Freddie Mac said Thursday that 30-year mortgages have dropped to the lowest level since April 1, providing more of a boost to the housing industry.

Mortgage Rates Hit 6-Month Low


Reuters - Russia formally ratified the Kyoto\Protocol on global warming on Thursday, clearing the way for\the environment pact to come into force in February 2005.

Russia Ratifies Kyoto, Starts on Feb. 16 (Reuters)


American novelist Thomas Wolfe once wrote a book entitled  quot;You Can #39;t Go Home Again. quot; His argument was that once the door to an era closes, it could never be opened again.

Nash, others look good in their new digs


First impressions of Firefox 1.0 preview release\\Firefox is my second choice for a web browser. Opera comes first. No doubts about that. But Firefox in itself is a pretty decent browser. My requirement from a browser has risen with my long time usage of Opera so I just cannot move ...


Of all places to bring NASCAR #39;s new Chase for the Championship, this is the chanciest. Restrictor-plate racing here is more about luck than speed or skill.

#39;Caution #39; laps


AP - Tom Watson's victory in the inaugural Tradition is all the more memorable because it was his last win with the man who was by his side for some 30 years, caddie Bruce Edwards.

Tom Watson Set to Defend Tradition Title (AP)


Virus Throttler, unveiled by HP in February, was one of two new security services developed by company researchers that debuted at the RSA Security Conference.

HP shelves virus-throttling product


An audit of the University of Colorado #39;s football program begun in the wake of a sex-and-alcohol recruiting scandal found no evidence that escorts or strippers were hired to attract athletes.

Report: No Evidence in CU Recruit Scandal


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Howard Stern, the ribald radio host  who has become a poster boy for bad behavior on U.S. airwaves,  will jump to Sirius Satellite Radio <A HREF=

Howard Stern Jumps to Satellite Radio


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Time is running out for prospective investors to submit their offers to buy shares of Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , the Web #39;s No. 1 search company.

Last Call for Investors to Bid on Google


UNITED NATIONS - Stressing the need for settling the Kashmir dispute, President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday told the UN General Assembly that he would convey to the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh later this week that this is the moment for peace

Kashmir resolution can #39;t be delayed inordinately


Thailand #39;s prime minister announced yesterday that hundreds of Muslims detained after a riot in the country #39;s restive south would be freed, in a bid to ease tensions over the deaths of 85 accused rioters - including 78 who died in military custody.

Thai officials placate south with release of prisoners


AP - Near-bankrupt Italian flagship carrier Alitalia won approval from flight attendants Saturday for a job-cutting plan  #151; the last in a series of labor deals crucial to saving the airline from collapse.

Alitalia Signs Deal With Attendants (AP)


Reuters - Investment banks are in the midst of\the annual fight for bragging rights as the biggest dealmakers\of the year, but this time the rankings -- a key factor in\winning new business -- are under intense scrutiny.

M A Industry Weighs Fees Against Size (Reuters)


: Consumer goods maker Colgate-Palmolive Co said on Tuesday it would cut about 12 per cent of its 37,000-person work force and close one-third of its factories worldwide as part of a four-year restructuring.

Colgate rejig has a brush with layoffs


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. economy expanded at a 3.7  percent annual rate in the third quarter, below expectations  but still bolstered by healthy consumer spending that was  accompanied by the lowest inflation in decades, the Commerce  Department said on Friday.

U.S. Growth Under Forecast in 3rd Quarter


Research in Motion has confirmed web reports that Vodafone is to offer its mobile phone form-factor Blackberry 7100 - aka  #39;Charm #39; - in Europe.

Vodafone to bring Blackberry  #39;Charm #39; to Europe


Justin Gatlin wants to be a new face of track and field. Maurice Greene doesn #39;t want his face to be forgotten. Both should agree on one thing.

Fastest race ever yields gold, bronze for US


California made a big leap Monday in the Bowl Championship Series standings, giving the Rose Bowl a sigh of relief and possibly dashing Utah #39;s hopes.

Cal makes move in BCS


A jungle bandit gunned down by police earlier this week was still tantalising India from beyond the grave yesterday. Treasure hunters were said to be scouring the southern jungles

Hunt for Indian bandit #39;s hidden jungle treasure


J. Irwin Miller, 95, the industrialist and philanthropist who guided Cummins Engine Co. to international prominence and helped shape his home town of Columbus, Ind., into an architectural gem, died Aug. 16 at his home in Columbus. No cause of death was ...

Architectural Benefactor J. Irwin Miller Dies


Citigroup Inc. #39;s top Japan executive Douglas Peterson told lawmakers he will improve employee training to help fix compliance breaches that cost the company its private banking license in the country.

Citigroup #39;s Peterson Tells Japan Lawmakers He #39;ll Fix Breaches


Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he has been in touch with a senior Taliban official ahead of crucial polls in Afghanistan and will meet him  quot;soon, quot; Pakistani newspapers reported yesterday.

Karzai in touch with Taliban


Mac sites were abuzz Friday on reports that Apple is readying a color-screen iPod in time for the holidays. According to Mac news and rumor site Think Secret, the 60GB device would be similar to the current

Rumor site pictures Photo iPod for holidays


Supporters of an Air Force plan to buy 100 aerial tankers from The Boeing Co. insisted yesterday they could salvage the troubled deal, even as Congress moved to kill it and federal investigators continue to

Boeing tanker backers hope to save deal


Republic of Ireland reaction:  #39;good defending, good organisation and good understanding #39;- in fact a pretty good day, all round!

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER


com. In a retreat from the US PDA market, where it once was a dominant player, Sharp Electronics reported Wednesday that it is cutting back on its PDA offerings in the US retail market.

Sharp Retreats From US PDA Market


The season once held so much promise. There were gold medal dreams, Grand Slam possibilities and aspirations of continued dominance.

Bryans hope for Davis Cup title


The signings of Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson will have a domino effect on the rest of the Mariners #39; plans, not to mention the rest of the Mariners.

Free-agent signings bump some Mariners into role revisions


quot;Desperate Housewives quot; was hot-to-trot in its second outing for ABC on Sunday, leading the network to a commanding nightly victory with assistance from

ABC Notches Another  #39;Desperate #39; Win Sunday


Hurricanes that closed a number of airports in the United States last month did little to trim the growing numbers of air travelers to Britain, the country #39;s airports operator said Tuesday.

British Air Travel Not Hurt by Storms


Costco Wholesale Corp., the largest wholesale club operator in the United States, said Thursday that fourth-quarter earnings rose 24 percent to beat Wall Street expectations, but revenue for the period was light.

Costco #39;s 4Q Profit Beats Outlook


IBM on Thursday unveiled its second Advanced Micro Devices Opteron-based server, which the company hopes is ready for when AMD releases its dual-core processors.

IBM Throws An Opteron Party


John Smoltz was part of some talented starting rotations in Atlanta before becoming the team #39;s closer. Now he #39;s back as a starter, and with the addition of Tim Hudson on Thursday, the rebuilt

Smoltz agrees to new two-year deal with Braves


Italy's government dismissed reports Wednesday that it paid \$1 million to free two Italian aid workers who were kidnapped in Iraq and held for three weeks before being released Tuesday.

Italian Officials Dispute Reports of Ransom


WHEELING, W.Va. - Hundreds of people evacuated their homes Sunday in parts of Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania as rivers and small streams were swollen beyond their banks by the torrential rain dumped by remnants of Hurricane Ivan...

Ivan's Flooding Forces New Evacuations


Chechen rebels launched a major assault on Grozny just before President Putin's visit, Russia says.

Russia reports battle for Grozny


NEW YORK (Sports Network) - The New York Jets and  quarterback Chad Pennington are close to a deal that would make  the quarterback the highest- paid player in franchise history.

Report: Pennington Set to Sign Extension with Jets


The United Nations again appealed for the safe return of three of its workers held hostage in Afghanistan on Thursday, three weeks after they were snatched from their car on a busy street in central Kabul.

UN appeals for release of workers in Afghanistan


'Ransack the church' suggested in WordPerfect war

That's enough peace - Novell sues MS just one more time


NEW YORK (CBS) Apples heavyweight champ iPod has a few new tricks up its sleeve, or rather, on its screen. The newest iPods feature full color screens, and hefty hard drives to store plenty of photos and music.

In Living Color


Microsoft Corp., world #39;s largest software maker, announced that it has added Russia to its Windows XP Starter Edition pilot program today.

Microsoft releases simpler version of Windows XP in Asia


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Biotechnology company Rigel  Pharmaceuticals Inc. <A HREF=

Rigel, Merck Form Development Partnership


The United States and Canada signed a declaration on Friday that outlines a plan to clean up the Great Lakes and the major waterways that feed them.

Officials Lay Groundwork for Cleanup of Great Lakes


Reuters - Rebels from Sudan's troubled Darfur\region said a new round of peace talks on Thursday would be\delayed by two days because of logistical problems with sending\their delegation to the Nigerian capital Abuja.

Darfur Rebels Say Peace Talks Delayed (Reuters)


TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei share average rose 1.4 percent  by midsession on Thursday as investors took weak domestic  output data in their stride and flocked to recently battered  stocks, inspired by a steep fall in oil prices.

Nikkei Rises as Oil Sags


Ryan Smyth scored two goals to lead Canada to a 5-1 victory over Slovakia on Wednesday night in the World Cup of Hockey.

Canada Romps


An accident has slowed Jacqueline Walker #39;s holiday shopping this year, but it couldn #39;t keep her away from the deals on Friday.

No Black Friday blues as green flows like wine


As one developer prepares to move his application from Mac to Windows, others reaffirm their commitment to the platformdespite competing directly with Apple Computer Inc.

Mac  #39;Widget #39; App Set to Make Windows Debut


Yahoo Inc. for the first time is letting mobile phone users query its search engine, giving them access to conventional Web results, local business listings and related information, as well as images, such as pictures and maps, the company said Wednesday.

Yahoo search goes mobile


ATLANTA Cingular Wireless reports a rise in subscribers and revenue, but a drop in operating profit ahead of the expected closing of its 41 (b) billion dollar purchase of AT-and-T Wireless Services.

Cingular: subscriber, revenue rise, but operating profit dip


Oil prices fell further below \$50 on Wednesday as a fresh rise in US crude oil inventories outweighed the impact of President Bush #39;s victory in the US election.

Oil Slips Under \$50 as US Supply Swell


It often seems as if Ron Artest cannot help being at the center of a storm.

For Artest, Today's Troubles Took Root Years Ago


Yahoo Inc. continues its recent buying spree of e-mail startups with the acquisition of Stata Laboratories Inc. Yahoo confirmed on Thursday that it had bought Stata Labs, the maker of search-based e-mail client Bloomba.

Yahoo Buys E-Mail Search Startup


A car bomb detonated near a US military convoy on Sunday outside the northern city of Mosul, the military said. Two children were injured in the blast, said Dr.

Car bomb explodes near military convoy


com September 15, 2004, 5:40 PM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.

With new OS, Microsoft seeks couch potatoes #39; eyes


DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Damascus has accused the United States  of interfering in the affairs of Lebanon and Syria, saying  Washington had brought undue pressure to force a U.N.  resolution last week on foreign influence in Lebanon.

U.S. Interfering in Lebanon and Syria, Damascus Says


NTT DoCoMo has developed a prototype methanol fuel cell recharger for demanding mobile phones. The charger relies on a replaceable methanol cartridge and hydrogen

DoCoMo plans fuel cell recharger


Looking to drive corporate adoption of its high-performance computing version of Windows Server 2003, Microsoft on Monday introduced an SDK (software development kit) for developers alongside a name change for the product.

Microsoft Intros Supercomputing SDK


Oracle has signed an agreement to acquire PeopleSoft for about \$10.3 billion, the companies said this morning.

Update: Oracle signs deal to buy PeopleSoft for \$10.3B


AFP - Europe pulled off a sensational Ryder Cup victory when they crushed the all-star American team by a record-breaking 18 1/2 to 9 1/2 points.

Europe rout US in record-busting Ryder Cup victory (AFP)


AFP - Suspected Muslim rebels shot dead six people in Kashmir in an attack a day ahead of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the restive region, police said.

Suspected rebels kill six ahead of Indian premier's Kashmir visit (AFP)


JAKARTA, Indonesia -- A Muslim cleric accused of heading the terror group blamed for the Bali bombings proclaimed his innocence and said the charges were the work of President Bush and  quot;his slave quot; -- Australian Prime Minister John Howard -- at the opening of his trial yesterday.

As trial opens, cleric accused in Bali bombings declares innocence


The Nikkei average fell 0.69 percent by mid-morning on Monday as caution about the dollar #39;s weakness and the US presidential election prompted selling of exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp.

Tokyo Stocks Fall as Exporters Sag


Reuters - The U.S. dollar settled near its lows\against the yen and euro on Monday after suffering sharp losses\on weaker-than expected job growth figures that raised\questions about the need for further U.S. rate rises this year.

Dollar Steadies After Fall on Jobs (Reuters)


HP World Booth intro steals show

HP's Livermore opts for 'content free' content


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Motorola Inc. <A HREF=

Motorola Quarterly Earnings Rise


LOS ANGELES - A consortium led by Sony has agreed in principle to acquire famed Hollywood studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for nearly \$3 billion, MGM said late Monday.    The deal marks the last chapter in the history of two of Hollywood's most storied names - MGM, once best known for its musical hits like

Sony-Led Group to Acquire MGM for \$3B


The dominance of Damascus in Lebanese politics gives rise to a new opposition leader.

Syria's grip on Lebanon tested


TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid has  been voted 2005 European Car of the Year, Japan's top auto  maker said Monday, after the fuel-sipping sedan picked up the  corresponding title in North America in January.

Toyota Prius Voted European Car of Year


WASHINGTON (AFP) - Job-cut announcements by US companies fell 5.6 percent in October to 101,840, according to outplacement firm Challenger Gray and Christmas.

US layoffs down 5.6 percent to 101,840: survey


CBS and Fox yesterday announced an \$8 million rights extension with the National Football League that gives the networks the right to continue televising

NFL extends contracts with CBS, Fox for \$8b


quot;There #39;s a whole lot of factors that impact statements on speed, and the companies never include them. How far was it transmitted?

Siemens Clocks Record Speed in Wireless Race


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Morningstar Inc., the mutual-fund research firm, faces potential civil charges over failing to promptly correct inaccurate data it published, the company said Friday.

Mutual-fund rating firm gets  #39;Wells notice #39; over data


AP - Forget all that talk about Team USA having goalie problems. Robert Esche and Rick DiPietro combined on a shutout, and John-Michael Liles arrived just in time to score a goal to lead the defending champion Americans to a 2-0 victory over Russia on Friday night in their final World Cup exhibition game.

U.S. Tops Russia 2-0 at Hockey Exhibition (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO--Those wanting to get their hands on a Treo 650 this year will need to sign up for service from Sprint PCS. Sprint has cornered the market for this year, scooping up all of PalmOne #39;s capacity until sometime in 2005.

Want a Treo 650? Better Sprint


Conner Barth booted a 42-yard field goal on the final play of the game, giving North Carolina a shocking 31-28 upset of the fourth-ranked Hurricanes on Saturday night.

North Carolina 31, No. 4 Miami 28


AFP - The head of a separatist movement in Nigeria's southern oil-rich Niger Delta, Mujahid Dokubo Asari, announced on Tuesday evening that he would meet President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abuja on Wednesday.

Niger Delta rebel leader to meet president, says will not destroy oil sites (AFP)


A tussle over the beleaguered wireless service provider's brand name leaves one Fool uninspired.

Still AT T Wireless, for a Spell


Dr. C. Erec Stebbins talks about using a nearly 100-year-old investigative tool to identify the bacterial proteins that cause disease.

Using X-Ray Vision, He Keeps His Eye on the Bacteria


AP - U.S. troops barred anguished crowds from returning to their homes in the besieged city of Tal Afar on Monday as residents described corpses scattered across orchards and the collapse of essential services such as water and electricity.

Crowds Plead With U.S. Forces in Tal Afar (AP)


Yahoo began testing a new travel search engine Tuesday night that can be used to book flights, hotels and cars from more than 50 travel sites.

Yahoo Tests Travel Search Engine


IBM on Thursday will announce the release of a free tools bundle for Eclipse to make it easier to deploy Java applications on Linux.

IBM tightening Eclipse, Java, Linux links


Television networks have worked hard in the last two years to strike their own product placement deals, closing the gap with the movies.

Products Slide Into More TV Shows, With Help From New Middlemen


NEW YORK - Two men have been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to bomb a subway station in midtown Manhattan, sources said early Saturday.    At least one of the men may have an affiliation with a terrorist organization, according to two law enforcement sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity...

2 Arrested in Alleged NYC Subway Bomb Plot


NEW HAVEN, Conn. The Connecticut financier who stole more than 200 (m) million dollars from insurance companies in Tennessee and other states to finance a lavish lifestyle will ask for a reduced prison sentence.

Fugitive financier Frankel will seek reduced prison sentence


Up to 30,000 people attend the funeral of a Bangladeshi opposition politician killed in a grenade attack in Dhaka.

Thousands at Bangladesh funeral


: Apparently responding to wide public dismay over last week #39;s school hostage-taking, President Vladimir Putin on Friday agreed to formation of a parliamentary investigative commission.

Parliamentary panel to probe Beslan tragedy


The chief spokesman for rebel Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said on Wednesday no deal had been agreed with Iraq #39;s government to end fighting in Baghdad #39;s Shi #39;ite slum district of Sadr City.

No Deal on Ending Baghdad Clashes-Senior Sadr Aide


DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. launched its all-new 2005 Mustang on Monday, the fifth generation of the iconic sports car the company sorely needs to help lift sluggish U.S...

Ford Launches Its All-New 2005 Mustang


Ireland is taking  quot;extraordinary quot; measures to protect Internet users from rogue auto-dialer programs that hijack their modems and run up long-distance phone charges, the country #39;s telecom regulator says.

Ireland Cracks Down on Net Scams


The senior United Nations envoy to Sudan today began his last mission to the war-torn Darfur region ahead of next week #39;s meeting of the Security Council, which will decide whether the Government is making good on commitments to restore security and disarm

UN Envoy Begins Final Mission to Darfur, Sudan Before Security <b>...</b>


AP - A research team has been awarded a  #36;3.5 million federal grant to use a molecular detective technique to study and potentially improve the military's anthrax vaccine.

Researchers Get Grant for Vaccine Study (AP)


It may take much longer than scientists have thought for violent turbulence to turn grains of space dust into new planets. A NASA telescope recently discovered

Scientists: New planets may take longer


A top Republican lawmaker called Wednesday for Merck  amp; Company to answer questions about its withdrawn drug Vioxx on Nov. 18 at the first Congressional hearing to address the drug #39;s safety problems.

Merck Chief Is Asked to Testify


Reuters - Business software maker Siebel\Systems Inc.  on Monday said third-quarter revenue\would beat Wall Street estimates, driven by a rebound in\licensing revenue, sending its shares up 14 percent.

CORRECTED: Siebel Sees Sales Topping Street (Reuters)


A top Sudanese official said Wednesday that his country did not need African Union peacekeepers to protect civilians in its troubled western Darfur region but

Sudanese Official Asserts African Peacekeepers Aren #39;t Needed


SAMARRA, Iraq (Reuters) - Three car bombs exploded in  Samarra and insurgents attacked three police stations in the  Iraqi city Saturday, killing at least 27 people and wounding  57, police and health officials said.

Car Bombs, Attacks Kill 27 in Iraq's Samarra


AFP - Hosts India braced themselves for a harrowing chase on a wearing wicket in the first Test after Australia declined to enforce the follow-on here.

Follow-on shy Aussies lead India by 355 runs (AFP)


The lid on IT salaries is beginning to lift, and IT specialists should see gains of as much as 10 to 15 percent over the next three years, according to a new IT staff salaries study by the META Group.

Report: IT Salaries Show Upward Trend, Outsourcing Overblown


A Greek Olympian has been stripped of his bronze medal after testing positive for drugs, and a Russian gold medallist has also reportedly failed a test.

Dope tests catch medallists


China has lowered the risk of economic overheating but a  quot;soft landing quot; is not yet assured, International Monetary Fund chiefs have warned.

IMF says soft landing in China not yet assured


Reuters - Up to 60 protected gray seals have been\killed off the west coast of Ireland in what a wildlife group\described as slaughter.

Seals Bludgeoned, Shot on Irish Island (Reuters)


Chelsea Newton scored 16 points to lead No. 17 Rutgers to a 77-53 victory over Oregon State in the second round of the Paradise Jam tournament on Friday.

No. 17 Rutgers 77 Oregon State 53


NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A phantom penalty and a nine-yard touchdown catch by Eddie Kennison on Monday night lifted the Kansas City Chiefs past the Tennessee Titans, 49-38.

Chiefs outlast Titans, 49-38 nfl roundup


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

Before the Bell: Intel Falls


#39; #39;You guys look so sad, #39; #39; he told reporters after winning the Deutsche Bank Championship on Sunday.  #39; #39;Man, come on, it #39;s not the end of the world.

Vijay doesn #39;t care if you like him; he #39;s No. 1 now


Mark Thatcher, the British businessman, is back in the Cape High Court today to challenge a subpoena demanding answers about his alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government of Equatorial Guinea.

Thatcher back in court today to challenge subpoena


BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. troops pounded the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah with airstrikes and tank fire Sunday, and the Iraqi government appealed to residents of the city to expel

U.S. Ground, Air Attacks Pound Fallujah


MINNEAPOLIS Oct. 9, 2004 - Backed by Derek Jeter #39;s three RBIs and a relentless offense, Kevin Brown threw six strong innings to lead the New York Yankees past the frustrated Minnesota Twins 8-4 on Friday

Yanks Beat Twins 8-4 to Take Playoff Lead


Greece coach Otto Rehhagel has attempted to shake the team out of their Euro2004 championship hangover by insisting that they dont deserve a place in World Cup 2006 if they cant defeat lowly Kazakhstan at home.

Rehhagel Gets Tough With Greece


Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of a species of dwarf people, dubbed Homo floresiensis.

New Species Revealed: Tiny Cousins of Humans


AFP - Germany's auto industry was once its pride and joy.

Auto sector woes highlight Germany's need for economic change (AFP)


AP - Azzam Azzam's family erupted in cheers, applause and tears on learning Sunday that the Arab-Israeli businessman had been freed after eight years in an Egyptian jail.

Family of Israeli-Arab Released Cheers (AP)


Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko (47) of Russia deflects the shot of New Orleans Hornets forward PJ Brown (42) from behind during the first quarter Monday, Nov. 22, 2004, in Salt Lake City.

Hornets Top Jazz for First Win of Season


Content Management Systems and SEO - A Powerful Mix\\Search Engine Optimization revolves around providing useful, unique content on your website and making sure that search engines can find and understand it easily. 'Organic SEO' as it is called, puts emphasis on optimizing hundreds of keyword rich content pages as 'spider-bait' ...


The score was in the low 60s. The teams combined to shoot 29 and make an NBA record-low 44 field goals. Several players added floor burns to their tattoos and Shareef Abdur-Rahim even suffered a bloody gash on his head.

Zo, Nets break the ice


THE best news was rookie Champ driver and Australia #39;s hope in the Indy 300 David Besnard brought the car back without a scratch.

Besnard in cruise control


South Korea will pick its first two astronauts next year for a space trip by 2007, the science ministry said Sunday, after Russia agreed to help the country #39;s space program.

South Korea to Pick Country #39;s First 2 Astronauts


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Fasten your seatbelts. The Republicans  are in town. If things go smoothly at the Republican National  Convention, the stock market could get a brief boost this week,  experts say.

GOP Convention May Briefly Lift Stocks


NEW HAVEN, Conn, Southern Cal quarterback Matt Leinart has been named the Walter Camp player of the year after leading the Trojans to a 12-and-0 record and a berth in the BCS title game.

Leinart takes Camp honors


EBay Inc., the world #39;s largest Web auctioneer, agreed to buy privately held Rent.com for \$415 million in cash and stock as it expands into classified listings.

EBay to Buy Rent.com for \$415 Mln in Cash and Stock (Update3)


RICHMOND, Va. - A state of emergency was declared as Tropical Storm Gaston poured nearly a foot of rain on central Virginia, flooding streets with several feet of rushing water that floated cars and trucks and smashed them into buildings...

Gaston's Rain Sparks Emergency in Virginia


Incoming European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso says he will make changes in his proposed commission, one day after withdrawing his slate in the face of a likely European Parliament veto.

EU #39;s Barroso Promises Commission Changes


LONDON : Oil prices rose slightly a day after renewed concerns over heating oil stocks in the United States brought a halt, even if temporary, to a sharp slide in prices in recent weeks.

Oil prices stronger in London trading after supply worries <b>...</b>


By S. SRINIVASAN    BITHOOR, India (AP) -- For 12-year-old Anju Sharma, hope for a better life arrives in her poor farming village three days a week on a bicycle rickshaw that carries a computer with a high-speed, wireless Internet connection...

Bikes Bring Internet to Indian Villagers


AP - The NFL Players Association has gotten involved in Quincy Carter's release by the Dallas Cowboys.

Players Union Challenges Carter's Release (AP)


As fellow astronauts, other friends and loved ones gathered in Houston yesterday to honor US  quot;frontiersman quot; Captain Leroy Gordon Cooper Jr.

Celebrating The  quot;Right Stuff quot; -- Mercury Astronaut Gordon  quot;Gordo quot; <b>...</b>


ATHENS -- They'd been here so many times before with gilded dreams -- in Mexico City, in Munich, in Montreal, in Los Angeles, in Seoul, in Barcelona, in Atlanta, and four years ago in Sydney. And every time, they had to listen to someone else's anthem.

Drought ends with reign


any coral colonies have a nice healthy glow about them, courtesy of fluorescent proteins produced by the coral animals themselves.

That Special Underwater Glow


Lloyds TSB has tapped IBM as the key provider for its massive new VoIP infrastructure project. The new project will make Lloyds TSB the owners of one of the largest converged voice and data networks in Europe

IBM Nabs \$750M Deal with Lloyds TSB


KYIV. Oct 31 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Ukrainian presidential candidate, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych said he has  quot;cast his ballot for the future of Ukraine.

Yanukovych votes  quot;for Ukraine #39;s future quot;


Reuters - The release of two Italian aid workers\in Iraq has raised hopes other hostages may soon be freed, but\reports that a large ransom was paid may only feed the\burgeoning hostage crisis.

Ransom Payments Seen Fueling Iraq's Hostage Crisis (Reuters)


On the  #39;tackle #39;, the penalty, Gary Megson on gardening, Jose #39;s fuzzy math, Keggy practicing for the Bar, Souney provides us with a fireside chat.

Football365 #39;s Quotes Of The Week


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Commercial truck maker Navistar  International Corp. <A HREF=

Navistar Results Rise on Truck Demand


Oracle's recently completed consolidation to a single, global system for enterprise data took five years, Oracle Chief Executive Officer Larry Ellison told OpenWorld attendees Wednesday during his keynote address at Oracle's user conference being held in San Francisco.

Oracle CEO: Centralizing data took 5 years


Sam Adams #39; concerns about his role in the Buffalo Bills defensive scheme are suddenly secondary. Whatever frustrations the defensive tackle has can be taken out against Baltimore, his former team, this weekend.

Bills tackle Sam Adams puts frustrations aside and focuses on <b>...</b>


Apple updated its Xserve RAID storage system, a 3U high-availability, rack storage system to deliver a massive 5.6 terabytes of storage capacity at the industry #146;s most aggressive price for storage of just over \$2 per GB. Additionally, Apple expanded support for heterogeneous environments with certification from Cisco and SUSE Linux and optimized the system to work with its Xsan Storage Area Network file system. Oct 19

Xserve RAID Storage System Updated


Former rivals Sun Microsystems and Microsoft have been working together to make their products more compatible -- permitting Windows to run on Sun #39;s hardware and making StarOffice and Java Runtime Environment compatible with XP SP2.

Sun Microsystems, Microsoft Cozying Up


The top-seeded American rallied from one-set down to defeat US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova to capture the inaugural China Open.

Serena Williams wins China Open


Celtic ditched Dunfermline 2-0 at East End Park on Sunday to reclaim top slot in the Scottish Premier League. Their bitter Glasgow rivals Rangers had gone top

UPDATE 1-Celtic regain Premier League lead


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Warmer than normal temperatures are  forecast to blanket the western United States and Plains states  this winter, but it is unclear whether the Northeast and  Midwest will face warmer, colder or normal winter weather, U.S.  government forecasters said on Wednesday.

Winter Outlook Mixed for U.S. - NOAA


AP - NASA's hurricane-damaged spaceport should be able to withstand the wind and rain from Ivan if the storm stays well to the west, the Kennedy Space Center's director said Saturday.

NASA: Spaceport Should Withstand Ivan (AP)


LA CROSSE, Wis. - In 2000, political pundits summed up the race in three words: Florida, Florida, Florida...

Upper Midwest Crucial to Kerry's Hopes


An Israeli missile attack in Gaza City has killed a top official of the Palestinian militant organization, Islamic Jihad, and another member of the group.

Israeli Missile Hits Car in Gaza, at Least one Palestinian Killed


As co-stars of an elite, wireless-oriented tech show they were improbable indeed: A weed whacker, a blender and a boombox. Their decibel assault at this year's 6th annual DEMOmobile show was the perfect foil for its most celebrated product, a noise-canceling cell phone headset called Jawbone.

Array of Cool Innovations Showcased at Mobile Tech Show


TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran has hanged three drug smugglers in  a public square in the southern province of Kerman, the  Jomhuri-ye Eslami newspaper reported on Saturday.

Iran Hangs Three Drug Smugglers in Public - Paper


AMD is expected to unveil its most powerful desktop processors to date today, a few days after rival Intel disclosed changes to its desktop processor road map.

AMD pushes PC with Athlon 64 FX


6 September 2004 -- Iraq says that medical tests conducted on a arrested man have proven he is not Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, the highest ranking former Iraqi government official still at large.

Iraqi Ministry: Tests Show Captive Is Not Al-Douri


AP - James Blake won three straight points in a second-set tiebreaker Tuesday to beat Peter Wessels of the Netherlands 6-1, 7-6 (4) and clinch a 2-0 victory for the United States at the Hopman Cup.

U.S. Beats Netherlands in the Hopman Cup (AP)


BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (Ticker) -- No. 13 Louisiana State tries to return to its winning ways Saturday when it hosts Southeastern Conference Western Division rival Mississippi State.

Mississippi St. Bulldogs


Corruption costs businesses and governments more than 220 billion a year, with a number of oil producing states among the worst offenders, according to an international anti-graft watchdog.

Corruption costs 200bn a year


29 August 2004 -- Russian investigators are continuing their probe into the near simultaneous crashes of two airliners on 24 August after finding traces of explosives at both wreckage sites.

Explosives Found In Wreckage Of Both Russian Planes


The ADT Championship was an intense battle between Cristie Kerr and Annika Sorenstam, who won her eighth L.P.G.A. event this season.

Sorenstam Needs a Playoff to Beat Kerr


The United Nations Security Council, fresh from a rare session in Kenya to speed up efforts to resolve civil wars in Sudan, today visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), another conflict-riven country where the world body is seeking to bring

Security Council, On Central African Peace Mission, Visits DR of <b>...</b>


Amazon.com Inc. said Thursday it has agreed to buy Joyo.com Ltd., China's largest online retailer of books, music and videos, for \$72 million.

Amazon.com to Acquire Joyo.com for \$72M


OTTAWA -- The federal government is wasting tens of millions on prescription drugs and its billion-dollar annual investment in native education is actually losing ground, Auditor-General Sheila Fraser said yesterday.

Auditor targets drugs, native training


Ken Caminiti, the 1996 NL MVP who later admitted using steroids, died Sunday of a heart attack.

Caminiti Dies at 41


The United States on Tuesday modified slightly a threat of sanctions on Sudan #39;s oil industry in a revised text of its UN resolution on atrocities in the country #39;s Darfur region.

US Modifies Call for UN Sanctions Against Sudan


ABUJA, Nigeria -- The African Union urged a four-day postponement of peace talks over Sudan #39;s Darfur region Thursday after a transport mix-up left delegates stranded across the continent.

WORLD IN BRIEF


Reuters - The dollar held steady across the board\on Friday as the market readied itself for a U.S. jobs report\later in the session which is likely to set the tone for\expectations of U.S. interest rate rises.

Dollar Pauses as Market Awaits Jobs Data (Reuters)


AUSTIN, Texas - Former Texas House Speaker Ben Barnes' recollections over how he helped President Bush get into the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War have evolved over the years from fuzzy to distinct, with him now expressing remorse for what he did.    Barnes, a Democrat who was one of the most powerful politicians in Texas in the '60s and '70s, said at an Austin campaign rally for Democrat John Kerry that he was

Barnes Upset About Helping Bush Avoid War


Hollinger International Inc., publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times, said former Chief Executive Conrad Black and controlling shareholders victimized #39; #39; the company by transferring \$400 million of company funds to their own accounts.

Hollinger #39;s Black Victimized #39; Company, Report Says (Update1)


Windows may be (almost) everywhere in the US, but for many folks in much of the world, spending \$100 or more on an operating system is simply impossible--which means that Windows either gets pirated or it doesn #39;t get used at all.

Enter your e-mail:


Manchester United last night appeared to move a step closer to successfully completing the signing of Wayne Rooney when they lodged an increased 25 million bid for the England striker.

United back in for Rooney with 25m bid


The first targeted flyby of Titan occurs on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 15:30 UTC (8:30 am Pacific time). Cassini #39;s closest approach to Saturn #39;s largest satellite is at an altitude of 1200 km (746 miles) above

NASA Cassini Titan Flyby Mission Description


#39; #39;The Oprah Winfrey Show quot; was the best advertising an estimated \$8 million could buy for the launch of the Pontiac G6 sedan.

Pontiac hits PR jackpot in  #39;Oprah #39; giveaway


The Tampa Bay Devil Rays set a franchise record with their 70th victory, beating the Detroit Tigers 7-4 Sunday behind Matt Diaz and John Halama.

Devil Rays Top Wins Mark in Beating Tigers


Manager Dave Miley got a long-awaited show of confidence yesterday when the Cincinnati Reds extended his contract through the 2006 season. Miley, 42, had little security when he took over for the fired Bob Boone in July 2003. He finished that season as interim manager, then got only a one-year extension with a club option for 2005. The Reds had ...

Reds extend Miley through 2006


FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- Fake blood spewed, smoke billowed, strobe lights flashed, and two high-tech dummies with limbs blown off lay on the ground.

Medics' training applies lessons of battle


A breakthrough deal between Iran and the EU aimed at defusing an international crisis over Tehran #39;s alleged nuclear ambitions was thrown into uncertainty last night when diplomats said Iran was rushing to process feed material for the manufacture of bomb

Fresh suspicion over Iran #39;s nuclear aims


A group of mathematicians look at how order theory might help in the war on terror. The branch of abstract math resembles classic military strategy but applying computers to problems might increase accuracy of predictions and strategic moves.

Can Math Help in Terror War?


A CAR bomb that ripped through a hotel on the Red Sea coast of Egypt #39;s Sinai desert early today was one of three explosions targeting tourists, killing at least 35 people dead and wounding scores more.

Islamist group claims resort blasts


Mr Qanooni, 47, quit Mr Karzai #39;s cabinet months before the ballot to spearhead a bid by the mainly Tajik Northern Alliance of anti-Taliban and anti-Soviet war heroes to unseat the interim Pashtun leader.

Karzai #39;s main rival concedes defeat in Afghan poll


Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe tells the BBC his tough stance on the internal conflict is crucial and effective.

Uribe defends security policies


BAGHDAD, Iraq -- At least 37 people, most of them children, have been killed by multiple explosions that rocked a western Baghdad neighborhood celebrating the opening of a new sewage system.

Dozens Of Children Slain As Soldiers Hand Out Candy


AP - A Democrat whose organization spent about  #36;6 million to get out the Hispanic vote criticized John Kerry's campaign effort Wednesday and said Democrats risk becoming a permanent minority if they don't do a better job.

Democrat Slams Kerry on Hispanic Outreach (AP)


Reuters - Pygmy chimpanzees, one of\humanity's closest living relatives, have been pushed to the\brink of extinction in the war-battered Democratic Republic of\Congo, conservation group WWF International said on Thursday.

Pygmy Chimpanzees on Brink of Extinction -- WWF (Reuters)


Some filmgoers still snub animation, but it's their loss if they miss The Incredibles. This movie is an example of great filmmaking: gorgeous cinematography, smart writing and genuine feeling for the characters. Jason Silverman reviews Pixar's latest wonder.

Incredibles: Another Pixar Winner


Canadian Press - LONDON (AP) - Now it can be told: Britain's Home Office had not one official cat, but a whole dynasty of mouse catchers, one of which nearly insulted the Queen.

Saga of Britain's official cats revealed under new Freedom of Information Act (Canadian Press)


influential Beirut daily An-Nahar, which carried an  quot;honour roll quot; of the 29 deputies who voted against the extension. Ninety-six deputies voted in favour of the constitutional amendment, with three absent.

Many Lebanese rue president #39;s term extension


A British soldier was killed and three others injured on Friday as the Black Watch regiment travelled from southern Iraq to its more dangerous new base near Baghdad, a military spokesman confirmed.

British soldier killed in redeployment


AP - Rescuers searching through knee-deep water found 33 more bodies in India's remote northeastern state of Assam on Sunday, bringing the death toll from unseasonably heavy rains in South Asia to 177.

Death Toll in South Asia Floods Hits 177 (AP)


Reuters - Attorneys for the Colorado woman who\accused Kobe Bryant of rape are considering suing the\basketball star in his home state of California because of a\strict cap on damages in Colorado, they said on Wednesday.

Kobe Bryant Rape Case Could Be Headed to California (Reuters)


ATHENS, Greece -- It took one innocent 30-second comment from Stephon Marbury to sum up the American basketball problem and show how easy it would be to fix it.

Marbury #39;s groove puts Americans on track


AFP - US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage arrived in Islamabad for talks with Pakistani leaders on Iraq, Afghanistan and terrorism, the foreign office said.

Armitage arrives in Pakistan for talks on Iraq, terrorism (AFP)


Robert Mondavi Corp. is entertaining an offer to buy the entire company, not just the luxury assets that were put on the auction block last month.

Mondavi Corp. gets bid to buy all of its assets


People in ancient China may have been enjoying the delights of wine as long as 9,000 years ago, making them the first in the world to enjoy a tipple.

Ancient brew discovered in China


Alonzo Mourning doesn #39;t know if he #39;ll cry. But you can bet he #39;ll scowl and shoot menacing glares at just about anyone and everyone tonight when he continues his comeback from a kidney transplant.

Opener is sweet for  #39;Zo


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar hit a fresh four-week low  against the yen on Friday on stronger-than-expected Japanese  data and as Tokyo stock prices showed resilience in the face of  weaker U.S. peers.

Dollar Hits Fresh 4-Week Low Versus Yen


TORONTO (CP) - Weston Bakeries Ltd. has assured Canadian consumers of Wonder Bread that the product #39;s availability will not be affected by the financial woes of the company that bakes it in the United States.

Wonder Bread lovers in Canada rejoice: Weston confirms support for <b>...</b>


AP - President Bush burned through more than half of his  #36;75 million government grant to cover his general-election campaign costs in September, leaving him with just under  #36;37 million left for the final month before the Nov. 2 election.

Bush Spends Half of  #36;75M Grant in Sept. (AP)


HILTON HEAD, SC  Hurricane Charley demonstrated last weekend why some of the nation #39;s most vulnerable folk - the ill, the disabled, and the frail elderly - should think twice before taking up residence in the most dangerous parts of ...

Our most vulnerable citizens don #39;t belong in hurricane danger zones


Scientists are optimistic that they will retrieve useful information from the smashed capsule that fell to earth in the Utah desert after three years in space.

Space Capsule Expected to Yield Some Useful Data Despite Crash


INFANTA, Philippines (AFP) - US Marines began helping relief operations in the Philippines following storms that have left more than 1,500 people dead as fears grew of a health crisis among survivors.

US marines in Philippines on storm relief mission, health fears <b>...</b>


THE West Indies are confident captain Brian Lara will be fit to face England in Saturday #39;s ICC Champions Trophy final at The Oval.

Victorious Windies allay Lara fears


Gymnast Paul Hamm became the first-ever American to win the men #39;s all-around title in one of the closest-ever Olympic competitions.

Paul Hamm:  #39;I competed my heart out #39;


Durban, Oct. 15. - The recent poor performances by the South African cricket team has found its first casualty in coach Eric Simons, who resigned from his post today.

Simons resigns as South Africa coach


With the stirring exception of Liverpool versus Olympiakos, where both sides fought to exhaustion to try to qualify for the second round, the last set of matches in the group stage was another night of shameful collusion in the Champions League - another

One game of true passion on a night of fakes


AP - In 2000, political pundits summed up the race in three words: Florida, Florida, Florida. Here's three words to consider this fall: Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.

Candidates Vie for Wis., Iowa, Minnesota (AP)


Brace yourself for delays and potentially long lines to get a flu shot in Arizona this year. One of the nation #39;s two largest flu manufacturers is delaying shipments after finding tainted doses of its vaccine.

Ariz. flu shots to arrive late


Comparing the new iPod Photo to iRiver H320, Walt Mossberg writes in the Wall Street Journal,  #147;Our verdict: The iPod Photo was just as easy, and satisfying, to use with photos as it is with music. It #146;s a winner, if a little pricey. But the iRiver player is complicated and clumsy, designed by techies for techies. #148; Nov 03

Reviewing iPod Photo


Leon Lawson was watching over Andre Dirrell #39;s shoulder last night, literally and figuratively, as the US middleweight tried to box his way into the medal rounds at the Olympic Games.

Dominating Dirrell dispatches Despaigne


Dell introduced two new music players yesterday, aiming to take a chunk from Apple #39;s iPod market share. Marketed under the Dell DJ (Digital Jukebox) line of digital music players, one - the

Dell targets iPod mini


Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Saturday his country would not pass on sensitive technologies to other countries.  quot;India will not be the source of proliferation

Indian PM says India not to pass on nuclear technology


Sony Corporation has come up with a smaller version of its Playstation Two game console. The book-sized PS2 will help cut costs as video-game consoles continue to drop in price.

Sony shrinking the PS2


AP - For the fourth straight election year, people tired of all the politicking and politicians tired of all the campaigning face the prospect of Congress returning after Election Day for an unpopular lame-duck session.

Unfinished Business Piles Up in Congress (AP)


After three weeks of basically hiding out on the side of a milk carton, the defensive touchdown was back in vogue on Sunday, with three interceptions returned for scores and three fumbles also run back into the end zone.

Morning After: Defensive points


KABUL : Seven people including two US soldiers died in explosions in Afghanistan, officials said, as early results from historic elections gave President Hamid Karzai a strong lead over his rivals.

Seven dead in Afghan attacks as vote count resumes


Rashad Anderson scored 17 points and Hilton Armstrong had a career-high five blocked shots as No. 7 Connecticut cruised to a 99-48 victory over Florida International on Tuesday night.

No. 7 Connecticut 99, Fla. International 48


The University of Utah football team still must wait another few weeks, but the time will be marked by anticipation rather than apprehension.

No keeping low profile


Business India: Mumbai, Oct 25 : Reliance Industries Ltd., India #39;s largest private business conglomerate, Monday reported a better-than-expected 38.

Reliance #39;s Q2 profit jumps 38.7 percent, shares slip (update):


DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. <A HREF=

Ford Posts Profit, Autos Disappoint Again


US stock-index futures declined before Alan Greenspan #39;s presentation to Congress, where the Federal Reserve chairman may restate his commitment to a measured #39; #39; increase in borrowing costs.

US Stock-Index Futures Decline; Dow Stocks Drop in Europe


In the Deutsche Bank field of 156 golfers, many are well-known, but a lot are far removed from the spotlight. Meet another of those unheralded golfers -- PGA Tour rookie Zach Johnson. He won the BellSouth Classic in April and ranks 23d on the money list, but he's hardly a household name. Yet.

Rookie is here to stay


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Cigarette makers lied and tried to  confuse the public about the dangers of smoking for 50 years,  the U.S. government said on Tuesday as its \$280 billion case  against the industry went to trial.

Feds: Cigarette Makers Lied for 50 Years


ROME : A top Italian official leaves for the Middle East to seek the help of Arab countries to secure the release of two female Italian aid workers taken hostage in Iraq.

Italy looks for Arab support to free hostages in Iraq


AFP - A senior Democratic senator released a report alleging that the US Pentagon exaggerated the military risks posed by Iraq before the US-led war there to support a decision already taken by the White House to invade the country.

Pentagon exaggerated risk posed by Iraq: US senator (AFP)


Matt Leinart made a strong pitch for the Heisman Trophy, and Southern California overcame a sluggish start to move within one win of a perfect regular season.

Leinart Leads Southern California Past Notre Dame


BAGHDAD, Iraq Al-Jazeera has aired a videotape from a militant group that claims it #39;s captured 20 Iraqi soldiers in Fallujah. The tape shows the men in Iraqi National Guard uniforms, with their backs to the camera.

Arabic TV shows tape of captured Iraqi guardsmen


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Shipments of personal computers  this year will be higher than previously anticipated, boosted  by the strongest demand from businesses in five years, research  firm IDC said on Monday.

IDC Raises '04 PC Growth View, Trims '05


The title of most powerful businesswoman is going, going, gone, to eBay Inc.'s Meg Whitman.

EBay's Whitman topples Fiorina from top spot on Fortune list


Telstra today announced the price range for its \$750 million off-market buyback, which was part of its capital management program.

Telstra sets price range for \$750m buyback


LONDON - The UK took another step towards greater competition in and cheaper access to broadband technology as telecoms regulator Ofcom published its final proposals for local loop unbundling and ordered BT Group to cut the wholesale prices it charges

UK regulator pushing for more, cheaper broadband access


AP - Iraq's interim prime minister went to Jordan on Tuesday for meetings with tribal figures and other influential Iraqis in a bid to encourage Sunni Muslims to participate in the Jan. 30 elections, but he ruled out contacts with insurgent leaders and former members of Saddam Hussein's deposed regime.

Allawi to Promote Iraq Election in Jordan (AP)


Michael Phelps is named to the 4x100-meter freestyle relay team that will compete in Sunday's final, keeping alive his quest for a possible eight Olympic gold medals.

Phelps On Relay Team


New threats to Unix users include a widely used software development aid known as concurrent version control, according to the latest annual Sans Top 20 vulnerability report.

Sans list warns of Unix version control risk


A woman has attacked two works of art at a controversial Berlin exhibition given by the heir of a convicted Nazi industrialist, before shouting that she forgave their owner, police say.

Nazi heir artwork collection attacked


Crude oil futures rose on concern Hurricane Ivan may disrupt production, refining and the arrival of shipments as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico, where a quarter of US oil and natural gas is pumped.

Oil Rises as Hurricane Moves Toward Platforms in Gulf of Mexico


Actually, I just finished looking at the final BCS standings and could use a boost. More to the point, I could use an aspirin. So let me get this straight: Pittsburgh loses to Nebraska and Connecticut, narrowly

BCS situation is enough to give anyone a headache


BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (BosNewsLife) -- Hungarians prepared for a new political era Thursday, August 26, after the country #39;s ruling Socialists appointed Ferenc Gyurcsany, a flamboyant millionaire, as the new prime minister.

Hungary Appoints New Prime Minister after Political Crisis


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Tony Blair will pledge Tuesday  to force international action on global warming, despite the  reluctance of big powers like the United States.

Blair to Press on Climate Change, Challenge Bush


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal judge on Saturday denied a  tobacco industry request to delay the government's \$280 billion  racketeering case against the industry which is scheduled to go  to trial on Sept. 21.

Judge Won't Delay Tobacco Trial


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. commander in the Gulf  region sees the role of U.S. troops in Iraq possibly shifting  as early as next year to focus less on combat and more on  training Iraqi security forces, The Washington Post reported on  Tuesday.

Top U.S. General in Iraq Sees Shift for Troops --Paper


A judge today ordered 28 police officers to stand trial for their alleged brutality in a raid against anti-globalisation protesters during the 2001 Group of Eight summit in Genoa, news reports said.

Twenty-eight police to stand trial for G8 violence


SHANGHAI (AFP) - Computer maker Lenovo #39;s landmark purchase of the PC business of one of America #39;s most vaunted corporate names adds to a growing list of ambitious Chinese companies seeking to make a name for themselves on global markets.

Lenovo IBM deal a  #39;great leap #39; for Chinese companies on the world <b>...</b>


In a bid to further differentiate itself from open source rivals, Microsoft Tuesday said it will expand its indemnification program to cover the vast majority of its customers.

Microsoft to indemnify most users from legal threats


AP - Tiger Woods and his new wife were briefly held aboard their private yacht Thursday by U.S. Coast Guard officers and turned away from San Juan's port because they failed to notify authorities of their arrival ahead of time, an official said.

Tiger Woods Turned Away From San Juan (AP)


With Pedro Martinez going for the Boston Red Sox against rookie Scott Kazmir, last night #39;s game at Fenway Park looked like a major mismatch.

Rookie stops Sox


LAHORE, Pakistan - Pakistani police have detained more than a dozen people after a suicide bomber attacked a Shiite Muslim mosque in eastern city Lahore killing three people plus himself, a security official said Monday.

Over a dozen detained after suicide bomb attack on Pakistan mosque


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel vowed on Tuesday to respond  against militants who launch rocket attacks across its border,  after two rockets were fired toward the Jewish state from  southern Lebanon overnight.

Israel Vows Response to Rocket Fire from Lebanon


MANHASSET, NY - Global PC unit shipments for the September 2004 fiscal quarter grew by 9.7 percent over a year ago, below market guidance for 12 percent growth and indicative of a weakening market for desktop PCs, according to market research firm

PC shipments fall short of targets, says Gartner


AFP - Afghan President Hamid Karzai dismissed a powerful warlord from his post as provincial governor in the latest move to solidify the central government's control of wayward provinces ahead of October's landmark polls.

Karzai dismisses powerful military governor ahead of Afghan polls (AFP)


In FRANKFURT story headlined  quot;UPDATE 2-Greenspan warns appetite for dollar to dwindle quot; please read in paragraph 13 ... said Jason Bonanca ... instead of ... said Jason Bonaca ... (adds dropped letter). FRANKFURT

CORRECTED - UPDATE 2-Greenspan warns appetite for dollar to <b>...</b>


Yahoo has named Dr. Usama Fayyad as Chief Data Officer and senior vice president of the Strategic Data Solutions group. Fayyad will be responsible for Yahoo!

Yahoo Names Its First Chief Data Officer


Generali Ladies Open: Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo rallied past Jelena Jankovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 yesterday to advance to the final in Linz, Austria, against Elena Bovina.

Mauresmo, Bovina set to meet in Generali final


ATLANTA (Sports Network) - Brock Berlin threw a career-high three touchdown passes to lead No. 4 Miami-Florida to an easy 27-3 win over Georgia Tech in ACC action at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Brock Berlin Guides Miami (Fla.) Past Georgia Tech


The Nikkei average was up 0.37 percent in mid-morning trade on Thursday as a recovery in the dollar helped auto makers among other exporters, but trade was slow as investors waited for important Japanese economic data.

Exporters Lead Nikkei Up, Trade Slow


While making the expected move, the Federal Reserve suggested that more rate increases are in order in the months ahead.

Fed Raises Interest Rates for 5th Time This Year


Japan Airlines Corp., Asia #39;s largest carrier by sales, had a sixfold jump in second-quarter profit as rising Japanese exports boosted airfreight demand and passenger numbers rebounded from last year #39;s SARS-induced slump.

Japan Air #39;s 2nd-Qtr Profit Soars Sixfold on Demand (Update2)


Jose Lima had a five-hit shutout and Shawn Green two homers Saturday as Los Angeles stayed in its NL Division Series by beating St.

MLB: Los Angeles 4, St. Louis 0


Baghdad, Nov 03 - The kidnappers of aid worker Margaret Hassan threatened to turn her over to al-Qaida-linked militants notorious for beheading hostages unless Britain agreed within 48 hours to pull its troops from Iraq, Al-Jazeera television reported.

Kidnappers threaten to turn over CARE chief to Zarqawi #39;s group


Bolivians vote in local elections with grassroots groups set to challenge the  traditional political parties.

New forces mark Bolivia election


An African Union helicopter rescued 45 aid workers, 30 from the Save the Children organization, amid renewed fighting in Sudan #39;s Darfur region Monday.

45 aid workers rescued from Darfur


Microsoft has patched a flaw in the Windows XP Service Pack 2 firewall. The flaw could make files viewable from outside a local network if file and printer sharing are enabled.

Microsoft Patches Critical XP Firewall Flaw


When the rule of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was reaffirmed in a landslide 58-42 percent victory on Sunday, the opposition who put the recall vote on the ballot was stunned. They obviously don #39;t spend much time in the nation #39;s poor neighborhoods.

Why Hugo Chavez Won a Landslide Victory


The EU on Monday welcomed Beijing #39;s measures to control its textile export growth after a global quota system expires on Jan. 1, and said legal steps to block Chinese imports should only be used if strictly necessary.

EU says block Chinese textiles  quot;only if necessary quot;


National Semiconductor Corp. said Monday it agreed to sell its imaging business, which makes chips used in small cameras and cell phones, to camera giant Eastman Kodak Co., as it focuses on its main business of making analog chips.

National Semiconductor to Sell Imaging Unit


A basketball refugee when the ROckers folded, Chasity Melvin has since helped stabilize the Mystics without Chamique Holdsclaw.

Melvin Finds Role


ATHENS (Reuters) - Spain's Pau Gasol got the better of  China's Yao Ming in Olympic basketball's own clash of the  giants Sunday.

Pau Edges Yao in Clash of the Giants


PC shipments grew between nearly 10 and 12 percent in the third quarter, paced by shipments to enterprise organizations, according to announcements from two market-research firms on Tuesday.

PC Report: Enterprise, Notebook Sales Drive 12 Increase


Hooters Air will begin offering nonstop flights out of the Greater Rockford Airport in early 2005 to Denver, Atlanta and Las Vegas, officials said.

Hooters Air brings flights to Rockford


The settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission capped a 2 1/2-year investigation. Qwest did not admit or deny any wrongdoing.

Qwest agrees to pay \$250 million to settle SEC allegations of <b>...</b>


Authorities found the decapitated bodies of three policemen as sporadic gunfire killed at least one civilian in Haiti #39;s capital on the second day of violent protests staged by followers of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Aristide supporters rally as Haiti violence continues


A Maryland group seeking paper trails on touch-screen voting machines today sued the State Board of Elections to win the right to monitor polling places on Election Day. <FONT face=

E-Voting Group Sues Md. Elections Board


Al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin-Laden has threatened new attacks on the United States in a new videotape aired on al-Jazeera television.

Osama Bin Laden Criticizes President Bush in New Video


North Korean and US officials met this week to discuss the nuclear standoff on the Korean Peninsula. It appears they came no closer to resuming multilateral

US, N.Korea Meet, But No Agreement Reached on Six-Party Talks


Yesterday, Russia #39;s erstwhile largest oil company, YUKOS (OTC BB: YUKOY), won a single legal skirmish in a land far from home.

YUKOS #39; Hollow Victory


JERUSALEM -- Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat appears to have faced down the biggest challenge to his leadership in years without giving ground on demands to overhaul his administration, while Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel struggles to chart a new political course amid rising dissent in his party, officials and analysts say.

Standing firm, Arafat seen to counter his critics


AP - President Bush rejected calls for a delay in next month's Iraqi elections, insisting Thursday that the vote was too important to put off even though violence and chaos still grip much of the country.

Bush Adamant on Iraq Election Schedule (AP)


The head of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries forecast on Monday that global crude prices would soon fall, partly because of expected supply increases from Iraq.

OPEC chief sees relief


Italy #39;s government dismissed reports Wednesday that it paid \$1 million to free two Italian aid workers who were kidnapped in Iraq and held for three weeks before being released Tuesday.

Italian Officials Dispute Reports of Ransom


AMERICAN INTERNET advertising revenues have increased by more than 40 per cent in the first six months of this year. According to bean counters Price Waterhouse Coopers, US revenues for the first six months

Internet ad tevenues jump


Alert Thursday joins patch Tuesday in BoFH calendars

MS debuts 'forthcoming attractions' pre-alert alert


Reuters - Global warming is melting the Arctic\ice faster than expected, and the world's oceans could rise by\about a meter (3 feet) by 2100, swamping homes from Bangladesh\to Florida, the head of a study said on Tuesday.

Oceans to Rise One Meter by 2100-Arctic Expert (Reuters)


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian parliamentary speaker Boris  Gryzlov said Tuesday Ukraine was headed for breakup or  bloodshed over its deadlocked presidential election.

Ukraine Faces Split, Bloodshed, Putin Ally Says


November 10, 2004 - The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association announced this morning that Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has become the United Kingdom #39;s fastest-selling videogame of all time.

GTA Dominates Britain


New security, collaboration, and organization features; Microsoft Office 2003 compatibility; Professional version allows Acrobat Reader users to annotate PDF documents.

Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional


If getting to the Super Bowl is half the fun, getting back is nearly impossible. No team over the last five seasons has gone to the NFL championship game in consecutive seasons, and

Patriots eye Super return


FORT PIERCE, Fla. - Hurricane Jeanne forced the evacuations of more than 800,000 residents Saturday as it bore down on Florida with winds near 105 mph and threatened to strengthen into a major storm...

Thousands in Fla. Told to Flee Hurricane


AP - The commission that proposed three presidential candidate debates says time is running out for the Bush and Kerry campaigns to agree on details so organizers can finalize their plans.

Debates Panel Seeks Bush, Kerry Response (AP)


David Gergen , director of the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government , was an adviser to four US presidents: Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton. He is editor-at-large at U.S. News  amp; World Report and a political analyst. Gergen, whose center helps develop future leaders, talked to Boston Globe staff reporter Diane E. Lewis ...

Q amp;A David Gergen, political analyst, on leadership


LONDON (AP) -- A consumer's group said Wednesday it has complained to government regulators about the cost of downloading music from Apple's iTunes system.    British buyers are charged 79 pence, or \$1.41, for one track, while customers in France and Germany pay euro0.99, or \$1.21...

UK Complains of Higher iTunes Cost


Viacom Inc., the media conglomerate, said Thursday that profits grew 11.6 percent in the third quarter because of a jump in advertising at its cable and television networks.

Viacom profits up due to cable, TV


Record-setting quarterback Ralph Barone and women's hockey standout and current coach Laura Schuler head the list of seven inductees into the Northeastern Hall of Fame.

NU names seven to Hall


TORONTO -- Toronto #39;s Jonathan Brown was mainly responsible for the constant, dull thud of BC quarterbacks hitting the turf, wondering what hit them, that he earned the right to weigh in on the Lions #39; renewed quarterback controversy.

QB guessing game begins


Australian scientists once marveled at an unusual frog that could turn off its gastric juices and brood its young in its stomach. But by 1981, the Southern gastric-brooding frog had completely disappeared.

Study finds amphibian population declining rapidly


You could spend all weekend exploring retail stores in Wichita, and you still probably won #39;t find it. The Dora the Explorer talking dollhouse is sold out.

Naughty, nice are irrelevant if Santa can #39;t find any iPods


Claiming grid technology continues to expand outside its traditional scientific and research markets, IBM on Friday is announced several grid-based commercial projects built on IBM platforms have been launched, including one at the US Environmental

IBM registers grid computing wins


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The price of a gallon of gasoline in  the United States fell over the last two weeks during a  seasonally slow consumption period, according to an industry  analyst.

Gas Prices Dip to Average \$1.96 a Gallon


By JIM PAUL    URBANA, Ill. (AP) -- Plant geneticist Ted Hymowitz knew that finding an allergy-free soybean would take a painstaking search through thousands of varieties...

Researchers Find Allergy-Free Soybean


The astronauts aboard the international space station repaired their crippled oxygen generator Friday after replacing an internal electronics component.

Astronauts fix space station #39;s fluctuating oxygen generator


MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan - At first glance the election commissions map of Afghanistan appears to be a colour-coded layout of the countrys patchwork ethnic groups.

Afghan vote reflects ethnic fault lines


A prominent Cuban doctor who was denied permission to travel to Buenos Aires to visit relatives was staying at the Argentine Embassy on Thursday, but her son said she does not plan to seek asylum in a case that has raised tensions between the two nations.

Cuban M.D. Staying at Argentine Embassy


Business regulators in Shanghai turn down an application for a Playboy nightclub complex in the city.

China officials halt Playboy club


Indian selectors have picked two rookie pace bowlers in the squad for the two-Test series in Bangladesh. Gagandeep Singh of the northern state of Punjab and Shib Shankar Paul from the

Indian selectors pick two rookie fast bowlers for Bangladesh tour


A doctor helping organise Afghan elections died on Monday along with four other civilians when an explosion tore through their vehicle, police said.

Karzai leads vote count


Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - The Carolina Panthers will be without running back Stephen Davis for Sunday #39;s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

No Davis for Carolina in Week 4


AP - A company that makes substances used in some common medical tests has suspended operations at a nuclear pharmacy in Maryland as state and federal health officials investigate several cases of hepatitis C in the Baltimore area, authorities said Thursday.

Md. Hepatitis C May Be From Medical Tests (AP)


SWITZERLAND #39;s Julien Clement leads the Madrid Open after carding a first-round, seven-under-par 64 today. Clement, 23, who only came here to get his game in shape for tour school, marched two strokes ahead

Price two off pace


ATHENS -- We'll have to wait until the lab reports come back. This is the modern era of track and field after all, when it can take four years for Olympic results to become final (right, Jerome Young?). But when the last baton crossed the line here last night, the US team had turned in a heck of a meet, ...

Dashing performances


AP - Texas at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EDT). Mark Mulder (17-4) and the A's face the Rangers.

BBO Baseball Today (AP)


By MARK SHERMAN    WASHINGTON (AP) -- Requiring doctors and hospitals to report publicly on their performance and tying their pay to the results would dramatically reduce avoidable deaths and costs attributable to poor medical care, says a new report from an organization that works to improve health care quality.    Wild variations in medical care led to 79,000 avoidable deaths and \$1.8 billion in additional medical costs last year, the private National Committee for Quality Assurance said in its annual report released Wednesday...

Poor Medical Treatment Kills Thousands Each Year


Both went 3 for 3 from beyond the arc for their first three-pointers of the season and career highs for three-pointers in a game. Reserve Erlana Larkins added 12 points for the Tar Heels (6-0).

No. 2 Tar Heels Make Quick Work of Wofford


EDINBURGH (Reuters) - Amateur prodigy Michelle Wie will  spend an uninterrupted few weeks studying at Punahou High  School in Honolulu before the 15-year-old returns to learning  her trade as a would-be professional golfer.

Back to School as Wie Plays a Waiting Game


Maria Sharapova is in uncharted waters here, having reached the third round at Flushing Meadows for the first time. But I #39;m confident she can sink Mary Pierce this weekend and sail on into the second week of play.

Sharapova has power and movement to eclipse Pierce


Detroit Lions defensive end Robert Porcher understood why he was benched in Sunday #39;s 20-16 victory against the Chicago Bears, but he might need even more patience before this season is over.

Porcher doesn #39;t mind not playing considering the circumstances


AFP - The wreck of a 17th-century ship found preserved in a sandbar in southern Ireland five years ago could well be the navy flagship of England ruler Oliver Cromwell, according to a Irish government archaeologist.

Irish sunken wreck likely Cromwell's flagship, archaeologists say (AFP)


Drug maker AstraZeneca PLC said Friday that the Food and Drug Administration did not approve its orally taken blood thinner Exanta.

AstraZeneca #39;s Exanta Not Approved


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

Hurricanes Hit Office Depot Profit


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc.'s <A HREF=

Amazon.com May Be Losing Its Dot-Com Glitz


Marwan Barghouti's withdrawal leaves Mahmoud Abbas without a serious challenger in the Jan. 9 vote to choose the head of the Palestinian Authority.

Jailed Palestinian Leader Drops Out of Race to Replace Arafat


Viewers watched the live television broadcast in horror: Plainclothes policemen begged for their lives before a mob accusing them of being child kidnappers burned two of them to death in front of cameras.

Vigilante killings stun Mexicans


LONDON A spokesman says Prince Harry has talked to his father, Prince Charles, about his scuffle with a photographer outside a London nightclub.

Prince Harry talks to father about nightclub fracas


The US has said it will fully back any action that Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf takes to capture Osama bin Laden. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said this at his daily press briefing on

US to fully back Pak chase to catch Bin Laden


These Baltimore Orioles have suddenly turned into heart-stoppers. After four breathtaking games against playoff contender Boston this week, the Orioles appeared

O #39;s Thrive on Suspense


Reuters - The New Orleans Hornets are\going to have their work cut out for them in the 2004-05\season. When the NBA approved its realignment plan, the Hornets\became the newest member of the Western Conference as the\expansion Charlotte Bobcats were placed in the East, giving\each conference 15 clubs comprised of three divisions of five\teams.

Can the Hornets Conquer the West? (Reuters)


US military tanks advanced to a few hundred meters away from Imam Ali shrine for the first time during Najaf crisis, al-Arabiya TV channel reported on Sunday.

US tanks advance toward Najaf shrine: Arabiya TV


First, thanks to all those Bengals fans who wrote to complain about the dig on their team #39;s uniforms. Yeah, this time of year I like pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes, too, but not when I have to wear them on Sundays.

Mailbag: Readers right? You be the judg


PARIS, Nov 1 (AFP) - France condemned the Palestinian suicide attack Monday in Tel Aviv that killed four people, including the bomber, and called on all sides in the Middle East conflict to avoid a new cycle of violence.

France condemns Tel Aviv suicide bombing


Nokia has lifted the lid on the worlds first NFC (Near Field Communication) equipped mobile phone by adding the special NFC clip-on shell to their 3220, a tri-band camera phone that is available in two versions (Euro/Asia  amp; America).

Nokia #39;s First NFC Product - Why it #39;s Important


Reuters - Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co.\will join hands in a bid to save costs and create an\international standard for the software that operates a car's\electronic systems.

Toyota, Nissan Join to Standardize Car Electronics (Reuters)


The SEC hurdle had been closely watched after Google made some missteps after announcing its intention to go public, including possibly violating the quiet period regulations. At the market close, the Dow had climbed 110.32 ...

Google Gets the Green Light, Markets Perk Up


Year-end tax planning involves making moves before Dec. 31 that will save on this year #39;s taxes. The tactic involves the timing and the method by which your income is reported and your deductions and tax credits are claimed.

Decision time: Last chance for 2004 tax strategies


AP - The smallest man on the court always seems to make the biggest plays for the Washington Huskies.

Little Man Robinson Plays Big for Huskies (AP)


It will be a short trading week, but that is probably the best reason to take a long, hard look at some of the companies that will be in the news.

The Fool's Look Ahead


ATHENS, Greece - Top-seeded Roger Federer crashed out in the second round of the Olympic tournament Tuesday night, losing 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 to Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic. Federer, who won Wimbledon the past two years and replaced Andy Roddick atop the rankings in February, was undone by poor serving and a string of unforced errors...

Top-Seeded Federer Upset in Second Round


North Korea has described US President George W. Bush as a tyrannical political imbecile. who put Adolf Hitler in the shade and said Pyongyang could see no justification for talks with his administration.

North Korea says Bush worse than Hitler


VIENNA -- The diplomatic showdown over Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions could escalate into a confrontation that changes the political dynamic of the Middle East and further destabilizes the region, Western diplomats, officials, and analysts say.

Tension grows over Iran's nuclear aims


A lawsuit in which UK mobile phones maker Sendo had accused Microsoft of stealing its technology and customers is settled.

Microsoft and Sendo settle case


Australian shopping centre giant Westfield Group on Thursday offered 585 million pounds (A\$1.48 billion) cash for UK property group Chelsfield as part of an overseas expansion drive, topping a bid from rival Multiplex Ltd.

Westfield tops Multiplex bid for Chelsfield


PARIS (Reuters) - European planemaker Airbus won approval  from its shareholders on Friday to unleash a fresh marketing  battle against arch-rival Boeing by seeking orders for a  fuel-saving, wide-body jet to be called the A350.

Airbus A350 Unleashes New War with Boeing


AGL has agreed to sell its majority shareholding to Vector at \$3.00 per share - a deal worth \$877.4 million in total. Bloomberg noted that NGC would provide Vector with North Island gas pipelines, adding to

Vector takes \$877m share in NGC


MGM Mirage on Wednesday unveiled its largest building project ever, a multibillion-dollar plan to create a high-rise neighborhood on the Las Vegas Strip that keeps up with the city #39;s growing population and tourist trade.

MGM has lofty plans for Strip


quot;Other recent syntheses of biological impacts, including my own, have focused on very large datasets across the globe, quot; said Parmesan.

Global warming #39;s impact on US plants, animals determined from <b>...</b>


The moment after Shinui achieved its meteoric achievement of 15 Knesset seats, the question was: Can the party make the transition from a one-issue, one-election wonder to one of the top two national parties?

Exit Shinui


Oslo #39;s Munch Museum could remain closed until June 2005 while officials upgrade its security system following a brazen daylight robbery in August of two Edvard Munch masterpieces.

Munch Museum to stay closed well into 2005


Amid signs that the economy is cooling, President Bush is showcasing initiatives for a second term under the banner of an  quot;ownership society quot; in hopes of bolstering his economic stewardship credentials.

Bush pressing case for  #39;ownership society #39;


AP - Tokyo stocks rebounded Wednesday from a two-day decline, as investors cautiously bought select technology blue chips despite government data showing Japan's economy grew slower than initially thought in the past quarter. The U.S. dollar was up against the Japanese yen.

Tokyo Stocks Post Modest Rebound (AP)


AFP - The European Commission said it had adopted a plan to adapt eurozone rules intended to control budget deficits in order to improve the way they work and their credibility.

EU commission proposes new interpretation of eurozone budget rules (AFP)


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Oscar De La Hoya will try and take a page out of the boxing history book while writing his own legend at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas tonight.

De La Hoya hopes history repeats against Hopkins


NewsFactor - I.T. managers will appreciate the versatility of the HP (NYSE: HPQ) d530 Business Desktop, equipped with a 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 with hyperthreading technology. The small form-factor desktop targets business consumers seeking a reasonably priced, high-end PC. HP has produced a business machine that will fulfill any office task without draining your entire PC budget.

Product Review: HP d530 Business Desktop (NewsFactor)


By Will Llyod. It #39;s time for a new college football bowl system, because the Bowl Championship Series just isn #39;t working. Over the past couple of years, national titles have been split, teams

BCS blunders


Symbol Technologies and Proxim Corporation said Tuesday (Sept. 14) that they have settled a patent infringement case focusing on wireless LAN (WLAN)technology.

Symbol, Proxim settle WLAN patent case


Wonder Woman

France's first gay TV station launches with diet of porn,


Intel has updated its heavy-duty Itanium 2 server range to include chips with 9MB of cache and clock speeds of 1.6GHz. The new processors comprise 1.6GHz chips with 9, 6 and 3 MB of L3 cache (two models, with

Intel tops out server range with data-crunching Itanium chips


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - San Francisco Giants slugger  Barry Bonds, 40, underwent knee surgery Tuesday and is expected  to recover fully by spring training next year.

Barry Bonds Undergoes Knee Surgery


Reuters - France was torn between hope and doubt\about its two hostages in Iraq on Wednesday after a purported\French negotiator announced their imminent release but\officials insisted they knew nothing about his efforts.

France Cautious About Purported Iraq Hostage Talks (Reuters)


Web sites for President Bush's campaign and the Republican National Committee suffered outages for several hours on Wednesday.

Bush and GOP Web Sites Suffer Outages


BAGHDAD, Sept 30 (AFP) - At least 41 people were killed, most of them children, and scores wounded after three car bombs exploded in western Baghdad on Thursday, the latest in a string of bloody bombings in Iraq.

Deadliest attacks in Iraq insurgency


England boss Sven Goran Eriksson has defended goalkeeper David James after last night #39;s 2-2 draw in Austria. James allowed Andreas Ivanschitz #39;s shot to slip through his fingers to complete Austria comeback from two goals down.

Gerrard reveals England change howler


French President Jacques Chirac lead a delegation of business leaders on a trip to oil-rich Libya Wednesday hoping to expand trade ties.

Chirac woos Libyans for oil


E-mail security systems vendor IronPort Systems Inc. is releasing new versions of its C-Series line of Email Security Appliances, with features that make it easier for administrators to predict new virus outbreaks and manage e-mail security across corporate networks, the company said Monday.

IronPort updates e-mail security appliances


Minnesota Vikings running back Michael Bennett watched the season #39;s first five games from the sideline with a knee injury. Anxiety over recovering from injury eventually led to concern

Trio of talented backs lift Vikings


AFP - Sri Lanka's President Chandrika Kumaratunga offered to revive stalled peace talks with the Tamil Tigers in a message conveyed to rebels by Norway's Foreign Minister Jan Petersen, her office said.

Norway FM takes peace message to Tamil Tigers (AFP)


WASHINGTON -- Lleyton Hewitt launched his ATP Washington Classic campaign with a 6-1 6-2 first round win over Kenneth Carlsen of Denmark.

Hewitt in sharp form in Washington


AP - Braves left-hander Mike Hampton missed his scheduled start Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies because of a stiff neck.

Hampton Misses Start With Stiff Neck (AP)


A powerful group of Sunni Muslim clerics called Tuesday for a boycott of national elections set for late January to protest the US-led attack against the Sunni insurgent stronghold Fallujah.

Sunni clerics call for boycott of January elections because of <b>...</b>


Washington investors have just two more days to exorcise their investment in US Airways before shares of the Arlington airline are exiled to the land of the living dead.

US Airways' Woes Reflect Industry Issues


Italy dismisses claims that two female aid workers held hostage in Iraq have been killed.

Confusion over Italian hostages


Stock in AK Steel Corp. and other publicly traded US steel companies posted large gains Monday on news of a three-way merger that #39;ll create the world #39;s largest steelmaker.

Industry news drives AK Steel stock


Like so many Tennessee defenders, the questions kept coming and coming at Georgia quarterback David Greene after Saturdays 19-14 loss to the Volunteers.

Greene has no answers for offense


AP - A new Russian-U.S. crew headed to the international space station Thursday, surging into orbit aboard a Soyuz spacecraft none of the three astronauts has piloted before.

New Russian-U.S. Crew Heads Into Space (AP)


Manchester United Football Club manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits he has made mistakes with his line-ups this season. The Reds have slipped eleven points behind leaders and champions Arsenal after only nine

Manchester United Football Club boss admits mistakes


WITH the reality of democratic elections across the West Bank and Gaza now sinking in, Palestinian political leaders yesterday began jockeying in earnest for position and advantage, as new coalitions and obscure candidates emerged.

Rivals ready themselves for Palestinian poll


By EMMA ROSS    LONDON (AP) -- Money spent on sports and exercise should be tax deductible as part of a national strategy to fight flab, say doctors in Britain who are grappling with one of the world's most rapidly growing obesity epidemics.    Ahead of a daylong conference Thursday on tackling obesity in primary care clinics, the Royal College of General Practitioners called on the government to consider tax breaks to make exercise more accessible and affordable to everybody...

Doctors Suggest Tax Breaks for Exercising


Germany #39;s Tommy Haas continued his resurgence with a 7-6 6-1 7-5 victory over Czech teenager Tomas Berdych on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open for the first time.

UPDATE 1-Open-Rejuvenated Haas reaches last eight


NEW YORK (Reuters) - A new reporting period for company  earnings kicks into gear this week, giving investors a bit of  hard data to chew on, and markets could be volatile if the  price of crude oil stays north of \$50 a barrel.

Oil, Profit Reports to Weigh on Stocks


Police received a cell phone text message before the Australian Embassy bombing, warning that foreign missions in Jakarta would be attacked unless the alleged head of the Jemaah Islamiyah terror group was freed, Australias foreign minister said today.

Indonesian Police  #39;Received Text Message Warning of Blast #39;


Today we would like to introduce to you two new guests: Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition 3.46GHz processor and i925XE Express chipset supporting 266MHz FSB frequency (1066MHz QDR).

Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition 3.46GHz and i925XE Express <b>...</b>


quot;Our system is based on freedom of speech, quot; said Nathan Melton of Spanish Fork. Whether people agree with someone #39;s opinions or not, each person has the right to be heard.

Thoughts on free speech


PARIS (Reuters) - Vivendi Universal revealed on Tuesday the  full impact of selling most of its entertainment business, as  impairment charges incurred from the deal were largely behind a  nearly trebled first-half net loss of 1.86 billion euros (\$2.28  billion.).

Vivendi Net Loss Widens


A growing dissident movement opposes Israel's planned withdrawal on religious and nationalist grounds.

Israeli army faces a revolt from the right


While Nobel prizes are given for past performance, other types of inducement prizes are intended to spur innovation. Do they do the job?

Do Good! Win a Prize!


NEC Solutions America, the US unit of Japanese server maker NEC Corp., has announced a new fault tolerant Windows server, a machine with the unwieldy name of the Express5800/340 Hb-R.

NEC delivers four-way fault tolerant Windows server


LONDON : Committed, thorough and excited - three of the qualities Jonny Wilkinson said he wanted to see in the England team he takes charge of for three Tests next month.

Rugby: Captain Jonny spells out England ambitions


Defeated in Parliament, supporters of fox hunting went to court Friday to try to overturn a legislative ban on their more than 300-year-old sport and vowed a campaign of civil disobedience

British hunters seek to end fox-hunt ban


A group claiming to have captured two Indonesian women in Iraq has said it will release them if Jakarta frees Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir being held for alleged terrorist links.

Captors of Indonesians want cleric freed


New York Post - ST. LOUIS  #x2014; Tonight is the first World Series start in Pedro Martinez' illustrious career. Not to spoil the party, but will he finally pitch like a three-time Cy Young Award winner this postseason?

WHICH PEDRO WILL SHOW TONIGHT? (New York Post)


BOSTON -- Screeching guitars and loud rock and roll bounced around the empty seats in Fenway Park here Thursday afternoon as the Boston Red Sox took batting practice.

Red Sox #39;s dark days might be followed quickly by winter


AFP - A young French woman died in a London hospital on hours after being struck violently on the head with a blunt instrument while walking home across Twickenham Park, a police spokesman said.

Young French woman murdered in London park (AFP)


OTTAWA - Canada #39;s reputation as an environmental leader is slipping because most federal departments aren #39;t paying attention to the impact of their policies, says a report released on Tuesday.

Canada slipping on environment: report


Free Wi-Fi, subsidized music-download services, even free iPods at Duke University. There #39;s no question that high-tech perks are a fixture of today #39;s college experience.

The digital student life


The pace of economic growth has been a point of contention throughout the Presidential campaign, and just in time for Election Day, the government #39;s advance report on third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) arrived on Oct. 29.

GDP: Not Great, but Encouragingly Solid


Job trimming at technology companies took off during the past three months, according to a new report. Announced job cuts in the technology sector hit 54,701 in the third quarter, up 60 percent from the second

Study finds dramatic rise in loss of tech jobs


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr wants his followers to end their uprising against U.S. and Iraqi forces while he considers forming a political movement, senior al-Sadr officials said Monday...

Al-Sadr Calls on Militia to End Uprising


After receiving harassing messages and even a death threat, the founder of a service that fools caller ID systems has decided to sell the business.

Citing Threats, Entrepreneur Wants to Quit Caller ID Venture


A humanitarian agency with a long history of work in Iraq has ended its operations in the war-torn nation after its leader was abducted.

CARE International leaves Iraq


AP - Stephon Marbury had 22 points and nine assists to help the New York Knicks end a three-game losing streak with an 86-79 victory over New Orleans on Wednesday night, dropping the Hornets to 0-9 at home.

Knicks Swat Hornets 86-79 (AP)


TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average turned lower by  late morning on Wednesday as concern over surging oil prices  and their possible impact on the global economy hit exporters  such as Toyota Motor Corp.

Japan Stocks Turn Lower on Oil Worries


Workers at Delta Air Lines breathed a sigh of relief Thursday after hearing the news the airline #39;s pilots union agreed to \$1 billion in wage and benefits concessions.

Delta: Workers Sigh With Relief


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The initial public offering of  Internet search engine Google Inc. was billed as a bonanza for  millions of U.S. investors -- but the little guy, with check in  hand, was left out of the party.

Google Roadshows Left Small Investors Out


HOUSTON (Reuters) - A fired-up Lleyton Hewitt defused  hard-hitting Andy Roddick 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday, scurrying into  the final of the Masters Cup for the third time in four years.

Hewitt Beats Roddick to Reach Masters Final


Putnam Investments said Monday it will cut about 100 jobs, an announcement that came a week after parent company Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos.

Putnam Investments to Eliminate 100 Jobs


Jack Nicklaus was as stunned as anyone by the outcome of the Ryder Cup, and he will captain the U.S. team in the Presidents Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in September.

Nicklaus Looks Ahead


The announcement yesterday by Attorney General John Ashcroft that the Justice Department had executed search warrants on five homes and one ISP in connection with alleged illegal copying and sharing of music and movie files didnt necessarily send

Big Business Is Not Immune


The Greek airliner forced to make an emergency landing at Stansted airport following a bomb threat has been given the all-clear by police today.

Bomb Threat Plane Given All-Clear


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's prime minister insisted Wednesday  that Japan would not withdraw its troops from Iraq despite a  threat by a militant group to behead a Japanese hostage unless  Tokyo pulled them out.

Japan to Keep Troops in Iraq Despite Hostage-Taking


AFP - The African Union's peace talks on the crisis in the western Sudanese region of Darfur opened in the presence of delegates from the Khartoum government and two rebel groups.

Darfur peace talks open in Nigeria (AFP)


American International Group, the world #39;s largest insurance firm, yesterday agreed to pay \$126m (67m) to settle allegations that the company helped clients to commit accounting fraud.

AIG settles fraud claims for \$126m


PC maker Gateway Inc. said on Sunday its new line of notebooks, desktop personal computers and monitors aimed at retail markets will be available at Micro Center #39;s 20 stores in the United States.

Gateway #39;s PCs, Notebooks Available at MicroCenter


LAUSANNE (Reuters) - American gymnast Paul Hamm will keep  his Olympic all-round gold medal after the Court of Arbitration  for Sport (CAS) rejected Thursday an appeal from South Korea's  Yang Tae-young.

Hamm Holds on to Olympic All-Round Gold


The prospective winning bidder for redeveloping Fan Pier yesterday missed a deadline for a down payment and the owners of the South Boston land said they plan to talk to other potential buyers.

Bidder misses Fan Pier payment


BANGKOK: Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra vowed to continue arresting ringleaders of separatist attacks as a volunteer rescue worker became the latest victim of violence that has claimed more than 560 lives this year.

Thai PM vows to step up arrests of separatists as rescue worker <b>...</b>


Petter Solberg strengthened his grip on the Italian Rally this morning with three consecutive stage wins. The world champion held a half-minute overnight advantage from Marcus Gronholm but fastest times on

TRIPLE SUCCESS FOR SOLBERG


Pennsylvania Turnpike officials have decided not to waive tolls on Sunday as a way to cope with a strike that has continued over the holiday weekend.

Pennsylvania Turnpike Won #39;t Waive Tolls


PALM HARBOR - Jonathan Byrd was taken aside by his coach and his caddie at the 84 Lumber Classic in September, and told he needed to work on his demeanor.

Adjustment Buoys Byrd


The number of new people signing up for jobless benefits fell sharply last week, offering a dose of encouraging news that the recovery in the labor market may be strengthening a bit.

Weekly Jobless Claims Fall Sharply


AP - A U.S. aid chief got a firsthand look at the anger among Darfur's beleaguered population Friday, when residents of a refugee camp beat up a government worker who tried to stop them from complaining to the visiting diplomat.

U.S. Official Witnesses Sudan Attack (AP)


Microsoft has reached legal settlements with two of its biggest adversaries in the software industry, Novell and the Computer and Communications Industry Association.

Microsoft #39;s Novell Settlement Won #39;t Scare Off EU


MIAMI (Ticker) -- Either 11th-ranked Virginia Tech or No. 9 Miami will win the Atlantic Coast Conference #39;s automatic BCS bowl berth in its first year in the league when the former Big East Conference rivals meet Saturday at the Orange Bowl.

Miami (FL) Hurricanes


PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Enraged supporters of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide armed themselves and roamed a downtown slum, threatening to behead foreigners after UN peacekeepers and Haitian police arrested dozens of people yesterday.

Pro-Aristide protesters make threats to foreigners


NEW YORK - Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s disappointing sales forecast sent stocks fluctuating Monday as investors' concerns about a slowing economy eclipsed their relief over a drop in oil prices.    October contracts for a barrel of light crude were quoted at \$46.60, down 12 cents, on the New York Mercantile Exchange...

Wal-Mart Sales Slump Keeps Stocks Muddled


AP - Rich Gannon will not return to the field for the Oakland Raiders this season because of a broken vertebra in his neck. The quarterback, who turns 39 in December, saw four of the country's top neck and spine specialists over the past couple of weeks and was told he shouldn't try to play again this year. But Gannon didn't rule out a return next season and wasn't ready to say he's going to retire.

Neck Injury Ends Rich Gannon's Season (AP)


Check out new gadgets as holiday season approaches.

Cool tools: music players, camera phone and mouse for a PDA


AP - The recapture of Fallujah has not broken the insurgents' will to fight and may not pay the big dividend U.S. planners had hoped  #151; to improve security enough to hold national elections in Sunni Muslim areas of central Iraq, according to U.S. and Iraqi assessments.

Iraq Assessments: Insurgents Not Giving Up (AP)


OPPOSITION Leader Mark Latham today warned bookies they may be the ones losing their shirts come October 9. Mr Latham said he was surprised at recent betting markets framed for the upcoming election.

Bookies will lose shirts: Latham


As the major players in Web search duke it out, a growing number of startups are embracing a different way of retrieving and sorting search results.

Search Startups Target Clustering