On the Friday when the late Palestinian Authority chairman Yasser Arafat was buried in the courtyard of the Muqata, the media reported that because of the fear of riots, the Israeli government had decided to close the Temple Mount mosques to residents of

Pulling out - in Jerusalem, too


LONDON : England international defender Jonathan Woodgate, Real Madrid #39;s new recruit from Newcastle, will be out of action for a month but that did not deter the Spanish giants from signing him.

Soccer: Real wanted England international Woodgate despite injury


Eighteen days before the end of a 30 year-old system restricting international trade in textiles and apparel, the Bush administration is imposing new barriers on imported clothing.

U.S. Imposes New Curbs On Clothing Imports


com. As password breaking mischief by hackers, phishers, and spoofers continues to grow in the consumer-PC space, AOL, this week, will offer RSA Security Inc.

AOL To Offer RSA Security #39;s Password Protection


AP - A hydroelectric plant in Nova Scotia remained closed Tuesday after a wayward humpback whale swam through the underwater gates connecting the facility with the Atlantic Ocean.

Humpback Whale Trapped at Power Plant (AP)


US astronomers announced Tuesday their discovery of two small planets orbiting distant stars, setting off a dispute with European astronomers over who found the new, unusually small class of planets first.

US finds Earthlike planets at other stars


By MAY WONG    SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- PalmSource Inc...

New Palm Operating System Targets Smart Phones


AP - Tony Stewart took a verbal swipe at NASCAR on Saturday, insisting friend and competitor Dale Earnhardt Jr. should not have lost points for cursing during a live TV interview last weekend.

Stewart Backs Earnhardt on NASCAR Penalty (AP)


AP - Afghan President Hamid Karzai plans to address tribal leaders Thursday on the need to eliminate this war-ravaged country's booming drug trade, an aide said.

Karzai to Address Afghan Tribal Leaders (AP)


Sports Minister Sunil Dutt says action will be taken after two weightlifters fail a drugs test at the Athens Olympics.

India orders Olympic dope probe


quot;The old Moulmein Pagoda, lookin #39; lazy at the sea quot;, the gentle  quot;Burma girl a-settin #39; quot;, and the temple bells calling out for the British soldier to  quot;come you back to Mandalay quot;.

Myanmar #39;s friends


Citigroup said Monday it agreed to sell its truck-financing business to GE Commercial Finance for \$4.4 billion, concluding a recent spate of divestitures in its leasing operations.

Citigroup unit sold for \$4.4B


MOSCOW - The top management of oil major Yukos has left Russia fearing arrest under a Kremlin drive to  quot;decapitate quot; the country #39;s largest oil exporting company, a Yukos source said on Thursday.

Yukos top managers leave Russia fearing arrest


Mark McNulty and Hale Irwin had roughly the same thought as they collected their big trophies and bigger cheques: How did Tom Kite let all this great stuff slip away at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship?

Mark McNulty rallies to steal Schwab championship; Hale Irwin wins <b>...</b>


Russian President Vladimir Putin said here on Friday that his country supported India #39;s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat but stopped short of favoring India #39;s veto power in the world body.

Russian President supports India #39;s UN bid


The number of broadband Internet subscribers in the US has tripled since 2001, according to a new report from the Federal Communications Commission.

FCC: Broadband Usage on the Rise


(AGI) - Rome, Dec. 11 -  quot;He should give up the benefit of debarment and resign from his post as Prime Minister, and eventually stand in the ensuing electoral campaign as the leader of Italy #39;s largest party

BERLUSCONI TRIAL:COSSIGA, HE MUST GIVE UP DEBARMENT AND RESIGN


Shares of Corning Inc., the world #39;s largest maker of glass used in flat-panel televisions, fell as much as 5.7 percent in Europe after the company said it will take a charge of as much as \$2.

Corning Shares Drop in Europe on 3rd-Quarter Charge of \$2.9 Bln


Concerns over the economy and potential inflation outweighed a sharp drop in oil prices, sending stocks slightly lower yesterday. All three major indexes were lower for the week as Wall Street #39;s customary year-end rally stalled.

Oil Prices Decline Sharply, but Shares Dip Anyway


SGI begins work on an open-source version of a development tool for high-performance computing programmers.

SGI works on Linux performance software


Sven-Goran Eriksson is considering unleashing a three-pronged England attack of Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen on Wales in their World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford.

England to play Defoe, Rooney and Owen?


AP - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law requiring that all electronic voting machines produce paper records of every ballot cast, beginning in 2006.

Schwarzenegger OKs Ban on Paperless Voting (AP)


The initial public offering of Internet search leader Google riveted the attention of the technology world and served as a reminder that Silicon Valley remains a unique place in the business world.

Tech pros on what Google IPO means for Silicon Valley


The United States, Germany and other G7 nations agreed on Saturday to write off up to 80 percent of Iraq #39;s \$120 billion foreign debt in a move that could

US, Germany Strike Deal on Iraq Debt Write-Off


PARIS (Reuters) - Basic producers helped European shares  turn positive on Friday, but telecoms firm Cable   Wireless  bucked the firmer trend after unveiling a hefty investment and  volatile oil prices kept investors cautious.

Miners Help European Stocks Turn Around


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange  Commission on Thursday charged brokerage firm Raymond James  Financial Inc. <A HREF=

SEC Charges Raymond James with Fraud


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices eased on Monday after rebels  in Nigeria withdrew a threat to target oil operations, but  lingering concerns over stretched supplies ahead of winter kept  prices close to \$50.

Oil Off from Record Highs on Nigeria Pact


Despite the parallels with the oil shocks of past decades, the impact of the oil spike on the economy is likely to be much less intense than in previous surges.

An Oil Shock That Could Be an Economic Stimulus in Disguise


According to the International Ice Hockey Federation, 276 N.H.L. players have signed with European teams. Could hockey be headed for a new world order?

Skating to Europe


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. orders for long-lasting durable  goods rose by a smaller-than-expected 0.2 percent in September,  held back by another sharp fall in commercial aircraft,  government data showed on Wednesday.

Durable Goods Orders Edge Up in September


A product placement that cost General Motors more than \$7 million is indicative of new initiatives by agencies and automakers as competition intensifies.

Carmakers Crank Up Their Image


BEIJING: All the coal miners trapped after a gas explosion in a shaft in norther China are dead, bringing the toll to 166 in one of the worst disasters to hit the world #39;s most dangerous mining industry, state media said yesterday.

All 166 trapped Chinese miners dead


My father-in-law, Irving  quot;Sheik quot; Karelis, was born in 1920 in New England, the very year the Red Sox sent Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees.

Enjoying a Visit To Boston (Un)Common


Sudan accused southern rebel leader John Garang of backing an uprising in Darfur in the west, and said his support for western rebels could undermine talks to end 21 years of civil war in southern Sudan, a news agency with close links

Sudan Links Southern Peace Talks to Darfur Rebellion


More colleges and universities are embracing music services for their students in an effort to cut down on peer-to-peer traffic that clogs school networks and puts students at risk for lawsuits. By Katie Dean.

Music Services Score an A-Plus


Despite a country's commitment to marketplace logic, some firms are simply too big and too entangled to be allowed to fold.

China's Revolutionary Tactic: Bailout


Gregg Zaun homers and Orlando Hudson has three hits to lead the Toronto Blue Jays past the Baltimore Orioles, 4-1, on Monday night, snapping the O's four-game win streak.

Blue Jays End O's Streak


CHITTAGONG: India received early blows from cricketing minnows Bangladesh on the second day of the second cricket Test here on Saturday.

Bangla bowlers send ripples; India 403 for six


The fears of many hockey fans came true on Wednesday, with the NHL board of governors giving unanimous support to a player lockout.

NHL season in jeopardy as players locked out


IT managers may need more storage to handle all the storage announcements occurring this week at the Storage Decisions show in Chicago.

Cisco, Veritas roll out storage products


New service lets consumers access an all-in-one mailbox from anywhere with a phone or the Internet.

SBC links e-mail, voice messages, faxes


SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Air New Zealand Ltd. (AIR.NZ) is likely to increase its passenger fuel surcharge as oil prices and fuel costs continue to climb, managing director and chief executive Ralph Norris said at a lecture in Singapore Monday.

UPDATE:Air NZ Likely To Raise Fuel Surcharge -CEO Norris


WASHINGTON : US oil service firm Halliburton has acknowledged that improper payments  quot;may have been made quot; to Nigerian officials through a consortium of which it was a member.

Halliburton admits bribes  #39;may have been paid #39; in Nigeria


Reuters - Americans stormed the nation's shops\on Friday after U.S. Thanksgiving Day at the start of the\holiday shopping season, lured by cut-price toys, consumer\electronics and Santa.

Americans Hit Shops, Holiday Season Opens (Reuters)


They closed the locker room door quickly and didn't open it until Major League Baseball Director of Security Kevin Hallinan banged on the door, letting the St. Louis Cardinals know their 10-minute cooling off period had ended.

With loss, these Birds on a wire


MANHASSET, NY - The weak telecom market continues to wreak havoc on telecom company Global Crossing Ltd., which is cutting jobs and trying to restructure its finances in an attempt to continue operating.

Global Crossing struggling to stay afloat


AP - The Soyuz spacecraft closed in on the international space station at dangerously high speed Saturday, forcing the U.S.-Russian crew to put on the brakes, abandon autopilot and manually dock the Soviet-era capsule in an unplanned and tricky maneuver.

Soyuz Capsule Docks in Tricky Maneuver (AP)


KABUL, Afghanistan - The body of a kidnapped Turkish engineer was found in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday, a day after he was snatched with his driver and interpreter by a band of armed men, officials said.

Body of Turk Engineer Found in Afghanistan


IBM has announced Version 6 of its WebSphere Application Server software, which is designed to protect applications from server downtime and aid enterprise efforts to build a service-oriented architecture.

IBM updates WebSphere Application Server software


BELGRADE Serbia #39;s education minister was ridiculed in cartoons and pelted with resignation demands on Thursday for ejecting Charles Darwin from school classrooms in favor of Old Testament  quot;creationism.

Serbs #39; Darwinian battle


NASA has decided to fund the missions of the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars for an additional six months -- as long as the craft continue to operate.

Mars Rover Missions Extended Again


THE Australian Government said yesterday it would support any moves from the IOC to strip US sprint queen Marion Jones of the five medals she won at the Sydney Games if she was found guilty of a doping offence.

Government would back move to punish Jones


Foreign direct investment inflows to India leapt by almost 70 per cent in the first six months of the year but are still running at only a tenth the volume of China.

Big leap in foreign investment in India


Tokyo stocks fell Monday morning as investors took profits from recent gains. The US dollar was weaker against the Japanese yen and the euro.

Update 2: Tokyo Stocks Lower on Profit-Taking


Seventh-seed Taylor Dent of the United States advanced with a 6-3, 6-4 over Tomas Zib of the Czech Republic in second-round action at the Japan Open tennis tournament in Tokyo.

Tennis: Dent Advances in Japan Open


Nairobi - Kenya #39;s fight against corruption suffered a blow on Monday after the chairperson of the new Kenya Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (KACC) resigned in protest at interference in its affairs by President Mwai Kibaki.

Kenya #39;s anti-graft chief resigns


MANNHEIM, Germany - A key suspect in the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison voiced fear he was being made a scapegoat when he was asked to turn over a laptop computer and other evidence suspected of containing photos of the maltreatment, an investigator told a U.S. military court Monday...

Prisoner Abuse Suspect Faces German Court


DUSHANBE (Reuters) - Tajikistan on Saturday formally  granted Russian forces in the Central Asian state a permanent  military base in a move Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed  as a guarantee of regional security.

Russia Wins Permanent Military Base in Tajikistan


\

 By Peg Mackey and Francois Murphy

 CAIRO (Reuters) - OPEC oil producers said on Thursday that\Friday's ministerial meeting would focus on halting oversupply\to bolster falling prices and that the cartel would have to\reduce output quotas early next year.

OPEC Warns Oil Supply Cuts Needed for 2005


Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson wins the Butkus Award on Friday night as the nation's best linebacker.

Johnson Wins Butkus


Arsenal Football Club has signed the biggest club sponsorship agreement in football history with Emirates Airline in an agreement worth 100 million.

Emirates and Arsenal in 100-m deal


Houston, TX (Sports Network) - JD Drew singled home Rafael Furcal with the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth and John Smoltz pitched out of a jam in the bottom of the inning, as the Atlanta Braves forced a decisive fifth game of the National League

National League Playoff Game Summary - Atlanta at Houston


The drug maker Eli Lilly  amp; Co. said Friday it is warning doctors to stop using its attention deficit disorder drug Strattera in patients with jaundice or laboratory evidence of liver injury.

Lilly warns doctors on Strattera use


ARAB leaders must introduce reforms to counter the growth of terrorism, Colin Powell, the outgoing American Secretary of State, told Islamic leaders yesterday.

Defeat extremists with reform, Powell tells Arab leaders


Pakistan #39;s interim Prime Minister Chaudhry Shaujaat Hussain has announced his resignation, paving the way for his successor Shauket Aziz.

Pakistan #39;s caretaker PM resigns


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The probe into insurance bid-rigging  by New York's attorney general widened to health insurers on  Tuesday, unnerving investors worried that more revelations of  wrongdoing and lower profits lie ahead.

Insurance Probe Widens as Investors Flee


British singer Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, says he is 'shocked' at being refused entry to the US.

Cat Stevens 'shock' at US refusal


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. <A HREF=

Microsoft's Cut-Down Windows Set for More Markets


The criticism from members of his own kibbutz marked the first sign of trouble for Yonatan Bassi. Then came the comparisons to Nazis and death threats.

Threats trail man organizing Gaza withdrawal


The report ignited renewed hopes that after years of caution, businesses may be starting to hire workers more aggressively.

October Hiring Set Strong Pace of 337,000 Jobs


Cisco Systems today confirmed that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately held BCN Systems, a Californian networking software design firm.

Cisco expands router offerings with BCN buy


A tobacco treaty of the World Health Organization (WHO) will become part of international law in 90 days, following ratification by 40 countries in the past 17 months.

WHO tobacco treaty to become law in 90 days


BAGHDAD: A chained British hostage in Iraq begged Tony Blair for help yesterday, cranking up the emotional pressure on the prime minister as Italians celebrated the release of two women aid workers after paying a ransom.

Chained captive renews plea to Blair


Reuters - New applications for U.S. home loans\fell last week after a brief bounce, as 30-year mortgage\interest rates edged up, an industry group said on Wednesday.

Mortgage Applications Off in Aug. 20 Week (Reuters)


Sudan #39;s government has said it hopes to reach a deal in talks resuming tomorrow with rebels in Darfur, which the UN says is descending into chaos.

Sudanese govt hopeful of deal in Darfur crisis


THE man accused of commanding the Australian embassy bombing was briefly detained by Indonesian police last year but released because they did not recognise the terror fugitive.

Police released suspect


It #39;s a long way from pac-man.  quot;Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas quot;, the latest installment of the popular criminal craze video game, is now on the streets firing up new debate.

New Video Game Stirs Up Controversy


25 October 2004 -- With nearly all the votes counted, Afghan Transitional Administration Chairman Hamid Karzai appears on his way to an outright victory in the initial round of Afghanistan #39;s first-ever direct presidential election.

Karzai Looks Set To Win Afghan Presidency


Ramon Ortiz pitched four-hit ball for eight stellar innings to lead the Anaheim Angels over the Yankees.

Ortiz Stifle Yankees


HOLLYWOOD, Fla. Half of a ten-year-old grilled cheese sandwich said to bear the image of the Virgin Mary has sold on eBay for 28-thousand dollars.

eBay bidding ends at \$28,000 for 10-year-old sandwich with image


AFP - The Afghan government has ordered an inquiry into an apparent jailbreak attempt by suspected Al-Qaeda prisoners which left five guards and four inmates dead.

Probe ordered into apparent Afghan jailbreak attempt (AFP)


NEW YORK_Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. is bringing in another big gun from the media world, tapping Mel Karmazin, the former president of media giant Viacom Inc.

Former Viacom president Karmazin returns to radio roots with <b>...</b>


Reuters - North Korea blamed the United States on\Monday for blocking six-country talks on scrapping its nuclear\programs, denying it had stalled the talks itself to await the\outcome of the U.S. presidential election.

N.Korea Says U.S. Blocking New Nuclear Talks (Reuters)


Boosted by a first strokeplay title in more than a year, Tiger Woods is champing at the bit to mount a fresh major challenge in 2005.

Victory in Japan reignites Tiger #39;s fire


NORMAL, Ill. Mitsubishi Motors says it will eliminate the second shift at its only US plant on September 17th and about 12-hundred workers will be laid off by the end of the month.

Normal plant will trim second shift, 1,200 jobs by months #39; end


Flawed voting arrangements may cause another election debacle in Florida, warns ex-US President Jimmy Carter.

Carter fears Florida vote trouble


Samsung and Sony have signed a five-year cross-licensing agreement covering a wide range of patents for digital products. The agreement should reduce the potential for disputes

Samsung and Sony sign patent agreement


AP - President Vladimir Putin's plan to end the election of governors by popular vote passed its final hurdle Wednesday, when the Russian parliament's upper chamber approved the bill.

Russian Parliament OKs Election Bill (AP)


Tripoli sets outs transparent bidding process for foreign firms to woo investment for sanctions-hit oil sector. By Hassen Zenati - TRIPOLI.

Libya bidding to lure investment for oil sector


Reuters - President Bush and\Democratic rival Sen. John Kerry on Wednesday wrapped up\practice sessions for their first debate with each side\claiming the other faced the tougher challenge.

Bush and Kerry Gear Up for First Debate (Reuters)


David Ortiz drove in half of Boston #39;s runs Monday in an 8-3 win over the Oakland Athletics. Boston, which has won 18 of its last 20 games, remained 2 1/2 games behind the first

MLB: Boston 8, Oakland 3


A senior Iraqi judge said today that he had closed a case brought against Ahmad Chalabi, the former exile once backed by the Pentagon.

Iraqi Judge Drops Case Against Leading Exile Figure


Do you hate the government?  Do you want to smash the corporate slave state?  Are you an     anarchist, punk, eco-freak with a bad haircut and attitude?      Is your idea of a fun hobby sitting in your basement practicing your bomb-making skills?      Do you listen to Rage Against the Machine all the time and have     your walls lined with posters of Che     Guevara?  Do you actually want to do something to bring about the Revolution instead of getting stoned and rambling about the     Zapatistas?  Well here's something easy and powerful you can do     to help bring the walls down:    Vote for Bush.

You Say You Wanna Revolution


An Afghan election worker puts ballot papers next to Hamid Karzai #39;s name at Kabul #39;s counting center on Thursday Oct. 14, 2004.

Attacks Kill Two US GIs in Afghanistan


Brigham and Women's Hospital, one of the region's medical powerhouses and one of its most crowded, is proposing its largest expansion in two decades, including a new 13-floor wing connected to the main campus by tunnels and a bridge.

Brigham seeks OK to expand \$315m plan calls for a new wing


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks finished little changed on  Thursday, pausing after Wednesday's sharp rally, as investors  were cautious about making large bets before Friday's closely  watched jobs report.

Stocks Dip, Nasdaq Rises Before Jobs Data


\The Japanese government says urgent policy changes are needed to reverse the country's population decline.

Japan sounds alarm on birth rate


Jim Mora Jr and Steve Mariucci are familiar with each other from their days with the San Francisco 49ers. Mora was defensive co-ordinator under Mariucci with the 49ers and the two will renew old acquaintances

FAMILIAR FOE FOR MARIUCCI


Station Players will allow Sony #39;s online MMO customers to meet and greet online; set to launch alongside EverQuest II. Sony Online Entertainment today announced a Web-based service that will allow players

SOE to launch web-based community service


DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. <A HREF=

GM Leads Stronger U.S. Vehicle Sales


Oil prices ended above the \$50-a-barrel mark on Friday amid concern over possible conflict\in Nigeria's oil-producing delta region, where a two-day truce between rebel militia and government forces is holding.

Oil Ends Above \$50 on Nigeria Fears


The Federation Council, the upper chamber of the Russian parliament, has ratified the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was signed by Russia in 1997.

Federation Council ratifies Kyoto treaty


Games maker and publisher Acclaim, famous for dino game Turok, has filed for bankruptcy in the US.

Games firm Acclaim ceases ops


The economy grew an annualized 0.2 percent in the July-September quarter, not the 0.3 percent stated in the preliminary report last month, the government said Wednesday after tweaking the nation #39;s gross domestic product under a new calculation method.

GDP revised downward to annual 0.2


Reuters - eBay Inc.  offered about  #36;530\million to buy the remainder of South Korean affiliate Internet\Auction Co. Ltd. as it pushes deeper into Asia, saying key\shareholders had accepted a 79 percent increase to an earlier\offer.

eBay Bids for the Rest of S.Korean Arm (Reuters)


com. Advanced Micro Devices Inc. on Tuesday introduced its fastest desktop processor, heating up competition with rival chip maker Intel Corp.

AMD Unveils Its Fastest Desktop Chip


AP - Urban Meyer paused a few times to collect himself. Saying goodbye was hard enough. Doing so after a 12-0 season was almost too much. The fifth-ranked Utes sent Meyer to his new job at Florida with one last nearly perfect performance, beating Pittsburgh 35-7 Saturday night in the Fiesta Bowl.

Utah Says Goodbye to Meyer With Win (AP)


WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (Reuters) - Annika Sorenstam had  no sooner clinched her 10th win of the year at the LPGA's  season-ending ADT Tour Championship than she was already making  her plans for the future.

Sorenstam Keeps Alive Grand Slam Dream


Reuters - As U.S. home purchases slow, an\expected rise in demand for rentals will result in a spike in\inflation, analysts say, citing studies showing housing costs\have been under-reported by the government.

Slowing Housing Market May Stir Inflation (Reuters)


New home sales in the United States rose by 3.5 percent in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.21 million units, registering the third highest level on record, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

US new home sales race to third-highest on record


ARLINGTON, Va. -- Talks between US Airways Group and the union representing pilots have broken down, the Air Line Pilots Association said Monday.

US Airways, pilots at impasse


Under a security web of warplanes, battleships and 15,000 troops, President Bush praised Colombia's battle against drugs and Marxist guerrillas Monday and pledged to keep U.S. aid flowing so

Bush Pledges to Aid Colombia's Drug Fight


LONDON - Eight men accused of plotting to commit murder and cause mayhem with radioactive materials, toxic gases, chemicals or explosives appeared in court Wednesday in a case linked to a U.S. terror alert this month...

8 Terror Suspects Appear in British Court


A European judge will hear arguments on Friday on whether Microsoft should be forced to remove its music and video player from its Windows system.

Microsoft defence enters day two


I_Love_Pocky! writes  quot;According to this article, Microsoft is going to give its source code for Office 2003 to more than 30 different world governements.

Microsoft To Share Office Source Code


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell 3 percent after setting  record highs above \$55 a barrel on Monday as dealers took  profits on signs that energy costs are hitting economic growth.

Oil Falls on Signs Economy Hurting


Reuters - Talks between a Nigerian rebel warlord\and the government will resume on Thursday to address rebel\demands for autonomy in the oil-producing Niger Delta following\a truce agreed a day earlier, the rebel leader said.

Nigerian Oil Delta Peace Talks to Resume After Truce (Reuters)


The Lions wore the wrong costumes to Texas Stadium to play the Dallas Cowboys on Halloween. The Lions showed up as contenders, but played like pretenders -- and didn #39;t fool anybody.

Lions hit a bump in the road


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

Dell Cuts Prices on Many U.S. Corporate Products


Lawyers for Australia #39;s recording industry were launching a trial Monday against the owners of the popular file-swapping network Kazaa -- in the latest battle between copyright holders and computer users accused of music piracy.

Kazaa file-swapping trial begins


The dollar hit a record low against the euro for a fourth day running on Friday but rebounded swiftly as traders grew nervous about the possibility of central bank intervention.

Dollar hits new low, then hits back


Reuters - U.S. Treasury prices eased on Tuesday\as upbeat comments from a Federal Reserve Bank president\balanced weaker-than-expected results from the U.S. services\sector and record high crude oil prices.

Bonds Slip as McTeer Counters Oil Rally (Reuters)


ATHENS, Greece - Despite the controversy surrounding his gold medal in the all-around, Paul Hamm has a chance to win two more golds Sunday. The American will compete in the finals of the pommel horse and the floor exercise - the latter against his twin brother, Morgan...

Hamm Goes for More Gold Amid Controversy


Burma #39;s prime minister has said the country will proceed with democratic reforms, but gave no indication of when opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi would be freed from house arrest.

Burmese Leader Promises Progress on Reforms


Powerful Shiite leader says he plans to lead a mass demonstration today to end fighting.  Iraqi hostage: Militants said Wednesday they had kidnapped the brother-in-law of Iraqi Defense Minister Hazem Shaalan

Cleric returns to Iraq, orders march on Najaf


Central Japan #39;s strongest typhoon in a decade left at least five people dead and five others missing as it swept through the region, halting air and rail operations before losing strength off the Pacific coast northeast of Tokyo.

Typhoon Fades Over Northeastern Japan, Leaves 5 Dead (Update1)


PINAR DEL RIO, Cuba - Whipping winds and walloping waves lashed western Cuba and the communist country's tobacco-growing region Monday, as Hurricane Ivan strengthened to a Category 5 storm - the most powerful - and barreled along on a new course toward the U.S. Gulf Coast...

Ivan Lashes Cuba With 160 Mph Winds


The European Union #39;s arms embargo against China was the focus of nearly all the attention at Wednesday #39;s political summit in The Hague between the EU and China.

Europe and China: keeping pace with a growing giant


San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds, third on Major League Baseball #39;s career home run list, testified to a grand jury that he used a clear substance and a cream given to him by a trainer who was indicted in a steroid-distribution ring, but Bonds

Steroid shock waves ASSOCIATED PRESS ASSOCIATED PRESS ASSOCIATED <b>...</b>


Zambia's Vice-President Never Mumba is sacked for making accusations about DR Congo.

Zambian leader sacks his deputy


Intel Corp. named President Paul S. Otellini as its next chief executive officer, for the first time choosing a non-engineer to run the world's largest computer-chip maker.<FONT face=

Intel Names 30-Year Veteran CEO


Indonesian police have arrested a man and his wife suspected of possible involvement in last week #39;s suicide car bombing at the Australian embassy in Jakarta.

Couple arrested over Jakarta embassy blast


AP - The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park held a one-of-a-kind yard sale Sunday, offering rock-bottom prices on everything from antique wooden incubators to six-foot-tall prehistoric bird replicas.

Calif. Academy of Sciences Holds Tag Sale (AP)


Richard Mathias writes  quot;Following on from the posting a month ago, where SCO said it was going to launch a new website to counteract Groklaw and give its side of things - well, now the company looks like it #39;s given up on the whole plan.

SCO Gives up on Linux Website


Ultra-competitive Bevan Docherty rated himself a golden chance in the Olympic men #39;s triathlon last night - but he had a satisfied smile as he fingered the silver round his neck shortly after the finish.

Triathlon:  #39;Shagged #39; Docherty delighted


Reuters - Despite a probation\violation on a drunken- driving charge, Atlanta Braves\shortstop Rafael Furcal may participate in the playoffs.

Judge Allows Atlanta's Furcal to Play in Playoffs (Reuters)


Italy is awaiting the verdict in the long-running corruption trial of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. In this guide we examine what is at stake.

Q amp;A: Berlusconi trial


As previously reported, Jenson Button hosted a special press conference in London, late on Monday afternoon, and for the first time spoke of the events that have caused him to leave BAR for WilliamsF1 in 2005.

Button reveals all, or at least some


Neil Mellor is prepared to play in the reserves in order to remain a Liverpool player despite interest from Sheffield United Football Club.

Sheffield United target keen to stay at Anfield


SOUTHAMPTON : Newcastle United gave new manager Graeme Souness a winning Premiership start with a 2-1 win at Southampton. It was Newcastle #39;s third successive win but first in the league for Souness since taking over from Sir Bobby Robson.

Soccer: Newcastle give Souness flying Premiership start


AP - Australia's foreign minister said Wednesday that the United States had asked him to challenge International Atomic Energy Agency head Mohamed ElBaradei for the top job at the U.N. nuclear watchdog, but he had declined.

Australia Minister Doesn't Want IAEA Post (AP)


AFP - Online auction site eBay said it has launched its operations in the Philippines.

Internet auction house eBay launches Philippine operations (AFP)


A solid majority of Americans tell pollsters they think the country is headed in the wrong direction. But as the congressional campaigns got underway in earnest this September, it seemed all

A Fixer-Upper


MICROSOFT IS facing a fresh onslaught over alleged antitrust activities, with authorities in San Francisco and Los Angeles claiming that its products have adversely affected civil servants and local government functionaries.

Californians have fresh antitrust crack at Microsoft


Nina Kraft is banned for two years by the German Triathlon Union on Monday after admitting taking a performance-enhancing drug EPO before the 2004 Ironman Triathlon World Championship.

Triathlete Out 2 Years


Bee Staff Writer. SANTA CLARA - Andre Carter #39;s back injury has kept him out of the 49ers #39; lineup since Week 1. It #39;s also interfering with him rooting on his alma mater in person.

49ers notes: Carter hoping to face Chicago


AFP - A 19-year-old woman hospitalised in Vietnam has tested positive for the lethal strain of bird flu that has killed 27 people across Asia this year, including 19 in the communist nation, officials said.

Hospitalised woman in Vietnam tests positive for bird flu (AFP)


The International Olympic Committee joined the investigation into allegations that Marion Jones had used anabolic steroids and other illegal bodybuilding drugs.

I.O.C. Joins Steroid Inquiry Involving Marion Jones


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - Black  amp; Decker on Wednesday reported a 51 percent surge in third-quarter earnings reflecting strong demand in Dewalt and Price Pfister brands despite a slide in the company #39;s namesake product line.

Black  amp; Decker Q3 earns leap 51


Proving yet again that he is the hardest-working retiree in music, the rap megastar Jay-Z has agreed to become the president of Universal Music Group's Def Jam Recordings label.

'Retired' Rapper Finds a Job Atop Def Jam


Prosecutors suddenly dropped charges against two Montclair High School football players charged with raping a schoolmate because they concluded that the sex was not forced or violent but

Accuser in Montclair Rape Case Consented to Sex, Sources Say


Years after exposure to space radiation, many astronauts' vision becomes clouded by cataracts. Understanding why may shed light on cataracts suffered by elderly people.

Blinding Flashes


A vulnerability researcher posted details of a dangerous Internet Explorer (IE) flaw on Thursday that allows phishers to spoof Web sites more realistically than ever before.

Massive IE phishing exploit discovered


RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi security forces, battling a wave  of al Qaeda attacks in the world's biggest oil exporter,  clashed with suspected militants in the capital Riyadh on  Sunday.

Saudi Police, Militants Clash in Capital Riyadh


SALINAS, Calif. -- The JM Smucker Co. announced Monday that it will close its Salinas facility by the end of 2005. The closure is the result of restructuring of operations, company officials said.

Smucker #39;s To Close Salinas Facility In 2005


Oil prices were forced higher today by an outbreak of violence in Saudi Arabia and concerns that Opec may cut output. The cost of a barrel of light, sweet crude oil climbed to 43.31 US dollars after gunmen

Saudi Arabian violence changed oil prices


Researchers on Monday unveiled genetically engineered mice that can run farther and longer than their naturally bred brethren, bringing the

Scientists Create Engineered 'Marathon Mice'


A new Chinese news service launched by Google displays no results from websites banned by China's officials. The search engine that promises to do no evil says why include links that come up empty? anti-censorship advocates are watching.

Google Bows to Chinese Censorship


Sudan has failed to end militia attacks on civilians in Darfur,  while rebels also broke a truce, a UN envoy says.

UN raps Sudan over Darfur crisis


Reuters - The yen firmed against the dollar on\Friday, after dipping on a surprise rise in Japan's\unemployment rate, as investors grew cautious ahead of U.S.\growth data and a speech by the Federal Reserve chief.

Yen Firms Ahead of Greenspan, U.S. GDP (Reuters)


American Airlines slashed its fares to Miami yesterday by as much as 85 percent from several cities including Washington #39;s Reagan National Airport, possibly setting off a winter fare war on routes to Florida.

American Fare Cuts Presage Price War


The scandal-hit former head of the Organisation of American States is arrested in his native Costa Rica.

Ex-OAS head arrested


BEIJING -- An explosion tore through a coal mine in central China yesterday, sending smoke billowing from air vents and trapping at least 166 miners in tunnels and shafts below without a method of communication, the government said.

166 miners trapped in China blast


AP - Riot police used water cannons and tear gas Friday to break up a demonstration by hundreds of rock-throwing protesters before more than 20,000 people marched to vent their anger at Pacific Rim leaders, particularly President Bush.

Protests Target Bush at Summit in Chile (AP)


By now, you know the story. Vijay Singh grew up poor in Fiji. Took up golf because of his father. Quit school to turn pro as a teenager but was kicked off the Asian Tour.

Mickelson, Els, Goosen, Hamilton all very close


In a filing that could dispel rumors that the recent auction for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. was not competitive, the studio said winning bidder Sony Corp.

MGM Gives Blow-By-Blow Report of Sale Process


Reuters - U.S. oil major ConocoPhillips won an\auction for a 7.6 percent state stake in Russian oil giant\LUKOIL with a bid of  #36;1.988 billion, the Russian property fund\said on Wednesday.

Conoco Wins LUKOIL Stake Auction (Reuters)


RALEIGH, NC - Krispy Kreme said Friday that US stock market regulators have launched a formal investigation into the company, bumping up the status of what was originally an informal probe.

SEC lauches formal probe of Krispy Kreme


Reuters - Apple Computer Inc.  on\Thursday said sales of songs bought from its market-leading\iTunes online music store had topped 200 million, a figure that\was about in line with what some analysts had been expecting.

Apple Sells 200 Million Songs on ITunes (Reuters)


The European Central Bank has kept eurozone interest rates unchanged at 2 for the seventeenth consecutive month. The decision came amid worries about the economy in the 12-nation eurozone.

No change for euro interest rates


The Sixers coach knows Allen Iverson will log 40-plus minutes at point guard this season, but in his mind, he #39;s got plenty of players who can ably play the shooting guard or small forward positions.

Shooting guard starter remains a big question


WASHINGTON - Cingular Wireless LLC will divest itself of wireless customers and other assets in 13 U.S. markets as a requirement for its \$41 billion acquisition of AT T Wireless Services Inc., according to an consent decree announced Monday by the company and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Cingular clears hurdle for AT T Wireless acquisition


A health-care worker at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance has been sentenced to serve 16 months in prison for stealing the identity of a cancer patient, and subsequently running up credit card bills in his name.

Health-Care Worker To Jail For Identity Theft


\\Firefox is certainly  spreading:\\

Firefox Meme Spread


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger vowed to fight his Football Association misconduct charge as he defended his right to criticise Ruud van Nistelrooy in public.

Wenger stands by Ruud remarks


AP - Three-dimensional movies at home, without the silly glasses, have been a science-fiction dream for at least as long as Dick Tracy's wristwatch cell phone and the household robot.

Review: a Flat Panel That's Also Deep (AP)


When Ashley McLaughlin's 3-pointer skipped off the rim, concluding last year's MIAA Division 1 state championship game, gone were Andover's chances at back-to-back titles. Gone, too, are more than half the players.

Bumpy road ahead for Andover


Philippine shares finished lower Wednesday on selling triggered by a clutch of negative financial news and the steep fall of blue-chip Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. #39;s American depositary receipts, traders said.

Update 1: Philippine Shares Close Lower


ATHENS (Reuters) - Olympic champions the Netherlands  snatched another last-minute victory on Thursday in the men's  hockey tournament in Athens and Pakistan stunned Sydney silver  medallists South Korea 3-0 with fast-paced, attacking hockey.

Dutch Snatch Hockey Win, Pakistan Stun Korea


Global warming is likely to produce a significant increase in the intensity and rainfall of hurricanes in coming decades, according to an analysis.

Global Warming Is Expected to Raise Hurricane Intensity


Can any other professional sport rival women #39;s tennis for the sheer quantity of choking by its top players at big events in 2004?

Serena, Sharapova Avoid the Choke to Advance to WTA Championships <b>...</b>


Dr. David J. Graham, the FDA drug safety reviewer who sounded warnings over five drugs he felt could become the next Vioxx has turned to a Whistleblower protection group for legal help.

FDA Whistleblower Seeks Legal Help From Public-Interest Group


Motorola plans to carry out a trial of cell phones incorporating MasterCard #39;s PayPass contactless payment technology. The cell phones will enable customers to make payments by positioning

Motorola Turns Cell Phone into Credit Card


An anonymous reader writes  quot;Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0 is now available for download on Mozilla #39;s FTP server. quot; Here is the press release announcing the release.

Mozilla Thunderbird Reaches 1.0


For so sober and meticulous a team, Chelsea have made surprisingly short work of Group H. The holders Porto clutch just one point after this and Paris St-Germain none at all, making the progress of Jose Mourinho #39;s men virtually certain.

Kevin McCarra at Stamford Bridge


Microsoft has filed a report with the US Securities and Exchange Commission warning that 2005 could be challenging, as Linux continues to steal business and PC sales remain sluggish.

Microsoft: Linux may mean price cuts, fewer sales


An end to the Evil Empire? Call him a magnanimous winner, but John W. Henry , the principal owner of the Red Sox, wants to declare a ceasefire in the war of words between the Sox and Yankees.

Henry seeks friendlier feud


The internet provider will cut broadband service to several southern states  Also: Greek and British police catch a software pirater   hellip;.  AOL to provide travel services to customers    hellip;. and more.

AOL Doesn't Want Your Business


Ben Curtis came out of nowhere to win the 2003 British Open, one of the biggest upsets ever in a major championship. Almost immediately, nowhere found him again.

Ben Curtis on Vijay Singh #39;s heels


NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Yankees slugger Gary  Sheffield says he unknowingly used an illegal steroid obtained  from BALCO during the 2002 season, Major League Baseball's  official Web Site said Tuesday quoting a magazine article.

Sheffield Says He Unknowingly Used Steroids


AP - At 42, Roger Clemens is ready to pitch on three days of rest for the Houston Astros. After all, playing in the postseason with his hometown team is one of the primary reasons he came out of his brief retirement.

The Rocket Ready to Go on Short Rest (AP)


Over the summer, rising oil prices meant higher gasoline costs for drivers in the United States. This winter, as crude oil touched \$53 a barrel today, they will translate into higher heating bills for American households.

Oil Prices Hit \$53 a Barrel, Then Stage a Retreat


Joining in the race for entertainment products, software major Microsoft launched the Windows XP Media Centre. The new Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005 offers a sleek, polished new look across the desktop

Get MS #39;s Media Centre, change your life


NewsFactor - Ask Jeeves (Nasdaq: ASKJ) will launch its own desktop search tool on Wednesday, amid the hoopla over similar announcements from Google, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) and Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO). The Ask Jeeves desktop application is based on technology it obtained through the acquisition of privately owned Tuckaroo in June.

Ask Jeeves Joins Quest for Desktop Search Dominance (NewsFactor)


The top Fallujah negotiator in peace talks with the government dashed hopes of resuming talks soon despite his release Monday by US and Iraqi authorities, saying negotiations remain suspended.

Negotiator: Fallujah Talks Still Suspended


Making the minivan hip would be an Olympian feat, but the pragmatic advantage of vans was underscored in statistics that showed them to be safer than cars.

Sure, It's Pragmatic. But Stylish? The Minivan Is Getting a Makeover


The penalties imposed Thursday on the Denver Broncos for violations of the league's rules regarding the disclosure of deferred compensation to players and the salary cap were the second sanctions against the team for similar infractions in less than three years.

Broncos Penalized Again for Salary Cap Violations


REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - Defense attorneys prodded Scott Peterson's one-time mistress about wiretapped calls between her and the former fertilizer salesman accused of murder, implying she did not fully cooperate with police...

Peterson Defense Cross-Examines Mistress


CASABLANCA, Morocco -- In the aftermath of Morocco's worst-ever terrorist attacks in May 2003, King Mohammed VI lifted the hopes of his most impoverished subjects last year when he toured Casablanca's sprawling slums, home to a dozen suicide bombers who had blasted targets across the city. The monarch said he was appalled at the conditions and vowed to raze the ...

Radicalism takes root with Moroccans


On Wednesday Microsoft announced that it had completed the development of Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005, its next-generation operations management server product, which will ship in separate versions aimed at enterprises and mid-sized businesses

Microsoft Finalizes MOM 2005


Wrongheaded relief work may worsen the situation of disaster victims, warns the international Red Cross.

Red Cross slams 'misguided aid'


Reuters - Millions of drivers use traffic lights and jams as the perfect opportunity to pick up a\hot date and sometimes even a marriage partner, according to a survey today.

Traffic jams green light for love (Reuters)


AFP - Muslim organizations in Britain condemned the US-led assault on the Iraqi rebel stronghold of Fallujah, describing the offensive as a  quot;ghastly quot; counterproductive move to pro-democracy efforts.

British Muslims condemn Fallujah 'slaughter' (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - IBM plans to offer Web-conferencing as  a hosted Internet service, seeking to reach small and  medium-sized business customers while taking on more  established rivals in the market, the company said on Tuesday.

IBM Plans Web Meeting Service; Takes Aim at WebEx


LSU coach Nick Saban believes in the old saying about two heads being better than one -- especially with quarterbacks this year. The fifth-ranked Tigers had success with Marcus Randall and JaMarcus Russell last week.

LSU to stick with 2-quarterback system for now


Yesterday #39;s decision by the Federal Communications Commission to remove barriers to the delivery of broadband services over power lines may give consumers a third broadband option.

FCC OKs Broadband over Power Lines


Mauritania blasted fellow West African country Burkina Faso as  quot;evil quot; on Friday for allegedly plotting to destabilise the potentially oil-rich Islamic republic.

Mauritania, Burkina row over suspected coup plot


BALTIMORE (Sports Network) - Baltimore Ravens cornerback  Chris McAlister agreed to a one-year tender with the team on  Monday, ending the All-Pro's month-long holdout.

McAlister in Ravens' Camp, Deion Next?


AFP - The threat of a major terror attack looms large over the first US presidential election since the horrific September 11, 2001, attacks as US voters must choose in less than two months between President George W. Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry.

September 11 casts shadow over US presidential election (AFP)


Beneath the sparkling five-star tourist sheen of Taba lies a richly historical region that is littered with memories of failed Middle East peace processes.

Tragic new chapter in history of town synonymous with the peace <b>...</b>


Shopping search engines make it easy for people to research and buy products. They can also be a powerful and cost-effective customer acquisition channel for merchants.

Shopping Search Tactics


IBM is exiting the PC business, but it -- along with some PC competitors -- should benefit.

IBM's Win-Win in Exiting PCs


Iraqi hospital officials say six people are dead from a car bombing that struck in northern Baghdad. An Iraqi official says the blast took place near the Ministry of Education.

Car bomb kills six in Baghdad


Reuters - The Bush administration has received\recent intelligence reports that some experts believe could\indicate North Korea is preparing to conduct its first nuclear\weapons test explosion, The New York Times reported in Sunday\editions.

Reports May Indicate N.Korea Nuclear Test-NY Times (Reuters)


NABLUS, West Bank (Reuters) - Israeli forces shot and  killed two Palestinians on Tuesday in separate incidents in the  West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Israeli Troops Kill Two Palestinians in New Violence


washingtonpost.com - Emboldened by their election success, House Republicans changed their rules yesterday to allow Majority Leader Tom DeLay (Tex.) to keep his post even if a grand jury indicts him, and Senate GOP leaders continued to weigh changing long-standing rules governing filibusters to prevent Democrats from blocking President Bush's most conservative judicial nominees.

House Republicans Act to Protect DeLay (washingtonpost.com)


The U.S. textile industry said yesterday that it is formally asking the Bush administration to cap China's shipments of trousers, shirts, sheets and other textile items to the United States, warning that an expected flood of Chinese imports next year will otherwise wipe out thousands of American jobs.

Textile Makers Fight for Limits


Google #39;s (Nasdaq: GOOG) shares slid 3 Thursday as investors worried that the search-engine outfit may not be invincible after all.

Google #39;s Caution


HONG KONG - China #39;s consumer electronics industry is projected to reach \$49.6 billion in sales this year, growing by more than 20 percent annually to reach \$94 billion in 2007, according to a report from Global Sources Ltd.

China #39;s consumer electronic industry to hit \$94 billion


RUBENS Barrichello finally won his first Formula One race of the season to hand Ferrari victory on its home circuit yesterday. He punched the air in pure delight as he beat teammate Michael Schumacher at the

Ferrari show rolls on


Peter Boneparth, the chief of Jones Apparel, agreed to buy Barneys for \$400 million. Analysts have questions about the deal.

Who, Me? Stealthy?


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices rebounded from seven-week  lows Wednesday, jumping \$1 as a drawdown in U.S. heating fuel  stocks rekindled worries about thin supply levels ahead of the  northern winter.

Oil Rebounds \$1 as Heating Supplies Fall


Now that Google #39;s (Nasdaq: GOOG) IPO has come and gone, with differing opinions of the relative success of the Dutch auction model, it #39;s been relatively quiet over at the search engine #39;s Mountain View, Calif.

Browsing at Google


For a small man, he looks as though he will wear it lightly. No sooner had Juninho completed his protracted move from Middlsbrough to Celtic - he has signed a two-year contract, subject to

Juninho tries on Larsson #39;s No 7 shirt


Reuters - Stocks to watch on Friday: MICROSOFT\CORP. : The world's largest software maker will suffer\serious harm if it is forced to provide a version of Windows\without Windows Media Player audio-visual software, its lawyer\told a European Union court.

Stocks to Watch Friday (Reuters)


KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainian presidential hopeful Viktor  Yushchenko returned to campaigning Saturday in a defiant mood  after recovering from what his supporters said was an attempt  by authorities to poison him.

Ukraine Opposition Leader Defiant After Poisoning


LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - File-swappers beware. Illegally downloading movies can now get you sued. Like the recording companies, movie studios are fed up with computer users sharing unauthorized copies of

MPAA Sues P2P Movie Fans to Reduce Piracy


Dell cut prices on some servers and PCs by as much as 22 percent because it #39;s paying less for parts. The company will pass the savings on components such as memory and liquid crystal displays

Dell trims PC prices for business clients


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A Shi'ite militia led by Moqtada  al-Sadr agreed on Saturday to disarm under a deal that could  pacify a Baghdad flashpoint and remove one obstacle to Iraq's  plan to hold nationwide elections in January.

Sadr Peace Deal Could Bolster Iraq Election Plan


Keith Miller, Australia #39;s most prolific all-rounder in Test cricket, died today at a nursing home, Cricket Australia said. He was 84.

Keith Miller, Australia #39;s Best All-Round Cricketer, Dies at 84


VANCOUVER - The future of of the Vancouver Molson Indy Race is up in the air again, following the release of the Champ Car World Series schedule for 2005.

Vancouver Indy race a question mark


Apple today released its fastest and most affordable iBooks yet, reducing the entry-level price to just 749. These are available now.

Apple unveils new iBook range


At least 33 miners have been killed in a coal mine blast in central China, officials said on Friday. Thursday #39;s accident at the Xinsheng coal mine in the central province of Henan also left six people injured.

Dozens killed in Chinese mine blast


In grinding out the agony of British hostage Kenneth Bigley in Iraq, his captors have shown media skill and chilling political calculation to exert maximum pressure on Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Zarqawi steers media, targets Blair over hostage


AFP - India's best known artist Maqbool Fida Husain has struck a deal with a millionaire businessman to give him 100 paintings for one billion rupees (21.73 million dollars) in a year's time.

Indian artist Husain to paint 100 pieces in one year for 22 million dollars (AFP)


The city of Liverpool spent the weekend in mourning for one of its residents, Mr Ken Bigley, the British hostage who was beheaded in Iraq.

Kidnappers #39; double-headed strategy in Iraq


scubacuda writes  quot;Yahoo! reports that PayPal is taking an aggressive stance against gambling, adult, and non-prescription drug sites: anyone caught using PayPal for these purposes will be charged \$500.

PayPal to Fine Gambling, Porn Sites


AP - The Chicago Bears will not sign Tim Couch, instead deciding to stick with the three quarterbacks on their roster.

Chicago Bears Will Not Sign Tim Couch (AP)


Kazaa, the internet site which attracted the fury of the music industry by allowing users to download tunes for free, has ventured into the telecoms sector.

Kazaa to dial up a respectable living


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Instead of running away, Annika Sorenstam had to catch up yesterday. Sorenstam lost her three-shot lead in five holes, then had to make three birdies during the final six holes to salvage

Struggling Sorenstam holds onto 1-shot lead


In case anyone was really worried, Secretary of State Colin Powell offered this reassurance during a trip to Brazil this week: The giant of South America has no intent to build nuclear weapons.

Brazil #39;s Mantle of Leadership


Microsoft has unseated the Palm system with worldwide sales of more than 1.3 million units over the third quarter of the year, compared with slightly more than 850,000 for the Palm, according to a new report. <FONT face=

Microsoft Takes Lead in Software For Handhelds


Soft drink giant Coca-Cola Co. (KO.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , stung by a prolonged downturn in North America and other markets, announced on Thursday that it was lowering key long-term earnings and sales targets.

Coke Cuts Long-Term Earns, Volume Targets


Ashado grabbed the lead in the stretch and got the Breeders #39; Cup off to a rousing start for trainer Todd Pletcher by winning the \$2 million Distaff at Lone Star Park on Saturday.

Ashado wins Distaff in opening Breeders #39; Cup race


After months of wrangling over a 78-year-old, 17,000-square-foot mansion in southern California Apple CEO Steve Jobs doesn #39;t want, it appears someone is willing to

Jobs House One Step Closer to Moving; Preservationists to Object


Swiss banking giant UBS AG announced yesterday that it would buy the capital markets division of discount brokerage Charles Schwab Corp.

UBS Buying Schwab Unit


DrKoop.com and the Webvan Group, two of the dot-com eras more spectacular flameouts, are late with their quarterly filings--nearly three years late.

Another Indignity for 2 Failed Ghosts of Dot-Com Era


Mark Brunell spent most of Thursday's practice on the sideline because of a left hamstring injury, while backup Patrick Ramsey took most of the snaps in preparation for Monday's game against Dallas.

Brunell Rests Injury


UK insurance giant Royal  amp; Sun Alliance is to offshore some 1,200 back office and call center jobs to India over the next two years.

Royal  amp; Sun Alliance offshores 1,200 UK jobs


PC maker plans to launch 17-inch version of its Inspiron, perhaps in time for the holidays, and belatedly matching rivals.

Dell notebook gets set for big-screen debut


Nearly 17,000 Enron pension plan holders will see their benefits paid, thanks to pressure from the federal government #39;s Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

17,000 Enron pension holders to get paid in full


Nato troops are hunting for three UN workers, one of them British-Irish, kidnapped in Afghanistan #39;s first Iraqi-style abduction yesterday.

Three UN workers seized by militants in Kabul


NEW YORK Stocks were mixed in a volatile session yesterday, with blue chips weighed down by oil prices and a new investigation of the insurance industry.

Oil weighs on blue chips, eBay results boost techs


Online marketing firm DoubleClick says it has retained investment bankers Lazard Freres to  quot;explore strategic options to achieve greater shareholder value.

DoubleClick Hires Investment Bank


Reuters - Britain's Tony Blair arrived in\Khartoum Wednesday as the most senior yet in a parade of\Western government figures seeking to pressure Sudanese\officials over violence in Darfur province.

Blair Arrives in Sudan to Press for Darfur Peace (Reuters)


Still lacking in the Patriots #39; 5-0 start is a wire-to-wire performance of consistent quality. But who #39;s to quibble? A win is a win -- even when the head coach

Seahawks outclassed


Troubled hospital products maker Baxter International Inc. on Thursday said it halted a late-stage European trial of its experimental flu vaccine because of higher-than-expected rates of fever.

Baxter Ends Flu Vaccine Trial; Cites Side Effects


An order signed Monday by a federal bankruptcy judge in Pennsylvania clears the way for Halliburton #39;s KBR unit to emerge from bankruptcy by year #39;s end, according to the Houston company.

Halliburton says way clear for units to exit bankruptcy


In less than 20 hours, Chile #39;s Nicolas Massu fought his way to gold in men #39;s singles and doubles tennis. Four years ago the 24-year-old Chilean carried his county #39;s flag into the opening ceremonies in Sydney.

The Marathon Man


SINGAPORE -- Oil lingered above the \$50 per barrel threshold in Asian trade today, breaching the mark for the second straight day ahead of key US crude stockpile data.

Crude prices stay above \$50 for second day


In week two Notre Dame CB Dwight Ellick and his fellow defensive backs backed up their words and flustered Michigan #39;s vaunted WR corps.

A look at Notre Dame, Navy


More than 40 of wired Americans have used the net for information about the US election, a study finds.

US voters 'going online for news'


European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co., the parent of aircraft maker Airbus SAS, has proposed splitting a contested US Air Force contract for refueling tankers with its rival

EADS Offers to Split US Tanker Deal With Boeing


Police in Minsk broke up a 1,000-strong crowd demonstrating against a referendum that approved allowing Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko to stay in power for another term, a Reuters witness said.

Police break up rally protesting Belarus referendum


Merriam-Webster says the most searched word on its Web sites in 2004 was  quot;blog. quot; The dictionary publisher defines the word as  quot;a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer.

Word of the year: Blog


AFP - US weekly unemployment claims plunged by 44,000 in the week ended September 4, to 319,000, the Labor Department revealed.

US jobless claims plunge by 44,000 (AFP)


ENGLAND are planning to continue their short-pitched strategy against West Indies captain Brian Lara in an attempt to test his courage and try to limit his effectiveness in tomorrow #39;s ICC Champions Trophy final.

England out to target Lara


The Cohasset football team had three goals yesterday: Defeat rival Hull, complete its first undefeated regular season since 1957, and come away from the game injury-free for Tuesday's playoff game. The Skippers accomplished the first two goals, defeating Hull, 20-6, but came away with significant injuries to linemen.

Bang-up job from Cohasset


A scientific model of the North Sea's ecosystem suggests the total stock of fish has dropped from 26 million tonnes to 10 million t in just over a century.

Picture of North Sea fish decline


A London-based consumer group says Apple #39;s iTunes music download-service is overcharging customers in the United Kingdom by 17 percent compared to those in France and Germany.

Group Takes Issue with iTunes #39; Pricing


Named Lockheed's top executive in August, Robert J. Stevens presides over the biggest defense contractor in the world at a time of shifting military priorities and precarious defense budgets.<FONT face=

Lockheed CEO Sees World  of Potential


It #39;s one more blow to patients who suffer from arthritis. Pfizer, the maker of Celebrex, says it #39;s painkiller poses an increased risk of heart attacks to patients using the drugs.

Drug Study


CBI director general Digby Jones yesterday clashed with French finance minister Nicolas Sarkozy over the state-backed rescue of one of France #39;s biggest industrial companies.

Sarkozy defends French backing for Alstom


AP - In the 1970s, rape crisis counselors celebrated when states began to pass laws designed to stop lawyers from discrediting victims with salacious details about their sex lives.

Bryant Case Could Chill Rape Reports (AP)


NEW DELHI, Sept 6: Indian and Pakistani Oil Ministers are to meet to discuss the gas pipeline project that has been hanging fire for some years, Indian Foreign Minister Kunwar Natwar Singh said on Monday.

Oil ministers to discuss gas project


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Warren Buffett, the world #39;s second-richest man, is targeting California workers #39; compensation insurance; betting recent reforms will make the ailing market more profitable.

Berkshire Hathaway plans to write \$1 billion in premiums


AP - Customers of Sprint Corp. and SBC Communications Inc. will be able to use both companies' wireless Internet connections with less hassle under a reciprocal deal announced Friday.

Sprint, SBC Announce Wi-Fi Roaming Pact (AP)


NEW YORK - Nervous investors sent stocks mostly lower Monday as a barrel of crude topped \$55 per barrel, yet another record. Only the Nasdaq composite index posted a meager gain...

Stocks Fall As Oil Climbs Past \$55 Mark


At least, according to Nintendo President Satoru Iwata it isn #39;t. Whilst talking to journalists in Japan the boss let his feelings loose concerning Sony #39;s foray into the handheld market, stating that the PSP would simply alienate possible new gamers rather

PSP  #39;rubbish #39;? Nintendo think so. (PSP, DS)


US President George W. Bush #39;s plan to play midwife to a Palestinian state took another turn Tuesday with his decision to appoint National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice as his new secretary of state.

Analysis: Rice to spearhead realization of Bush #39;s vision for <b>...</b>


This weeks issue recognizes the smartest, most creative, and, well, coolest IT projects of 2004. But the InfoWorld 100 is more than simply another collection of well-meaning (and well-deserved) awards. It is also a blueprint -- a living document that provides real, useful editorial direction.

IT blueprint for 2005


The Recording Industry Association of America has wielded a heavy legal arsenal in its war against illegal music downloads, including filing another round of lawsuits on Thursday - this time against 762 people.

THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME


If you picture an Olympic team as athletes in tracksuits with a few blazer-clad types in the background to look after them, it is time for a radical rethink.

More blazers than tracksuits at Games


OAKLAND, CALIF. - - Pedro Martinez hardly had to outpitch Tim Hudson -akland #39;s All-Star righthander staked Boston to a huge lead himself.

Red Sox keep piling on A #39;s


Ziff Davis - Opinion: This year, all of the big mobile operators are starkly aware that they're in a race. But

Why Can't Wi-Fi Be More Like Star Trek? (Ziff Davis)


Australia #39;s jobless rate is at a quarter-century low, giving a further reward to Prime Minister John Howard following his recent election victory.

Australia jobless at 26-year low


Editor and Publisher - NEW YORK The Union Leader's Web site crashed this morning after Garry Trudeau put its URL in today's

'Doonesbury' Strip Crashes 'Union Leader' Web Site (Editor and Publisher)


LSU coach Nick Saban and Dolphins officials met for several hours Tuesday night about the team #39;s vacant head-coaching position.

Dolphins talk to LSU #39;s Saban about coaching vacancy


Agere Systems Inc. (AGRa.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday posted a fiscal fourth-quarter loss as the communications chip maker #39;s revenue declined and it took hefty charges for restructuring.

Agere Posts Loss on Revenue Drop, Charges


UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrives in Israel for two days of talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

Straw begins Middle East mission


TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran is ready to prove to the world it  is not producing atomic weapons provided the West recognizes  the Islamic Republic's right to peaceful nuclear technology,  President Mohammad Khatami said on Wednesday.

Iran Says Ready to Prove Not Pursuing Nuke Weapons


AP - Faced with a harshly critical new report, President Bush conceded Thursday that Iraq did not have the stockpiles of banned weapons he had warned of before the invasion last year, but insisted that

Bush Defends Iraq Invasion Despite Report (AP)


HANNOVER, Germany Senior negotiators from Volkswagen and its main union entered another round of negotiations on Tuesday as they worked to reach a cost-cutting contract and head off the first comprehensive strike at the automaker #39;s factories in western

VW and unions begin a new round of talks


SunTrust Banks, the seventh-largest US bank, yesterday overhauled its management weeks after it restated earnings and fired three executives because of accounting errors.

SunTrust shakes up management


A huge blast tore through a crowded Baghdad market close to a police station on Tuesday and Reuters witnesses said at least 35 people were killed.

Blast in Baghdad Rebel District Kills at Least 35


TORONTO - Kinross Gold Corp. said Monday that a change in the way it accounts for goodwill has forced it to restate its third-quarter results, resulting in a \$133.

Kinross Gold restates Q3, posts \$133.6 million


PARIS (Reuters) - The United States said on Tuesday it may  soon take legal action in a trade row over government help for  Airbus and Boeing, particularly as the European aircraft maker  was seeking support for a new project. Washington and Brussels  have so far resisted launching legal action at the World Trade  Organization (WTO) in their battle over allegations of illegal  subsidies to the aviation rivals, but that option may now be  just weeks away.

US: Time Running Out in Airbus-Boeing Row


CHICAGO The Chicago Cubs have come to terms on a one-year contract with shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. He joined the Cubs in a mid-season trade from Boston; it was part of a four-team deal.

Cubs sign shortstop


NEW YORK - Oil prices climbed close to \$51 per barrel and kept stocks mixed Tuesday as investors worried that rising energy costs would dampen a widely expected fourth quarter rally.    Wall Street was uneasy but not panicky as a barrel of light crude was quoted at a record high \$50.85, up 94 cents, on the New York Mercantile Exchange...

Stocks Are Mixed As Oil Prices Climb


Five explosions rocked a field in Gaza City used for training by anti-Israeli militants early Tuesday, killing at least 13 Palestinians and wounding 25 others, hospital officials and residents said.

At least 13 Palestinians killed, dozens wounded in Gaza City <b>...</b>


AP - Second-seeded Tim Henman of Britain overcame fatigue to beat Anthony Dupuis of France 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round of the \$US1.

Henman progresses at Swiss Indoors


Microsoft has announced general availability of Windows-Based Hosting Version 3.0, which is a platform for service providers to sell hosted offerings.

IT Forum 2004: Microsoft rolls out Windows-Based Hosting


The colossal sign that is draped around one end of the American Airlines Arena is a rather imposing spectacle, to say the least. Theres little doubt that Dwyane Wade has achieved star status in south Florida.

SIGNS OF STARDOM


Tiger Woods says he would like more of a say in future US Ryder Cup team decisions. Woods, who struggled along with the rest of the American side in the biennial event earlier this month, says he #39;d like to

Woods seeks Ryder Cup changes


Madonna made a rare foray into politics Tuesday, calling for her home country to withdraw its troops from Iraq during an interview with British radio, reports Agence France-Presse.

Madonna weighs in on Iraq


Shares of Electronic Arts Inc., the country's largest video-game publisher, climbed Tuesday on news that it has gained exclusive rights to use NFL teams and players in its video games.

Electronic Arts Shares Up on NFL Game Pact


TIRANA, Sept 7 (AFP) - French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said on Tuesday he was convinced it was still possible to secure the release of two French journalists who have been held hostage in Iraq since August 20.

French Minister Says Release Of Hostages In Iraq Still Possible


ICANN, the body responsible for the internets domain naming system, has convinced a court to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed against it by domain registry VeriSign over its interference with the launch of VeriSign #39;s Site Finder service.

ICANN beats VeriSign #39;s antitrust claim


On Tuesday, October 26, the Cassini spacecraft will approach Saturn #39;s largest moon, Titan. Cassini will fly by Titan at a distance of 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) above the surface, nearly 300 times closer than the first Cassini flyby of Titan on July 3.

Titan on Tuesday


Forbes.com - Tens of millions of people play videogames online; the tricky part is finding your friends--and favorite foes--among them. Michael Cassidy can help. His company, Xfire, runs a Web site that is the TV Guide, ma icirc;tre d' and instant messenger of the gaming world. Cassidy's service can point you to a buddy who is ready to play the game you want at any moment of the day or night. He already has a lot of friends to prove it. In eight months a million people in 100 countries have downloaded Xfire's software.

Finding Friends   Foes (Forbes.com)


BigFix, an enterprise security vendor, announced yesterday that its BigFix Enterprise Suite  quot;supports and simplifies quot; the deployment of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

BigFix eases enterprise deployment of SP2


AFP - Germany's Dirk Nowitzki scored a career-high 53 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks past Houston 113-106 in over-time here in a National Basketball Association showdown.

Nowitzki's career-best 53 launches NBA Mavericks past Rockets (AFP)


Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after he allegedly jumped on to the bonnet of a car.

Tyson arrested for damaging car


AFP - Wayne Rooney believes the three-pronged attack of himself, Michael Owen and Jermain Defoe can put England on the fast track to the World Cup finals.

Rooney backs fiercesome threesome (AFP)


BISSAU (Reuters) - Hundreds of mutinous soldiers demanding  pay for peacekeeping duty abroad seized key buildings in the  capital of Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday and patrolled the  potholed streets in trucks with mounted machineguns.

Guinea-Bissau Soldiers Stage Mutiny Over Pay


South African cricket played a key role in behind-the-scenes negotiations to save the England tour of Zimbabwe. The tour went ahead this week when the Zimbabwean government allowed the entire media contingent

SA helped save Zim cricket tour


Veteran Eduardo Romero continued to defy Old Father Time by powering into contention for his third European Masters title in 10 years on Friday.

quot;El Gato quot; Romero still climbing the leaderboard at 50


Britain #39;s Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, left, arrive in Potsdam near Berlin after a ride in a interurban train Wednesday Nov. 3, 2004.

Queen Elizabeth II Opens Climate Forum


AP - With the theme

Bush Inauguration to Tout Freedom, Service (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended higher on Wednesday,  as investors shrugged off record crude oil prices and bought  beaten-down shares, pushing blue chips to close above 10,000  for the first time in 2 weeks.

Stocks Close Higher, Dow Above 10,000


The company ended its temporary promotion that saw it slash the price of its downloadable songs to 49 cents. The company launched the promotion last month to compete with Apple #39;s iTunes service, the market leader.

Real Networks sale ends


Royal Mail says it returned to profit at the underlying level during its first half and that it beat 7 of its 15 performance targets in the latest quarter.

Royal Mail meets some targets


AP -

Els Reflects on Season of Heartache (AP)


Iraqi officials say Jan. 30 has been set as the new date for the war-torn country #39;s first national elections since a US-led military coalition toppled Saddam Hussein #39;s regime.

Iraq Delays Elections to Jan. 30


After fierce criticism, House Republicans reversed a rule change that would have allowed a party leader to retain his position even if indicted.

House G.O.P. Voids Rule It Adopted Shielding Leader


A San Lorenzo man defrauded eBay users of thousands of dollars in auctions for rare Mickey Mantle and Michael Jordan sports cards, according to a federal grand jury indictment handed up Wednesday in San Jose.

Man indicted in eBay fraud


GREENSBORO -- As PGA golfers enter the final rounds of the Chrysler Classic at Forest Oaks, one question still hangs over the Triad #39;s only major sports event: Have the changes to the tournament in recent years secured its future viability?

Hole in one?


CHICAGO - If the Minnesota Twins couldn't win the AL Central title at home, Chicago was the next-best place for a party. Torii Hunter and Corey Koskie each hit a two-run homer in the first inning, and the Twins clinched their third straight division crown on their main rivals' home turf, beating the Chicago White Sox 8-2 Monday night...

Twins Clinch Third Straight Division Title


Iran told the United Nations nuclear watchdog that it agreed to a European Union deal to voluntarily stop uranium conversion from Nov. 22, to ward off US calls that the Islamic Republic

Iran Promises UN It Will Suspend Uranium Enrichment (Update1)


SAN FRANCISCO: At virtually every turn, Intel Corp executives are heaping praise on an emerging, long-range wireless technology known as WiMAX, which can blanket entire cities with high-speed Internet access.

WiMax: Latest trend, or hype?


London, England (Sports Network) - Just four days after racist chants marred a friendly between England and Spain, Birmingham City says striker Dwight Yorke was racially abused during a match at Blackburn on Sunday.

Police and FA to investigate racism allegations at Blackburn


AP - PeopleSoft Inc. Monday raised its forecast for the just-ended quarter, helped by an increased average selling price and strong performances in North America and Europe.

PeopleSoft Raises Estimates for Quarter (AP)


Polling was suspended 10 days ago in a row over whether to include a bill to criminalise adultery. After a week of wobble when Turkey #39;s European ambitions appeared to have stalled, the end of the country #39;s marathon reform process is in sight.

Turkey prepares for marathon reform


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said he will complete his plan to disengage from Gaza next year, despite losing a key coalition partner.

Defiant Sharon vows Gaza pullout


Washington State #39;s dream of a fourth consecutive bowl trip was exterminated last night by the strong right arm of Arizona State quarterback Andrew Walter in Sun Devil Stadium.

ASU bowls over the Cougars


USATODAY.com - Eminem, Destiny's Child, Snoop Dogg, Lil' Jon and Chingy face off with new albums next week as the record industry gears up for the make-or-break holiday season.

Holiday CD showdown: Full press is on (USATODAY.com)


Pay-Per-Click - Just the words send a chill up and down my spine. It used to be that this PPC feature was an end-all to cure any search engine listing woes, to get the ranking we felt we were denied, and to

PPC Options


AP - Tokyo stocks fell Tuesday for the second straight session after new data showed Japan's economy may be headed toward another slowdown. The U.S. dollar edged higher against the Japanese yen.

Tokyo Stocks Slip, Dollar Higher (AP)


The Sunday Mail leads with the news that the official death toll from the Russian school siege in Beslan has risen to 348. The Sunday Post claims the figure could reach 400 and reports on Vladimir Putin #39;s

What the Scottish Sunday papers say


PARIS -- France's president, Jacques Chirac, finally phoned George W. Bush yesterday to congratulate him a week after his reelection as US president, and Chirac's foreign minister, Michel Barnier, called for better trans-Atlantic ties.

Chirac belatedly calls Bush over win


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Scott Gomez has headed home to Alaska to play some hockey during the lockout. Gomez, a 24-year-old Anchorage native, skated Monday with the Alaska Aces of the ECHL and could debut in Friday #39;s home opener against the San Diego Gulls.

Gomez joins Alaska Aces of ECHL


AP - Jordan Palmer threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Johnnie Lee to give No. 23 Texas-El Paso the lead in double overtime, then Rice's Ed Bailey fumbled on the 2 to give the Miners a 35-28 victory Saturday night.

No. 23 UTEP Beats Rice 35-28 in Double OT (AP)


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Heavy fighting broke out between US troops and Shi #39;ite militiamen in the Iraqi city of Najaf, where Iraq #39;s interim defense minister said he expected a  quot;decisive battle quot; to take place on Wednesday.

Fighting Rages in Najaf After Peace Bid Fails


LONDON, Sept 30 (AFP) - Hopes remained alive Thursday for the life of Briton Ken Bigley as Prime Minister Tony Blair vowed to respond  quot;immediately quot; if his hostage takers in Iraq contacted the British government.

Blair vows to respond  #39;immediately #39; if contacted by Iraq hostage <b>...</b>


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - First the premiers snubbed Paul Martin's breakfast invitation. Then the prime minister reacted in kind to their demand for  #36;36.5 billion in new health-care funding.

Ottawa rejects premiers' demand for  #36;36.5 billion in new health cash (Canadian Press)


Ken Dunham, Director of Malicious Code at iDefense, said he recommends both Adware and Spybot to his friends and family.  quot;We really haven #39;t had good comprehensive solutions to deal with these threats, quot; Dunham told TechNewsWorld.

Computer Associates Fires Latest Round in Spyware Battle


AP - Rick Fox retired Thursday, ending a 13-year pro career during which he was part of three NBA championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Fox, Traded by Lakers to Celtics, Retires (AP)


BOSTON - Microsoft Corp. filed nine lawsuits against individuals and companies alleged to be involved in the distribution of spam, the company said Wednesday.

Microsoft files suits against 'bulletproof' Web hosts


The UK's ad watchdog rules over which net connections can be described as full speed broadband.

Watchdog rules over broadband


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

Oil Extends Slide After Crude Build Slump


New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera jetted to Panama yesterday to grieve for two beloved relatives electrocuted in a freak accident at his estate during the weekend.

Rivera tends to tragedy: Two relatives die at his Panama estate


Dutch bank and insurer ING Group said Monday it will sell the activities of Baring Asset Management, nearly a decade after it purchased the remains of the bankrupt British bank Barings.

Netherlands ING to Sell Baring Activities


Tim Henman overcame a slow start to edge ahead of Jurgen Melzer in Great Britain #39;s Davis Cup tie with Austria. Henman needed to win to keep the world group play-off alive after Great Britain #39;s earlier doubles

Henman battles back after slow start


After a summer in which they didn #39;t seriously interview a single candidate for the vacant position, why are the Coyotes still the only NHL team without a permanent head coach in place?

Is Gretzky going to coach the Coyotes when NHL resumes?


Laser manufacturer Candela's management avoids taking the easy way out to explain shortfalls.

Profit From Management Integrity


LONDON -- The Protestant paramilitary fighter accused in the slaying of Patrick Finucane, a crusading Catholic civil rights lawyer gunned down in his Belfast home 15 years ago, pleaded guilty to murder and other charges in the case yesterday.

Despite guilty plea in Belfast slaying, public inquiry sought


Another mainstream tech columnist has written that Apple must license the iTunes Music Store/iPod, or perish from the wrath of its competitors.

Guardian: Apple Must License or Perish


ROME, Oct 29 (AFP) - French President Jacques Chirac urged the head of the incoming European Commission Friday to take  quot;the appropriate decisions quot; to resolve a row over his EU executive team which has left the EU in limbo.

Fix EU executive  #39;crisis #39; urges Chirac


A young German man believed to be responsible for writing 70 per cent of all computer viruses received in the first half of this year has been given a job in IT security.

Teenage worm whiz gets IT security job


WASHINGTON - Richard Nixon was president and man was still making trips to the moon the last time the word

Official: MLB to Move Expos to Washington


Henrik Larsson, the former Celtic striker, has become the first player nominated for FIFA #39;s World Player of the Year award to have done so on the basis of performances in the Bank of Scotland Premierleague.

Larsson secures place on elite list


NewsFactor - Verizon recently announced plans to roll out its new wireless BroadbandAccess service in 14 American cities, with more to follow.

On the Horizon: The Global Wireless Web (NewsFactor)


Several people were killed and a few others wounded when rebels attacked a police station in the capital of Russia #39;s breakaway Chechen republic on Saturday, Russian news agencies reported, citing officials.

Rebels attack Chechen police station, several people killed


the second-longest active winning streak among Division 1-A schools behind Boise State's 13. Matt Leinart completed 20 of 31 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns without being intercepted, leaving the game for good late in the third quarter. He has passed for two or more TDs in 14 straight games. The Rams (0-2) hadn't been blanked since losing to ...

USC pitches shutout


TWO US convoys came under attack today in and near Baghdad, leaving one US soldier dead and another injured, the US military said.

Two US convoys attacked in Iraq


Overmatched and undermanned, the Panthers had no chance against the Eagles in a rematch of last season's NFC championship game, 30-8.

Eagles Rout Panthers


Spinner Nicky Boje has withdrawn from South Africa #39;s two-test tour to India later this month because he fears being detained over a match-fixing investigation, his lawyer Tony Irish said on Wednesday.

UPDATE 1-Boje withdraws from India tour


The last time Deutsche Borse attempted a deal with the London Stock Exchange it was portrayed as a merger of equals. The two exchanges, both mutuals, in 2000 planned to join

What went wrong four years ago


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's highest court decides on  Thursday how far human rights can be restricted in the

Key Ruling Due on Inmates of 'Britain's Guantanamo'


Looks like the Philippines, despite itself, has survived the election without excessive violence, major civil unrest, or untoward People Power eruptions. GMA finally has that elusive electoral mandate, and the air of uncertainty that pervaded Manila in the weeks leading up to the election has given way to (for some) an air of cautious optimism or (for others) resignation that nothing ever changes much in the Philippines and that the strong leadership and fundamental changes needed to save the country are long shots.

Muddling Through (or Not): Mid-2004 Update on the Philippines


Vonage teams with Wi-Fi equipment maker Linksys on voice over Internet Protocol.

Linksys, Vonage connect on VoIP


WASHINGTON Sept. 3, 2004 - America #39;s payrolls picked up in August, with the economy adding 144,000 jobs, slightly less than economists were forecasting and highlighting the slow and uneven recovery in the labor market that jobseekers have braved.

US Economy Adds 144,000 Jobs in August


TORONTO (Reuters) - The National Hockey League rejected an  offer from the players in the latest round of labor  negotiations Thursday, leaving little hope of avoiding a  lockout start to the season next month.

Lockout Looms as NHL Players' Contract Offer Rejected


CANBERRA - Australia wants to base counter-terrorism teams in Southeast Asia, the government said on Monday as it traded blows with opposition Labor over the best way to wage the war on terror ahead of an Oct. 9 election.

Australian govt plans counter-terror teams in Asia


There's trouble in the Atlantic 10. The league that received four NCAA bids and had two teams advance to the Elite Eight last season most likely will not repeat that success. Nine of the league's top 10 scorers have either graduated, left early for the NBA, or just left.

Minutemen on the clock


AP - Chris Webber had a season-high 28 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Sacramento Kings shake off their worst loss of the early season and beat the Phoenix Suns 113-111 Saturday night.

Kings Edge Past Suns With 113-111 Win (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks to watch on Monday: ORACLE  CORP. <A HREF=

U.S. Stocks to Watch on Dec. 13


The United States has vetoed an Arab-backed resolution at the United Nations Security Council that demanded an end to Israel #39;s military operations in the Gaza strip.

US vetoes Security Council resolution on Gaza


The night before, they looked like glorified batting practice pitchers. Last night, the members of the Boston bullpen needed to be almost letter-perfect and, for the most part, they were.

Pen certainly helped pin this victory down


Crude oil futures moved upward Wednesday, as the northeastern United States _ a heavy consumer of heating oil _ felt the first signs of what could likely be a colder-than-expected winter.

Oil Futures Rise on Signs of Cold Winter


A British hotelier and cameraman has said Afghan authorities tried to get him to confess to involvement in the kidnapping of three UN hostages.

Briton in Afghan kidnap dispute


IBM (Quote, Chart) said it would spend a quarter of a billion dollars over the next year and a half to grow its RFID (define) business.

IBM in Major RFID Expansion


Reuters - Organizers of an Australian night\surfing competition used an electronic shield for the first\time to protect surfers from sharks, which might otherwise have\thought competitors were an easy meal.

Buzz Off! Aussie Surfers Use Device to Repel Sharks (Reuters)


Vodafone has flicked the switch for the start of its  #39;Vodafone live! With 3G #39; service. Its portal of mobile services has had a 3G makeover for UMTS-based (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) video

Vodafone unleashes 3G live! service


THE arrest of four Indonesians accused of carrying out the Australian embassy bombing in Jakarta was a positive breakthrough in the war against terrorism, Labor said today.

Labor welcomes terror arrests


LOS ANGELES -- NASA #39;s Cassini spacecraft on Tuesday made its closest pass yet to to Titan, Saturn #39;s largest moon. The spacecraft took the first detailed pictures ever of the moon #39;s surface.

NASA Probe Takes Pictures Of Saturn Moon


AP - Former top-ranked player Kim Clijsters made a winning return to the tour Wednesday, shaking off five months of rustiness to beat Iveta Benesova 7-6 (3), 6-2 and moving into the quarterfinals of the Gaz de France Stars tournament.

Clijsters Makes Winning Return to Tour (AP)


Description: NPR #39;s Noah Adams talks to NPR #39;s Julie McCarthy, reporting from Eilat, Israel on the Israeli-Egyptian border, about bombings at two Egyptian resorts Thursday evening.

Israeli Tourists Targeted in Deadly Egypt Bombings


New York #39;s attorney general has broadened his insurance-brokerage probe into life and health insurance, investigating whether brokers have taken payoffs to steer business

Brokerage probe has expanded


THE CEREMONY: Hamid Karzai was sworn in for a five-year term as Afghan president after winning the country #39;s first vote for head of state.

Summary: Karzai Sworn in As Afghan Leader


the former Daily Telegraph publisher -- and his wife Barbara Amiel used corporate credit cards to pay for their every extravagance.

Report: Black Robbed Hollinger of \$400 M


SiliconValley.com - A new Seattle start-up called SourceLabs seeks to solve a longstanding problem with the popular open-source software movement: Components often don't talk with each other.

Start-up strives for open-source compatibility (SiliconValley.com)


Stocks turned higher Tuesday, sending the Dow Jones industrial average back above the 10,000 mark, as investors shrugged off rising energy prices and focused instead on good corporate news.

Stocks Climb Despite Rising Oil Prices


NewsFactor - Voyager Capital, a Pacific Northwest I.T. venture firm, has joined the Open Source Development Labs (OSDL), an Oregon-based organization dedicated to boosting the growth and adoption of Linux in enterprises.

VC Firm Joins Open Source Development Labs (NewsFactor)


Adrian Mutu, already fighting to save his career after being sacked by Chelsea, is now facing a claim for compensation from the club over his lost transfer value.

Mutu facing a damages claim


British telecom regulator Ofcom said its approach to VoIP and release of new telephone numbering for it was aimed at encouraging the services through reduced costs and increased competition.

UK Rolls Out New VoIP Numbers


Plus: San Francisco mayor vows to bring Wi-Fi to the city, free computers to housing projects.

News.com Extra: Net users trawl for differing views


Breaking news: CNN said Thursday it has subjected CNNfn to its own form of numbers-crunching and will shut down the financial news network around the time of its ninth anniversary in mid-December.

CNN axes financial channel, to retool Headline News


LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar won a reprieve against other  major currencies on Tuesday, bouncing off last week's record  low versus the euro as markets grew cautious ahead of words  from the European Central Bank chief and U.S. data.

Dollar Wins Reprieve, Data Weighs on Yen


Are dolls, blocks and stuffed animals fading away in favor of electronic gadgets, and is childhood fading with them?

Babes in a Grown-up Toyland


AP - Campaign aides to President Bush on Saturday laughed off rampant Internet speculation about whether the president was wired to get help from advisers during his first debate with Sen. John Kerry.

Was Bush Wired? Ridiculous, Campaign Says (AP)


Florida State and Miami will still play in prime time, just four days later than planned.

Frances postpones games


US Secretary of State Colin Powell and his delegation were unhurt in an intense gunfight that erupted outside Haiti #39;s presidential palace on Wednesday while they were in a meeting with Haitian leaders.

Powell safe after gunbattle during Haiti visit


Arun Sarin, the chief executive of Vodafone, moved to grab more day-to-day control of the world #39;s biggest mobile phone company yesterday by announcing a management shake-up which

Sarin asserts control in shake-up of Vodafone management team


Though Vern Holm is just getting into the wine business, his enterprise could be greatly impacted by the overturning of a prohibition-era law.

Local wineries eyeing Supreme Court debate


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel Corp. <A HREF=

Intel Cancels Top-Speed Pentium 4 Chip


Hewlett-Packard Co., one of the top private employers in Greater Sacramento, on Friday rolled out an array of new products to expand into consumer digital-entertainment and digital-photography categories, including a home theater computer and its own

HP rolls out new consumer electronics


AP - A South Korean embassy official who met with John Kerry fund-raisers to talk about creating a political group for Korean-Americans was in fact a spy for his country, raising concerns among U.S. officials that he or Seoul may have tried to influence the fall presidential election.

AP: Kerry Fund-Raisers, S. Korean Spy Met (AP)


AP - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman reiterated the league's position that it won't consider the players' proposed luxury tax.

NHL Won't Consider Proposed Luxury Tax (AP)


Xbox game could make \$75 million in 24 hours, give Grand Theft Auto a run for its money. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - How big is  quot;Halo 2 quot;?

How big is  #39;Halo 2 #39;?


The holiday season generally arrives a bit earlier for boxing fans than for most, and this year is no exception as the fall fight season will soon be in full swing.

De La Hoya-Hopkins is about more than the championship


After weeks of earthquakes and steam eruptions, Mount St. Helens has a new lava dome that could even eclipse the volcano's old one. The quakes subsided as the new lava emerged Monday and cooled in the open air.

Lava Breaks the Surface at Mount St. Helens


Reuters - Long lines, malfunctioning machines\and dueling lawyers could turn next week's U.S. presidential\election and its aftermath into a disorderly and even chaotic\experience, political analysts said on Tuesday.

Experts Fear Messy, Disorderly Election (Reuters)


AP - Kevin Brown had

Yanks' Brown Long Shot to Pitch Sunday (AP)


Orlando Magic #39;s Steve Francis (3) drives to the basket in front of New Orleans Hornets #39; Baron Davis (1) in first half of a preseason game at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss.

New Magic Stars Key Win Over Hornets


Coeur d #39;Alene Mines Corp (CDE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) admitted defeat on Tuesday in its \$1.8 billion bid to acquire Canadian gold and silver miner Wheaton River Minerals Ltd.

UPDATE 1-Coeur throws in towel on Wheaton bid


BAGHDAD (Reuters) -

Fighting Words: Decoding Iraq War Lingo


Black swans clash with their white rivals in a battle over a Lincoln in lake.

Swans in a flap about territory


AP - Federal authorities on Thursday indicted 19 people in the United States and abroad on charges related to a Web site investigators claimed was one of the largest online centers for trafficking in stolen identity information and credit cards.

Feds Indict 19 of Online ID Theft Charges (AP)


Oil retreated in Asian trade today, but players in the market remained edgy about tight supplies heading into North America's winter heating season.

Crude Oil Retreats From \$53 Threshold


Coach Jose Mourinho began his quest for a second successive Champions League title in the best way possible when his Chelsea side beat Paris St Germain 3-0 in their opening Group H match on Tuesday.

Mourinho #39;s Chelsea off to a flyer as champions Porto draw


The companies, both of which have struggled in recent years, said the merger, expected to be finalized by March, is expected to generate significant cost savings, but could also trigger sales of

Kmart, Sears agree to \$11B merger


Kent, OH (U-WIRE) -- Point guard DeAndre Haynes scored 13 points and added 11 assists as Kent State gave Creighton its first loss of the season, 67-58, in Omaha, Neb.

Flashes #39; fifth win in a row breaks Creighton #39;s streak


Meet five people whose breakthroughs make the progress of science real. Chosen from hundreds of applicants to Apple #146;s Bioinformatics Award Program, they are shaping our health and our world through their research in biotechnology  #151; and the help of Apple #146;s Workgroup Cluster for Bioinformatics. Sep 2

Bioinformatics Award Winners


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) - Retailer New York  amp; Co. and medical equipment firm InterLace delivered premiums Thursday as the two initial public offerings distinguished themselves among a pack of four deals.

Four deals taking off in busy IPO day


RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - A Hamas leader said the  militant group could accept creation of a Palestinian state in  the West Bank and Gaza and a long-term truce with Israel,  signaling a possible new overture to end hostilities.

Hamas Hints It Is Open to Deal on Truce, Statehood