


A series of special prayer services are being held across the UK on Sunday for the Asia earthquake victims.

Services held for quake victims


Malaysia has hit out at Australian plans to base counter-terrorism teams in Southeast Asia, saying it #39;s capable of dealing with any terrorism threat on its own.

Howard #39;s anti terror teams rejected


Pakistan #39;s economy is set to grow more than 6 percent this fiscal year, despite the threat of inflation, a weakening currency and pressure on its balance of payments, a World Bank official said Monday.

Pakistan Economy Should Grow 6 Percent


The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicts global economic growth to be at 3.6 in 2004. The OECD lowered its forecast in the wake of a rise in oil prices and drop in consumer confidence.

OECD 2005 forecasts bleak as oil rises and US deficit widens


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Friday hurt by a  string of negative reports from top drug makers and as oil  prices climbed nearly \$2 a barrel.

Drug Sector's Bitter Dose Downs Stocks


Google #39;s (Quote, Chart) Desktop Search application, released today, sorts through desktop files of all sorts, as well as AOL Instant Messenger chats and Web sites the user has visited.

Google Search Hits The Desktop


JERUSALEM : Two Palestinians were killed near the Israeli settlement of Neve Dekalim in the Gaza Strip in a clash with Israeli troops, an Israeli military spokesman said.

Two Palestinians killed in Gaza Strip, teen killed in Jenin


Swift successfully launched today at 12:16 PM EST! Spacecraft separation occurred at about 80 minutes after launch as expected. Congratulations to the entire Swift team.

The Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission


No matter the time, place, or situation, East Boston's Julius Williams never seems to run out of gas. The No. 2 scorer in Division 3A (18 touchdowns, seven 2-point conversions), Williams is coming off a 230-yard, four-touchdown performance against Boston English. Williams, a senior, explains why he is the city's best running back in this week's Q  amp; A.

Q  amp; A Julius Williams


Everton #39;s hopes of seeing some new players arrive at Goodison Park before the closure of the transfer window looked to have been dashed.

Russian #39;s Toffees interest denied


BLOOMINGTON, Ind. Indiana has named native son Terry Hoeppner (HEHP #39;-nur) football coach. He #39;s been at Miami of Ohio for six seasons and will coach the 8-and-4 Redhawks in the Independence Bowl against Iowa State on December 28th.

Hoosiers hire Hoeppner (tops)


TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Detroit Pistons will not have coach Larry Brown on the sideline when they visit the Toronto Raptors Friday.

Raptors host defending champs on TSN


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar dropped against the yen on  Friday, as the market ignored a mostly positive report on  October U.S. retail sales and remained focused on the record  U.S. current account deficit.

Dollar Ignores Data, Creeps Lower vs. Yen


Former Tour de France green jersey Baden Cooke pulled out of the Herald-Sun Tour of Victoria on Tuesday, citing problems with his back.

Cooke out of Sun Tour


AP - Computer Associates International Inc. and federal prosecutors reportedly are near a deal that could end a two-year accounting fraud investigation of the software company.

CA May Be Close to Settling Fraud Charge (AP)


Plans for pop-up ads and restrictions on copying have some consumer advocates wondering about Tivo's commitment to customer control. The company says it has to bow some to Hollywood and advertiser interests.

TiVo Their Way: Ads, Copy Brakes


A car bomb killed a top Venezuelan prosecutor investigating opponents of President Hugo Chavez who were accused of backing a 2002 coup attempt against the leftist leader, officials said Friday.

Bomb Kills Veneuelan Prosecutor


His hair is Manny-style, and his bedroom here is a shrine to the Red Sox left fielder, who gave him bats, spikes, a No. 24 wristband, and hugs.

Rising star


NAC Breda won #39;t appeal a 10-game ban on Hungarian midfielder Tamas Peto by the Dutch Soccer Association as punishment for alleged doping, the team said Wednesday.

NAC Breda #39;s Tamas Peto banned for 10 games for doping


ACTING Australian captain Adam Gilchrist assured Shane Warne he had paid his way despite falling short in his exasperating tilt at world record glory yesterday.

Gilchrist says Warne did the job


Reuters - Palestinians in Gaza fired two more\makeshift rockets at Israel on Wednesday and Israeli Prime\Minister Ariel Sharon ordered his army to press on with a\week-old offensive that has killed 75 Palestinians.

Hamas Fires Rockets, Gaza Attack Goes On (Reuters)


With ABC #39;s new dark comedy series  quot;Desperate Housewives quot; scoring big numbers for a second consecutive week, it #39;s only a matter of time before the other broadcast networks put out APBs seeking

#39;Housewives #39; Prompts NBC to Cook Up a Copy


Or maybe he simply is unfamiliar with the preferred code of behavior following a boxing match: you lose, you whine. Dirrell would be no good at it, however.

Boxers take more hits as Dirrell gets bronze


Vodafone and EDS have deployed a global managed service for ABN AMRO Bank of the Netherlands, based on RIM #39;s BlackBerry mobile email clients.

EDS/Vodafone switch on managed mobility service


Microsoft has renewed its attack on Linux, its primary rival in the business software market, with Chief Executive Steve Ballmer telling customers in a letter sent the

Microsoft #39;s Ballmer steps up attack on Linux


AP - Bobby Cox was voted NL Manager of the Year on Wednesday for leading the rebuilt Atlanta Braves to a record 13th straight division title, and Buck Showalter won the AL honor after his Texas Rangers went from also-ran to contender.

Cox, Showalter Voted Managers of Year (AP)


THE first commercial flight between the United States and Vietnam since their war 30 years ago landed yesterday to open a new chapter of cultural and economic exchange between the former foes.

First US flight in 30 years is good morning for Vietnam


An Arab-Israeli television producer for CNN was abducted at gunpoint by a group of Palestinians yesterday after being pulled from a network van in Gaza City.

CNN #39;S MAN KIDNAPPED


Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Honda Co. led Asian automakers to a record share of the US market in October as improved quality and fuel efficiency bolstered demand for their newest car and light truck models.

Toyota, Honda, Nissan Lead Asians to Peak US Share (Update4)


Prices for food and essential commodities spiraled upward Tuesday as thousands of truck drivers in India ignored a government appeal to call off a four-day-old nationwide strike.

Food Prices Up As India Strike Continues


AP - Carlos Delgado was not offered salary arbitration by the Toronto Blue Jays before Tuesday's midnight deadline, leaving one of the biggest stars in franchise history to look for a new team.

Delgado Not Offered Arbitration by Blue (AP)


Microsoft Corp. #39;s chief executive believes it #39;s naive to suggest the software giant can eliminate all security vulnerabilities in its various products even though engineers are trying hard to do so.

Microsoft CEO: Hackers Getting Smarter


Sony rivals Toshiba, Sanyo and NEC are working on HD-DVD rather than Blu-ray. Both are designed to have much more storage capacity than the current generation of discs.

Sony Moves Forward with Blu-Ray DVD Standard


Tyler Hamilton #39;s title from the Athens Games is  quot;no longer a gold medal in the eyes of the world quot; because of the cyclist #39;s failed drug test, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency said Thursday.

Around Sports


An extremely rare whale with a beak like a dolphin found dead on a Byron Bay beach has excited Australia #39;s marine researchers.

Rare whale find excites Australian researchers


PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. has agreed to pay \$502 million to buy all outstanding shares of common stock of Green Bay-based American Medical Security Group Inc.

American Medical to be purchased for \$502 million


Britain #39;s Jon Brown nearly found himself benefiting from the attack on Brazil #39;s Vanderlei de Lima but had to instead settle for finishing fourth for the second consecutive Olympic games last night.

Baldini triumph eclipsed by De Lima attack


It will be a long time before a new Palestinian leader commands the public admiration and political power that Yasser Arafat did. This power enabled him to make concessions that no previous Palestinian leader would have considered.

Analysis / Public praise, political power


13 Chinese miners were killed and three others were missing after a gas blast at a township-run coal mine in Liupanshui city, southwest Guizhou province, today.

13 die in another Chinese mine accident


Chittagong - Fast bowler Kyle Mills grabbed four wickets in a dream spell as New Zealand thrashed Bangladesh by 138 runs in the opening one-day international here on Tuesday.

Bangladesh crash to Mills pace


washingtonpost.com - HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 30 -- The city of Philadelphia and Verizon Communications Inc. struck an agreement Tuesday that would allow the city to provide wireless Internet access as a municipal service even if Gov. Edward G. Rendell (D) signs legislation to give Verizon the power to scuttle the project.

Philadelphia, Verizon Strike Deal on WiFi (washingtonpost.com)


Craig Stadler closed with four straight birdies in a round of 5-under-par 67 to earn a one-shot victory at the Tradition in Aloha, Ore., and claim his second triumph in a major tournament on the Champions Tour.

A major triumph for Stadler in Tradition


Bolton student Amir Khan steps into the ring tomorrow for the biggest fight of his young life. Facing him will be Cuban veteran Mario Kindelan, the 33-year-old defending Olympic lightweight champion.

Amir Khan V Mario Kindelan Head-to-Head


Reuters - The FBI is investigating whether\Israel had a spy at the highest level at the Pentagon who\obtained classified documents about Iran for the Jewish state,\U.S. government sources told Reuters on Friday.

FBI Suspects Israeli Spy at Pentagon -- Govt Sources (Reuters)


The libraries of five of the world #39;s most important academic institutions are to be digitised by Google. Scanned pages from books in the public domain will then be made available for search and reading online.

Google to scan famous libraries


Episode 26 Shall I compare thee to an OS2-free Intel box?

BOFH takes a hit from Cupid's arrow


AP - The Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement with backup catcher Doug Mirabelli, who would become the first of the World Series champions' 16 free agents to re-sign.

BoSox OK Deal With Catcher Doug Mirabelli (AP)


Fernando Poe Jr., 65, the Filipino action film star and presidential candidate who refused to concede May #39;s election, died just after midnight Dec. 12 US time at a hospital in Quezon City after a stroke.

Fernando Poe Jr. Dies; Filipino Film Star, Presidential Hopeful


The humiliation of unranked Michigan at the hands of No. 4 Georgia Tech on Tuesday night requires no other description. The Yellow Jackets used a 20-0 run less than eight minutes into the game

GEORGIA TECH 99, MICHIGAN 68: Harris, Horton off-kilter in <b>...</b>


Leaders of the 25-nation European Union today signed the bloc #39;s new constitution in Rome, amid tight security around the city #39;s historic center.

Leaders of 25 EU Countries Sign New Constitution


Nepalese rebels said today they were removing a blockade of the capital that had cut Kathmandu off from the rest of the country for a week.

Rebels withdraw blockade of Kathmandu


When Derek Kenney unhooked the radio in a customer's 2000 Cadillac Sedan DeVille DTS, music wasn't the only thing that stopped coming out of the car.

To installers of car stereos, auto systems sound fishy


Clemson #39;s college football game with rival South Carolina was interrupted in the second half when a fight involving several players erupted, spreading nearly the entire length of the field at Clemson #39;s Memorial Stadium and coming close to spilling into

Game at Clemson marred by brawls


Some local women's soccer and field hockey teams are ready to make some noise in the NCAA tournaments.

Local teams gear up for tournaments


The National Hockey League shut down at midnight Wednesday night, locking out players from training camps and signaling that owners are willing to cancel the

NHL: Pucks iced


A SUSPECTED Palestinian collaborator with Israel was executed late today by two gunmen outside a mosque in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Palestinian security sources said.

Gunmen kill  #39;collaborator #39;


NEW YORK - Investors adopted a wait-and-see attitude on the economy, despite Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's improved assessment, and bid stocks modestly lower Wednesday as Wall Street waits for better economic and earnings news.    While Greenspan said the economy has

Stocks Drop After Greenspan Testimony


September 8, 2004 -- The Yankees are expected to send Major League Baseball a bill for between \$2 and \$3 million in an effort to recoup the money lost when the first game of Monday #39;s doubleheader was canceled because the Devil Rays didn #39;t make it out of

- Anthony J. Causi


Ziff Davis - Both EMC and Veritas are building up their respective e-mail archiving offerings through development and acquisition to give customers more stringent control of enterprise content.

EMC, Veritas Tune Mail Archiving (Ziff Davis)


BT has cut the ribbon on a new internet telephone service aimed at small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). The  quot;BT Business Broadband Voice quot; service lets workers save money on voice calls by routing them over the net.

BT spins prop on SME VoIP promo


Nintendo said yesterday its new flashy handheld game player, the Nintendo DS, will be ready for the all-important holiday shopping season.

Nintendo DS will be on shelves in time for Christmas season


Hundreds of US troops are diverted from Falluja to Mosul, as violence continues to spread to other areas of Iraq.

US troops diverted to Mosul


An industry survey said growth in the vast US services sector expanded in October, with a slight rise in the employment index. Meanwhile, the Commerce Department said orders placed with US factories fell for

Services sector up, manufacturing down


The European Union #39;s incoming Security and Justice Commissioner has criticized child-rearing by a single parent, the Times of London said Monday.

Effect of single-parent families roils EU


With his birdie on the 10th hole to begin day two of the Merrill Lynch Skins Game, Fred Couples earned eight skins and \$300,000 to move over the \$3-million mark in career earnings at the tournament.

Couples tops \$3 million mark at Skins Game


Fulhams season was plunged into further crisis today when the Football Association found Andrew Cole guilty of two charges of bringing the game into disrepute and doubled his suspension from three to six matches.

Cole Ban Adds to Fulham Woes


US News, NEW YORK - A teenager from New York state, who just became the youngest US national chess champion since Bobby Fischer in 1958, says he is more sane than his troubled predecessor.

US ; Japanese-born teen youngest US chess champ since Bobby <b>...</b>


China is booming and Beijing is its cosmopolitan heart. What's the platform of choice for the city's new tech and media elite? Well, it's not the Mac. But China's Macophiles are banding together. Hector Mackenzie reports from the Chinese capital.

People's Republic of Mac


A court in Uzbekistan sentences 23 people to up to 18 years in jail for their role in a series of atttacks.

Uzbek court jails 23 over attacks


CHARLOTTE, NC Aug. 20, 2004  Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry came to the heart of a conservative state hit hard by job losses over the past four years to tout his plan for curbing the export of jobs by cutting corporate taxes and enforcing ...

Kerry Takes Job Creation Message to NC


Wall Street stocks traded sharply lower Friday after Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan gave a warning over the nation #39;s spiraling trade deficit.

Wall Street stocks fall on Greenspan #39;s warning on trade deficit


VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II kept up his campaign against gay marriage Saturday, telling the ambassador from Canada - where some provinces allow same-sex couples to wed - that such unions create a

Pope Denounces Gay Marriage in Canada


A new version of the fast-spreading Bagle mass-mailing worm was discovered Friday, with its threat level quickly rising to a moderate level, according to security experts.

Reheated Bagle smokes out antivirus defenses


A third party developer in Tokyo, Yamada Denshi, has developed an add-on to Vodafone handsets, intended to be used as a night filter to allow Big Red #39;s customers to take pictures with their phones in the dark.

Peeping Tom filter lets phones see through bikinis


At last the spell has been broken. After 25 completed matches in 10 months of trying England have won a one-day international by batting first and defending a target.

Gough and Giles prise out India


PC World - IPod Photo won't play songs purchased from Real.

Apple Locks Out RealNetworks With iPod Update (PC World)


The threat of a lock-out by Norwegian shipowners which would halt production at the world #39;s third-biggest crude producer has sent oil prices to record highs.

Shipowners #39; threat sends oil soaring


Microsoft has strolled a little closer to delivering an update for Windows Server 2003 by showing a release candidate service pack for the OS.

Update for Microsoft #39;s Windows Server 2003 secures new beta status


Online retailer Buy.com is inviting itself into the expanding social networking scene, acquiring a Web site that rewards members with checks or gift certificates if they persuade others to buy their favorite products.

Buy.com Entering Social Networking Scene


Fading hopes for intervention by European and Japanese central banks depress the dollar to new lows against the euro, yen and pound.

Dollar down on intervention doubt


SOUTH AFRICA escaped from the Millennium Stadium with their grand slam tour dream intact after being given an almighty scare by Mike Ruddocks new-look Wales.

Wales 36-38 South Africa


Shares of Elpida Memory Inc., Japan #39;s sole large-scale producer of memory chips, rose on their first day of trading in Tokyo on investors #39; expectations a focus on consumer electronics

Elpida Advances as Shares Start Trading in Tokyo (Update2)


At least 39 people have been killed and more than 80 wounded after a car bomb exploded at a rally to commemorate an assassinated militant religious leader in central Pakistan, police say.

Car bombing kills 39 in Pakistan


A dispute over how much farmers must pay to industry trade bodies is disrupting the cocoa harvest  in Ivory Coast, the world's largest producer.

Cocoa delays hitting Ivory Coast


You have to say this for President Bush and his advisers: They are not a timid bunch.

The Bush team's stealthy assault on tax policy


The study, which was conducted by Yahoo and media agency OMD, examined the way in which 13 US households reacted to being denied access to the internet for two weeks.

US families suffer from web withdraw


Fannie Mae, the government-sponsored mortgage company whose financial statements were strongly criticized in a report by its regulator last week, looks set to join Enron and WorldCom in the hall of accounting infamy.

Fannie Mae mess is one for the books


AP - Jimmy Green helped Colorado State win back the coveted Bronze Boot, running for 124 yards and a touchdown Friday night in a 30-7 victory over archrival Wyoming.

Colorado State 'Boots' Wyoming 30-7 (AP)


United Parcel Service Inc., the world #39;s largest package-delivery company, will buy CNF Inc. #39;s Menlo Worldwide Forwarding business for \$150 million, the companies said Tuesday.

UPS to Buy Menlo Worldwide for \$150M


In a letter issued yesterday to parishioners, Archbishop Sean P. O #39;Malley for the first time acknowledged a link between church closings and the sex-abuse scandal, saying his mission is

O #39;Malley ties closings to sex-abuse scandal: Archbishop calls <b>...</b>


NEW YORK - Stocks were modestly lower in Friday as investors sorted through an uninspiring employment report and Intel Corp.'s weak profit outlook hit technology shares hard.    Investors were satisfied with - but not impressed by - the Labor Department's latest reading on unemployment, which fell to 5.4 percent from 5.5 percent in July, and the 144,000 jobs created in August was close to the 150,000 Wall Street had expected...

Stocks Move Lower on Employment Report


Manhattan, KS (Sports Network) - Kansas State guard Dez Willingham will not return to the men #39;s basketball team for the upcoming season.

Kansas State guard leaves team


FRANKFURT Eckhard Cordes, the man DaimlerChrysler picked to put the luster back into Mercedes-Benz, has slipped out of the office during his first week on the job, joining colleagues in the Alps along the Swiss-Austrian border to test-drive cars made by

High stakes for new chief at Mercedes


Media giant News Corp is planning a defence to block anyone from challenging the Murdoch family's control of the firm.

Poison pill defence for News Corp


Nintendo mulls animated films and making its DS device an interactive tool in theaters.

Nintendo's Interactive Multiplex


The United States on Tuesday rejected the saying that it had held contacts with Hamas as a leader of the radical Palestinian group has claimed.

US has no contact with Hamas, spokesman says


To loyal fans of the Washington Redskins, Monday night #39;s event in FedEx Field was a flashback to the good old days. There was Joe Gibbs, back in his Redskins coaching garb, matching wits on the sideline once

Gibbs adjusting to new NFL


The nation's retailers had a disappointing start to the holiday season, reporting sluggish sales for November after a much hoped-for surge in Thanksgiving weekend business failed to materialize.

Season Off to Slow Start


Reuters - NATO peacekeepers once patrolled\this Bosnian Serb rebel stronghold in armored personnel\carriers, but the town is now so calm an EU force taking over\on Thursday could monitor it from the bar.

EU Peace Force to Take Over NATO Bosnia Peacekeeping (Reuters)


A CODED message from the 18th century that has baffled generations of cryptologists may be nothing more than a loving dedication to a mourned wife or lover, according to a leading codebreaker.

War codebreaker cracks an enigma of love


According to the polls, the presidential election is now a toss-up. However, there is one historical  quot;iron law quot; that hangs heavy over President George W. Bush #39;s re-election.

It #39;s still the economy, stupid


Hoping to put in place the last missing piece of the Java stack, Gluecode Software and the Apache Software Foundation this week unwrapped Project Agila, which the companies claim is the first embeddable open source BPM engine.

Gluecode delivers open source BPM engine


The Consumers #39; Association (CA) has accused Apple of taking too big a bite out of UK music lovers #39; money. It has asked the Office of Fair (OFT) to investigate the potential breach of competition law.

Consumer watchdog hits out at iTunes pricing


Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, the tempest-tossed owner of fashion brands like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, said on Tuesday that it planned to sell its stake in the equipment

Fashion House Selling Electrical Supplier


Lycos vigilante attack on spammers has been hit by a vigilante attack. Spammers are suspected.

News: Hackers knobble Lycos anti-spam plan


President George W. Bush signed a \$136 billion corporate tax relief bill yesterday that could provide substantial savings for some of Massachusetts #39; biggest

Bush signs \$136b tax relief bill


MUNICH, Germany - Paul Casey, David Howell and Ian Poulter of Britain and Paul McGinley of Ireland cemented their places in the European Ryder Cup team with top-25 finishes at the BMW International Open on Sunday.

Casey, Howell lock up Ryder Cup berths


AP - Successful in pushing for restructuring of the nation's intelligence network, Sept. 11 families and investigators began pressing lawmakers on Monday to change the way Congress oversees the fight against terrorism.

Congress Urged to Fix Terror Oversight (AP)


Company joins heavyweights Google, MSN, and others in desktop search fray.

Ask Jeeves Previews Desktop Search Tool


There was disappointment for Britain in the men #39;s long jump final this evening, after Chris Tomlinson could only manage fifth place.

Tomlinson can #39;t rise to the challenge


The FA are certain to investigate the brawl which broke out at the Hawthorns during West Brom #39;s 1-1 draw against Fulham. Trouble began in the 83rd minute following Neil Clement #39;s dismissal for fouling Fulham #39;s Luis Boa Morte.

FA in brawl probe


The last time the United States entered a Davis Cup tie as a bigger underdog than it is this week was, come to think of it, the last time the Yanks were made to go to Spain.

TENNIS NOTEBOOK US team hopes to be more than clay pigeon in Spain


SPACE.com - The Zero Gravity Corporation \  has been given the thumbs up by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to \  conduct  quot;weightless flights quot; for the general public, providing the \  sensation of floating in space.

Now Boarding: Zero G Flights for the Public (SPACE.com)


SEOUL : A huge explosion rocked North Korea #39;s northern inland province of Ryanggang last week, triggering a mushroom cloud at least two miles in radius, South Korea #39;s Yonhap news agency said Sunday.

Huge explosion in North Korea last week


The British sailors Simon Hiscocks and Chris Draper have been forced to settle for bronze in the 49er class. The pair had been guaranteed a medal before the 16th race and started the day only two points behind

sailors settle for bronze


Sears Roebuck and Co. goofed its rollout of Lands #39; End apparel in Sears stores, but it #39;s counting on winning the online war with Lands #39; End #39;s unique shopping technology.

Sears goes to Lands #39; End to boost Web site


AP - Longtime Chicago Cubs analyst Steve Stone announced Thursday he was leaving WGN-TV, less than one month after coming under fire for on-air comments he made criticizing the team.

Cubs Broadcaster Steve Stone Steps Down (AP)


The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has ordered Fannie Mae, the nation #39;s largest buyer of mortgages, to restate its earnings over the last four years after

Fannie Mae ordered to restate earnings


The al-Qaida terrorist network spent less than \$50,000 on each of its major attacks except for the Sept. 11, 2001, suicide hijackings, and one of its hallmarks is using

Most terror attacks cost al-Qaida little, report finds


Description: Shoppers and retailers are in the thick of the buying season. But at stores in the Washington, DC, area, retailers are keeping their expectations realistic.

Sales Season Starts with Modest Expectations


The head of the US space agency (Nasa), Sean O'Keefe, resigns after three years in the post.

US space agency chief resigns


Reuters - The U.S. Supreme Court refused on\Tuesday to put independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader\on the ballot in the key battleground state of Ohio, handing\him his third setback in the past month.

Supreme Court Won't Put Nader on Ohio Ballot (Reuters)


The game certainly is a must-win affair if the Scots are to have any chance of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup finals. With just one point from home games with Slovenia and Norway, they are already trailing in Group Five.

Vogts Expects Victory


Venezuela #39;s President Hugo Chavez pressed for a new anti-terrorism proposal on Saturday after a car bomb killed a top state prosecutor investigating opponents accused of backing a 2002 coup against him.

Chavez Pushes Anti-Terrorism Plan After Bomb Attack


The Pittsburg-based generic drugmaker said the Food and Drug Administration has approved its metoprolol tartrate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, which will compete with the Loppressor HCT tablets made by the Switzerland-based Novartis.

Drug Approvals Spark Mylan Labs


Earthquakes can be triggered by the Earths tides, UCLA scientists confirmed Oct. 21 in Science Express, the online journal of Science.

Strong Earth tides can trigger earthquakes


AP - Iceland Prime Minister David Oddsson, Europe's longest-serving premier, is stepping down after a 13-year tenure marked by the transformation of his island country with free market policies.

Iceland's Leader Takes New Job (AP)


THE three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Mr Justice N. Santosh Hegde, today referred the petition filed by Zee Telefilms challenging the cancellation of the telecast rights and re-opening the bidding process by the Board of Control for

Cancellation of telecast rights  Constitution Bench to hear <b>...</b>


Thousands of families, friends, fans and politicians paid non-stop visits to a church in Metro Manila, where the remains of the lost presidential candidate but evergreen action star, Fernando Poe Jr.

Philippines mourn downfallen movie star and former president <b>...</b>


Reuters - The United Arab Emirates urged fellow\Arabs Monday to implement radical political and economic\reform, saying history and their people would not forgive them\if they failed to do so.

UAE Urges Radical Arab Reform from Within (Reuters)


LONDON (CBS.MW) -- The dollar dropped sharply against the yen on Wednesday in Tokyo after the release of Bank of Japan #39;s tankan survey.

Euro, pound see slight rise on greenback


Reuters - Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (KKD.N) on\Thursday posted sharply lower quarterly earnings, signaled that\the second half of the year would be weak and scaled back store\openings after it was battered by the low-carbohydrate diet\craze.

Krispy Kreme Scales Back as Profit Dives (Reuters)


Oct. 21, 2004 - The world #39;s population is consuming about 20 percent more natural resources than the planet can produce, the environmental organization WWF International warned Thursday in its  quot;Living Planet quot; report.

Human Demand Outstripping Earth #39;s Supply


Alex Cora's second homer in two days provides the spark Los Angeles needs to beat San Francisco 7-4 and extend its lead to 2 1/2 games in the NL West.

Dodging Harm


BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese police have detained two  brothers who killed 12 people, most of them women working in  nightclubs and bath houses whom they robbed and dismembered in  a 15-month spree, a newspaper said on Thursday.

China Holds Brothers for Grisly Killing of 12


A two-tiered property system favors city dwellers while handicapping the farmers once at the core of Chinese society.

Farmers Being Moved Aside by China's Real Estate Boom


Glasgow, Scotland (Sports Network) - Rangers defender Craig Moore is expected to be out eight weeks as he will have hernia surgery Monday.

Rangers #39; Moore out two months


Dell unveiled three new Axim handheld computers that combine the latest PDA technology in a dual-slot design. As part of the redesign of their Pocket PCs, Dell added a VGA screen (640x480) to the top of the line Axim X50v.

Dell Adds VGA Screen To New Axim Pocket PC #39;s


In this photo released by DKP, boxing promoter Don King, center, poses in New York, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2004 with the eight heavyweight boxers that will do battle in New York City #39;s Madison Square Graden on Staurday, Nov. 13.

Ruiz, Golota Has Potential to Be Ugly


AP - The State Department is accusing Cuba of training Colombian rebels and says it is troubled by a large presence of Cuban personnel in Venezuela, whose president, Hugo Chavez, is a close ally of Cuban President Fidel Castro.

U.S. Raps Cuba on Its Presence Abroad (AP)


The five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle will get only four days of practice to prepare for the St. Louis Rams #39; opener after signing a one-year contract for \$7.

Holdout offensive tackle signs with Rams


MONTREAL -- The Montreal Expos felt they got robbed because of a missed call from home plate umpire Ted Barrett. Greg Maddux pitched seven shutout innings and helped himself with two hits and a run batted

Maddux hurls, hits and scores


Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal was arrested on drunken driving charges Friday, his second D.U.I. arrest in four years.

Furcal's Arrest Disappoints Braves


Author Wallace Wang will be online to discusses file sharing and answer your questions.

File Sharing


NEW YORK - Defending World Cup champion Brazil suffered the most shocking result of the day, but China was the biggest loser. The Brazilians lost to Ecuador for the just the second time in their history.

Ecuador rocks but China ousted from World Cup contention


CHICAGO (Reuters) - One of the mantras of global industry  in recent years has been keeping inventories lean and mean, but  there are increasing signs this cost-cutting strategy is  creating strains and causing companies to miss out on sales.

Corporate Cost-Cutters Miss Out


Two of the first opinion polls since nominations closed for the Palestinian presidential election show a tight race between the establishment candidate, Mahmoud Abbas, and the imprisoned military commander, Marwan Barghouti.

Palestinian poll race tight


(Sports Network) - The Toronto Blue Jays posted a blowout victory over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday afternoon. Gabe Gross hit his first career grand slam and Russ Adams added his first career homer in a

Toronto Blue Jays Team Report - September 6


In the next few weeks the twin Mars rovers will be out of touch with Earth when the Sun lines up to block communications. Daily operations will be taken over by longer-term instructions without radio links between the two planets.

Conjunction Junction for the Mars Rovers


AP - Italy's Tathiana Garbin upset American Chanda Rubin 6-1, 6-4 Wednesday in the first round of the Wismilak International.

Italy's Garbin Upsets Rubin in Indonesia (AP)


USATODAY.com - Tim Burton's Ed Wood, which earned Martin Landau an Oscar for playing Bela Lugosi, is finally out an DVD today. But what about the real-life oeuvre of writer/director/auteur Edward D. Wood Jr. (1924-1978)?

The full horror of Ed Wood must be seen to be believed (USATODAY.com)


A military strike is among Israel #39;s options to prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said on Wednesday in the latest threat by the Jewish state against its arch-foe.

Israel considering  #39;all options #39; to curb Iran


Manchester United #39;s England defender Rio Ferdinand was named in his club #39;s starting lineup for their Premier League match against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday, marking the end of his eight-month ban.

Ferdinand returns for Manchester United after ban


Witness: Ovitz's style became a 'distraction' at Disney

Witness: Ovitz's Style Became a 'Distraction' at Disney


Swiss authorities hailed as a success a test of Internet voting in a national referendum, even as computer security experts remain skeptical that any online balloting could ever be secure using current technologies.

Swiss cast votes online in referendum


Time Warner has agreed to pay more than \$500 million to settle wide-ranging criminal and civil allegations that its America Online division improperly pumped up revenue and engaged

\$500 million resolves criminal, civil allegations


FASLANE, SCOTLAND -- The Canadian military will conduct one all-encompassing inquiry into the deadly fire aboard HMCS Chicoutimi, rejecting an initial suggestion to separately examine the blaze and the subsequent death of a navy submariner.

One probe to cover fire, death of sub officer


Riding a ten-game regular season winning streak, ranked 6th nationally by the Associated Press, and coming off a lackluster performance against 1-AA James Madison, the Mountaineers showed they have a long way to go to even be a decent football team, much

The View From 217 - Virginia Tech Edition


Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world #39;s biggest producer of made-to-order chips, on Tuesday reported record net profits in the third quarter amid increased demand for chips for cameras, mobile phones, notebook computers and other devices.

Taiwan Semiconductor Reports Record Profit


No conditions were placed on the decision by European Union antitrust regulators, which came after a yearlong investigation and scrutiny in the United States.

Regulators Clear Oracle's \$7.7 Billion Bid for PeopleSoft


WASHINGTON - Boxing great Muhammad Ali asked Congress on Thursday to create a U.S. Boxing Commission, saying oversight by the federal government is needed to protect boxers from exploitation and injury...

Ali Calls for U.S. Boxing Commission


NEW YORK - Sprint Corp. is buying Nextel Communications Inc. in a \$35-billion US deal that will create the third-largest wireless phone company in the US.

Sprint, Nextel ringing up \$35B US wireless merger


HAMISH ROBERTSON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair has returned to Downing Street after undergoing hospital treatment for a heart ailment.

Blair returns to Downing Street after heart trouble


MONTREAL (CP) - Molson Inc. and Adolph Coors Co. are sweetening their brewery merger plan with a special dividend to Molson shareholders worth \$381 million.

Molson and Coors sweeten merger plan with dividend worth \$381 <b>...</b>


By BEN DOBBIN    ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) -- Eastman Kodak Co...

Kodak and Sun Microsystems Settle Java Suit


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chairman Alan  Greenspan said internal controls are usually enough to prevent  banks from engaging in illegal types of

Greenspan: Banks Can Stop Illegal Tying


The Knowledge Learning Corporation has signed a deal to buy KinderCare Learning Centers, which operates preschool and child care centers, for \$550 million and the assumption of debt.

Knowledge Learning Buying KinderCare


After a year in development, The Mozilla Foundation has finally released the full  #39;official #39; version of its already popular open-source Web browser, Firefox.

Firefox 1.0 open-source Web browser


An anonymous reader writes  quot;What is not being reported much about the fascinating Huygens descent to the surface of Saturn #39;s largest moon, Titan, is its remarkable microphone.

Titan #39;s Alien Thunder


Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols writes for eWeek,  #147;GNOME is nice, KDE is fine and the forthcoming Looking Glass may be wonderful, but the best Unix desktop is the one in the Macintosh. #148; Oct 14

Mac OS X: Best Unix Desktop


A curfew was imposed on Kathmandu last night, with orders to shoot people on sight, after thousands of demonstrators ransacked a mosque and fought pitched battles with police to protest at the killing of 12 Nepalese hostages by insurgents in Iraq.

Curfew in Nepal as murders spark riot


Description: We consider a new language invented by deaf children in Nicaragua, and how scientists are able to see the language evolving.

New Sign Language


Nearly 150 people have been slain in 3 days as militants try to derail plan for security force.  Oil exports: Saboteurs wrecked a recently repaired pipeline junction in Kirkuk, Iraq, on Tuesday and the fire set off a cascade of power blackouts.

Bold insurgents targeting Iraqi police kill 59


Sun #39;s COO Jonathan Schwartz has outlined a new direction for his company in the form of a cycle farm. Such a farm would rent out CPU time by the hour for a nominal charge - 99 cents for the use of a dual CPU

Sun to rent CPU time on server farm


Shares of Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendation ARM Holdings (Nasdaq: ARMHY) tumbled 19 on Monday in response to the company #39;s buyout offer initially valued at \$913 million

Paying an ARM and a Leg


AP - Jamal Lewis, 180 yards. Marshall Faulk, 121. Lee Suggs, 186. Curtis Martin, 196. Lewis again, this time for 186.

Bengals Struggling to Stop Opposing Backs (AP)


AMR Corp., parent of American Airlines -- the biggest air carrier in the United States, reportedon Wednesday a big loss of 214 million US dollars in the third quarter of this year and warned of worse scenarios ahead.

American Airlines reports large loss in third quarter


Intel has decided to cancel its project to develop a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) chip that would bring down the cost of rear-projection televisions.

Intel switches off LCOS TV chip


Clothing maker Tommy Hilfiger suffered a mauling on Wall Street yesterday after disclosing it was the subject of a federal investigation that analysts said appeared to focus on tax avoidance.

Tax inquiry hits Hilfiger shares


HAMISH ROBERTSON: But first to Moscow where the future of Russia #39;s largest oil company, Yukos, isn #39;t looking too bright this weekend.

Future looks bleak for Yukos


AP - The world's most famous groundhog was drawn into a Capitol Hill fight Tuesday over political pork as officials defended  #36;100,000 in funding for a Pennsylvania weather museum.

Punxsutawney Phil at Center of Pork Debate (AP)


Hewlett-Packard on Wednesday said it has won a contract worth \$290 million from an agency of the US Department of Defense. Under the deal, the company will work to build a single IT infrastructure for the Defense Logistics Agency.

HP grabs defense deal


Stocks rose sharply yesterday, extending their rally for a second session as investors expressed relief over plummeting oil prices following a government report that showed an increase in crude inventories. The Dow Jones industrial average had its second straight triple-digit gain, pushing back above the 10,000 mark.

Stocks rally, end above 10,000


Interstate Bakeries Corp. said it plans to shut down its bakery operation in Buffalo effective Oct. 23, a closing the Kansas City-based company said will affect approximately 200 employees.

End of line for Buffalo bakery


Virginia's men's soccer team loses to visiting Duke, 3-0, on Saturday and fails to make the NCAA semifinals for the eighth time in nine years.

Cavs Fall Short Again


AP - With recorders and cameras rolling, Adewale Ogunleye gave the obligatory pronunciation of his name on his first day with the Chicago Bears.

Ogunleye Joins Bears With Eye Toward Sacks (AP)


AP - Jose Lima pitched into the seventh inning, Jayson Werth homered for the third game in a row and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 6-3 Tuesday night.

Dodgers Defeat Padres 6-3 (AP)


At the stroke of midnight last night, the Red Sox reached a milestone as one of their best pitchers since Cy Young and their best catcher since Carlton Fisk led 14 teammates into full-blown free agency.

Optimistic signs ahead?


mallumax writes  quot;A security hole in GMail has been found (an XSS vulnerability) which allows access to user accounts without authentication.

Gmail Accounts Vulnerable to XSS Exploit


Pakistani troops have killed six suspected al-Qaeda militants in a clash in the rugged South Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan.

Six militants killed in clash with Pakistan troops near Afghan <b>...</b>


VIENNA (Reuters) - Number five seed Paradorn Srichaphan was  crushed 6-2, 6-1, by Robby Ginepri in the second round of the  Vienna Trophy on Thursday.

American Ginepri Crushes Paradorn in Vienna


Each day, detainees in Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, argue before anonymous military officers that they should not be there. The hearings have come under heavy criticism.

Guantnamo Prisoners Getting Their Day, but Hardly in Court


quot;Mike McKenzie is back here to play for the Packers, and that is where we are right now. We will take it one day at a time, quot; coach and general manager Mike Sherman said Wednesday.

McKenzie returns to Green Bay


ATHENS, Greece - Efharisto! A nervous world learned the Greek word for thank you and repeated it endlessly at an astonishingly successful Athens Olympics that quelled fears, surprised skeptics and greatly honored the birthplace of the games.    Efharisto, Athens, for architectural masterpieces of stadiums and arenas that showcased record performances...

Triumphant Olympics End With Pride, Relief


John Robertson has this morning been confirmed as the new Hearts manager. Mr Robertson #39;s arrival follows several days of negotiation with Inverness Caly Thistle over a compensation package for the Highland club.

Robertson confirmed as Hearts manager


BEIJING, Aug.18 (Xinhuanet) -- The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may revise its rules on initial stock offerings to modernize 1930s-era guidelines, agency commissioners and staff said.

SEC seeks to update stock sale rules


Oracle #39;s new quarterly security-patch schedule departs from its monthly schedule, which Microsoft also uses. By George V. Hulme.

Oracle Moves To Quarterly Security-Patch Cycle


7-Eleven Inc. , the convenience store chain that launched its own prepaid cellphone brand last spring, is rolling out two big enhancements this week in New England markets: premium handsets with cameras and FM radios, and minutes that don't expire for a full year.

7-Eleven enhances prepaid cellphone service


Volkswagen AG, Europe #39;s largest carmaker, wants German workers to agree to a two-year wage freeze to cut costs amid a stagnating market, dismissing a union demand for a 4 percent yearly raise.

Volkswagen to Seek Wage Freeze in Contract Talks (Update4)


Computer users are being asked to donate their unused processor power to help solve social and environmental research problems. The IBM-backed project, called World Community Grid, aims to put the untapped

Home PCs sought in hunt for cancer cure


SURFERS PARADISE, Australia - Canada #39;s Paul Tracy overcame a damaged nosecone in practice to claim the pole position for the Lexmark Indy 300, breaking up a battle between teammates Sebastien Bourdais and Bruno Junqueira.

Tracy out front


After a rough couple of years of embarrassing and serious hacker attacks hitting the Windows-using world, Microsoft Corp. struck back in August with the\security-minded upgrade it dubbed Service Pack 2.\

News: SP2 Fights Worms, Has Bugs


Not only are NASA #39;s seemingly unstoppable Mars rovers continuing their progress half a year beyond their design lifetimes, but Opportunity has recently shown an unexplained increase in its solar-cell power output, NASA has revealed.

Mars rover enjoys mysterious power boost


Patrick Kluivert and Craig Bellamy scored late on to earn Newcastle a much-deserved win over Crystal Palace. Bellamy and Laurent Robert had wasted early chances but Palace nearly went ahead, Andy Johnson forcing a fine point-blank save from Shay Given.

Crystal Palace 0-2 Newcastle


EDINBURGH University professor Dave Collins was today appointed as the new performance director of UK Athletics. The ex-Royal Marine, who has worked with competitors across a range of sports in the Capital

Capital professor lands lead role with UK Athletics


CEO says firm saw no sales slowdown. Could results help calm waters after bad news from HP and Cisco?

Dell's second-quarter earnings meet expectations


Stuttgart, Germany (Sports Network) - Werder Bremen scored twice in the last 12 minutes as the defending Bundesliga champions beat Stuttgart in a physical match, 2-1.

Bremen come from behind to stun Stuttgart


Broadcasters GWR Group PLC and Capital Radio PLC announced Wednesday that they are to merge, taking control of more than a third of Britain #39;s commercial radio market.

Britain #39;s GWR, Capital Radio to Merge


Prosco.net is in part a response to the popular Groklaw site, which was started last year in the wake of SCO #39;s multibillion-dollar suit versus Big Blue.

SCO To Launch Legal Issues Web Site


Reuters - Michigan Republican Rep. Peter Hoekstra\was picked to head the House Intelligence Committee, replacing\Rep. Porter Goss who has been nominated to head the Central\Intelligence Agency, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert said\on Wednesday.

House Intelligence Chairman Named (Reuters)


Clinton Portis runs for 171 yards but the Redskins need several big plays from their defense to hold off the Bears, 13-10, in Chicago.

Portis Pounds Bears, Redskins Snap Streak


The leader of a rebel pilot group at US Airways charged that the company was demanding too much from employees.

US Air Pilots Union Balks at Wage and Benefit Cuts


Chittagong, Dec. 17 (PTI): India will look to pile up a huge first innings score to back their bowlers on a flat, lifeless track in the second and final cricket Test against Bangladesh, vice-captain Rahul Dravid said here today.

India looking to submerge Bangladesh in run deluge


Maxime A. Faget, 83, a retired NASA aeronautical engineer whose innovative designs contributed greatly to manned spacecraft from Mercury to the space shuttle, died of cancer Oct. 10 at his home in Houston.

NASA Designer Maxime Faget Dies


Tired of those unwelcome pests that invade your computer without permission? Banish intrusive spyware and tracking cookies with Yahoo's newly upgraded toolbar.

Yahoo Offers Anti-Spyware App


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. chain store sales rose in the  week ended December 4, as average sales were generally ahead of  last year, but customer counts were down, a report said on  Tuesday.

Chain Store Sales Rise in the Latest Week


Tiny atomic clocks could be slipped into cellphones, hand-held computers and global positioning system receivers.

Time on a Chip: The Incredible Shrinking Atomic Clock


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Though Hurricane Frances is still days away from potential landfall in the southeastern United States, those without window shutters are busy boarding up their houses with plywood -- if they can find any.

Higher wood prices welcome Frances


Reuters - The United States rejected North Korea's\conditions for a resumption of six-party talks on scrapping its\nuclear programs, a response to Pyongyang's latest demands that\left the two nations in a stalemate.

U.S. Rejects N.Korea Conditions for Nuclear Talks (Reuters)


AFP - The French economy is expected to grow 2.1 percent this year, but will limp through the first half of 2005 at a 1.4 percent pace that threatens the official full-year target of 2.5 percent, the national statistics office INSEE said.

French economy to grow 2.1 pct in 2004; slump in 2005: INSEE (AFP)


roundup Plus: Toshiba tinkers with Wi-Fi for TV...Music promoter offers concert downloads...WS-I tackles Web services attachments.

Briefly: Cisco reports access control server flaws


WEST LAFAYETTE - And so here they came again, clattering out of the glistening white light. The victors, boys and girls, or perhaps the Victors.

Boilers cough it up (again), lose big game (again)


Some chief executives boost their companies in speeches. Addressing an IBM (nyse: IBM - news - people ) customer event, CEO Samuel Palmisano attempted to buck up an entire industry.

Palmisano: IBM CEO Hails Growing Tech Spending


Jos Manuel Barroso, president-designate of the European commission, has a crisis on his hands. The former Portuguese prime minister won plaudits in the summer for picking his Brussels team without bending to the will of powerful EU governments.

Rocco and his brothers


Troubling new research and a lack of transparency raise the likelihood of a new pandemic on the horizon

Sick of Avian Flu


A tsunami, a series of large waves caused by the disruption of seawater, is one of the many hazards of living on Earth. A mega-tsunami could cause death and destruction to both the eastern and western Atlantic coasts.

Surfing the Tsunami


Jim Leyland has indicated that he is interested in managing again. He just might not be interested in managing the Mets.

Mets Will Consider Leyland if He's Interested


Australian Prime Minister John Howard managed to secure another term as leader after election results released Saturday handily declared him the winner.

Prime Minister Howard re-elected in Australia


The plane #39;s on the tarmac, Philip Roth #39;s latest epic is on your lap and this guy stumbles in at the last minute, squeezes beside you (just when you thought the seat was empty), opens his laptop and dials his cell phone.

Speedy Net access coming to airplanes


NEW YORK - Stocks were mixed in early trading Thursday as investors weighed a rise in unemployment claims against a slight drop in oil prices.    In the first hour of trading, the Dow Jones industrial average fell 43.51, or 0.4 percent, to 10,065.67, one day after it lost more than 135 points...

Unemployment, Oil News Keep Stocks Mixed


T-Mobile has announced that it has joined the Wireless Broadband Alliance #39;s new Wi-Fi roaming agreement to allow worldwide roaming for mobile users.

T-Mobile roaming worldwide via WBA


ARLINGTON, Texas -- All of a sudden, the Indians #39; prolific offense has been reduced to shambles. And, remember phenom left-hander Cliff Lee, who won 10 games before the All-Star break? He #39;s seemingly forgotten how to pitch.

2 steps back in Texas


Urban warfare drills are taking place in and around Falluja, Iraq, where the Marines expect to lead an all-out attack soon.

Air of Expectation Is Heavy as G.I.'s Itch to Prove Their Mettle in Falluja


Reuters - North Korea has apparently decided\against holding six-party talks on dismantling its suspected\nuclear arms programs until after the Nov. 2 U.S. presidential\election, a senior U.S. official said on Tuesday.

U.S. Official Sees No N.Korea Talks Before U.S. Vote (Reuters)


Marvel Enterprises Inc. is suing two firms behind a computer superhero role-playing game it claims allows players to make virtual characters that are too similar to

Marvel Sues 2 Cos. Over Role-Playing Game


Iraqi and U.S. forces arrested a man believed to be the most-wanted Saddam Hussein aide still on the run in a bloody raid on Sunday in which 70 of his supporters were killed and 80 captured, the government said.

Former Saddam Deputy Reportedly Captured


AP - No Sharpies. No situps. No pom-pom shaking. No spikes.

Henry Relishes Job of Covering Owens (AP)


U.S. government isn't doing enough with technology to improve homeland security, a CNET News.com-Harris Interactive poll finds.

Poll: Antiterror tech plans are flawed


ABN Amro, the Netherlands #39; largest bank, is to cut 2,850 jobs as a result of falling profits. The cuts - amounting to 3 of the bank #39;s workforce - will result in a one-off charge of 790m euros (\$1.1bn).

Dutch bank to lay off 2,850 staff


By Francesco Guerrera in Hong Kong and John Burton in Singapore. China Aviation Oil last month told investors that this year #39;s earnings would exceed its 2003 result, although it had already been hit by \$232

Affidavit claims CAO knew of losses


KABUL: President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday pledged to fight terrorism offensively and promised full cooperation with Afghanistan during a visit to the Afghan capital.

Islamabad, Kabul to fight terror


The Angels have reached agreement on a two-year contract with former Dodgers outfielder Steve Finley, who provides a more cost-efficient, shorter-term solution to their gap in center field than top free agent Carlos Beltran.

Finley moving down the freeway


AP - Putnam Investments, which was fired from managing  #36;1.7 billion in Massachusetts pension investments during the mutual fund scandal, is returning as a money manager in its home state after adopting reforms intended to ensure fair trading.

Massachusetts Pension Fund Rehires Putnam (AP)


Opinion: Despite Kodak #39;s initial victory in its Java patent dispute with Sun, the company will be hard-pressed to prove it deserves a \$1 billion settlement.

It #39;s Too Soon for Kodak to Smile and Say  #39;Cheese #39;


AFP - A delegation of producers from the prestigious French wine-growing region of Bordeaux launched a major campaign try to convince Danes to start drinking their wines again.

Bordeaux's producers target Denmark to fight wine hangover (AFP)


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

Before-the-Bell: Accredo Health Drops


Cricket-Pakistan crumble to West Indies 09-22-2004, 13:18 SOUTHAMPTON, England (AFP) - Pakistan had a morning to regret after Inzamam-Ul-Haq had won the toss, chosen to bat in overcast conditions and then seen his side shot out by the West Indies for

Cricket-Lara forced off after being hit by Shoaib


People have Bill Gates all wrong. He doesn #39;t want to rule the world (or at least the computerized portion of it). And although he may secretly hope that all Linux source code spontaneously combusts, that isn #39;t his biggest wish.

Stumbling over SP2


Washington #39;s Major League Baseball franchise today began to unveil its plans to sell season tickets, ending two weeks of delays and marking the first tangible way for fans to connect with

Expos Release Ticket Plan


AMMAN: Moderate and hardline governments around the Mideast Sunday hit out at Israel #39;s massive five-day-old incursion into Gaza, as the death toll hit 66 and Palestinians pleaded for international support.

Mideast slams Israeli onslaught in Gaza


Cisco Systems (Quote, Chart) will announce a new router family on Tuesday that includes products for small and medium businesses. The Integrated Services Router line delivers converged voice and data applications

Cisco Shaking Router Market


PHOENIX -- Phoenix managing partner Wayne Gretzky, asked if he was interested in coaching the Coyotes, put the idea on the back burner.

GM, Great One talked in June about possibility


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices hit fresh records on Monday,  pushing London Brent crude above \$50 for the first time and  extending a relentless rise that has added around 65 percent to  the cost of crude this year.

London Oil Price Tops \$50 for First Time


Northern Irish drug maker Warner Chilcott has received a bid approach worth 837 pence per share which values the company at 1.53 billion pounds.

Warner Chilcott gets bid approach