ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - At least three people were killed  when a suicide bomber shot his way into a minority Shi'ite  Muslim mosque in the Pakistani city of Lahore Sunday and  detonated his explosives, residents and emergency workers said.

Suicide Bomber at Pakistan Mosque Kills Three


Officials at Sun Microsystems, Javalobby, and Infravio this week revealed initiatives positioned as advances in either Java development or Web services consumption.

Tools wrap: Sun, Javalobby, Infravio make moves


IT spending is forecast to grow in the high single-digits next year and remain on that pace through 2008, according to two reports released Monday by Forrester Research.

Survey: IT spending to grow modestly next year


Ever since Napoleon described Britain as a  quot;nation of shopkeepers quot;, the golden rule for grocers has been: stock your shelves with goods that customers want, at prices they can afford.

Can Sainsbury #39;s rise to the challenge?


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon vowed yesterday not to yield to pressure by Jewish settlers to give up his plan to withdraw soldiers and settlers from the Gaza Strip and a portion of the West Bank.

Sharon stands firm on withdrawing settlers


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated that he does not expect any movement on the Wayne Rooney transfer saga before tomorrow.

Ferguson: it #39;s Monday at Earliest for Rooney Deal


Reuters - Marquis Grissom hit a grand slam\homer and the San Francisco Giants rallied from a six run\deficit to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-7 in National\League play on Saturday.

NL Wrap: Giants Rally for Big Win (Reuters)


United Airlines reached an agreement with creditors that, if approved, could eliminate \$450 million of debt. The agreement concerns \$600 million in municipal bond debt

United hopes debt plan will fly


AFP - The US antitrust authorities said they would clear Cingular Wireless Corp.'s 41-billion-dollar takeover of AT amp;T Wireless, with conditions.

US Justice Department clears Cingular-AT T Wireless merger (AFP)


Changes are bringing Americans closer to a checkless society -- changes that could be costly if you aren #39;t careful. The first checks in the United States were

Checking system going all-electronic


Music downloading and file-sharing are on the increase, and record companies who attempt to regulate illegal downloaders get short shrift from internet users, a survey reveals today.

Two-thirds  #39;unlikely #39; to pay for music downloads


llied Domecq PLC, the big liquor maker, said yesterday that it expected to report increased profit for its fiscal year as a result of growth in Britain and the United States.

Profit for Liquor Maker


Reuters - Police have shot dead the country's most wanted bandit Koose Muniswamy Veerappan, accused of chopping up many of the more than 100 people he killed, officials said on Tuesday.

Police kill country's most wanted bandit Veerappan (Reuters)


Monkey stem cells can repair the brain damage caused by Parkinson's disease, researchers have shown.

Cells repair Parkinson's damage


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices jumped more than a dollar,  climbing above \$48 a barrel Wednesday after U.S. data showed  the disruption caused by Hurricane Ivan had eaten into fuel  stocks.

Oil Tops \$48 After U.S. Inventories Dive


BANDA ACEH, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, who has vowed to end the conflict in Aceh Province, made his first visit there Friday against a backdrop of continued violence.

Indonesian leader visits site of separatist conflict


We had some good times this season. Remember that time I sat in the press box in Norman and watched your freshman running back dazzle?

Clearly, there #39;s still a lot to be said about BCS


In heavyweight boxing action, Vitali Klitschko stopped Danny Williams tonight in Las Vegas tonight to retain his WBC heavyweight title.

Klitschko Stops Williams as a Boxing Fairytale Ends


Paula Radcliffe believes she is ready in every respect to challenge for the ING New York City Marathon title on Sunday. Radcliffe insisted she is top shape after arriving in the Big Apple, and although her

RADCLIFFE READY TO TACKLE BIG APPLE


Ford Motor Co. continued to sell Crown Victoria police cars even after the deaths of several officers in fiery rear-end crashes showed the vehicles were unsafe, a lawyer

lawyer argues Ford sold unsafe police cars


PARIS Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader, who is having medical tests in a French military hospital, hopes that President George W. Bush will adopt a new  quot;policy of peace quot; in the Middle East, an aide said Wednesday.

Arafat hopes for US  #39;policy of peace #39;


Adding to its offerings for digital imaging and video hobbyists, Adobe Systems on Wednesday announced a new video-editing package and an update to its Photoshop Elements image-editing product.

Adobe enters home video editing fray


KABUL, Afghanistan -- NATO troops in Afghanistan have detained a man at Kabul airport who had traces of explosives on his hands, a day after a US security firm was bombed, killing 10 people, including three Americans.

Bombing Suspect Detained At Afghanistan Airport


HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Hurricane Ivan forced the postponement of Thursday #39;s football game between Southern Mississippi and California.

ESPN.com news services


The global personal computer market will grow at a more modest pace in 2005 as the economic recovery slows, according to a report by a market research firm.

Growth of global PC market forecast to ease


Citigroup Inc., the world #39;s biggest bank, said Vice Chairman Deryck Maughan will leave the firm, along with investment management head Thomas Jones and Peter Scaturro, who ran the company #39;s

Citigroup #39;s Maughan, Jones, Scaturro to Leave the Firm


VATICAN CITY, Nov. 27 -- Pope John Paul II on Saturday handed over the bones of two saints to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, in hopes that the gesture will revive talks over unifying Roman Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, two major forces in Christendom.

Pope Returns Relics To Orthodox Leader


TORONTO (CP) - Wheaton River Minerals Ltd. - after failing to complete a friendly merger and then avoiding a hostile takeover so far this year - spent Monday promoting the virtues of an agreed merger with Goldcorp Inc.

Goldcorp and Wheaton River gold producers strike friendly merger <b>...</b>


AP - Amid fanfare fit for actual world-class athletes, five Americans with really quick fingers took home the gold medal Sunday in the popular

Americans Win Video Game Gold Medal (AP)


The Philadelphia Phillies made a move to bolster their starting rotation by signing free agent righthander Jon Lieber to a three-year, \$21 million contract on Wednesday.

Phillies sign Lieber to three-year, \$21 million deal


Diversified manufacturer General Electric Co. (GE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday it boosted its quarterly dividend by 10 percent and earmarked up to \$15 billion for share repurchases over the next three years.

GE OKs \$15 Billion Buyback, Ups Dividend


NEW YORK - Investors sent stocks falling sharply Thursday as crude oil prices surged near \$55 per barrel and General Motors Corp. issued a disappointing earnings report...

Stocks Slip on GM Earnings, Higher Oil


In what is being called the largest global crackdown ever conducted, the US Department of Justice #39;s  quot;Operation Web Snare quot; has led to over 100 arrests.

Internet crackdown leads to over 100 arrests


Pfizer Inc. said Wednesday that third quarter earnings, excluding charges, beat Wall Street expectations by a penny, on strong sales of Lipitor and Celebrex medicines.

Pfizer Posts Higher Earnings on Drug Sales


Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Friday said a group of bond holders refused to change the terms of their securities, adding to the headwinds

UPDATE 2-Delta bid to change debt terms is rejected


The messy fight between the recording industry and online music swappers will be decided by the Supreme Court, which agrees to hear the case next spring.

File Sharing Goes to High Court


AP - The thieves struck at night and knew just what they were after. In minutes, they ripped two plants from the lavish landscaping at a home in this Los Angeles suburb, then fled when the homeowner woke up and turned on a porch light. Total haul:  #36;3,500.

Thieves Targeting Gardens With Rare Plant (AP)


AP - The South Dakota race that will determine whether Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle stays on Capitol Hill is the costliest congressional election so far this year.

South Dakota Sen. Race Deemed Most Costly (AP)


DreamWorks Animation has an IPO with more green than its signature ogre, Shrek.

DreamWorks Draws a Crowd


World Champion Petter Solberg has promised Sebastien Loeb  quot;a hell of a fight quot; for victory in this weekend #39;s Wales Rally GB.

Solberg waits for the breaks


President Bush #39;s biggest adversaries from  quot;Old Europe quot; extended a hand of friendship as the world greeted his re-election with a mixture of hope and disappointment.

Europe cautiously optimistic about 2nd Bush term


FOXBOROUGH -- Jay Heaps started 21 games before losing his position with the Revolution. But Heaps returned to central defense last night as the Revolution took a 6-1 victory over Colorado, their highest goal total in a Major League Soccer match.

Heaps happy with central role


DURHAM -- Two NC School of Science and Mathematics seniors won \$100,000 in scholarships Monday after earning top team honors in a national science competition.

Whiz kids earn \$100,000 prize


A quick analysis of players picked in the major league portion of the 2004 Rule 5 draft held Monday. Each selection costs \$50,000.

D-Rays add power arm


India #39;s central bank unexpectedly raised a key interest rate for the first time in four years, saying record oil prices and rising corporate demand for credit threaten to fuel inflation.

Indian Central Bank Raises Key Rate to Curb Prices (Update2)


AFP - US economists have trimmed their forecasts for hiring and economic growth in view of steep energy prices and other factors, a Wall Street Journal survey showed.

US economic outlook downgraded: WSJ survey (AFP)


Viacom Inc. plans to submit a bid to buy financial news provider MarketWatch Inc., according to a filing Thursday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Viacom to Bid for MarketWatch


Leslie Law tonight became Great Britain #39;s first eventing gold medallist since 1972 - without leaving his Hereford home. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has upheld the combined British, French and American

Law rules after court overturns German gold


3Com, which makes switches that run corporate data networks, said Monday that it would buy TippingPoint Technologies for \$430 million to add products that bolster security for Internet-based telephone networks.

3Com buys Net phone business


Defense Minister Geoff Hoon will make a statement to the House of Commons on Monday about British troop deployments in Iraq, amid reports that Britain is considering sending some 600 soldiers to bolster US operations near Baghdad.

Statement About UK Troop Deployment in Iraq


AP - For one quarter, Notre Dame was better than No. 1 Southern California. Then the Trojans got serious, and the Fighting Irish had no chance. Matt Leinart made a big pitch for the Heisman Trophy, passing for a career-high 400 yards and a school record-tying five touchdowns, and the Trojans overcame a sluggish start to beat Notre Dame 41-10 Saturday night.

No. 1 USC Rolls Past Notre Dame 41-10 (AP)


Opposition parties that currently control the senate have repeatedly blocked moves to fully privatize Telstra, saying they fear it will lead to poor phone and Internet services in Australia #39;s vast outback, where maintaining telecommunications

Telstra, Not Government, To Choose New Chief


Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. THE RETURN to the Philippines on Thursday night of diplomat Angelito Nayan, whom

Nayan in Palace, describes 26 days in captivity


Among the many unique things proponents of professional golf like to point out is that the athletes who play the game for pay are different than those who toil in other sports because golf has no guaranteed contracts.

Nothing funny about silly money


IBM has brought the title of the world #39;s fastest supercomputer back to the United States for the first time in three years... IBM #39;s still incomplete Blue Gene/L system was officially named the fastest in the

IBMs Blue Gene/L is the Fastest Supercomputer in the World


Jerry Rice set his 35th NFL record and caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Matt Hasselbeck, leading the Seattle Seahawks to a 14-3 first-quarter lead over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night.

Seahawks take 14-3 first quarter lead over Cowboys


Eddie Jones scored 27 points and Shaquille O #39;Neal had 26 Wednesday night in carrying Miami past Milwaukee, 113-106. Miami used a 21-7 run during the third period to break open the game, during which Jones scored nine points.

NBA: Miami 113, Milwaukee 106


Pakistan has announced bounties and published photographs of six wanted terrorist suspects, including a senior al-Qaida operative accused of masterminding two attempts to assassinate President Pervez Musharraf.

Pakistan Offers Bounties on Six Wanted Terror Suspects


LONDON -- The High Court in London has ordered Internet service providers to hand over the names and addresses of 28 alleged music pirates to Britain #39;s trade body for the recording industry.

Court orders cos. to ID alleged pirates


BAIJI, Iraq (Reuters) - The decapitated bodies of three  men, their heads strapped to their backs, were found dumped in  nylon bags by a roadside north of Baghdad on Wednesday, Iraqi  police and U.S. officials said.

Three Decapitated Corpses Found North of Baghdad


A former Qwest Communications executive is negotiating a possible settlement of SEC charges against him. The Securities and Exchange Commission has accused Michael Felicissimo of fraud that led to overstated wireless revenues at Qwest.

Former Qwest executive negotiating settlement with SEC


TOKYO (Dow Jones)--Hollywood movie studio the 20th Century Fox of News Corp. (NWS) said Monday it has joined an international industry association to develop and promote the Blu-ray Disc format - one of two

UPDATE: 20th Century Fox Joins Blu-ray Disc Indus Group


Sony Corp. (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) and Samsung Electronics (005930.KS: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday they had agreed to share patents on basic technology to speed up

Sony and Samsung to Cross-License Patents


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Luxury jeweler Tiffany   Co.    on  Thursday posted an unexpected drop in quarterly earnings and  slashed its profit forecast, as weak silver jewelry sales in  Japan and higher diamonds and precious metals costs more than  offset improved U.S. sales.

Tiffany Posts Unexpected Dip in Earnings


Doctors report several cases of collapsed lungs apparently caused by loud music. They theorize that lungs may start to vibrate in the same frequency as the booming bass, which could cause a small rupture.

Music Fans, Beware the Big Bass


Bank of America said Thursday that it would cut an additional 4,500 jobs from its work force, increasing the number pared since its acquisition of FleetBoston Financial by 36 percent, to 17,000.

Bank of America to cut 4,500 additional jobs


Troubled business software company Computer Associates International Inc. has selected longtime IBM executive John Swainson as its new chief executive, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

IBM Exec May Become Computer Associates CEO


AP - At least one new variant of a worm spread rapidly from Asia and Europe to US computers, filling up people #39;s email accounts, but otherwise causing little apparent damage.

Email worm clogs accounts


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Venus Williams advanced to the second  round of the U.S. Open on Tuesday but had to work hard for her  6-3, 7-6 victory against Hungary's Petra Mandula.

Venus Battles Through to Second Round


SANTIAGO, Chile-Chinese President Hu Jintao told Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi that his repeated visits to Yasukuni Shrine are the biggest obstacles to improving Japan-China relations.

Hu: No more Yasukuni visits


AP - With many lawmakers eager to help their own regions, Congress is unlikely to act as quickly on President Bush's latest request for hurricane aid as they did on his first package.

Bush Wants  #36;3.1 Billion for Hurricane Aid (AP)


The race for the \$10m Ansari X-Prize begins in earnest on Wednesday as SpaceShipOne prepares to rocket to more than 100km above the Earth.

X-Prize craft set for space shot


AP - The Baltimore Orioles released outfielder Karim Garcia after their ninth straight loss Wednesday night, and sent outfielder Darnell McDonald to Triple-A Ottawa.

Orioles Release OF Karim Garcia (AP)


Their starting point guard sat injured behind the bench, dressed in a nifty sport coat. Their backup point guard was nowhere to be seen, recovering instead from arthroscopic knee surgery.

Block party: Kirilenko swats shots as Jazz run past LA


M ost people are relieved to stop hearing the ugly story about the alleged rape of a 19-year-old hotel worker by a popular NBA star.

A loss for every rape victim


In a remarkable - and predictable -hange of tune, Jenson Button says he can thrive at BAR next season. Having signed a contract with Williams for the next two seasons because he believed they offered

Jenson vows he can thrive at BAR


The United States Grand Prix is to return to the MotoGP calendar next year after an 11-year absence.

Us Grand Prix Is Back


About 50 hard-line Iranians on Thursday placed a gravestone at a Tehran cemetery to commemorate the deaths of two Palestinians who carried out twin suicide bombings that killed 16 Israelis this week, witnesses said.

Iranian hard-liners praise Palestinian bombers


BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Reuters) - American Ryder Cup  rookie Fred Funk gained an early thrill when he was among the  first to check into the U.S. team hotel on Sunday night.

Ryder Cup: Early Thrill for Funk in U.S. Team Room


An Iraqi judge will decide as soon as Thursday whether to allow the counterfeiting case against former Iraq Governing Council member Ahmad Chalabi to go ahead.

Judge to decide whether Chalabi counterfeit case goes forward


NewsFactor - Google's next move may be to add a browser offering to its portfolio of \Internet products. A New York Post news report suggests that the \search-engine giant has added employees to develop such a technology based on \the open-source Mozilla browser.

Rumors Aside, Browser Is a Logical Step for Google (NewsFactor)


KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Indians front office wants to find out why one of its players got shot on the team bus Wednesday night in Kansas City.

Go-Go Boots May Have Helped Pitcher Who Got Shot


Hollywood #39;s top studios tried to knock the wind out of the sails of Internet movie pirates yesterday, filing the first wave of lawsuits against people they say are illegally sharing online copies of films.

Hollywood fires first lawsuits at pirates


SAN FRANCISCOBEA Systems Inc. took advantage of the proximity of Oracle Corp. #39;s OpenWorld conference here this week to introduce BEA WebLogic Server 9.0, which is designed to allow developers to rapidly

BEA Rolls Out WebLogic Server 9.0 for SOA


Many of the D.C. businesses that would be taxed to help pay for a new baseball stadium said Thursday that they support the preliminary details of the proposal.

Businesses Receptive


US forces launched Tuesday a series of air strikes on Fallujah and Sadr city northeast of Baghdad. Residents in Fallujah say that US aircrafts launched two rounds of attacks on the city, but the US military

US forces launch airstrikes in Fallujah, Sadr city


Wireless chipmaker Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said it plans to build a national high-speed network to deliver video and audio programming

Qualcomm to Build Wireless Media Network


Seeing as how so many members of the NCAA Tournament selection committee are just good people, given how much they #39;ll have to squeeze into a single weekend next March, I thought it might be nice to take a little work off their hands.

Pencil in Illini for a No. 1 seed right now


Reuters - Al Qaeda-linked militants said they had\killed a second American hostage and threatened to kill a\Briton unless women prisoners in Iraq were freed.

Group in Iraq Says Kills Second U.S. Hostage (Reuters)


AP - Mark Knowles and Daniel Nestor won their first U.S. Open doubles title by beating Leander Paes and David Rikl 6-3, 6-3 Friday.

Knowles, Nestor Win Open Men's Doubles (AP)


Job Search Service Finds Careers for Bloggers\\Well, I knew all of this blogging, typing, reading and sitting at home for a year learning about blogging would pay off one day! Blogger-Jobs.com, a Web site launched last month by veteran weblogger Jeremy Wright and www.recruiting.com, provides a recruitment service that matches ...


Reuters - A controversy over genetically modified\(GMO) crops brewed in Britain Monday after a major government\and industry-backed study found no evidence they harmed the\environment.

Major UK Study Sees Little Harm in GMO Crops (Reuters)


WASHINGTON - Going against conventional wisdom, the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates in an election year. And it is Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan, a Republican, who is leading the charge even though an incumbent Republican in the White House is facing voter unrest about the state of the economy...

Election-Year Rate Hike Puzzles Some


At a time when the Federal Reserve chairman has rock star status, it's hard to imagine the world's greatest central bank as an obscure federal agency struggling for its independence.

The man who shaped the Federal Reserve


BRIELLE, N.J. - An 8-year-old girl who suffers from a rare digestive disorder and cannot eat wheat has had her first Holy Communion declared invalid because the wafer contained no wheat, violating Roman Catholic doctrine...

Church Says Girls' Communion Not Valid


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices forged to a record high above  \$55 a barrel on Friday on rising fears of a winter fuel supply  crunch and robust economic growth in China, the world's number  two user.

Oil Bubbles Over \$55 a Barrel


A British man detained by the US military as an enemy combatant in the war on terror says he was tortured while held in Afghanistan and claims he saw fellow detainees killed by American soldiers there.

British Guantanamo Detainee Alleges Torture, Murder by US Military <b>...</b>


In the wake of what has been one of the most explosive days in Major League Baseball history, fans of America #39;s National Pastime are now forced to take a seat and consider all that is unfolding before them.

MLB: Exposed


Emsworth #39;s Mike Fincke returns to Earth on Saturday, six months after leaving for the space voyage he had dreamed of since he was a young boy.

Fincke #39;s space odyssey in its final day


Is a new MS drug going to be a top seller or a bottom-dweller? Here's how to find out.

Spin the Medicine Bottle


ZAANDAM - Dutch food retailing giant Ahold announced it would take over a 20 stake in the ICA Swedish supermarket chain from Norwegian Canica group for 811 million euros.

Ahold pays 811 million euros for ICA stake


Chicago - Thomas Jones proved to be the Bears only source offense against the Detroit Lions. FIRST QUARTER: RB Thomas Jones two-yard touchdown run at 7:38.

Bears-Lions Scoring Summary


PalmOne plans to offer a free 128MB expansion card to Treo 650 owners because a new file system used for the handheld actually offers less memory for data storage than was available on the older Treo 600.

New Treo 650 file system cuts storage capacity


BEIJING Nov 20, 2004 - A small passenger plane carrying 47 people crashed Sunday in northern China, and the government said there likely were no survivors.

Plane Crashes in China With 47 Aboard


One of Spain #39;s largest banks will soon be crossing the Mexican border in search of Hispanic customers. BBVA announced Tuesday it plans to buy Laredo National Bancshares for \$850 million.

Spanish giant has deal to buy Laredo National


The son of The Man will hit the big 3-0 Sunday, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. had hoped he had the clout to get his birthday wish granted a little early.

Growing pains


BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania's centrist opposition leader  Traian Basescu scored an upset victory in a presidential race  against leftist Prime Minister Adrian Nastase, partial official  results showed Monday.

Romanian Opposition Head Scores Upset Victory


Reuters - To shouts of

Iran 'Atomic Bomb' Militia Stage Show of Strength (Reuters)


NEW YORK, December 16: In addition to its \$210 million settlement with the Department of Justice over securities fraud at America Online, Time Warner has reached a proposed settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a further \$300 million

Time Warner in Proposed Settlement with SEC


Shares of Genta Inc. (GNTA.O: Quote, Profile, Research) soared nearly 50 percent on Monday after the biotechnology company presented promising data on an experimental treatment for blood cancers.

Genta Shares Soar on Cancer Drug Data


Reuters - Blockbuster Inc.  on Wednesday\posted a  #36;1.42 billion quarterly loss due to a charge, while\profit from its operations slid due to higher marketing costs,\falling rental demand and escalating competition.

Blockbuster Posts Big Loss on Charge (Reuters)


1. Boston Red Sox. Yes, they lost one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history in Pedro Martinez when the veteran righty signed a four-year deal with the Mets.

Red Sox making noise in the offseason


The Episcopal bishop of Jerusalem says Israel may soon long for the days when Yasser Arafat was alive. The Right Reverend Riah Abu el-Assal told the Honolulu Star-Bulletin during

Jerusalem bishop: Israel will miss Arafat


The Tokyo facility will open in February, 2005, representing an initial \$12 million investment over the next five years to study Internet Protocol-based networking technologies, including routers and Cisco IOS and IOS XR software, says the company.

Cisco \$12M Tokyo research center


Vivisimo Search Engine Clusty Offers More Targeted Search\\Vivisimo this week unveiled Clusty.com, the first full-service search engine site powered completely by Vivismio's breakthrough clustering technology. Instead of simply presenting long lists of results, Clusty.com groups search results into folder topics, giving users a quick overview of the main themes in ...


NEW YORK - Stocks moved mostly higher Friday as a stronger than expected retail sales report showed that higher oil prices aren't scaring consumers away from spending. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's positive comments on oil prices also encouraged investors...

Stocks Climb on Positive Retail Sales


BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- It's not as though they're children or anything. David Howell is 29, a nine-year veteran of the European PGA Tour. Paul Casey is 27, a highly publicized collegiate star here in America who has earned more than \$1.6 million this year splitting his time between the American and European tours.

Big finish is just a start for duo


Reuters - Environment pressure group Greenpeace\said on Monday it welcomed news that leading crop technology\company Bayer had pulled out of genetic modification trials in\India to focus on conventional plant breeding.

Greenpeace Hails Bayer India GM Pullout (Reuters)


DELL Inc. had started to recall power adapters for some of its notebook models because of a risk of overheating, which could lead to a fire or electrical shock, the American company announced on its Web site Friday.

Dell starts to recall laptop power adapters


Fewer Americans filed jobless claims last week and worker productivity slowed sharply in the third quarter, government data showed on Thursday, hinting at better conditions in the country #39;s sluggish labor market.

Jobless Claims Dip, Productivity Slows


Japan scrambled on Friday to check a report that an Asian body had been found in Iraq after a deadline expired for the beheading of a Japanese man whose

Japan Scrambles After Report Asian Body Found in Iraq


There's nothing routine about working in space, as astronaut Mike Fincke found out recently when he did some soldering onboard the International Space Station.

Soldering Surprise


Abbey National admitted today that progress in recent months had been disrupted as a result of its planned takeover by Spain #39;s largest bank.

Abbey  #39;distracted #39; by Santander tie-up


Reuters - The Pittsburgh Pirates\Saturday traded veteran catcher Jason Kendall and cash\considerations to Oakland in exchange for pitchers Mark Redman\and Arthur Rhodes.

MLB: Pirates Ship Kendall to A's (Reuters)


The e-mails come in a torrent now, each seemingly more urgent than the last.

Bush, Kerry Make Last-Minute Pleas for Help by E-Mail


THE Australian dollar closed about half a US cent lower today, but was off its lows after a sharp fall on Friday night following a US dollar rally.

Dollar closes slightly weaker


PARIS (AFP) - Russian sixth seed Marat Safin overcame an injury scare to beat Argentina #39;s 13th seed Guillermo Canas 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) to move just one match away from winning his third Paris Masters title.

Safin storms into Paris Masters final


Today's Virginia-Virginia Tech showdown in Blacksburg won't be the only college football game in the Commonwealth with high-stakes implications. Three teams from Virginia play first-round games in the Division I-AA playoffs today, including a top-25 matchup between No. 6 William   Mary and No. 11 Hampton at Zable Stadium in Williamsburg.

I-AA Playoffs Open With a Virginia Flavor


VIENNA, Austria - The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency said Tuesday that he cannot guarantee his probe of Iran's suspect nuclear activities will be complete by November, the deadline sought by the United States and its European allies...

IAEA Won't Guarantee Iran Probe Deadline


The average price of heating oil in Massachusetts hit \$1.99 a gallon yesterday, the highest level for this time of year in at least a decade.

Price of heating oil in state surges


David Beckham expects to lead England against his Real Madrid clubmates at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday, although he will not face two familiar faces on Spain #39;s lineup.

Spain without Helguera and Puyol for England friendly


Germany's Metro Group tested radio tag inventory control for a year and found it good enough to deploy--but not perfect.

Retailer to follow RFID test with full rollout


Siebel is aiming to take a larger role in enterprises, by branching out from customer relationship management (CRM) and by making its tools easier to use.

CRM vendors branch out


Champions Werder Bremen hauled their title defence back on the rails with a superb 2-1 win at second-placed VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday night.

10-Men Bremen Stun Stuttgart


The global airline industry, battered by record fuel costs, could break even in 2005 if oil prices drop to an average of US\$36 a barrel, the industry #39;s trade group said Tuesday.

Update 1: Airline Industry Could Break Even in 2005


Lee Westwood fought the heat, a brutal course and the inexperience of a part-time caddie to shoot a two-under-par 70 for a four-way share of the lead after the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa yesterday.

Westwood rises above hot odds


AP - A car bomb exploded Thursday in southern Baghdad, killing a U.S. soldier and at least one Iraqi civilian, the U.S. military said.

Car Bomb Hits U.S. Patrol in Iraq; 2 Dead (AP)


World champion Sebastien Loeb of France wrapped up his record-equalling sixth win of the year on Sunday as he coasted to victory over a depleted Rally Australia field.

Loeb equals record in Australia


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. on Thursday  launched its iTunes online music store in Canada, the 14th  country in which the popular service is available.

Apple Launches ITunes Music Store in Canada


GAZA CITY: Palestinians let rip at Yasser Arafat #39;s wife Suha yesterday after she alleged his top lieutenants were plotting a deathbed coup, accusing her of abandoning the nationalist struggle for the boutiques of Paris.

Suha blasted over  #39;deathbed coup #39; claim


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Reeling from a parliamentary defeat,  Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon prepared Thursday to open  coalition talks to save his shattered government and avoid  early elections that could stall his Gaza withdrawal plan.

Sharon Battles to Save Government from Collapse


Michael Jordan averaged 20 points and six rebounds for the Washington Wizards in the 2002-2003 season, the last time he suited up.

Shaq and Jordan would be interesting if it happens


AP - The Red Cross team entered Fallujah for the first time since a U.S.-led offensive devastated the city and met with Iraqi technicians and engineers to discuss the city's sewage and water treatment needs, a group spokesman said Friday.

Red Cross Returns After Fallujah Offensive (AP)


With the completion of the week #39;s halved downhill training runs on Wednesday (Tuesday #39;s run was canceled due to too much snow), the four-races-in-four-days men #39;s World Cup stop at Beaver Creek will officially commence today with the super-G at 11 am The

Birds of Prey kicks off today


Australia #39;s Jade Edmistone has qualified fastest for the semi-finals of the women #39;s 50 metres breast stroke at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Indianapolis.

Edmistone eases into semi-finals


Robots are set to become increasingly familiar companions in homes by 2007, says a United Nations survey. Seven times more robots will helping us out with the cleaning, security and entertainment in three

Robots set to get homely by 2007


CINCINNATI Oct 25, 2004 - Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Tony Williams broke his left ankle Monday night on a low block by Denver #39;s George Foster late in the first quarter.

Bengals DL Tony Williams Breaks Ankle


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

Amazon Posts Profit, Shares Fall


15 Arizona State at 1 USC  3:30 p.m., pay-per-view
If you need proof that the Pacific-10 is loaded with quarterbacks, get your eyes on this game, because it may be your best opportunity to see ASU's Andrew Walter, who has the talent and experience to remain poised against USC. After throwing for 428 yards against Iowa, Walter completed just 47.6 percent of his passes and averaged 144 yards in wins over Oregon State and Oregon. Still, compare Walter (249.8 yards per game, 15 touchdown passes, 1 interception) to USC's Matt Leinart (237.4 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs). Throw in ASU's excellent pass defense, and the Sun Devils have a chance.

The Rundown


Tech giants Microsoft and Cisco have agreed to develop and promote interoperability between their respective network access technologies.

Microsoft, Cisco: Seeing Eye-to-Eye on Network Security


In effect, that means seventh-place Ryan Newman could take the points lead at Darlington, mathematically at least. It would take major problems by most of those in front of him, but

Rev It Up: Darlington


Barcelona held on from an early Deco goal to edge game local rivals Espanyol 1-0 and carve out a five point tabletop cushion. Earlier, Ronaldo rescued a point for Real Madrid, who continued their middling form with a 1-1 draw at Real Betis.

Derby Win Sends Bara Clear


Sonoma, CA (Sports Network) - Tom Kite carded a two-under 70 Friday to remain atop the leaderboard through two rounds of the Champions Tour #39;s season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

Kite clings to lead at Schwab Cup Championship


Three UN hostages seized by militants in Afghanistan have appeared in a video shown by the Arabic television channel al-Jazeera. The three seemed in good health in the video, in which their kidnappers called

Video shows UN Afghan hostages


Chelsea went two points clear at the top of the Premier League after beating Everton 1-0 and struggling champion Arsenal was held to a surprise 1-1 draw by promoted Crystal Palace yesterday.

Soccer / Crystal Palace holds Arsenal, Chelsea goes two points <b>...</b>


SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore #39;s state-owned investment company Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd. Friday said it sold a 2 stake in Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

2nd UPDATE: Temasek Cuts SingTel Stake; Raises S\$800M


Links to this week's topics from search engine forums across the web: Filthy Linking Rich - Google Releases Desktop Search - Exit Page Statistics Query - 'Industrial Strength White Hat' Cloaking Questions - Content for Adwords - RSS Feeds as a Search Engine Marketing Tool

Search Engine Forums Spotlight


While most polls, interviews, discussions, and debates only focus on two presendential candidates (although two more candidates were present outside the St. Louis presidential debate until they got arrested), there is a third party candidate that seems to be capturing a significant percentage of votes on many polls that his name appears on.  He is not Green. He is  Presidential Candidate Michael Badnarik, and compiled below are some real life responses he has given in interviews that may give you perspective into his person and policies that you can't get from his website.

Liberty's Candidate


After a 17-9 an eyesore of a defeat to the Jets, the Dolphins are winless at 0-4 with little evidence shown on Sunday that brighter days are yet to come.

Dolphins Flounder


From time to time, basketball players are referred to as  quot;cagers. quot; The term dates back to the early years of basketball when courts were surrounded by chicken wire to separate players from unruly fans.

Sports need to regain control of fans, players


Haitian police and UN troops moved into a slum neighborhood on Sunday and cleared street barricades that paralyzed a part of the capital.

Haiti Policeman Killed in Street-Clearing Raid


HOUSTON, Texas, Oct 26 (AFP) - Halliburton, the oil services giant once run by US Vice President Dick Cheney, Tuesday reported a quarterly loss and only meagre pickings from its vast operations in Iraq.

Halliburton posts loss, meagre pickings in Iraq


At least three people have been killed and several others injured in a US air strike on the Iraqi town of Falluja, west of Baghdad, local medics say.

Falluja raid  #39;on Zarqawi house #39;


quot;We #39;re excited to bring the iTunes Music Store to even more music fans across Europe, and with this expansion we now reach customers in almost 70 percent of the global music market, quot; Apple #39;s Vice President of Applications Eddy Cue said.

Apple iTunes Rocks Europe


An Australian court ruled Wednesday that a convicted heroin dealer can claim a 220,000 Australian dollar (US\$165 million; euro 129 million) tax deduction for money that was stolen during a drug deal.

Dealer Can Write Off Stolen Drug Money


The US government has asked DaimlerChrysler AG #39;s Dodge to recall some of its Dodge Durango SUVs and Dodge Dakota pickup trucks due to concerns over their safety, Chrysler officials said on Thursday.

US Could Seek Recall of Up to 600,000 Dodge Trucks


Microsoft announced settlements Monday with rival Novell Inc. for \$536 million and with a Washington-based trade organization that had aggressively backed the European Union's landmark antitrust case against Microsoft. <FONT face=

Microsoft Announces Legal Settlements


BRUSSELS--The European Commission is still in talks with Oracle over its plan to take over rival software company PeopleSoft but aims to make a decision before the end of October, a Commission representative said Friday.

EU still in talks with Oracle


Ames Research Center -- A dedicated team of scientists is spending the next four weeks in northern Chile's Atacama Desert. They are studying the scarce life that exists there and, in the process, helping NASA learn more about how primitive life forms could exist on Mars...

Learning to Search for Life on Mars with the Atacama Rover


AP - Republican maverick John McCain campaigns with President Bush. He's good friends with Democrat John Kerry. And, in an unusual twist, he's shown up in campaign advertisements for both.

Both Candidates Use McCain in Campaign Ads (AP)


Ballys Atlantic City, in association with Main Events, will present a sensational fight card highlighted by featherweights Rocky Juarez vs.

Dominick Guinn and Serguei Liakhovich heavyweight quotes


Sempra Energy LNG announced yesterday that it has signed an agreement that will provide supplies of liquefied natural gas from Indonesia to an energy project it plans to develop with Shell Oil Co.

Sempra to supply LNG from Indonesia


Once upon a time, Betamax was more than a winning answer in Trivial Pursuit: It was a real competitor with the VHS videotape format.

Iger: Disney Throws Weight Behind Blu-Ray DVD Format


KABUL, Afghanistan - Hamid Karzai's closest rival in Afghanistan's landmark election insisted Sunday he has a chance for victory, saying Karzai's commanding lead was based on early results and the election could turn on an investigation of fraud allegations.    Former Education Minister Yunus Qanooni told the Associated Press that he was preparing to be in the political opposition as the country moves toward Western-style democracy - though he added that whether he recognizes the results depends on the honesty of the probe into fraud complaints...

Karzai Rival Refuses to Concede Election


Howard Stern, host of the top-rated radio show for young men in New York and Los Angeles, will move to Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.

Sirius Satellite Signs Howard Stern to 5-Year Accord (Update9)


Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei was nominated by acting President Rawhi Fattouh as chief of the national security council on Sunday.

Qurei nominated as chief of Palestinian security council


PARIS (Reuters) - A profit warning from consumer products  giant Unilever and concern that oil prices, now topping \$46 a  barrel, will hurt company earnings kept European shares in  negative ground Monday.

Unilever Pressures European Stocks


AP - Philadelphia's plan to offer inexpensive wireless Internet as a municipal service  #151; the most ambitious yet by a major U.S. city  #151; has collided with commercial interests including the local phone company, Verizon Communications Inc.

Lobbyists Try to Kill Philly Wireless Plan (AP)


Reuters - Israel killed Hamas's top bomb and rocket\maker in Gaza and launched a missile strike on the home of\another leading militant on Friday in the run-up to a key\parliamentary vote on a plan to quit the occupied territory.

Israel Kills Top Hamas Militant Ahead of Gaza Vote (Reuters)


PARIS (Reuters) - France's government and opposition showed  rare unity in appealing for the release of two Frenchmen held  in Iraq as an Italian envoy flew to the Middle East on Thursday  to urge freedom for two female Italian aid workers.

Italy, France Agonize Over Iraq Hostage Crises


Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza is being questioned at Paddington Green police station in London after being arrested over alleged terrorism offences.

Anti-terror police arrest Abu Hamza


Heavy rains and high winds  pound Jamaica as Hurricane Ivan roars towards the Caribbean island.

Hurricane's fringes lash Jamaica


AP - The NBA will set new security guidelines for its arenas, exerting more authority over a matter previously left to individual teams, commissioner David Stern said Tuesday.

NBA to Set New Arena Security Guidelines (AP)


Chem Mey has been waiting a quarter century for Khmer Rouge leaders to be brought to trial.  quot;I #39;m happy about the news, but I cannot yet put my heart to believe it will

Skepticism accompanies tribunal vote


Manchester United #39;s reserve team match against Birmingham yesterday was held up for three minutes when 30 protesters entered the field holding a Not for Sale #39; #39; banner, the English Premiership team said on its Web site.

Takeover Protesters Hold Up Manchester United Reserve Team Game


Floodwaters have receded in the northern Philippines, following a week of severe flooding and four typhoons, but thousands of people remain cut off from help.

Donation Line For Flooded Philippines


AP - Terrell Owens caught Donovan McNabb's long pass in stride, raced into the end zone, put his hands on his hips, stared at the crowd and nodded his head.

Eagles Beat Ravens 26-17 but Lose Runner (AP)


ELEANOR HALL: Now to the judgment in the sex abuse trial on Pitcairn Island. A short time ago the court on the Island handed down a guilty verdict against all but one of the seven men who had been charged with offences ranging from indecency to rape.

Six found guilty in Pitcairn trials


NORTHEASTERN (3-3) vs. MAINE (3-3) When, where: Tomorrow, 2 p.m., at Orono, Maine. Radio: WJIB-AM (740). Last season: Northeastern won, 20-14. Comments: Northeastern (2-1 in conference) is looking to keep its lead at the top of the Atlantic 10 North Division. Last week, the Huskies suffered a 41-14 loss to Harvard. QB Shawn Brady is 86 of 137 for 1,271 ...

Key New England games


its so-called  quot;SMB-Class extensions quot; -- to the Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series of modular switches; a new Cisco Network Assistant; and the new Catalyst 4948 fixed switches.

Cisco Continues SMB Push


Said one participant in the project,  quot;This is the day the world changes, quot; and you have to grant that he is on to something: Google #39;s plan to put the contents of five major libraries

Guest editorial: Google changes the world


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Japanese game maker Nintendo Co. Ltd.  <A HREF=

Nintendo Says 'Touching Is Good' in Sexed-Up DS Ads


AP - Canada's largest cable company, Rogers Communications Inc., said Monday it will pay  #36;1.33 billion for the 34 percent stake in Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. owned by longtime American partner AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.

AT T Wireless to Sell Stake in Venture (AP)


Malaysia and Singapore agreed Monday to work on a proposal to solve some of their long-standing bilateral disputes in what could be a milestone in relations between the two quarrelsome neighbors.

Malaysia, Singapore Propose Key Political Deal


AP - Red Sox bats that knocked balls over fences all season flailed wildly at them in the first two games of the AL championship series.

Boston Sluggers Fall Silent for 2nd Game (AP)


AOL Monday is launching a program to promote and facilitate the creation of what it calls AIM Robots for its AIM instant messaging system.

AOL launches program for AIM bots


Reuters - Verizon Communications Inc. ,\the largest U.S. telecommunications company, on Thursday\reported third-quarter earnings virtually unchanged from the\year before as wireless and high-speed Internet sales offset\losses of local phone lines.

Verizon Posts Flat Third-Quarter Earnings (Reuters)


DAVID Bellion scored after 19 seconds as Manchester United #39;s back-up team edged out Arsenal #39;s youngsters 1-0 to reach the semi-final of the English League Cup at Old Trafford yesterday.

Bellion sounds United charge


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - U.S. regulators on Friday turned  down AstraZeneca Plc's  <A HREF=

FDA Rejects AstraZeneca's Exanta


US consumer confidence hasdropped to its lowest levels since the middle of the northern summer amid worries about high energy prices, uncertainty about the labor market and anxiety

US consumer confidence dips


Ricky Williams has asked the NFL for a hearing to clarify his playing status, a possible first step if the running back tries to return to the league.

Williams Asks NFL to Clarify His Status


BOSTON -- You expected to see Bill Murray and Larraine Newman disembarking from the St. Louis team bus as it rolled up to Fenway Park here late Friday afternoon.

Stradivarius Cards still playing second fiddle


Since most people using the MSN Spaces service are are just getting their weblogs up and running, it #39;s not easy to tell what a full-fledged blog on the site will look like.

More  #39;Spaces #39; reaction


KTF is the last of the major South Korean carriers to license Java as required by the Wireless Internet Platform for Interoperability.

Prompted by government policy, KTF embraces Java


Purdue quarterback Kyle Orton did not start Saturday #39;s game against Ohio State, though he was listed as available to play. Orton has been bothered by a right hip injury for the last month.

Orton does not start against Ohio State


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar was feeling the heat on  Thursday as concerns about the U.S. trade and current account  deficits hardened the market's view that the currency's  downward spiral would continue.

Dollar Under Pressure in Thin Trading


Reuters - Twenty months after\toppling Saddam Hussein, U.S. troops still battling his\followers in the heart of Iraq's old arms industry are hitting\back with a new weapon -- ex-members of Saddam's special\forces.

U.S. Sends in Secret Weapon: Saddam's Old Commandos (Reuters)


Hewlett-Packard blasted into the consumer-electronic market on Friday with its most significant product launch of the year, unveiling new televisions, digital cameras, photo printers, notebooks and desktop PCs.

HP Enters Consumer-Electronics Market


With Bank of America Corp. giving up on putting its name on the home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, how would Liberty Center or CVS Forum sound?

Looking for a sign


SYDNEY: Australia #39;s flagship carrier, Qantas, said yesterday it is talking with Singapore Airlines on ways to cut costs as both prepare to roll out the colossal A380 jet.

Qantas in talks with Singapore Air on A380 cost cuts


China is getting hard on porn. Those caught pushing pornographic images either through the Internet, mobile phones or pornography through phone sex, face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

China Cracks Down Porn


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices have surged to a new high of \$47 a barrel after a new threat by rebel militia against Iraqi oil facilities, and as the United States says inflation has stayed in check despite rising energy costs.

Oil hits new record on fresh Iraq threat


Kansas City Royals: Left-hander Jimmy Gobble was scratched from his start against the White Sox after an MRI revealed a problem in his lower back.

Royals pitcher to see back specialist


LLEYTON Hewitt stepped up his preparation for the US Open with a convincing 6-3 6-4 win over Gilles Muller in the final of the Washington Open yesterday.

Hewitt in 5th gear


Napster creator Shawn Fanning is back with a new, legal file-sharing service called Snocap. The P2P service reportedly is close to signing a licensing deal with Universal Recording Group.

Napster Creator Stands Atop Snocap


AP - An accounting change that could cost schools and libraries an estimated  #36;1 billion in aid drew fire Tuesday from senators who said they were blindsided by the move.

Schools, Libraries Internet Aid Delayed (AP)


AP - Lake Tahoe has seen a dramatic reduction in levels of burned and unburned gasoline products in its water since two-stroke, carburetor engines were banned in 1999, water quality officials said.

Officials: Tahoe Cleaner After Engine Ban (AP)


AP - Noelle Quinn scored the go-ahead basket with 16.7 seconds remaining and finished with 27 points, helping UCLA rally from an early 17-point deficit and beat fourth-ranked Texas 63-60 on Sunday.

UCLA Rallies to Beat No. 4 Texas, 63-60 (AP)


SEOUL, South Korea - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova won the Korea Open on Sunday, routing Polands Marta Domachowska 6-1, 6-1.

Sharapova triumphs at Korea Open


Tim Hudson is traded from the Oakland Athletics to Atlanta, a major deal that further bolsters the Braves' revamped rotation.

Hudson Sent to Braves


With the backing of President Hugo Chavez, Venezuela is setting up a state-owned telecoms firm to challenge dominant foreign owned operators.

Chavez approves phone firm


Most machines don't improve with use. Old pickup trucks don't gradually become Ferraris just by driving them fast, and a pocket calculator won't change into a supercomputer by crunching lots of numbers. The human body is different...

Why do Workouts Work?


Antarctic glaciers are thinning and slipping ever faster into the sea, according to several new studies. Warmer air and sea temperatures are blamed, and the changes are expected to cause an appreciable rise in sea levels.

Antarctic glaciers slipping faster into the sea


On Monday, the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft flew by Titan only 1,200 kilometers above the moon #39;s surface. It was the second such flyby of Titan, Saturn #39;s largest moon, since the spacecraft began orbiting Saturn on June 30.

A Saturnian one-two punch: Flybys of Titan and Dione


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Wayne Rooney #39;s first game for the club was as good as any debut he has ever seen.

United boss praises Rooney debut


After years of battling Microsoft Corp., Sun Microsystems Inc. has set its sights on Linux vendors, seeking to jump into a low-end but high-volume market it's been accused of ignoring.

Sun Sets Sights on Low-End Market


Microsoft and Amazon.com are taking action against e-mail spammers and phishing scam perpetrators, but even two of the most powerful Internet companies on earth will find this fight to be tough going. <FONT face=

Microsoft, Amazon Take A Phishing Trip


An audit of Venezuela #39;s referendum results has confirmed President Hugo Chavez won the poll fairly and found no evidence to support the opposition #39;s claims

Venezuelan Vote Audit Backs Chavez, Finds No Fraud


AP - Researchers at the Alaska Sealife Center are poking into the private lives of Steller's eiders  #151; a rare sea duck that is disappearing from its nesting grounds in Alaska.

Researchers Try to Breed Rare Sea Ducks (AP)


AFP - Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corp. said that it plans to wind down production of large-size liquid crystal display (LCD) panels to focus on smaller panels because of price competition.

Japan's Mitsubishi Electric to focus on small LCDs due to competition (AFP)


SunTrust Banks Inc., the seventh- largest US bank, said yesterday that it will restate results for the first and second quarters of this year because the company mistakenly inflated its reserve for loan losses.

Bank shows profit error


DAVID BECKHAM was last night caught in a terrifying bomb scare at Real Madrids Bernabeu Stadium. England skipper Becks and his team-mates fled from the pitch three minutes before the end of their La Liga clash against Real Sociedad.

Becks bomb scare


Canadian Press - WINNIPEG (CP) - A Manitoba man who says he was wrongfully convicted of murder will have a bail hearing next month.

Man. man appealing murder conviction to have bail hearing next month (Canadian Press)


SEPTEMBER 11 terror mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed - who got a visa to Australia the month before the 2001 attacks - was planning to visit alleged terror sympathisers here.

Terror mastermind #39;s  #39;Australian plans #39;


\Students at Exeter University put the institution up for sale on eBay as part of their protest against proposed cuts.

Students put university on eBay


Russians celebrated their Revolution Day holiday Sunday with marches and rallies in Moscow and many other cities. In contrast to monolithic displays of devotion to the Soviet state, a feature of that marked

Moscow Marks Anniversary of Communist Revolution


AP - The total cost of the Athens Olympics may exceed  #36;14.6 billion, according to Greece's 2005 budget submitted to parliament Thursday.

Athens Olympics Cost More Than Thought (AP)


Frightened foreign workers for non-governmental organizations were thinking of leaving Iraq last week after kidnappers seized female aid staff in their office in broad daylight, marking a dangerous evolution in an escalating hostage crisis.

NGOs may pull out Escalating conflict in the Sunnite heartland <b>...</b>


Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader, issued an unprecedented mea culpa yesterday, admitting that he had made mistakes and promising to rectify them.

Arafat admits he has made many mistakes


ESPN-Star Sports on Monday announced that it has challenged the BCCI #39;s decision to award conditional allotment of telecast rights for all cricket to be played in India to Zee Network in the Mumbai High Court.

ESPN-Star Sports moves Mumbai HC


French police ended their practice Sunday of hiding plastic explosives in air passengers #39; luggage to train bomb-sniffing dogs after one such bag got lost, possibly ending up on a flight out of Paris #39; Charles de Gaulle airport.

French security policy bombs


The bookseller decides to distribute its interest in GameStop to shareholders.

Back to Books for Barnes   Noble


LinuxWorld: Linux guru predicts 'next big thing'

Open-source IP Telephony slashes costs


Indonesian Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba #39;asyir Thursday was accused of having incited others to carry out last year #39;s Jakarta Marriott Hotel bombing that killed 12 people.

Indonesia indicts Ba #39;asyir with Bali, Marriott bombings


com. Colangelo was originally set to step down on Jan. 1, 2005, but decided to accelerate his timetable. CEO-elect Jeff Moorad, who was to take over in January, will instead begin as CEO on Oct. 15.

D-Backs CEO Colangelo resigns


TOKYO: Japan #39;s Nikkei average inched higher on Thursday, helped by gains in steel producers like JFE Holdings after Nissan Motor said it was suffering from a shortage of steel.

Japan stocks close higher


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Asian shares dipped on Thursday, as  tech shares followed U.S. counterparts lower after an  influential investment bank downgraded the sector.

Asian Stocks Head South on Wall Street


Software company Adobe issued a updated version of Acrobat for the Windows and the Macintosh OS X platforms this week, fixing three security holes that could be used to compromise a user #39;s system.

Adobe smoothes kinks in Acrobat


Airlines apparently pushed through a fare increase yesterday after months of unsuccessful attempts to raise prices, helping to offset record-high jet-fuel costs.

Last major airline matches fare boost


There was deep disappointment in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Monday after Palestinian singer Amar Hassan lost in a contest for the Arab world #39;s best amateur singer.

Palestinian dreams of  #39;Superstar #39;-dom fall short


Microsoft and watch maker Swatch say they are offering a new line of wireless data watches, bringing the era of Dick Tracy wristwatch radios one step closer.

Microsoft and Swatch offer wireless watches


At the top of Billboard magazine's Hot Ringtones chart: Snoop Dogg and Pharrell's

Hip-Hop's New World to Conquer: Your Phone


Perhaps the decision to name its flagship product after a fictional shipwrecked traveler who spent almost 30 years trapped on a small island was not the best of omens for Transmeta Corp.

Transmeta suffers hype and hardware reality


com November 5, 2004, 5:24 PM PT. Security continues to hold steady over software as the third top IT priority, with organizations busy coping with cyber threats, keeping up with software

Ex-Austin student indicted for data theft


where an earthquake killed two people last Christmas - pass on a few miles from the village of Parkfield (population 18) which has been hit six times in

Mission inside the fault zone


MacCentral - IDG World Expo on Tuesday announced that actor, author and self-described geek Wil Wheaton will deliver

Wil Wheaton to speak at Macworld Expo SF (MacCentral)


An agreement has been reached to lend 1.7 million barrels of oil from the government #39;s Strategic Petroleum Reserve to two companies whose refineries were running short of crude

Gov #39;t reaches agreement to lend oil


Expectations come with a noose. In a sport where the need to live one day at a time is always reinforced, not living up to long-range projections often tightens that noose.

Singer: Underachieving costs Bowa


The Japanese music industry is making its first steps into the download business, but it has a long way to go before it hits its stride.

Music industry warms to downloads


Reuters - Nigerian unions on Monday suspended a\general strike due to start on Tuesday after the government\agreed to reduce domestic fuel prices, a union leader said.

Nigerian General Strike Suspended -Union (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were slightly lower on  Monday as investors wary of security concerns were reluctant to  put new money into the market as the Republican Convention  opens in New York City and many took vacation ahead of the  Labor Day holiday.

Stocks Slightly Lower on Light Volume


NEW YORK, Aug 18 - Moody #39;s Investors Service said on Wednesday it raised the senior unsecured debt rating of Dell Inc. (DELL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) with a stable outlook citing the firm #39;s strong balance sheet and solid operating and financial ...

Moody #39;s raises Dell #39;s senior unsecured debt rating


AP - Prodded by a lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed to designate critical habitat for the endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly.

Agency to Designate Habitat for Dragonfly (AP)


Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher took on the Shanghai circuit Saturday in qualifying for the first Chinese Grand Prix.

Schumacher spinout gives Barrichello pole position at new Chinese <b>...</b>


Alonzo Mourning was his dominant old self in his second game since undergoing a kidney transplant 11 months ago, making back-to-back layups in the second overtime to lead the Nets to a 111-106 win over the Bulls Friday night in Chicago.

Nets top Bulls in 2 overtimes


Crude oil rose from a three-month low on disruptions to supply from Nigeria and Norway and after OPEC members said they may need to cut output after prices plunged.

Oil Rises on Nigeria, Norway Disruptions; OPEC May Curb Output


US stocks rose, sending the Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 Index to its highest close in more than three years and erasing the Dow Jones industrial average #39;s loss for 2004.

Stocks rise as Dow erases loss for 2004


Everton shirts sporting the name of Wayne Rooney could soon be seen on the streets of Liberia. The club decided to give the kit away after the 18-year-old England striker #39;s transfer to Manchester United.

Rooney shirts go to war children


Lahore, Pakistan - Sanath Jayasuriya defied the dew factor with a five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka crushed Pakistan by a massive 119 runs in the day-night final of the triangular series on Saturday.

Sri Lanka crush Pakistan


If things worked like the most cynical believe they do, Tony Stewart would get six speeding penalties in Sunday #39;s Banquet 400 at Kansas Speedway.

drivers #39; role in the big picture


Australian tennis player Wayne Arthurs has lost his first round match at the Stockholm Open, losing in three sets to Swedish veteran Jonas Bjorkman.

Bjorkman battles past Arthurs


The millennial computer glitch is belatedly pushing companies to dump outdated gear for new VoIP systems.

Y2K windfall for Net phones?


Summary - (Sep 27, 2004) Entrepreneur Richard Branson announced today that his company, Virgin Galactic, will be taking Scaled Composite #39;s SpaceShipOne to the next logical step, and offer flights to the public.

Richard Branson Plans Space Tourism Company


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices surged 5 percent on Friday  as frigid weather lingered in the mammoth U.S. Northeast  heating oil market and militant Osama bin Laden urged renewed  attacks on Middle East oil installations.

Oil Jumps 5 Pct on Cold, Bin Laden Threat


A 121 million-year-old baby arboreal bird, fossilised while still curled in its egg, has been found in China, Science magazine reports this week.

Feathered embryo found in China


SanDisk Corp. on Tuesday introduced new high-end capacities of 4GB, 1GB and 2GB for its Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Pro Duo and SD storage cards, respectively, as well as an increase to 512MB for its miniSD and RS-MMC media for cell phones.

SanDisk intros higher capacity Memory Sticks, more


Ronan O #39;Gara masterminded an historic Irish victory over South Africa in Dublin, scoring all their points in a 17-12 triumph. The Munster fly-half starred in a thoroughly deserved triumph that gave Ireland their first win over the Springboks since 1965.

O #39;Gara stars in historic victory


On the anniversary of September 11, a curious paradox about the United States is evident: the sharp contrast between its policies #39; brilliant success in the Middle East and its strategies #39; abject failure there.

The Region: Wrong, yet winning


United Airlines formally raised the possibility of throwing out union contracts on Friday, asking a bankruptcy judge for permission to discuss the matter at an upcoming court hearing.

United #39;s Labor Deals May Be in Jeopardy


BEIJING - A diplomat who visited the site of a huge explosion in North Korea said Friday he saw no evidence it was caused by a nuclear test, and South Korean officials said mushroom-shaped plume thought to be from the blast may have instead been a natural cloud formation.    The extremely secretive North allowed diplomats from seven countries to the site to prove its contention that the Sept...

Diplomat: Nukes Not Cause of Korea Blast


Ski resort developer Intrawest Corp. (ITW.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) (IDR.N: Quote, Profile, Research) jumped back into profit in the fourth quarter on greater contributions

UPDATE 2-Real estate carries Intrawest back to profit


The chief of Nigeria #39;s main labour organization vowed that a four-day countrywide strike to protest fuel price hikes will go ahead Monday as planned, and accused President Olusegun Obasanjo of shunning dialogue to resolve union

Nigerian authorities release top labour leader, but fuel strike <b>...</b>


BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) - It appears as though Ron Zook did not have to wait too long to find another job. According to an ESPN.

Report: Zook accepts Illinois job


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- DreamWorks Animation SKG said after the bell Wednesday that it has decided to postpone the release of  quot;Shrek 3 quot; to May 2007 from the original target date of November 2006.

DreamWorks postpones  #39;Shrek 3 #39;


SEOUL (Reuters) - This week's talks between Japan and North  Korea show efforts to hold more six-party talks on the North's  nuclear plans are gathering pace and most countries want a  meeting before the year ends, South Korea said on Wednesday.

Seoul Sees N.Korea Talks Movement; Japan Sees Sub


The inventor of the World Wide Web told a technology conference on Wednesday that making the Web more useful hinges on a familiar challenge: Getting the players behind

Web founder says cooperation needed to create the Semantic Web #39; #39;


Mizuki Noguchi won the women #39;s marathon at the Athens Games, holding off world champion Catherine Ndereba of Kenya to earn Japan the title for the second straight Olympics.

Noguchi Wins Olympic Marathon as Radcliffe Drops Out (Update3)


AP - Notre Dame's outgoing president criticized the decision to fire Tyrone Willingham after just three seasons, saying he was surprised the coach was not given more time to try to succeed.

Outgoing Notre Dame President Hits Firing (AP)


Increasing front-side bus speed from 800 to 1,066 MHz addresses crucial bottleneck in system performance.

Intel plans faster bus for Pentium 4 Extreme Edition


Ten percent of all bird species are likely to disappear by the year 2100, and another 15 percent could be on the brink of extinction, according to a new study by Stanford University biologists.

Global bird populations face dramatic decline in coming decades


KABUL (Reuters) - The official month-long campaign for  Afghanistan's first-ever direct presidential election opened on  Tuesday in what will be a major test of U.S.-led  nation-building efforts since the 2001 ouster of the Taliban.

Official Campaign Opens in Afghan Presidential Poll


SAN DIEGO - Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Shawn Green will definitely sit out at least one game of a weekend series against the San Francisco Giants in observance of Yom Kippur, but will wait until Thursday to make his final decision.    Green said Wednesday there's a possibility he'll sit out both Friday night and Saturday afternoon...

Dodgers' Green to Miss Game on Yom Kippur


In a new study commissioned by eight countries of the Arctic region, scientists point to an accelerated ice thaw with far-reaching consequences for global climate change and human activity.

Arctic ice melting twice as fast as expected


VAL D'ISERE, France (Reuters) - As far as Hermann Maier is  concerned, the Alpine skiing season has yet to start.

Maier Says His Season Has Not Started Yet


New Delhi, Sept. 23 (PTI): The BJP today appreciated Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf #39;s emphasis on resolving all issues with India peacefully but objected to his contention that bilateralism was being given the last chance.

BJP flays Musharraf #39;s comment on bilateralism


Islamabad: Emphasising the need for  quot;sincerity quot; and  quot;flexibility quot; to resolve all outstanding issues with India, including the Kashmir problem, Pakistan on Sunday said the recent meeting involving the Prime Ministers of both countries has helped in

#39;Resolution of J amp;K issue will be biggest CBM #39;


Microsoft's security-minded SP2 update to Windows XP finally makes it out the door, but not without stumbling.

Rough patches for XP update


He #39;s a California surfer dude, an air guitar virtuoso -- and the US Olympic team #39;s resident class clown. Toby Stevenson also happens to be very good at what he does: the pole vault.

US team #39;s class clown grip-and-rips #39; his way to a pole vault <b>...</b>


Global finance ministers gather in Washington for simultaneous meetings of the G7, World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

Finance ministers meeting in US


WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration reacted cautiously Wednesday to reports that the radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr had accept a peace plan to end fighting in Najaf.

State Dept. Cautious of Najaf Reports


Intel Corp. gave its Centrino laptop package a speed boost Wednesday with the release of a new, faster Pentium M processor.

Intel expands Centrino line with new Pentium M chip


Alicia Keys and Usher received eight Grammy nominations each on Monday and Ray Charles, who died in June, received seven.

Kanye West Leads Grammy Nominations


The United States and China have both taken steps to control an expected flood of cheap Chinese textiles and clothing into the world market after a decades-old quota system expires on January 1.

China, US move on textile quotas


During the first seven months this years China has further opened to the outside world, says Ma Kai, Director of the State Development Planning Commission.

China #39;s gross value of import and export reaches US\$ 623.1 bln


The image of the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex may never be the same again after a study published today suggests that it was probably fluffy, being covered with a downy covering

How the ferocious T rex revealed its fluffy side


Steven Gerrard has called on Liverpool #39;s supporters to play their part in inspiring the Reds to victory against Olympiakos tonight.

Gerrard Wants Fans To Play Their Part


President George W. Bush pledged Friday to spend some of the political capital from his re-election trying to secure a lasting Middle East peace, and he envisioned the establishment

Bush goal: Palestinian nation


The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations.

Sun and The University of Texas Power Up One-of-a-Kind <b>...</b>


The search-engine giant, which was expected to go public as early as Wednesday, instead has slashed the deal #39;s expected price range and cut the number of shares being sold by existing shareholder in half. The new parameters suggest a newly public Google ...

Google Lowers Price Range


TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon confronted  Likud party rebels with a pledge to put the good of Israel  first Wednesday as he battled to avoid an embarrassing defeat  over his Gaza pullout plan.

Israel's Sharon Confronts Party Rebels Before Vote


Dell customers can upgrade from Microsoft Windows XP to Dell #39;s XP Media Center operating system for half the price as part of a promotion running from now until Nov. 22.

Dell offers Media Center on the cheap


com October 7, 2004, 4:00 AM PT. Potty talk could be just what the fledgling satellite radio industry needs to become a viable, mainstream business, industry analysts said Wednesday

Will Howard Stern deal turn satellite into a star?


Questions company's 'one country, one store' restriction

Apple to open 'borderless' Euro music store


com September 22, 2004, 12:09 PM PT. OS Migration has moved to the bottom ranks after making its mark on IT Professional #39;s top five priority last year.

Microsoft issues SP2 patch


The assault on the city was accompanied by a pledge from U.S. officials to rebuild it after the offensive was complete. But keeping that promise may prove more difficult than anticipated.

Navy Unit Finds Perils in Rebuilding Fallujah


Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, and Bernie Williams each homered and the New York Yankees held on for an 8-7 victory over the Blue Jays last night in Toronto. Esteban Loaiza failed to make it out of the fifth inning in another poor start since being acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a July 31 trade for Jose Contreras.

Yankees hold off Blue Jays


SPACE.com - A steering problem disabled the Mars Rover Spirit Oct. 1, NASA officials said yesterday. The robot has not moved since.

Spirit Rover Disabled by Steering Problem (SPACE.com)


DUBLIN (Dow Jones)--The Irish government will next year begin an investigation into an alleged EUR1 billion tax evasion scam in the insurance industry, the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners said Thursday.

Irish Government To Probe Alleged EUR1B Tax Scam


#39;We #39;re not a deal-focused company, #39; Prince tells newspaper; adds bank must focus on ethics. NEW YORK (Reuters) - The chief executive of Citigroup Inc.

Citigroup CEO rules out takeovers


AP - The officer who fired a pepper-spray pellet that killed a woman in a raucous crowd of Red Sox fans was aiming at another fan but missed, police said Friday.

Police ID Officer in Red Sox Fan Death (AP)


Enhancements include a SCSI option that will double the number of SCSI blades that users can fit into a single chassis, and software designed to make them cooler and easier to manage.

IBM upgrades blade servers


Already, Jeff Gordon has been rewarded for being NASCAR #39;s points leader heading into the inaugural 10-race playoff. With qualifying rained out Friday at New Hampshire International

Rain gives Gordon easy pole


A 700 million (484 million) stake in Air France-KLM was put up for sale by the French Government yesterday, as part of an effort to more than halve its holding in the carrier to below 20 per cent.

France to sell 700m holding in airline


Qualcomm Inc. Friday raised its earnings and revenue forecasts for the current quarter, based on higher shipments of its cell-phone chips.

Update 2: Qualcomm Raises 4Q, Year Outlook


The flags are the insurgents' answer to two-way radios, their way of massing the troops and concentrating fire on an enemy.

Black Flags Are Deadly Signals as Cornered Rebels Fight Back


DECEMBER 13, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Oracle Corp. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire PeopleSoft Inc. for \$26.50 per share, or about \$10.3 billion, the companies said today, ending an acrimonious

Oracle signs deal to buy PeopleSoft for \$10.3B


I left work on September 10th at 9:00 PM. An hour before, my coworker was getting nervous. She was leaving on a trip to Italy on the 12th and wanted to meet me at 8:30 AM on the 11th to go over what projects of hers I needed to steer in her absence. I rolled my eyes and complained that no one schedules meetings at 8:30 in the morning, and convinced her to postpone the meeting to 10:00 AM.

Three Years Since


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Explosions hit five churches in Baghdad, and two U.S. Army helicopters crashed elsewhere in the capital, killing two American soldiers and wounding two others, as violence flared while Iraqi Muslims began marking the holy month of Ramadan...

Six GIs Killed in Iraq Bombings, Crashes


HAMBURG, GERMANY - Iran is not prepared to negotiate with the European Union over a long-term suspension of its uranium enrichment, the head of Irans nuclear energy agency said in an interview published on Thursday.

Iran wont consider long-term uranium-enrichment halt: Official


KABUL, Afghanistan Dec 1, 2004 - Search teams have recovered the bodies of six Americans who died when their plane crashed high in Afghanistan #39;s snow-covered mountains, US military officials said Wednesday.

6 Americans Confirmed Dead in Afghan Crash


An international team of astronomers believe they have solved a mystery that has been perplexing scientists for 100 years -- the origin of cosmic rays.

Scientists close in on source of cosmic rays


The crisis over claims by Italy #39;s incoming EU Justice and Home Affairs commissioner that homosexuality is  quot;a sin quot; deepened yesterday, as his future colleague, Peter Mandelson, described the remarks as  quot;unwise quot;.

Mandelson attacks gay row commissioner


Twins Bob and Mike Bryan of the United States stopped Spain #39;s momentum in the Davis Cup final. The Bryans defeated Tommy Robredo and Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 on

Roundup: Win keeps US alive in Davis Cup final


NEW YORK, Nov. 4 -- Companies caught up in New York state Attorney General Eliot L. Spitzer's investigation into rigged bids and kickbacks in the insurance industry began firing and suspending executives charged with or suspected of involvement in the alleged wrongdoing.

Insurance Executives Fired in Bid Probe


One person not surprised by Virginia Tech's successful season is Ralph Friedgen, who says quarterback Bryan Randall is the key.

Randall Makes Difference


Microsoft #39;s MSN division is planning to make an announcement today related to online-search technology, giving rise to expectations that the company will begin offering its own Internet search engine tomorrow.

Is Microsoft rolling out its search engine?


NEW YORK (Kyodo) A group of investors led by Sony Corp. said Thursday it has finalized a \$4.9 billion acquisition deal with Hollywood film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Sony-led investor group finalizes buyout of MGM


AUSTRALIA #39;s Olympic athletes will train and compete regularly in Beijing over the next three years after an historic co-operation agreement was signed today by the Australian and Chinese Olympic Committees.

Athletes to train in Beijing


TORONTO (Reuters) - National Hockey League team owners and  players appear poised to enter long contract negotiations  Thursday in a last-ditch bid to start the season on schedule.

Players, Team Owners Facing Long Contract Talks


Allan Houston called playing in the Nov. 3 season opener at Minnesota a realistic goal, but also said,

Knicks' Houston Proceeding With Caution


The Netsky-P worm, which was first seen in March, accounted for almost a quarter of all virus incidents reported during 2004, says security firm Sophos, making it the hardest-hitting virus of the year.

2004 Virus Activity Collaborative and More Clever, Says Security <b>...</b>


The retailer posts a flat first quarter, claiming high gas prices affect consumers' car budgets.

Pricey Gas Stalls AutoZone


AP - The Minnesota Vikings were convinced they wouldn't end this season like they did the last, when a 6-0 start was wiped out by a 3-7 finish. Well, they could be right  #151; this season might be worse.

Vikings' Tice on Bubble After Latest Loss (AP)


MI6 agents and British police are setting up a high-tech control centre for Palestinian security services in the Gaza Strip to help them maintain control in the volatile territory after the death of Yasser Arafat.

MI6 agents drafted in to improve Gaza security


SCHINIAS, GreeceFor a few anxious moments, not knowing the colour of the Olympic medal he had just won was the best part of these Games for Canadian rowing star Barney Williams.

Our performance was 100 per cent #39;


The owners of file-swapping giant Kazaa claimed Tuesday their software, which allows users to exchange copyrighted music and movies online, doesn't differ from video recorders, as they launched their defense in a landmark music piracy case in Australia.

Kazaa Launches Defense in Copyright Case


US Airways said Monday it will change its flight schedules in February to increase departures at its Charlotte and Philadelphia hubs and create a minihub in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

US Airways Changes Stress Philadelphia, Charlotte


Top government ministers from 21 Pacific Rim nations convened high-level talks on free trade and global security Wednesday, while police battled university students protesting the summit and a weekend visit by President Bush.

21 Pacific Rim Nations Hold Trade Talks


HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finland and Sweden drew 4-4 draw in a  pulsating World Cup ice hockey match on Saturday that put the  Finns one step closer to a semi-final berth.

Finland and Sweden Draw 4-4 in Thriller in World Cup Hockey


The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has filed 762 lawsuits against users who were using file trading programs to download music over the internet.

RIAA sues 762 users over file sharing


Foreign Secretary Jack Straw will seek to intensify the pressure on the government of Sudan to tackle the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Darfur region.

Straw to press Sudan on violence


Australian captain Adam Gilchrist said he was disappointed rain forced the second test against India to be abandoned as a draw on the final day.

UPDATE 1-Gilchrist rues rain ruining Madras  #39;classic #39;


The coming-out party began in the tunnel before the game when Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson bumped into owner Woody Johnson.

For Jets, it was a coming-out party for revamped defense


Gay bishop Gene Robinson has told the BBC he regrets the pain caused by his consecration but vows not to resign.

Gay US bishop: I will not resign


A Turkish company said Sunday it was withdrawing from Iraq a day after Iraqi militants threatened to behead its employee unless it ceased operations in the country, the Anatolia news agency reported.

Turkish company announces it is withdrawing from Iraq to save <b>...</b>


CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- The highly anticipated launch of Google options drew more volume on the inaugural trading day Friday than traders had anticipated, a nod to the fanfare given the high-profile IPO and stock listing.

Google options lure heavy volume


Detroit Tigers closer Ugueth Urbina, whose father was killed in a robbery 10 years ago, rushed back to Venezuela on Thursday after his mother was apparently kidnapped at a home Urbina owns in his native country.

Urbina heads to Venezuela after mother reportedly kidnapped


Unreasonably low premium rates in China #39;s non-life insurance sector, coupled with inadequate awareness of insurance protection, is hampering the hugely promising industry #39;s long-term growth, reported China Daily on Monday.

Reinsurance firm confident on future prospects in China


quot;With uncertainty surrounding the health of Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian president, the question ... being asked in the Middle East, and probably the corridors of the White House is: what of the future?

The papers consider a future without the Palestinian leader


HOUSTON Oct. 2, 2004 - The first shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy has been pushed back by NASA because hurricane damage and implementation of new safety measures made a spring 2005 launch  quot;no longer achievable.

Shuttle #39;s Spring 2005 Launch Date Delayed


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Movie studios and record labels on  Friday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that  Internet

Hollywood Asks Top U.S. Court to Weigh File Trading


The government announced Friday plans to conduct a sweeping overhaul of its defense policy, adjusting Japan #39;s armed forces to better handle new threats such as terrorism and giving them a greater global role.

Defense policy overhauled to meet new global threats


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Gunmen killed 11 Iraqi policemen and  wounded six Friday when they stormed a police station in  southern Baghdad, survivors of the attack said.

Attack on Baghdad Police Station Kills 11


In a down year for tech industry contributions to political groups, political action committees (PACs) and employees from computer and Internet companies have contributed just over \$1.

Which Candidates Do Tech Companies Support?


NEW YORK -- Congressional investigators examining  quot;a semitrailer truck load quot; of subpoenaed documents are trying to determine whether lax monitoring at a French bank that held more than \$60 billion for the UN oil-for-food program facilitated illicit business deals by the former Iraqi government, officials told The Associated Press.

US probes French bank's role in monitoring program


Spiezio made his first major contribution to the Mariners in over three months, driving in four runs in a 7-3 victory over the Anaheim Angels last night.

Expected, unexpected for M #39;s


North Korea yesterday called President Bush an  quot;imbecile quot; and  quot;a tyrant that puts Hitler into the shade quot; in a stream of insults that seemed to rule out any progress on nuclear disarmament talks before the US presidential elections.

North Korea denounces  #39;tyrant #39; Bush


NEW YORK, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Shares of Applied Materials Inc. (AMAT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , the largest maker of chip-making tools, rose after the bell on Tuesday after the company said healthy spending on new semiconductor factories more than ...

After the Bell-Applied Materials rises after earnings


Police have searched the Montreal headquarters of Imperial Tobacco Canada as part of an investigation into cigarette smuggling in the 1990s, the company says.

Canadian police search Imperial Tobacco offices


NEW YORK - The world of Web browsing has reached a tipping point. Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer browser has been and remains the de facto standard for Internet users.

Internet Explorer Vs. Firefox


Nokia said on Tuesday that it plans to enhance its Series 80 line so that the mobile devices come preloaded with BlackBerry software from Research In Motion.

Nokia picks BlackBerry for Series 80 upgrade


IBM is extending its support for the products of one of its software competitors, Sybase, to present a Linux server-software package.

IBM to support Sybase for Linux


BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- As for choosing a leadoff man, how did European captain Bernhard Langer come up with Paul Casey to go against Tiger Woods ?

It's a first for Woods


New guidelines to bring order to the global Internet domain name market and enhance the flow of electronic commerce came into effect on Friday.

Domain name rules tightened


Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. is close to settling a class action lawsuit for \$220 million stemming from allegations that it colluded with other brokerages to mislead Enron Corp.

Report: Lehman Near Deal on Enron Suits


Following reports of fighting between different factions of former members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and weapons distribution to civilians in North Kivu province, the United Nations mission today said it sent a

UN Mission Sends Military Team to Investigate Fighting in Eastern <b>...</b>


In the posh hotel they occupy, far from the bleak, sun-baked desert that is the main Olympic complex, there must have been a whole bunch of champagne corks popping last night.

Games join storied history


Human activity has at least doubled the risk of heat waves like the one in 2003 that killed thousands in Europe, researchers conclude in a study being published today in the scientific journal Nature.

Humans May Double the Risk of Heat Waves


From the wetlands out front to the undulating exterior, the new National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., is built on native ideas. <i>Includes photo gallery.</i>

New National Indian Museum Is Native by Design


CANADIAN Paul Tracy grabbed pole at the Gold Coast Indy Champ Car meeting yesterday and predicted today #39;s race would be won in the sprint to the first corner.

Tracy tips frantic start


Typhoon No. 23 is pounding the Japanese archipelago northward, leaving at least 13 people dead asof Wednesday afternoon. Twelve people were missing and more than 100 injured in

Typhoon kills at least 13 in Japan


Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - The Tennessee Titans will have Steve McNair back at quarterback for Sunday #39;s game against Jacksonville, but running back Chris Brown was inactive because of a turf toe injury.

McNair to start; Titans without Brown against Jags


The Jacksonville Jaguars are accustomed to playing close games. Now they #39;re finding ways to win them, too. The Jags lost three games in the final minute last season and finished 5-11.

Stout defense, Broncos #39; bungle propels Jaguars 7-6


Honda Motor Co. has acknowledged a problem with oil filters on CR-V sport-utility vehicles and is taking steps to prevent engine fires caused by oil leaks.

Honda Moves To Prevent Engine Fires


BANGALORE: As a fallout of the turmoil in the Ivory Coast, a French coffee roasters team will be visiting India soon. The 13-member delegation, led by French Roasters Association general secretary Florence

Ivory Coast crisis brightens coffee traders #39; prospects


Developers had mixed reactions to Microsoft #39;s revamped Longhorn plans Friday, with some unhappy to see the Windows update split into pieces but others pleased with what they see as a more pragmatic approach.

Developers react to Longhorn delay


US Airways intends to slash its executive payroll by 20 percent, reducing the pay and benefits for its 3,000 managers and eliminating some positions, sources familiar with the plan said yesterday.

2 Airlines #39; New Cuts Target Executives


Sprint (FON:NYSE - news - research) and SBC Communications (SBC:NYSE - news - research) set a plan that will give their customers access to both companies #39; Wi-Fi Internet service hot spots.

Sprint, SBC Set Hot Spot Pact


AFP - South Korean officials will meet with the UN nuclear watchdog this month to explain about controversial uranium enrichment tests conducted four years ago, Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon said.

South Korea to explain uranium experiments at IAEA meetings this month (AFP)


roundup Plus: SGI works on Linux performance software...Good Technology supported by HP, Samsung...RealNetworks loss widens on litigation.

Sun expands pay-as-you go supercomputing


US regulators asked automotive giants General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. for information on how they account for pension and health care plans, the companies said on Tuesday.

SEC Seeks Accounting Information from GM and Ford


Washington, Oct 2 (PTI) The United States and Europe are locked up in a battle over subsidies to aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, with America threatening to take up the matter with the WTO if Europeans do not stop subsidising Airbus.

Subsidy battle over Boeing and Airbus heats up


A Sun Microsystems engineer chartered with directing the engineering effort to open source Solaris has published a new software licence that could be used for the open source release of Sun #39;s Unix operating system.

Sun submits mystery license to open source group


There are many reasons to jump around in Madison. For one, that scary good Badgers football team. By Adam Duerson. The Wisconsin Badgers football team raise their helmets during the start of the game.

Road Trip: University of Wisconsin


AP - Former Vice President Al Gore on Sunday told blacks embittered by his narrow loss in the 2000 presidential election that

Gore Urges Blacks to Vote at Fla. Rally (AP)


AP - Not only are the New York Giants in a tailspin that mirrors last season, Tiki Barber once again is finding it tough holding onto the football.

Case of Fumbles Afflicts Giants' Barber (AP)


Microsoft Corp. introduced on Tuesday a desktop computer application that aims to seamlessly integrate e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, traditional phone service and Internet-based calling.

Update 1: Microsoft to Debut  #39;Istanbul #39; Application


A coincidence that could tip the scales in Romania #39;s tightly fought presidential and parliamentary elections on Sunday is literally the colors used by the two main political parties in their campaign.

Ukraine #39;s colors could help tip balance in Romania #39;s tight vote


Despite all the changes Microsoft is touting with the new version of Media Centre, the biggest change may be one that the company barely mentions: the price drop.

Microsoft selling new Windows at cut-rate price


When the asset-tracking project goes live on Oct. 1, the hospital expects to be able to better track patients, clinicians and critical equipment.

Boston's Beth Israel to pilot PanGo's asset tracking technology


The world #39;s biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, the recognized global watchdog on endangered species said Wednesday in announcing its annual list of most vulnerable wildlife.

Species disappearing at an alarming rate, report says


AP - Walt Harris definitely improved Pittsburgh football, just not enough to get the Panthers to the elite level.

Harris Heads for Stanford on Losing Note (AP)


AFP - Diplomats from eight countries left the North Korean capital for the remote site of a mysterious explosion to check Pyongyang's claim that it was not a nuclear blast.

Foreign diplomats in North Korea en route to site of mysterious blast (AFP)


SAN FRANCISCO Dec 10, 2004 - Yahoo Inc. is adding a tool to search computer hard drives as it scrambles to catch up with Google Inc.

Yahoo Adds Tool to Search Hard Drives


Touted as the solution to the hanging chads of the 2000 presidential election, experts debate the reliability of software that operates the new electronic voting systems.
<FONT face=

Electronic Voting Raises New Issues


A blend of sadness and excitement resonated in Vinny Castilla #39;s voice this afternoon. Despite his popularity and production, Castilla #39;s career with the Rockies is over.

Castilla leaving Rockies


Buddy Rice says it makes little difference where you start today #39;s Toyota Indy 400 at California Speedway . . . which is good news for Indy Racing League points leader Tony Kanaan, as well as the Indy 500 champion.

Plenty of passing room


Reuters - California will become hotter and\drier by the end of the century, menacing the valuable wine and\dairy industries, even if dramatic steps are taken to curb\global warming, researchers said on Monday.

Global Warming Menaces California Wine Industry (Reuters)


AP - The crash of explosions and crackle of gunfire that have torn through Najaf for weeks gave way Saturday to the clangs of shovels clearing the destruction and the wail of police sirens announcing the return of government control to the devastated holy city.

Police Patrol Najaf, Workers Clear Rubble (AP)


NEW YORK, Aug. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Crude oil futures jumped to new record high Thursday as market concerned that Iraqi exports might drop further because of clashes in southern Iraq between US troopsand fighters loyal to Shiite Muslim cleric Moqtada ...

Crude oil soar above \$48 a barrel in NY


Many newly registered voters with uncertain allegiances are the focus of an intense tug of war in closely contested states.

As Voting Rolls Increase, So Do the Wild Cards


Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza, 47, of north London, is being questioned over allegations he supported terrorism. Detectives will explore whether he gave aid to terrorists, either through recruitment, finance or logistics.

Hamza quizzed over terrorism


Microsoft CEO tells customers that Windows carries lower total costs and is more secure than the open-source operating system. By John Foley.

Ballmer Confronts Linux Head-On


What Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has longed to hear from PeopleSoft behind closed doors instead floated to the surface in a Delaware courthouse.

PeopleSoft Warming To Oracle #39;s Offer?


Mixed in with daily updates on security, the president receives a quick campaign overview from Karl Rove.

Bush Takes On Direct Role in Shaping Election Tactics


NAJAF, Iraq - U.S. tanks and snipers took up positions near the revered Imam Ali Shrine and engaged in fierce battles with militants Monday as the U.S...

U.S. Increases Pressure on Najaf Rebels


washingtonpost.com - Again this year, we offer the video-game shopper a cheat sheet identifying some of the top titles of the holiday season. Keep in mind that weird tastes abound and some are reflected on this list, which is culled from hundreds of games released in time for the holidays.

Video's Virtual  Wonderland (washingtonpost.com)


Reuters - Intel Corp.  on Thursday\said it has canceled its plan to enter the digital television\chip business, marking a major retreat from an initiative that\was intended to broaden the computer chip maker's market focus.

Intel Cancels Plan to Enter Digital TV Chip Market (Reuters)


com. Beijing #39;s municipal government canceled a \$3.5 million deal with Microsoft under pressure from national government officials and in-country rivals, financial sources reported Monday.

Beijing Dumps Microsoft Deal


BONN - The German state announced plans Monday to reduce its stake in telecoms giant Deutsche Telekom by some 7 percent in a transaction which could generate revenue amounting to nearly EUR 4.5 billion.

German state to reduce stake in Deutsche Telekom


PARIS (Reuters) - German luxury carmaker BMW unveiled the  world's fastest hydrogen-powered car at the Paris auto show on  Wednesday, dubbed the H2R, capable of exceeding 300 kilometers  (185 miles) per hour.

BMW Unveils World's Fastest Hydrogen-Powered Car


USATODAY.com - Soaring sales of flat-panel televisions this holiday are expected to spark one of tech's toughest environmental challenges: disposing of millions of old, toxic TVs. Almost 4 million flat-panel TVs are expected to be sold worldwide this year, says researcher DisplaySearch.

As flat-panels oust older TVs, disposal fears arise (USATODAY.com)


Las Vegas Sands Corp. priced its initial public offering at \$29 per share Tuesday night, up dramatically from the company #39;s previous targets.

Las Vegas Sands Prices Its IPO at \$29