As debate in the G.O.P.-controlled Senate opened, the chamber's leaders predicted the bill would easily pass.

Senate Expected to Approve Bill Overhauling Intelligence Today


MICROSOFT has stepped up its efforts to compete with rival Google, offering consumers a preview of its technology for searching the internet this week.

Microsoft to preview search engine


Barcelona, Spain (Sports Network) - A late strike from Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho propelled Barcelona to a 2-1 Champions League win over AC Milan Tuesday at Camp Nou.

Ronaldinho fires Barcelona past AC Milan


London, England (Sports Network) - Captain John Terry signed a fresh contract with Chelsea Tuesday that will keep him with the club until 2009.

Chelsea skipper Terry signs extension


Via Technologies Friday announced the introduction of its K8T890 PCI Express chipset for Advanced Micro Devices #39; (AMD) 64-bit processors.

Via gives a PCI Express boost to AMD-based computers


Progress was reported in Vienna Wednesday on the talks over Iran #39;s nuclear program but details were not available. Negotiators for Britain, Germany and France met with Iranians to discuss the issue, CNN reported.

Iran nuclear talks report progress


AP - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon opened a stormy debate in parliament Monday with a passionate appeal to lawmakers to support his Gaza withdrawal plan  #151; which has divided the country and weakened his government  #151; as the only way to secure Israel's future.

Sharon Seeks Support for Gaza Withdrawal (AP)


US soldiers are killed in an ambush on a military convoy near Falluja in Iraq, officials say.

US soldiers killed in Iraq ambush


The Big Four accounting firms, misinterpreting a nine-year old rule, wrongly let corporate clients understate liabilities and distort their financial health, the regulatory

US Audit Body Says Big 4 Firms Missed Problems


The flow of US government red ink narrowed in August from the year-ago pace, but the deficit remained on track for a second straight annual record, a Treasury Department report on Monday showed.

UPDATE 2-US budget gap narrows in August -Treasury Dept


In the clickety-clack of football shoes trudging into the bowels of Giants Stadium, in the blur of blank, numbed West Point faces marching toward the losing locker room, his was the unforgettable face.

#39;I cannot be on the losing side #39;


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER Still plagued by problems after the Columbia shuttle disaster, NASA has announced a new target date for getting its spacecraft off the ground.

NASA will attempt to launch a shuttle in mid-May


SEATTLE: Microsoft Corp was dealt a setback on Tuesday after the Internet Engineering Task Force decided not to adopt Microsoft #39;s e-mail sender ID standard that would make it easier for Internet providers to block unwanted junk e-mail.

Bill Gates e-mail ID plan rejected


Oct. 5, 2004 - BOURNEMOUTH, England Conservative Party leader Michael Howard tried to turn next year #39;s expected national elections in Britain into a battle of trust and credibility, accusing Prime Minister

UK Conservatives Pounce on Trust Issue


The burst tyre which led to yesterday #39;s coach crash tragedy in Jordan was the second tyre problem suffered by the vehicle that day, a couple who survived the tragedy said today.

Jordan crash coach had two burst tyres


Madonna made more money from touring than any other star in 2004, with \$125m, Billboard magazine says.

Madonna 'tops tour takings chart'


AP - Paul McCartney will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 6 as the NFL goes mainstream after the controversy over last January's show.

Paul McCartney to Headline Super Bowl Show (AP)


With a long-drawn legal battle looming over the contentious telecast rights, the Cricket Board today rallied behind its President Jagmohan Dalmiya authorising him to take necessary action in all matters.

Dalmiya authorised to take any action


Reuters - New York Attorney General Eliot\Spitzer will file a lawsuit as early as Friday against an\insurance company, the second suit stemming from his sweeping\probe into bid-rigging in the industry, Spitzer told Reuters on\Friday.

New York's Spitzer Says May Sue Insurer (Reuters)


The ABC and NBC television networks each plan to turn the 9/11 Commission Report into a mini-series.

Mini-series plan for 9/11 report


EDS: 'badly designed, badly developed, badly tested, badly implemented'

CSA boss falls on sword over IT systems fiasco


The New York Yankees can #39;t even push a runner past first base lately, much less find a way to score. Sidney Ponson became the latest pitcher to stop the suddenly punchless

Between the seams: Ponson pounces on rank Yanks


A referendum is under way in Venezuela to decide if President Hugo Chavez should remain in office.

Venezuelans vote on Chavez rule


The big boys stepped aside on Sunday and let the other guys have a little fun. With Albert Pujols, Edgar Renteria and Reggie Sanders out of the lineup, the Cardinals

Sanders #39; RBI single in 11th puts away Dodgers


SunGard (Quote, Chart) said its board of directors has unanimously decided to spin off its disaster recovery business and take it public through a tax-free distribution of shares.

SunGard to Spin Off Disaster Recovery Biz


The Redskins were crisp on offense and defense, holding the ball for 41 minutes and allowing 98 total yards in a complete 17-0 victory in Miami.

Redskins Execute, Roll


Open-source software and off-the-shelf hardware make strong showing among the best of the biggest.

Blue Gene, Linux top supercomputing list


Scientists hoped good weather yesterday and today would allow them to get a better look at the volcano. A flurry of small earthquakes beginning in late September were followed by a burst of steam and ash on

Quake Shakes Mount St. Helens


A top environmental group said on Thursday it had agreed to probe an oil and gas project led by Royal Dutch/Shell off the Russian far east coast because of fears it threatens endangered whales.

Russian Oil Project to Be Vetted for Whale Threat


The State Department says it hopes the US military airlift of more African Union peacekeepers into Sudan #39;s Darfur region will help end continuing violence there.

US Begins Airlifting African Union Troops into Darfur


The relentless Peter Lonard today outlasted a battle weary field at the 2004 Hillross Australian Open, to win his second consecutive Australian Open Championship.

Lonard is the Australian Open champion again


An Italian volunteer worker kidnapped earlier by an unidentified group in the southern Philippines has been released, the Philippine military said Wednesday.

Kidnapped Italian freed in southern Philippines


Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon has declared the national carrier will continue to fly despite facing union threats on two fronts.

Qantas to fly on despite strike threats


Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said on Tuesday that better management of banking risk and new rules on capital hold the promise of a stronger banking system contributing more to economic growth.

Greenspan says better banking rules benefit economy


PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters) - Haitian President  Boniface Alexandre said on Thursday his administration would  not give in to rebels who took over a southern town six days  ago to back demands for the reestablishment of the army.

Haiti Won't Yield to Rebel Demands, President Says


Celebrity fashion is booming. These webpreneurs are bringing it to main street

Hip Hop's Online Shop


Just like the iPod redefined portable digital music players, the new iMac G5 redefines what users expect from a consumer desktop, Schiller told the audience.

Apple Announces New iMac That Breaks Design Barriers


So now that Apple has officially rolled out the new iPod Photo, we still have one nagging question: will HP follow suit and come out with an HP iPod Photo?

HP iPod Photo?


AP - Securities regulators are examining whether brokerage firms lavished golf outings, Super Bowl tickets and other gifts on mutual fund advisers to get them to bring their trading business to the firms.

SEC Probes Firms-Advisers Gift Exchange (AP)


France, Britain and Germany have toughened their stance on Iran #39;s nuclear programme, demanding that Tehran halt all parts of the atomic fuel cycle that can

EU trio toughen stance on Iran nuke plan-diplomats


Pfizer (PFE) said Friday that is has received new information about the cardiovascular safety of its popular arthritis drug Celebrex, based on an analysis of a long-term cancer trial.

Pfizer #39;s Celebrex is under a cloud


(CBS/AP) Space station commander Gennady Padalka and flight engineer Michael Fincke completed a five-hour 21-minute spacewalk, successfully installing a new coolant system component and three antennas that an unmanned European cargo craft will use for

Space Station Tinkering Works


AP - The St. Louis Rams' defensive backfield was depleted by injuries in a loss to Buffalo on Sunday, with the most serious to backup cornerback DeJuan Groce, who hurt his left knee.

Injuries Deplete Rams Defensive Secondary (AP)


AP - Mike Hargrove was hired Wednesday to manage the Seattle Mariners and turn around the team after its worst season in 12 years.

Mariners Hire Mike Hargrove As Manager (AP)


The European Union on Thursday demanded that Washington explain more clearly how it subsidizes the Boeing Co. and warned it would counter any US challenge targeting France

Little Progress in Aircraft Talks


Amelie Mauresmo could lose her world number one status this week after pulling out of the Kremlin Cup because of a thigh injury. The Frenchwoman sustained the injury during the final of the Porsche Grand Prix

Mauresmo pulls out of Kremlin Cup


For Bush #39;s dad, it was  #39;the economy, stupid #39;: Bill Clinton swept into the White House 12 years ago on a wave of pessimism about the  #39;jobless recovery #39; from the early 1990s recession, confirming the received wisdom that what really matters on polling day

Bush fights  #39;in the red #39; menace


The Philadelphia 76ers placed 11-year veteran Glenn Robinson on the injured list Monday with left ankle tendinitis and will try to trade the former No.

Sixers prepared to trade Robinson


Companies such as SAP and IBM must break their software packages into smaller units as their corporate clients want to cherry pick them to update systems more frequently, consultancy Gartner said on Monday.

Gartner Sees Shift to Bite-Sized Business Software


The number of cyber attacks on Windows operating system rose by 400pc between January June of this year, computer security company Symantec said today.

MS Windows besieged by hackers


Benoit Peschier was aggressive and precise while a British medal hopeful was timid when the French dominated the men #39;s slalom Olympic kayaking on Friday.

Peschier wins gold in kayak


AFP - Survivors of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre were set to file a suit in a French court demanding financial compensation from the United Nations for  quot;abandoning quot; the Muslim enclave of Bosnia.

Srebrenica massacre survivors to sue UN (AFP)


KABUL, Dec 6: President Hamid Karzai has held discussions with arch rival Yunus Qanuni over a possible position in the next Afghan government, a spokesman for Mr Karzai said on Monday.

Karzai talks to Qanuni over cabinet post


roundup Plus: KDE updates Linux desktop...EA to take World Cup soccer to Xbox...IBM chalks up two health care wins.

Briefly: Mitsubishi expands solar production


AP - Computer Associates International Inc., a business software company embroiled in an accounting scandal, is giving its new chief executive, John Swainson, a pay package that totals more than  #36;8.6 million in salary, signing bonuses and stock.

New Computer Associates CEO to Get Bonus (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dow Jones   Co. <A HREF=

Dow Jones to Buy MarketWatch for \$463 Mln


SYDNEY - Prime Minister John Howard looked set Sunday to hold the most powerful mandate of any Australian leader in a generation after weekend elections handed him effective control of both houses of parliament and free rein to impose his conservative

Australias conservatives handed historic free rein to impose <b>...</b>


F the Red Sox thought they could come into Yankee Stadium and change the direction of the American League East race, they have another thought coming.

Take That, Boston. Again. And Again.


If last night #39;s Seahawks-Broncos exhibition game was a Super Bowl preview, as some have predicted, the Seahawks are in trouble.

Sluggish Seahawks buried by Broncos


US forces and Iraqi militants exchange tank and mortar fire on the eastern edge of the western city of Falluja.

Fierce fighting around Iraqi city


David Blunkett defends himself over revelations on his private life, saying he is not saying one thing and doing another.

I'm no hypocrite, says Blunkett


AP - Urban Meyer's eyes widened as he looked around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He saw references to the school's six Southeastern Conference titles, two Heisman Trophy winners and the 1996 national championship. It wasn't his first trip to The Swamp, but it sure felt different. This was home now.

Meyer Begins New Era in Florida Football (AP)


A DOMESTIC oil pipeline east of the Iraqi capital was ablaze today amid a wave of attacks against oil infrastructure in this volatile country, witnesses said.

Oil pipeline ablaze


Nasa has announced plans to launch the first manned space mission since the 2003 Columbia disaster. The next shuttle flight is to take place in May 2005 following a series of delays because of damage caused by hurricanes.

Nasa to relaunch shuttles two years after  #39;Columbia #39;


PC World -  #36;300 Cyber-shot squeezes high-end performance into its small package.

Sony Shows Off New Low-End Digicam (PC World)


BAGHDAD American warplanes pounded the vast Baghdad slum of Sadr City overnight after a US patrol came under gunfire, the military said on Tuesday.

US planes strike in Baghdad slum


TOKYO - Takao Suzuki kept Japanese hopes alive in the men #39;s draw at the Japan Open on Wednesday after producing a hard-fought win over 15th-seeded Czech Jan Hernych to reach the third round of the \$860,000 event for the fourth year running.

Suzuki into Japan Open quarterfinals


James Farrior has already gotten one teammate #39;s vote as the NFL #39;s top defensive player this season. Make that a lot of votes.

Farrior gets Steelers #39; vote as top defensive player


TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Auburn's stars rescued the Tigers' national championship hopes with a stellar second half.

Auburn is still perfect -- barely


USATODAY.com - On Katie Couric's busy schedule, the phone interview about her new children's book was set for 4:30 p.m., about 12 hours after she had left for work as co-host of NBC's Today. When she called at 5, she was apologetic and explained she had forgotten that one of her daughters had a volleyball game. So while rushing to the game on the Upper East Side, Couric called by cell phone. She laughed and said,

Katie Couric qualifies as 'Blue Ribbon' working mom (USATODAY.com)


Buffalo's decision to draft running back Willis McGahee in the first round of the 2003 draft is finally paying dividends.

Buffalo's Gamble Pays


BAGHDAD: Preliminary court martial proceedings were held on Friday for two US jail guards accused of abuse of Iraqi detainees in Baghdads Abu Ghraib prison.

Two guards appear in court martial hearings


Reuters - Treasury debt prices climbed  and\10-year yields moved to a new five-month low on Tuesday after\an August survey of regional U.S. industry proved weaker than\expected while consumer confidence was shaken.

Treasuries Up on Consumer, Industry Data (Reuters)


AP - Vice presidential candidate John Edwards on Tuesday sought to blunt growing support for President Bush among women voters and others concerned about national security by campaigning with a Sept. 11 widow in two states that suffered losses in the terrorist attacks.

Edwards Appeals to Women on Terror Issue (AP)


ATA Holdings Corp., parent of ATA Airlines, the nation's 10th-largest carrier, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization yesterday, becoming the third U.S. airline operating under court protection.

ATA Is Latest Airline to File For Protection


CHENNAI, OCTOBER 18: The question of picking or dropping Parthiv Patel for the third Test at Nagpur was one of the major topics that came up for discussion at the selection committee meeting on Monday at Chepauk at the end of the second Test.

Patel vows to work hard


Group is asking the Supreme Court to overturn decision in favor of file-swapping networks. Representatives for the music and movie industries have filed a petition asking the US Supreme Court to overturn an

MPAA Revives P-to-P Lawsuit


AP - Europe's largest fashion retailer, Hennes  amp; Mauritz AB, on Thursday posted better than expected third-quarter profits and said sales were up despite lowered prices and competition from rival companies, thanks in part to sales in the United States.

H M Posts Improved 3Q Profits, Sales (AP)


Skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq said taking part was more important than winning ahead of Pakistan #39;s first match in India for over five years.

Winning  #39;no matter #39; to Pakistan


Jared Borgetti scored four goals and Jaime Lozano added two more Wednesday as Mexico dominated St. Vincent and the Grenadines 7-0 in the semifinal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Borgetti scores four as Mexico routs St. Vincent 7-0 in qualifying


After months of denials, Novell has quite suddenly released its own hybrid Linux Desktop for its SuSE Linux distribution. Novell Linux Desktop 9 is aimed squarely at the corporate market, where Novell has

Novell Releases Linux Desktop


Second seed Andy Roddick of the United States has easily reached the second round of the Thailand Open tennis tournament in Bangkok with a straight-set win over Arvind Parmar of Britain, 6-1, 6-4.

Tennis: Roddick Reaches Second Round of Thailand Open


Do the third-quarter numbers mean continued volatility for this small-cap stock?

TransActing Up and Down


A US credit card processing firm has been hit by intermittend and large-scale distributed denial-of-service attacks that have disrupted services.

Extortionists hit US credit card firm


Blogs are the hottest thing on the Net, but are they messing with traditional publishing principles? One of the most popular, Fark.com, is allegedly selling links. Is it the wave of the future? By Daniel Terdiman.

Fark Sells Out. France Surrenders


BEIJING (Reuters) - China invoked late leader Deng Xiaoping on Saturday in its campaign to recover Taiwan, lauding his proposal to recover the island by a  quot;one country, two systems quot; formula but saying he never gave up the threat of force.

China Invokes Deng to Send Tough Taiwan Message


AFP - Typhoon Chaba was approaching Japan and was expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to large areas in southwestern regions over the weekend, officials said.

Typhoon Chaba approaches southwestern Japan (AFP)


Wal-Mart Canada Corp. declared victory Wednesday in its defense against unionization at a store in British Columbia. The Canadian branch of the world #39;s largest retailer, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Board Defeats Bid to Unionize Wal-Mart


OTTAWACanada #39;s military is facing tough questions today after a submarine fire billed as minor and  quot;non-life-threatening quot; claimed the life of a crewman.

What happened?


Online shoppers are still willing to buy products advertised in spam, indicating that the problem is unlikely to desist anytime soon, a new survey shows.

Spam-happy shoppers love stolen software


Russian President Vladimir Putin says he will take full control of nominating leaders for Russia #39;s regions to help combat terrorism after a bloody school siege in which more than 320 people were killed.

Putin asserts control after school siege


Microsoft Corp. is stepping up its efforts to win Novell Inc. NetWare users over to its Windows Server 2003 operating system by offering migration products and support, the company plans to announce Tuesday.

Microsoft aims at NetWare users with migration campaign


Ivory Coast's parliament start to debate proposed laws which lie at the heart of the two-year conflict.\</b>

Ivory Coast MPs discuss key laws


Ciena officials stressed that the revenue growth was the result of a two-year effort to diversify Ciena's products and customer base to include cable operators, government entities and telecommunications companies.<FONT face=

Ciena's Loss Tempered By Rise in Revenue


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures were lower on  Friday, indicating a weak market open, as climbing oil prices  and a disappointing revenue outlook from software powerhouse  Microsoft Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks Seen Weak on Oil Prices, Microsoft


JAKARTA (Reuters) - Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir went on  trial in Indonesia on Thursday on charges of leading Jemaah  Islamiah, a militant network seen as the Southeast Asian arm of  al Qaeda.

Trial of Radical Cleric Bashir Starts in Indonesia


The US House Judiciary Committee has voted for criminal penalties for individuals that install spyware on PCs and for movie pirates.

Judiciary Committee Votes Custodial Sentences for File Swappers <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - US employers added far more jobs in October, the best performance in six months, according to a government report Friday that came in well above Wall Street expectations.

Job growth soars


AP - The League of Women Voters of San Diego asked a court Wednesday to require that all votes cast for a maverick mayoral write-in candidate be counted, including ballots on which voters failed to fill in the circle next to her name.

Women Voters Enter San Diego Mayoral Fray (AP)


When shrapnel lands in Najaf #39;s Imam Ali Shrine, Shia militants holed up inside the sacred complex casually inspect the hot metal and then return to prayers or chanting defiant slogans.

#39;We are here to kill and we have enough stamina #39;


Takeo Spikes made good on his vow the Buffalo Bills would finally provide some good news for their fans this weekend.

Buffalo finally shows promise


Sammy Sosa has fired back at comments made by manager Dusty Baker prior to Sunday #39;s season ending win over the Atlanta Braves.

Sosa responds to Baker criticism


International Data Machines Corp. (IBM) reported that it will release the design of its blade servers openly to potentional consumers.

IBM opens design to its blade servers


A Saudi dissident said Friday his group will not give up its efforts for peaceful action against the royal family even though its call for a second day of anti-monarchy protests went unheeded.

Saudis Dissident Says He Won #39;t Give Up


On Nov. 18, the same day Britain outlawed fox hunting in England and Wales, John Underwood of San Antonio appeared on the popular  quot;Today Show quot; to talk about his Web site that offers remote-controlled shooting and  quot;hunting quot; at his private ranch in Texas.

quot;In Defense of Hunting quot;


Twenty-five Chinese coal miners were killed and 141 remained trapped underground a day after China #39;s third major mining accident in less than six weeks.

China Mine Blast Kills 25, Traps 144 in 3rd Mishap in Six Weeks


There #39;s little question that the Czechs were the better team in their World Cup of Hockey semifinal game against Canada on Saturday.

McKenzie: Give the Czechs credit


US aircraft, tanks and artillery have pounded the resistance stronghold of Fallujah, killing at least eight people and wounding 15, while rebels struck back in Baghdad by killing six police recruits.

Civilians die as US forces attack  #39;al-Zarqawi #39;s bases #39; in Fallujah


Reuters - Russsia is

EU Sees Russia Backsliding on Democracy (Reuters)


LONDON (Reuters) - European shares fell Tuesday after weak  German ZEW investor confidence data raised fears economic  growth will dwindle and slow consumer buying weighed on the  third-quarter results of Philips.

Philips Leads European Stocks Lower


MacCentral - It wasn't hard to figure out which company was on the minds of most of the attendees at the Music 2.0 conference in Los Angeles Wednesday. Whether representing record labels or online retailers, speakers at the digital music confab couldn't praise Apple enough for the success enjoyed by the company's iTunes Music Store -- that is, when those same speakers weren't predicting the store would soon tumble from its spot at the head of the online music market.

Analysis: Will Subscriptions Drown Out iTunes? (MacCentral)


Computer Associates has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Netegrity -- a provider of security software solutions, in an all cash merger valued at approximately \$430 million.

CA #39;s \$430 Million Splurge To Broaden Indian Footprint


Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan delivered a blunt warning Friday that foreign investors might get sick of subsidizing the nation #39;s widening trade and budget deficits, remarks that caused US financial markets to tremble.

Dollar, markets dive on Greenspan warning


AP - Bolstered by investors, Oracle Corp. appears destined to complete its long-sought takeover of PeopleSoft Inc. unless its rival becomes more profitable and proves it is worth more than the  #36;9.2 billion bid currently on the table.

Oracle Poised to Pounce of PeopleSoft (AP)


Reuters - Dell Inc.  will recall about\990,000 power adapters for some of its laptop computer models\because of a risk of overheating which could lead to a fire or\electrical shock, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission\said on Friday.

Dell to Recall 990,000 Laptop Power Adapters--CPSC (Reuters)


The crew of a Canadian submarine drifting off the west coast of Ireland face another night at sea as rescue efforts continue.

Crew face third night on fire sub


Voting is under way in Russia #39;s breakaway region of Chechnya to select a replacement for a president who was killed in a bomb attack.

Presidential Vote Under Way in Chechnya Amid Fears of Violence


SEATTLE -- So, Jason Varitek, we all know you are the de facto captain of the Boston Red Sox. You are the quiet leader of this team, the man who turned a season around by shoving your mitt into the face of Alex Rodriguez, and a man who's got a 15-game hitting streak in the wake of last night's 13-2 ...

Varitek: Captain courageous


SYDNEY : Australia #39;s government reacted furiously to an opposition politician #39;s claim that ruling party lawmakers were collectively to blame for the 2002 Bali bombings and a bloody attack on its Jakarta embassy.

Opposition figure stirs row as he blames Australia government for <b>...</b>


NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Illinois has played much better and has looked much better. But in grinding out a 72-60 victory over Arkansas before 13,140 rabid Razorbacks fans, the fifth-ranked Illini took another important step Saturday.

No style points, only a win for Illini


Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates speaks Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004 at Microsoft Corp. #39;s annual shareholders meeting in Bellevue, Wash.

Microsoft to Preview New Search Engine


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

Infineon execs get jail time in price-fixing case


On top one day and completely down in a matter of two days. That is the story of Pakistan cricket. What a show they put up against the Indians the other day, only to collapse in a heap against the West Indies.

The West Indians were highly charged up


US-led forces have stormed Samarra and say more than 100 guerrillas have been killed in air strikes and street-to-street combat during a major new American offensive to wrest control of the Iraqi town.

US forces storm Iraqi town


Less than a week after a collecting a \$536 million settlement from Microsoft Corp., Novell Inc. on Friday filed another lawsuit accusing the software giant of violating antitrust laws.

Novell Files Additional Antitrust Suit Against Microsoft


The Securities and Exchange Commission is preparing enforcement actions against three US stock exchanges -- and possibly the head of one of them -- over charges that in-house regulators failed to adequately enforce their own rules

SEC may act against exchanges


The company on Tuesday announced that it #39;s acquiring privately held security equipment maker Net6 for \$50 million in cash. The acquisition, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2004, will thrust

Citrix to acquire SSL VPN startup


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bill that would make it easier to  sue online file-trading networks like Kazaa appeared on Friday  to have died a quiet death, but other copyright bills sought by  the entertainment industry continued to advance.

Copyright Bill Dies in Senate as Others Advance


Impossible. Inconceivable. A Southeastern Conference team is in position to go 12-0 and get locked out of the national championship game.

Mission improbable, but strange things do happen


Reuters - Namibian beef certified as\

'Cheetah Friendly' Beef to Make Its Way to EU (Reuters)


PeopleSoft Inc. said Tuesday it is extending a money-back guarantee program that it says is designed to protect customers in the event of a takeover by its rival software maker Oracle Corp.

Update 5: PeopleSoft Extends Its Customer Program


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A baseball fan who bought up 6,458  seats at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium in the hope of catching  and selling Barry Bonds' 700th home run ball admitted on  Thursday he had probably struck out.

Fan Pursues Bonds Home Run Ball, But Strikes Out


he National Basketball Association announced yesterday that it had canceled an Oct. 8 exhibition game in Russia featuring the Utah Jazz against the Moscow club CSKA because the recent terrorist

NBA Cancels Game in Russia, Citing Terrorism Risk


Anheuser-Busch is experimenting, which is worth a try, although associating the new drink with Bud may be risky.

This Ginseng Malted Beverage Is for You


Reuters - Shares of Google Inc. gained more\than 15 percent on Friday, to trade at more than twice the\level of its cut-price IPO, after the Web search leader\delivered strong quarterly results in its first reported\quarter as a public company.

Google Results Evoke 'Dot-Com' Fervor (Reuters)


Somerfield raised 51m through a shares placing yesterday to help finance the purchase of 114 stores from its rival supermarket group, William Morrison.

Somerfield raises 51m to help fund stores purchase


Swedish automakers build some of the safest seat-headrest assemblies in the world, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said Monday.

Auto seat-headrest assemblies rated


NEW YORK (AFX)--Eastman Kodak Tuesday said it agreed to buy the imaging business of National Semiconductor for undisclosed terms. The business develops and makes metal oxide semiconductor image sensor devices.

Kodak to buy imaging business of Natl Semi; no terms


WHEELCHAIR racing champion Louise Sauvage yesterday won silver in her pet event, leaving her just one more shot at a 10th Paralympic gold medal before retirement.

Sauvage sweats on 10th gold


Premiere pressing of Microsoft Game Studios #39; robot war sequel will feature exclusive maps, making-of video. Microsoft Game Studios today announced that it will release a limited edition package for MechAssault

MechAssault 2 gets limited edition


Merck  amp; Co. has adopted a severance plan that offers some executives one-time payments of up to triple their salary plus other perks if the troubled pharmaceutical giant is acquired and they lose their jobs.

Merck moves to retain key staff


AP - Turkey's parliament approved proposals Saturday to scale down police powers and improve conditions of detainees before a crucial European Union summit that will decide whether to start membership negotiations with the largely Muslim country.

Turkey OKs EU-Backed Criminal Code Changes (AP)


CARACAS, VENEZUELA - An audit of ballots from 150 voting stations has confirmed that President Hugo Chavez won last week #39;s recall referendum, reported the Organization of American States Saturday.

Audit of Venezuelan vote confirms Chavez victory


Hong Kong will work closely with overseas jurisdictions to fight transnational organized crime, the China Daily reported Monday. Hong Kong #39;s Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung

Hong Kong steps up war on crime


Even though the Yankees are trying to develop a case against Jason Giambi, they are skeptical about ever getting his contract voided.

Yanks May Have to Pay to Send Giambi Away


NEW YORK - Buyers put a positive spin on the equity markets Wednesday, shrugging off rising crude futures as Google Inc. prepared to sell its stock in an initial public offering, albeit it at a far lower price than previously forecast...

Stocks Climb Despite Rise in Oil Prices


ROME: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi joined opposition leaders to urge a united front following the Baghdad abduction of two female aid workers.

Italy outraged over aid worker kidnappings


Make sandwich out of ingredients. Heat in skillet until browned image of Virgin Mary mysteriously appears. Let cool in clear plastic box with cotton balls for a decade, or until desired cheese consistency.

Peruse most any cookbook, I suppose, and eventually you #39;ll stumble <b>...</b>


TechWeb - A UK government report encourages public agencies to consider using Linux and other open-source alternatives to commercial software.

UK Gives Open Source The OK (TechWeb)


How many genes does it take to make a human? Only about the same number it takes for a small flowering plant or a tiny worm, says a new estimate that #39;s sharply reduced from just three years ago.

Humans may need fewer genes than thought


World record holder Paula Radcliffe rebounded from her Athens Olympics traumas on Sunday with a dramatic victory in the closest finish yet to the women #39;s New York City marathon.

Radcliffe wins New York marathon


Andy Roddick beats Marat Safin in two tie-breaks to reach the Masters Cup semis.

Tennis: Roddick makes semis


Daniel Cormier and Joe Williams of the United States each lose in Olympic freestyle wrestling, leaving America without a finalist in the three gold medal matches.

U.S. Wrestlers Shut Out


Nut and snack-food company John B. Sanfilippo  amp; Son Inc. reported a 64 percent decline in first-quarter profit as almond demand exceeded expectations and raw material costs increased.

John B. Sanfilippo #39;s Profit Plunges


On the evening of Oct. 27, North America will enjoy a total lunar eclipse, according to Fred Espenak, an astronomer at NASA #39;s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt.

Observing the Moon in Shadow


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chain store retail sales continue to  fall during the week following the Thanksgiving holiday, a  retail report said on Tuesday.

Chain Store Sales Slip in Latest Week


AFP - American descendants of African slaves should be exempted from US federal taxes for a generation or two to compensate them for the state-sanctioned exploitation of their ancestors, an aspiring US Senate hopeful declared.

Slaves' descendants should get tax exemption: US Senate hopeful (AFP)


The budget increase Congress just voted for NASA is a clear endorsement of President Bush #39;s plan to send astronauts back to the moon and later Mars, the head of the space agency said Tuesday.

NASA Chief Sees Mandate for Bush Space Program


NEW DELHI: The real reasons behind the discord between the two Ambani brothers are slowly coming to light. At the core is the agenda of a Reliance Industries board meeting that took place on July 27, 04, and

Letter reveals reason behind the Ambani feud


Two Israeli policemen died preventing a female suicide bomber from entering a packed Jerusalem bus shelter yesterday, probably saving many other lives.

Two Israelis die tackling bomber


Despite the growing economy, consumer confidence has begun to taper off because of the weak labor market, according to a study released Tuesday by The Conference Board.

Consumer confidence lowest in Midwest


As the European Commission prepares to give its verdict on whether Turkey is ready to start talks about joining the EU, herewith key questions and answers in the debate about its membership.

Arguments for and against Turkey joining the EU


If Ayad Allawi was popular among moderate Iraqis in the first weeks after his interim government took over, it is clear his grace period has expired.

Baghdad's Strong Man Struggles to Keep His Grip


CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices inched up on  Friday as improved consumer sentiment failed to overshadow  slower second-quarter growth, while flight-to-safety buying  emerged before next week's Republican convention in New York.

Treasuries Inch Up on Slower Growth


WASHINGTON A study finds vehicles equipped with stability control systems are less likely to be involved in fatal crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the systems, which automatically apply

Study: Stability control systems can reduce fatal accidents


ATHENS  US sprinter Torri Edwards was knocked out of the Olympics for good yesterday when an arbitration panel upheld her two-year drug suspension.

Notebook: Sprinter Edwards #39; drug suspension upheld


Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes he has no advantage over new Porto boss Vitor Fernandez despite having led the Portuguese side to Champions League victory last season.

Porto experience is no advantage says Chelsea #39;s Mourinho


Tehran, Aug 24, IRNA -- The visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi stressed that Iran #39;s nuclear activities will never be conducted in hiding.

Iran will never conduct nuclear activities in hiding: FM


HARTFORD, Conn. -- An investment firm that was found in breach of contract in a lawsuit involving the state #39;s pension fund has settled for \$15 million, the two sides announced Monday.

Forstmann Little settles pension fund lawsuit for \$15 million


Japanese automaker Honda says it plans to meet growing demand in China by boosting production at one of its two car-assembly plants there.

Honda Expanding Production in China


President Bush says claims that US troops going to Iraq have  poor armour protection are being addressed.

Bush vows action over troops' kit


Company is recalling certain laser printers, which are also sold by IBM and Dell.

Lexmark Printers Pose Shock Hazard


Internet-service provider Earthlink Inc. on Tuesday launched a service that enables high-speed subscribers to make unlimited voice calls through their computers at no additional charge.

Earthlink Offers Free Online Calling


AP - Tennessee's two freshmen quarterbacks have Volunteers fans fantasizing about the next four years. Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge surprised many with the nearly seamless way they rotated throughout a 42-17 victory over UNLV on Sunday night.

Tennessee Tries to Use Two Quarterbacks (AP)


Amusement park operators have produced volatile results, but this company has stood the test of time.

Ride This Gem


The FTC has taken legal action in an effort to shut down Seismic Entertainment Productions and SmartBot.Net -- two companies that have become notorious as distributors of spyware.

FTC Goes After Spyware Operations


Delta Air Lines passengers are facing long, hungry hours in the skies after the airline's main food vendor cut off service yesterday because of a contract dispute.

Contract flap cuts off Delta food service


PAULA Radcliffe is considering going for the 10,000 metres gold medal in the World Championships in Helsinki next summer. Max Jones, UK Athletics performance director, believes Radcliffe is eager to prove herself as a global track champion.

World track glory pull for Radcliffe


Digicams you can ditch, a tiny TV, and other gadgets for when you're on the go.

Digital Gear: So Portable, It's Disposable


SRINAGAR, India -- India's prime minister offered yesterday to hold unconditional talks on Kashmir ''with anyone and everyone quot; as his country began withdrawing troops from the divided Himalayan region as a goodwill gesture to rival Pakistan.

India offers unqualified talks on Kashmir


AMD has been the perennial underdog to behemoth Intel. Noe AMD is challenging Intel with a new class of microprocessors. This time, it #39;s Intel is having to play catch-up.

It #39;s AMD Inside


Quiet efforts are afoot in the southern city of Shenzhen to thwart corruption by professionalizing the civil service.

China's new wealth clashes with party-boss influence


un Woo-Kim came within an out of his first career complete game and shutout and also hit a two-run double in Montreal #39;s 8-1 victory over visiting Philadelphia last night.

BASEBALL ROUNDUP Solid Start Lifts Expos and Cools the Phillies


Embattled insurance brokerage Marsh   McLennan Companies Inc. said Tuesday that it will lay off 3,000 employees, or about 5 percent of its work force, as it struggles to deal with the fallout from a bid-rigging probe by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.

Marsh   McLennan to Lay Off 3,000 Workers


WASHINGTON (Dec. 15, 2004) - The Coalition for Space Exploration expresses its deep appreciation to NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe for his strong personal leadership during one of the most critical periods

Coalition thanks outgoing NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe


The Russian government has approved a plan for the merger of natural gas giant Gazprom and the state-owned Rosneft oil company, a news agency reported Thursday.

Report: Russian Gov #39;t Approves Merger Plan


PITCAIRN ISLAND A string of sex abuse trials opened on Pitcairn Island, the isolated British territory in the Pacific Ocean that is home to the descendants of the 18th-century Bounty mutineers.

Rape trials open on storied isle


Google #39;s so-called Dutch auction may have intrigued Wall Street, but nobody here was buying it, figuratively or literally. Instead, Dutch people, the butts

Auction Remains Dutch Mainstay


MADRID (AFP) - Spain will draft some 35,000 police to beef up security, according to a dossier handed to the International Olympic Committee who were mulling the specifics of Madrid #39;s 2012 Olympic bid.

Spain to ramp up security with 35,000 police for Madrid Games bid


Wireless devices are being used to perform background checks at Boston's airport.

BlackBerries Take Aim at Terrorism


Israeli Prime Minster Ariel Sharon says he is determined to find new partners for his coalition government after suffering a major defeat in parliament.

Israeli and Palestinian Politics in Uncertainty and Disarray


Decades after Hollywood first made the leap between alien life and the threat of contamination, a scientist has issued a similar warning.

Scientist fears samples of soil or rock might harbor hostile <b>...</b>


Online music service Napster teams up with Virgin Radio to launch a music download chart.

Napster launches download chart


A partially assembled prototype of a new IBM supercomputer set a record of 70.72 trillion transactions per second earlier this week.

IBM Builds Worlds Fastest Computer


Credit Suisse (CSGN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research) is set for a dramatic overhaul when Chief Executive Oswald Gruebel unveils a long-awaited plan next week to beat

CSFB, Winterthur in focus in Credit Suisse overhaul


Lycos Europe #39;s Make Love Not Spam screensaver was unavailable Saturday following a string of bad publicity, Cnet News.com reported.

Lycos Europe  #39;spam #39; screensaver offline


October 15, 2004 - Yet another PSP-related interview has appeared over in Japan. This time, the interviewer is Japanese site Impress GameWatch.

One Thousand Words on PSP


New technology for identifying the sender of e-mail messages has not been widely adopted despite backing from software giant Microsoft Corp. and may not be effective at stopping unsolicited commercial e-mail, otherwise known as spam, according to a survey by e-mail security company CipherTrust Inc.

Spammers using sender authentication too, study says


The Saudi Interior Ministry identified the foreigner as a Briton, and said he was killed Wednesday in a parking lot at a shopping center in eastern Riyadh.

Foreign National Shot Dead in Saudi Capital


Pakistan #39;s seamers produced a top class display of pace bowling to dismiss India for just 200 in the Champions Trophy Group C decider at Edgbaston on Sunday.

Pakistan seamers shine as India dismissed for 200


A mortar attack on Iraqi National Guard headquarters north of Baghdad killed at least six people Tuesday, the US military said. Iraqi security services, such as police stations and National

Six killed at National Guard post near Baghdad


The Mason's Union membership cards should be arriving any day now, but while they wait for them to be distributed, the United States men's basketball team was able to concoct a winning formula by relying on their unquestioned athletic superiority over the Australians yesterday.

Late surge lifts US past Aussies


AP - The Cassini spacecraft successfully fired its engine for 51 minutes Monday to raise its orbit so it will not pass through Saturn's rings on its next close approach to the planet and to set itself on course for another flyby of the big moon Titan on Oct. 26, NASA said.

Cassini Fires Engine to Raise Orbit (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Secretary of State Colin Powell on  Thursday expressed concern after reports that North Korea might  carry out a new missile test but said it would not change the  U.S. effort to persuade Pyongyang through diplomacy to abandon  its nuclear ambitions.

Powell Expresses Concern Over Possible N.Korean Test


At 6-feet-8, 250 pounds, he came into the NBA in 1993 as the fourth pick overall by the Dallas Mavericks following his junior year, when he was a first-team All-American for Rick Pitino at Kentucky.

One more NBA setback -- the last? -- for unfulfilled Mashburn


Leave No Trace

Maine Program Asks Sea-Kayakers to


Palestine #39;s ailing leader Yasser Arafat was diagnosed with liver failure, according to an unnamed official. He added that the President #39;s condition was not improving.

Liver Failure Ails Arafat


IBM's deal with Lenovo may signal a round of industry consolidation, analysts say.

Analysis: IBM Adjusts to Harsh PC Market


SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - A mushroom-shaped cloud was seen in North Korea last Thursday following a large explosion, a South Korean news agency reported Sunday.

Explosions caused mushroom cloud over N. Korea: source


Chile #39;s former dictator Augusto Pinochet reportedly is the target of an investigation in his homeland probing up US bank accounts controlled by the ex-president.

Chile Asks Pinochet to Explain \$8 Million US Bank Accounts


PARIS Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, touring Europe to drum up support for membership in the European Union, on Thursday criticized plans by several countries to let domestic referendums eventually decide his country #39;s future.

A no vote on referendums


November 22 2004 2000CET - New turmoil at the European Commission as the MEPs ask for a review of Jacques Barrot #39;s position

New turmoil at the European Commission


Worldwide sales of computer chips are expected to set a record this year, according to the San Jose, Calif.-based trade group Semiconductor Industry Association.

Chip sales to set record this year


Consumers in the United States are already spending record amounts of money online. One e-commerce company has a novel way to help Net shoppers hunt for bargains this holiday season.

Software Seeks Online Bargains


Reuters - Ford Motor Co.  on Friday raised\its third-quarter and 2004 profit forecasts because of strength\in its financial services business and cost improvements in its\car operations.

Ford Boosts Profit Outlook (Reuters)


Negotiations between the Sudanese government and rebel groups in the troubled Darfur region are to resume.

Darfur peace talks set to restart


AP - The Firefox browser has become an instant sensation, in just a few weeks gaining impressively against Microsoft Corp.'s market-leading but malware-beleaguered Internet Explorer.

Review: E-Mail Program Lacks 'Wow' Factor (AP)


Reuters - Oil prices headed up toward  #36;45 a\barrel on Wednesday as Hurricane Ivan shut 60 percent of crude\output in the Gulf of Mexico and at least five refiners along\the U.S. coast planned to close as a precaution.

U.S. Oil Eyes  #36;45, Hurricane Shuts Output (Reuters)


Shares in Jardine Lloyd Thomas, the UK #39;s largest insurance broker, have plunged 20 per cent after the company issued a profit warning for the year and chief executive Steve McGill quit.

JLT falls on profits warning


The Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 Index dropped as Colgate-Palmolive Co. and Unilever cut profit forecasts, fueling concern consumer demand may be faltering.

S amp;P 500 drops; Colgate, Unilever shares fall


Poverty can be quite educational. When you've got only so much money to spend, you'll think carefully about the goods you're buying.

Questions to ask about low-priced PCs


Steve Jobs, chief executive of Apple, today unveiled a new iPod music player model that that is able to display digital photographs on a screen.

Apple Introduces Photo-Display iPod


Analysis The two year question

It's do or die time for Sun and Solaris x86


During pregame warmups for yesterday's matchup with Taunton to decide the Old Colony League title, Bridgewater-Raynham senior Tony Murdoch sprinted to the corner of the end zone and pulled down a pass with a teammate draped on his back.

Win assures B-R spot in the playoffs


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue chips slid back into the red  on Wednesday as oil company shares fell on a report showing an  unexpected rise in U.S. oil inventories last week, which drove  oil prices lower.

Blue Chips Slip as Oil Stocks Weigh


Taylor Dent defeated Australian qualifier Peter Luczak 6-3, 6-2 in a rain-delayed first-round match at the China Open on Tuesday. In another completed match before rain postponed play, Israel #39;s

Dent tops Luczak to win at China Open


NEW YORK, November 15 (newratings.com) - The US dollar modestly strengthened its position versus the euro this morning, after the US Treasury Secretary said that the government supported a  quot;strong dollar quot; policy.

US backs  quot;strong dollar quot; policy


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Factory activity in the U.S.  Mid-Atlantic region slumped in September to its lowest level in  more than a year, a survey showed on Thursday, spurring fears  the economy's summer soft patch could extend into the fall.

U.S. Philly Fed Reports Factories Slow


Burma #39;s military junta has freed a top dissident - second only to Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi - as part of a release of 4,000 prisoners.

Burma junta frees top dissident


BALTIMORE - Winless no more, the Kansas City Chiefs rendered the Baltimore Ravens defenseless with an almost unimaginable display of ball control and patience.    Priest Holmes ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns, and the Chiefs wore down the highly touted Baltimore defense in a 27-24 victory Monday night...

Chiefs Beat Ravens 27-24, End Winlessness


U.S. military attacked a suspected safe house in Fallujah on Thursday. Intelligence reports indicated the site was being used Zarqawi loyalists to plan attacks against U.S. troops and Iraqis.

U.S. Forces Strike Targets in Iraq


US troops are still fighting to crush resistance in the Iraqi city of Fallujah as rebels hit back with an armed rampage in Mosul and a car bomb that killed 17 people in a crowded Baghdad street.

Fallujah assault sparks Iraq-wide attacks


Company's new player offers 25 percent bigger hard drive and weighs less than the iPod Mini--for the same price.

Virgin takes on iPod


London - The Japanese investment bank Nomura has been enlisted by Keith Harris, the chairperson of Seymour Pearce brokers, to help block the takeover of Manchester United by US billionaire Malcom Glazer, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

Man United fans take action


Company has brought in hundreds of millions of dollars in consulting revenue related to Microsoft's .Net software in the past two years.

HP rakes in .Net dough


Marks  amp; Spencer today set the price for its record share buyback above market expectations, at 362p per share. The retailer said demand for the 2.

Strong response to M amp;S buyback


Bernard Hopkins came into the ring to a recording of one of Frank Sinatras epic songs. Fighting his usual tactical fight, Hopkins allowed Oscar De La Hoya to dominate the first

Hopkins knocks out De La Hoya his way


Nuclear technology is now so widespread that it is only political will which stops many countries from making nuclear weapons. Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the UN #39;s nuclear regulatory body the

Nuclear weapons: Can they be stopped?


Wednesday #39;s disclosure that government regulators have raised safety and soundness questions about mortgage-finance giant Fannie Mae has given new ammunition to critics of the company and its sister firm, Freddie Mac.

Critics say mortgage giants grew too big and too fast


Toyota's Olivier Panis will retire from Formula One at the end of the 2004 season.

F1: Panis to quit racing


Explore powerful options available to mid-sized companies

Partner: The Guide to Cost Effective Business


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has approached the opposition Labor party with a tentative offer to join his coalition in hopes of avoiding early elections and saving his Gaza withdrawal plan.

Sharon contacts Labor on govt coalition


Macedonians showed the West they would not slide back towards ethnic division, largely ignoring a nationalist referendum that would have reversed a law giving the Albanian minority more rights.

Macedonia backs multi-ethnic future


Pedro Martinez visited the enemy Tuesday, meeting with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner at New York's spring training complex in Tampa, Fla.

Pitcher Pedro Meets 'Daddy' Steinbrenner


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar rallied from another record  low versus the euro on Monday after blunt comments from the  head of Europe's central bank, while stocks and bonds came  under pressure from an expected rise in U.S. interest rates  later this week.

Dollar Up Off Record Low, Stocks Flat


Florida coach Ron Zook was fired yesterday after two-plus years and a stack of embarrassments on and off the field, satisfying a growing groundswell for his ouster that began the day he replaced Steve Spurrier . Zook will finish out the season while athletic director Jeremy Foley and school president Bernie Machen search for another coach.

Gators' Zook given hook


ANN ARBOR, Mich. Google is trying to establish an online reading room for the University of Michigan library and four other major libraries.

Google to scan books from UM, other big libraries


Leaders of the US Airways pilots' union rejected a bid to have pilots vote on a proposal by the airline for \$295 million in wage and benefit cuts.

US Airways Pilots Reject Wage and Benefit Cuts


AP - World fairs have typically focused on the wonders of the future, highlighting new technologies from glass and steel construction in the 19th century to satellites and computers today. But next year's fair is different.

Frozen Wooly Mammoth Arrives in Japan (AP)


Carrefour SA, the world #39;s second- largest retailer, said annual profit will not meet a forecast for growth of at least 10 percent because of price cuts aimed at reviving demand in France, its home market.

Carrefour Lowers Annual Profit Forecast on Price Cuts (Update3)


The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today filed 762 new lawsuits against alleged file traders using peer-to-peer (P-to-P) file sharing services.

RIAA Sues Another 762 Over File Sharing


The seven new head coaches hired around the league this past offseason included a Hall of Famer (Joe Gibbs), a two-time AFC championship game participant (Tom Coughlin) and a two-time NFC title-game entrant (Dennis Green).

At 3-0, Mora #39;s Falcons Get Tested Sunday


HALIFAX (CP) - The buzzing. The biting. You #39;d think there were already enough insects in the world to drive you buggy. However, a team of researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax announced Tuesday that

Dalhousie scientists first in world to successfully clone insects


GENEVA Swiss voters have backed a law allowing stem-cell research in the first national referendum on an issue that has divided both the European Union and the United States.

Swiss approve stem-cell research law


Seven Qassam rockets landed in the western Negev yesterday although the Israel Defense Forces had earlier moved a large contingent of troops into the northern Gaza Strip to prevent the firing of Qassams on Sderot.

Despite IDF operation, Qassams hit Sderot


AP - The U.S. government is sending a team of 20 scientists to check out a report of unusual radiation readings that could be coming from a hydrogen bomb that was lost off the Georgia coast in 1958.

Federal Scientists Search for Lost H-Bomb (AP)


College basketball: MEN -- Marist at Vermont, 7 p.m.; Clemson at Boston College, 7:30 p.m.; Maine at Rhode Island, 7:30 p.m.; Mount Ida at UMass-Boston, 7:30 p.m.; WOMEN -- Weber St. at Northeastern, 5 p.m.; Loyola at Maine, 7 p.m.

Today's schedule


Notre Dame #39;s size and speed took all the drama out of its 41st straight victory over Navy. Ryan Grant ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns for the Fighting Irish, who had little trouble extending their NCAA

Notre Dame 27, Navy 9


Chinese police are reported to have arrested 60 North Korean refugees in raids on safe houses in Beijing.

N Koreans arrested in Beijing


AP - Quarterback Alex Smith ran for two touchdowns and Steve Savoy caught 11 passes for 150 yards in Utah's 28-7 victory over New Mexico on Friday night.

No. 14 Utah Defeats New Mexico 28-7 (AP)


IBM is opening up its software developer programme in order to get more bodies behind its battle with Microsoft. Big Blue wants to increase the number of independent software vendors it works with.

IBM software vendors feel the love


 By Alan Baldwin

 SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Juan Pablo Montoya left Williams as awinner in Brazil on Sunday, even if he had hoped for greaterthings before the season started.

Montoya Leaves Williams on a High


Police are investigating claims that the striker El-Hadji Diouf spat at an 11-year-old Middlesbrough fan during Bolton #39;s 1-1 draw at the Riverside.

Diouf  #39;spat at 11-year-old fan #39;


The Senate cleared a path for a bill to hand out about \$140 billion in corporate tax breaks, but it was blocked from a final vote by a fight over a provision aimed at helping reserve soldiers on active duty in Iraq.

A Senator's Outrage Delays Passage of Corporate Tax Bill


Michael D. Eisner, the chief executive who helped turn the Walt Disney Co. into the world #39;s second-largest media conglomerate but has come under fire recently for its financial slump, announced plans yesterday to retire in two years.

Eisner to retire Will  #39;assist #39;


The World Health Organization on Tuesday downplayed concerns over human-to-human transmission of bird flu, after authorities in Thailand confirmed that a woman who died of the virus probably contracted it from her daughter.

WHO calms fears over human-to-human bird flu


Before Thanksgiving, I wrote about the potentially far-reaching effects of Tyler Hamilton #39;s drug case. As of yesterday morning, some of the potential became actual, as the

Phonak Rips Apart


Starbucks Corp. announced Thursday that it will add computer kiosks in stores in Austin, Texas, and in Seattle where customers can burn music CDs for about \$10 while waiting for their Frappuccino.

New at Starbucks: Burn a music CD


Wildlife managers are looking to contraception as a way to control nuisance animals.

Putting Nature on the Pill


The United Nations annual World Robotics Survey predicts the use of robots around the home will surge seven-fold by 2007. The boom is expected to be seen in robots that can mow lawns and vacuum floors, among other chores.

UN: Domestic robot use to surge sevenfold by 2007


By LINDSEY TANNER    CHICAGO (AP) -- Vaccinating children against chickenpox saves the U.S. health care system nearly \$100 million a year in reduced hospitalizations for severe cases of the itchy disease, a study found...

Chickenpox Vaccinations Lead to \$100 Million Savings


AP - A team of Egyptian doctors examined Yasser Arafat after he suffered from fever, nausea and a stuffy nose, an aide to Palestinian leader said Tuesday.

Team of Egyptian Doctors Examines Arafat (AP)


The Israeli army Thursday mistakenly killed three Egyptian soldiers along the Gaza-Egypt border, Israeli media reported. Israeli radios, newspapers and TV stations reported that soldiers in

Israeli army mistakenly kills 3 Egyptian soldiers along Gaza-Egypt <b>...</b>


AP - Defending champion Mark Philippoussis lost in the first round of the Shanghai Open on Tuesday, beaten by little-known American Glenn Weiner 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Weiner Tops Philippoussis at Shanghai Open (AP)


NEW YORK - Investors concerned about third quarter earnings looked past a surprise drop in wholesale prices, keeping stocks mixed Friday. Blue chips dropped on profit warnings from Dow component Alcoa Inc...

Stocks Mixed on Alcoa, Visteon Warnings


CINCINNATI (Nov. 25, 2004) -- Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer left practice Nov. 25 with back spasms but is expected to play against the Cleveland Browns.

Bengals #39; Palmer leaves practice with back spasms


The design twist will let the company increase the performance of its processors.

AMD sneaks strained silicon into chips


AP - Even with a big lead, Eric Gagne wanted to pitch in front of his hometown fans one last time.

Gagne Pitches in Montreal One Last Time (AP)


Many of the state's largest employers are dropping health benefits for unmarried gay couples, seven months after Massachusetts became the only state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Unmarried gay couples lose health benefits


Iraq war blogs are as varied as the soldiers who write them. Some sites feature practical news, war pictures and advice...

Soldier Blogs Detail Life in Iraq


TOKYO (Reuters) - A former U.S. army sergeant who deserted  to North Korea nearly four decades ago left a U.S. military  base near Tokyo on Tuesday for a new life with his family in  his Japanese wife's home town.

U.S. Deserter Leaves Army Base for New Life in Japan


Google Inc. has quietly introduced a new search technology to help publishers sell books online, a fast-growing market dominated by Internet retailer Amazon.

Google steals a page from Amazon #39;s book search


SRINAGAR: Illegal fencing by India of Line of Control in Kashmir has been going in violation of agreements and most of the projected work is reportedly nearing completion.

#39;LoC fencing by India would complete in March 2005 #39;


Reuters - Citigroup Inc.  on Thursday said\third-quarter profit rose 13 percent, topping most Wall Street\forecasts, as growth in consumer businesses offset declining\stock and bond market revenue.

Citigroup Profit Rises 13 Percent (Reuters)


A federal jury awarded more than \$3 million to eight Massachusetts gas station operators after finding Shell Oil Co. used unfair tactics that were effectively intended to drive them out of business.

Jury rules for franchisees in Shell trial


Homing pigeons suddenly lost their navigational ability when magnets were attached to their beaks or if their beaks were anaesthetized, University of North Carolina researcher Cordula Mora found.

Pigeons Use Magnetic Particles To Navigate


USATODAY.com - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said Thursday that Iraq's Ayad Allawi was sent before Congress to put the

Visit to Washington blunts Kerry tactic (USATODAY.com)


Verisign has lost the latest round of its legal battle against the Internet #39;s technical regulator ICANN. Judge Howard Matz of the District Court in Central California threw out Verisign #39;s allegations that

Verisign loses legal battle with ICANN, again


Pakistan says it has arrested the head of a militant Islamic group suspected of kidnapping UN workers in Afghanistan.

Pakistan arrests militant leader


A screensaver developed by Lycos Europe that gives spammers a dose of their own medicine is attracting plenty of attention, but not all of it good.

Lycos Antispam Screensaver Draws Fire


Doctors in Germany have rebuilt a man #39;s face after growing a new jaw on his back, it has been revealed. By the fourth week after receiving the pioneering transplant, the patient was able to enjoy his first solid meal for nine years.

Doctors graft new jaw on man #39;s back


PHOENIX - Phoenix guard Steve Nash, the NBA #39;s assist leader, sustained a concussion Friday night and sat out the second half of the Suns #39; 95-86 victory over New Orleans.

NBA #39;s Assists Leader Nash Injured Against


If you're in the market for a safe little something for your portfolio, buy bonds.

Need a Yawner Investment?


Postmidnight buyers -- who include insomniacs, night owls and people who like to work late -- seem to be taking advantage of high-speed Internet access in the home.

In High-Speed Households, She Surfs, He Snores


BAGHDAD: The northern Iraqi town of Tall Afar, branded by the US military a den of foreign fighters, remained shut to the outside world last night after a massive US-led air and ground assault killed at least 45 people.

45 dead in raid on  #39;closed #39; township


AFP - A 14-month-old baby boy in Vietnam has died from suspected bird flu despite claims by the government that the deadly disease has been brought under control, officials said.

Suspected bird flu claims baby's life in Vietnam (AFP)


LONDON -- Archeologists in northwestern England have found a burial site of six Viking men and women, complete with swords, spears, jewelry, fire-making materials, and riding equipment, officials said yesterday.

Viking burial site found in England


TOKYO (Reuters) - High winds and torrential rain battered  the southwestern Japanese island of Kyushu on Monday as  powerful typhoon Chaba hit the coast on its way north.

Powerful Typhoon Chaba Hits Southern Japan


ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (CP) - Two planes chartered by Canada were on standby Wednesday to evacuate citizens who have been trapped, along with thousands of French and other foreigners, for days by violent attacks targeting French civilians and troops in this

Some Canadian citizens trapped in Ivory Coast to be evacuated


ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- A 14-year old boy and a tiger handler are recovering after being attacked by a 350-pound Siberian tiger at a county fair in Florida.

Tiger Attacks 14-Year Old Boy, Handler At Fair


The United Nations today called on Rwanda to respect international law following its threat to strike against rebels based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that the UN mission #39;s mandate in the DRC includes preventing the peace

UN Mission Warns Rwanda On Its Threat to Strike Rebels in DR of <b>...</b>


Pitcher Dustin Hermanson and the Chicago White Sox agreed Wednesday on a two-year, \$5.5 million contract that contains a club option for 2007.

White Sox agree to two-year deal with Hermanson


New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank was given a four-year, \$10 million contract extension, the team announced Thursday. The deal was made public about 12 hours after the Nets suffered

Frank signs four-year extension with Nets


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

HCA Net Falls, Hurt by Florida Hurricanes


Dixons is to phase out video cassette recorders in its namesake stores after revealing that DVD players are now outselling VCRs by a ratio of 40 to one.

Dixons spells out the future - DVD


The published account of Pat Tillman's last moments was a distorted and incomplete narrative, according to dozens of internal Army documents obtained by The Washington Post.

Army Spun Tale Around Ill-Fated Mission


A million people have listened to internet repeats of Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the BBC says.

Hitchhiker gets 1m web listeners


Ralph Friedgen yesterday named Joel Statham his starting quarterback to open the season but conceded that all of Maryland's quarterbacks are struggling.

Terps Tab Statham


ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistani security forces are hunting a Libyan Al Qaeda leader whom senior intelligence officials see as a possible key to finding Osama bin Laden and others in the terrorist ...

Pakistan hunts for key Al Qaeda figure


AP - Hezbollah's executive has re-elected Sheik Hassan Nasrallah as leader of the militant Shiite Muslim movement, according to a statement Monday by the party that the United States brands as terrorist.

Hezbollah Re-Elects Sheik Hassan Nasrallah (AP)


October 11, 2004. Apple Computer #39;s iPod remains the king of digital music players, but robust pretenders to the throne have begun to emerge in the Windows universe.

Move over iPod, for a touch of Zen


Reuters - European stocks eased slightly on\Tuesday with firmer oil prices weighing on sentiment, but\British clothing retailer Next was an early winner after it\defied a rainy summer to beat first-half profit forecasts.

European Shares Dip (Reuters)


The 12th annual Kettle Kick-off Holiday Luncheon on Thursday raised \$150,305 for Christmas food baskets, meals, toys and other services for needy people during the holidays and throughout the year.

A dash of holiday giving


EMI, home to artists such as Robbie Williams, Radiohead and Norah Jones, reported explosive growth in digital music sales yesterday and said it was winning the battle against piracy.

Digital delight for EMI in war on pirates


WOBURN -- Few developers could build a commercial property empire of 74 debt-free office, industrial, retail, and research buildings valued at about \$800 million. Even fewer would then give most of it away.

Giving back in a big way


News Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch #39;s pay rose 42 percent to \$17 million as television shows such as American Idol #39; #39; and viewer gains at the FX cable network lifted profit in fiscal 2004.

Murdoch #39;s Pay Rises 42 to \$17 Mln as Fox TV Gains (Update2)


I wrote down my picks before the race started and I had them in this order: Asafa Powell, Shawn Crawford, and Maurice Greene. I picked Justin Gatlin for fourth.

Snapshots from the men #39;s 100


Reuters - High-definition television can\show the sweat beading on an athlete's brow, but the cost of\all the necessary electronic equipment can get a shopper's own\pulse racing.

HDTV 'Starter' Kit for PC Comes with Some Kinks (Reuters)


PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (Reuters) - Malaysian rebel politician  Anwar Ibrahim failed on Wednesday in a final court bid to erase  his criminal record and to immediately rejoin active politics,  leaving a royal pardon as his only way back.

Malaysia's Anwar Loses Bid to Lift Political Ban


Jimmy Johnson evaluates the untraditional, yet often spectacular play of Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick:  quot;Although Vick has good pocket presence, he is not and will never be a traditional drop-back quarterback.

FOX NFL SUNDAY SHOWCASE: Week 11


AFP - Japan's NTT DoCoMo will join hands with Cingular Wireless of the United States, aiming to unify technical specifications for third-generation (3G) cellphones and services.

NTT DoCoMo, Cingular to link in 3G cellphone business (AFP)


The US Olympic Committee is contesting an international ruling that could cost Michael Johnson and the rest of the US 1,600-meter relay team their gold medals from the Sydney Olympics.

Roundup: US fights to keep relay gold medals


A bid by Malaysias former deputy leader Anwar Ibrahim to clear his criminal record and return to politics gained pace today as the nations highest court said it would rule next week on an appeal to overturn his corruption conviction.

Anwar Seeks Court Clearance


The US space agency NASA says it has pushed the resumption of space shuttle flights back one or two months until at least May next year.

Hurricanes Force NASA to Delay Space Shuttle Flights


Reuters - Israel killed four Palestinians in air\strikes late on Sunday and early Monday during a raid on a\militant stronghold in southern Gaza, medics and witnesses\said.

Four Palestinians Killed in Gaza Air Strikes (Reuters)


EDMONTON -- The idea of a railway linking the Athabasca oilsands to the rest of Alberta  quot;has substantial merit quot; and the project would likely cost \$2.

Athabasca railway link cost estimated at \$2.6B


AP - U.S.-based Fox Entertainment Group Inc. on Monday joined a group of companies promoting Blu-ray Disc, one of two competing formats for next-generation DVDs.

Fox Joins Group Promoting New DVD Format (AP)


AP - Tokyo stocks ended sharply lower Monday due to economic uncertainties following powerful earthquakes that hit northern Japan over the weekend. The dollar was lower against the Japanese yen.

Earthquake Weighs Heavily on Tokyo Stocks (AP)


DARTMOUTH, NS (CP) - Hockey legend Guy Lafleur believes the National Hockey League should declare bankruptcy and start over again.

Lafleur says locked out league should declare bankruptcy, start <b>...</b>


Oil exports from southern Iraq have come to a complete halt because of attacks on pipelines and are not likely to resume for at least a week, a senior Iraqi oil official said Monday.

Attack Halts Oil Exports From South Iraq


AFP - Lithuanian sharpshooter Sarunas Jasikevicius, snubbed by the National Basketball Association, made the most of his second chance to deliver a dagger into the hearts of a United States Olympic team of NBA talent.

Jasikevicius makes most of second chance to stun US NBA stars (AFP)


LOS ANGELES - Scientists in California Friday began examining for the first time samples of solar wind particles collected by the spacecraft Genesis, which crashed earlier this month in the Utah desert when its parachutes failed to open on landing.

NASA Genesis space sample shipped to Calif. lab


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

SunTrust Restates Profit, Postpones Earnings Report (Update6)


Former football star Diego Maradona can return to Cuba for drug rehabilitation, his lawyer says.

Maradona 'can be treated abroad'


As the November presidential election nears, several groups are mobilizing to monitor the voting process -- including a group of observers from across the globe and over a thousand techies who will help evaluate voting machines. By Laila Weir.

U.S. Elections Under a Microscope


Global leading technology firms NDS, STMicroelectronics and Thomson say they will develop new encryption technology to foil video piracy, a 3.5 billion US dollars problem for broadcasters and movie studios.

Tech firms announce video anti-piracy technology


AP - Bill Parcells keeps coming up with humiliating ways to describe the Dallas Cowboys. Not only are they stupid, as he repeatedly called them following a crushing loss to Cincinnati, he said Monday that this season's team exasperates him more than any he's ever coached.

'Stupid' Cowboys Exasperating Parcells (AP)


Lucent Technologies and Sprint announced a contract renewal agreement - expected to exceed \$1.5 billion over three years - to enhance Sprint #39;s nationwide PCS wireless network and support the deployment of 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology.

Sprint and Lucent sign 3G network agreement


AP - Discount retailer Dollar General Corp. reported an 18 percent increase in second-quarter earnings, citing a tax benefit and improved sales.

Dollar General's 2Q Profits Up 18 Percent (AP)


Reports of damage to several oil facilities and more storms on the way raise crude prices. LONDON (Reuters) - Crude prices climbed Friday as oil companies surveyed the damage wreaked by Hurricane Ivan after the storm pounded the key oil producing region.

Ivan #39;s wrath keeps oil prices up


Indonesia's vast tropical peatlands, a bog of plant debris undisturbed for centuries until they were drained for cultivation, have become a perennial fire hazard and, a new study says, possibly a significant contributor to global warming.

Indonesia Peat Fires May Fuel Global Warming, Experts Say


Karachi - Captain Inzamam ul-Haq and coach Bob Woolmer came under fire on Thursday for choosing to bat first on a tricky pitch after Pakistan #39;s humiliating defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final.

Woolmer, Inzamam in firing line


GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas  In a field with a Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, two horses that have gone undefeated this year, a former Horse of the Year and a Belmont Stakes and Travers champion

2003 champ is Classic favorite


Honda has bought a 40 per cent chunk of Formula One team BAR, numerous media outlets claimed on Wednesday. Brackley-based BAR, presently owned by British American Tobacco, agreed a deal - said to involve the

Honda bought BAR - report


A German art group reprograms old assembly-line robots to become autonomous artists. The machines draw, spin tunes and dance in public. The group wants to show that the industrial beasts can create beauty. By David Cohn.

Second Career for Old Robot: Art


T-Mobile, which operates the largest carrier-owned Wi-Fi network in the US, announced a series of roaming agreements with six other major international wireless operators in the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA).

International Carriers Reach Wi-Fi Roaming Agreement


A jury in Rochester, NY, found Sun Microsystems (Quote, Chart) liable for using patented technology owned by photography company Eastman Kodak (Quote, Chart) in the Java programming language.

Sun #39;s Java Infringes on Kodak Patents


Peerbot Search Engine Offers Searching by Favicon\\You know what favicons are? They're little teeny icons that show up on the address bar in at least Opera, Mozilla, and Internet Explorer. You can get information on what they are and how to put them together at ClickFire .\\Peerbot ( http://www.peerbot.com ) ...


Canadian aluminum producing giant Alcan Inc. said Friday that it is in exclusive talks to sell the company #39;s stake in Aluminium de Grece SA to metals company Mytilineos Holdings SA of Greece.

Alcan in Talks to Sell Greek Firm Stake


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Goldman Sachs Group said Tuesday that its third-quarter net income rose as its fixed-income, currencies and commodities trading operation recorded sales that were nearly \$1 billion ahead of year-ago levels, driven by rising energy

Commodities power Goldman profit


I have resisted commenting on this summer #39;s weather in hopes that it would straighten itself out. Since that no longer seems possible, however, I feel compelled to offer some advice on the subject.

You can blame NASA for the peculiar weather


(1010 WINS) (NEW YORK) Marsh and McLennan #39;s chairman and chief executive Jeffrey Greenberg will step down this morning, according to a published report.

Marsh and McLennan #39;s Chairman Steps Down


AP - Kylan Loney had five 3s among her 23 points, and Arizona State used 24 turnovers by 11th-ranked Georgia to win 67-57 Tuesday night.

Arizona State Upsets No. 11 Georgia 67-57 (AP)


AP - The U.S. government will offer over the Internet low-quality images of its new  #36;50 bill for artists, students and others who discover that their computers, scanners or printers won't allow them to view or copy pictures of the new currency.

U.S. Offers Internet Downloads of  #36;50 Bill (AP)


Jennifer Capriati, of Saddlebrook, Fla., reacts as she loses the first set 6-0 to Russia #39;s Vera Zvonareva in their quarterfinal match Friday, Nov. 5, 2004, in the Advanta Championship in Villanova, Pa.

Capriati Fails Cut for WTA Championships


DENVER -- A federal appeals court has refused to reinstate the discrimination lawsuit brought by former US Olympic Committee drug czar Wade Exum.

Judge also refuses to hear doping allegations


Experts on Islamic militant groups are skeptical about a Web posting demanding \$5 million in ransom for two French journalists held hostage in Iraq, France #39;s prime minister said Monday.

France #39;s premier expresses doubt about demand for ransom to free <b>...</b>


Garret Anderson hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning, Darin Erstad had a three-run homer and the Anaheim Angels beat Oakland 5-3 Saturday to move back within two games of the AL West-leading Athletics.

Angels 5, Athletics 3


TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwanese high-tech giant Acer Inc. on Wednesday announced a leadership reshuffle and the retirement of Stan Shih _ the company #39;s founder and a major figure in Taiwan #39;s bid to dominate the personal computer industry.

Taiwan #39;s Acer Reshuffles Its Leadership


The California-based group has challenged the European Commissions finding from March that Microsoft abused its dominance of PC operating systems, but its top counsel said negotiations remained the preferred course.

Microsoft hopeful of settlement in EU case


Ketchup maker HJ Heinz Co. (HNZ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday said quarterly profit rose 7.8 percent, excluding a year-earlier tax benefit, as demand for new products

Heinz Profit Meets Forecasts; Shares Rise


ALDERSON, W.Va. (Reuters) - Trendsetter Martha Stewart  arrived at a minimum-security prison known as

Martha Stewart Reports to Jail to Begin Sentence


South Africa #39;s 20-year-old Charl Schwartzel captured the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Sunday for his first European Tour title, recovering from a poor finish in regulation to win the first playoff hole against England #39;s

Young gun Schwartzel wins the Alfred Dunhill as Els and others <b>...</b>


MILAN (AFP) - Top officials from Fiat of Italy and General Motors were conferring in a bid to settle differences on Fiat #39;s option to sell its loss-making car operation to the US auto giant, a dispute that threatens their four-year-old collaboration.

Fiat, GM struggle to settle row over Fiat Auto sale option


Medical products supplier PolyMedica Corp. reported Wednesday it reached a tentative settlement with the Justice Department for \$35 million over an investigation into Medicare practices.

PolyMedica to Settle Justice Probe


Strong aftershocks are still shaking northern Japan after the country #39;s deadliest earthquake in nine years killed at least 18 people.

Earthquake in Japan kills 18


Reuters - Market research firm IDC has raised\its 2004 forecast for global personal computer sales growth to\14.2 percent from 13.5 percent, driven by high commercial\demand, it said on Monday.

IDC Raises '04 PC Outlook, Trims Forecast (Reuters)


MADRID, Spain Spain #39;s second-largest bank says it has agreed to buy Texas-based Laredo National Bancshares for 850 (m) million dollars in cash.

Spain #39;s BBVA to acquire Texas-based financial group


SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Most people have a hard enough time getting out of bed on Monday morning, let alone before dawn in the middle of December.

Meteor shower coming up Monday morning


AP - U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan sought European support Friday for his plan to give regional heavyweights such as Brazil and Japan more clout at the United Nations.

Annan Seeks EU Support for U.N. Reforms (AP)


China is planning to extend official policies clamping down on credit into 2005, to try to keep the economy from boiling over.

China keeps tight rein on credit


U.S. and Iraqi forces launch high-risk probes of the insurgency in Fallujah and Ramadi. A TIME exclusive

Taking the Battle to the Enemy


At a recent business summit, Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan predicted that China will sustain an annual economic growth rate of more than 7 per cent by 2020.

Developing the economy in a sustainable way


quot;Over many years, Bennett King has made an outstanding contribution to the progress and development of Australia #39;s emerging players, quot; said Robertson.

World ; Australian board congratulates new Windies coach


London - There were tears and jeers during Saturday night #39;s English Premier League matches. Here are the match reports... Champions Arsenal bounced back from a disappointing Champions League performance with

Fun and games during Premier League clashes


In an aviation world of bankrupt airlines and despondent employees, the helicopter business is a relatively happy and optimistic niche.

Pilots and Makers of Copters Defy the Aviation Slump


Reuters - Belgium's Interbrew, which acquired\AmBev to create the world's biggest brewer, reiterated on\Thursday its higher volume and profit targets for 2004 as\demand began to recover from a weak summer.

Beck's Brewer Sees Beer Demand Rising (Reuters)


Launch of NASA #39;s Swift spacecraft has been delayed at least 24 hours due to a concern with Range Command-Receiver Decoder equipment on the launch vehicle.

NASA Delays Swift Launch


Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie had a birdie and eagle on the last two holes Thursday, shooting a 1-under-par 71 Thursday that left him four strokes behind the leaders after the first round of The Heritage.

Montgomerie has strong finish at The Heritage


The European Union began its biggest-ever military operation today, formally taking over Natos peacekeeping mission in Bosnia with 7,000 troops.

EU Takes over Bosnian Peacekeeping


RBC, 18.10.2004, Moscow 12:01:27.Russia has officially joined the Central Asian Cooperation Organization. A corresponding document was signed at a summit of the organization held in Dushanbe.

Russia joins Central Asian Cooperation Organization


BEIJING (Dow Jones)--China #39;s likely emergence as the world #39;s textile and garment superpower after 30 years of global quotas end Dec. 31 has spooked rival producers across

Fiber Pact: China Textile Dominance Spooks Asian Rivals


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - The fate of a radical Shi'ite  rebellion in the holy city of Najaf was uncertain Friday amid  disputed reports that Iraqi police had gained control of the  Imam Ali Mosque.

Confusion Surrounds Seizure of Iraqi Mosque


Gary Megson is preparing to take legal action against West Bromwich Albion to end his contractual dispute with the club and clear the way for a new job.

Megson drafts in lawyers to settle contract


Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Spanish favorites Albert Costa and Alex Corretja highlighted Monday #39;s opening round winners at the Masters Series Madrid.

Costa, Corretja, Fish advance at Madrid Masters


Oracle Corp. was not the only beneficiary of a federal judge's ruling late Thursday that it could proceed with its \$7.7 billion hostile takeover bid for software rival PeopleSoft Inc. Yesterday, the stock prices of numerous software firms surged during widespread speculation that the antitrust ruling could spark a wave of consolidation in the industry.

Antitrust Ruling Reverberates


NASA has again adjusted its schedule for bringing the space shuttle back into use. CBS reports that the space agency announced it is aiming for a mid-May launch.

NASA Aims For May Shuttle Launch


Pages were defaced with text that erroneously implied that SCO would sue Microsoft for intellectual-property theft. By George V. Hulme.

SCO Group Web Site Attacked Again


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday after  the Federal Reserve reassured by indicating that further  interest-rate rises were likely to remain at a

Measured Fed Rate Hike Sends Stocks Up


Forbes.com - In 1999 a wave of novice broadcasters tried to start several thousand new

Crushing the Little Guys (Forbes.com)


The future of Manchester United MNU.L , the world #39;s richest soccer club, could be in the hands of two publicity-shy Irishmen who made their money from horse racing.

Irishmen hold sway in Man United future


Nokia and Vodafone, in conjunction with Sun Microsystems, would define the licensing framework of the initiative, while the role of creating and licensing the Technology Compatibility

Nokia, Vodafone Partner on Mobile Service Architecture


Former Argentina captain Diego Maradona was having medical examinations in Cuba on Tuesday and received a message of support from President Fidel Castro for his latest

Maradona Gets Cuban Check-Up and Castro #39;s Support


ATHENS (Reuters) - The U.S. men's basketball team got their  first comfortable win at the Olympic basketball tournament  Monday, routing winless Angola 89-53 in their final preliminary  round game.

Basketball: U.S. Cruises Past Angola 89-53


MILWAUKEE -- San Francisco Giants manager Felipe Alou hopes Barry Bonds #39; 700th home run -- whenever it comes -- will change the public #39;s perception of the surly slugger.

Bonds whiffs with fans


Belgian Kim Clijsters will spend the rest of the season on the sidelines because of a new injury to her wrist. The 21-year-old injured her left wrist at the Belgian Open but doctors said it is not as serious

Season over for Clijsters


AP - A new cellular application promises to help vision-impaired people who can't read the screen of a mobile phone. It responds to spoken commands with voice recognition technology and reads back menu options, text messages, and other information to the user.

Cingular Makes Phone for Vision-Impaired (AP)


Going into the game in Poland, Eriksson was a man courting headlines for the wrong reasons. Indeed, following revelations about the his private life, and the subsequent capitulation of his team in Saturday #39;s

Stay of execution or new lease on life?


Australia #39;s Treasurer Peter Costello said his forecast in May for aA\$2.4 billion (\$1.7 billion) budget surplus will help keep interest rates from rising.

Australia #39;s Costello Says Surplus Will Help on Interest Rates


MIYAZAKI - Tiger Woods, playing in Japan for the first time in two years, got off to a strong start Thursday as he shot a 5-under-par 65 to take a three-stroke lead at the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament.

Woods leads Dunlop Phoenix


AP - Standing onstage at Madison Square Garden last summer, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder pulled out a cell phone to call Johnny Ramone at home. Before dialing, Vedder explained his motivation for the long-distance shout out.

Ramones Reclaim Place in History (AP)


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The commander of a U.S. army company  that refused orders to deliver fuel along a dangerous route in  Iraq was relieved of her duties at her own request on Thursday,  the U.S. military said.

U.S. Unit Commander in Iraq Moved from Post


The Tennessee Titans are no longer worried about making the playoffs. Right now they just would like to finish .500. Yesterday the Chicago Bears beat the Titans in overtime in Nashville 19-17.

Titans Lose To Chicago Bears In Overtime


Retired Marine Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr., a former space shuttle astronaut from South Carolina for whom the new military elementary school at Laurel Bay north of Beaufort was named

South Carolinian may be tapped for top NASA job


BOSTON - Monuments in New England are made from moments like the bookends David Ortiz gave the region on Monday. When has a baseball player had two walk-off hits at frenzied Fenway Park on the same day in postseason play?

Ortiz:  #39;That #39;s all I do is hit #39;


KABUL, Afghanistan -- Preliminary results from Afghanistan #39;s landmark elections show President Hamid Karzai well ahead of his rivals and on course to become the country #39;s first popularly elected leader.

Karzai well ahead in Afghan tally


quot;I don #39;t think we ought to have 527s, quot; President Bush said the other day, referring to the political fund-raising and advocacy organizations that have sprouted in the wake of his signing the anti-free speech McCain-Feingold campaign-finance  quot;reform quot; law

In support of free speech


AN Iraqi militant group has posted a video on its website showing the beheading of a man it accused of being a spy recruited by US forces in the northern city of Mosul.

Militants film  #39;spy #39; beheading


The Mars rovers fuel their instruments by following the sun and as their energy budget gets tighter during the winter, their terrestrial drivers get more skilled at driving towards the light.

Mars Exploration Rovers Driving Into the Sunset


L. Paul Bremer assessed the first phase of the U.S. occupation by saying,

Bremer Says U.S. Was Short on Troops for Occupation of Iraq


ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Pakistan and India agreed to push forward plans for a nuclear hotline after two days of talks but failed to reach a deal on advance warning of ballistic missile tests, officials said.

Pakistan and India to start nuclear hotline, no deal on missile <b>...</b>


TORONTO (CP) - North American stock markets appear poised for strong gains Friday in the fourth quarter #39;s first day of trading as investors recover from drug company Merck  amp; Co.

Early market signs mostly positive for start of fourth financial <b>...</b>


Shares of Sirius Satellite Radio posted double-digit percentage gains on Friday, one day after the company said former Viacom President Mel Karmazin would become its new chief executive.

Sirius stock soars on Karmazin hire


artha Stewart, saying that she wanted to  quot;reclaim her life, quot; announced today that she would surrender to prison authorities to begin her jail term as soon as possible instead of waiting for the outcome of an appeal of her case.

Stewart Asks to Serve Sentence Soon


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - If his inconsiderate neighbor would just lose that noisy alarm clock, there #39;s no telling how many home runs David Dellucci might hit.

Rangers beat Royals for seventh straight


If the 30-yard frozen rope Chad Pennington threw to Santana Moss for a touchdown - into the wind -esterday in practice is any indication, the quarterback should be

GREEN LIGHT


Lindsay Davenport found herself in an unusual position at the WTA Tour Championships at Staples Center on Saturday afternoon. She was both a winner and a loser.

No semifinals for Davenport


Nov. 3, 2004 - Beauty creams used by the ladies of ancient Rome were not far different from those applied to today #39;s fair skins, to judge by a discovery in the remains of a Roman temple in London dating from the 2nd century AD.

Ancient Roman Cream Used for Beauty


CLOSE calls, bad misses, dubious refereeing and a generous sprinkling of heroic defending all mingled to a potpourri that Manchester United found too odious for their liking.

Keegan will  #39;luv #39; this


Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. SYDNEY, Australia -- Nuclear terrorism is a real threat which the world must take immediate action against in

Nuclear terrorism threat real--UN nuclear watchdog chief


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

U.S. Exchanges Face Antitrust Probe


Reuters - United Airlines is expected to ask a\bankruptcy judge to let it extract new concessions worth  #36;725\million a year from employees as it seeks to reorganize, the\Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources.

United Airlines Seeks Staff Concessions (Reuters)


The company ups its 2004 guidance after the record-breaking success of Polar Express.

IMAX's Stocking Stuffer


US captain Claudio Reyna will miss the Americans #39; World Cup qualifiers against El Salvador and Panama because of injuries. Reyna hurt his left quadriceps Sept.

Reyna to miss qualifiers


AP - Roger Clemens strained his right calf in the Houston Astros' 9-8 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night, but the injury isn't considered serious.

Roger Clemens' Leg Injury Isn't Serious (AP)


AP - The man who found the remains of the ocean liner Titanic nearly two decades ago has returned to the site and is lamenting the damage done by visitors and souvenir hunters.

Titanic Finder Laments Damage by Visitors (AP)


TORONTO (Reuters) - Former press baron Conrad Black will  quit as chairman and chief executive of his Canadian holding  company, Hollinger Inc. <A HREF=

Black to Quit Hollinger Inc., Stock Soars


The 15th-ranked Terps will look to John Gilchrist to take a central leadership role as they open the season against Jackson State.

Gilchrist Keeps Working


Egyptian government spokesman Magdy Rady linked to the Israeli military operation against the Palestinians in the neighboring Gaza Strip, where 84 Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli offensive that began on Sept.

Egypt: Sinai blasts linked to Israel #39;s Gaza raid


oxes of documents, many bearing the names of well-known mutual fund companies, line the halls of Eliot Spitzer #39;s offices in downtown Manhattan.

For Mutual Funds, First the Slap. Now Comes the Pinch.


Michigan State often complains that Michigan doesnt respect the rivalry -- especially when the games are played in Ann Arbor. Well, the Spartans finally might have won the Wolverines respect.

Wolverines win triple-OT thriller, 45-37


Developers forum looks at Linux for the disabled. Also: Microsoft chided for ad campaign.

Open source makes noise


Pacific Sunwear (PSUN:Nasdaq - news - research) bathed in strong third-quarter demand, posting a 30 jump in earnings Monday that beat Wall Street #39;s estimates.

Pacific Sunwear Profit Up


General Electric said Thursday that it had reached a settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission over allegations that the company failed to disclose perks like cars and an apartment for Jack Welch, its former chief executive.

GE settles with SEC over disclosure of Welch perks


AP - Mats Sundin had a goal and two assists to lead Sweden past Germany 5-2 Tuesday in the World Cup of Hockey opener for both teams.

Sweden Skates Past Germany 5-2 in Worlds (AP)


AP - Yasser Arafat's widow took possession of the late Palestinian leader's widely sought medical records Friday, and was deciding whether to make the file public to

Arafat's Widow Retrieves Medical Records (AP)


Grace Park built a four-shot lead at the Samsung World Championship Friday with a tournament record, 36-hole total of 15-under 129.

Park continues torrid play at Samsung


Members of the Oracle Applications User Group at this week's Connection Point 2004 said Oracle has made strides by rolling out new support tools and processes, but has more work to do to make their jobs easier.

Patching still a sore spot for some Oracle users


EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (Sports Network) - New Jersey guard  Jason Kidd practiced with the team for the first time since  undergoing knee surgery in July and he could be on the court  Monday.

Kidd Practices, Might Play Monday


AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Judges trying Slobodan Milosevic  rejected Tuesday a bid by lawyers appointed to defend the  former Yugoslav president to withdraw from the case.

Court Orders Milosevic Defense Lawyers to Continue