Lauryn Williams #39; magical summer began with her winning the NCAA 100-meter championship in June in Austin, Texas. It continued at the US Trials in July, where

US runners display dashing look on oval: Williams finds silver <b>...</b>


LIMA (Dow Jones)--Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde SAA #39;s (CVERDEC1.VL) planned \$850 million expansion will increase Peru #39;s overall copper production by about 20 a year, National

Cerro Verde Expansion To Up Peru Copper Output By 20


Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon\rejected reported peace overtures by Syria on Wednesday, saying\it had to crack down on Islamic militant groups under its\control before negotiations that stalled in 2000 could resume.

Sharon Demands Syria Curb Militants Before Talks (Reuters)


Baseball's back in Washington. So with that award comes an acceptance letter to highlight those efforts that made this dream come to fruition.

Too Good to Be True


Reuters - An Italian court found a close\political ally and business associate of Prime Minister Silvio\Berlusconi guilty of colluding with the Mafia, and sentenced\him on Saturday to nine years in prison.

Berlusconi Ally Sentenced to 9 Years in Mafia Trial (Reuters)


quot;I am a journalist. I #39;m dying, I #39;m dying, quot; screamed Mazen al-Tumeizi, a correspondent for the Arabic television channel al-Arabiya, after shrapnel from a rocket fired by an American helicopter slammed into his back.

US missile attack kills 13 civilians in Iraq


Workers at Jaguar #39;s Browns Lane plant have voted 55 to 45 against strike action over the company #39;s plans to move car production from the Coventry factory to Castle Bromwich in Birmingham as part of a restructuring programme which will mean the loss of

Jaguar workers say no to strike


Allied Waste Industries Inc. on Tuesday reported a mixed profit picture amid sluggish revenues. On the same day, its former chairman and chief executive officer severed ties to the company.

Profit up, ex-CEO out at Scottsdale waste giant


About seven or eight years ago, Harry Shatel had that conversation with Charlie Weis about the future. Shatel, the Morristown High School baseball coach, doesn #39;t remember the exact date

Weis #39; Irish eyes are smiling as he takes Notre Dame post


stake focuses on digital-security consulting services and products to assess and manage risks in enterprise environments. The company #39;s SmartRisk services cover software applications, critical

Symantec To Acquire stake


Outside the Highway Junction Thrift Store, a thin film of gritty ash coated the bottom of a Mount St. Helens coffee mug. Price for the mug: \$5.

Communities prepare for ashfall


CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuelan pro-government  lawmakers began a final drive on Thursday to push through a  media content bill that international watchdogs and opposition  leaders warn could gag the press.

Pro-Chavez Lawmakers Push for Venezuela Media Curbs


AP - Saints running back Deuce McAllister lasted just a handful of plays before spraining his right ankle against San Francisco, one of several prominent players who got hurt Sunday.

Saints' McAllister Hurt in Chargers Game (AP)


\\I've never seen a solid explanation of why Lucene always prefers shorter\documents rather than longer documents.  This seems like a *major* problem but\I've never seen it addressed.\\For example lets assume you have 3 documents:\\Document 1.txt contains\\

Poor Lucene Ranking for Short Text


AP - Chris Simms tightened his grip on Tampa Bay's backup quarterback job, and Ryan Nece returned a fourth-quarter interception 55 yards for a touchdown to give the Buccaneers a 17-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Saturday night.

Buccaneers Defeat Dolphins 17-10 (AP)


BANGALORE, INDIA -- Dell Inc. is setting up a third customer contact center in India, in the Chandigarh metro area in the north of the country, the company announced Wednesday. Operations at the center are likely to begin by March next year with about 300 employees.

Dell opens another call center in India


RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Police armed with rifles  and wearing flak jackets manned checkpoints across Rio de  Janeiro on Thursday to prevent muggings and other violence as  tourists flocked to the ocean city for the holiday season.

Rio Fights Rampant Street Crime as Tourists Fly In


AP - With the new budget year only weeks away, the House has passed a  #36;142.5 billion spending bill that funds some 500 education, health and job training programs.

House Approves  #36;142 Billion Spending Bill (AP)


A German court yesterday sentenced a second member of one of Europe's largest software counterfeiting rings to three years prison and handed down a sentence to his father for helping run front operations.

German software pirate, and his father get jail time


THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Dutch police stormed an apartment and  arrested two people on Wednesday, ending a 14-hour stand-off  that began when suspects sought in anti-terrorism probe wounded  three officers in a hand grenade blast.

Dutch Anti-Terror Raid Over, Two Held


Written by Net 4 Nowt The Internet Services Providers Association (ISPA UK) is highlighting significant fears for its smaller members and broadband Britain following price rises introduced by BT to their IPStream products in order to comply with an

ISPA warn of 32 price hike and threat to ISPs


COPPERS IN the Netherlands have arrested two teens, from Breda, who they reckon attempted to bring down government Web sites. The teens were arrested following a raid on their houses in which their computers were confiscated.

Dutch boys collared for hack attacks


TOKYO, Oct 05, 2004 (AFX-UK via COMTEX) -- Sony Corp said it will begin selling on Nov 20 an audiovisual recording server with a storage capacity of 1 terabyte - equivalent to 1,000 gigabytes - that also functions as a high-end PC with seven analog

Sony to begin selling AV recording server with PC and TV functions


United Online (Nasdaq: UNTD) may have reported a perfectly respectable increase in quarterly profit today, but it #39;s the future that has investors worried.

United Online Gets Class


IBM Corp. Wednesday announced a new version of its WebSphere application server platform, citing enhancements such as high-availability, new capabilities for building service oriented architectures (SOA), and

IBM Beefs Up WebSphere App Server Platform


WASHINGTON -- Oil prices tumbled for a third consecutive day yesterday, briefly falling below \$45 a barrel, as geopolitical concerns that had brought the market to a boil in recent weeks appeared to cool off.

Prices for oil fall for 3d day


In many ways, in fact, this probably isn #39;t even as scandalous as the late, great Collusion Fiasco back in the 1980s. But now that we #39;ve got that out of the way, there #39;s still no denying that

Far from  #39;roid to ruin


AP - Police have arrested 17 non-Libyans suspected of being al-Qaida members who entered this North African country illegally, the interior minister said Sunday.

Libya Arrests 17 Alleged al-Qaida Members (AP)


Driven by one of the largest and most sustained economic expansions in history, China is increasingly turning to South America as a supplier.

China Widens Economic Role in Latin America


It was after her heroics in Athens that I posed the question  quot;Is Kelly Holmes this nation #39;s greatest female athlete? quot; Did her middle-distance Olympic double nudge her ahead of Mary Rand (ne

Top 10 are taking shape


LAST week, Tim Henman had blood tests that revealed a magnesium deficiency after defeat in Madrid. Yesterday, however, the British No 1 looked fully recovered with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over

Henman back in form


President George W Bush may have boosted his  quot;can-do quot; image when he came to the rescue of one of his bodyguards at an international summit in Chile.

Bush plucks bodyguard to safety


The Federal Reserve boosted a key short-term interest rate by one-quarter percentage point Tuesday, marking the third increase this year.

Fed Pushes Up Interest Rates Again


It was Jonathan Edwards who best summed up the overriding mood when he helped London officially unveil its candidature for the 2012 Olympic Games yesterday.

London begins to believe the impossible


In another development in what is becoming a depressing year for Intel, the company has announced that it has finally abandoned plans to get into the digital TV screen business.

Intel finally cancels Digital TV screen project


MOSCOW (Ticker) - Tuesday was a successful day for seeded Russians at the \$2.3 million Kremlin Cup tennis tournament. All five Russian seeded players - three women and two men - were victorious Tuesday in the first round of the dual-sex indoor event.

Seeded Russians all win at Kremlin Cup


BOUAKE, Ivory Coast - President Thabo Mbeki on Sunday arrived in the central Ivory Coast rebel stronghold of Bouake, where he received a rousing welcome as a potential peacemaker in the divided country.

Mbeki goes into Ivory Coast peace talks


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Turkey won a provisional green light  from the European Commission on Wednesday to open membership  negotiations with the European Union, a watershed decision  after 40 years of on-again, off-again talks.

EU Commission: 'Yes, But' to Turkey Talks


AP - Motorola Inc. is acquiring MeshNetworks Inc., a developer of a Wi-Fi based technology in which a person's mobile device doubles as a network relay point that can transmit a signal between other devices.

Motorola to Acquire MeshNetworks (AP)


IT security experts have intercepted a previously undocumented Trojan virus with a novel payload that attempts to send spam SMS messages to mobile phones.

Latest Trojan delivers SMS spam payload


Automaking giant DaimlerChrysler AG said Thursday it earned 951 million euros (\$1.18 billion) in the third quarter on good performances from its financial services division and its U.S. Chrysler arm, rebounding from a 1.7 billion euro loss a year ago when it had a large one-time write-off.

DaimlerChrysler Posts \$1.18B Quarterly Profit


One day after they signed third baseman Troy Glaus to a \$45 million four- year deal, they handed former Giants pitcher Russ Ortiz, who spent the last two years in Atlanta, a four-year, \$33 million contract.

D #39;backs snag Ortiz, too


AP - Josh Scobee's confidence grew with every kick. So did his chances of becoming the Jacksonville Jaguars' kicker.

Scobee Kicks Jaguars Past Packers 9-7 (AP)


Victories would put the PRI on track to win back the presidency after losing it in 2000 to President Vicente Fox #39;s center-right National Action Party (PAN) after 71 years of uninterrupted rule.

World ; Mexico Opposition Has Early Lead in State Voting


Arafat bid farewell to his people in Palestine. 75-year-old Palestinian leader Arafat left Amman #39;s military airport aboard a French plane at around 8:00 am (0600 GMT) Friday on his way to Paris for medical treatment.

Arafat arrives in Paris for medical treatment


Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Thomas Weisel Partners agreed to pay a combined \$100 million to settle charges involving conflicts of interest between research and investment banking, US regulators said on Thursday.

Two Investment Banks Settle with SEC


Sony #39;s first hand-held game machine is vying to give Nintendo a run for its money in Japan this holiday season. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata is taking the news with a grain of salt.

Sony #39;s PSP Launch Greeted by Long Lines of Buyers


Two armed hijackers released another two men from a bus in Athens in a fourth batch, bringing the total number of the released hostage to 12 , including 6 men and 6 women, police said Wednesday.

Two Greek bus hijackers demand ransom and plane


Buoyed by a clear-cut election victory, President George W. Bush pledges to make permanent the sweeping tax cuts of his first term and to simplify the nation #39;s tax laws.

Bush turns eye to tax-law overhaul


Curtis Martin and LaMont Jordan each rushed for 115 yards and a score to help the New York Jets rout the hapless Miami Dolphins 41-14 last night.

Monday Night Football: Jets soar to 6-1 in AFC East


A roadside bomb has killed 11 people, including nine Indian soldiers, in the Indian-ruled portion of Kashmir, in one of the deadliest attacks there in recent months.

Roadside bomb kills 11 in Kashmir


LONDON - British newspapers rapped French President Jacques Chirac on Thursday for reopening old wounds over Iraq on the eve of an official visit to Britain, but looked ahead to improved relations between the two European powers.

British press raps Chirac for Iraq comments, eyes positive future


A Canadian team vying for the \$10 million X Prize is scrounging for parts, while the heavy favorite, Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne, is ready for a launch next week. By Dan Brekke.

Da Vinci Team Delays Launch


com October 1, 2004, 11:46 AM PT. There #39;s no doubt the Internet will continue to make its mark in the world of business and technology.

New MSN Messenger beta leaks onto Web


Italian soccer players wore black armbands on their uniforms during the Olympic bronze-medal game against Iraq on Friday in honor of an Italian journalist killed by Iraqi militants.

Italians wear black armbands to honor slain journalist killed in <b>...</b>


Egypt #39;s antiquities chief on Thursday revealed a 2,500-year-old hidden tomb under the shadow of one of Giza #39;s three giant pyramids, containing 400 pinkie-finger-sized statues and six coffin-sized niches carved into granite rock.

Ancient tomb discovered on Giza pyramids site


Opera Browser - Firefox Not the Only IE Alternative\\Security flaws have long plagued Internet Explorer (IE), the market-dominating web browser from Microsoft. IE won the early browser wars, not only because it was free and bundled with Windows, but because it had some features and capabilities that its only real ...


GAZA (Reuters) - Four Palestinian militants and an Israeli  soldier were killed Tuesday in the heaviest Gaza fighting since  Yasser Arafat's death, raising the prospect that renewed  violence could complicate a vote for his successor.

Soldier, 4 Militants Die in Renewed Gaza Fighting


UK internet service providers (ISPs) have reacted with dismay to the publication of a direction statement from telecoms regulator Ofcom, which they say leaves BT free to levy high charges on the wholesale digital subscriber line services it leases to them

ISPs slam Ofcom broadband ruling


When Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada smacked Derek Lowe's 2-and-2 delivery over the left-field wall in the fifth inning last night for a three-run home run, Lowe stared at the ground and nodded. Up to that point, he had staged a battle with Orioles hitters that went back-and-forth through four innings -- one that appeared primed to go much longer.

Lowe down for count after Tejada's home run


Tiger Woods has more than golf on his mind as he prepares for the Deutsche Bank Championship near Boston: His father, Earl, has had a relapse of prostate cancer.

Tiger #39;s father has a relapse


NewsFactor - Cellular and other wireless telecommunications revenues rose from US #36;92 billion in 2002 to  #36;104 billion in 2003, an increase of 14 percent, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report.

Wireless Revenues Top  #36;100 Billion, Says Census Bureau (NewsFactor)


KHARTOUM, Sudan, Aug 28, 2004 (PANA) -- A group of 84 Eritrean deportees who on Friday forced a Libyan plane to land in Khartoum instead of Asmara, their country #39;s capital, has requested for political asylum in Sudan.

Eritrean hijackers seek political asylum in Sudan


The European Commission cut its growth forecast for 2005, saying record oil prices will damp global demand and warned that five of the 12 countries using the euro will post deficits at or above European limits next year.

EU Lowers 2005 Growth Forecast to 2 on Surge in Oil Prices


Reuters - Internet media company Yahoo Inc.\ on Tuesday said it would soon begin testing a travel\price comparison search engine called FareChase as it further\integrates Web search services into its offerings.

Yahoo to Begin Testing FareChase Travel Search (Reuters)


MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Papua New Guinea-based miner Lihir Gold Ltd. (LIHRY) on Monday said production of 155,002 ounces of gold for the third quarter exceeded expectations.

Lihir Gold More Confident FY Output Target To Be Met -2-


Oil prices may have just hit record levels, but the International Monetary Fund is even more bullish about global economic growth in 2004 than it was six months ago.

IMF Predicts Faster Growth In Global Economy This Year


AP - Pinch-hitter John Vander Wal chose free agency Wednesday instead of a demotion off the Reds' 40-man roster.

Reds' Vander Wal Becomes Free Agent (AP)


The new APMF survey of the best Asian tourism destinations has just kicked off, but it's crowded at the top, with Chiang Mai in Thailand just leading from perennial favourites Hong Kong, Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, and Bali in  Indonesia. Be one of the first to vote and let us know your reasons.

Best Asian Tourism Destinations


AP - Investors continued to bet Friday that most PeopleSoft Inc. shareholders will back Oracle Corp.'s  #36;9.2 billion takeover bid for its bitter rival, further extending a bruising battle that already has dragged on for more than 17 months.

Oracle Bid Expected to Get Rival Support (AP)


Online auctioneer eBay Inc. said Wednesday that third-quarter earnings rose 77 percent on strong demand and more active users, but guided below expectations for 2005.

EBay Posts Higher 3Q Earnings, Sales


Reuters - Gurkha fighters from Nepal, who have been recruited by Britain for nearly 200 years, hailed on Friday a decision to allow some of them to become British citizens but called for the right to be extended to many more.

Gurkhas say more should get British citizenship (Reuters)


Three FC Barcelona defensive players have suffered serious knee injuries in the opening rounds of the Spanish league season, leaving coach Frank Rijkaard with only four healthy fullbacks.

Three Barcelona players suffer by serious knee injuries


AP - Justin Gatlin kept braving the North Carolina cold to keep practicing, keep working, keep chasing Olympic gold. He finally caught it Sunday night, outrunning the fastest field in Olympic history to become the youngest 100-meter champion in 36 years.

Gatlin Beats Fastest-Ever 100M Field (AP)


Check to see whether an e-mail that appears to be from your bank is actually an attempt to defraud you.

Phishers target eBay customers


Reuters - The next few weeks will be critical for\efforts to clinch a new Northern Ireland peace deal, British\Prime Minister Tony Blair said Monday.

Blair: Next Few Weeks 'Crucial' for N.Ireland (Reuters)


When Kobe Bryant scored 9 consecutive points early in the fourth quarter, it looked as though the Bulls had no hope of beating the Lakers on Wednesday night.

Deng, Bulls wear down Bryant, get a home win


SEATTLE/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. <A HREF=

Microsoft, Novell Settle Antitrust Suit


Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri was unable to hide his frustration at referee Anders Frisk after his side crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday.

RANIERI BLASTS FRISK


Genesis: This week over Utah, Hollywood helicopter stunt pilots will try to snag a returning spacecraft carrying solar particles. By Michael Stroh.

A gripping NASA adventure


Another US air strike on the Iraqi rebel-held city of Fallujah has killed at least five people and wounded 11 others. American and Iraqi forces also are pressing ahead with an offensive in the city of Samarra

US Forces Attack Iraqi Insurgents in Fallujah, Samarra


BOULDER, Colo. -- An audit launched in the wake of the sex-and-booze football recruiting scandal at the University of Colorado found no evidence that escorts or strippers were hired to lure recruits.

No evidence of escorts hired to lure recruits found


Pete Rose is back in trouble with the Internal Revenue Service, which says the baseball great owes nearly \$1 million in unpaid taxes.

Rose Takes Big Tax Hit


Nortel Networks Ltd. said both the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange are not considering delisting the company as yet.

Nortel attempts to calm fears of possible stock delisting


US-led forces thrust at least one km (half a mile) into rebel-held Falluja on Tuesday and were not far from the Iraqi city #39;s heart, residents and an Iraqi army officer said.

US-Led Forces Thrust Towards Central Falluja


ROME Italy #39;s culture minister has threatened to shut down the Uffizi museum if the government does not scale back planned spending cuts.

Shutdown of the Uffizi is threatened over cuts


People find weird ways of raising controversies. And most of the time it is aimed to get cheap and free publicity from the media. Same concept has been used by the Scotland-based Traffic Games, which developed a game on John F Kennedy named JFK Reloaded.

Game on JFKs Killing Blasted For Insensitivity


A week after a top American general said the offensive in Fallujah had  quot;broken the back of the insurgency quot; in Iraq, guerrillas are still fighting hard, and US troops are scrambling to stamp out new waves of attacks.

Flatten insurgents in one place, and they pop up elsewhere


AFP - Seven people believed to be North Koreans rushed into a Japanese school in Beijing seeking refuge, the latest in a steady stream of defectors from the Stalinist state.

Seven presumed North Koreans seek refuge in Beijing Japanese school (AFP)


Altria Group Inc. (MO.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has begun preparing itself for a possible break-up to gain fuller market value for its businesses, its chief executive

Altria Preparing for Possible Split-Up


AFP - Spanish police arrested eight suspected Islamic extremists believed to be plotting a bomb attack on the National Court, Spain's highest criminal court, Interior Minister Jose Antonio Alonso said.

Eight suspected Islamic extremists arrested in alleged Spanish bomb plot (AFP)


Bee Staff Writer. LOS ANGELES - Dallas Sartz is so good, he #39;s liable to line up all over the field today against Cal. The USC junior from Granite Bay High School is a starting strong-side linebacker for the top-ranked Trojans.

Cal-USC notes: Sartz #39;s strength is his versatility


AP - Two senators working on legislation that would overhaul U.S. intelligence agencies said Thursday a new intelligence chief should have significant and clear power over the budget.

Senators: Intel Chief Needs Budget Power (AP)


Freshman Jeremy Ito kicked four field goals and Ryan Neill scored on a 31-yard interception return to lead improving Rutgers to a 19-14 victory yesterday over visiting Michigan State.

Rutgers Makes Bid for Prime Time With Opening Win


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

Dell Plans North Carolina Plant


Tokyo stocks opened higher Monday following Wall Street #39;s strength on Friday. The dollar was down against the Japanese yen. The Nikkei Stock Average of 225 issues was up 56.

Tokyo Stocks Open Higher; Dollar Falls


TJX Cos. Inc. #39;s second-quarter earnings fell 4 percent, reflecting higher markdowns on merchandise due to softer sales trends.

TJX Cos. Earnings Fall 4 Percent


The new SMASH protocol, which was demonstrated at Enterprise Management World, got good marks from data center managers at the event.

SMASH protocol a hit at Enterprise Management World


Iranian officials say a suspension of the country #39;s uranium enrichment program will be short and temporary. The comments were made as the United Nations nuclear watchdog prepares to meet in Vienna.

Nuclear program suspension temporary, says Iran


A European team of astronomers has discovered a planet only 14 times more massive than the Earth. This is the smallest extra-solar planet discovered so far, and it lies at the threshold of the largest possible

Finding Super-Earths


STOCKHOLM -- Israelis Aaron Ciechanover and Avram Hershko and American Irwin Rose were awarded the 2004 Nobel Prize in chemistry yesterday for discovering a key way cells destroy unwanted proteins -- starting with a chemical ''kiss of death. quot;

Chemistry Nobel to 2 Israelis, American


Miami #39;s first loss to an Eastern Conference team after eight tries came at the hands of the struggling Pistons. Using a shot by Richard Hamilton with 1.3 seconds left, the Pistons ended

Pistons end skid, defeat Heat, 78-77


Astronomers say the show should be a good one. They note, however, that predicting meteor shower intensity is not always an exact science.

Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight


Reuters - Expansion in the U.S. factory sector\slowed in August as higher costs for energy and raw materials\squeezed manufacturers, a report showed on Wednesday, but\analysts said growth remained relatively robust.

U.S. Factory Growth Eases (Reuters)


RealNetworks will end its three-week  quot;Freedom of Choice quot; online music promotion this week. Over 3 million songs were purchased during the sale, the company says.

Real #39;s Music Deal Ends


Iomega this week unveiled a SCSI version of its REV drive aimed at server backup and disaster recovery applications.

Iomega REVs backup and recovery


The twin rovers on Mars - now reviving having survived the freezing depths of Martian winter - have found new signs that water was once plentiful on Mars.

Water coursed through Martian hills


Having overtaken Tiger Woods as the world #39;s premier golfer, Vijay Singh on Sunday pushed Woods further into his wake by claiming the PGA Tour #39;s single-season money record.

Singh breaks Woods #39; money record


ARBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld,  calling the Iraq war a test of wills with insurgents, told  Iraqi security forces on Sunday protecting their nation's  sovereignty was their duty.

Rumsfeld Says U.S. Faces Test of Wills in Iraq


Reuters - China Tuesday urged the United States\to halt all official contact with Taiwan and to stop selling\arms to the island, but made no comment on Taiwan President\Chen Shui-bian's recent peace overtures.

China Urges U.S. to Stop Selling Arms to Taiwan (Reuters)


Hal Sutton has added spice to the 35th Ryder Cup by daring to be different. The leadership style of Sutton, the American captain, has been a focal point

Sutton Cares About Winning, Not Appearances


Japan and North Korea held a second day of talks Sunday in a dispute over Japanese nationals abducted by the North decades ago. Japan seized the occasion to express concern North

N. Korea, Japan Hold Talks on Abductees


England striker Michael Owen, who is nursing a back injury, should complete a full training session on Thursday before the World Cup qualifier against Wales on Saturday.

England #39;s Owen on the mend


A week before the Chechen presidential election, President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Chechnya on Sunday to lay red carnations on the grave of slain Chechen leader Akhmad Kadyrov.

Putin Flies to Chechnya Ahead of Vote


The French doctors treating Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat say his health has suffered a setback and they are carrying out more tests to discover why.

Arafat #39;s condition deteriorates


Reuters - Global warming is melting\Ecuador's cherished mountain glaciers and could cause several\of them to disappear over the next two decades, Ecuadorean and\French scientists said on Wednesday.

Ecuador Seen Losing Glaciers to Global Warming (Reuters)


Former Computer Associates International executives Sanjay Kumar and Stephen Richards have been indicted for their role in a companywide accounting fraud scheme. At the same time, the company agreed to pay \$225 million in restitution to victims of the fraud.

Former CA chief Sanjay Kumar indicted on fraud charges


The Judiciary Committee of the US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed its own version of an anti-spyware bill, setting the stage for a showdown between it and a similar bill that went through another committee.

House Moves Second Spyware Bill Along


Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - It's finally official. The Montreal Expos are moving on.

Bittersweet day in Montreal as Expos officially play final home game (Canadian Press)


AP - Rodney Harrison broke up a fourth-down pass from Chad Pennington with 2:14 remaining, and the New England Patriots held on to extend their NFL victory streak to 21 games in a 13-7 win over the AFC East rival New York Jets.

Patriots Beat Jets, Extend Streak to 21 (AP)


Global Crossing Ltd. shares plummeted Monday after the once bankrupt telecommunications company announced it will cut about 600 jobs and scale down operations to free enough cash to stay fiscally afloat.

Global Crossing Announces Restructuring


Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia #39;s national oil and gas company Petronas on Tuesday announced its Petronas International unit has signed an agreement with Sasol to create South Africa #39;s largest liquid fuels business.

Sasol partners with Malaysia #39;s Petronas


The locally focused Web marketplace made its official debut last week, offering

Virtual Storefronts Are Rent-Free on LiveDeal


Mortgage giant Fannie Mae, under investigation by regulators and ordered to revamp its accounting, may have to restate its past earnings, a federal agency said Thursday.

Fannie Mae Earnings at Issue


CHICAGO - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Monday said it still expects a 2 percent to 4 percent increase in September sales at its US stores open at least a year, and back-to-school demand picked up after a sluggish start.

Wal-Mart keeps sales view


Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer doesn #39;t think Apple will lead the way to tomorrow #39;s digital home - and describes iPod users as music thieves.

Microsoft calls iPod users  #39;thieves #39;


Seimone Augustus scores a career-high 33 points for No. 3 LSU as it escapes with a 71-70 victory over No. 8 Baylor in the Tip-Off Classic Sunday in Austin.

Tigers Tame Bears


AP - NASA should use astronauts, not a robot, to carry out a crucial life-prolonging mission to the acclaimed Hubble Space Telescope one last time, a National Academy of Sciences panel concluded Wednesday.

NASA Urged to Scrap Hubble Robot Rescue (AP)


AMSTERDAM, DECEMBER 16: Dutch financial group ABN AMRO said on Thursday it would cut 2,850 jobs in a restructuring in which it broadens group shared services (GSS) and refines its wholesale clients business unit.

ABN Amro to cut 2,800 jobs


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

Lenovo Confirms Acquisition Talks (Reuters)


When Rupert Murdoch arrived at the election-night party at his Fox News network in Manhattan, he was met by long faces. His executives worried that Murdoch, the president #39;s biggest booster

A Mogul #39;s Migraine


Computer users could be open to attack from malicious hackers because of the way that Windows displays some images. Microsoft has issued a warning about a critical vulnerability in Windows that could let carefully

Image flaw exposes Windows PCs


A twenty-three year old Connecticut man facing felony economic espionage charges for allegedly selling a copy of Microsoft #39;s leaked source code for \$20 says he #39;s being singled out only because the software giant and law enforcement officials can #39;t find

Defendant: Microsoft source code  #39;sale #39; was a setup


p2pnet.net News:- IBM mainframe software vendor Compuware is suing IBM for antitrust violations claiming IBM used its source code without permission.

IBM  #39;ambush #39; accusation


PARIS, Sep 15 (SW) - Paris Saint-Germain manager Vahid Halilhodzic angrily hit out at his players, following his sides severe 0-3 defeat against Chelsea on Tuesday night in the opening game of their Champions League campaign.

Angry Halilhodzic hits out at PSG players


Cutting-edge data mining and other intelligence tools could redefine privacy as we know it. A News.com special report.

Digital Agenda: Homeland security--A global assault on anonymity (page 3)


SEOUL: South Korean prosecutors said that Hynix Semiconductor is being investigated in connection with an alleged accounting fraud involving 1.7 billion dollars.

Prosecutors probe alleged accounting fraud by Hynix Semiconductor


This week, a delegation of British Muslims returned from a high profile effort to secure the release of a British hostage, civilian Kenneth Bigley, held in Iraq since September 16th.

Muslim Efforts To Release British Hostage Yield Results


PENANG (MALAYSIA), AUG 23: The deadly H5N1 strain of Bird Flu will take several years to contain, the WHO warned on Monday, adding that claims in China that the virus was found in pigs is a worrying new development.

Bird Flu Will Take Several Years To Contain In Asia


A gunman fatally shot a villager early Wednesday in southern Thailand, a day after the country #39;s queen made a plea for an end to violence in the Muslim-dominated area.

New slaying in southern Thailand after queen #39;s plea for peace


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp.  <A HREF=

KMart to Buy Sears in \$11.5 Billion Deal


AP - At first glance, Les Seules might look like an all-girl rock band  #151; complete with sassy attitudes and fawning male groupies  #151; but the Swedish septuplet doesn't play instruments. They play competitive video games.

All-Girl Swedish Team Tackles Video Games (AP)


Reuters - French President Jacques Chirac said\on Friday he had not refused to meet Iraqi interim Prime\Minister Iyad Allawi after reports he was snubbing the Iraqi\leader by leaving an EU meeting in Brussels early.

Chirac Denies He Refused to See Iraq's Allawi (Reuters)


Archaeologists have discovered the oldest clay

Kiln's 'ancestor' found in Greece


KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudan on Monday ruled out any notion  of self-rule for Darfur and said rebels in the western region  would not secure the same concessions agreed with southern  rebels after two decades of war.

Sudan Says No Darfur Self-Rule, Questions Rebel Talks


VEVEY, Switzerland Aug. 18, 2004  Nestle SA posted a modest 2 percent increase in profits for the first half of the year as it faced such challenges as higher prices for raw materials like milk and coffee as well as cooler temperatures,which dampened ...

Nestle #39;s 1st-Half Net Profit Hits \$2.28B


NASCAR announced Wednesday morning that it will now allow sponsorship from distilled spirits for teams in the sport.  quot;We felt the time was right to allow distilled spirits companies into NASCAR, quot; said Mike Helton, president of NASCAR.

That #39;s the Spirits - NASCAR Allows  #39;Spirits #39; Sponsors


United Technologies Corp., which offers security services through its Chubb unit, agreed to buy UK fire-protection company Kidde Plc for \$2.8 billion in cash to expand its range of building-services products.

United Technologies to Buy UK #39;s Kidde for \$2.8 Bln (Update5)


AP - If Sen. John Kerry is elected, his presidency is likely to bring a sharp shift in White House direction  #151; along with pragmatic backpedaling on some of his boldest campaign promises.

Analysis: Kerry Term Would Face Hurdles (AP)


AP - Environmental groups went to court Thursday against Bush administration rules that allow the use of new pesticides with fewer checks on how they affect endangered species.

Groups Challenge Rules on Pesticides (AP)


AFP - This suburb of Pennsylvania's largest city, with its carefully-groomed lawns lined with signs supporting President George W. Bush or Democrat John Kerry, represents one of the many fronts in the battle for the White House.

Democrats, Republicans battle for suburban vote in US presidential election (AFP)


quot;Compared to iTunes, Microsoft #39;s music store currently offers only half the songs and is missing many features, but its biggest problem may be that its downloaded songs do not play on iPod, iPod

Microsoft Steps Into the Ring


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Navistar International Corp.  <A HREF=

Navistar Up 2.7 Percent in Pre-Trade


Walmart.com, Amazon.com suffer site performance problems during holiday shopping.

Giant Retailer Web Sites Hit With Outages


AFP - A pro-Maoist trade union in Nepal vowed to force the closure of 35 companies after shutting down 12 last month, the latest pressure tactic in the rebels' attempts to topple the constitutional monarchy.

Pro-Maoist union vows to shut 30 companies in Nepal (AFP)


AT T Wireless reached an agreement with Rogers Communications to help sell AT T Wireless's 34 percent stake in Rogers Wireless Communications Inc.

AT T Wireless Moves to Sell Canada Asset


Chicago Tribune - Under sometimes sharp questioning from Democrats, Republican Rep. Porter Goss told a Senate committee Tuesday that his past partisan views and strong support for an intelligence agency that many consider deeply flawed will not stand in the way of needed reforms if he is confirmed as director of central intelligence.

GOP nominee vows to be non-partisan as CIA chief (Chicago Tribune)


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Arizona Diamondbacks, who made a big splash before and during baseball #39;s winter meetings, soon could be facing life without the Big Unit.

Johnson bound for Yankees: report


KINSHASA, Congo, Nov. 30 -- A senior Congolese official said Tuesday that troops from neighboring Rwanda had crossed into eastern Congo, and UN officials said they were investigating reports of Rwandan forces

Rwandan Troops Enter Congo, Aide Says


Reuters - Euro Disney wants to use part of a\planned rights issue to build a gut-wrenching new

Euro Disney Eyes  #36;180 Mln 'Tower of Terror'-Source (Reuters)


AP - Amelie Mauresmo routed Vera Zvonareva 6-1, 6-0 in 54 minutes at the WTA Championships on Thursday night, extending her winning streak to nine matches as the Frenchwoman tries to overtake Lindsay Davenport for the year-end No. 1 ranking.

Mauresmo Wins Easily in WTA Championships (AP)


The United Nations evacuated 38 foreign employees from this western Afghan city Monday after a day of rioting by supporters of the ousted governor turned

UN Pulls Workers From Afghan City


Nokia Corp. reported a 20 percent decline in net profit for the third quarter on Thursday, due largely to cuts it made in the prices for its mobile phones. The Finnish handset manufacturer predicted that earnings would fall again in the fourth quarter.

Nokia profit falls 20 percent on price cuts


The Houston Rockets snapped their two-game losing streak on Monday by defeating the New JerseyNets 80-69. McGrady, coming off a two-game absence, scored 14 points and dished out four assists for the Rockets.

Rockets down Nets 80-69


A female bomber detonated an explosion outside a subway station in Moscow this evening, killing herself and at least 9 others and wounding 37, officials said.

Female Bomber Kills 9 in Moscow, Officials Say


The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution that threatens  quot;to consider quot; oil sanctions on Sudan if the government does not act to end the violence in the country #39;s troubled Darfur region.

Sudan faces threat of sanctions


Some Net phone users who are also broadband subscribers aren't receiving incoming calls. AT #38;T plans to release patch.

Some VoIP calls being blocked


Reuters - A U.S. government review into the\nation's No. 1 mortgage finance company, Fannie Mae ,\charges it with inappropriate accounting practices and called\into doubt past financial results, the company's board said on\Wednesday.

U.S. Questions Fannie Mae Accounting (Reuters)


The Mets may reach back into one of their most successful eras in their manager search. Wally Backman, the sparkplug second baseman on the 1986 championship team

Mets to interview Backman


The prospective new owners of Boston's Fan Pier said yesterday they would not rule out selling sections or taking on partners to develop nonresidential components of the 3 million-square-foot project.

New Fan Pier owners may take on partners


Real Madrids Michael Owen refused to contemplate what his role will be in next weekends showdown with arch-rivals Barcelona after mixed news for the England forward in Real Madrids 6-1 rout of Albacete.

Owen Refusing to Predict Barca Role


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Tommy Kane, the Montreal native who played wide receiver in the NFL and CFL, pleaded guilty to manslaughter Tuesday in connection with the death of his former wife.

Former NFL player Kane pleads guilty to manslaughter


In response to a specific Irish Stock Exchange query made today, Elan Corporation, plc has advised that it is not in negotiations ordiscussions with Biogen Idec, Inc.

Elan dismisses merger speculation


In the next 100 years, Alaska will experience a massive loss of its historic tundra, as global warming allows these vast regions of cold, dry, lands to support forests and other vegetation that will dramatically alter native ecosystems. (Oregon State University press release)

News: Climate Change Could Doom Alaska's Tundra


Oracle Corp. hopes to close its buyout of PeopleSoft Inc. within two weeks and have a new management organization in place for the combined companies sometime in January, Oracle co-president Charles Phillips said Tuesday.

Oracle, PeopleSoft  #39;Already Talking #39; on Transition


AP - A radical Islamic cleric will face terrorist charges in Britain, a police source said Tuesday, pre-empting a U.S. extradition bid.

Cleric Faces Terrorist Charges in Britain (AP)


Microsoft #39;s widely anticipated search engine, which launched in test mode yesterday, encountered some glitches on its first day.

Microsoft search encounters glitches on first day


AP - Nigeria's Senate has ordered a subsidiary of petroleum giant Royal/Dutch Shell to pay a Nigerian ethnic group  #36;1.5 billion for oil spills in their homelands, but the legislative body can't enforce the resolution, an official said Wednesday.

Nigerian Senate Orders Shell Unit to Pay (AP)


The number of mortgages approved by banks fall for the fifth month in a row in October, figures show.

Sharp fall in mortgage approvals


A UK government study finds the open-source Linux operating system is a

UK report says Linux is 'viable'


Yahoo Inc. and Adobe Systems Inc. have joined forces to tap each others #39; customers and put Web search features into Adobe #39;s popular Acrobat Reader software.

Yahoo, Adobe team up on new Web services


HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finland's consumer watchdog said on  Monday it had reprimanded broadcasters for causing children to  run up huge mobile phone bills with interactive television game  and chat programs.

Finnish Watchdog Raps TV Game Operators


Ring, Ring. Someone answer the computer. Voice-over-Internet Protocol got a boost today as The Federal Communications Commission ruled that providers of the service are exempt from some major state regulations

Powell: FCC Chief Gets Ruling In Favor Of VoIP


Burt Rutan isn #39;t one to mince words. Just minutes after the world #39;s first privately funded space craft touched down at the Mojave (Calif.

Burt Rutan #39;s Giant Leap


The European Commission, executive arm of the European Union, on Wednesday cleared acquisition of Britain #39;s sixth largest bank Abbey National by Spain #39;s largest bank Banco Santander Central Hispano.

EU clears Banco Santander #39;s takeover bid for Abbey National


Taking a cue from recording companies, Hollywood movie studios are preparing to file copyright infringement lawsuits against computer users they say are illegally distributing movies online, a source familiar with the studios #39; plans said Wednesday.

Update 1: Source: Film Industry Suing Computer Users


Reuters - Russian President Vladimir Putin made an\unprecedented television appearance in neighboring Ukraine days\before presidential elections, endorsing the record of the\prime minister, one of two top candidates.

Russia's Putin Lauds Ukraine PM in TV Appearance (Reuters)


Reuters - One reactor at a Russian nuclear power\station was closed down after a malfunction, but there was no\leak of radiation at the site near the city of Saratov on the\Volga river, Russian news agencies reported on Friday.

Atomic Power Station Halted in Russia, No Radiation (Reuters)


US and Japanese mobile-phone giants Motorola and DoCoMo are teaming up to develop a FOMA handset that runs on GSM/GPRS networks. The third-generation device will allow Japanese business users

DoCoMo, Motorola Partner on 3G Phone


Media company Cox Enterprises Inc. said Tuesday it will take cable operator Cox Communications Inc. private, agreeing to purchase the 38 percent stake in the company that it doesn #39;t already own for \$34.

Cox to Take Unit Private in Cash Deal


ERN, Switzerland, Aug. 18 - Almost all of the nearly \$500 million frozen in Swiss bank accounts connected with the late Nigerian dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, was  quot;obviously of criminal origin quot; and may be returned to the Nigerian ...

Late Nigerian Dictator Looted Nearly \$500 Million, Swiss Say


ANZ Banking Group kicked off the bank reporting season on Tuesday, unveiling a record annual profit of \$2.815 billion and extending the contract of chief executive John Macfarlane until 2007.

ANZ posts record result


There were a couple of near misses for Australia on the second night of track cycling competition, with a silver medal to Brad McGee in the 4000m individual pursuit and fourth place to the team sprint trio.

Silver to McGee, Mactier into final


Former Labour deputy leader Lord Hattersley today criticised the Prime Minister for his unstinting support of US President George Bush.

Hattersley Swipe at Blair #39;s US Policy


LONDON -- Manchester United has made a second bid for England striker Wayne Rooney in excess of 23.5 million pounds (\$42.23 million), the teenager #39;s club, Everton, said Saturday.

Everton has rejected three bids already


Spanish papers express their anger and contempt for the Basque separatist group Eta, which detonated several bombs across Spain on Monday.

Spanish press fury over Eta bombs


Spanish police arrested 10 people in an operation against  quot;Islamic terrorism quot; on Wednesday, a court source said. Most of those detained in the northeastern city of Barcelona were of Pakistani

Spanish Police Arrest 10 in Anti-Terrorism Sweep


Reuters - Kenya withdrew Monday a proposal to\give lions more protection by clamping a lid on global trade in\the big cat and its body parts, deferring to suggestions to\give the matter more study.

Kenya Withdraws Lion Protection Plan at CITES (Reuters)


International Forest Products Ltd., a Canadian lumber producer, agreed to buy Riverside Forest Products Ltd. for C\$368 million (\$290 million) in cash and stock, topping a hostile bid from Tolko Industries Ltd.

Interfor Bids C\$368 Million for Riverside Forest (Update4)


European banking giant Lloyds TSB has tapped IBM to assemble a voice and high-speed Internet network connecting branch branches, call centers and cash machines, the two companies said Monday.

Lloyds to spend nearly \$1 billion on broadband network


The international record industry announced Thursday that it is planning to file lawsuits against individuals who are sharing files, especially music, over the Internet.

Europe sues users over file sharing


Comments: The Seahawks are going for the first 4-0 start in franchise history. They lead the league in defense (242.3 ypg), having yielded only 13 points so far this season.

NFL games on TV


I guess this news will have to hold us over until the individual companies make their announcements. AMD today announced PCI Express support from leading chipset manufacturers, offering performance-hungry

PCI Express Support for AMD64 Desktop Platforms


The French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citron sought to strengthen its green credentials yesterday with the launch of a new system that cuts petrol consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine at traffic lights or in queues.

Stop and start suits Citroen


ISN SECURITY WATCH (12/10/04) - US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld began a two-day visit to Romania on Tuesday, ahead of an informal NATO meeting at the central Romania mountain resort town of Poiana Brasov.

Rumsfeld eyes future US bases in Romania


John Kerry supporters got a welcome omen for their candidate on Sunday: The Green Bay Packers defeated the Washington Redskins. If history holds, the 28-14 score portends a victory

Redskins lose, so Kerry should win


Design engineer Alan Lear has rolled up his sleeves. His lab is crammed with motherboards and oscilloscopes. He scans a screen showing the signal

New chip designs help AMD boost market share


Shiite Muslim cleric Moqtada Sadr rejected one of the government's two key demands, increasing the prospect of an intensified military attack against his militia.

'Final Call' for Rebel Iraqi Cleric


The absence of Adam Gilchrist and Glen McGrath was a significant handicap Australia carried at Lord #39;s on Saturday, but it was not so heavy as to prevent them beating Pakistan in the NatWest International.

Australia defy the handicap


Thousands of Argentines angered over perceived security lapses in a nightclub fire that killed 183 people, many of them teenagers, marched through capital streets Monday to demand the resignations of key city officials.

Protesters Seek Resignations After Fire


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) - Shares of Vulcan Materials Co lost more than 4 percent of their worth Tuesday, after the company announced it will take a non-cash charge of about 70 cents per share related to an asset sale.

Vulcan falls on asset sale charge news


Cingular Wireless will drop the AT amp;T brand six months after it acquires Redmond-based AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc., the telecommunications companies announced Monday.

AT amp;T Wireless name to disappear


AN embarrassing crash into Sydney #39;s Opera House today took the wind out of the sails of a British newspaper #39;s marketing campaign.

Mishap capsizes corporate promo


A European Court judge today pressed Microsoft to explain how it would suffer irreparable harm if it follows EU orders to share technology with competitors, but offered no clues as to how he'll rule.

EU judge to Microsoft: Justify penalty suspension


England has moved one step closer to qualification for the World Cup finals with a 2-0 victory over Wales at Old Trafford. However the news was not so good for some of the other big names on the continent, with

Beckham fires England


VENICE -- The idea sounds good on paper: Build a mesh network of wireless Wi-Fi base stations and let users roam around an entire city instead of providing limited connectivity in a handful of hot spots. But will it work? The City of Philadelphia hopes so.

Philly plans world's largest mesh Wi-Fi net


British insurer Royal  amp; SunAlliance said Monday it plans to transfer more than 1,100 jobs to India over the next few years in a bid to cut costs.

British Insurer to Move Jobs to India


As general managers stampeded toward the airport, and Pedro Martinez reflected on the beauties of Flushing Meadow, another edition of baseball #39;s winter meetings ended Monday.

Starters strike it rich


As long as the last ember flickered in their fading bonfire of opportunity, the Red Sox planned to keep hope alive. As long as they clung to a faint chance of catching the Yankees for the American League East title, they vowed to play as if they could achieve the unfathomable.

Bad case of shakes


SECURITY EXPERTS MessageLabs say that there is evidence that virus writers are working hand in hand with spammers.

Hackers join dark side


AP - Democratic Sen. John Kerry said Wednesday the  #36;50 per barrel price of oil reflects a broken promise of President Bush that will hurt average Americans.

Kerry Says Bush Broke Promise on Oil (AP)


The boss of Boeing Co. insisted Thursday that he is not looking for a trans-Atlantic spat in a dispute over subsidies for Airbus, but also said that aid for the rival aircraft maker #39;s new programs should stop.

Boeing Not Looking for Trans-Atlantic Spat


The outpouring of tributes to Yasser Arafat is marked by two themes: (1) his greatness as creator, sustainer and leader of the Palestinian cause, and (2) the abrupt opening of an opportunity for its success now that he is gone.

Arafat #39;s Legacy


Google, the increasingly powerful internet search engine, could overhaul the way books are sold with a planned service that allows users to search full texts and buy titles online.

Google opens a new chapter


BUJUMBURA, Burundi  Tiny Burundi has seen more than a decade of war, but events in the past few months suggest that it is closer than ever to wrapping up one of Africa #39;s most persistent civil conflicts.

Burundi inching closer to ending long civil war


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Coventry Health Care Inc. <A HREF=

Coventry Health to Buy First Health


Kroger Co., the largest US grocer, reported a lower quarterly profit Tuesday, hurt by debt costs even as sales rebounded in Southern California where it was hit by a strike.

Kroger misses mark by 8 cents


NSW Rugby CEO Fraser Neill believes Waratah star Mat Rogers has learned his lesson after he was fined and ordered to do community service following his controversial comments about the club rugby competition.

Rogers learns lesson


The alleged top al-Qaida operative in Lebanon, who was arrested 10 days ago after authorities uncovered a plot to bomb embassies of Italy and Ukraine, and kill diplomats, died of a heart attack Monday, hospital officials and the Interior Ministry said.

Top al-Qaida man dies of heart attack


The United States national men #39;s soccer team has two games remaining in the semifinal round of regional-qualifying play for the 2006 World Cup, but to a man, the focus is on getting to the next round as soon as possible.

US can clinch spot in final round of regional qualifying with win <b>...</b>


Regal Entertainment Group, the largest movie theatre owner in the United States, said Tuesday that declining attendance drove down third-quarter profit and revenue year-over-year.

Regal Posts Lower Quarterly Profit, Sales


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil extended its retreat from record  highs on Thursday, taking two-day losses to 6 percent after an  unexpectedly large rise in U.S. crude inventories spurred  speculative funds to take profits.

Oil Extends Its Retreat from Record Highs


AP - The Killer B's are back to try again, facing a familiar nemesis. Who knows? This might be the last chance for Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell to show they can come through when it matters most.

Astros Killer B's Running Out of Chances (AP)


CAULFIELD Cup winner Elvstroem will displace Starcraft as favourite when bookmakers open betting on the \$3 million Cox Plate at Moonee Valley today.

Elvstroem to unseat favourite


Athens prepares to bid farewell to the 2004 Olympic Games at Sunday's closing ceremony.

Greece set for Games finale


NEW YORK, November 11 (newratings.com) - PeopleSoft Inc (PSFT.NAS) has again rejected Oracle Corporation #39;s (ORCL)  quot;best and final quot; takeover bid, while urging its shareholders to reject Oracle #39;s \$24 per share tender offer as well.

PeopleSoft rejects Oracle #39;s takeover bid again


Reuters - Iraq is still too dangerous for Russian\companies to work there, President Vladimir Putin was quoted as\saying on Friday.

Putin: Iraq Still Too Dangerous for Russian Firms (Reuters)


The crash of a capsule last month was likely to have been caused by a design flaw that led to the sensors that were to deploy the capsule's parachutes being pointed in the wrong direction, a NASA investigatory panel reported.

Faulty Sensors May Explain Capsule Crash


LONDON (Reuters) - Last year's U.S.-led invasion of Iraq  and ousting of President Saddam Hussein has made the world more  dangerous, French President Jacques Chirac said on the eve of a  state visit to key U.S. ally Britain.

Chirac Says Iraq War Created More Dangerous World


Mars rovers have found new evidence that water was once plentiful in the hills and plains of the now-barren Red Planet. After discovering the plains where it landed was once a

Mars rovers find new signs of water


The stakes are getting higher for one of the advertising industry #39;s biggest holding companies. With talk of a sale or breakup of France #39;s Havas, reports emerged yesterday

FRENCH RAIDER MAY PUSH FOR HAVAS SALE


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - IBM on Wednesday said it will  take a third-quarter charge of \$320 million to settle all but  two claims of an ongoing lawsuit claiming its pension plan  discriminated against older workers, in exchange for capping  its potential liability at \$1.4 billion.

IBM Settles Pension Claims


Throughout their lives the 30-year-old twins Calvin and Alvin Harrison have done almost everything together. They were once homeless and lived together in a Ford Mustang coupe.

Fame then shame for Harrison twins


The first home international action of the Australian summer sees the visit of New Zealand for a brief two-Test series. The last time the teams met on Australian soil it resulted in one of the most even contests

New Zealand rank outsiders for the first Test and series


SACRAMENTO -- In a season with very few certainties, Celtics coach Doc Rivers knew he could count on two things in the upcoming weeks.

Celtics rolling uphill


A capsule look at the 10 drivers eligible for The Chase for Nextel Cup: 1. Jeff Gordon (5,050 points), No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, 2004 winnings: \$4,992,175 -- Enters NASCAR's inaugural playoff as points leader after vaulting ahead of Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson with a third-place finish in last Saturday's Chevy Rock n' Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway . ...

On your mark


Home Office figures are expected to show a rise in firearms offences, but a fall in the number of deaths.

Gun crimes 'continuing to rise'


are ahead of Larry Bowa #39;s team in the chase for the wild card. The Phillies. have 19 games to play, including 12 against teams with under-.

(Sports Network) - Very quietly, the Philadelphia Phillies have <b>...</b>


Reuters - U.S. chain store sales fell in the\first week of October as increased customer traffic in malls\failed to translate into bigger purchases, a report said on\Tuesday.

Chain Store Sales Rise in the Oct 9 Week (Reuters)


Microsoft vows to release the next version of Windows by the end of 2006 - but  without some key components.

Microsoft lays out Windows timing


DETROIT is exhuming another face from the past to pitch its cars to a new generation. A digitally revived Steve McQueen, who died in 1980, will be reprising the character of Lt.

Ford Brings Back Steve McQueen


The new head of Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos., Michael G. Cherkasky, has three key traits working in his favor: clean hands, a reputation for toughness and the right friends.

Ex-Prosecutor Becomes Chief at Firm in Crisis


AP - A federal agency ruled Friday that shifting more Northern California water to Southern California will not jeopardize five threatened or endangered species of fish.

Agency: Calif. Water Shift Won't Hurt Fish (AP)


WASHINGTON - An appeals court should throw out a half-billion-dollar patent infringement judgment against Microsoft Corp. because a lower court failed to recognize that the Web browsing patent was based on a technology that was not invented by the company awarded the money, a Microsoft lawyer argued Thursday.

Microsoft to court: Eolas didn't invent patented tech


An explosion caused by a short-circuit in the lobby of the Marriott hotel in the Pakistani capital Thursday injured at least six people, including two foreigners, authorities said.

Short-circuit causes blast in Pakistan


MADRID: Some 70,000 people have been forced to evacuate Real Madrid #39;s Santiago Bernabeu stadium minutes before the end of a league match after a bomb threat in the name of ETA Basque separatist guerrillas.

Stadium evacuated after bomb threat


Bank of America honcho Kenneth Lewis arrives in Boston today to try to put out fires blazing on multiple fronts due to recent controversial employment moves by his Charlotte, NC-based bank.

Bank CEO to explain actions in re


SYDNEY - Israels nuclear weapons are an obstacle to peace in the Middle East, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Tuesday.

Israels nukes blocking Mideast peace: ElBaradei


AP - Russia is seeking to slow the exodus of computer specialists and increase software production, a top government official said Friday, in an effort that some hope will help diversify the country's oil-dependent economy.

Russia Looks to Boost Software Production (AP)


BEIJING (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


AFP - Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Santana Lopes defended his government's budget for 2005 on the eve of its vote in parliament, arguing it will maintain budgetary rigor even as it cuts income taxes and raises pensions and civil servant salaries.

Portuguese PM defends income tax-cutting 2005 draft budget (AFP)


Shares of Delta Airlines are taking off in record trading on the New York Stock Exchange Thursday morning, after the company and its pilots agreed to a deal the parties hope will signal a return to better times.

Delta trading takes off after pilots give up \$1 billion


PeopleSoft needs to get over its stubbornness and accept a new reality following Friday's shareholder vote, Oracle's chairman says.\<br /> Oracle wins PeopleSoft shareholder vote

Oracle: Let's get past this 'impasse'


Online music service Napster on Thursday said it reached a deal to enter the ringtone market with mobile content publisher Dwango Wireless (DWGN.

Napster Entering Ringtone Market


A Syrian court has released on bail a human rights activist charged with tarnishing the country's image but considered by advocacy groups to be a prisoner of conscience, one of his attorneys said Monday.

Syrian Court Releases Rights Activist on Bail


Sales of Apple #39;s flagship iPods are booming in recent weeks, though sources claim the company #39;s recently introduced iPod photo is not such a hot ticket.

Overall iPod sales surge, iPod photo demand mediocre


OPEC members were expected to increase the cartel's production during a meeting Wednesday by 1 million barrels a day to meet the global demand for oil. But analysts contended that any decision by the group would likely have little effect on high oil prices.

OPEC to Increase Oil Production


Reuters - France redoubled its diplomatic efforts\on Tuesday to save two French reporters held hostage in Iraq\ahead of a new deadline to scrap a school headscarf ban, as the\Islamic militant group Hamas called for the men's release.

France Redoubles Diplomatic Effort to Save Hostages (Reuters)


Reuters - CenturyTel Inc. (CTL.N) will offer\EchoStar Communications Corp. (DISH.O) satellite television\service to its customers in 22 states, the rural telephone\company said on Thursday.

CenturyTel to Offer EchoStar Service (Reuters)


The St. Louis Cardinals agreed to terms on a two-year contract with left-handed reliever Ray King on Friday. The deal also has a club option in 2007, but no financial terms were disclosed.

Cardinals reach deal with King


Pilots at Northwest Airlines said a deal on concessions could come  quot;in the very near future, quot; putting the airline within striking distance of savings it has said are key to its future.

Northwest pilots say concessions deal could be close


Thieves have stolen 15 rare items of medieval Chinese jewelry from the British Museum, including historically important gold earrings, amulets and hair pins, a museum spokeswoman said on Monday.

Rare Chinese Jewellery Stolen from British Museum


ROME (Reuters) - Italy revved its marketing engine on  Tuesday with the unveiling of two frosty-faced mascots for the  2006 Winter Olympics.

Turin Unveils Mascots as Countdown Begins


Reuters - The European Commission has resumed\its probe of Oracle's  #36;7.7 billion hostile attempt to buy\PeopleSoft in a bid to complete approval before Competition\Commissioner Mario Monti leaves office, sources familiar with\the situation said on Thursday.

Sources: EU Probes Oracle, PeopleSoft (Reuters)


THE Federal Government will spend \$591 million on boosting security at Australian missions overseas, providing better protection for staff and visitors.

\$591m boost to embassy security


AP - Intel Corp. unveiled an update to its wireless networking technology Thursday, adding simpler software, improved security and support for a more robust, less interference-prone radio standard.

Intel Updates Wireless Chips, Software (AP)


Hard-serving Swede Joachim Johansson thumped Chilean Adrian Garcia 6-4 6-2 to reach the second round of the 650,000 euros Stockholm Open tennis tournament on Tuesday.

Swede Johansson powers though in Stockholm


The FCC #39;s wireless telecommunications bureau has recommended clearing Cingular #39;s buyout of AT amp;T Wireless with only minimal divestitures from the two companies.

Wireless Networking FCC Gives Nod to Cingular-AT amp;T Wireless Merger


LONDON -- President Bush #39;s official campaign website has blocked access to foreign surfers since Monday, an internet monitoring company said Wednesday.

Foreigners Blocked From Bush Site


With help of longtime partner, German software maker dips toe in market it had downplayed.

SAP taps HP for software-as-service push


A Pakistani rebel leader refused to meet a council of tribal elders trying to secure the release of two Chinese hostages held by his group.

Chinese hostage crisis hits impasse


The International Agency for Atomic Energy (IAAE ) stressed that hundreds of tons of traditional explosives were missing from the Iraqi military arsenal that used to be under the rule of the toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

IAAE: hundreds of tons of explosives lost in Iraq


SDBot.UJ, the latest variant of the SDbot worm that monitors network traffic after it infects a computer has been discovered by security experts.

SDBot.UJ Wiggling to Get Passwords


NEW YORK - Merck  amp; Co. Inc. has adopted a severance benefits plan aimed at protecting key managers in the event the company is taken over - a growing possibility since the withdrawal of arthritis drug Vioxx sent shares tumbling.

Merck execs protected in case of takeover


Augusta National Golf Club will restore commercials to the Masters next year, lifting the ban on advertising it imposed in 2003.

Sponsors to Return to Masters Next Year


AFP - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi escaped a potentially devastating jail sentence when a Milan court cleared him of corruption charges after a four-year trial, a verdict which he hailed as

Court clears Berlusconi of corruption (AFP)


Egyptian President Husni Mubarak wants reform on the economic, political and social fronts, according to an interview published on the eve of his ruling National Democratic Party #39;s (NDP) annual convention.

Mubarak seeks comprehensive reforms in Egypt


Cendant Corp. plans to move its CheapTickets.com division from Arapahoe County to Chicago as part of the travel-industry giant #39;s planned purchase of Chicago-based Orbitz Inc.

CheapTickets moving to Chicago


Reuters - Britain has won U.S. agreement to hold\an international peace conference on the Middle East in London\early next year, the Daily Telegraph reported on Monday.

Report: Britain Wins U.S. Support for Mideast Talks (Reuters)


Syria said yesterday it would deepen ties with Lebanon, despite a UN Security Council resolution warning against outside interference there. The resolution aimed -- in vain -- to head off a vote in Lebanon's parliament to extend the term of the Syrian-backed president, Emile Lahoud, for three years after his current six-year term expires. Many council members regarded the extension ...

Damascus rebuffs UN on Lebanon ties


The Red Sox stats, schedule can bash with Manny Ramirez stats, news and David Ortiz stats, news. The Angels can do the same with Vladimir Guerrero and Troy Glaus.

Angels  #39;pen is closing in: Percival, Rodriguez lead a stingy group


Blockbuster Inc. (BBI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the largest US video rental chain, on Thursday said it has contacted Hollywood Entertainment Corp.

Blockbuster Interested in Hollywood Chain


Kevin Jones decided to stop rushing things a few weeks ago, and it helped him turn in the second-best rushing performance for a Lions rookie running back.

Jones #39; big day was in the cards


NEW YORK - Sen. John McCain and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, two of the Republican Party's most popular politicians, open President Bush's nominating convention by calling him a leader unafraid of making unpopular choices to protect a nation scarred by the Sept...

McCain, Giuliani to Hail Bush on Security


The success of alternative browsers such as Mozilla Foundation #39;s Firefox may ultimately have an unexpected side effect, causing Microsoft to be more aggressive in leveraging its dominance of Internet client software, said Marc Andreessen, one of the

Andreessen: Microsoft to make IE more competitive


Following the death on Monday of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum will serve as interim leader of the country that has become an international innovator

Sheikh Maktoum to serve as interim UAE president


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU leaders were poised on Thursday to  set a date to start accession talks with Turkey, as Turkish  Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Brussels in an  optimistic mood for a spate of last-minute diplomacy.

EU Leaders Poised to Offer Entry Talks to Turkey


Microsoft did recently announce that they are going to allow users to subscribe to the pre-alert alerts. Premium customers have been privileged to receive a heads up in advance of the actual Security Bulletins

Microsoft Security Bulletins


One of the men most wanted for war crimes committed during the Bosnia war has surrendered to the Serbian authorities. Ljubisa Beara was indicted two years ago for alleged war crimes committed in the town of

War crimes suspect surrenders to Serbs


Harmony Gold Mining Corp. (HARJ.J: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday that if Gold Fields Ltd. (GFIJ.J: Quote, Profile, Research) shareholders approve a proposed deal with Iamgold Corp.

Harmony will try to block Gold Fields-Iamgold deal


Low pay and poor conditions drove employees at two shoe plants in the Pearl River Delta to riot.

Booming China raises workers' hopes - and discontent


As New York celebrates the subway's centennial, graffiti has not only been erased from cars, it has also been buffed from the official record.

Remembering and Defending Subway Graffiti


Reuters - The FBI has established the clearest\link yet between the March 11 Madrid train bombings and the\Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, a Spanish\newspaper reported Sunday.

Report: FBI Finds Link Between P/11, Madrid Bombs (Reuters)


FILDERSTADT, Germany (Reuters) - New world number one  Amelie Mauresmo struggled to a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Patty  Schnyder in the second round of the Filderstadt Grand Prix on  Thursday.

Mauresmo Struggles Past Schnyder at Filderstadt


The NBA introduced the 24-second shot clock in 1954 to increase scoring. For the second time this month, the Nets and the Portland Trail Blazers set back offensive basketball 50 years.

Blazers Bring Out The Worst In the Nets


Acclaim Entertainment, the maker of such popular 1990s video games as Mortal Kombat and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and once one of Long Island #39;s largest public companies, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy

Acclaim Goes Down Like a Hooker With Rent Bills


Virginia lawmakers are considering a futuristic plan to embed computer chips in driver's licenses, making the cards harder to counterfeit by criminals or terrorists and placing the state at the forefront of a national debate about trade-offs between security and privacy.

Va. Licenses Could Go High Tech


Australia tighten their grip on the third Test and the series after dominating India on day two in Nagpur.

Cricket: Aussies dominate India


US forces launched fresh attacks in and near the restive Iraqi city of Falluja overnight, killing about 60 foreign fighters, the US military said on Friday.

US Says Kills 60 Foreign Fighters in Iraq Strike


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States hopes to boost the  availability of electricity throughout Iraq to at least 18  hours a day by the end of next year from 11 to 15 hours now,  the top U.S. aid official said on Friday.

U.S. Aims to Boost Electricity in Iraq to 20 Hours


The head of an Indian auction website is arrested over its sale of a video clip showing two Delhi students engaging in a sexual act.

CEO held over student sex video


Diabetics should test their blood sugar levels more regularly to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, a study says.

Diabetics 'must test blood more'


Royal Dutch/Shell, which this year had to postpone its annual report and shareholder meetings while it grappled with its sinking reserves figures, has taken precautions to avoid similar embarrassment in 2005.

R Dutch/Shell gives itself breathing space


Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - The Detroit Tigers reached agreement Friday on a five-year contract with Justin Verlander, the second overall selection in the 2004 amateur draft, one week after the club announced it had given up on attempting to sign the

Tigers ink top pick Verlander


Wolfsburg, Germany (Sports Network) - Wolfsburg #39;s magical start to the season is fading fast as the club lost for the third time in four matches Saturday, 3-2 against Hertha Berlin.

Wolfsburg lose second straight


Reuters - Mobissimo Inc. officially\launched its online travel search engine on Tuesday and said it\has added a new service that allows users to search for rental\cars.

Mobissimo Officially Launches Travel Search Engine (Reuters)


When the Carolina Panthers #39; coaches look at the final stats from Sunday #39;s game against the Atlanta Falcons, they will probably circle two things -- penalties and turnovers.

Penalties, turnovers cost Panthers


Redknapp has been linked with a move to replace caretaker manager Steve Wigley two weeks after leaving Southampton #39;s south-coast rivals Portsmouth.

Redknapp  #39;ready to join Saints #39;


Italian cyclist Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) and Spaniard Carlos Romn Golbano (Costa de Almera-Paternina) have been declared unfit to start the Vuelta a Espaa, after blood tests on Wednesday evening revealed that they each had exceeded the

Casagrande and Golbano unfit for Vuelta


Chicago -- Citing  quot;an urgent need quot; at a time of flu vaccine shortages, Illinois asked for federal permission Monday to buy at least 62,000 vaccine doses from Europe for the state #39;s nursing home residents.

Illinois seeks OK to buy flu shots from foreign lab


A senior Chinese official has urged the United States to take action to stop the slide of the dollar and restore equilibrium to global currency markets, China Radio International reported Saturday.

China urges US to act on Dollar slide


TONY JONES: Unions and asbestos victims have accused the James Hardie Board of protecting the chief architects of its underfunded compensation trust.

Hardie board protecting chief exective, say unions


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A series of car bomb blasts tore  through Baghdad and the northern Iraq city of Mosul on Monday,  killing at least 26 people and wounding more than 100.

Three Car Bombs in Iraq Kill at Least 26


China is blocking access to the Web site Google News, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said on Tuesday, and accused the US-based company of being complicit by filtering its Chinese-language site.

China Blocking Access to Google News Site - Watchdog


New 76ers Coach Jim O'Brien benches Glenn Robinson and Samuel Delembert to complete an overhaul of the starting five that also sees Allen Iverson at point guard.

O'Brien Shifts 76ers


BANGKOK - The future of dozens of endangered species, from the great white shark to elephants and medicinal trees, will be decided at an international conference on wildlife trade that kicks off here today.

Countries to discuss rules on wildlife trade


Russian President Vladimir Putin today said that he had been completely misinterpreted by the Indian press. Media reports had claimed that he was opposed to India #39;s right to get veto powers in the UN Security Council.

Putin denies opposing India #39;s veto power


US Roman Catholic bishops are meeting to elect their new president, who they hope will restore the church's reputation after a string of child abuse scandals.

US Catholics seek new head bishop


Greater Boston ranks third among top information technology labor markets that have lost a significant number of tech jobs, according to a study released yesterday.

Boston-area tech jobs decline


Jobless workers in Boston with the right skills could find employment soon. Some area employers expect to maintain a steady hiring pace during the fourth quarter of 2004, according to a survey released yesterday by Manpower Inc. The outlook is brightest in wholesale and retail trade, education, and public administration.

Hiring seen improving a bit


DENVER Denver #39;s long line of stellar running backs continues. Backup Reuben Droughns (drohns), filling in for injured Quentin Griffin, ran for 193 yards on 30 carries as the Broncos held off Carolina 20-to-17.

Sports: Broncos 20 Panthers 17


President Arroyo, by ordering that a court martial try Army Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia on unexplained wealth charges, has put the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines on trial, Sen. Joker Arroyo said yesterday.

AFP on trial, not just Garcia


Boeing Co. scrubbed a planned launch of a Delta IV heavy-lift rocket on Sunday as engineers sought to determine what caused a temperature control system to malfunction after an aborted launch on Saturday.

Boeing Scrubs Planned Heavy-Lift Rocket Launch


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Computer software should not be  protected by copyright laws designed for music, literature and  other creative works, according to a lawsuit filed in a U.S.  court in San Francisco.

Software Should Not Be Copyrighted -- Lawsuit


Reuters - A train in southeastern\Turkey derailed on Sunday after hitting a land mine placed by\suspected Kurdish separatists, while a separate mine blast\wounded 10 soldiers, security officials said.

Separate Blasts in Turkey Wound 11 People (Reuters)


What high-powered, high-design, graphics-oriented, Unix-based computers are beloved by their fanatical users? Clue: It's not what you think. By Jason Walsh.

Whatever Happened to SGI?


If Kurt Busch goes on to win his first title, he can point to the 500 miles at Lowe's Motor Speedway as the defining race of his season.

Busch in Driver's Seat


The flow of people between the campaigns and advocacy groups is alarming those who fought for tighter campaign finance rules.

Advocacy Groups And Campaigns: An Uneasy Shuttle


Corrections Corporation of America reported a drop in third-quarter profits Wednesday because of higher taxes, but the nation #39;s largest private prison company still beat analysts #39; expectations.

CCA Reports Profits Drop


Opposition Labor party leader Mark Latham gestures as he concedes defeat of general election Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004 in Sydney. John Howards conservative coalition party the Liberals, won a fourth consecutive term in power.

Australian Opposition Sticking by Latham


Two Russian soldiers armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles shot and killed two police officers Wednesday night and have taken two hostages near Moscow.

Russian soldiers kill two, take hostages


Former Rangers star Ally McCoist has described the current team as powder-puff following their UEFA Cup exit last night. Alex McLeishs side needed only a draw at home to Auxerre to progress to the last 32 but lost 2-0.

McCoist blasts  #39;powder-puff #39; Gers


ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek sprinters Costas Kenteris and  Katerina Thanou won a two-day reprieve at the Athens Olympics  Monday so they could appear in person at a disciplinary hearing  into their missed drugs tests and protest their innocence.

Greek Sprinters Given Two-Day Reprieve


AP - A leading Japanese electronics company is developing memory cards that can be used to make cashless payments, open locks and read identification with a simple flick.

Firm Develops All-Purpose Memory Cards (AP)


Steve Francis made an outstanding debut for Orlando Magic as they opened the new basketball season in the United States with a 93-92 victory over Milwaukee.

Francis has magic touch


nev4 writes  quot;Reuters (via Yahoo News) reports that Grigori Perelman from St. Petersburg, Russia appears to have solved the Poincare Conjecture.

Russian May Have Solved Poincare Conjecture


In the aftermath of last week's tsunami disaster, the Internet is a tool for good and bad ... but mostly good. <FONT face=

Tsunami Prompts Online Outpouring


Reuters - Though U.S. consumers spent the\weekend setting records at brick-and-mortar stores for Black\Friday, they returned to work on Monday to set

'Blue Monday' Kicks Off Online Shopping Season (Reuters)


VIENNA -- Iran sought yesterday to partially roll back its commitment to freeze all uranium enrichment programs, demanding the right to run some equipment that can be used to produce nuclear arms.

Iran asks to soften uranium stance


University of New South Wales -- A small unmanned observatory high on the Antarctic plateau provides the best star-viewing site on Earth, according to research published today in Nature.     Australian researchers have shown than a ground-based telescope in Antarctica can take images almost as good as those from the Hubble Space Telescope, at a fraction of the cost...

Earth's Best View of the Stars is in Antarctica


LAHORE, Pakistan -- A bomb has exploded at a Shiite mosque in downtown Lahore, killing three people and wounding several others, police sources told CNN.

Mosque bomb kills 3 in Pakistan


The Wall Street rumor mill is working overtime, spinning off speculation about how soon a decision will be announced in the US government lawsuit aimed at blocking Oracle #39;s (ORCL:Nasdaq - news - research) proposed takeover of PeopleSoft (PSFT:Nasdaq

Crunchtime Arrives for Oracle and PeopleSoft


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

EMC, Veritas Tune Mail Archiving


Symantec plans to integrate Stake's services and applications into its global professional services offerings, but offered no details on the acquisition.

Symantec to acquire security consultants Stake


Yes, we know you don #39;t like that news, but it #39;s science - good science from what we can tell. A new four-year international report by 300 scientists from the United States and seven other countries that was

Administration ignores global warming warnings


PHOENIX -- A troubled, 20-year journey to create the world #39;s most powerful optical telescope is nearing an end, with astronomers hoping to begin using the instrument to look for heavenly breakthroughs early next year.

Telescope Can See a Future


The accounting irregularities at home loan giant Fannie Mae could end up raising mortgage rates, but the impact, if any, will be difficult to measure given the enormous size and dynamic nature of the market.

Fannie Mae gets a shake-up


AP - Apart from President Bush's reassurances of unwavering support for Palestinian statehood, there is little his administration is set to do in the short term to try to break the Middle East deadlock.

Analysis: White House Must Wait on Mideast (AP)


Corey Patterson clubbed a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Chicago Cubs a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League (NL) Wednesday.

NL Wrap: Patterson #39;s Homer Keeps Cubs in NL Wildcard Lead


Japanese Crown Princess Masako has made a rare appearance in public after months of seclusion as the palace released home videos of her two-year-old daughter.

Japan princess Masako makes rare public appearance


Former Australia fast bowler Merv Hughes believes that the absence of Sachin Tendulkar in the first two Tests and Sourav Ganuly in the next two is the main reason for India #39;s poor showing in the ongoing series against Australia.

#39;No shame in failing to this Australian team #39;


French ministers have been holding emergency meetings to discuss how to respond to the kidnapping of two French journalists in Iraq.

French ministers meet over kidnapping


SAN FRANCISCO Grokster and StreamCast Networks are not liable for the swapping of copyright content like movies and music through their file-sharing software, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday, in a blow to film studios and record labels.

Media companies lose file-sharing case


PORT Adelaide coach Mark Williams yesterday conceded he was wracked by jealousy watching the Brisbane Lions swoop from lower on the ladder to win the past two flags.

Williams jealous of Lion record


(AGI) - Milan, Italy, Oct. 5 - A preliminary court hearing in the Parmalat case was held today. Judge Tacconi scheduled the next hearing on October 29.

PARMALAT: NEXT HEARING SCHEDULED OCT. 29


Bundesliga leaders VfL Wolfsburg bided their time in a tactically stifling game to burst into life courtesy of two wonderful goals by Martin Petrov and beat title rivals VfB Stuttgart 3-0.

Wolfsburg Consolidate Top Spot with Stuttgart Victory


Free-agent reliever Antonio Alfonseca signed a one-year contract Friday to rejoin his former team, the Florida Marlins, who revised their offer when a routine physical disclosed a herniated disc in the right-hander #39;s back.

Reliever Alfonseca signs with Marlins


Qwest executives made hundreds of millions of dollars by selling their shares while the company made what the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday

Qwest civil suits loom


British advertising firm WPP <A HREF=

Stocks to Watch Monday


 By David Morgan

 SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) - President Bush will renewpressure on Congress to reach agreement on intelligence reformsthis year, after a weekend deal collapsed in the face ofRepublican opposition, the White House said on Sunday.

Bush to Renew Intelligence Reform Pressure on Congress


A US advisory panel on Friday recommended against approving AstraZeneca #39;s new stroke prevention medication, Exanta, citing concerns about the drug #39;s effect on the liver.

FDA Panel Urges More Studies of Stroke Med


Playing on home soil in her first tournament in more than four months, No. 2 Clijsters fell victim to a left wrist injury in her semifinal match against third-seeded Elena Bovina of Russiain the Gaz de France Stars tennis tournament.

Injured again, Clijsters bails in Belgium


AP - President Bush vows to

Bush, Kerry Ready New Ads for Fall Blitz (AP)


Prince Charles joined 140 military widows Saturday for an annual ceremony honoring Britain #39;s war dead, including those killed in Iraq.

Prince Charles, widows honor war dead


Berea, OH (Sports Network) - Cleveland Browns linebacker Ben Taylor will miss the remainder of the season because of a torn tendon in his chest.

Browns lose LB Ben Taylor for season


Xstrata #39;s \$4.97-a-share cash offer is the same price rejected by WMC #39;s board a few weeks ago when the Swiss company made its initial approaches.

Switzerland #39;s Xstrata Makes Hostile Bid for Australia #39;s WMC <b>...</b>


quot;I #39;m very close to retirement, quot; Clemens told reporters Friday.  quot;Obviously, I haven #39;t made the decision for the upcoming season yet.

Clemens considers retirement, but no decision yet


They #39;re tiny and pesky, but also hold secrets to our evolution: Head lice have shown researchers that an extinct species of early human had direct contact with modern-day man 25,000 years ago.

quot;Smoking Louse quot; Rewrites Human Evolution


Ericsson Sverige AB, a Swedish developer of telecommunications silicon, said it has decided to stop Bluetooth development, which the company said was an indicator of the technology #39;s mature state.

Ericsson Halts Bluetooth Development


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said  Israel should expand its massive raid of northern Gaza, one of  the army's deadliest offensives in more than four years of  conflict with the Palestinians.

Sharon Calls for Expansion of Israel's Gaza Offensive


Australia will equip its Air Force with stealth cruise missiles to maintain military superiority over its neighbours, the Government announced yesterday.

Australian Air Force to be armed with stealth cruise missiles


Apple UK has confirmed the company will be selling its most unusual recent product - iPod Socks - in the UK. The socks will be available  quot;anytime now quot; through the UK Apple Store.

UK iPod users delight - Apple socks ship  quot;soon quot;


Four senior executives of German chipmaker Infineon Technologies will serve jail time and pay steep fines for their role in a scheme to fix prices in the memory chip market, said the US Department of Justice.

Infineon execs get to serve time over price-fixing


Antivirus firm warns of 10 holes in Windows XP SP2. Solution: Buy the company's products.

Finjan: Warning users or scaring up business?


Google Inc. is opening the auction for its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO) on Friday, with plans to announce the pricing of its stock next week.

Update: Google raises gavel for IPO auction Friday


On HP #39;s UK site the upcoming hx2000 series is now broken out into three different Pocket PC devices, the HP iPaq hx2750, HP iPaq 2410, and HP iPaq 2110.

HP iPaq hx2000 Series Will Be Three Devices


Funding cuts to Britain's bee inspectors could worsen the effects of hive diseases, a lobby group says.

Funding cuts threaten bee health


BRATISLAVA, Slovakia -- Enel, Italy #39;s biggest power company, put in the highest bid for the Slovak government #39;s stake in Slovenske Elektrarne, the country #39;s top power generator.

UES Loses Utility Bid in Slovakia


SpaceShipOne visionary Peter Diamandis wasn't thinking about history as he stood in the Mojave desert and watched a small, shuttlecock-shaped craft glide back to Earth having nudged the edge of space. He just thought it looked beautiful.

Unlikely Visionary Behind Private Race to Space


SYDNEY: Australian milk producer National Foods Ltd said today its board has unanimously rejected as too low a \$A1.62 billion (\$NZ1.

Australia #39;s National Foods rejects Fonterra bid


Mammograms have become a rite of passage for 40-year-old American women, and a compulsory exercise for those over 40. But as rote as those annual screenings might seem, there's nothing routine about a diagnosis of breast cancer.

New Hope in the Fight Against Breast Cancer


A series of bombings ripped through three banks Wednesday in downtown Buenos Aires killing one security guard and injuring a member of the bomb squad.

Bank bomb blasts kill one


AP - Steve McNair, the NFL's 2003 co-MVP, bruised his sternum Sunday and was admitted to the hospital for the night.

McNair Injures Sternum Against Jaguars (AP)


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The EU called off its sanctions on \$4  billion worth of U.S. goods on Monday after Washington repealed  illegal export tax subsidies, bringing some balm to  transatlantic ties wounded by a battle over Airbus and Boeing.

EU Lifts U.S. Sanctions, Contests Taxes


INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Michael Phelps made a winning  return to the pool at the world short course championships  Thursday, capturing the 200 meters freestyle title and the  first of a possible six gold medals.

Phelps Makes Winning Return at World Championships


AP - The Boston Red Sox might try to defend their World Series with an even wackier group than the self-proclaimed

Red Sox Reportedly Offer Wells Contract (AP)


The secretary general of the United Nations fights a war on many fronts in his crusade to bring human rights and peace to the world.

THE UNITED NATIONS The Campaign against Kofi


A senior Iranian official announced that his country has missiles capable of striking American troops, Israel and parts of Europe, Reuters reported.

Iranian Missiles Could Target US, Israel, And Europe


It #39;s been a long trip, but Europe #39;s first Moon mission is finally nearing its goal. SMART-1, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) way back on 27 September 2003, will go into orbit around the Moon on 15 November.

SMART-1 arrives at the Moon


PHOENIX -- Bob Melvin spoke to the Arizona Diamondbacks about becoming the team #39;s manager on Monday, joining Mark Grace and Al Pedrique as candidates to be interviewed for the job.

Team to talk with at least 3 more about managerial job


AP - The leaders of Malaysia's ruling party unanimously refused Tuesday to allow one-time rising star Anwar Ibrahim to rejoin the organization, a day before a crucial court ruling that could clear his return to politics.

Malaysian Ruling Party Rejects Anwar (AP)


LONDON John Major was prime minister of Britain. The Internet, to most people, was like something out of the Jetsons.  quot;Latte quot; was Italian for  quot;milk, quot; not American for  quot;coffee.

Internet caf hoists a latte to celebrate 10-year anniversary


Reuters - Online discount retailer eCOST.com\said on Wednesday that it expects its planned initial public\offering will price at  #36;7 per share, a reduction from its\previously stated range of  #36;9 to  #36;11 per share.

eCOST.com Cuts IPO Price to  #36;7 a Share from  #36;9- #36;11 (Reuters)


In a move likely to raise many eyebrows and many hopes around the Emerald City, the Seattle Seahawks have acquired Jerry Rice from the Oakland Raiders for a conditional seventh-round draft pick.

No Longer A Rumour...


Motorola Inc. will conduct an m-commerce field trial of mobile phones enabled with MasterCard PayPass and Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, the company announced Tuesday.

Motorola to trial m-commerce-enabled phones


The replacement crew for the International Space Station has begun a two-day preflight exams, a part of final preparations to relieve the two-man Russian-American crew finishing a six-month mission.

Int #39;l Space Station crew begins preflight exams


HOUSTON NASA has put off the first shuttle flight since the Columbia disaster because hurricanes postponed work on new safety measures.

NASA delays shuttle #39;s spring 2005 launch date


Microsoft has outlaid plans that involve charging people for accessing their email via its email application Outlook. However Microsoft is not citing the urge to make even more cash, but an attempt to quell

Microsoft withdraws Outlook support for hotmail


Paul Broadhurst #39;s wife gave him the go-ahead to play this week #39;s Madrid Open after the birth of their son a month ago -- provided he did well -- and he responded by taking over the second round lead on Friday.

Broadhurst Honors and Obeys by Taking Madrid Open Lead


AP - Ted Lilly pitched eight scoreless innings and the Toronto Blue Jays ended a four-game losing skid with a 3-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night.

Blue Jays Beat Orioles 3-0 to End Skid (AP)


Pitcairn Island selects its first woman mayor in its 214-year history after its former mayor - a convicted rapist - was sacked last week.

Sex case island picks woman mayor


Sprint's negotiations to buy Nextel have ignited fears that Motorola will lose its exclusive deal to supply phones and equipment to Nextel.

Motorola May Lose Big Customer If Nextel Merges


Maxime Faget conceived and proposed the development of the one-man spacecraft used in Project Mercury, which put the first American astronauts into suborbital flight, then orbital flight

Maxime Faget, Mercury Spacecraft Designer, Dead at 83


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Borders Group Inc. <A HREF=

Borders Profits Rise, Raises Outlook


St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Lance Berkman went 4-for-5 and drove in three runs to lead Houston to a 7-5 win over St. Louis in the opener of a three-game set at Busch Stadium.

National League Game Summary - Houston at St. Louis


UK regulator Ofcom says the comparatively low cost of Voice over IP (VoIP) technology means that barriers to entry for new companies are lower than those in traditional telephony, so consumers

UK Regulator: VoIP Will Benefit Consumers


Twenty-one people died Sunday in an explosion at a mine in the Karaganda region in Kazakhstan, the Interfax news agency said. About 100 miners were at the Shakhtinskaya mine at the time of the incident, which took place in the early hours of Sunday.

Mine Explosion Kills 21 in Kazakhstan


Reuters - The Indian government is investigating reports that blood samples that could be contaminated with the human form of mad cow disease had entered the country from Britain, a top official said on Tuesday.

India probes mad cow blood samples report (Reuters)


DETROIT - Five Indiana Pacers players were charged today with assault and battery in a brawl that broke out on the court last month and spilled into the stands at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Five Pacers charged in basketball brawl


The motion picture industry is setting a new standard for toughness in its legal assault on online piracy.  Will it work? <FONT face=

Hollywood's One Strike Policy


Manufacturers and consumer advocates offer a handful of precautions to lessen the chance of a meltdown.

Cell phone batteries: Avoid getting burned


Yolanda Griffith picked the perfect time for her best game of the season. Griffith scored a season-high 23 points, helping the Sacramento Monarchs defeat the Houston Comets 68-48 Saturday

Griffith gives Monarchs shot at crown


SHANGHAI, China (AP) -- Chinese makers and distributors of pornographic materials sent through the Internet, mobile phones and other communication devices will face penalties as severe as life in prison under new rules that take effect Monday.    The regulations were issued Sunday in a legal interpretation by the Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate, or top prosecutors office, the official Xinhua News Agency reported...

China Vows Tougher Penalties for Web Porn Operators


Northwest Airlines filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against Sabre Travel Network, intensifying a dispute between the airline and the nations largest provider of airline booking information to travel agents.

Northwest sues travel network


Genentech Inc. said the marketing of Rituxan, a cancer drug that is the company #39;s best-selling product, is the subject of a US criminal investigation.

Genentech Receives Subpoena About Rituxan Marketing (Update2)