A target missile successfully blasted off from the Kodiak Launch Complex at 8:45 pm Tuesday, but the interceptor it was meant to test failed to launch from the Kwajalein Atoll in the central

Kodiak missile goes up, but interceptor fails


Illinois #39; lead peaks at 32 points as it extends home streak to 35 victories over nonconference opponents. The Atlantic Coast Conference has won its five previous challenges with the Big Ten by an aggregate 27-17 record.

No. 5 Illini hammer No. 1 Demon Deacons


With its lowest-priced home PC to date, company shows desire to move beyond pricier game machines.

Alienware tames prices for home PC users


An enterprisewide software and services agreement the Air Force has signed with Microsoft promises to save the service more than \$100 million in direct costs and an undefined but significant amount through indirect costs, according to Air Force CIO John

Microsoft pact with Air Force could be model for DOD


NEW YORK (Reuters) - IBM <A HREF=

IBM Retakes Top Supercomputer Rank as NEC Slips


Grant Hill scored 32 points, his most in 4 1/2 years, and Steve Francis had 33 points and 11 assists, both season highs, to lead the Magic over the Utah Jazz, 107-92, last night at Orlando, Fla. Mostly shooting jumpers over Andrei Kirilenko, usually a dependable defensive stopper, Hill shot 13 for 18 in his best offensive performance since scoring ...

Hill finds magic touch


YESTERDAY - October 24 - was the 75th anniversary of the first day of the 1929 Wall Street Crash. As Professor JK Galbraith noted:  #39;That day 12,894,650 shares changed hands, many of them at prices which shattered

Wall Street crash barriers stay put


Protorosaurs are a group of carnivorous (meat-eating) reptiles who lived in the Triassic Period about 206-248 million years ago. Science magazine, the leading international weekly journal of science, published

Mystery from the deep creates elongated puzzle


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Gunmen abducted six Egyptians and four Iraqis working for Iraq's mobile phone company, seizing two in a bold raid on the firm's Baghdad office and the others outside the capital, officials said Friday, the latest in a string of kidnappings that have underscored the country's fragile security.    Also Friday, a rocket hit the busy Baghdad thoroughfare Palestine Street...

6 Egyptians, 2 Iraqis Kidnapped in Iraq


LAHORE: Australia has officially pulled out of the Champions Trophy hockey tournament being played here from December 4-12 on security fears.

Australia pull out of Champions Trophy in Pakistan


The MSN Toolbar Suite combines several great programs that speed up your search tasks and help you surf the Web. There #39;s now an MSN Toolbar for Microsoft Office Outlook, the MSN Deskbar in the Windows taskbar

MSN Toolbar Suite Beta


German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer warned Sunday that an Iranian nuclear arms buildup would be a  quot;nightmare, quot; saying Europe is looking to head off any dangerous confrontation with Tehran.

German FM Joschka Fischer arriving Monday.


LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (Ticker) -- Marko Jaric led a third-quarter charge that put the Los Angeles Clippers where they haven #39;t been in nearly 10 years.

Clippers Surge in Second Half


Manchester United have condemned the disruption of a reserve team match on Thursday by protestors opposed to the potential takeover of the club by American businessman Malcolm Glazer.

Manchester United condemn takeover protest


Optimistic NASA scientists said today they have recovered some intact materials from the wreckage of the Genesis space capsule, offering hope that the mission to gather solar

Scientists retrieve some intact material from space capsule <b>...</b>


Reuters - Israel held out the prospect on\Monday of coordinating a planned unilateral Gaza pullout with\the Palestinians if a new leadership succeeding Yasser Arafat\cracked down on militants.

Israel Holds Out Prospect of Gaza Coordination (Reuters)


AP - Carlos Lee hit a grand slam and a two-run homer and Freddy Garcia pitched seven scoreless innings to lead the Chicago White Sox past the Detroit Tigers 11-2 Wednesday.

Lee Hits Grand Slam, White Sox Beat Tigers (AP)


LAS VEGAS -- Too big. That's what it came down to last night for Shane Mosley.

Mosley is on short end again


The board of Lazard met in Paris but did not vote on a plan by its chief executive, Bruce Wasserstein, to take the firm public.

At Meeting, Lazard Board Takes No Vote on Offering


Microsoft on Wednesday released an update to Internet Explorer (IE) to fix a security flaw that was discovered a month ago and has since been exploited to attack users.

Microsoft plugs IE hole with special patch


AP - Interest groups that can urge the public to vote for or against candidates have spent at least  #36;25 million on the presidential race since Labor Day, with John Kerry's supporters outspending Bush's by more than 4-to-1.

PACs' Post-Labor Day Spending Favors Kerry (AP)


In a historic development in the computing world, IBM has succeeded in re-writing the rulebook for ultra-powerful computing by developing the worlds most powerful supercomputer- Blue Gene/L supercomputer, surpassing NECs Earth Simulator in Japan.

Big Blue Reveals Fastest Supercomputer Alive


Notre Dame said New England Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis has signed a six-year year contract to coach the Irish. The 48-year-old Weis returns to the school he graduated from in 1978.

Weis accepts Notre Dame job


A cybersecurity group yesterday called on US President George Bush to invest more in IT issues and to make the top IT security job a bigger posting.

Bush urged to get to grips with cybersecurity


Great Britain returned from their Spanish training camp yesterday to the news that Darren Lockyer, their nemesis in last year #39;s Ashes whitewash, may not play again in the Gillette Tri-Nations series.

Australia 32 - 12 New Zealand


AFP - The Berlin Philharmonic and British conductor Simon Rattle will set off on a tour of Japan this weekend, the orchestra said.

Berlin Philharmonic to tour Japan for first time with Rattle (AFP)


Ohio State's national championship win over Miami in 2002 is the only time in recent memory that the college football season has ended absolutely free of controversy.

Fuzzy Math


PITTSBURGH  If you #39;re a glass-half-full kind of person, you #39;re saying that the Eagles have lost badly at other points during the Andy Reid Era, and have almost always bounced back.

Are Eagles all that they #39;re cracked up to be?


JOHNNY KELLEY, who died yesterday at age 97, had a modest way of living that belied his extraordinary athletic feats. His participation in 61 Boston Marathons, despite the demands of a regular job and without

Johnny Kelley


LONDON, October 7 (newratings.com) - Volkswagen AG (VOW.ETR) has appointed Wolfgang Bernhard, a former Chief Operating Officer at DaimlerChrysler #39;s Chrysler unit, to turn around the sales of the Volkswagen brand, which accounts for half of the company #39;s

Volkswagen hires former Chrysler executive to head namesake brand


SYDNEY : Australia #39;s cricket team will wear black armbands in the second Test against India in Madras in respect for one of Australia #39;s greatest cricketers Keith Miller, Cricket Australia said.

Cricket: Australian cricketers to wear black armbands in Miller #39;s <b>...</b>


JOHN Howard has vowed to create a more active and pragmatic relationship with Indonesia, including the possibility of increasing counter-terrorism co-operation with the most controversial arm of the Indonesian military, Kopassus.

Kopassus linked to pact with Jakarta


As OPEC's leaders prepare to discuss oil price and output targets amid strong demand, analysts wonder whether the cartel's influence has waned at a time when producers outside the cartel such as Russia and Norway are gaining clout.

OPEC's influence may be waning


Look out, Google: the Redmond giant will make its long-awaited big splash into the search engine market tomorrow. The moment of truth has arrived.

Microsofts search-and-destroy mission


Under the terms of the agreement Red Hat will obtain products derived from the Netscape Enterprise Suite, including Netscape Directory Server and Netscape Certificate Management System.

Red Hat buys Netscape Enterprise Suite technologies


Reuters - Asian share markets were trapped in\narrow ranges Tuesday as oil prices edged higher and after a\warning of lower sales from semiconductor maker Advanced Micro\Devices, which offset upbeat U.S. economic and corporate news.

Tech Warning, Higher Oil Weigh on Asia (Reuters)


Reuters - Smoke rises from burning\tires in the corners of Oumar Sakho's fields Monday as a swarm\of mating, yellow desert locusts munches through his water\melons not far from Senegal's capital.

Locust Swarms Munch Crops Near Senegal's Capital (Reuters)


The Philadelphia Barrage had not advanced to the postseason since Major League Lacrosse was formed in 2001. They won only one game last season.

Out without a bang: Cannons falter in final


The European Commission welcomed Thursday the approval by Russia #39;s cabinet of the Kyoto Protocol Thursday, saying it is confident that it will be ratifed  quot;in the coming weeks.

EU welcomes Russian approval of Kyoto treaty


By Amir Paivar  TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran Saturday overturned a key plank of the  constitution to allow large-scale privatizations in a bid to  overhaul the lumbering economy, over which many hard-line  parliamentarians have been trying to maintain state dominance.

Iran Revises Constitution to Allow Privatisations


Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines Inc. reported Thursday that it won a \$117 million bid for rights to six of ATA Airlines Inc. #39;s gates at Chicago #39;s Midway Airport.

Southwest Wins Chicago ATA Gate Bid


quot;For the benefit of our student-athletes and fans, we simply cannot afford another year of decline and now is the time for new leadership to be brought in, quot; Kathy Beauregard, the school #39;s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, said in a statement.

Western Michigan fired Darnell


Review Waitrose's QuickCheck scanner a real time-saver

Shopping without tears: a parents' guide


OPEN SOURCE champion Microsoft is expanding its programme to give government organisations some of its source code. In a communique from the lair of the Vole, in Redmond, spinsters have said that Microsoft

Microsoft liberates more code


KABUL - Two of three UN workers kidnapped in Afghanistan telephoned home to say they are OK and one expressed hope she soon would be free, officials and relatives said Tuesday.

Kidnapped UN hostages call home


AP - Maryland's coastal bays support a wide range of aquatic life but are threatened by intense development pressures, according to the first comprehensive study of the chain of shallow bays that separate Ocean City and Assateague Island from the mainland.

Study: Development Endangers Coastal Bays (AP)


Noguchi tamed a grueling course and ran away with the gold medal in the women #39;s marathon at the Athens Olympics on Sunday. Noguchi, pulling away at the 25-kilometer mark, held off a late charge from Kenya #39;s

Athens Olympics 2004 / Noguchi #39;s golden run


A French court upholds complaints of anti-Semitism against a Lebanese TV station and orders it off the air.

France pulls plug on Arab network


ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : Nov 07 (PID) - During his stay in the Afghan Capital Kabul, the President would felicitate President Hamid Karzai on his election as President of Afghanistan.

President Musharraf Leaves For Afghanistan


A new lava dome inside Mount St. Helens #39; crater has sprouted a growth that extends upward nearly 330 feet, US Geological Survey officials said Saturday.

New lava dome grows inside Mount St. Helens


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

Two Held in Dutch Anti-Terror Raid, Police Hurt


One of Earth #39;s rarest birds might have gone into extinction following the death of one of the last known po #39;ouli. The aging male po #39;ouli died in captivity

Future Uncertain for Rare Hawaiian Bird


Sri Lanka erased a 270-run deficit against Pakistan and took a lead of 25 runs with seven second-innings wickets still in hand on the fourth day of the second and final Test on Sunday.

Sri Lanka edge ahead against Pakistan


Google won a major legal victory today when a federal judge said the search engine could continue to sell ads triggered by searches using trademarked company names.

Judge Throws Out Claim Against Google Ads


Sony said yesterday that it has built a desktop computer with 1 TB of data storage and seven analog television tuners. The PC will be able to record a week #39;s worth of programming on six channels at the same time.

Sony to Release PC with TV Tuners, Huge Hard Drive


Texas Instruments Inc., the world #39;s biggest maker of mobile-phone processors, narrowed its fourth- quarter sales forecast because industrial customers for its chips continue to reduce inventory.

Texas Instruments Narrows Its 4th-Qtr Sales Forecast (Update2)


The NHShas reached a landmark agreement with Microsoft on the renewal of the licensing of its desktop products in line with the Office of Government Commerce #39;s framework agreement with Microsoft.

NHS ties up 330million, 900,000 staff, nine-year deal with <b>...</b>


According to British cops he is Dhiren Barot to his father and Abu Musa al-Hindi to Al Qaeda. On Wednesday India-born Barot alias al-Hindi, along with seven men of Pakistani origin, arrested in anti-terror raids and charged with plotting radioactive, ...

Dhiren to father, Abu Musa to al Qaeda


Britain #39;s telecommunications regulator backed away from breaking up BT Group PLC on Thursday and instead ordered the industry giant to improve competitor access to its networks.

BT Group PLC Escapes Breakup


Microsoft #39;s earlier attempts at a specification for Sender ID, the technology which is used for verifying the authenticity of e-mail with Internet Protocol records

Sender ID, round two


US researchers say humans began endurance running about 2 million years ago to help hunt for prey.

Running 'key to human evolution'


OJIYA, Japan (Reuters) - Some 100,000 weary survivors of  Japan's deadliest earthquake in a decade bedded down for a  third night in makeshift shelters or slept outside as a series  of strong aftershocks raised fears of another big tremor.

Japan Quake Survivors Face Rain, Aftershocks


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

Office Depot Chairman, CEO Nelson Resigns


The White Sox can scratch  quot;veteran reliever #39; #39; from their wish list after signing right-hander Dustin Hermanson on Wednesday to a two-year, \$5.5 million contract with a team option for a third season.

White Sox fill a gap


Typically, I discuss video games in this column, but being a computer engineering major, I figure it #39;s my responsibility to keep everyone up to date on the latest updates and information regarding computers and software.

Windows XP upgrade is worth the trouble


A bill moving through Congress designed to clarify rules for advertising via fax machines could expose consumers to a flood of unwanted solicitations, according to consumer groups and activists battling against junk faxes.

'Prevention' bill could trigger a flood of faxes


Thursday was the night every Greek had marked down in their diary weeks and months ago. It was the night Kostas Kenteris was supposed to successfully defend his 200m crown in front of his adoring public.

Crawford overcomes Kenteris clamour


Automotive supplier Delphi Corp. (NYSE: DPH) posted a \$114 million third quarter loss, which the company said reflects lower North American vehicle production and higher material costs.

Delphi takes \$114M loss in 3Q


BEIRUT: Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Lebanon rose to \$358 million in 2003 compared to \$257 million in 2002, a jump of 12.1 percent, according to a World Investment Report issued Wednesday

UN report: Foreign direct investment on rise in Lebanon


Egyptian security yesterday arrested dozens of Bedouin tribesmen amid continuing doubts over who was behind the devastating attacks on Israeli tourists that killed at least 34 people.

Bedouins held after Egypt blasts


Phil Mickelson didn't look comfortable with his partner, his golf clubs or his opponents on the opening day of the Ryder Cup.

Mickelson to Sit Ryder Cup Play Saturday


German voters handed Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder a stinging defeat in elections Sunday in the small western state of Saarland, reflecting public anger over his drive to cut

Schroeder #39;s party routed in German vote


AFP - The euro hit a new record high of 1.3063 dollars, beating its previous record of 1.3047 set a day earlier.

Euro sets new record high at 1.3063 dollars (AFP)


AP - From well-heeled businessmen with briefcases to mothers carting weather-beaten baggage, passengers streamed through Domodedovo Airport on Thursday  #151; business as usual at the terminal from which two doomed airliners departed.

Business As Usual at Moscow Airport (AP)


Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler will miss the remainder of the season with a herniated disk in his neck. Fielder, who started seven games and played in another for the 1-8 Dolphins, suffered the injury in Sunday #39;s game with the Seattle Seahawks.

FIEDLER RULED OUT FOR SEASON


England will avoid financial sanctions if they pull out of their tour to Zimbabwe. According to sources, the majority of Test-playing countries would back the England and Wales Cricket Board

ICC would back England in vote


Genesis Principal Investigator and Lead Scientist Dr. Don Burnett examines material recovered from the Genesis impact site. Inset: Shattered contents of the craft #39;s science canister.

Genesis wreck still promises data


NEW YORK -- Wall Street opinion is split on whether the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates tomorrow, with conventional wisdom siding with a rate increase. But either way, the decision probably won't have as much impact on what happens to stock prices this week as will news of corporate earnings surprises.

Fed's rate decision not apt to affect market


AP - There's change in store for Thomas Jefferson  #151; on the nickel that is. He's getting his first makeover since his likeness was put on the coin in 1938.

U.S. Mint to Unveil New Nickel Designs (AP)


Reuters - U.S. benchmark Treasuries yields broke\beneath 4.0 percent on Wednesday for the first time in\five-months, driven in part by a jump in oil prices and a slide\in equities.

Treasury Yields Hit 5-Month Lows (Reuters)


IBM on Friday gave its autonomic computing strategy is boost unwrapping an enhanced version of a toolkit designed to help developers more quickly integrate a number of self-managing functions into their existing applications and services.

IBM improves on autonomic toolkit


WARSAW (Reuters) - A Polish woman kidnapped in Iraq last  month has been freed and flown to Poland and said she was  treated well, raising hopes for other foreign hostages.

Polish Hostage Freed in Iraq Already in Warsaw


Hewlett-Packard plans to use inkjet printing to enter a range of new markets, such as television and computer displays, printed electronic circuits, and automotive fuel-injection systems.

Inkjets Shrink, and Hewlett Sees Many New Uses


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue chips moved higher  on  Thursday, getting a lift from Johnson   Johnson <A HREF=

Blue Chips Rise; J J Up, Goldman Falls


ROME, Italy -- Juventus increased their advantage at the top of Serie A with a 2-0 victory over Sampdoria in Genoa on Wednesday to extend their 100 per cent start to the season.

Juve on top as Messina shock Milan


GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba - An Australian cowboy accused of fighting with the Taliban against U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan pleaded innocent to war crimes charges Wednesday before a U.S...

Australian Held in Cuba Pleads Innocent


October 19th, 2004 - A popular car for celebrities seems to be a popular car for thieves as well. The Cadillac Escalade has the highest theft rate of new cars today.

Escalade Tops List Of Stolen Vehicles


AP - Many fans think it wasn't just the clutch hitting of David Ortiz, the gallant performance of Curt Schilling or the collective effort of the bullpen that propelled the Boston Red Sox to their first World Series berth in nearly two decades.

BoSox Fans, Players Awash in Superstition (AP)


Wall Street futures crept higher on Wednesday, as investors looked to build on the previous sessions fresh highs and attention turned to the \$35bn merger between telecommunications

Wall St looks to build on fresh highs


OAO Yukos Oil Co., Russia #39;s second- largest oil producer, said it sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US and requested an emergency court hearing to stop the Russian government #39;s auction of its biggest unit.

Yukos Seeks US Court Protection to Foil Unit Sale (Update3)


The music industry is the latest target to attract the attention of New York attorney general Eliot Spitzer, the New York Times reports.

Spitzer 'targets music industry'


DHAKA - It took James Franklin less than 10 minutes to achieve what a New Zealand cricketer hasn #39;t been able to master in 28 years.

Cricket: Franklin cements place in record books


Veritas Software on Monday will announce a new version of its OpForce provisioning software designed to make it easier for administrators to install and manage applications, as well as operating systems, on servers.

Veritas releases OpForce 4.0


New Silicon Graphics machine has a chance at giving Big Blue a run for the title.

IBM claims fastest supercomputer title--for now


PepsiCo Inc. (PEP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s No. 2 soft drink company, said on Thursday quarterly profit rose due to tax benefits and a strong performance from its key

Tax Benefits Lift PepsiCo Profit


Unocal Corp. has agreed to settle two closely watched lawsuits accusing the US oil giant of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses that occurred during the construction

Unocal to Settle Lawsuits Over Myanmar Abuse


Rogue Iraqi Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr has called for the release of an American freelance journalist with New England roots who was seized in Nasiriyah Friday.

Cleric prays #39; for freelancer #39;s freedom


AP - Personal computer giant Hewlett-Packard Co. is stepping deeper than ever into the consumer electronics arena with its fall product lineup  #151; so don't be surprised if you hear about

HP Moves Deeper Into Consumer Electronics (AP)


LINUX DISTRIBUTOR Red Hat has shelled out \$23 million to buy Netscape Communications #39; Security Solutions unit from AOL. The deal means that Red Hat will get the Netscape Directory Server and Netscape Certificate

Red Hat buys Netscape bits


Ian Bell is almost certain to make his England Test debut on Thursday in the final match against West Indies.

Bell set for Test debut


New iTunes ads airing during baseball games Tuesday will feature the advertising-shy Irish rockers.

U2 pitches for Apple


Reuters - Meteorologists warned\on Wednesday that 2004 would be one of the hottest years since\records began as environment ministers tried to crack U.S.\resistance to joining international efforts against global\warming.

U.S. Resists Changing Stance Amid Climate Warnings (Reuters)


A phone that lets you see through clothes is the stuff of teenage boys' dreams--and now a Japanese developer claims it's a reality.

Peeping Tom filter lets phones see through bikinis


Champions Arsenal opened a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a 4-0 thrashing of Charlton Athletic at Highbury Saturday.

Rampant Arsenal Stretches Lead, Everton Loses


The European Union ended 12 years of sanctions against Libya on Monday and eased an arms embargo to reward the country for giving up plans to develop weapons of mass destruction.

Around the world


NEW YORK -- It was supposed to be a tool to help people find stuff on their hard drives. But experts are warning that Google #39;s new search engine for computers may leave a person #39;s personal information at risk if they use shared computers.

Experts Warn About Google Problems On Shared Computers


Just when it appeared Michael D. Eisner, the chief of Disney, could begin enjoying his final years in charge, a lawsuit threatens to dredge up embarrassing details of his two-decade reign.

Investor Suit at Disney Puts Exits in a Spotlight


TORONTO (CP) - Glamis Gold of Reno, Nev., is planning a takeover bid for Goldcorp Inc. of Toronto - but only if Goldcorp drops its \$2.4-billion-Cdn offer for another Canadian firm, made in early December.

US-based Glamis Gold plans US\$3.4B takeover bid for Canada #39;s <b>...</b>


IBM (Quote, Chart) has agreed to pay \$300 million to settle most of the claims in a class action lawsuit related to its pension plan, the company announced today.

IBM Settles Pension Suit


Vijay Singh #39;s long quest for No. 1 finally comes to fruition after he knocks off Tiger Woods on Labor Day at the TPC of Boston.

The reign has ended


BURBANK, CALIF: The Walt Disney Co. will back the high-definition Blu-ray disc developed by Sony over a competing HD DVD format, setting in place a high-stakes battle between Hollywoods leading studios with only one format likely to survive.

Walt Disney behind Blu-ray DVDs


Express features editor Holly Morris discusses Tuesday's special report about local providers of VoIP -- services that let you talk over the Internet with a regular phone and a broadband connection.

VoIP: Find Out More About 'Net Phone Calling


Martha Stewart has had some good news just before she heads off to jail - a new contract from her company worth more than \$2ma year.

Jail-bound Martha nets \$2m


George Bush #39;s foreign policy is simple: don #39;t mess with America. The same, it appears, applies to economic policy as well.

US risks a downhill dollar disaster


(09/27/04)-- Crude oil prices are on the rise again, this time because of supply fears. In early trading Monday, a price spike nudged a barrel to within four cents of the all-time high of \$49.

Oil prices near record high


The two-year reign of the massive Earth Simulator as the fastest supercomputer in the world appears to be nearing an end. IBM executives on Wednesday will announce that one of the new machines in its Blue

IBM Claims Its Supercomputer Is World #39;s Fastest


The European Union on Wednesday cleared Banco Santander Central Hispano SA #39;s acquisition of British bank Abbey National PLC for about \$14.

Update 1: EU Clears Banco Santander Acquisition


Israeli helicopters attacked a Hamas training field in Gaza City, killing at least 13 militants and wounding 25 other Palestinians, witnesses said, in the bloodiest incident there in four months.

Israeli Air Strike Kills Militants at  #39;Terror Training Field #39;


TORONTO (CP) - Zach Randolph scored 34 points and snared 17 rebounds to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to an 88-85 pre-season victory over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.

Randolph scores 34 points to lead Portland 88-85 over Toronto


Nov. 30 - So far they #39;ve done the recipe only on a small scale in an Idaho laboratory. The ingredients are water, electricity and extreme heat.

A More Efficient Way to Produce Hydrogen


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Former Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray is a step closer to throwing his first pass in the NFL. Ray, 24, was activated Wednesday by the New York Jets and will serve as third-string

Ray activated by Jets


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union spelled out tough  conditions Friday for Turkey to start membership talks next  October ahead of final bargaining with the Turkish prime  minister at a landmark summit.

Turkey Pressed to Move on Cyprus for EU Deal


Trevor Grant THE tension was palpable in the hot, steamy air at Huntingdale, even before the tournament contenders had strapped on their spikes yesterday.

Nothing dull about McKenzie


An unscheduled software upgrade what was caused some 40,000 computers at the UK government #39;s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to crash, the IT supplier EDS has announced.

Unscheduled upgrade caused government IT death


Havana, Dec 14 (AIN) Cuban President Fidel Castro awarded visiting Venezuelan Head of State Hugo Chavez with the Carlos Manuel de Cespedes Order at a rally marking the 10th anniversary of Chavez #39; first visit to Cuba.

Cuban President Fidel Castro Honors Hugo Chavez


One often wonders what makes the US dollar a dominant currency in the world economy. The general perception is that the strength of a currency in the market place is a reflection of the inherent strength of the economy it represents.

Potential downside of the US dollar


UK food and clothing retailer Marks  amp; Spencer has reported lower profits for the first half, and announced management changes as it tries to turn around its business.

UK: M amp;S reports lower profit, reshuffles management


AFP - Mohammad Ashraful saved Bangladesh's blushes with a fighting half-century against New Zealand on the opening day of the first Test here.

Gutsy Ashraful spares Bangladesh's blushes (AFP)


Microsofts upcoming Windows for clustered computers operating system will not support Intels powerful Intanium 2 chipset according to News.

Microsoft Passes on Itanium


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday sharply criticized the Ukrainian opposition's proposal to hold a repeat of the nation's disputed presidential runoff, telling Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma that a revote

Putin Critical of New Ukraine Vote


: A German court acquitted Johannes Weinrich, suspected right-hand man of international guerrilla Carlos the Jackal, today of charges that he took part in three bomb attacks in France more than 20 years ago.

Carlos aide acquitted of France raids


IBM has claimed that its Blue Gene/L supercomputer has edged out rival NEC #39;s Earth Simulator to become the world #39;s most powerful supercomputer.

IBM claims most powerful supercomputer crown


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

Japan Considers Sanctions Vs. N. Korea


HAMPTON, Ga. -- The Nextel Cup championship playoff got a major shakeup Sunday when points leader Kurt Busch went out with a blown engine early in the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Nextel leader Busch goes out early with blown engine


India captain Sourav Ganguly has attempted to play down safety fears over their tour to Bangladesh. The Indian squad arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday for a 19-day tour featuring two Tests and three one-day matches.

Ganguly plays down security fears


Federal prosecutors launched a broad legal assault on two of Chinatown's most prominent organized crime groups Friday, aiming to disrupt a new wave of mobsters who thrive in a global economy by smuggling immigrants and counterfeit goods around the world.

Crackdown Targets New Wave of Mobs


On the eve of his historic 1,000th match as manager of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson talked of his European desires.  quot;A European game is probably the perfect tie.

Fergie Admits European Fascination


US investment fund Steel Partners II on Thursday offered to buy 90 percent of Gencorp Inc. (GY.N: Quote, Profile, Research) it does not already own for about \$700 million

Steel Partners Bids \$700 Mln for Gencorp


A BASSET hound living in Germany has just made it into the 50th anniversary edition of the Guinness Book of Records for possessing the longest canine ears in the world, measuring a fine 33.

Long and the short of it is we are still record breakers


Veterans of AltaVista, Excite and Infoseek reminisce about the early days of web search, and opine about Google, then and now.

Search Memories


The US software giant Microsoft said it would launch its Internet search service on Thursday amid the fierce competition with rival Google.

Microsoft to add rivalry to Google on search service


Macromedia announced a new kit that simplifies the way professional developers add video to their Web sites.

Flash Video Takes a Front Seat


Australia #39;s foreign minister, Alexander Downer, has wrapped up talks in North Korea on the stand-off over the country #39;s efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

Australian foreign minister ends  #39;productive #39; North Korea talks


Former Blues first team coach Mark Bowen has been appointed assistant manager to new Blackburn boss Mark Hughes. Bowen, who was surprisingly sacked from his role as Steve Bruce #39;s right-hand man in the summer

Bowen Joins Hughes At Blackburn


YOKOHAMA - Germany spoiled Zico #39;s Christmas as second-half goals from Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack gave the 2002 World Cup finalists a comfortable 3-0 win in an international friendly at International Stadium Yokohama on Thursday.

Germany beats Japan 3-0


Market participants may think they #39;d prefer a Bush win, but Kerry might be better in the long run. By Alexandra Twin, CNN/Money staff writer.

The bullish case for Kerry


London, England (Sports Network) - Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger was fined \$29,000 Thursday by the English Football Association (FA).

Wenger fined for Old Trafford comments


Picking up where he left off in Australia, Bruno Junqueira turned in a strong performance when he needed it most needed to set the provisional pole time for the final race of the Champ Car World Series season - securing a front row start for the race

First blood to Junqueira in Mexico.


Robust demand for military equipment and technology led four US defense companies to post higher quarterly profit on Wednesday, with jet maker Boeing Co.

Military Buoys Profit at Defense Firms


Phillip Merrick, the 41-year-old co-founder and chief executive of WebMethods Inc., resigned suddenly, citing heath reasons that company officials described as

WebMethods Chief Resigns


Computer Associates International (CA) will announce Monday that it has integrated an anti-spyware product from its purchase of PestPatrol with its own eTrust Security Management portfolio.

CA integrates PestPatrol anti-spyware


For two months, Jacob Sevlie's insurance company tagged along whenever he slid behind the wheel of his Honda Accord. An electronic monitor closely tracked Sevlie's driving time and behavior. If he had a heavy foot or was a sudden braker, the recorder would betray him.

Some trade their privacy for car-insurance discounts


NEW YORK - Just two months after the announcement that Cingular Wireless will acquire AT amp;T Wireless, Sprint has announced that it plans to buy Nextel Communications for \$35 billion.

Sprint: Nextel #39;s Savior


Bungie has released the first additional content for Halo 2, downloadable through Xbox Live. When you first boot up Halo 2 and sign in to XBL, you should be prompted to download the content, which is free as part of your Xbox Live membership.

Halo 2 XBL Content Download Available


Japan #39;s stock benchmarks rose, led by telecommunications shares such as Nippon Telegraph  amp; Telephone Corp., after Deutsche Bank AG said their earnings have benefited from a sustained economic recovery.

Asian Stocks: Japan #39;s NTT Gains; Australia #39;s BHP Billiton Rises


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices hit a new three-month low on  Wednesday as mild winter weather in the United States and  expectations of a rise in heating fuel stocks kept downward  pressure on the market.

Oil at 3-Month Low, Off \$8 in 7 Sessions


BAGHDAD: Seven Iraqis including four Baghdad airport employees, two Iraqi national guards and a woman were killed in two incidents in Iraq on Thursday.

Seven more killed in Iraq violence


Microsoft Corp said on Monday a complaint filed in South Korea by RealNetworks Inc, alleging that its Media Player software breached antitrust laws, was  quot;without merit quot;.

Microsoft downplays Real #39;s complaint


Interbrew SA, the maker of Beck #39;s and Stella Artois beer, and Brazil #39;s Cia. de Bebidas das Americas completed their combination today after winning joint shareholder approval.

Interbrew, AmBev Complete Combination to Create InBev (Update2)


US cyclist Tyler Hamilton will keep his gold medal from the Athens Games even though a test found illegal blood doping, the International Olympic Committee said.

Hamilton Won #39;t Lose Gold in Doping Case, IOC Says (Update1)


Yahoo Mobile can obtain localized search results, make calls from the results page, and obtain images. Shortcuts offer quick access to information, such as weather, stock quotes, sport scores and flight information.

Yahoo Mobile Brings Search to Cell Phones


A TV reporter was shot dead as he made a live broadcast from Baghdad on Sunday when US helicopters fired on a crowd that had gathered around the burning wreckage of an American armored vehicle.

US fire kills Arab reporter on air


<I>National Geographic</I> writer Tim McGirk discusses post-election Afghanistan and the hunt for international terrorist Osama bin Laden.

Afghans Say bin Laden Trail Has Grown Cold


Demand for mobile phones remains  quot;robust quot; according to the latest update from retailer Carphone Warehouse. In the 13 weeks to 25 September, the firm saw connections grow by 25 on the same period a year ago to 1.55 million.

Carphone enjoys  #39;buoyant #39; market


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


Javier Valentin #39;s three-run homer keyed a five-run ninth Wednesday night, giving Cincinnati an 11-8 win over Atlanta. Valentin had four hits to help the Reds win for the second time in seven games.

MLB: Cincinnati 11, Atlanta 8


MARK Webber #39;s last race for Jaguar ended when he was knocked out of the Brazilian Grand Prix by his own teammmate yesterday. Webber was taken out by Jaguar No.

Teammate Kliens up Webber


MOSCOW - Russian police staged a new raid at the office of Yukos and questioned a company executive, Interfax news agency quoted the general prosecutor #39;s office as saying, a day after the ailing oil giant filed for voluntary bankruptcy in a US court.

Russian police stage new raid on Yukos


Beijing, Nov 01 - On the eve of the US Presidential poll, one of the key architects of China #39;s foreign policy lashed out at the controversial  quot;Bush doctrine quot; of pre-emptive strikes, the  quot;catastrophic quot; war on Iraq and predicted that the 21st century will

Former Chinese Minister attacks  #39;Bush doctrine #39;


A man armed with a knife has gone on the rampage and killed eight teenagers at a school in central China, teachers and local authorities said.

Eight children stabbed to death in China school


Arab diplomats at the United Nations are drafting language for a Security Council statement that could condemn Israel for its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Arab Diplomats Seek UN Condemnation of Israeli Offensive


Negotiating with North Korea is rarely anything but bumpy. But in recent months, Japan once got close to getting Pyongyang #39;s commitment to rejoin the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT)-but Tokyo blew it.

MIND GAMES: Abduction issue


Canadian Press - QUEBEC (CP) - Canada's national opposition leaders played local politics and stole ideas from other parties Saturday as they scoured Quebec for just the tiniest toehold.

Struggling Tories and NDP hit Quebec battleground in weekend encounters (Canadian Press)


Reuters - Leading wireless carriers and telecoms\equipment makers have agreed to develop an advanced mobile\phone standard capable of sending high-resolution video in an\instant, Japan's NTT DoCoMo said on Friday.

Mobile Phone Firms Link for New High-Speed Standard (Reuters)


AP - A battery developed by Matsushita Electric Industrial that delivers 1.5 times the power of a regular alkaline battery is going on sale in the United States and Europe in April 2005.

Oxyride Battery to Be Sold in the U.S. (AP)


His November in the nation #39;s capital was almost as inconspicuous as John Kerry #39;s. Clinton Portis, Joe Gibbs #39; prized offseason acquisition - he got five years and \$28 million

A return to power for Clinton in Washington


A visiting scholar whose computer has been linked to a hacker attack at the University of California, Berkeley, released a statement late Friday saying she believed her equipment

Scholar disputes claim in hacking attack


Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness has received a one-match touchline ban for improper conduct, the Football Association (FA) says.

Souness gets one-match ban


Wall Street futures crept higher in pre-market trading on Tuesday as the price of oil continued its slide and investors assessed the merits of possible acquisition of cardiac-stent maker Guidant by Johnson  amp; Johnson.

Wall St seen starting higher as oil price drops


Reuters - Auto retailer Carmax Inc. \reported record third-quarter sales on Monday and said used-car\sales had strengthened considerably since the spring and\summer.

Carmax Reports Record Third-Quarter Sales (Reuters)


Stock investors next week should get more clues on whether the bull market has long enough legs to drive gains to year end, as many market pros now expect.

Wall St. Outlook: Bull Market with Legs?


AP - France intensified efforts Tuesday to save the lives of two journalists held hostage in Iraq, and the Arab League said the militants' deadline for France to revoke a ban on Islamic headscarves in schools had been extended.

France Enters Hostage Crisis Talks (AP)


ALERE, Uganda -- Kasmiro Bongonyinge remembers sitting up suddenly in his bed. It was just after sunrise on a summer morning two years ago, and the old man, 87 years old and blind, knew something was wrong.

Africa and its children


Singapore shares ended higher Wednesday led by selected blue chips, with investors expecting the market rally to continue, traders said.

Update 1: Singapore Shares End Higher


The Sudanese government was accused yesterday of arresting people who have spoken to foreign visitors, ceasefire monitors and journalists about continuing atrocities in Darfur.

Darfur witnesses arrested in Sudan


The makers of video games need acknowledge that women like to buy and play games, says a study.

Women take a shine to video games


Bangladeshs trouser exports suffered significantly while Chinas more than doubled after its 2001 accession to the WTO. Bangladesh imports about 80 percent of its main raw material - fabrics.

VIEW: The price of free trade Mustafizur Rahman


FedEx Corp. said Tuesday that its first-quarter earnings more than doubled, helped by a strengthening worldwide economy and expansion of its international express and ground shipping businesses.

Update 1: FedEx Meets 1Q Wall Street Estimates


No. 1-ranked Southern California can #39;t claim perfection yet, needing to win two more games to finish 13-0 and as national champion.

Southern California steps it up


New PC indexing tools such as Google Desktop Search pose security risks to businesses that useSSL remote access because the tools copy material accessed during SSL sessions and make it available to unauthorized people who later use the same PC.

SSL VPN security threatened by desktop search engines


TechWeb - Kerio Technologies, a vendor that specializes in perimeter and messaging security, has rolled out a new channel program and a new software-based firewall.

Kerio Partners Must Pass Rigorous Exam To Carry New ServerFirewall (TechWeb)


Nigerian workers will go on strike protesting recent 25 percent increase of petroleum products from Nov. 16, a leading trade unionist said here Sunday.

Nigerian unions threaten to resume strike over fuel price hike on <b>...</b>


Apple has launched two new variations of the iPod - the Apple iPod Photo and the U2 iPod. A digital music player with a high-resolution color screen, the iPod Photo can hold up to 25,000 digital photos, alongside a music library.

Apple Unveils iPod Photo  amp; U2 iPod in India


ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- Chone Figgins gave the Anaheim Angels a huge lift in the tight American League West Division race. Figgins tripled and scored in the eighth inning and Bartolo Colon allowed three

SI.com


A partnership between The Boeing Company and Northrop Grumman Corporation has been created to compete for NASA #39;s Crew Exploration Vehicle for Project Constellation, a planned

NASA explores space system companies


number of false assumptions and that they have multiple meanings which even their author may not have understood. It is heralded as showing the multiple layers of meaning at work in language, but was described by critics as nihilistic.

Derrida, father of deconstructionism, dies


On a day Israeli forces attacked targets in Gaza, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reached agreement with the Labor Party on a national unity government -- strengthening his plan to disengage from the Palestinians.

Sharon strikes coalition deal with Labor


Jennifer Capriati beats fellow American and rival Serena Williams to reach the last four of the US Open.

Tennis: Capriati wins epic


OPPOSITION Leader Mark Latham had failed to outline a plan for future management of the national economy in his speech at Labor #39;s campaign launch yesterday, Prime Minister John Howard said.

PM notes lack of vision


Rupert Murdoch and John Malone may be fixin' for a fight over the media giant.

Moguls Match Up Over News Corp.


Foodland Associated has been making inroads in New Zealand and this may help strengthen its position in Australia, where it faces fierce competition from bigger rivals, such as Coles.

Growth in market share pleases Foodland


Paris Saint-Germain, still without a league victory this season, managed just a 2-2 draw Sunday with lowly Saint-Etienne in the French First Division.

Winless PSG draws Saint-Etienne 2-2


AP - Larry Hughes scored 19 points and Juan Dixon added 17 to lead Washington to a 114-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, moving the Wizards four games over .500 for the first time in almost three years.

Wizards Pummel Hawks, 114-90 (AP)


Reuters - Ukraine's outgoing president on Saturday\implicitly called on people to vote for his prime minister in a\close presidential race and told them to shun any protests\urged by the opposition candidate.

Ukraine's Kuchma Calls for Calm on Eve of Poll (Reuters)


If Yasser Arafat had died at birth, a Palestinian state would today likely be living side by side with a Jewish state, in peace. The Palestinian state would be called Jordan, which claimed and governed the

Legacy is lesson on fighting terrorism


An Australian detainee being arraigned Wednesday before a US military commission on charges of attempted murder and aiding al Qaeda met with his parents, their first visit together in five years.

Guantanamo detainee visits with parents


Stinger update of DB2 will focus on automatic administration and an improvement in clustered performance.

IBM seeks to ease database burden


DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. #39;s initial public offering raised a more-than-expected \$812 million on Wednesday in a deal that marked the

DreamWorks Animation IPO Raises \$812 Mln


Oracle today endorsed Apple #39;s Xserve RAID as one of a handful of storage solutions supported and recommended for its Resilient Low-Cost Storage initiative (RLCS).

Oracle Implements Xserve RAID Internally; Endorses Apple


Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness attended Rangers #39; UEFA Cup clash at AZ Alkmaar last night. Souness was checking on the form of Gers defender Jean Alain Boumsong, who will attract a serious offer from Newcastle when the January transfer window opens.

Newcastle boss Souness watched Rangers #39; Boumsong


The Warriors and Mavericks are close to completing a five-player trade that would bring forwards Eduardo Najera and Christian Laettner to Golden State and send centers Erick Dampier, Evan Eschmeyer and guard Dan Dickau to Dallas, an NBA source aware of ...

Warriors, Mavs close on five-player trade


Telecommunications-equipment maker recorded its first annual profit fueled by rapid growth in its wireless telephone division.
<FONT face=

First Profit Since 2000 For Lucent


Jeff Stacey, managing director of researcher IPO Monitor in Los Angeles, says Dutch auctions are designed to set the price accurately right away.

Not All Dutch Auctions Are Equal


A deal that gives Yahoo a new and very large distribution channel for their toolbar and will later see Yahoo search embedded in the Acrobat Reader will be announced today.

Yahoo and Adobe Announce a Partnership


BT has made a \$965mn bid for California-based telecommunications services provider Infonet. The deal is subject to approval by Infonet #39;s shareholders and regulatory authorities and if given the go-ahead is

BT bids for US telecoms provider


Israeli gunfire left a 6-year-old girl dead Friday in the Kahn Younis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian medics said.

6-year-old killed in Gaza


Attacks via an Internet Explorer flaw are more common than any other hacking technique, a security firm has found.

IE exploit is top of the hacks


Reuters - Pacific Rim nations have agreed\to set minimum standards for two-country free trade pacts\proliferating across the region, a consolation prize for\business leaders pushing for a 21-nation free trade area to\rival the European Union.

APEC Countries to Standardize Trade Pacts (Reuters)


TOKYO (Reuters) - A body resembling a Japanese hostage has  been found in Iraq and is being shipped to Qatar for  identification, Japanese officials said on Saturday, after  Tokyo refused a demand by his captors to pull out its troops.

Body Resembling Japanese Hostage Found in Iraq


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.  <A HREF=

Before the Bell: Krispy Kreme Down 11 Pct


It #39;s pretty rare that a first-ballot Hall of Famer, the third-leading goal-scorer in NHL history, gets benched. But the United States had opened the World Cup of

US tops Slovakia, 3-1


New this month: Office 2003 gets tweaked; Sidekick gets thinner and flashier; more powerful wireless networking is on the way; and hard-drive-based digital music players offer long battery life and lots of storage.

News In Brief


A top Iranian nuclear negotiator on Wednesday counterattacked hardliners #39; criticism on a nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the European Union (EU), terming concessions as equal.

Iran: Concessions equal in agreement with EU


Newcastle United #39;s profits for the year ending July 31 dropped more than three million pounds (\$6.7 million Cdn) from the year before, the Premier League club said Thursday.

Newcastle #39;s profits fall


Fortune Brands' CEO talks about the company's history, expansion, and innovation.

Building a Fortune


Hitachi Data Systems on Tuesday launched a new high-end storage hardware device whose motto could essentially be  quot;everyone into the pool.

Hitachi debuts new high-end storage line


AP - A judge Thursday dismissed a lawsuit that sought to effectively drop from the ballot an Arizona initiative that would restrict government services provided to illegal immigrants.

Judge OKs Arizona Initiative on Ballot (AP)


AP - For a science that's about manipulating substances at the molecular level, nanotechnology is starting to bring big profits to many consumer product makers.

Nanotechnology-Based Products Have Impact (AP)


FOXBOROUGH -- There were just under 9 1/2 minutes to go in the third quarter yesterday when Patriots running back Corey Dillon broke free and ambled toward the end zone with San Francisco defenders Dwaine Carpenter and Ronnie Heard grabbing and clawing and pulling at his jersey. They finally hauled Dillon down at the 14-yard line, but not before he ...

Dillon: Cash and carry setup working well


The chief of Beijing-backed China Aviation Oil #39;s (CAO) Singapore unit has agreed to return to Singapore this week to face investigators in the city-state #39;s biggest financial scandal since the 1995 fall of Barings Bank, company

CAO chief faces Singapore probe


The goal now is to

Microsoft warns of 22 new security flaws


TIM CAHILL could escape suspension for his controversial dismissal at Manchester City after pressure mounted on the FA and Premier League referee chiefs to rescind his second bookable  quot;offence quot;.

FA chiefs consider reprieve for Cahill


THEY had been urged to pray for a last-minute miracle as Hurricane Ivan, one of the most ferocious storms in Caribbean history, tore towards their vulnerable island.

Small mercy of Ivan the Terrible


It appears that Vijay Singh will have to be content with nine wins this year. The world #39;s No. 1 player had another nondescript day at East Lake, shooting an even-par 70 that left him 11 strokes behind co-leaders

With new caddie, Singh floundering in pursuit of 10th win


We are all used to IE getting a monthly new security bug found, but Winamp? In fact, this is not the first security flaw found in the application.

Winamp security flaw poses new threat


Aside from scoring public relations points with its latest offer, the players union has forced N.H.L. Commissioner Gary Bettman to make a difficult decision.

The N.H.L. Must Figure Out If It's Certain on Cost Certainty


(WTNH, Dec. 4, 2004 10:40 PM) _ The Machinists Union at Pratt and Whitney is set to vote on whether to accept the latest contract proposal and whether to strike.

Pratt Union to vote on contract proposal


The NFL season has primarily been an exercise in watching the Patriots and Steelers dismantle their opposition on a weekly basis, and then trying to predict which one will blink first and lose home field for a possible playoff game.

An advantage? Good question


Baghdad - Iraq urged the international community on Wednesday to play an active role in rebuilding the war-shattered nation at a donors conference in Tokyo as a Baghdad bombing killed three US soldiers in the latest wave of violence.

Iraq pleads for help


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Avon Products Inc. <A HREF=

Avon Lowers U.S. Sales Forecast


Andrei Nazarov and Oleg Saprykin were supposed to be teammates this year for the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League. Instead they squared off against each other Thursday in Novokuznetsk

NHL Talent Comes Home


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened flat on Wednesday,  with high oil prices and a spate of profit warnings weighing on  the market.

Stocks Open Flat as Oil Prices Weigh


SBC Communications SBC.N on Wednesday said it reached a 10-year, \$400 million deal with Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O to provide next-generation television services.

SBC and Microsoft Plan IP TV Service


SAN ANTONIO - Clear Channel Communications Inc. #39;s third-quarter profit fell nearly 60 percent from the same period in 2003, which had been inflated by the nation #39;s largest radio station operator #39;s sale of its stake in a Spanish-language broadcasting

Clear Channel Earnings Plummet 60 Percent


The U.S. military announced Thursday that the courts-martial of three Army reservists charged with abusing Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison would be transferred from Baghdad to Fort Hood, Tex.

3 Abu Ghraib Trials Moved to U.S.


Will Microsoft Lose The Browser Wars?\\Until recently, software giant, Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser enjoyed a relatively unchallenged position as the most popular Web browser in the world.\\Despite lawsuits and charges of unfair competition from the likes of Netscape and others, Microsoft dominates browser software with over 90 market share.\\Microsoft's ...

Will Microsoft Lose The Browser Wars?


LSU quarterback Marcus Randall has never been able to nail down the quarterback job this season. But Friday against Arkansas, the fifth-year senior seized the day.

Randall saves his best for last


Alicia Molik came back to beat French teen Tatiana Golovin 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the SEAT Open quarterfinals Friday, moving closer to winning her second WTA Tour title in two weeks.

Molik stays on course for second tournament win in row


Both rovers, the Spirit and the Opportunity, have more than doubled their intended lifetimes of three months.

Mars Rover Finds Mysterious Rocks and More Signs of Water


Affordable health, dental, and life insurance for you and your family. Ideal for self-employed, small business owners. Fill out our form for a competitive quote.

ADV: Health Insurance for the Self-Employed!


AP - Historians criticized Arnold Schwarzenegger for telling the Republican National Convention that he left a

Austrians Doubt Schwarzenegger's Memories (AP)


BAGHDAD, Dec. 8. - Insurgents launched a string of assaults around Samarra today, trading gunfire with US forces, attacking a convoy, and blowing up a police station after looting its armoury, officials said.

Samarra sees repeated attacks


PARIS (Reuters) - A soldier Sunday threatened to blow up a  site storing about 64 tons of munitions in eastern France,  leading to the evacuation of about 400 inhabitants of three  villages in the Marne region.

French Soldier Threatens to Blow Up Munitions


Arsenal football club has announced the biggest club sponsorship deal in the history of English football. A 100m deal has been agreed between the club and Dubai-based Emirates Airline, which will see Arsenal

Salary - Location Company YMCA Fitness Recruitment


INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) - Guard Fred Jones, who won the Slam Dunk Contest last season, had his fourth-year contract option picked up Thursday by the Indiana Pacers.

Pacers pick up option on Fred Jones


The Mobile Security provides anti-virus and anti-spam protection for users of data-centric mobile phones and PDAs. Data-centric mobile devices, according to industry analysts, have become an attractive target

Free Mobile Security From Trend Micro


PC World - Online store will continue to offer certain songs at low prices, company says.

Real's Music Deal Ends (PC World)


AP - Congressional Democrats and dissident groups asked the Ohio Supreme Court on Monday to review the outcome of the state's presidential race, hours before the Ohio delegation to the Electoral College was to cast ballots for president and vice president.

Protesters Urge Delay for Ohio Electors (AP)


Advanced Micro Devices Chief Executive Hector de Jesus Ruiz said Friday he expects the PC market to grow 10 percent next year, as the industry experiences a pickup in IT spending by corporations that are in desperate need of replacing old computers.

Chips trend upward


They lined up in Georgia, braved the cold in Connecticut, and tried to stay awake in Chicago. From coast to coast shoppers rushed to the stores -- and they were enthusiastic in Seattle.

Holiday shopping season kicks off


EXPLOSIVES have been found in the wreckage of one of the two Russian airliners that crashed near-simultaneously this week. The confirmation that at least one of the aircraft was brought down by a terrorist

Explosives find confirms terror link


AFP - Britain has not yet decided whether to send 650 troops to relieve US forces in Iraq, Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday, while rejecting suggestions that such a move would be aimed at boosting US President George W. Bush's electoral campaign.

No decision yet on redeployment of troops in Iraq: Blair (AFP)


AP - The United States will boost its forces in Iraq to a record number of 150,000 in coming weeks because inexperienced Iraqi troops cannot ensure security for next month's national elections, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said Saturday.

U.S. Commander: More GIs Needed in Iraq (AP)


After nearly two years of negotiations, the United Nations has chosen to shelve human cloning treaties and instead consider a non-binding declaration introduced by Italy as a compromise to please polarized member states.

UN Deadlocks on Cloning Ban


Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou's missed drugs tests will be investigated by the IAAF.

Greek pair await IAAF fate


European Space Agency -- Recent results from the ASPERA-3 instrument on board Mars Express confirm that a very efficient process is at work in the Martian atmosphere which could explain the loss of water.     Water is believed to have once been abundant on the Red Planet...

Hints About Water Loss in the Martian Atmosphere


Blockbuster Inc. (BBI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday posted a quarterly operating profit well below analysts #39; estimates even before \$1.

Blockbuster Posts Big Loss, COO Resigns


China is taking its long-standing investment in Zimbabwe to new heights, as Air Zimbabwe starts bi-weekly flights to Beijing.

China raises stakes in Zimbabwe


AMD and IBM are extending a deal which has seen them co-operating on chip-making technology since 2002. The deal was due to end next year it will now run until December 2008.

AMD and IBM spread the love


December 7, 2004 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- According to a report by internetnews.com, Microsoft (microsoft.com) has released the second community technology preview for SQL Server 2005.

Preview of SQL Server 2005 Released


The justices appeared unmoved by arguments in defense of laws that prohibit the direct shipment of wine from other states.

Justices Hear Arguments on Laws Limiting Interstate Wine Sales


Shares of wholesale baker Interstate Bakeries Corp. plummeted about 31 percent in Monday morning trading, after the company reported that it again missed the deadline for filing its 2004 annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Update 1: Interstate Bakeries Misses Filing Deadline


Evidence from busy rovers suggests one-time presence of water, but system reboots almost dried up the sea of data.

On Mars, no life yet, but plenty blue screens of death


It did not take long for Brewers general manager Doug Melvin to pique the interest of the club #39;s presumptive new owner.  quot;On my way down here, Doug said he wanted to talk

Brewers deal Kolb for top prospect


AP - Tennis stars Kim Clijsters and Lleyton Hewitt called off their wedding, according to her Web site.

Clijsters, Hewitt Said to Split Up (AP)


SINGAPORE - Crude oil prices surged past an unprecedented \$55 per barrel Monday as uncertainty swirls over production, high demand and tight global supplies ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter.    Crude for November delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange hit \$55.33 per barrel around noon in Asia, up 40 cents from its Friday settlement price...

Crude Oil Prices Surge Past \$55 Per Barrel


TORONTO (CP) - TD Bank confirmed Thursday it will buy mid-sized New England retail bank Banknorth for \$3.8 billion US in a cash-and-shares deal.

TD Bank to buy New England retail bank Banknorth for \$3.8 billion <b>...</b>


Two senior pro-democracy leaders jailed in 1995 for distributing anti-government pamphlets were freed in military-ruled Myanmar on Sunday, part of the junta #39;s latest release of more than 5,000 prisoners.

Political Prisoners Among Latest Freed in Myanmar


Laugh all you want, say public hygiene experts at the World Toilet Summit, but the importance of having loos you can use is no joke.

Summit demands clean loos for all


Following his upset of Mike Tyson in July, British heavyweight Danny Williams has the chance on Saturday to become the WBC World Heavyweight Champion when he takes on Vitali Klitscko at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.

V.KLITSCKO V D.WILLIAMS FIXED ODDS BETTING PREVIEW


Fila Ducatis James Toseland won the 2004 World Superbike Championship by finishing second, one place ahead of teammate Regis Laconi in the final round at Magny-Cours.

Toseland Wins WSB Crown


Reuters - U.S. chain store sales in the first\week of September finished flat, due in part to a later Labor\Day and Hurricane Francis, a report said on Wednesday.

Francis, Late Holiday Hit Chain Sales (Reuters)


They were not supposed to be in direct competition, but Robin van Persie and Kieran Richardson spent much of the night niggling at each other in the kind of spat that has

Head to Head


Iran's conservative-dominated parliament votes to give itself a veto over foreign deals struck by reformist President Mohammad Khatami.

Iranian MPs back investment veto


The slide in crude oil prices takes a barrel in London down to little more than \$40, as traders realise profits after the recent surge.

London oil drops to \$40 a barrel


Reuters - Microsoft asked a European Union\judge Thursday to freeze a European Commission order forcing it\to share technology with competitors, but a rival said the\software giant used to provide such information freely.

Microsoft Asks Judge to Suspend Penalties (Reuters)


SAO PAULO: The mother of Santos striker Robinho was released unharmed yesterday, 40 days after she was kidnapped at a family gathering.

Robinhos mother released unharmed


FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. warplanes, artillery and  mortars attacked areas of Falluja on Monday as diehard  insurgents held out to the last in the week-long battle and  heavy clashes broke out in the Iraqi cities of Mosul and  Baquba.

Falluja Rebels Fight On; Clashes Across Iraq


AP - Mistakes defined Oakland's dismal 2003 season opener, and they showed up again in the team's exhibition opener: costly penalties and boneheaded decisions abounded.

Raiders, Cowboys Look to Improve Games (AP)


AFP - World finance chiefs meeting in Washington this week will express satisfaction with a rebounding global economy, but also highlight risks from surging oil prices, turmoil in Iraq and other factors.

Finance chiefs see brighter world economy, but storm clouds loom (AFP)


tordia writes  quot;Bruce Schneier has come out against a plan proposed by the Missouri Secretary of State, Matt Blunt. Blunt #39;s proposal would allow  quot;soldiers at remote duty stations or in combat areas cast their

Absentee Ballots by Email?


I wasn #39;t terribly upset about the  quot;Monday Night Football quot; spectacle featuring Eagles receiver Terrell Owens and a towel-clad Nicollette Sheridan.

In  #39;Monday Night #39; Fallout, a Deeper Racial Issue


Kneeling in front of her courtside seat, Jessalyn Deveny looked just like a tension-racked bench player watching and hoping for a last-second miracle. Any concerns, however, were sorely misplaced at the end of last night's drubbing of Quinnipiac at Conte Forum.

Deveny plays the lead in BC's show of force


Inside the Hynes Convention Center, it feels like 1999. About 5,000 engineers and venture capitalists have gathered here to discuss and to celebrate one of the hottest technology markets in the world -- the use of Internet technology to move telephone calls. This week's VON (for ''Voice over the Net quot;) Conference features the same breathless optimism that drove the Internet ...

Industry pioneer says rising hype may hurt growth


The union representing flight attendants on Friday said it mailed more than 5,000 strike authorization ballots to its members employed by US Airways as both sides continued talks that are expected to stretch through the weekend.

US Airways Union Mails Strike Ballots


Delta Air Lines Inc. said Monday it has obtained up to \$600 million in new financing as the struggling carrier seeks to avoid bankruptcy.

Delta gets American Express aid


Adware - Are Downloads Safe?\\Developers offering downloads are paying the price for the malformed truths that have been put forth regarding downloads. While not a political campaign the smears are ever present in the adware arena.\\Years ago developers saw they could monetize freeware that was becoming expensive to host. Developers ...

Adware - Are Downloads Safe?


Goal (Arsenal) (4) - Just what we needed early on. The nerves were removed, and we just kept on moving forward. A sweet ball from Bobby set Reyes up with a chance to run.

Arsenal v Rosenborg - Player Ratings


SAN FRANCISCO--PeopleSoft Inc. opened the second day of its user conference here Wednesday with good news for itself and its customers: upgrade discounts and a significant licensing deal.

PeopleSoft Discounts New Licenses


Are these guys ever going to have a game that doesn #39;t come down to the last possession? It seems that, if nothing else, the Celtics give you 48 minutes worth.

At end, Nuggets golden


When it happens, somehow it will change. It will change by making the remainder of the season more meaningful, extending the dreams of a BCS bowl bid, which is what it's all about at the highest level of college football.

Beating Oklahoma would be OK with the Longhorns


Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez seals the signing of Antonio Nunez from Real Madrid.

Football: Liverpool sign Nunez


President George W Bush delivered an unapologetic defence of his decision to invade Iraq, telling the United Nations yesterday that it  quot;helped to deliver the Iraqi people from an outlaw dictator quot;.

Bush defends Iraq war


Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer seems certain to miss England #39;s World Cup qualifiers next month after it was revealed that his hamstring injury could take another four weeks to repair.

ENGLAND MUST DO WITHOUT DYER


TOKYO (Reuters) - North Korea is cracking down on the use  of mobile phones in border areas in a bid to stop smuggling and

Report: North Korea Cracking Down on Mobile Phones


Freddie Ljungberg has rejected claims Arsenal are suffering a crisis of confidence after they were held to yet another Champions League draw by Panathinaikos.

No Crisis Here Insists Freddie


Oil prices surged more than \$1 on Wednesday as the re-election of President Bush countered the impact of a big increase in spare oil supplies ahead of winter.

Bush Win Sends Oil Near \$51 a Barrel


Ghana's authorities are to decide whether to press charges against seven people held over a coup attempt.

Ghana 'coup plotters' await fate


Suggesting a necessary change to astronomy textbooks, astronomers announced Monday that planets form through a lengthier and more violent series of collisions

Study claims planets lead violent life


Mortgage rates edged up slightly this week, putting an end to a two-week decline, according to surveys conducted by mortgage buyer Freddie Mac and Bankrate.

Mortgage rates push higher


HAVANA (AP) -- Cuban President Fidel Castro tripped on a step and tumbled to the ground after leaving the stage at a graduation ceremony, fracturing a knee and arm but quickly returning to say that he was all in one piece.''.

Castro 'All in One Piece' After Fall


Mr Latham is due to leave St Vincent #39;s hospital in Sydney after being treated for pancreatitis. Mr Latham says he is feeling much better and expects to be back at work next week.

Latham to be released from hospital


SPAM FIGHTING super hero software behemoth Microsoft has come up with a wizard way of stopping those who send spam from its free Hotmail accounts.

Microsoft charges for Hotmail Outlook access


AP - U.S. warplanes, tanks and artillery units attacked the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah on Saturday, killing at least eight people and wounding 15, hospital officials and witnesses said.

U.S. Bombs Fallujah; Eight Dead, 15 Hurt (AP)


UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Iraq's interim prime minister,  Iyad Allawi, said on Tuesday he had pressed the president of  Pakistan to contribute troops to the U.S.-led multinational  force in his country.

Iraq Asks Pakistan for Troops; Georgia Volunteers


World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John Ruiz of Puerto Rico and International Boxing Federation champion Chris Byrd of the United States defend their titles Saturday night in New York City.

quot;Night of Heavyweights quot; Features Boxing Champions Past and Present


BLOOMFIELD, Township, Mich. - Colin Montgomerie has a memory like an elephant, though he has frequently shed (and is currently without) the matching body.

Home side left scrambling


Stock falls on news treatment failed a mid-stage trial, company will cease developing drug. NEW YORK (Reuters) - AtheroGenics Inc.

AtheroGenics arthritis drug flops


Sneaky program takes a different tack to capture people's passwords and potentially steal money.

Trojan horse spies on Web banking


AP - Marwan Barghouti, a leader of the Palestinian uprising jailed by Israel but perhaps the strongest candidate to oust Yasser Arafat's old guard of politicians, plans to run in upcoming presidential elections, a person close to Barghouti said Saturday.

Jailed Palestinian to Run for President (AP)


EDMONTON - A comprehensive scientific study of the Arctic climate has confirmed what Canadian Dene and Inuit have been saying for years: the North is melting, and faster all the time.

Chilling data on global warming


Australia led Pakistan by 312 runs with nine second-innings wickets in hand when lunch was taken on the third day of the first test at the WACA in Perth on Saturday.

Langer, Ponting make Pakistan toil


AP - Heroics and heartbreaks, diving catches and basepath blunders, hot bats and bizarre slumps, rainy days and endless nights.

Sportsview: BoSox-Yanks an Instant Classic (AP)


It won #39;t ship until December, but retailer report sky-high orders for the system. November 12, 2004 - According to a Nikkei report, orders for the Nintendo DS system in Japan have reached more than two million

Nintendo DS Kicking Butt in Japan


British rower Matthew Pinsent won a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal when Team GB #39;s coxless fours crew triumphed in Greece.

Four golds in a row for Pinsent


NEW YORK (Sports Network) - The NFL handed down fines to 15  players involved in a scuffle between the Minnesota Vikings and  Chicago Bears on Sept. 26.

Moss Among Nine Vikings Fined for Bears Altercation


AP - Browns rookie tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. needs a second operation on his right leg and will miss the remainder of this season.

Browns' Winslow Needs Second Operation (AP)


BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were paired for the first time in Friday's opening match of the Ryder Cup, a dynamic twosome that hoped to get the United States rolling toward bringing the chalice back to this side of the Atlantic...

Woods, Mickelson Off to Shaky Ryder Start


Turkey sends army planes and helicopters to help extinguish a forest fire in neighbouring Syria.

Turkey aids Syria on border fire


OTTAWA (CP) - Profits at Canadian retailers are forecast to rise by nearly one-third this year, according to a report by the Conference Board of Canada.

Profits for Canadian retailers seen rising 33 this year <b>...</b>


The United States, Japan and South Korea agreed on Friday to try to arrange a fresh round of six-party talks this month on dismantling North Korea #39;s nuclear

US, Key Allies Want N. Korea Nuke Talks in Sept.


Schilling was expected to be seen by doctors on Sunday. He had originally been scheduled for an exam Friday, but a conflict pushed that date back to Saturday.

Ankle exam for Schilling pushed back again


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Supporters of Iraq's top Shi'ite  cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani were fired upon in the  town of Kufa on Thursday and 20 people were killed, a Reuters  photographer said from the scene.

Supporters of Sistani Fired Upon, 20 Dead: Witness


THE RASH OF VoIP services being peddled in the UK has meant that the country has to release a new batch of phone numbers. Telco watchdog Ofcom has barked that it would establish the prefix  quot;056, quot; allowing

UK gets more phone numbers


AMHERST -- The annual season finale between Amherst and Williams is always a passion play. Both schools come in with their gaudy US News  amp; World Report rankings of liberal arts colleges and a Red Sox/Yankees-like disdain for each other.

Amherst lords of the field


AP - The United States congratulated Australian Prime Minister John Howard for winning his fourth term in Australia's federal election Saturday. President Bush called it a great victory.

U.S. Congratulates Howard on Re-Election (AP)


Bruce Wasserstein, head of Lazard LLC, filed today to sell \$850 million of shares of the largest closely held investment banking partnership, moving toward a resolution of a feud between two powers of the financial world.

Wasserstein Files Lazard IPO Plan With Regulators (Update3)


It took most of Thursday to identify the first-round leaders in the Southern Farm Bureau Classic, but Harrison Frazar, Glen Day and John Senden finally separated themselves

Three are tied at Farm Bureau


Piles of un-decomposed, waterlogged plant material known as peatlands cover about 3 percent of Earth's land and freshwater surface area. But scientists and conservationists are just beginning to fully understand the role of peatlands in the environment.

Support for Saving Peatlands Is Squishy but Solidifying


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

Saks to Close 11 Stores,  700 Jobs Cut


A Kansas company #39;s yearly ranking based on crime statistics shows that Camden, New Jersey, has become the nation #39;s most-dangerous city.

Atlanta Named Third Most Dangerous City


MoreGoogle : Enhances your Google Experience\\Google seems to be the worlds favorite search engine. It is famous for its bare interface that focuses more on speed and accurate results than eye candy. And apparently some people find it to be too bare. That is why we have had tools like ...


The Lions had a chance to make a statement and a stand in the NFC North division race Sunday and --in fairness to the coach -- their performance defied description.

Lions shoot blanks vs. Pack


A 36-year-old man has been arrested in England and charged with having sex with a 15-year-old Texas girl he met in an Internet chat room.

English man accused of sex with Texas minor he met on the Web


Beijing, Dec 6 : China #39;s IT industry is expected to see a sales revenue of 322.3 billion US dollars in 2004, up 42.3 per cent year-on-year, becoming the country #39;s leading driver for economic growth, a report said today.

China #39;s IT industry witnessed rapid strides in 2004 :


In percentage terms, Maryland, Virginia and the District saw much stronger levels of job creation in July than the nation as a whole.

Area Job Growth Outpaces Nation's


AP - The Kobe Bryant-Karl Malone feud has turned personal, with Bryant accusing Malone of making a pass at his wife at a game.

Bryant Accuses Malone of Hitting on Wife (AP)


AP - Bills strong safety Coy Wire and Jets reserve cornerback Derrick Strait were inactive for their game Sunday because of injury.

Wire Out for Bills; Jets' Strait Sidelined (AP)


Rangers failed to reach the Champions League group stage for a second successive season as CSKA Moscow progressed 3-2 on aggregate after a 1-1 away draw on Wednesday.

UPDATE 1-Rangers crash out after home draw with CSKA


AP - After the Boston Red Sox lost Game 7 of last year's AL championship to the New York Yankees, David Walsh took a vow: No more Red Sox games. No more sports pages. No more team gear. No more heartbreak.

BoSox Fans Swept Up in Red Sox Hysteria (AP)


Wild weather was tonight hampering an operation involving British forces to rescue a Canadian submarine. Five British vessels are en-route to the stricken HMCS

Wild Weather Hampers Submarine Rescue Mission


The United States denied it had held contacts with Hamas as a leader of the radical Palestinian group has claimed.  quot;We don #39;t conduct business with designated terrorist organisations.

US denies contacts with Hamas


The scramble to find allies continued in the mobile gaming arena with two new partnerships and an acquisition. Tiger Telematics, the US-based producer of the Gizmondo mobile gaming console that launched in

Wireless gaming firms announce acquisitions, partnerships


Israel will remain an occupying power in the Gaza Strip even if it carries out the disengagement plan, and should be treated as such, according to a legal document prepared by the Palestinian Authority.

PA: Gaza to remain occupied land even after disengagement


JENIN, West Bank - Israeli troops shot dead a mentally-ill Palestinian in the West Bank town of Jenin early on Tuesday, Palestinian security sources said.

Palestinian killed by Israeli fire in West Bank


ABUJA, Aug 18 (AFP) -- The Nigerian senate said on Wednesday it would ask its defence committee to consider a request by President Olusegun Obasanjo for permission to deploy some 1,500 peacekeepers to Sudan #39;s war-torn Darfur region.

Nigerian senate to rule on Darfur troop deployment


MANCHESTER, N.H. -- One of the great things about being Kevin Casey is getting to tell your spouse: Honey, I need to get the 61-inch television. For work.

Dens of ingenuity


Arab nations demanded in a draft UN Security Council resolution yesterday that Israel immediately halt its incursion into the northern Gaza Strip, where fighting has left at least 65 Palestinians dead.

Arabs tell Israel  #39;stop incursion into Gaza #39;


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Thomson Corp. #39;s Thomson Financial unit said it received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission requesting documents related to its Capital Markets Intelligence business.

Thomson receives SEC subpoena


UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council voted  unanimously on Friday for a Russian-initiated resolution that  seeks to expand the prosecution and extradition of terrorist  groups and suspects, such as Chechen separatists.

UN Council Adopts New Anti-Terror Resolution


A sickening video of Iraq hostage Ken Bigley being beheaded by his captors was circulating on the internet tonight. In his last desperate moments, Mr

Bigley Execution Video Shown on Internet


Unlike recent financial scandals, issues raised by Fannie Mae's regulators pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations.

A Seismic Shift Under the House of Fannie Mae


NEW YORK - Stocks were mixed in early trading Wednesday as investors digested a jump in the second-quarter gross domestic product and kept a close eye on oil prices that still hovered near \$50 per barrel.    Investors saw the Commerce Department report, which said the nation's GDP grew 3.3 percent from April to June, as a mix of good and bad news...

Stocks Mixed on Latest GDP Reading


Viacom Inc. said Tuesday it will sell a radio station to Spanish Broadcasting System Inc. for a 10 percent stake in SBS, marking Viacom #39;s entry into the US Hispanic radio market.

Viacom enters US Hispanic radio


More than four years after burying their ambitious iX merger project, the Frankfurt and London stock exchanges had returned to the negotiating table to discuss a possible tie-up

Deutsche Boerse courts the LSE for tie-up


Dell is expected to expand its line of line of consumer electronics this week, possibly taking the wraps off of a challenger to Apple Computer #39;s iPod Mini music player.

Dell gets down to CE business


Description: The United States and the European Union take their fight over corporate subsidies to the World Trade Organization. An initial US complaint targeted EU subsidies to aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

Spat over Airbus, Boeing Escalates to WTO


\\Today we launched our Rojo blog:\\

Rojo Blog Launched


(Sports Network) - Chris Bosh scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead Toronto to a 95-88 win over Houston at the Air Canada Centre.

Toronto Raptors Team Report - November 4


Mobile operator Vimpelcom is the latest Russian firm to be hit with a heavy bill for back taxes

Tax bill hits Russian mobile firm


African regional leaders gather Wednesday, in Tanzania for a summit on Burundi #39;s peace process, but the recent massacre of Congolese Tutsi in a UN refugee camp is expected to be high on the agenda.

Burundi Summit Expected to Focus on Massacre


AFP - US President George W. Bush told visiting Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf he would make the creation of a Palestinian state a central priority of his second term in office.

Bush tells Musharraf he will focus on Mideast issue (AFP)


BOMBAY (Reuters) - U.S. chip maker Advanced Micro Devices  <A HREF=

AMD Rolls Out Low-Cost Net Access Device in India


CAMBRIDGE -- Three-year-old Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc. already has seen its share of milestones. Its scientists cloned the first Heparin sugar-degrading enzyme, a breakthrough in understanding the role of complex sugars as a conduit for viruses and diseases. Its executives recruited medical luminaries like M. Judah Folkman and Eugene Braunwald to the company's scientific advisory board.

Window of opportunity


MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia #39;s economy minister German Gref is trying to halt plans for the Gazprom monopoly to bid for the main production unit of embattled Yukos, but is unlikely to succeed, analysts said.

Russian minister against Gazprom buying Yukos unit: reports


The compact disc has at least another five years as the most popular music format before online downloads chip away at its dominance, a new study said on Tuesday.

CDs to Dominate for Years Over Net Downloads-Study


German airline Lufthansa diverted an Israel-bound plane to Cyprus on Tuesday in the sixth mid-air bomb scare over Europe in 10 days, acting at Israel #39;s insistence despite concluding the threat was a hoax.

Bomb warnings show airlines are hostage to hoaxers


MADRID: Michael Owen made a telling contribution as he came off the bench on Sunday for his first taste of life in the Spanish league to provide the spadework for a Ronaldo finish as Real Madrid opened their season by poaching a 1-0 win at Mallorca.

Soccer: Ronaldo poaches the points as Owen tastes first Real <b>...</b>


SPACE.com - Scientists and engineers \  are optimistic after having peeked inside the Genesis space capsule, which brought \  back bits of the Sun but crashed into the Utah desert Wednesday.

Lots of Science Intact in Smashed-Up Genesis Capsule (SPACE.com)


For a team coming off back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, Chelmsford sure found itself flying under the radar coming into this season.

It took a while, but Lions are roaring now


NEW YORK, OCT 3: Computer major IBM claims it has developed the Blue Gene/L to be the worlds most powerful computer, pushing the current ranker Japans Earth Simulator to the second slot.

IBMs Blue Gene/L: Current world topper among computers


MARIO JONES received illegal performance-enhancing drugs before winning five medals at the Sydney Olympics, according to accused steroid distributor Victor Conte.

Jones was  #39;drug cheat #39;


Hubble Space Telescope -- An international team of astronomers is announcing today that they have identified the probable surviving companion star to a titanic supernova explosion witnessed in the year 1572 by the great Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe and

1572 AD Explosion Supports Supernova Theory


AP - The future of Paul Hamm's gold medal has nothing to do with tumbles and flips, and everything to do with the judgment of three arbitrators. The Court of Arbitration for Sport held an 11 1/2-hour hearing Monday to determine whether Hamm should again be declared the winner of the Olympic gymnastics all-around competition, or the victory should go to Yang Tae-young of South Korea.

Hamm Argues to Keep Gymnastics Gold (AP)


A former guerrilla fighter elected as Zimbabwe #39;s first woman vice president called for unity in the ruling party after a divisive power struggle over her nomination for the

Zimbabwe #39;s first woman VP calls for unity


AP - President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday he could not imagine how Iraqi elections scheduled for Jan. 30 could be held under current conditions.

Putin Opines on Iraq Election Date (AP)


There #39;s more at stake for Pleasantly Perfect in the \$4 million Breeders #39; Cup Classic than trying to repeat last year #39;s victory.

Pleasantly Perfect tries to repeat as Breeders #39; Cup Classic winner


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. helicopter gunships pounded  Shi'ite militias in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf on Sunday as  tanks rumbled to within 800 meters (yards) of a holy shrine at  the center of a near three-week insurgency.

U.S. Aircraft Hit Militias in Najaf as Tanks Near Shrine


AFP - The queue of newly jobless Americans shrank last week, providing a dose of good news to the labor market.

US jobless claims tumble 25,000 in a week (AFP)


VIA #39;s graphics chip subsidiary, S3, will see its GammaChrome 3D part appear in retail boards in the Far East in Q4, the company #39;s CFO said today.

S3 ramps GammaChrome 3D production


AP - Universal Music Group has licensed songs from its stable of artists including U2 and Eminem to a company that has developed technology designed to prevent the unauthorized distribution of audio tracks over online file-sharing networks, a source familiar with the venture said.

Universal Music Said to License Songs (AP)


AP - Free agent Armando Benitez and the San Francisco Giants agreed Tuesday to a three-year contract worth about  #36;21 million, a move that stabilizes the club's closer role that's been in flux since Robb Nen got injured two years ago.

Benitez, Giants Agree to Three-Year Deal (AP)


Investor's Business Daily - When Cingular completes its purchase of AT amp;T Wireless, it'll leapfrog Verizon Wireless to become the nation's No. 1 mobile phone company by the most common measures -- subscribers and sales.

Calling Verizon And Cingular 1 And 1A Is OK (Investor's Business Daily)


Reuters - As Shakespeare said, a rose by any other\name would smell as sweet. Right?

What's in a Name? Well, Matt Is Sexier Than Paul (Reuters)


An experimental All Blacks side ran in nine tries to cruise to a 59-10 win over Italy at Rome #39;s Stadio Flaminio on Saturday. The home team were never in the contest after a torrid

UPDATE 2-Rugby-Nine-try New Zealand cruise past Italy


A Briton was shot dead by suspected Muslim militants in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, yesterday in what appears to be the latest anti-Western killing by supporters of al-Qa #39;ida.

Briton is shot dead in Saudi Arabia


NAJAF, Iraq - An Iraqi Cabinet minister said Thursday that Iraqi forces could begin an offensive against Muqtada al-Sadr within hours, despite the firebrand cleric's acceptance of a peace proposal.    To prevent an imminent attack on his forces, who are holed up in the revered Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, al-Sadr must immediately disarm his Mahdi Army militia and hand over its weapons to the authorities, Minister of State Qassim Dawoud said...

Iraq Says Offensive Vs. Cleric to Start


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Peyton Manning threw for 254 yards and  two touchdowns to win his showdown with fellow co-MVP Steve  McNair as the Indianapolis Colts beat the Tennessee Titans  31-17 at Nashville on Sunday.

NFL Wrap: Manning Wins MVP Battle as Colts Beat Titans


Microsoft announced that Windows XP Starter Edition would be made available here early next year and at the same time Gartner has sent out a warning about XPSE.

MS #39;s XPSE Due Here Next Year


America #39;s United Airlines has launched the first daily flight service to Vietnam from the United States since 1975. The flight represents the first such service by an American air carrier since the end of

US airline launches first commerical flight to Vietnam since war


Ukraine's Supreme Court ordered that a new runoff vote between the two main challengers take place by Dec. 26.

Ukrainian Justices, in Show of Independence, Order New Runoff


NEW YORK, August 26 (New Ratings) - The US government has reportedly selected Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC.NYS) and BAE Systems Plc (BA) to develop systems for protecting commercial aircraft from shoulder-fired missiles.

Northrop, BAE Systems win US government contract


Restaurant chain Cracker Barrel Old Country Store announced yesterday it will pay \$8.7 million to settle multiple lawsuits involving both racial discrimination allegations against customers

Cracker Barrel to pay \$8.7 million to settle lawsuits


ROME (AFP) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his seventh league goal of the season as Juventus came from behind to defeat Lazio 2-1 and restore their four point lead at the top of Serie A. Defending champions AC

Ibrahimovic completes Juve recovery


Except for times when I use one online database that supports Microsoft #39;s (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) dismal excuse for a browser, I never have much use for the blue lower-case  quot;e quot; on my desktop.

Better Browser Now The Best


Senior Palestinian and Israeli leaders held separate meetings Sunday to plan a path forward in the absence of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who was being examined in a French hospital for an unknown ailment.

Palestinians, Israelis meet to plan for Arafat #39;s absence


AP - Lauren, 11, saunters nonchalantly past a Discovery Channel store and a Gymboree clothing store at the mall. Then suddenly, the girl's eyes light up and she pulls her mother into an Apple Computer Inc. retail shop.

New Crop of Portable Players Nips at IPod (AP)


The Georgia Bulldogs insisted all week that they didn #39;t circle this game on their calendars after losing twice to LSU last season.

Bulldogs lie in wait for 10 months, then chew up Tigers from <b>...</b>


Plus: Write-downs widen DirecTV's loss...Time Warner net income slips...Cell phone unit shores up Verizon.

Earnings alert: Salesforce quarterly revenue rises


PENSACOLA, Fla. - A man who tried to shoot seven puppies was shot himself when one of the dogs put its paw on the revolver's trigger...

Dog Wiggles Paw Free to Shoot Florida Man


(CBS) Nearly one third of voters (as many as 45 million people) are expected to cast their ballots electronically in next week #39;s presidential election.

Is E-Voting Secure?


MARIETTA, Ga. -- The family of hostage Jack Hensley received confirmation of his death yesterday, on what would have been his 49th birthday, a family spokesman said.

For Georgia man's kin, fear turns to horror


AFP - A huge cheer breaks through the cacophony at Sands Macau Casino as the four million pataca (518,000 US dollar) blackjack jackpot is won.

Billions rolling in as Macau is transformed into Asia's Vegas (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks declined on Tuesday,  weighed down by retailers after Wal-Mart Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Stocks Slip, Retail, Finance Weigh


UN Security Council  diplomats are in Kenya to push for a Sudan peace deal and progress on Darfur.

Sudan conflict under UN spotlight


BERLIN -- Industrial group Siemens AG said Friday it has signed a \$3.35 billion contract to deliver technology services around the world to the British Broadcasting Corp.

Siemens, BBC announce \$3.35 billion deal


MOSCOW -- Beleaguered Russian oil company Yukos said yesterday that it had reduced its crude output forecast for the year as bailiffs continued to collect cash against the company's crushing back taxes bill from its frozen bank accounts.

Yukos cuts its production forecast


Investor's Business Daily - Maybe it's the sunshine, but San Diego has been a hotbed of growth-oriented mutual funds for more than two decades. Most of these growth shops buy the hottest names with the fastest growth rates. But one, Rice Hall James, takes a more cautious approach.

Rice Hall Buys Growth On The Cheap (Investor's Business Daily)


Employment grew by 96,000 jobs last month, the Labor Department reported Friday, well below the level needed to keep pace with the expansion in the labor force and presenting a weak picture

Report shows sluggish job growth


Officials in Florida are once again up in arms over recount procedures. The latest imbroglio follows a controversial ruling on touch-screen voting machines that was delivered days before a statewide primary. By Jacob Ogles.

E-Vote Recount Rule in Dispute


A nervous world learned the Greek word for thank you and repeated it endlessly at an astonishingly successful Athens Olympics that quelled fears, surprised skeptics and greatly honored the birthplace of the games.

Triumphant Olympics end with pride and relief


The test program that allows pre-screened travelers to zip through airport security is being extended. The Registered Traveler Program had been scheduled to run for 90 days at each of five big airports.

Fast checks of regular fliers extended


AFP - Eurozone economic indicators to be released in the coming week will show that business and consumer confidence is falling and that inflation is rising again, economists said.

Eurozone economic data to show confidence down, inflation up again (AFP)


Africa News, France on Monday was shutting down one of the largest evacuations in post-independence Africa - a five-day airlift that flew more than five thousand Westerners and others out of Ivory Coast.

Africa ; France airlifts evacuees from Ivory Coast


Xinhua reports that the 4th plenary session of the Chinese Communist Party #39;s (CCP) 16th Central Committee will be held in Beijing from Sept.

Hu and Jiang jockey for position


New Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes says the chance to take over at the Premier League club was simply too good to pass up. Appointed late on Wednesday, the Wales

UPDATE 1-Blackburn chance too good to miss, says Hughes


Former AC Milan favourite Frank Rijkaard took some consolation from the warm welcome he received on his return to the San Siro where his Barcelona team lost 1-0 in the Champions League.

Rousing reception eases pain of defeat for Rijkaard


Crude oil futures prices plummeted today, falling by nearly \$3 a barrel, as traders shelved concerns about tight winter-fuel supplies.

Oil Prices Fall Sharply on U.S. Inventories


I.B.M. is in discussions to sell its PC business to Lenovo, the largest maker of PC's in China - a burgeoning market that Hewlett-Packard and Dell covet.

Weighing I.B.M.'s Possible Absence in the PC Market


AP - Polls show Republican Pete Coors has pulled even with or even slightly ahead of Democrat Ken Salazar, but the closely watched race for Colorado's open Senate seat is still a tight one.

Polls: Coors Gains Ground in Colo. Race (AP)


Oct. 15, 2004 - Conservationists claimed victory at a global wildlife trade meeting on Thursday despite warnings that a cash crisis could hamper new hard-won measures to protect endangered species.

Conservationists Claim Victory at CITES


LeBron James has a stellar all-around game with 31 points, eight assists and seven steals to lead Cleveland over Memphis, 92-86.

Cavs Edge Grizzlies


MOSCOW -- If you can judge a book by its cover, then the  quot;History of Russia and the World in the 20th Century quot; tells students that the Soviet past was all pride and glory: Three of four cover photos invoke Soviet propaganda.

Russian textbooks omit Soviets #146; dark chapters


Delta Air Line #39;s pilots negotiation committee last night reached a tentative cost-cutting agreement with the Atlanta-based airline.

Delta, Pilots Come to Tentative Agreement