Hoping to keep the heat on archrival Microsoft, VMware on Wednesday will give developers a glimpse of an early version of its Virtual SMP product that allows a single virtual machine to work with as many as four processors, which in turn can more effectively drive mission-critical applications.

VMware previews virtual server


Reuters - Kmart Holding Corp.  on Monday\said it appointed Aylwin Lewis president and chief executive\officer, effective immediately.

Kmart Plucks New CEO from Yum (Reuters)


 By Alastair Himmer

 SUZUKA, Japan (Reuters) - Ferrari's Michael Schumacherpowered to an easy victory in the Japanese Grand Prix on Sundayfor his 13th win of the season.

Schumacher Storms to Sixth Japanese F1 Win


Rashad McCants scored 27 points and North Carolina rode a sharp first half to a 94-81 victory over Tennessee last night in the semifinals of the Maui Invitational in Lahaina, Hawaii.

Easy Victory for Tar Heels in Semifinals


PORTLAND, Ore. (Sports Network) - Olympic medalists Justin  Gatlin and Joanna Hayes Monday were named the winners of the  2004 Jesse Owens Awards by USA Track   Field.

Gatlin, Hayes Earn Jesse Owens Awards


FRENCHMAN Sebastien Loeb is set to celebrate his inaugural world championship in style, taking a sizeable lead into the final day of the Rally of Australia.

Loeb set for record rally win


Kevin Brown will return to the New York Yankees' rotation Sunday to start the series finale against the Boston Red Sox.

Brown to Start


Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar is ruled out of next month's ICC Champions Trophy tournament.

Bashar out of Trophy


Developing nations are this year set to record their strongest economic growth since 1974, the World Bank has said. Many countries are on course to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals of cutting global

Developing nations  #39;to prosper #39;


AP - America Online, which earlier this year stopped signing up new broadband customers, is telling existing broadband subscribers in nine Southern states that they must find a new broadband carrier by Jan. 17.

AOL Tells Customers to Find New Carrier (AP)


France tonight named their team for Saturdays World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland - with eight of Raymond Domenechs starting line-up possessing Premiership experience.

Familiar Faces in French Team


AP - Duke again was too much for Michigan State, thanks almost entirely to J.J. Redick and Daniel Ewing.

Duke Tops Mich. St. 81-74 (AP)


Lleyton Hewitt knows how it feels to be No 1 in the world. Anything less is no big deal to him. Australia #39;s Hewitt rallied to beat Carlos Moya of Spain, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, in a first-round

Hewitt rallies to beat Moya at ATP Masters


IRAQI Prime Minister Iyad Allawi today asked world leaders at the United Nations to help  quot;defeat the forces of terrorism quot; and build the future of Iraq.

Allawi appeals for world help


Anyone looking for a last-minute retirement gift for Somerset boys' soccer coach Whit Horton should consider picking up a copy of Journey's Greatest Hits so the Blue Raiders can blast  quot;Don't Stop Believing quot; during their warmups this weekend.

Couto stops Danvers


UAL Corp., the bankrupt parent of United Airlines, Wednesday said it would cut back on US flights and increase its capacity on more lucrative international routes.

United to cut US flights, focus on international


Reuters - Oil prices hit  #36;46 on Monday after\Russia's YUKOS suspended some oil exports to China and concern\lingered over storm-related supply disruptions into the United\States.

Oil Hits  #36;46 as YUKOS Cuts China Supply (Reuters)


J Sainsbury Plc, Britain #39;s third- largest supermarket chain, said first-half earnings fell by as much as 66 percent as the company lost business to competitors such as Tesco Plc.

Sainsbury Profit Falls by as Much as 66; Stock Drops (Update4)


August saw a 10 per cent drop in spam levels, according to email security company Messagelabs. The company said there was a sequential drop in spam with levels falling from 94.

August sees 10 per cent spam drop


Rivas missed a 38-yard field goal attempt wide left in the third quarter that could have extended No. 13 Michigan #39;s lead against No.

1, 2, 3 ... kick: Redemption for UM #39;s Rivas


AP - Manny Ramirez singled and scored before leaving with a bruised knee, and the streaking Boston Red Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 5-3 Friday night for their 10th victory in 11 games.

Red Sox Trip Tigers 5-3 (AP)


HONG KONG (Reuters) - Air passenger numbers will grow again  in 2005 but the global airline industry will only post its  first profit in five years if oil prices drop by some \$15 a  barrel, an industry expert said on Monday.

Airlines Only to Profit if Oil Drops-IATA


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Luxury homebuilder Toll Brothers Inc.  <A HREF=

Homebuilder Toll Up 4 Pct on Forecast


Spain #39;s Santander Central Hispano plans to raise an initial 1 billion pounds from the sale of closed-life books owned by Abbey National, the Sunday Times says.

Bidders line up for Abbey life funds


Yahoo has said that it would soon begin testing a search engine called FareChase that allows travel shoppers to compare prices. The site, available to the general public since late Tuesday is meant to help

Yahoo gets Travel Savvy


The union for employees at 14 of Washington #39;s biggest hotels said they want a week to review new proposals made yesterday by management negotiators.

DC hotel workers #39; union halts talks; will review terms


SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - Cisco Systemstook dead aim at data centers Tuesday at its annual Worldwide Analyst Conference, with company executives claiming many communications functions in servers would be better off moved into the network.

Cisco guns for data centers


The Bank of Communications, Chinas fifth-largest lender, had not finalized details of its upcoming initial public offering, the Shanghai Securities News reported Friday, citing a bank spokesman.

Bank of Communications says IPO not finalized


In the spring of 1999, then-Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov set off on an official visit to the United States. Over the mid-Atlantic, however, Primakov ordered his pilot to turn the plane around and return to Moscow.

When Turnabout Is Not Fair Play


Letter to Mukesh says dilution of powers is not legal; Anil hints at ulterior motive. Anil Ambani has written to his brother Mukesh, saying his powers as vice-chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries

I was kept in the dark: Anil


San Diego - There was not a lot of extra practice time, nor a pep talk from his coaches to let Broncos rookie running back Tatum Bell know he #39;d be such a big part of Denver #39;s game plan Sunday.

Bell gets unexpected call, scores first NFL touchdown


With a showdown against preseason No. 1 USC on the horizon, tailback Cedric Humes rested his sore ankle and sat out Tuesday's scrimmage.

Humes Sits One Out


Merrill Lynch returned to the business of lending to wealthy clients and got burned again.

Problems at Lending Unit Put Merrill Lynch on the Spot


That #39;s what Mylan Laboratories (MYL :Nasdaq - news - research) sort of did Friday in addressing a surge in trading volume Thursday.

Mylan Explains Trading Surge


Teck Cominco Ltd. yesterday said it would take a \$52-million after-tax writedown in the third quarter related to its stake in Sons of Gwalia Ltd.

Teck to take writedown related to troubled Australian gold miner


com. There are two weeks left in Octoberquest, and most of the attention today will be on a doubleheader in Florida that was never on the original schedule.

Doubleheader in Florida filled with playoff implications


com September 29, 2004, 7:06 AM PT. MOJAVE, Calif.--A specialized plane carrying a suborbital spacecraft took off shortly before 7:15 am PDT in an attempt to complete the first phase in the race to privatize space travel.

SpaceShipOne blasts off


While many voter rights' advocates are fighting to decertify electronic voting machines, arguing that they're not reliable, one bloc remains steadfast behind the new equipment - disabled voters who say the machines give them long-denied privacy.

Disabled Americans Are Pleased With E-Voting


The UN chief says Syria has not complied with a Security Council resolution by withdrawing troops from its neighbour, Lebanon.

Syria 'refusing to leave Lebanon'


Marat Safin defeated David Nalbandian to lift the Madrid Masters trophy and leapfrog Tim Henman in the race to qualify for the Masters Cup.

Safin win puts pressure on Henman


Fines worth more than \$12 million US were imposed on those establishments that allowed children to play violent or adult-only games and for other violations.

China continues internet crackdown


Scientists have cracked the genetic code of the chicken, showing it shares about 60 percent of its genes with humans and has a common ancestor that lived about 310 million years ago.

Scientists Crack Chicken #39;s Genetic Code


KIRKUK, Iraq - A suicide attacker detonated a car bomb outside the Iraqi National Guard headquarters in the northern city of Kirkuk on Saturday, killing at least 10 people and wounding 20, officials said.    The blast tore through a crowd of people waiting to apply for jobs in the force, said National Guard Gen...

Car Bomb Explodes in Kirkuk, Iraq; 10 Dead


Rising sea temperatures will boost coral growth, according to Australian research that flies in the face of predictions that climate change could spell death for the world #39;s coral reefs.

Coral grows as climate warms, study


Cingular Wireless, which yesterday finalized its purchase of AT amp;T Wireless, said the company will be governed from four regional centers -- one of them in Redmond -- by a combination of its executives and those from AT amp;T Wireless.

Cingular keeps some AT amp;T execs


NORWOOD -- The knot atop the Bay State League Herget Division has one less loop. Walpole tamed the Norwood Mustangs, 19-0, yesterday, leaving only the Rebels (5-1) and Wellesley (5-1) at the top of the Herget hill.

Walpole retains top spot


Charlie Hodgson hopes to give England coach Andy Robinson a selection headache when World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson returns to fitness.

Hodgson homes in on number 10


Sainsbury says it will take a 550 million pound hit to profits this year as it invests to boost sales and reverse falling market share.

Sainsbury takes profit hit to boost sales


Energizer Holdings Inc., which makes batteries and razors, on Tuesday said chief executive Paul Mulcahy will retire after the company #39;s 2005 annual meeting in January.

Energizer CEO Paul Mulcahy to Retire


Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai was today set to warn that the planet is under attack from a litany of threats, ranging from disease, deforestation and war, and urge a shift in human thinking to save the earth.

Planet under Attack, Says Nobel Peace Winner


Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out in a Sunday newspaper interview at Germany #39;s conservative opposition for its drive to torpedo Turkey #39;s EU membership bid, accusing it of populism.

Turkish Premier Slams German Opposition


Raymond James Financial Inc., a brokerage with 2,200 offices that #39;s based in St. Petersburg, Fla., and the company #39;s former president were sued by the Securities and Exchange

Raymond James sued by SEC


Two drugs approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome may or may not work for the 45 million Americans who suffer from I.B.S.

New Remedies for a Frustrating Illness. But Do They Work?


TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp. <A HREF=

Toshiba Wins HD DVD Support from 4 in Hollywood


MUMBAI, OCTOBER 6 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said the foreign direct and portfolio investments were welcome in various sectors of economy, including the banking sector.

Foreign investment welcome in banking: PM


Over the weekend, a series of attacks killed more than 50 people in the states of Nagaland and Assam.

After squeezing rebels, India's northeast ignites


ATHENS (Reuters) - Michael Phelps clinched his fifth gold  medal and became the first man since Mark Spitz to hold four  individual Olympic swimming titles when he won the 100 meter  butterfly final Friday.

Phelps Captures Fifth Gold, Seventh Medal


Russian tax authorities slapped oil giant Yukos and its main production unit with two new tax claims for nearly \$10 billion, raising the company #39;s total bill to more than \$17.

Report: Yukos Is Hit With New Tax Claims


TOKYO - NTT DoCoMo Inc said Tuesday that it will expand its i-mode Internet-capable cell phone services into Britain and Ireland in the latter half of 2005 by concluding a licensing contract with British cell phone company mmO2 PLC.

DoCoMo #39;s i-mode to expand into Britain, Ireland


A Douglas Adams game is revived to mark a new Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy radio series.

Radio 4 revives Hitchhiker's game


Ljubisa Beara, former Chief of Intelligence of the Chiefs of Staff of the RS Army and accused by the Hague Tribunal (ICTY) for crimes against humanity, surrendered yesterday to the Serbian authorities and was transported to The Hague, reports official

Ljubisa Beara Surrendered to the Serbian Authorities


The used-car retailer stabilizes results with an all-in-one strategy.

America's Car-Mart's Diversity


Marquis Daniels makes a series of late hustle plays to help Dallas defeat Portland, 92-83, on Friday.

Mavs Hold Off Blazers


As Saturday's kickoff nears, the message emerging from the West Virginia program is tempered with caution and is exceedingly respectful toward the Maryland Terrapins.

WVU's Toughest Test


There were fears tonight for the lives of 31 Iraqi policemen who were kidnapped as they returned from a training camp in Jordan. They were abducted on Sunday when gunmen stormed the hotel they were staying

Fears for policemen #39;s lives


JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Al-Arabiya TV on Saturday reported that an explosion took place outside the Saudi-American Bank in Red Sea city of Jiddah.

Explosion reported outside Saudi bank


Scientists have found fossilised remains of what could be the last common ancestor to all the great apes living today. It will give scientists vital clues in charting the course of primate and, ultimately, human evolution.

Ape discovery fills gap in evolutionary jigsaw


Electronic Data Systems Corp. delayed releasing its third-quarter financial results from Monday until Nov. 3 to let auditors finish evaluating a money-losing contract to provide computer services to the Navy.

EDS Delays Third-Quarter Results


Crew members may have to abandon the international space station late this year if astronauts can #39;t fix already weeks-old oxygen supply problems, a NASA official said Friday.

Faulty oxygen supply threatens space crew


Maurice  quot;Hank quot; Greenberg, chairman of American International Group, the world #39;s largest insurer, said hurricane losses in Florida may stop a decline in property insurance rates.

Biggest insurer sees silver lining in Florida


A military judge has jailed a United States army sergeant, described in court as a typical all-American boy, for eight years for sexually and physically abusing Iraqi prisoners at Baghdads Abu Ghraib prison.

TOUGH SENTENCE FOR PRISON ABUSE


A rash of injuries struck the US Open men #39;s draw on Monday, with Nicolas Kiefer succumbing to a wrist injury, Sargis Sargsian fighting through knee trouble

Untimely Injuries Force Quick Exits at US Open


Manchester United legend Denis Law led the tributes to Ruud van Nistelrooy after the Dutchman broke his club record for goals in European competition.

Law pays tribute to record-breaking Ruud


Reuters - Intel Corp. (INTC.O) is on track\to introduce the world's most advanced chip production\technology in its products next year, the largest semiconductor\maker said on Sunday.

After Delays, Intel Points to Chip-Making Advance (Reuters)


NEW YORK - Once a year or so we like to check in on the dollar to find out if it is strong. Inevitably it is, but it is strong in different ways each time.

Snow Likes His Strong Dollar Weaker


Thayer Capital Partners, a D.C. private-equity partnership that buys companies, agreed to a deal that will give it a 24 percent stake in one of Canada's largest trash haulers.

Thayer Gets Stake in BFI


Courtesy of Nokia, mobile content distribution and transaction will reside in a one-stop-shop, making life easier for mobile networks and perhaps more interesting for the owners of some 350 million Java-enabled handsets (at last count.

Preminet: Nokias Mobile Content Move


ESPN's

Big Deal in Raleigh


SPACE.com - Researchers can now say definitively that Mars once \supported a watery environment, but whether the red planet could have ever \supported life is still far from certain.

With Proof of Ancient Water on Mars, Researchers Consider Life's Chances (SPACE.com)


AP - The Republican-led Senate approved President Bush's choice to head the CIA, Rep. Porter Goss, over protests from some Democrats who said he has too many Republican ties for a job that requires independence.

Senate Approves Goss As Head of CIA (AP)


The diary of a teenage Holocaust victim writing to her boyfriend in 1943 has come to light in the Netherlands.

Dutch uncover diary of Nazi camp


LUXEMBOURG - The judge deciding whether Microsoft Corp. must comply with the European Commission's remedies for the company's antitrust violations questioned Friday whether the steps ordered by the Commission will effectively curb Microsoft's power.

Judge ponders effectiveness of MS remedies


Drug giant Merck, stung by its handling of the recall of the arthritis drug Vioxx, says it will cut about 51-hundred jobs by the end of the year.

Merck looks to cut jobs, trim spending


AP - Southern California took the top spot Monday in the season's first Bowl Championship Series standings, but surprisingly Miami is ahead of Oklahoma in a close race for the second spot.

USC and Miami Atop First BCS Standings (AP)


The deal to bring Major League Baseball back to Washington, DC, was described by Mayor Anthony Williams as close to dead on Wednesday after the City Council changed the plan to require private financing.

Washington mayor says baseball deal nearly dead


DOZENS of people, many of them women and children, were killed or wounded in attacks across Iraq overnight amid reports that more than 60 Iraqi policemen have been kidnapped.

Dozens killed in Iraq unrest


Access Brokerage liquidators said today they had discovered a \$5 million shortfall in the share trader #39;s accounts and the Bank of New Zealand said it has frozen all accounts in the name of Access Brokerage Ltd, including trust accounts.

\$5 million  quot;shortfall quot; in Access accounts; BNZ freezes some Access <b>...</b>


THANKS to the widening obsession with  quot;the curse of the Bambino quot; that supposedly has prevented the star-crossed Boston Red Sox from winning the World Series since 1918, the St Louis Cardinals were cast in the role of party poopers as the teams prepared to

Cardinals ready for own party


Bank of Japan  #39;tankan survey #39; also shows strong capital spending, boosting stocks and the yen. TOKYO (Reuters) - Confidence among Japan #39;s big manufacturers waned for the first time in seven quarters, the Bank

Japan #39;s manufacturers less confident


Chelsea, soccer #39;s biggest-spending team, will play defending champion Porto in the group stage of European soccer #39;s Champions League, pitting Blues coach Jose Mourinho against the team he took to last year #39;s final.

Mourinho #39;s Chelsea Faces Porto in Champions League (Update1)


Embarcadero Technologies on Monday is unveiling its DBArtisan Workbench 8.0 database administration tool, featuring enhanced backup capabilities for Microsoft SQL Server databases and support for performance metrics in the Oracle10g database.

Embarcadero enhances SQL Server backup


Reuters - Tracy McGrady tallied 32\points, seven rebounds and five assists to lead Houston over\the Los Angeles Clippers, 91-86, in an overtime contest at the\Staples Center.

McGrady Leads Rockets Past Clippers in OT (Reuters)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Navy will soon announce  whether Lockheed Martin Corp. <A HREF=

Navy to Award \$6.4 Bln Satellite Contract


Bank of America said Thursday it will cut about 4,500 jobs, or about 2.5 percent of its work force, beginning this month as a result of its merger with FleetBoston Financial Corp.

Bank of America to Cut 4,500 Jobs


The European research facility which invented the web and helped shape our view of matter is exactly 50 years old.

Particle lab celebrates 50 years


Video footage of the moment bombs exploded in a Madrid train station have been shown on Spanish television. The 11 March security camera footage shows people leaving Atocha station after one device has already exploded.

Video shows Madrid attack horror


With a legacy of pugilism growing by the series, the Yankees and the Red Sox continued to add to their long list of run-ins, although Sunday #39;s slights and brushbacks were

Peaceful Coexistence, Until Next Time


His philosophy has underpinned China #39;s opaque and secretive political system and, for this reason, Jiang Zemin #39;s decision to stand down as army chief three years ahead of schedule marks the real handover of authority.

Analysis: Jiang Zemin #39;s departure


An electronic device that senses when a vehicle is about to tip and automatically corrects steering, acceleration and braking can reduce single-vehicle crashes that include deadly rollovers, a safety group said Thursday.

Group backs anti-rollover device


When the Cassini spacecraft #39;s Huygens probe parachutes to the surface of the Saturn moon Titan on Jan. 14, it could splash into a lake, burrow into a powdery drift or slam onto rock-hard ice.

Flyby hints of Titan #39;s terrain


IF a football team could be entered in that famous television programme Fear Factor, then Jose Mourinho would register Chelsea. Because if Chelsea are going to reach the final of the Champions League for the

Chelsea:  #39;No fear #39; factor in Europe


CHICAGO - UAL Corp. #39;s United Airlines Friday said it has agreed with its creditors committee to a 30-day extension on the period in which it can file an exclusive bankruptcy reorganization plan.

UAL, creditors agree to 30-day extension


One lousy wireless service provider buys another. It might not be all bad, though.

Can 2 Wrongs Make Cingular Right?


AP - The distributor of file-swapping giant Kazaa welcomed a U.S. court's ruling that two of its rivals are not legally liable for the songs, movies and other copyright works shared online by their users.

Kazaa Owner Cheers File-Swapping Decision (AP)


A US government auditor says the US Army should withhold 15 per cent of future payments to Halliburton for work in Iraq due to billing disputes - in a move that could cost the contractor tens of millions of dollars.

Halliburton pay should be docked: auditor


BEIJING: China #39;s ruling Communist Party has issued a lengthy policy paper on way to reverse its waning popular support, citing corruption and  quot;hostile forces quot; as issues that could end its 55-year grip on power.

Critics debunk China #39;s Communist Party #39;s plan to build up its <b>...</b>


Joe Gross, a three-time All-Met, has suffered through a troubling year that has derailed a promising golf career.

Prep Star Stopped Short


Newcastle have been pitted against Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon in the inaugural UEFA Cup group stage. It could mean a reunion with midfielder Hugo Viana, who has returned to the Portuguese capital on

Lisbon date for Newcastle


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Paul Martin knew it wouldn't be easy to explain the sponsorship scandal to Canadian voters.

Sponsorship woes still dog Martin heading into new year (Canadian Press)


Premier League club Newcastle will play Yeading FC, a tiny soccer club ranked six leagues below, in the third round of the FA Cup.

Man U hosts Exeter in FA Cup 3rd round


Struggling grocery giant Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. forced out president and chief executive Frank Lazaran on Friday and named Peter L. Lynch, a former Albertsons Inc.

Winn-Dixie Ousts CEO Frank Lazaran


Carlyle Group, the US private equity fund, is in talks with the Hanjin Group over the purchase of some of the South Korean conglomerate #39;s transport and logistics

Carlyle in talks with Hanjin


AP - Jim Thome and Bobby Abreu homered and Eric Milton pitched seven solid innings as Philadelphia ended a seven-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night.

Phillies Top Brewers 4-2 to Stop Skid (AP)


Los Angeles Clippers forward Elton Brand was suspended one game without pay by the National Basketball Association (NBA) on Tuesday.

Clippers forward Brand suspended one game


The United Nations is seeking to disarm both rebels and government-backed militias in Darfur, a senior UN official says.

Darfur plan  #39;difficult #39;


The focus here the last couple of days has been on the health of Canada goalie Martin Brodeur and whether his jammed left wrist would

Finnish line: They don #39;t feel pressure


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

Nike Boosts Dividend by 25 Percent


Philippine officials sought international help Sunday to rebuild villages devastated by back-to-back storms that left more than 1,000 people either dead or missing and devastated mostly poor northern agricultural regions.

Philippines asks foreign governments to help rebuild typhoon <b>...</b>


3 September 2004 -- Russia #39;s tax authorities have given Yukos another bill for back taxes that is higher than the oil company expected.

Russian Tax Authorities Give Yukos Another, Larger Bill


Brazilian Rubens Barrichello led a Ferrari one-two in the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday to trigger a homecoming party for the Formula One champions.

Barrichello leads Ferrari one-two in Monza


A critically ill Wisconsin teenager who was bitten by a bat recovered after being put into a drug-induced coma and being given antiviral drugs.

Girl Is First to Survive Rabies Without a Shot


AFP - US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Libyan Foreign Minister Abdelraham Shalgham met here in the highest-level contact between the two countries in decades amid a sharp improvement in ties between Washington and Tripoli.

Powell, Libyan FM meet in sign of improved ties (AFP)


BEIJING - Video footage of the area where North Korea said a huge explosion occurred showed dozens of workers swarming around a dusty construction site resembling a large dam project, while a foreign diplomat who visited the site said Friday he found no sign the blast was nuclear.    South Korea, meanwhile, said a mushroom-shaped plume thought to be from the Sept...

Diplomat: Nukes Not Cause of Korea Blast


Manu Ginobili's off-balance shot left his hand just a split-second before the final buzzer, dropping through the basket to give Argentina an 83-82 victory over Serbia-Montenegro yesterday on the first day of Olympic men's basketball in Athens.

Ginobili gives Argentina big lift at the buzzer


Reuters - A sharp fall in oil prices boosted\European stock markets and energy import-dependent Japan's yen\on Thursday, but depressed government bonds as investors\factored in a rosier economic outlook.

European Stocks Rise as Oil Slips (Reuters)


The NHL players #39; association offered an immediate 24 percent rollback of salaries Thursday as the centerpiece of a new proposal handed to the league in an effort to end the season-long lockout.

NHL players offer 24 percent salary rollback in new proposal


South Korean officials are trying to confirm reports that the most influential woman in North Korea has died. Ko Young Hee, is sometimes referred to as the wife of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.

Mother of North Korean President #39;s Sons Reported Dead


British Prime Minister Tony Blair has lost one of his key supporters with the resignation of controversial Home Secretary David Blunkett.

BLAIR SUPPORTER RESIGNS


NORTON -- When things were going so well and the major championships were piling up and the records were falling into his possession, Tiger Woods was as close to invincible as golf has ever seen. He was so far and away the No. 1 player in the world that he couldn't see No. 2 with a telescope.

Woods is still the one -- but Singh is closing


Iraq #39;s interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi, yesterday contradicted Tony Blair #39;s claim that there was a new conflict inside Iraq and dismissed fears of a civil war.

Leader rejects Blair  #39;second wave #39; claim


Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui and Bernie Williams each hit home runs as the New York Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-7 on Friday.

Deja vu as Yankees beat Blue Jays 8-7


Football legend Diego Maradona, who nearly died earlier this year with heart and lung problems, was rushed to hospital on Saturday with high blood pressure and a fever, medical sources said.

Football legend Maradona rushed to hospital


PC World - Chips have become so tiny that atomic-level defects cause serious problems.

Ultra-Tiny Transistors Won't Be Key to New PC Performance Gains (PC World)


Over the next to years more than 1,100 jobs located in United Kingdom, will be shift to India, according to the Royal  amp; Sun Alliance plans.

Royal  amp; Sun Alliance to transfer jobs


New Delhi (VNA) - Russia and India have agreed to set up a joint working group to compile an inter-governmental agreement in information technology during a recent visit to India by President Vladimir Putin.

Russia, India to join hands in IT


Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world #39;s largest retailer, reported a 12.7 percent rise in its third-quarter earnings, meeting Wall Street expectations.

Update 4: Wal-Mart 3Q Earnings Rise on Higher Sales


Hamid Karzai has been declared as Afghanistan #39;s president after an electoral commission concluded that vote rigging had not affected the result.

Karzai wins Afghan election


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Justice Department has opened an  investigation of possible accounting fraud at Fannie Mae, the  Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, after a federal  regulator said the mortgage giant may have manipulated its  earnings targets.

Justice Dept. Opens Fannie Criminal Probe


Reuters - U.S. mortgage finance giant Fannie\Mae said on Wednesday a Securities and Exchange Commission\decision that it must restate earnings over accounting problems\is likely to cut into its capital position.

Fannie Mae Warns on Capital Position (Reuters)


Economic instability looms as major currencies seem to be racing each other to the bottom of the pile. This is the flavour of the markets at the moment.

Instability looms as currencies slide


The UK music industry is set to prosecute people who swap music illegally over the internet.

UK music to 'sue online pirates'


In its first electoral test since taking power 21 months ago, the party of Brazil's left-leaning president emerged stronger from nationwide municipal elections but could not come in first in the country's biggest and most important city, Sao Paulo.

Party of Brazil's President Party Stronger


Big game hunters may be off the hook in the latest twist of a prehistoric whodunit that tries to explain why bison populations sharply crashed thousands of years ago.

Hunters off the hook for bison declines


arely two months before the presidential vote, Missouri #39;s secretary of state has suddenly announced that he will allow military voters from his state - one of the most pivotal in the election - to e-mail ballots from combat zones to the Defense Department

The Pentagon #39;s Troubling Role


When Apple first launched its G5 computers, some disputed its claim to be the fastest personal computer in world. Faster computers may well be on the market now, but few wield their power

Tools Of The Trade Apple Power Mac G5 Dual 2.5Ghz


RealNetworks on Tuesday started a promotion that halves the price of its digital music offerings as part of a strategy to force its way onto Apple Computer #39;s popular iPod digital music player.

RealNetworks Halves Music Prices But Move to Confront Apple Will Increase Company #39;s Loss


The U.S. Army had granted Halliburton a third extension to substantiate its costs in Iraq and Kuwait.

Halliburton Has More Time to Verify Costs


AP - Jon-Paul Bingham puts his life on the line every week for the sake of science. One wrong move, and he could become the hapless victim of a snail attack that could kill him. Bingham, a biochemist at Clarkson University, is a self-described

Farming Killer Cone Snails a Risky Affair (AP)


Forbes.com - AVOCENT (27, AVCT) is by far the market leader in KVM (keyboard, video, monitor) devices, which allow technicians to run multiple servers using a single computer terminal. Avocent has outsize gross margins (58) on this stuff. In the first half sales rose 23 to  #36;174 million, though it lost  #36;5 million due to an acquisitions-related charge. The stock's multiple: 73.

Obsolete (Forbes.com)


Campbell Soup turns in a good quarter, but there are better alternatives.

M'm! M'm! Could Be Better!


What the Bush administration had hoped would be a triumphant achievement is clouded by doubts, even within the Pentagon, about whether a missile defense system that is on its way to costing more than \$100 billion will work.

Interceptor System Set, But Doubts Remain


In a trial, reminiscent of the 1925 Scopes trial in Tennessee, lawyers give their closing remarks on text book-sticker disclaimers stating that  #39;evolution is a theory, not a fact.

Closing Arguments Made in Georgia #39;s  #39;Evolution Disclaimer #39; Trial


Some 28 people are charged with trying to overthrow Sudan's President Bashir, reports say.

Charges over Sudan 'coup plot'


Also: Nintendo threatens Suicidegirls over IP use.

News.com Extra: Experts warn of Net flu vaccine scam


Crude futures prices rose Monday on concerns about tight heating oil supplies ahead of winter, strong oil demand in China and fears about a planned petroleum-industry lockout in Norway.

Crude Oil Prices Rise on Winter Fuel Worries


AP - Acer Inc., the world's fifth-largest computer company, said Friday its third-quarter net profit fell 63 percent from the same period last year in part because of investment losses from affiliates.

Acer's 3Q Net Profit Plummets 63 Percent (AP)


Russia #39;s announcement that it will ratify the Kyoto Protocol -- a decision crucial to the treaty coming into force -- has catapulted the issue onto

Russia #39;s Kyoto Decision Resonates in Australia #39;s Election Campaign


The island paradise Bali will be off limits this holiday season. If your travel plans include Indonesia, you would be wise to cancel your trip immediately.

Terrorists threat puts Indonesia on high alert


A contentious campaign to bump up the bandwidth bills of spammers by flooding their sites with data has been dropped. Lycos Europe #39;s Make Love, Not Spam campaign began in late November but its tactics proved controversial.

Lycos Scraps Anti-Spam Screensaver


TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran banned National Geographic  reporters and sales of the magazine until it corrects an atlas  it published using a disputed name for waters off the Islamic  Republic's south coast.

Iran Bars National Geographic Over Map Dispute


Crude oil futures continued to climb Friday, reaching new record high as decline in the US inventory of heating oil and tight supplies still overshadowed theenergy markets.

Crude oil prices rise toward 55 dollars per barrel


Betsy McManus and Courtney Roantree each came off the bench to set career highs with 15 and 14 points, respectively, to lead No. 24 Villanova past Penn 69-44 Sunday.

No. 24 Villanova 69, Penn 44


Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) said Wednesday it will defend itself against the latest allegations of patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation made by rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC).

SMIC to challenge latest TSMC infringement claims


Let #39;s start with two hockey-related news bits most Americans probably aren #39;t aware of. 1) The NHL season still hasn #39;t started, and 2) On Thursday, union leaders made a new collective bargaining proposal to

Greed gone wild


Reuters - Even as readers devour the code-cracking\thriller

Book World's Next Chapter Shows Ominous Plot Twists (Reuters)


IBM announced today that an IBM BlueGene/L supercomputer has surpassed NEC #39;s Earth Simulator in Japan to become the world #39;s most powerful supercomputer.

IBM claims BlueGene/L now world #39;s most powerful supercomputer


Halliburton reported a loss in the third quarter, hurt by charges from discontinued operations related to the settlement of asbestos and silica claims.

Halliburton Suffers Loss on Asbestos Claims


Vijay Singh won the PGA Tour player of the year award yesterday for the first time, ending Tiger Woods #39; five-year hold on the honor with a season that left no debate about who was No.

Golfing Roundup: Singh ends Tiger #39;s run of 5 in row


With New York Waterway warning of an imminent financial collapse, a group of the company #39;s competitors drew up a plan yesterday to take over almost all of its ferry service along the Hudson River.

Group to Offer Proposal to Take Over Hudson Ferries


AFP - Residents in Indian Kashmir will face up to three years in jail for hosting extravagant weddings under new government regulations, officials said.

Extravagant weddings to land Kashmiris in jail (AFP)


TESCO will go head-to-head with Apple #39;s iTunes as the supermarket giant launches its own music download service today. Already a top three UK music retailer from CD albums sold in its stores, Tesco is the

Tesco launches into online music


AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The lawyers appointed to defend  Slobodan Milosevic in his war crimes trial said on Tuesday  their relationship with the defendant had been irreparably  damaged and renewed their plea to be allowed to withdraw from  the case.

Defense Lawyers Say Rapport with Milosevic Ruined


COLOGNE, Germany An anti-terror march by German Muslims has brought about 25-thousand people to the city of Cologne. Marchers carried signs saying  quot;religion doesn #39;t produce terror quot; and rallied at a downtown square.

Some 25,000 march in Muslim-organized German demonstration against <b>...</b>


After helping the Red Sox stats, schedule win their first World Series championship in 86 years and supporting President Bush in his bid to win a few red states, the man with the red spot

All #39;s well for Schilling after 3-hou


The Ministry of Public Security Sunday rewarded a number of informers who have tipped police about pornographic websites since China launched a nationwide campaign to crack down on the illegal on-line operations this July.

Police rewards porn site informers


AP - Marc Boerigter will undergo knee surgery on Monday and might be lost for the year, throwing Kansas City's tattered wide receiver corps into even greater disarray.

Chiefs' Boerigter May Be Gone for Year (AP)


OAKLAND, Calif. - All that stands today between Ichiro and an unobstructed look at George Sisler is an unidentified Tim Hudson body part.

Knock, knock: Ichrio nearing hit record after win


In a strategic move that demonstrates how Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (MSO) soared to success in the first place, the company has entered into agreements with Mark Burnett and an affiliated entity.

Martha and the Reality Guru


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Movie Gallery Inc. <A HREF=

Movie Gallery Bids for Hollywood Video


MANCHESTER, England - On the north side of the field at Manchester United #39;s Old Trafford, a solemn occasion took place earlier this week.

Hated With A Passion


Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev, who claimed responsibility for last month #39;s Beslan school hostage-taking, warned Sunday that he was ready to fight Russia for a decade and insisted civilians remained a fair target.

Chechen Warlord Issues Warning to Russia


Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) may yet team up with another chip maker for the construction of a semiconductor fabrication plant (fab) to expand its manufacturing capacity for microprocessors, despite shelving similar plans in 2003, according to a senior company executive.

AMD still mulling plans for a joint-venture chip plant


Workers at Opel auto plants in Bochum walked out Thursday as soon as the parent company, General Motors, announced it was cutting 10,000 jobs in Germany.

Germany: Opel cuts over 10,000 auto jobs


At least 175,000 Haitians have been affected by flooding caused by a tropical storm, relief workers say.

Desperate flood victims await aid


Anheuser-Busch (BUD:NYSE - news - research) guzzled higher third-quarter profits thanks to a foreign acquisition and some price increases.

Anheuser-Busch Profit Jumps


BRIGHTON, England Top aides to British Prime Minister Tony Blair are urging his party not to let the war in Iraq derail their annual convention and election hopes.

Blair #39;s party urges a shift in focus from Iraq to domestic issues


Microsoft Corp. says it has distributed about 106 million copies of its major security update for the Windows XP operating system.

Microsoft Distributes XP Security Update


as well as its most-loathed - cars, Rover yesterday confirmed a takeover deal by a Chinese state-owned company that marks

Chinese takeover of Rover signals end of Britain #39;s once-thriving <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks looked to open higher on  Monday, extending Friday's broad rally, as oil prices fall  below \$50 a barrel on easing tensions in Nigeria.

Stocks Seen Higher as Oil Prices Ease


Company to pay out \$5.5 million The discrimination claim was brought on behalf of Colorado employees. The chain denies misconduct.

Home Depot settles EEOC lawsuit


AP - A CT scan of dinosaur bones from northwest Wyoming could help resolve a dispute about the great Tyrannosaurus rex.

CT Scan Reveals Dino Skeleton's Secrets (AP)


A British man has been arrested in connection with the theft of source code from Cisco Systems. The 20-year-old was arrested on 3 September following police raids on homes in Manchester and Derbyshire.

Arrest in Cisco source code theft


Bank of Montreal kicked off earnings season for Canada #39;s big banks on Tuesday with a 30-per-cent jump in profits driven by strong gains at both its retail and investment banking operations.

BMO enjoys big profit jump, softens economic forecast


 By Barry Wood

 VIENNA (Reuters) - Double Olympic champion Nicolas Massubattled for nearly three hours before overcoming Slovakqualifier Karol Kucera 6-4, 6-7, 6-4 Tuesday to claim his firstvictory in four attempts at the Vienna Trophy.

Olympic Champion Massu Finally Wins in Vienna


Tottenham coach Martin Jol says Arsenal firebrand Robin van Persie is already a calmer player than he was at Feyenoord! Jol said:  quot;At 18, Robin was in the first team at Feyenoord.

Spurs coach Jol: Arsenal have calmed Van Persie!


BAR Honda celebrated its 100th race with a podium today as Jenson Button crossed the line in third place in the team #39;s second home Grand Prix at Suzuka.

100 races and another points haul at BAR Honda


Insurance salesmen are used to having a reputation for probity and trustworthiness roughly on a par with second-hand car dealers. That #39;s beginning to look like the good old days, since America #39;s leading brokers

Spitzer #39;s beady eye of the law spooks insurers


ATHENS (Reuters) - American sprinter Justin Gatlin won the  closest Olympic 100 meters in history as the fastest men on  earth staged a sporting spectacle that thrilled the world.

Olympics-Sprinters Serve Up Greatest Race on Earth


AFP - Blue chips closed comfortably higher, lifted in late afternoon trade by a positive early performance by Wall Street, while a firm media sector and recovering oil stocks also boosted the FTSE 100, dealers said.

London shares up as Wall St climbs, WPP slips after Grey deal (AFP)


Islamic militants claim they are holding three foreign election workers kidnapped Thursday from a UN vehicle in the Afghan capital of Kabul.

Militants kidnap three foreigners in Kabul


Researchers at the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute are one step closer to understanding how blood cells develop through the use of human embryonic stem cells.

Human embryonic stem cells promising for replacement of blood <b>...</b>


CHARLESTON, South Carolina (Reuters) - U.S. world number  two Andy Roddick coasted to victory over Belarus teenager  Alexander Skrypko in a dead reverse singles rubber in the Davis  Cup semi-finals on Sunday.

Roddick Extends U.S. Domination Over Belarus


Mobile phone giant Vodafone  doubles its dividend to shareholders after the

Vodafone upbeat as 3G takes off


Bolo Zenden all but secured Boro #39;s passage through to the knockout stage of the UEFA Cup. A goal in each half made sure that the points remained on Teesside in a 2-0 win over the Italian side Lazio.

UEFA Cup: Boro almost there!


President Paul Kagame said Congo and the international community had failed to tackle the rebels for 10 years.  quot;If the international community cannot take care of this problem

Rwanda vows to attack rebels


By SIOBHAN McDONOUGH    WASHINGTON (AP) -- Fewer American youths are using marijuana, LSD and Ecstasy, but more are abusing prescription drugs, says a government report released Thursday.    The 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health also found youths and young adults are more aware of the risks of using pot once a month or more frequently...

More American Youths Abusing Prescription Drugs


MOUNT ST. HELENS, Wash. Oct. 6, 2004 - Government scientists said Wednesday that the danger of a strong Mount St. Helens eruption at any moment has passed, but warned the mountain could continue venting steam and volcanic rock for several weeks.

Danger of Mount St. Helens Eruption Passes


Cingular Wireless, the largest US cellphone service provider, has announced plans to upgrade its high-speed data network, allowing faster downloads than are now available on many home broadband connections.

Cingular plans to upgrade high-speed data network


Imposing sanctions on the government of Sudan in a bid to resolve the crisis in the Darfur region of the country could prove counter productive, a Foreign Office minister warned today.

Sudan Sanctions  #39;Could Be Counter Productive #39;


The incoming European Commission president has proposed redefining the duties of controversial conservative justice commissioner Rocco Buttiglione.

EU proposes narrowing Buttiglione duties


NEW YORK (Reuters) - COMEX gold futures closed at fresh  6-1/2-month highs on Monday as investors bought the safe-haven  metal due to an ailing dollar, soaring oil prices and  uncertainty over the U.S. presidential election, dealers said.

NY Gold Ends Near \$430


NEW YORK - Arizona guard Salim Stoudamire tried all he could to get Arizona the upset win against No. 1 Wake Forest. No. 18 Arizona tried to go to him one last time in the waning seconds and trailing by one

Wildcats stumble in 2nd half


AP - With thousands of prison sentences on the line, the Supreme Court will decide whether judges have too much power to tack on extra cell time in a case that one justice said could wreak havoc on courthouses nationwide.

Supreme Court Addresses Prison Sentences (AP)


William Hill Plc, the UK #39;s No. 2 bookmaker, said first-half profit jumped 36 percent as fewer favorites won at events such as the Euro 2004 soccer tournament.

William Hill 1st-Half Profit Jumps on Betting Results (Update2)


quot;Front Row Joe quot; went four years without winning a pole, but now has two in a row after leading qualifying Friday for the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Kansas Speedway.

Nemechek wins second straight pole; Earnhardt eighth


The DCML Organization has announced a decision to move its technical and marketing activities to OASIS, organized as a new OASIS Member Section.

Data Center Markup Language (DCML) Organization Transitions to <b>...</b>


Reuters - No one in Germany knows the goosestep\any more, but German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said\Wednesday anyone wanting lessons in the military march used by\the Nazis could get them from Britain.

Goosestepping Germans Only in UK Media? (Reuters)


RAMADI, Iraq, Nov 7 (AFP) - Gunmen rounded up and killed 21 policemen and two US soldiers died in separate attacks in Iraq Sunday, one day after car bombs and clashes killed 36 people in the restive Sunni heartland.

21 shot dead in Iraq police station massacre, two US soldiers <b>...</b>


Drilling is a messy business. Drilling fluid is anything but sterile. For most drilling applications, that's no problem. But when astronauts drill for life on Mars, they need to be sure that the bacteria they find really do come from underground.

Coping with Contamination in the Search for Life


English football (soccer) team Manchester United has reported a nearly 30 percent fall in its annual profits and warned that future results would be affected by a drop in media revenues.

Manchester United Reports Big Drop in Annual Profits


AP - When things were going well for the Dallas Cowboys early last season, Bill Parcells was asked about the great attitudes seen from several players who were not usually described that way. His response sounded more like a warning.

How Will Owens, Eagles Respond to Loss? (AP)


Seagate Technology offers a better than expected revenue and earnings forecast; the stock should still be avoided.

Seagate Floats -- for a Day


US-led forces launched operations in three Iraqi rebel strongholds on Thursday, killing nearly two dozen insurgents in a town near the Syrian border and bombing targets in Fallujah for the third straight day.

US forces on offensive in 3 Iraq rebel strongholds


Sprint Corp. said Friday that it will slash as many as 700 more jobs and reduce the value of its long-distance network by an undisclosed amount.

Sprint will cut as many as 700 jobs


Barry Bonds became only the third player in Major League Baseball history to tally 700 career home runs, a milestone no one had reached in more than three decades.

For Bonds, It's 700 Gone and 56 to Go


AP - The government will begin issuing forecasts Friday of red tides  #151; harmful blooms of algae  #151; in the Gulf of Mexico.

U.S. to Issue Warnings of Gulf Red Tides (AP)


The industrys latest allies -- Microsoft and Sun -- have supported the publication of Web Services Management (WS-Management), a Web services specification that provides a common way for enterprises to access and exchange management information across

Newfound Allies Drive Web Services Spec


AP - Commerce One Inc., an Internet software maker valued at  #36;20 billion at the peak of dot-com mania, is poised to go out of business as a pauper.

Former Dot-Com Commerce One Eyes Closure (AP)


JAKARTA, Indonesia - Indonesian police found traces of the explosives used in the suicide bombing of the Australian Embassy inside a room rented by the two alleged bombmakers, the national police chief said Saturday.    Police also released security camera footage showing the small white delivery truck driving past the heavily fortified mission in Jakarta moments before it exploded, killing nine people and wounding more than 170...

Indonesia Police Step Up Hunt for Bombers


SAN JOSE, Calif. Nov 22, 2004 - San Jose State coach Fitz Hill resigned Monday with one game left in his fourth straight losing season with the Spartans.

San Jose State Football Coach Resigns


New version of hit game gives characters a purpose in life and a chance to pass on their DNA.

'Sims 2' makes emotional debut


The underperforming US boxing team lost one of its two Andres Friday when middleweight Dirrell lost his semifinal bout to Kazakhstan #39;s Gennadiy Golovkin, falling out on points, 23-18.

Ward represents US boxing team #39;s lone chance for gold


AP - Thousands of children's books are published in the United States each year, so finding the perfect book for that favorite niece or nephew won't be easy. It wouldn't hurt to have a little help. With that in mind, the Center for Children's Books at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has created an online guide to help make choosing the right children's gift easier.

Online Gift Guide for Kids' Books Offered (AP)


BHP Billiton said yesterday it had agreed with joint venture partner Alcoa to sell their 100 per cent stake in Integris Metals to Ryerson Tull of Chicago.

BHP to sell US venture


THOSE who move away from the majority to tread a path of their own have always been termed mavericks. One category of people who today could qualify to be called mavericks are those using Web browsers other than Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer (IE).

Nibbling at the pie


BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. warplanes blasted insurgent positions in Sadr City, and American ground troops pushed into the sprawling Baghdad slum Thursday in a new operation aimed at disarming the militia of a renegade anti-U.S...

Top Cleric Calls for On-Time Vote in Iraq


A trio of newly discovered worlds are much smaller than any other planets previously discovered outside of the solar system.

3 Planets Are Found Close in Size to Earth, Making Scientists Think 'Life'


Scotland caretaker manager Tommy Burns says he has not held any discussions about the possibility of taking on the job permanently.

Burns in dark over Scots future


People want to listen to music while they are on the move, rather than watch video, research suggests.

Consumers 'snub portable video'


ADOBE Systems, maker of the world-renowned Photoshop picture-editing software, has announced two new products for digital video and still-photography hobbyists.

Adobe adds new Elements


How do they feel about Phillip Fulmer and Tennessee in the state of Alabama these days? In its rawest form, the answer can be found in the feral environs of the Crimson Tide fan message boards.

Tide-Vols feud may be nation #39;s biggest


South Korea is on a high security alert after two holes are found in the wire along its border with the North.

Seoul finds holes in North border


The UN has issued an appeal for the immediate return of its three staff members, which included a woman from Northern Ireland, kidnapped in Kabul last week.

UN appeals for release of Kabul kidnap trio


Microsoft jumped into the disk-based backup and recovery market this week with the announcement of the Microsoft Data Protection Server, a low-cost, continuous, disk-based backup and recovery system.

Microsoft Allows for Better Backups


Kilkenny - World number two Ernie Els and Denmark #39;s Thomas Bjorn have finally rid themselves of the golfing demons that threatened to derail their careers.

Ernie rids himself of demons


Reuters - California's Assembly on Tuesday\voted to require the state's employers to inform their workers\in writing if e-mail and other Internet activity is monitored\at work.

Calif. Assembly Backs E-Mail Monitoring Disclosure (Reuters)


A lavish ceremony has marked the opening of the second session of the Pan-African Parliament. It is the first time the body is meeting in South Africa, it is permanent host country.

Pan-African Parliament Opens With High Hopes


Oil prices eased lower in Asian trade overnight as the market absorbed pieces of both good and bad news. Middle East oil ministers had said they were satisfied that world market supply of the commodity will meet demand.

Oil prices ease after promise by OPEC states


Retail sales during the important Thanksgiving weekend showed some strength, with sales measures released Monday reflecting year-over-year growth.

Retailers view mixed holiday forecasts


Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has already produced over 80 products using 90nm processes, and the company expects to tape out 40 more products at this technology node by the end of this year, according to Genda Hu, vice president of

TSMC to tape out 40 more products at 90nm by year-end


After adding a host of special-interest tax cuts aimed at garnering support from individual senators for the overall bill, the congressional Republican leadership is poised to gain

Analysis: GOP pushes corporate tax breaks


Grace Park capped an almost flawless round by rolling in a 25-foot birdie putt for a 10-under 62 Thursday that gave her a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Samsung World Championship.

Park shoots first-round 62


Mr. Charles Jenkins on Tuesday arrived in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, together with his wife Ms. Hitomi Soga, a former abductee to North Korea, and their two daughters after serving a short sentence for desertion from the US Army.

Closing the curtain on a hard life


AP - Torry Holt and the St. Louis Rams finally had something to celebrate.

Rams Roll Past Redskins 28-3 (AP)


On the eve of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Iraq #39;s most-feared terrorist group claimed credit for setting off two bombs in the heavily fortified

ATTACKS IN IRAQ: 2 bombs kill 5 in Baghdad


LONDON (AP)  British bank Barclays PLC gained its first toehold in the US consumer banking market Wednesday, saying it would buy credit-card company Juniper Financial Corp. from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce for \$293 million in cash.

Barclays buys Juniper Financial for \$293M


By Channel NewsAsia #39;s Hong Kong Correspondent Roland Lim. HONG KONG : Many eyes will be on Albert Cheng in the race for Hong Kong #39;s Legislative Council Elections on September 12.

Albert Cheng to be the voice of HK citizens if elected a <b>...</b>


MINNEAPOLIS -- It was  #39; #39;Scott Elarton Continued Employment Night #39; #39; at the Metrodome yesterday, as the elongated right-hander made a final bid for a spot on the Indians #39; roster for 2005.

Indians finishing like they started


The battle against Internet piracy could shift in earnest to Capitol Hill and further into the homes of individual consumers as the recording industry

Grokster Ruling Fuels P2P Battle


The new Mobile AMD Athlon 64 processor 3000 operates at 2GHz and is meant for use in thin and lightweight notebook computers. It is the highest performing processor in AMD #39;s family of low-power Mobile AMD

AMD adds mobile processor to Athlon 64 lineup


The Oakland Raiders have traded Jerry Rice to the Seattle Seahawks in a move expected to grant the most prolific receiver in National Football League history his wish to get more playing time.

Oakland Raiders Trade Jerry Rice to Seattle Seahawks


EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- US Airways will discontinue service in Evansville beginning Dec. 19, Evansville Regional Airport officials said.

US Airways to end flights to Evansville


Former Blue Jays pitcher and television commentator John Cerutti was found dead in a Toronto hotel room on Sunday. He was 44. The baseball team said Cerutti, who was slated to provide color

Former Blue Jays Pitcher Cerutti Found Dead


The 13th Summer Paralympic Games in 2008 in Beijing will be extremely successful and  quot;fabulous quot;, Phil Craven, chief of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC),predicted here on Thursday.

Beijing Paralympic Games to be fabulous: IPC President


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Older Americans #39; Social Security checks will rise by about \$25 on average next year, the Social Security Administration announced Tuesday.

Cost-of-living increase is largest in four years


Burma #39;s military junta extended the house arrest of pro-democracy leader Aung Sun Suu Kyi for one more year. According to CNN, the Bush Administration is calling on.

House Arrest Extended for Burmese Pro-Democracy Leader Suu Kyi


Reuters - First-day sales of Microsoft\Corp.'s  new video game

Microsoft Sees  #36;100 Million First Day for 'Halo 2' (Reuters)


Defense technology developer Foster-Miller Inc. of Waltham says it will be acquired for \$163 million by Britain's QinetiQ Group PLC, a public-private partnership with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense.

Mass. tech developer to be sold for \$163m


Yes, the Michigan and Wisconsin football teams could potentially decide Big Ten bragging rights in the Rose Bowl. That was the advice Thursday from Dave Davis, 2005 Tournament of Roses president.

Rose Bowl wants to avoid UM-Wisconsin matchup


LION Nathan has delivered on its promise to deal with competitive pressures in China, selling its business in the world #39;s biggest beer market for a higher than expected \$US154 million (\$219 million).

China beer sale buoys Lion


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - In the latest of a series of  product delays, Intel Corp. has postponed the launch of a video  display chip it had previously planned to introduce by year  end, putting off a showdown with Texas Instruments Inc. in the  fast-growing market for high-definition television displays.

Intel to Delay Product for High-Definition TVs


With Randy Moss relegated to two snaps of decoy duty, Daunte Culpepper and the Minnesota Vikings shifted gears and grinded one out against the Tennessee Titans.

Vikings 20, Titans 3


NEC, Toshiba will put the next-generation DVD technology in desktops and laptops next year. NEC plans to start selling desktop PCs equipped with HD-DVD (High Definition/High Density-DVD) drives at the end of 2005, the company says.

HD-DVD Drives Find a Place in the PC


SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - A new government report indicates that offshore outsourcing could hurt IT employment growth over the next decade.

GAO Says Offshoring Could Stymie Tech Job Growth


LONDON (Reuters) - The euro was near two-month highs  against the dollar Friday as key U.S. data loomed and as  traders awaited a Group of Seven meeting of finance ministers,  while oil-fired inflation fears lifted gold close.

Dollar Vulnerable, Stocks Rise Overseas


Fed Cup favourites Russia and France are firmly on course to meet in the final after taking commanding 2-0 leads in their semi-finals on Wednesday.

WRAPUP 1-Russia, France close in on Fed Cup final


Peoplesoft rejects a takeover bid from rival Oracle for the sixth time in the last 18 months calling the offer

Peoplesoft rejects new Oracle bid


Google announced yesterday that they have agreements with several large libraries to scan books whose copyrights have expired. Joseph O #39;Sullivan, Software engineer and Adam M. Smith, Business product manager

Google To Scan Millions Of Library Books


Bill Parcells had a bad first Thanksgiving Day experience as coach of the Dallas Cowboys but is hoping for a better one this year when the Chicago Bears visit Texas Stadium.

PARCELLS LOOKS FOR BETTER


AP - Former Texas House Speaker Ben Barnes' recollections over how he helped President Bush get into the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War have evolved over the years from fuzzy to distinct, with him now expressing remorse for what he did.

Barnes Upset About Helping Bush Avoid War (AP)


World News  gt; London, Oct 01 : British Prime Minister Tony Blair today underwent a non-surgical operation to correct a heart flutter and is  quot;doing ok quot;.

Blair fine after heart operation :


Microsoft Corp. is building on its 2002 buy of Danish business application developer Navision A/S with the release Monday of its first major product built on the Navision software suite.

Microsoft targets midmarket with Navision update


An NHL lockout that is nine weeks old will not end soon unless the owners show some willingness to negotiate, agents said after a meeting with the players union.

Agents Tell Players There #39;s Little New In NHL Lockout


Looking to grab some momentum and market share from rivals EMC and Hewlett-Packard, IBM took the wraps off a new, midrange storage offering that--in a 3U form factor quot;-could scale up to 67 terabytes.

IBM Unveils New Sleek, Midrange Storage


World News  gt; Dhaka, Sep 5 : A powerful bomb ripped through an old building in the Bangladesh city of Sylhet Sunday, leaving at least two people dead and seven wounded.

Bomb kills two in Bangladesh :


Technology India: Washington, Nov 26 : How about a cellphone that can intelligently advise you on what or what not to do based on your track record?

Now, cellphones turn advisers!:


France #39;s market regulator fined Jean-Marie Messier, the disgraced chairman of Vivendi Universal, 1m (700,000) last night for misleading investors with over-optimistic corporate bravado over a two-year period that ended in the collapse of his

Messier fined 1m for hiding debts


Old Dominion University professor Cynthia Jones was honored in Washington on Thursday as the 2004 Virginia Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

ODU professor honored with teaching award


The Supreme Court declared the results of Ukraine's disputed presidential run-off election invalid and ruled Friday that a repeat vote should be held by Dec. 26, bringing cheers from tens of thousands of opposition supported massed in Kiev's main square.

Ukraine Supreme Court Invalidates Run-Off


BOSTON -- On the baseball beauty scale, Saturday #39;s American League Championship Series game between the Yankees and Red Sox ranks right there alongside Roseanne #39;s screechy rendition of the national anthem in San Diego in 1990, Pete Rose #39;s 1970s hairdo

Red Sox-Yankees Game 3 was more embarrassment than classic


The Big Apples counterfeit-goods industry cost the city \$1.03 billion in lost tax revenue last year, says Comptroller Bill Thompson in a new report.

Counterfeit goods cost city over \$1 billion


Archipelago Holdings, the owner of ArcaEx, the largest electronic stock market, is expected to buy the Pacific Exchange for about \$50 million.

Deal to Acquire Pacific Exchange Is Expected


Air China, the country #39;s largest airline, will raise HK\$8.36 billion after pricing its Hong Kong and London initial public offering (IPO) at the high end of its price range, sources said.

Air China raises \$8.3b with high-end price


AUSTRALIA will arrive in Mumbai tomorrow night for their pivotal Test showdown with India jarred by the disappointment of their heaviest one-day loss for two years.

India await beaten Aussies


The Department of Justice says dozens of people have been arrested or convicted for online crimes this summer, as part of its effort to show that the internet is not 'off-base for law enforcement,' according to Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Feds Wrap Up Online-Crime Dragnet


The US dollar rose slightly against the euro yesterday as the Federal Reserve raised a key interest rate by a quarter-point and the US trade deficit was larger than expected.

Dollar rises narrowly against euro


The Tall Blacks were eliminated from the medal round of the Athens Olympics on Monday after suffering a heartbreaking 88-84 loss to Spain.

Heart-breaking loss for Tall Blacks


American Calvin Harrison #39;s failure to appeal against a doping ban means the French men #39;s 4x400 meters relay team will get a late gold.

French relay team set to get late gold


Genentech Inc. , the world's second-biggest biotechnology company, received a subpoena from the US attorney's office in Philadelphia as part of a criminal and civil probe into marketing of Rituxan, its top-selling drug.

Genentech gets a subpoena


AP - Mavericks swingman Michael Finley came off the injured list Thursday in time to start against the Seattle SuperSonics, giving Dallas another scorer besides Dirk Nowitzki.

Finley Returns From Injury List to Mavs (AP)


AP - China raised its official death toll from Typhoon Rananim to at least 147 on Monday, as villagers with farm tools dug through massive landslides searching for 40 people still missing.

China Typhoon Death Toll Rises; 40 Missing (AP)


KHARTOUM -- Sudan does not object to the deployment of more foreign cease-fire monitors and troops to the troubled Darfur region, Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail said yesterday.

Sudan willing to allow in more Darfur observers, official says


MAJOR CHIP maker Broadcom (tick: BRCM) said that it has revised its figures for revenues in its third quarter. It said revenues are now expected to be flat or  quot;up slightly quot; compared to its second quarter revenues.

Broadcom warns of Q3 flatness


The 10th-ranked Dartmouth boys' soccer team had given up only one goal this season, but yesterday, host Falmouth scored two to hand the Indians their first loss, 2-0.

Falmouth blanks Dartmouth


OSLO (Reuters) - Global warming is heating the Arctic  almost twice as fast as the rest of the planet in a thaw that  threatens millions of livelihoods and could wipe out polar  bears by 2100, an eight-nation report said on Monday.

Arctic Thaw Threatens People, Polar Bears


Reuters - Myanmar's ruling generals have freed\their second most prominent political prisoner, Min Ko Naing,\leader of student democracy protests in 1988, a source close to\his family said on Saturday.

Myanmar Frees Number Two Political Prisoner-Source (Reuters)


The intensity of advertisements broadcast this weekend signaled the importance that both sides attach to the debates.

Strong Charges Set New Tone Before Debate


AP - Chief U.N. war crimes prosecutor Carla Del Ponte, international law experts and human rights activists gathered in Belgrade on Friday to review Serbia's shortcomings in dealing with war crimes committed during the 1990s Balkan conflicts.

Serbia Prodded to Face War Crimes Issues (AP)


AP - Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, manager Dusty Baker and Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt were ejected Sunday during the NL Central rivals' final game of a three-game series.

Wood, Baker, Oswalt Tossed From Game (AP)


com September 22, 2004, 4:17 PM PT. Most IT Managers won #39;t question the importance of security, but this priority has been sliding between the third and fourth most important focus for companies.

Code to exploit Windows graphics flaw now public


WASHINGTON - The Navy task force overseeing John Kerry's swift boat squadron in Vietnam reported that his group of boats came under enemy fire during a March 13, 1969, incident that three decades later is being challenged by the Democratic presidential nominee's critics.    The March 18, 1969, weekly report from Task Force 115, which was located by The Associated Press during a search of Navy archives, is the latest document to surface that supports Kerry's description of an event for which he won a Bronze Star and a third Purple Heart...

Unit's Report Supports Kerry's Version


Reuters - A Chilean judge on Monday\formally charged former dictator Agusto Pinochet with homicide\and kidnapping in one of many pending cases related to human\rights abuses committed during his 17-year rule.

Chile Judge Charges Pinochet in Rights Case (Reuters)


Doesn #39;t anyone watch The Apprentice? The Donald drove home the point Thursday night that you never underestimate your enemy, and that #39;s precisely what Notre Dame did apparently assuming it could low-ball Meyer

Irish botch chance to hire Meyer


The BRITISH PHONOGRAPHIC INDUSTRY (BPI) announced yesterday (October 7) that they are taking legal action against 28 UK file sharers, kicking off a rolling programme of legal action against  quot;major uploaders quot; - and NME wants to know what you think about

Take part in the Great NME Downloading Debate


European users are expected to be some of the first to get their fingers on BlackBerry handsets featuring a new keyboard technology that promises streamlined typing functionality on compact, converged devices.

Vodafone offers BlackBerry phone with smaller keyboard


North Korea on Monday reportedly told a visiting British diplomat in Pyongyang that a billowing cloud of smoke caused by an explosion last week was the planned demolition of a mountain for a hydroelectric project, according to news reports.

N. Korea Says Explosion Was Planned


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks slid on Thursday after New  York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer accused insurance broker  Marsh   McLennan Cos. <A HREF=

Stocks End Lower as Insurers, Oil Weigh


PC World - Cost of ownership savings range from 19 percent to 36 percent over three years.

Study: Linux Is Still Cheaper Than Windows (PC World)


While Vogue's September issue is still offering its famously dramatic images of 6-foot beauties clad in high fashion, the publication is adding an extra element that is a bit more utilitarian - online shopping.

Vogue Adds Online Shopping Feature


Reuters - US Airways Group Inc. sought\bankruptcy on Sunday for the second time in two years, squeezed\by low-cost rivals, soaring fuel prices and a failure to win\new labor concessions.

US Airways Files for Ch. 11 Bankruptcy (Reuters)


Home secretary asks for an independent review into claims he intervened in a visa application for his ex-lover's former nanny.

Blunkett orders visa inquiry


Charles Burnett was ringing a bell in front of the Wal-Mart in Fairmount. It was Burnetts first day, but the Salvation Army has stationed volunteers by red kettles for more than a hundred years.

Salvation Army donations are down


Nokia and Handango announced that Handango will be a key content provider through the Preminet Solution, recently announced by Nokia.

Nokia Preminet solution adds support for Handango content


More than 5.6 million copies of the Firefox 1.0 stand-alone browser have been downloaded in the first two weeks of its release, the Mozilla Foundation said this week.

5.6 Million Choose Firefox In First Two Weeks


LG.Philips LCD Co. Ltd. reported a worse-than-expected 15 percent drop in quarterly profits on tumbling flat-screen prices and warned a global supply surplus could push prices down by a further third.

Flat screen prices hurt LG.Philips


Hurricane science in the new century is a mix of growing skill and persistent uncertainty, of intuition and algorithms, satellites and erasers.

But Where Is the Hurricane Going?


In its latest move in an ongoing battle with cable companies, SBC Communications today announced a 10-year, \$400 million deal to use Microsoft #39;s (Quote, Chart) IP television platform.

SBC Tunes in Microsoft #39;s IP TV


PHOENIX -- Just four days after he was introduced as the Arizona Diamondbacks manager, Wally Backman was fired yesterday following revelations he was arrested twice and struggled with financial problems.

Past woes lead to Backman firing


Whether formed on Earth or brought here by meteorites, -amino acids are widely assumed to have been present in the prebiotic chemical soup.

MAKING PEPTIDES ON EARLY EARTH


Prime Minister Tony Blair was urged today to use Britains upcoming presidency of the G8 to broker a global agreement to cancel poor countries debt and double spending on aid.

Blair  #39;Should Broker Deal to Boost Aid Spending #39;


SAN FRANCISCO - Cisco Systems Inc. channel partners will be able to offer real-time monitoring of enterprises' networks after the company agreed to acquire NetSolve Inc., the networking giant said Thursday.

Cisco to acquire network monitoring provider NetSolve


ASTANA (Reuters) - Russia on Wednesday curtly rejected U.S.  criticism of sweeping political changes proposed by President  Vladimir Putin, telling Washington to stay out of its business.

Russia Rejects U.S. Criticism of Planned Reforms


Strategic conflicts, rampant confusion and election-year politics are slowing the war on terror.

Throwing money at technology (page 3)


Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei has called for a speedy resumption of peace efforts with Israel, a day after Yasser Arafat #39;s burial in Ramallah.

Palestinians call for peace talks


PC World - Copernic Desktop Search does the work without Google's security flaws.

Are Desktop Search Programs Ready for Prime Time? (PC World)


Where Is the Hurricane Going?


The National Hockey League Players #39; Association closed ranks yesterday, but in doing so brought the season closer to cancellation.

NHL season on ice?


Barry Bonds set a record Saturday night that no one cared to see. For the 199th time this season, he took ball four.

On His Way to 700, Bonds Keeps Walking


com December 14, 2004, 10:45 AM PT. Samsung and Sony have entered into an extensive cross-licensing agreement that will help them fill gaps in their patent portfolios and potentially stem off lawsuits.

Samsung, Sony cross-license their patents


Alan Shearer was credited with the stoppage time goal that gave Newcastle an interval lead in Graeme Souness first outing as Toon Army chief but even the goal-hungry England striker will have a tough job persuading anybody it was not an own-goal

Magpies lead at St Mary #39;s


Reuters - A rocket carrying an Israeli spy\satellite crashed shortly after liftoff on Monday, officials\said.

Launch of Israeli Spy Satellite Fails (Reuters)


AP - Florida coach Ron Zook was fired Monday after two-plus years and a stack of embarrassments on and off the field, satisfying a growing groundswell for his ouster that began the day he replaced Steve Spurrier.

Gators Fire Ron Zook After Two-Plus Years (AP)


By LAURAN NEERGAARD    WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States may have to close schools, restrict travel and ration scarce medications if a powerful new flu strain spurs a worldwide outbreak, according to federal plans for the next pandemic, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press.    It will take months to brew a vaccine that works against the kind of super-flu that causes a pandemic, although government preparations include research to speed that production...

Possible Flu Outbreak Threatens U.S.


For the first time in four years, the Longhorns parlayed a 10-win regular season into a berth in the Bowl Championship Series. Completing a steady climb in the BCS standings - from 11th in mid-October to

BCS matchups offer several firsts


Fernando fourth and Jarno ninth in qualifying for tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix.

Italian GP, Qualifying


AP - As of Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004, at least 1,103 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. At least 846 died as a result of hostile action, according to the Defense Department. The figures include three military civilians.

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


TONY EASTLEY: The brutality of the violence in Iraq has reached a new low after 49 young Iraqi men were forced to lie on the roadside and each was shot in the back.

Al-Zarqawi militants attack Iraqi Army recruits


Google Shares Jump 18 In NASDAQ Debut\\Google stock shares rose 18 percent in their NASDAQ stock market debut yesterday, after a scaled-down \$1.67 billion IPO marked by missteps and lackluster market conditions. Google co-founder Larry Page and chief executive Eric Schmidt showed up at the Nasdaq stock market as Google ...

Google Shares Jump 18 In NASDAQ Debut


LOS ANGELES - With Microsoft pulling out the stops to make computers part of home entertainment, Will Poole was a natural choice to lead the business producing PC versions of Windows.

Q amp;A: Microsoft #39;s Will Poole talks about digital home entertainment


Officials fear that for a new generation of disaffected European Muslims, Iraq has become the crux of a new holy war.

Officials Fear Iraq's Lure for Muslims in Europe


Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC), of Hsinchu, Taiwan, has expanded its patent-infringement fight against rival contract chip maker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) by filing a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).

TSMC files another patent suit against SMIC


Marat Safin of Russia returns the ball to Guillermo Canas of Argentina during the semifinal of the BNP Masters indoor tennis tournament in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004.

Safin Beats Stepanek for 3rd Masters Crown


The Boston investment firm Adams, Harkness Inc. will pay \$575,000 to settle charges that it failed to disclose it was paid by investment banks to write research reports on the banks' underwriting clients, regulators said yesterday. Adams, Harkness also failed to preserve copies of internal e-mails as required by law, they said.

Adams, Harkness settles


A federal judge approved a \$2.575 billion settlement of a class-action lawsuit by WorldCom investors who claimed they were defrauded by Citigroup, the second-largest settlement ever in a securities fraud case. When the tentative pact was announced by Citigroup in May, it was for \$2.65 billion, but the agreement presented to the judge was reduced by \$75 million. Investors accused Citigroup of hiding WorldCom's financial risks when it helped sell \$10 billion of WorldCom debt in 2001.

WorldCom Investors Settle


AP - A top U.S. commerce official said he told China to expect American textile makers to seek new limits on Chinese imports as soon as next week, as he also urged Beijing to do more to stop piracy and lower trade barriers.

China Faces New Textile Import Limits (AP)


MORRISONS is to hand over 114 of its smaller Safeway stores to rival Somerfield as part of a 260m deal. Morrisons said the sale would let it concentrate on the larger Safeway stores that it acquired and

Somerfield buys 114 Safeway outlets


LONDON (England): Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said his side were in desperate need of a match-winner after losing to Australia in their one-day warm-up match at Lords.

Woolmer says Pakistan needs a  #39;Match-Winner #39;


TORONTO (CP) - Negative economic indicators helped send stock markets lower Tuesday while two more big Canadian banks reported quarterly profits.

Stocks sag on sub-par Canadian GDP and sliding US consumer <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hideki Matsui drove in the winning run  with a ninth-inning single to earn the rallying New York  Yankees a 5-4 victory over the host Cleveland Indians in the  American League Tuesday.

AL Wrap: Matsui's Late Single Leads Yankees Past Indians


Company is set to sell desktops on CompUSA's shelves, providing more competition for HP.

Gateway lands on another retailer's shelves


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices held near record highs on  Friday even though oil unions in OPEC member Nigeria said a  two-day wildcat strike would pass without any impact on  exports.

Oil Holds Near \$53 High


Security software maker updates antivirus engine to plug hole that lets virus writers manipulate compressed files and avoid detection.

Sophos corrects 'theoretical' flaw


AP - THE NUMBERS: Employers went on a hiring spree in October, adding 337,000 new jobs, the Labor Department said Friday. The surge was the largest in seven months.

Summary Box: Biggest Jobs Jump Since Spring (AP)


RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK - Cisco Systems, an avid supporter of MIT, has joined the MIT Media Labs Digital Life consortium as a sponsor.

Cisco Joins MIT Media Lab Consortium


commentary The debate between Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox has intensified in recent months. Media columnists have put forth the merits of their case; an overwhelming number believe the time is right to bury Internet Explorer.

Browsers become business bugbear


The scientists behind Dolly the sheep apply for a license to clone human embryos. They want to take stem cells from the embryos to study Lou Gehrig's disease.

Dolly Creators Seek Clone License


Laksamana.Net - Two Indonesian female migrant workers freed by militants in Iraq are expected to arrive home within a day or two, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said Wednesday (6/10/04).

Freed Hostages to Arrive Home Soon


The New England Patriots' offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis, will be introduced Monday as the coach of Notre Dame.

Suddenly, Patriots' Weis Has Two Jobs


France coach Raymond Domenech was surprisingly pleased with his team #39;s lacklustre performance in the goalless draw against Ireland in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Domenech pleased with France despite dull performance


A day after a mortar round killed an Israeli-American woman in a nearby settlement, the Israeli army charged into a Palestinian refugee camp Saturday, killing one person and tearing down 20 homes, witnesses said.

Israel Destroys Refugee Homes, Kills One


Opec looks set to agree a cut in the rampant quota-busting, which its members say has caused oil prices to fall in recent months.

Opec 'ready to agree output cut'


Newcastle scientists urge the EU to ban fishermen catching fish which are later thrown back into the sea.

Call for curbs on discarded fish


KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (AP) -- Earthquakes have been rumbling more frequently deep beneath Mauna Loa, suggesting that the world's largest volcano is getting ready to erupt for the first time in 20 years, scientists said.

Scientists Say Mauna Loa Volcano May Soon Erupt


Apple today peeled the wraps off its latest iPod, promising that the iPod Photo will allow customers to take their entire music and photo library with them wherever they go.

Apple snaps at Vaio Pocket with iPod Photo


Eight French peacekeepers were killed and 23 wounded yesterday in an attack by the Ivory Coast military on a rebel region after a ceasefire collapsed in the war-torn west African nation.

French troops die in Ivory Coast flare-up


It #39;s been three years since the last all-new Metal Gear Solid game, MGS 2: Sons of Liberty, hit the PlayStation 2. In that time, there have been various remakes of installments from the series, including: Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, which was basically

MGS 3: Snake Eater cooks up retail


Chile's ex-leader Augusto Pinochet is told to give written testimony in the 1973 murder of singer  Victor Jara.

Pinochet to testify in Jara case


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists Wayne Rooney will feel right at home in the Champions League. Rooney: Likely to start from the bench against Fenerbahce.

Rooney #39;s ready for Europe - Fergie


A videophone that lets home users see who they are talking to has been launched by Amstrad.

Amstrad launches home videophone


LONG BEACH, Calif. - Washington #39;s first visit to the NCAA volleyball Final Four turned out to be a short one. The magic carpet ride that had included the school #39;s first Pac-10 title and a No.

Huskies #39; season over after 3-1 loss to Stanford


Crude oil in New York was little changed after falling yesterday for the first time in four sessions as forecast mild weather and rising inventories eased concern that demand would outpace supplies of heating oil in winter.

Crude Oil Little Changed After Falling on Mild Weather Forecast


SINGAPORE #39;S new leader tried to mend fences with China today, saying the city-state would back Beijing if Taipei  quot;provoked quot; armed conflict across the Taiwan Strait.

Singapore backs Beijing on Taiwan


Oil prices fall on news of Nigerian peace talks but analysts expect the price to remain close to the \$50 mark.

Oil prices ease on Nigerian talks


TODAY'S GAMES Division 1 BIG THREE -- Brockton at Durfee, 7. GREATER BOSTON -- Arlington at Everett, 7; Cambridge at Peabody, 7; Somerville at Revere, 7.

This week's schedule


Reg Review The world's first easily upgradeable MP3 device?

Neuros II 20GB HDD music player


Reuters - U.S. antitrust regulators are\investigating possible anti-competitive practices at the\American Stock Exchange and Chicago Board Options Exchange,\according to the annual report of the National Association of\Securities Dealers.

U.S. Exchanges Face Antitrust Probe (Reuters)


The northern spotted owl, the bird at the center of the Pacific Northwest logging wars, will stay on the threatened species list, the government said Thursday.

Spotted Owl to Stay on Threatened List


If you live in France, are a Muslim sympathizer, speak Arabic and have access to satellite television, you are probably a fan of al Manar broadcasts.

The symbol of unity and peace made from the earth of Israel


Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe will compete in the ING New York City Marathon next month. Radcliffe says she is looking forward to taking part in the race, especially after her disappointment in Athens.

Radcliffe to run New York marathon


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks made gains on Wednesday as  investors bought beaten-down shares, while strength in oil  prices pushed up energy companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp.  <A HREF=

Stocks Up; Traders Eye Crude Oil Prices


The Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 Index fell, led by shares of household-product makers, after Kimberly-Clark Corp. reported earnings that trailed analysts #39; estimates.

S amp;P 500 Falls After Kimberly-Clark #39;s Earnings Trail Estimates


The US economy will expand by 4 percent this year, sustaining the recovery begun in 2002, a senior US Treasury official said Sunday.

US Official Predicts 4 Percent Growth


AOL said in a statement that its previous decision against Sender ID was made because the first version was not backwards compatible, meaning that  quot;all of the development work AOL and many others

Microsoft Revises Sender ID, AOL Signs On


Air France-KLM Group, Europe #39;s biggest airline, said second-quarter sales grew 6.4 percent as passengers generated more revenue.

Air France-KLM Sales Rise 6.4 on Passenger Increase (Update1)


Solar Data Centers, a Web-hosting company, plans to power its servers on electricity generated by solar panels.

Is there money in being 'green'?


AP - The St. Louis Cardinals were looking to fill out their rotation last December when they signed Jeff Suppan to a modest two-year,  #36;6 million contract.

Cards' Suppan Faces Old Team in Game 3 (AP)


The US Financial Accounting Standards Board approved a rule that will force companies to treat employee stock options as an expense and delayed its implementation until next June.

US Accounting Board Approves Options-Expense Rule (Update1)


AP - Marc Bulger got off to a red-hot start and a beleaguered defense held Seattle to three field goals in five trips inside the 20 in a 23-12 victory that earned the St. Louis Rams a first-place tie with the Seahawks in the NFC West on Sunday.

Rams Win 23-12, Top NFC West With Seattle (AP)


Propelled by Google envy, new players and Internet industry giants are rushing into the online search market.

Google Envy Is Fomenting Search Wars


Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh ran through the South African top order to give India a whiff of victory on the fourth day of the second test in Calcutta on Wednesday.

Harbhajan has South Africa in spin


Much of the initial information about what had happened in Asia came from the Web.

A Catastrophe Strikes, and the Cyberworld Responds


biz. Warner Music Group has signed a global licensing agreement with Melodeo Inc., marking the Seattle-based mobile music platform provider #39;s first deal with a major label.

Warner Inks Mobile-Phone Music Deal


Installing patches to fix application and system flaws is still a major chore for businesses. With Microsoft #39;s XP SP2, they face their biggest challenge.

Get Ready To Patch


Reuters - An earthquake has rocked a densely\populated city in southwestern China, destroying more than\20,000 houses but killing no one, a local official said on\Wednesday.

China Quake Destroys 20,000 Homes, No Deaths (Reuters)


UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who recently angered the United States by calling the war in Iraq  quot;illegal, quot; has weighed in again with a letter to President Bush, British Prime Minister

Annan protests Fallujah strategy


Reuters - Rwanda can and will strike Rwandan\rebels in Congo if little continues to be done to disarm them,\but Kigali is not spoiling for a fight, President Paul Kagame\said on Saturday after meeting his Congolese counterpart.

Rwanda Retains Right to Attack Rebels in Congo (Reuters)


More than 500 Australians could be involved in child pornography on the Internet, Australia #39;s top police officer says after nationwide raids saw more than 200 people charged with over 2,000 child pornography offences.

More than 500 Australians in child porn inquiry


AP - Ukraine's outgoing government sought Monday to control the inquiry into the poisoning of presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko, with officials close to the government taking charge of both investigations into who tried to harm or kill the leader of the

Ukraine Seeks to Control Yushchenko Probe (AP)


A Senate committee voted yesterday to transfer airwaves used by dozens of television stations to spectrum-starved public safety organizations but included a provision that critics say

Senate Panel Votes to Transfer TV Airwaves to Safety Groups


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Gary Sheffield of the New York Yankees underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday.

Yankees #39; Sheffield has surgery


Add a chapter to the sad tale of Intel #39;s (Nasdaq: INTC) sorry 2004. Today, longtime partner HP (NYSE: HPQ) admitted it would be dropping the beleaguered, 64-bit Itanium chip from its workstation lineup.

HP Spurns Intel


Analysis Only slightly if at all

Will the US election matter to the IT sector?


Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL), which is racing to cut costs to avoid bankruptcy, on Wednesday reported a wider quarterly loss amid soaring fuel prices and weak domestic airfares.

Fuel Costs Contribute to Delta Loss


AP - Cincinnati quarterback Gino Guidugli has the cast off his broken throwing hand and expects to start when the Bearcats play in the Fort Worth Bowl next week.

Cincinnati QB Expects to Start in Bowl (AP)


update Former CEO Sanjay Kumar is indicted as Computer Associates agrees to a \$225 million settlement in an ongoing accounting probe.

Former CA chief indicted; company reaches accord


A one-day strike by tea workers in India's north-eastern state of Assam brings work in 800 tea gardens to a halt.

Strike halts Assam tea production


Reuters - President Jacques Chirac\inaugurated the world's highest bridge on Tuesday, a creation\taller than the Eiffel Tower, longer than the Champs Elysees\and designed to end a traffic bottleneck in southern France.

Proud France Inaugurates World's Highest Bridge (Reuters)


Federal officials are trying to prosecute operators of Web sites that recruit terrorists, raising alarms among civil libertarians.

Online and Even Near Home, New Front in the Terror Fight


PESHAWAR: Two Chinese engineers working at the Gomal Zam Dam project in South Waziristan Agency were kidnapped along with a security guard and a co-worker on Saturday morning.

Chinese engineers kidnapped in Wana


Reuters - Iranian hard-liners are angered over a\deal Tehran has agreed with the European Union to suspend all\activities related to its enrichment program in a bid to end an\international standoff over its nuclear program.

Iranian Hardliners Unhappy with Nuclear Deal (Reuters)


Critics questions whether violent videogames like  quot;BloodRayne quot; should be played by children and teenagers. The videogame industry says games with mature themes have appropriate ratings.

Video Game Makers Get a  #39;C #39; for Effort, Critics Say


Major Gulf oil producer Kuwait will back a hike of 1 million barrels per day in OPEC #39;s output ceiling if crude prices remain at record levels, a move

Kuwait Backs Quota Hike if Prices Stay Up


It was only a three-year, mid-life fling during the course of two long, varied coaching careers. But from 1988-90, Tom Coughlin and Bill Parcells found professional soul mates in one another.

Coughlin  amp; Parcells: Two of a kind


CHARLOTTE, NC -- Bank of America said Thursday it will cut about 4,500 jobs, or about 2.5 percent of its work force, beginning this month as a result of its merger with FleetBoston Financial Corp.

Bank of America to Cut 4,500 Jobs


Microsoft head honcho expected to use the spotlight at the Consumer Electronics Show to talk Xbox 2. The Consumer Electronics Association today announced the keynote speakers for the International Consumer

Gates to keynote January CES


Now that the DNA that makes a chicken a chicken had been sequenced, I'm hoping we'll learn why chickens can't sing.

If I Only Had a Voice: A Humble Wish Upon a Drumstick


AP - Crews on all-terrain vehicles on Monday recovered the bodies of all 10 people killed in the crash of a Hendrick Motorsports plane that was carrying family and friends of one of NASCAR's top syndicates.

Crews Recover All Bodies in NASCAR Crash (AP)


Reuters - U.S. stocks hovered around the\break-even mark, bonds fell and the dollar recovered a bit on\Tuesday just hours before the Federal Reserve was expected to\raise U.S. interest rates for the fifth time this year.

U.S. Stocks Flat, Bonds Fall Ahead of Fed (Reuters)


INDIANAPOLIS -- None of the tickets sold for the latest Hoosier Lotto game matched all six numbers drawn, so the jackpot grows to an estimated \$7 million for Wednesday #39;s drawing.

No winners in Powerball, Hoosier Lotto


NEW DELHI: It was a grand homecoming for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as he touched the Indira Gandhi International Airport here tonight after culminating his  #39;voyage of discovery #39;, as he described his nine-day tour of Britain and US.

Talks with Musharraf  quot;very good quot;: PM


You could tell why University of President Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley wanted Urban Meyer almost immediately after the coach started talking.

He Sounds Confident, Not Cocky


With memories of 2000 and its bitter fight over ballots still fresh, citizens began casting votes in the pivotal swing state.

Voters Begin Casting Early Ballots in Florida


Singapore - Crude oil futures slid further on Thursday, as concerns over heating oil supplies ahead of a cold Northern Hemisphere winter eased because of a rise in US crude stocks.

Rise in oil stocks drives prices down


Oil futures retreated below \$50 a barrel yesterday, though analysts said there is enough uncertainty about geopolitics and weather -- and the industry #39;s

Crude prices make a retreat


AP - An alien species of catfish has been caught in the Delaware Raritan Canal, prompting fears among environmental officials that the voracious predator could devastate native catfish, sunfish and some sturgeon populations the way it has in southeastern states.

Alien Catfish Species Found in N.J. Canal (AP)


AP - Two Americans won the Nobel Prize in medicine Monday for discovering how people can recognize an estimated 10,000 odors, from spoiled meat to a lover's perfume.

U.S. Researchers Win 2004 Nobel Prize (AP)


NOVEMBER 05, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - A Microsoft Corp. vice president this week confirmed that the company intends to continue its track record of shipping a new version of its Office System software every two to three years.

Microsoft plots next Office release for  #39;05 or  #39;06


PARIS, France -- Barcelona striker Ludovic Giuly has pulled out of France #39;s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Ireland and Cyprus, the French soccer federation has announced.

Giuly will miss French qualifiers


Vendors ship updated packages to fix the problem that could allow an attacker to take control of a system.

Linux vendors react to Qt flaw