NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday as crude  oil prices climbed to another record and data on the services  sector showed growth at a slower-than-expected pace in  September.

Stocks Edge Down, Record Crude Weighs


Bronx, NY -- Jon Lieber continued his September hot streak by pitching into the eighth inning and Derek Jeter hit a solo homer, helping New York clinch a playoff berth for the 10th straight season with a 7-3 win over Tampa Bay in a much-awaited makeup

American League Game Summary - Tampa Bay At New York


Mutual-fund firm Putnam Investments announced it will provide more information about its fees, brokerage commissions and executive pay as part of an effort to regain footing in the wake of the mutual-fund trading scandals.

Putnam to Disclose More About Fees


Reuters - U.S.-based Wireless LAN operator\Airpath said on Tuesday it aims to run 20,000 public locations\for wireless computer access by late 2005, and connect to an\additional 30,000 hotspots through roaming agreements.

Airpath Joins Wi-Fi Hotspots for Easier Web Access (Reuters)


The US fiscal and current account deficits, and low interest rates, are driving the greenback down against other currencies but it is difficult to predict how fast and far it will go, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge said on

BoC says US dollar pulled down by deficits, rates


A Canadian submarine off the coast of Ireland was forced to call for assistance from the British Royal Navy after a small fire broke out on board, it is reported here Tuesday.

Fire breaks out on Canadian submarine


MIAMI (Ticker) -- In its first season in the Atlantic Coast Conference, No. 11 Virginia Tech is headed to the BCS. Bryan Randall threw two touchdown passes and the Virginia Tech defense came up big all day as the Hokies knocked off No.

Miami (FL) Hurricanes


Printed symbols called SpotCodes can help cellphones with cameras find their way around cyberspace.

Connecting Paper and Online Worlds by Cellphone Camera


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Williams-Sonoma Inc. <A HREF=

Williams-Sonoma Profit Up; Stock Jumps


On Thursday, as news was leaking out that Russia was likely to ratify the Kyoto global warming treaty, a group of US business executives was discussing climate policy as they lunched on chicken and avocado sandwiches in Washington #39;s St.

US Firms Look Ahead To Emissions Cuts Overseas


US orders for durable goods may have risen for a second straight month in July, paced by more bookings for commercial aircraft, computers and machinery, according to a survey of economists ahead of today #39;s government report.

US July Durable Goods Orders Probably Rose 1, Survey Shows


Reuters - Major League Baseball has approved\the creation of a national cable television channel devoted to\America's favorite pastime, but regular-season games may be\confined to the dugouts for the network's first year, a top\league official said on Friday.

Major League Approves Baseball Channel for TV (Reuters)


Internal e-mail messages from Savvis Communications Corp. have surfaced on the Internet that show that the St. Louis-based ISP (Internet service provider) catered to online e-mail marketing companies it suspected of sending out unsolicited commercial (

Leaked memos link spammers to ISP Savvis


The new iMac, as seen in these photos taken at the San Francisco Apple Store, places the computer's innards behind a 17-inch or 20-inch flat-panel monitor.

iMac G5 in pictures


The Vikings #39; star wide receiver suffered the injury in last week #39;s victory at New Orleans. Vikings coach Mike Tice said the problem was  quot;a little worse than a mild strain of the hamstring quot;.

Injury threatens Moss streak


A lawyer for Michael S. Ovitz, the former president of the Walt Disney Company, argued Wednesday that his client should be excused as a defendant in a lawsuit

Ovitz Seeks to Be Excused From a Disney Suit


The Cosmos 1 team announced today that the worlds first solar sail spacecraft will be set for launch on March 1, 2005 from a submerged submarine in the Barents Sea.

Launch Date Set for Cosmos 1, The World #39;s First Solar Sail <b>...</b>


Dave Wannstedt wasn #39;t happy with Jay Fiedler on Saturday, and the feeling was mutual. Wannstedt benched Fiedler at halftime of the Miami Dolphins #39; 17-7 loss to the Tennessee Titans, and the quarterback said he was disappointed about the quick hook.

QB shuffle fails to pay off for Dolphins


AP - The trial of Shining Path rebel leader Abimael Guzman was suspended again Friday for after one judge stepped down and prosecutors insisted that the lead judge follow suit.

Trial of Peru Rebel Leader Is Suspended (AP)


AP - Will Tyrone Willingham be the next Ara Parseghian or the next Bob Davie?

A Key Year for Willingham, Notre Dame (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Boston Red Sox can make baseball  history on Wednesday by becoming the first team to overturn a  three-game deficit in a best-of-seven series.

Rallying Red Sox on Verge of Historic Win


Typhoon Chaba tore across southwestern Japan Monday, killing at least five people and knocking out electricity for thousands as it swirled its way north, dumping heavy rain and whipping up huge seas.

Five Killed as Typhoon Tears Across Southern Japan


By Kim Sengupta in Baghdad and Richard Lloyd Parry in Camp Dogwood, Iraq. The attack was carried out with deadly thoroughness, and took planning that illustrated the depth of the militants #39; information.

Militants used grenade attacks to lure Black Watch into deadly <b>...</b>


Dominican New Yorkers had a message yesterday for the newly elected president of their homeland: Let there be light.

Dominicans send juiced message


Optimistic scientists on Thursday plucked dirt and mud from a mangled capsule which crashed in the Utah desert, hoping to find enough solar dust to yield clues about the dawn of the planetary system.

Scientists Hope Solar Material Intact After Crash


The commitment to the UN #39;s nuclear watchdog agency could derail an American drive to impose UN sanctions. Diplomats said Iran agrees to continue a freeze on uranium enrichment and to suspend related activities.

Iran to suspend uranium enrichment


Has recalled the power adapters due to a risk of overheating, which could lead to a fire or electrical shock. WASHINGTON: Dell Inc.

Dell to recall 990,000 laptop adapters


LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar fell to an eight-month low  against the euro on Thursday, also setting multi-month lows  versus the yen, sterling and the Swiss franc amid worries the  U.S. economy was not growing enough to support its currency.

Dollar Fall Gathers Momentum


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

Lots of Science Intact in Smashed-Up Genesis Capsule


ATHENS - Greek police on Friday used pepper spray on a crowd of demonstrators protesting against the weekend visit of US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Athens police fire pepper spray at Powell protesters


AMSTERDAM: President General Pervez Musharraf has described the progress made during his talks with the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New York as a gain for peace.

Musharraf terms talks with Singh gain for peace


WASHINGTON -- In a telecast to the Arab world, Secretary of State Colin Powell called yesterday for an end to the intifadah, the four-year violent Palestinian uprising against Israel.

Powell calls for Palestinian intifadah to end


The story does not begin until the quarterback hits rock bottom. There's a reason Ricky Santos, current big man on the University of New Hampshire campus, one of 16 finalists for the Walter Payton Award (given to the top offensive player in Division 1-AA), record-setting redshirt-freshman wonder, and Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year does not have his picture in ...

Santos rose from the depths at UNH


Scientists believe a faulty battery may have led to the high-speed crash to Earth of Nasa's Genesis space capsule.

Genesis 'faulty battery' probed


The new president of the Motion Picture Association of America, Dan Glickman, says his industry is getting tough on movie piracy. Mr.

US Movie Industry Gets Tough with Pirates


The All Blacks coach was also correct when he said Wales were a team worthy of respect. Whether he showed enough with his team selection is debatable but what is beyond dispute is that

NZ withstands Welsh passion


EIGHT north-west airports will be issued with passenger screening equipment to boost security at regional airports, as part of a \$48 million package announced by the Federal Government yesterday.

Security upgrade for airports


Description: Actor Carl Reiner found his life #39;s calling in the third grade, making his classmates laugh by walking on his hands. The actor, comedian and director joins NPR #39;s Neal Conan and takes calls.

Carl Reiner: Comedy as a Life #39;s Work


The initial performance of two Web-query services launched last week, Accoona and Blingo, suggests market leaders Google and Yahoo don't have reason to worry yet.<FONT face=

More Search Products Prowl for Market Share


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Freddie Mac, the No. 2 US mortgage finance company, said Wednesday it may face civil action from the Securities and Exchange Commission for possible violations of securities laws.

Freddie Mac faces SEC action


On a surprise visit to Iraq US Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, has predicted violence will increase ahead of January #39;s elections as rebel attacks killed 11 people including a US soldier.

IRAQ VIOLENCE TO SOAR:RUMSFELD


AMSTERDAM - The Dutch football association KNVB announced on Friday that starting from the 2005-06 season, a play-off system will be introduced in the Premier Division to determine which teams qualifies for the Champions League and the UEFA Cup.

Ailing Dutch soccer opts for play-off system


FAZ Weekly. Iraqi President Ghazi Yawer made all of the important political stops in Berlin on Thursday, seeing the German president, the development minister and finally the chancellor.

Iraqi president appeals for aid


Internet sites such as Friends Reunited are unwittingly fuelling a surge in marital break-up as bored husbands and wives contact old flames, relationship counsellors warned yesterday as official figures showed divorce has reached a seven-year high.

Divorce rate surges as friends are reunited


Here's just what you need: another complication involving individual retirement accounts.

Timing Is Everything


Microsoft Corp. officials said yesterday that the company has spent millions of dollars preparing a version of its Windows operating system without a program for playing digital music and

Microsoft Crafts Backup Plan


Suspected Maoist rebels in Nepal explode two bombs in Kathmandu, on the third day of a blockade of the capital.

Kathmandu hit by 'rebel' blasts


The British and Irish governments are due to present the DUP and Sinn Fin with further clarification today of their proposals for a deal on the North #39;s political future.

DUP and SF to get clarification on proposals


MARION JONES injected herself with performance-enhancing drugs while the man at the centre of huge doping scandal watched, he claimed in an explosive TV interview last night.

ATHLETICS:  #39;I TAUGHT JONES TO USE DRUG #39;


Canadian Press - WASHINGTON (AP) - President George W. Bush's trip north of the border will be akin to a polite dance where he'll try to avoid missteps that could create more anti-Americanism in Canada. For his part, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin will want to avoid looking as if he's bending to U.S. will on trade and security issues.

U.S. President Bush aims to avoid missteps on official visit to Canada (Canadian Press)


Car bombs and clashes killed 12 Iraqis Monday and three Australian troops were wounded in the first attack on their contingent since the end of the Iraq war.

Twelve Iraqis Die in Car Bombs, Clashes


Reuters - Want a computer that screams when\a thief strikes? Or a personal tracking unit in case you get\kidnapped?

Crime Spurs South Africa's Inventors to Action (Reuters)


AP - For a man whose job is on the line and whose team is on the skids, New Orleans Saints coach Jim Haslett was relaxed Monday.

Saints' Haslett Aims to Stay but Might Not (AP)


The Israeli army said on Wednesday that a total of 148 unarmed Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank this year. A senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officer released

148 unarmed Palestinians killed in West Bank in 2004: Israeli army


Another developer plans to capitalize on a hot condo market by selling off its rental apartments to home buyers.

Developer to sell rentals in Allston as condos


The Russian government agreed to sign the Kyoto treaty, meaning the global climate accord probably will enter into force next year, irrespective of opposition from the US, the world #39;s biggest polluter.

Russia Backs Kyoto, Treaty May Enter Force Next Year (Update1)


AP - Tokyo stocks inched up Tuesday morning, nudging aside Wall Street's broader losses and taking encouragement from a rise in U.S. technology stocks. The dollar was trading higher against the Japanese yen.

Tokyo Stocks Higher; Dollar Up Against Yen (AP)


Valentino Rossi is crowned world champion with victory at the Australian MotoGP.

Moto GP: Rossi retains world title


TEHRAN -- The head of Iran's security council said yesterday that the reelection of President Bush was in Tehran's best interests, despite the administration's axis of evil label, accusations that Iran harbors Al Qaeda terrorists, and threats of sanctions over the country's nuclear ambitions. Historically, Democrats have harmed Iran more than Republicans, said Hasan Rowhani, head of the Supreme National ...

Tehran official calls a Bush win preferable


AFP - The Greek Orthodox Church's new Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, Theodore II, was enthroned in this coastal city in northern Egypt.

New Greek Orthodox patriarch of Alexandria enthroned (AFP)


While USC remained comfortably atop the Bowl Championship Series standings released Monday, the bigger news involved movement in Northern California.

Cal jumps into fourth in new BCS rankings


com September 23, 2004, 9:53 AM PT. There #39;s no doubt the Internet will continue to make its mark in the world of business and technology.

LookSmart buys Furl.net


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. regulators are set to give  Cingular Wireless final approval for its \$41 billion purchase  of AT T Wireless Services Inc. <A HREF=

Cingular/AWE Deal to Get Conditional OK


Reuters - Due to the possible threat of\Hurricane Ivan, the NFL has rescheduled the Titans/Dolphins\game up a day to Saturday at 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Hurricane Ivan Reschedules Titans and Dolphins Game (Reuters)


Police armed with batons broke up an anti-government protest march in Dhaka yesterday, injuring more than 30 demonstrators and arresting at least 100, police said.

Strike, clashes dog Dhaka


With one-third of the votes counted in Afghanistan #39;s landmark presidential election, Hamid Karzai was leading with 64 per cent, and his campaign team said Tuesday it was certain the interim leader will win with the simple

Karzai team confident of victory in first round of voting in <b>...</b>


HALIFAX (CP) - Canada #39;s problem-plagued submarine fleet was hit by another major setback Tuesday when a small electrical fire broke out aboard HMCS Chicoutimi as it was making its maiden trip to Canada from its former base in Scotland.

Sub crew safe after fire off the coast of Ireland


It may be the world #39;s biggest brewer -- and in beer-loving Belgium at that -- but InBev does not want its managers drinking at lunchtime.

Boozy Lunches Off the Menu at Brewer #39;s New HQ


Russia #39;s Natural Resources Ministry has postponed consideration of whether to suspend the licenses of the main subsidiary of the troubled giant oil firm Yukos.

Russia Delays Review of Yukos Subsidiary Licenses


A 78-year-old man has been accused of twice raping a woman more than 30 years ago, amid an alleged culture of sex attacks on the tiny island of Pitcairn.

Man, 78, on Pitcairn rape charges


AP - After a camp marred by trouble involving reserve forward Qyntel Woods, the Portland Trail Blazers opened preseason play Wednesday night with a 92-73 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics.

Trail Blazers Clobber SuperSonics 92-73 (AP)


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the parts being recalled are 56-watt AC power adapters that were shipped primarily with IBM ThinkPad i Series, 390 and 240 Series, and S Series notebook computers.

IBM recalls 225,000 ThinkPad power adapters due to fire hazard


The Asian Development Bank (ADB) sharply lowered its economic growth forecast for Korea for this year and the next, lowering its outlook from 4.8 percent to 4.4 percent for this year and from 5.2 percent to 3.6 percent for next year.

Korean Economy Falling Alone


Arab  quot;Palestinians quot; launched a voter registration drive Saturday, a first step toward long-overdue elections, and Palestinian Authority/Palestine Liberation Organization  quot;Chairman of Terror quot; Yasser Arafat promised that voting for parliament and president

Palestinian Authority Prevents Voter Registration


Reuters - Don't squash that bug! Cockroaches,\beetles, spiders and worms may be the U.S. government's next\line of defense in the war on terror.

US Military Taps Bugs and Weeds in War on Terror (Reuters)


AP - Singer-songwriter Billy Joel married his fiancee, 23-year-old Kate Lee, in a ceremony Saturday at his Long Island mansion, his record label said. Joel, 55, wed Lee in a sunset wedding at his waterfront home, Newsday reported in its online editions. Columbia Records, Joel's label, announced the marriage Saturday night. A spokeswoman for Joel could not immediately be reached for comment.

Billy Joel Marries 23-Year-Old (AP)


The Steelers combined their new quarterback with Jerome Bettis to dominate the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Pittsburgh Ends Another Win Streak


The bodies of more than 40 Iraqi army recruits have been found following an ambush near the Iranian border in the country #39;s northeast region.

Iraqi Army Recruits Massacred


The annual cat show at Madison Square Garden, which begins on Friday, will include cloned kittens for the first time.

New Breed of Cat: Clones to Make Debut at Annual Show


It #39;s ironic that in this moment of triumph for Apple CEO Steve Jobs, the greatest challenge yet to Apple #39;s online music dominance is emerging.

BEST OF ECT NEWS Bitter Apple Replay?


AFP - Vanuatu's new government has told Australian Federal Police on assignment in the Pacific island nation to leave the country by September 15, officials in Canberra said.

Vanuatu government tells Australian police they're not wanted (AFP)


Two diamonds worth nearly A\$20 million have been stolen in a daylight robbery from a high-end antique and jewelry dealers #39; show at a showroom below the famous Paris Louvre museum.

\$20M LOUVRE DIAMOND THEFT


CINCINNATI -- The great ones are measured by what they do in the final minutes. So far, Carson Palmer is so-so.

Bengals win using Palmer method


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed higher on  Wednesday, as the dollar strengthened and shares of Merck   Co.  <A HREF=

Stocks End Up; Merck Helps Dow; Dollar Up


Assailants fired a rocket at an American helicopter taking President Hamid Karzai on a rare foray into Afghanistan #39;s troubled provinces Thursday, but it missed and he escaped injury.

Afghan Leader Survives Assassination Try


Shares of Google, the newly public Web search company, fell 6.7 percent as selling restrictions were lifted on 39 million shares held by employees and early investors.

Google Falls as More of Its Shares Start Trading


AMSTERDAM: Police have detained another suspect in relation to the killing of Dutch film-maker Theo van Gogh. They have also arrested two other men who are accused of calling for the beheading of an anti-immigration politician.

Another arrest in van Gogh murder


UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people have  probably died in Indonesia's western Sumatra and Aceh Province  or will perish before relief workers can reach them, a senior  U.N. official said Monday.

Tens of Thousands More Deaths Expected in Sumatra


Reuters - Millions of people across the\globe are set to die early due to extreme weather events such\as floods and heat waves caused by climate change, a British\scientist said Tuesday.

Scientist: Extreme Weather Will Kill Millions (Reuters)


AFP - Singapore consumer electronics maker Creative Technology net profit in the September quarter fell 83.5 percent to 4.8 million US dollars, with last year's huge one-time gains magnifying the decline.

Creative Technology reports sharp drop in quarterly net profit (AFP)


LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar drifted near recent record  lows against the euro and five-year lows against the yen on  Friday ahead of key U.S. jobs figures.

Dollar Holds Above Lows as Data Looms


The new bands tent at Glastonbury Festival will be named the John Peel Stage to honour the Radio 1 DJ.

Glastonbury tribute to John Peel


Ukrainian prime minister Viktor Yanukovich held a slim lead in Ukraine s presidential race as of 10:00 Monday morning, with 41 percent compared to Viktor Yuschenkos 38 percent, according to partial results.

Ukrainian PM Yanukovich Takes Early Lead in Presidential Race


Dealers describe General Motors #39; new incentive program which puts no-haggle prices on special tags. DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp.

Dealers: GM  #39;Red Tag #39; deals up to \$7,500


LONDON - From David Beckham to Roger Moore to Tony Blair, London is rolling out the big names to promote its campaign for the 2012 Olympics.

Stars endorse London #39;s 2012 Olympic Games


The world economy this year should post its best growth in three decades even though oil prices are up sharply and economic activity in the United States probably will be slower than previously thought.

Update 2: IMF Predicts Strongest Growth in 3 Decades


Shares of Atherogenics Inc. (AGIX.O: Quote, Profile, Research) leaped 82 percent in electronic trading before the market opened on Tuesday following the release of data showing

Atherogenics stock leaps on heart trial data


Lycos Europe Cans Anti-Spam Effort\\Lycos Europe attempted to get back at the leading spammers of the world through an initiative called MakeLoveNotSpam. The move was applauded by the ordinary user of the web considering more than a lakh users downloaded the screensaver from the official website. However, many ISPs and ...

Lycos Europe Cans Anti-Spam Effort


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Coca-Cola Co. <A HREF=

Coke to Pay New CEO Same as Predecessor


They are baseball's Delta House, the ragtag Pointer Brothers of Yawkey Way. Winning just about every game on their march to the playoffs, the 2004 Red Sox look like they're going on down to Yasgur's farm to join in a rock 'n' roll band.

They're letting their hair down


GAUHATI, India Oct. 4, 2004 - Sleeping villagers heard men outside their huts, calling them to come out. They stumbled into the early morning darkness Monday and the intruders began firing automatic weapons, killing six people and wounding seven.

63 Killed Since Saturday in India Strife


By MARK STEVENSON      MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Mexican authorities are investigating the sale of fake or substandard medicine in a border town so popular among Americans seeking cheap medications that it has more pharmacies than streets.    U.S...

Fake Drug Sales Problematic in Mexico


LONDON (Reuters) - The yen held close to the previous  session's four-week high against the dollar on Thursday while  the dollar held steady on the euro as investors awaited U.S.  labor and manufacturing data due later.

Dollar Awaits Data, Yen Down from Peak


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes  to help the New England Patriots set a record for consecutive  victories by downing the winless Miami Dolphins 24-10 in  Foxboro Sunday.

Brady Helps Patriots Win Record 19th Straight


LONG BEACH, Calif. - The members of Beastie Boys are flashing liquor and cash while betting on a street-level parlor game - with a Jewish twist...

Beastie Boys Embark on Traveling 'Pageant'


SAN FRANCISCO - Barry Bonds reached another milestone on Saturday, but it didn #39;t wipe the frowns from the captains in their kayaks out in McCovey Cove.

Surprise! Bonds fails to belt HR


NEW YORK (Reuters) - ConocoPhillips <A HREF=

ConocoPhillips Profit Up on Oil Prices


First, Vioxx was pulled from the market. Now attention turns to five other drugs, which deserve scrutiny, a Food and Drug Administration scientist warned Congress this week.

FDA under fire


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Worldwide semiconductor sales rose a  scant 1.5 percent in October, to \$18.8 billion from \$18.5  billion in September, as many chip users pared bloated  inventories, the Semiconductor Industry Association said on  Friday.

Chip Sales Rise 1.5 Pct in October from September


SEPTEMBER 29, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Hosted CRM evangelist Salesforce.com Inc. began a new branding campaign this week to draw attention to its customer service support functionality, launching a new Web

Salesforce.com expands call center support


Oil futures stabilized Thursday after a jump in prices the previous day that reflected a drop in US crude and heating oil stocks even as demand was rising with cold weather spreading across the US Northeast and Midwest.

Oil futures stabilize above US\$44 a barrel after jump in prices


Simona Torretta and Simona Pari, the two Italian aid workers who were welcomed by cheering crowds in Rome last week after being released by their Iraqi kidnappers, have announced their intention of returning to Iraq.

Stay in Italy, Simona, both of you


Within a decade computer models may be able to forecast some types of earthquakes with accuracy similar to that of current forecasts for hurricanes, scientists say.

Coming Soon: Your Local Earthquake Forecasts?


Pro-choice Dutch medics set sail for Portugal, where they hope to provide women with advice on abortion.

Abortion ship sails for Portugal


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar staged a broad-based rally  Monday and oil prices slid, boosting shares in some Asian power  and exporter companies, but many investors struggled for  direction on the first trading day of 2005.

Dollar Gains, Oil Prices Slide


Afghanistan was rocked by two separate attacks, including a violent explosion in the capital, Kabul, and at a school in the southeastern part of the country.

US firm target of deadly bomb blast in Kabul


MacCentral - Apple Computer Inc. announced Friday that the U.S. version of its iTunes Music Store now accepts payments through PayPal, the popular electronic payment service owned by eBay. With PayPal, users can pay for their iTunes downloads using a

U.S. iTunes Music Store now accepts PayPal (MacCentral)


A triumphant Paula Radcliffe put her Athens nightmare behind her by winning the New York City marathon today and declared: Its good to be back.

It #39;s Good to Be Back, Says Marathon Winner Paula


There is still some political uncertainty in Indonesia despite a speech by President Megawati Sukarnoputri in which she said the election result has to be accepted by all.

Megawati accepts election result


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices surged to record highs above  \$54 on Tuesday as a fire at Nigerian export pipeline became the  latest threat to consumers' efforts to build winter heating  fuel inventories.

U.S. Oil Jumps Over \$54 on Winter Worries


Part of Boston #39;s new Fan Pier development team, Miami-based LNR Property Corp. may see shares rise after the company agreed to be acquired by a group led by Cerberus Capital Management LP for \$3.

Fan Pier #39;s LNR Property to be acquired for \$3.8B


The Defense Department awarded a \$31 million contract for implementation and training services to Unisys Corp. The contract pertains to DOD #39;s electronic medical records system, called the Composite Health Care System (CHCS) II.

Unisys wins DOD health system contract


Aregular Amazon customer, Yvette Thompson has found shopping online to be mostly convenient and trouble-free. But last month, after ordering two CDs on Amazon.com, the Silver Spring reader discovered on her bank statement that she was double-charged for the \$26.98 order. And there was a \$25 charge that was a mystery.

E-shopping: When  Things Don't Click


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - Transocean, after a frantic search for a giant oil rig blown off location by Hurricane Ivan, said late Thursday it found the structure drifting along 70 miles from the well it had been drilling, upright and apparently undamaged.

Transocean finds missing oil rig


Perhaps in our hearts we knew it was too good to last - this Red Sox dream team that so brightened our late summer and early fall days.

It #39;s been swell, Pedro


WORLD Trade Organisation (WTO) members have finally established a framework for negotiations to conclude the Doha Round. This is good news.

Patchwork of FTAs won #39;t do - Doha Round crucial


China #39;s economy grew by 9.5 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of this year, Spokesman Zheng Jingping for the National Bureau of Statistics announced in Beijing Friday.

China #39;s economy up 9.5 in 1st 9 months


The WPP Group, the world #39;s second-largest advertising and marketing company, reported on Friday that profit for the first half of the year rose 11 percent, providing further

WPP Profit Up 11, Aided by Global Advertising Upturn


Nearly 40 years after US and Soviet space probes orbited the moon, the European Space Agency has put its own satellite into lunar orbit.

Euro probe comes in 4th in moon race


Morningstar Inc., the mutual fund and stock research provider, on Friday said it may face US Securities and Exchange Commission civil charges over incorrect data it published about a mutual fund.

Morningstar Faces Possible SEC Civil Suit


PAKISTAN #39;S president has warned that the war on terror has made the world a more dangerous place. Gen. Pervez Musharraf said the world was  quot;absolutely quot; less safe because military action had done nothing to tackle the causes of terrorism.

World is  #39;in more danger #39;


Belarus #39; Yuliya Nesterenko became the fastest woman in the world, winning the 100m gold medal at the Olympic Games here Saturday evening.

Nesterenko of Belarus wins women #39;s 100m Olympic gold


Reuters - European shares traded sideways on\Wednesday but banks were a bright spot as Britain's HBOS\rallied on relief it would not be wading into a bidding war for\domestic peer Abbey.

European Shares Tread Water (Reuters)


ATHENSBrazilian runner Vanderlei de Lima was 46 seconds ahead of the pack - only five kilometres from Panathinaiko Stadium and in line for a gold medal in the historic Olympic marathon race.

It #39;s a mad, mad, mad marathon


The treaty was the result of 28 months of sometimes acrimonious debate, and now faces ratification in national parliaments.

Leaders Sign European Union's First Constitution


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CP) - Quebecor World Inc., targeted by labour allegations of union-busting tactics, has been named in more charges from the National Labor Relations Board in the United States.

US labour relations board hits Quebecor with unfair labour charges


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese stocks edged lower by  mid-morning on Thursday as concerns over domestic earnings and  the impact on global economies of higher oil prices  overshadowed bargain hunting following the market's recent  sharp losses.

Tokyo Stocks Fall on Oil Concern


On Wednesday SAP moved one step closer to voice-enabling its applications by signing a deal with VoiceObjects, a developer of voice application management systems.

SAP to speech enable applications


Peruvian TV journalists resign after claims of electoral fraud sparked an angry outburst by President Toledo.

Peru TV staff quit in Toledo row


Italian police today said they had defused a bomb near the Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi #39;s Sardinian holiday villa, only hours after a visit by the prime minister, Tony Blair.

Bomb found near Berlusconi villa


Beijing is making a big push to market itself, similar to the way the U.S. promoted its culture and values during the cold war.

Chinese Move to Eclipse U.S. Appeal in South Asia


By EMILY FREDRIX    WASHINGTON (AP) -- All he wanted were the facts. But Dick Cheney ended up generating confusion- and lots of it...

Dick Cheney Slip Sends Surfers to Wrong Site


Germany #39;s new coach Juergen Klinsmann will seek to extend his unbeaten run to three in a friendly against Iran on Saturday but a smouldering dispute between his goalkeepers has put a damper on his spirits.

Klinsmann uses Iran match to test young players


England captain David Beckham was forced to leave training early after failing to shake off a rib injury just two days before he is due to face Poland in a World Cup qualifier.

Injured Beckham cuts short training


The success of last week's primary election using touch-screen voting machines heartens officials in other states, where e-voting has been problematic. Still, the Silver State may be in a unique situation.

Nevada's Seamless E-Vote


Most large US banks appear poised to post higher third-quarter profits, but may struggle to post big gains as sluggish commercial lending and weak stock trading

US bank profits may rise despite languid quarter


TODAY'S GAMES Division 1 GREATER BOSTON -- Arlington at Malden, 6:30; Waltham at Cambridge, 7.

This week's schedule


JAKARTA - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said the government will ban Jemaah Islamiyah, which is believed to have links with international terrorist network al-Qaida, if it does exist, according to a US-based magazine.

Yudhoyono eyes Jemaah Islamiyah ban


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were higher on Wednesday  as investors bought beaten-down shares, even as the price of  oil jumped to new 21-year record highs.

Stocks Up; Investors Bottom Fishing


Australia will be intent on recording a comprehensive win over the United States when the teams meet tomorrow night in the ICC Champions Trophy after its main group rival in pool A, New

Australia looking for big win


SOUTHLAKE, Texas (Ticker) -- The battle for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference comes down to 90 minutes of action as the Dallas Burn host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.

SPORTSTICKER MLS PREVIEW (SAN JOSE-DALLAS)


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Luther Head scored 17 points and Dee Brown added 15 points and nine assists as Illinois celebrated its new No. 1 ranking with a 78-59 victory over Chicago State on Monday night.

No. 1 Illinois 78, Chicago St. 59


When John Ruiz gets in the ring, things usually get ugly. Put Andrew Golota in there with him, and things could get a lot uglier. That #39;s the possibility Saturday night when Ruiz defends his WBA heavyweight

Ruiz and Golota has the potential for one ugly heavyweight fight


AP - The Houston Astros have gone cold in Pittsburgh. Rookie John Van Benschoten allowed five hits in eight innings for his first major league win, and the Pirates beat the Astros 6-1 Friday night.

Pirates Cool Down Astros 6-1 (AP)


A drug overdose killed former NL MVP Ken Caminiti, who admitted using steroids during his playing days and tested positive for cocaine in the days before he died.

Effects of drugs ruled cause of death for Caminiti


Each time the runners approached the starting blocks, the chants would begin again, a defiant show of support for their fallen hero.

ATHENS OLYMPICS 2004 / Crawford leads US sweep in 200


Club football returns and the weekend begins at Old Trafford as Charlton make the trip north to Manchester. Following a week of recriminations and fallout from the international friendlies and World

Prem Preview : Man United-Charlton


A U.K. foundation gathers testimony from British businesses and coders opposed to software patents.

Software patents raise hackles in Britain


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lleyton Hewitt reached the  quarter-finals of the U.S. Open on Tuesday with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2  victory over unseeded Slovak Karol Beck.

Hewitt Outclasses Beck to Reach Last Eight at U.S. Open


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar rebounded on Thursday,  lifting shares of some Asian exporters, after the Federal  Reserve raised interest rates as expected and indicated it  would press ahead with further increases at a measured pace.

Dollar Up After Fed, Tokyo Shares Slide


TechWeb - Symantec is warning PC users about a new Trojan horse that terminates adware on a person's computer, but also plays dirty tricks.

Malicious Trojan Pretends To Be Good (TechWeb)


A car bomb exploded near a police patrol in Baghdad #39;s fashionable Jadiriyah district, killing at six people, including three police officers, and wounding 26 others.

Car bomb kills six in Baghdad in latest attack on Iraq #39;s police <b>...</b>


Bankrupt cable operator Adelphia Communications Corp (ADELQ.PK: Quote, Profile, Research) will allow cable companies Time Warner Inc.

Adelphia to allow Time Warner/Comcast dual bid-WSJ


Hundreds of baggage handlers at Gatwick airport have started a 24-hour strike as part of a dispute over workloads. The action, involving around 600 Servisair baggage staff, began at 0300 BST on Saturday.

Gatwick baggage handlers striking


On Monday, reporters were speculating about whether Bruins captain Joe Thornton would be odd man out for Team Canada in last night's World Cup matchup against Team USA at the Bell Centre because of the amount of talent on the roster. But Thornton knew something they didn't. During an on-ice meeting with coach Pat Quinn during practice that ...

Thornton's game: It's improving


(Washington-AP) Dec. 11, 2004 - Thousands who own Dodge Durangos and Dodge Dakota pickups will have to go back to dealer in the near future.

Daimler Chrysler recalling 600,000 Dodge Durangos and Dakota <b>...</b>


The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment has released an alarming report on the impacts of climate change across the Arctic. The ACIA is a multiyear evaluation of the impact of climate change and increased ultraviolet radiation across the Arctic region.

Wake-up call on climate change


AOL Building a Browser\\Firefox seems to have reignited the browser war. First, Google made headlines when it got hold of the domain name GBrowser.com pointing towards a possible browser release from them. Now, reports are out on a possible standalone browser from the AOL stable to be simply called AOL ...

AOL Building a Browser


Napster founder Shawn Fanning tries to convince record companies and peer-to-peer networks to switch from lawsuits to making money on downloads.

Its Sno Napster


The dollar rallied after dropping to a record low yesterday against the euro amid uncertainty about whether officials would intervene to curb the currency's slide.

Dollar rallies, but continued weakness expected


Palm Desert, CA (Sports Network) - Grace Park fired a 10-under-par 62 on Thursday to take the first-round lead of the Samsung World Championship at Bighorn.

Park in overdrive at Samsung Championship


Reuters - President Bush and Democratic Sen.\John Kerry remain tied for the third consecutive day in the\race for the White House, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll\released on Wednesday.

Reuters Poll: Bush and Kerry Still in Dead Heat (Reuters)


To tune in, turn off that TV and head outside about 8:45 tonight, because the best show of the evening is going to be hanging in the sky.

Moon will play hide and seek with us tonight


The Lower Delaware, site of a recent oil spill, seems as if it has been mistakenly stuck at the end of the pristine Upper Delaware.

A River Pulled in Two Directions


AP - A nonprofit that helps the poor with legal services launched a free Web site Friday to help people navigate the state and federal courts in California.

Free Online Legal Service Launched (AP)


HOMESTEAD  So, what exactly do the top five in the Chase for the Nextel Cup have to do to win? NASCAR has done the math and it adds up like this: KURT BUSCH: Leading the Chase, Busch

It #39;s a winding road to Nextel Cup glory


Reuters - Kellogg Co. , the world's\largest cereal maker, on Monday reported a quarterly profit\that exceeded Wall Street estimates and raised its full-year\earnings outlook, helped by strong sales of new products.

Kellogg Quarterly Earnings Top Estimates (Reuters)


AP - Tough and tiny snails that threaten to crowd out native species by hogging all the food have shown up in a Colorado creek for the first time, state wildlife biologists said Tuesday.

Species-Threatening Snails Found in Colo. (AP)


Reuters - Japan's Nintendo Co. Ltd. said on\Thursday it will make available 12 software titles for its new\

Nintendo Says 12 DS Games to Debut in Japan (Reuters)


Microsoft, AOL, EarthLink and Yahoo filed three new lawsuits to stop the spread of unsolicited e-mail.

ISPs file more antispam lawsuits


AP - The Tennessee Titans already have one quarterback recovering from surgery. They aren't in a hurry to operate on backup Billy Volek's throwing shoulder if they can avoid that.

Titans QB Faces Possible Shoulder Surgery (AP)


The Indonesian government has posted cash rewards for information leading to the arrests of two top Malaysian suspects and others responsible for last weeks Australian embassy bombing in Jakarta.

REWARD OFFERED FOR JI SUSPECTS


\The US agrees to stagger a troop withdrawal from South Korea, due to fears about the North.

US agrees to slow S Korea pull-out


TORONTO - Blockbuster Inc., the world #39;s biggest video rental company, plans to eliminate late fees on movies and games in the new year.

Blockbuster killing late fees on videos, games


Soon you will be able to hunt and shoot wild pigs and sheep via the net.

Remote control rifle range debuts


The British Grand Prix got a second chance in 2005, after Formula One bosses put it in 2005 #39;s race calendar - as long as a deal can be reached.

British Grand Prix given a chance


Centuries-old traditions in Gambell, a village of 700, have been slipping away, as one of the most remote villages on earth finally contends with the modern world.

For Native Alaskans, Tradition Is Yielding to Modern Customs


HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros can end their postseason struggles vs. the Atlanta Braves and reach the National League Championship Series for the first time since 1980 with a win at home Sunday.

R. Clemens, P


British Police say there was no threat to a Greek airliner that was forced to make an emergency landing in London after a bomb threat.

Greek Airliner Clear After Bomb Scare


For the second year running Alessandro Petacchi won a bunch sprint at the Tour of Spain in Zaragoza to take his second stage of the 2004 race.

Petacchi snatches victory again in Zaragoza


AFP - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf travels to the Brazilian capital for talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as he seeks to strengthen his country's international ties and open new commercial markets.

Pakistan's Musharraf, Brazil's Lula to talk business (AFP)


AFP - US-based Human Rights Watch warned that a libel suit against critics of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra filed by a corporation he founded, along with increasing government pressure on the media was threatening to stifle press freedom in Thailand.

Rights group says libel suit deepens assault on Thailand's media (AFP)


Reuters - Asia needs a new network akin to\Interpol to fight a

Interpol-Style Effort Needed Against 'Wildlife Mafia' (Reuters)


In moderation, it helps keep tissue slick and clear, study finds    HealthDayNews -- Drinking any kind of alcohol in moderation can reduce damage to affected tissue after a heart attack, says a University of Missouri-Columbia study.    A heart attack results in reduced blood flow to a number of areas of the body...

Alcohol Reduces Damage After Heart Attack


Led by Lauren Jackson #39;s 27 points, the Seattle Storm pummeled Sacramento out of the Western Conference Finals with a decisive 82-62 Game 3 victory Tuesday night at Key Arena to advance to the WNBA Finals.

Storm ends Monarchs #39; playoff run


The Darfur region of Sudan should be granted autonomy, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ruud Lubbers, said Friday. There has to be some clear partition of

UN Official Urges Autonomy for Darfur


Though Howard Stern's defection from broadcast to satellite radio is still 16 months off, the industry is already trying to figure out what will fill the crater in ad revenue and listenership that he is expected to leave behind.

Stern's Move Is a Signal Event


OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland Athletics are used to pressure-packed pennant races...

Athletics Struggle Down the Stretch


Just over half of US Internet users now connect through broadband, according to a new survey. Nielsen/Netratings reports that in July, 51 percent of Internet users had DSL, cable, or other fast connections, up dramatically from 38 percent in ...

Broadband Use Passes Dial-Up


A Balinese project uses low-wattage electrical current to stimulate the regrowth of a badly damaged coral reef. It's the world's largest coral nursery ever built using this technology, in an area where most of the world's coral species live.

Electricity Revives Coral Reef


Software asset management tools vendor LogicLibrary on Wednesday plans to announce its acquisition of BugScan, which provides security analysis capabilities to identify code vulnerabilities before application deployment.

LogicLibrary buys BugScan


AP - Reserve guard Juan Dixon scored all 15 of his points in the fourth quarter Sunday to lead the Washington Wizards to a 104-101 victory over Atlanta for the Hawks' fourth straight loss.

Wizards Edge Hawks 104-101 (AP)


A top aide to firebrand Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said today that kidnappers who abducted and threatened to kill a US journalist had promised to set him free.

Kidnappers Set to Free US Journalist


BEIJING, Sept. 24 (Xinhuaent) -- Premier Wen Jiabao is now in Moscow with a mission to secure more power supply from Russia to satisfy China #39;s booming demand for oil and gas.

Energy needs on top of Wen #39;s Moscow agenda


Cadbury Schweppes Plc, the maker of 7Up and Dr Pepper, said 2004 earnings will be at the low end of forecasts as demand in the US and Europe stagnates, days after Coca-Cola Co.

Cadbury Says Annual Results to Be at Low End of Range (Update3)


Rasheed Marshall throws three touchdown passes and sets a Big East career rushing mark for quarterbacks, leading No. 15 West Virginia past Syracuse, 27-6, Thursday night.

Marshall Leads WVU


Reuters - Toys R Us Inc. , which is\selling its toy business, will

Toys R Us Wants to Prevent Piecemeal Sale (Reuters)


Shares of DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. jumped 38 percent on the first day of trading yesterday as investors anticipated Shrek-sized profits from the computer animation film studio.

DreamWorks soars on 1st day Shrek-sized hopes lift shares up 38


AP - A college student died Thursday of a head injury suffered in a clash between police officers and a crowd of Red Sox fans who poured into the streets outside Fenway Park to celebrate their team's victory over the New York Yankees.

Woman Hurt in Red Sox Celebration Dies (AP)


bulk messages clogging instant-messaging accounts. AOL and its Anti-Spam Alliance partners -- EarthLink, Microsoft, and Yahoo

AOL Takes  #39;Spimmers #39; to Court


An adapter made by Siemens allows phones to make calls using the Internet or the traditional phone network.

Skype ready for both telephone worlds


The Mets submitted a three-year guaranteed contract to Boston pitcher Pedro Martnez worth approximately \$38 million.

Mets Top Red Sox in Offer to Martnez


Conrad Black intends to give up his management positions with Hollinger Inc.,  quot;within a matter of days, quot; to avoid conflicts with his offer to the board to privatize the Toronto holding company.

Lord Black to resign from Hollinger Inc.


Recent upsurge in attacks has parallels, and differences, with past insurgencies.

Classic guerrilla war forming in Iraq


Ask Jeeves Inc. has made three significant enhancements to its search engine, as the Emeryville, California company continues to take aim at its much larger competitors in the search space: Google Inc., Microsoft Corp., America Online Inc. and Yahoo Inc.

Ask Jeeves revamps search engine


The hockey season started early this year and, after two entertaining weeks of the World Cup, it ends for who knows how long. Despite the impending announcement of an NHL lockout today

Before hiatus, Canada wins


WASHINGTON - President Bush opens the fall campaign with a slight lead over Democratic Sen. John Kerry, an Associated Press poll shows, as voters express growing confidence in the direction of the country and the performance of the incumbent...

AP Poll: Bush Holds Lead Over Kerry


Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - The Crown's case against accused Air India bomber Ajaib Singh Bagri lacks any hard and trustworthy evidence, one of his lawyers argued Monday.

Crown hasn't proven case against accused Air India bomber:lawyer (Canadian Press)


HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - An online casino forked over \$28,000 Wednesday to the owner of a 10-year-old, partially eaten cheese sandwich thought to be embedded with the image of the Virgin Mary - and then sent the  quot;religious icon quot; on a world tour.

Casino Forks Over \$28K for Cheese Sandwich


AFP - Indian troops shot dead five Islamic militants in three separate clashes in Indian-administered Kashmir, a police spokesman said.

Indian troops kill five Muslim rebels in Kashmir (AFP)


The Russian-Chinese trade will have hit a record high of US\$20 US by the end of this year, a senior Russian diplomat said on Saturday.

Russia expects high trade volume with China


REAL MADRID #39;s Luis Figo is in doubt for tomorrow #39;s (Australian time) crucial Champions League match with AS Roma.  quot;His left foot is very painful and it is premature at this time to say if Figo will play, quot; said Real #39;s doctor, Alfonso Del Corral.

Figo doubt for Rreal


AP - Tennessee's Albert Toeaina is one of the most recognizable players on the team, and that's before he puts on a skirt.

Tenn. Polynesians Standing Out on Field (AP)


Reuters - Mortgage finance company Freddie\Mac (FRE.N) on Wednesday said it may face civil action from the\U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for possible violations\of securities laws.

Freddie Mac Says May Face SEC Action (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - American International Group Inc.  <A HREF=

AIG Nears Settlements with Justice, SEC


In the battle between Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi (Tokyo, Yen 106 trillion in assets) and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (Tokyo, Yen 94 trillion in assets) for UFJ (Tokyo, Yen 82 trillion in assets), the stakes include more than just UFJ #39;s assets.

All Eyes on Tokyo


A cell phone game based on the children's series

Lemony Snicket comes to the handset


Microsoft's music download service launches in eight new countries as the software giant bids to takes on Apple's market leading iTunes.

MSN's download service expanding


Reuters - The number of tigers in Bangladesh's\mangrove swamps has risen by more than 50 to 419 in the last\decade, thanks to the government's steps to save the endangered\species, the Environment and Forest Minister said on Saturday.

Bangladesh Sees Tiger Numbers Up in Mangrove Swamps (Reuters)


WASHINGTON - House Republicans sought Tuesday to quash an undying Internet rumor that the government will reinstate a military draft after the election, hoping with a vote to kill legislation that would do it, and the rumor as well.    The specter of a wartime military draft like that of the Vietnam era has lingered around the presidential campaign for the past few weeks, fueled by an e-mail driven rumor mill and a campaign by Rock the Vote, a nonpartisan group that seeks to boost voting among young people...

House GOP Seeks to Quash Draft Rumor


Fifth and ninth for Fernando and Jarno following qualifying for tomorrow's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Hungarian GP, Qualifying


Tied at one game apiece, the North Quincy girls' volleyball team grinded out a win in yesterday's Division 1 Central semifinal, defeating host Brookline, 3-1.

N. Quincy serves notice to Warriors


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar edged down on Friday after  soft U.S. manufacturing data fueled the view that the Federal  Reserve may slow or even temporarily halt its tightening  campaign.

Dollar Edges Down on Doubts Over Fed


BAGHDAD, Nov. 10- Gunmen kidnapped a first cousin of interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and two other members of his extended family from their Baghdad home on Tuesday, an Allawi spokesman said Wednesday morning.

Gunmen Kidnap Three Members of Allawi #39;s Family


Sarah Ulmer of New Zealand continued her dominance of pursuit racing Sunday, breaking her own world record to win the Olympic gold medal.

Ulmer wins gold in pursuit cycling


Luke Donald and Paul Casey took a giant stride towards what would be only the second-ever victory for England in golf #39;s World Cup.

Duo boost England hopes


full of hope in the latter stages of a Grand Slam tournament. And she is achingly aware of how all the others ended. Mauresmo, 25, is a showcase for heartbreak in tennis.

Mauresmo #39;s Heart Is Far From Gone


Last year: JL Lewis closed with a course-record 62 for a two-stroke victory over Frank Lickliter, Stuart Appleby and Tim Petrovic.

Upcoming Golf


NEW YORK - Stocks moved slightly higher Friday as investors tried to uncouple share prices from skyrocketing oil costs, helped in afternoon trading by falling oil prices that had earlier reached new highs and flirted with \$50 per barrel.    A barrel of light crude was quoted at \$48.42, down 28 cents, on the New York Mercantile Exchange after hitting a record intraday high earlier in the session at \$49.40...

Stocks Move Higher As Oil Prices Decline


FALLUJAH, Iraq -- US forces have seized control of up to 70 percent of this rebel stronghold, US and Iraqi officials said yesterday, as American and Iraqi troops battled insurgents along the city's main street and confronted isolated pockets of gunmen who had slipped back behind US lines.

US holds most of Fallujah as fight goes on


The Major League Baseball playoffs continued Wednesday, with the series opener between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves and the second games of the best-of-five series between the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox and

MLB: Yankees Even Series with Twins


TEN people were injured yesterday when a bomb exploded outside the Indonesian embassy in Paris. Most of the victims, who included four embassy staff, were hit by flying glass.

Indonesian embassy blast


The New York Mets fired manager Art Howe yesterday but left him in the dugout for the final 2-1/2 weeks of a season gone bad after the All-Star break.

NL notebook: Mets fire Howe, effective at end of the season


Walt Disney Co. said Thursday that profit jumped 24 percent in the fiscal fourth quarter, driven by growth at its television networks, theme parks and consumer products businesses.

Disney 4Q Earnings Rise to \$516 Million


Brazilian striker Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid, winless in its previous two games, beat Levante 5-0 in Spain. AC Milan gained ground in Italy after leader Juventus blew a late

Real Madrid Wins in Spain; Juventus Draws in Italy (Update1)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Shares of U.S. mortgage finance  giant Fannie Mae <A HREF=

Fannie Mae Shares Fall on Accounting Woes


It is well known that Brett Favre doesn #39;t have a good record in domes. But only looking at his performance at Indy on Sunday, one would think that the Packers would have won the game.

Packers Lose Shootout with Colts


Tommaso Rocchi scored a late equaliser to help Lazio for a 1-1 home draw with Villarreal while other two Spanish teams won their first-night actions in the new group stage of the UEFA Cup on Thursday.

Spanish clubs score victories in UEFA Cup matches


Washington on Tuesday swept aside objections from Beirut and called for a Security Council vote within days on a draft resolution to put pressure on Syria to respect Lebanese sovereignty.

US Seeks Quick UN Vote Warning Syria on Lebanon


Physicists take a key decision on the technology to be used in the International Linear Collider, one of the grand scientific projects of the 21st Century.

Particle collider edges forward


The holiday leaves us a short trading week as a present. Let's unwrap it to see what's in store for us.

The Fool's Look Ahead


In a long statement in its trademark colourful language, the Korean Central News Agency issued its clearest indication since the US elections in November on the prospects for the stalled multilateral negotiations.

N Korea warns US to stop smear campaign


Investment by businesses in foreign markets fell 18 percent in 2003 to \$560 billion as the global economy continued to struggle, but should improve this year as growth speeds up, the United Nations said Wednesday.

UN: Foreign Investment Falls Again


SAN FRANCISCO - While it has so far rejected each of Oracle Corp.'s takeover offers, PeopleSoft Inc.'s board of directors is willing to talk about a deal at the right price, a member of PeopleSoft's board said Tuesday.

PeopleSoft board opens up to Oracle


AP - It was known simply as

Highlands Snaps 25-Game Losing Streak (AP)


The standoff at one of Islam's holiest shrines parallels one at the Church of the Nativity in 2002.

Besieging holy sites: past lessons


MIAMI -- Pitcher Al Leiter has been high atop the Florida Marlins wish list for a while. Wednesday morning that wish came true at Pro Player Stadium during a conference call between team officials and the press.

Leiter rejoins Marlins pitching corps


Australia #39;s News Corp has adopted corporate reforms aimed at soothing critics of its planned move to the US. The media giant, owner of Fox TV in the US, and the Times and Sun newspapers in the UK, promised not to issue new shares with extra voting rights.

News Corp soothes US move critics


AP - For the second time in less than a month, an Air Force Academy football player has been cleared of taking illegal steroids after insisting on the stand that he believed the drugs were simply supplements.

Air Force Footballer Acquitted of Steroids (AP)


LONDON (CBS.MW) - The costs of Hurricane Charley in Florida to the insurance industry were becoming clearer on Thursday after two major Swiss insurers estimated their claims stemming from the storm last week.

Swiss Re, Zurich peg Charley costs


Boeing #39;s new heavy-lift Delta 4 rocket must wait a further week before making its maiden flight from Florida, US. All the technical issues on the 70m-tall (230ft) vehicle that delayed its weekend blast-off

Week #39;s delay for Delta launcher


The temporary pool set up for the World Short Course Championships is, well, short. Swimmers dive in and a few breaths later, they reach the wall at the other end.

World #39;s top swimmers tackle Olympic distances in shorter pools


Rafael Benitez admitted he was delighted with Liverpool #39;s performance in beating Norwich 3-0, but insisted his players  quot;still need to raise their level quot;.

ALONSO IMPRESSES BENITEZ


A shortage of laboratory apes and monkeys could be holding back research into new drug treatments and genetics, it is claimed.

Animal shortage 'slows science'


OTTAWA (Reuters) - Nortel Networks Corp. <A HREF=

Nortel Restatements Delayed to November


Fidelity Investments said brokerage client assets increased 15 percent to \$1.02 trillion in the third quarter as the company made strides to lure customers from the likes of Charles Schwab Corp. The number of client accounts increased to 13.7 million, a 6 percent gain from 12.9 million in the same period a year earlier, the Boston firm said. Fidelity has ...

Brokerage client assets rise 15


KUFA, Iraq - A mortar barrage slammed into a mosque filled Iraqis preparing to march on the embattled city of Najaf, killing 27 people and wounding 63 here Thursday hours before the nation's top Shiite cleric was expected to arrive in area with a peace initiative.    The attack on the main mosque in Kufa - just a few miles from Najaf - dampened renewed hopes for a rapid resolution to the three-week crisis in Najaf...

Mortar Attack Kills 27 at Kufa Mosque


The Motley Fool - The index-fund-pioneering firm Vanguard is making college more affordable -- by lowering the fees it charges on the 529 plan it runs. Most states offer 529 plans, and you can often participate in the plan of a state other than the one where you live or where your young one will attend college. Thus, the fact that the Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan is sponsored by the state of Nevada shouldn't make you click out of this article. Keep reading.

Vanguard Makes College More Affordable (The Motley Fool)


US Federal Reserve policy-makers probably will keep nudging interest rates upward next year, trying to guard against inflation but moving moderately enough to keep the economy expanding.

US Fed nudges interest rates up again


Halliburton Co. (HAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s No. 2 oil field services company, on Tuesday posted a third-quarter net loss as it took \$230 million in charges to fund its asbestos liability.

Halliburton Posts Loss on Asbestos Charge


Terry Robiskie is growing accustomed to inheriting someone else #39;s team and someone else #39;s problems late in a wildly disappointing season, with little or no hope of turning things around and virtually

Robiskie Picks Up  #39;Interim #39; Tag Once Again


Reuters - Russian oil major YUKOS again warned on\Thursday that it may be forced to cut output after saying that\a Moscow court ruled this week that  #36;2.6 billion of company\funds could be seized by the authorities.

Russian Oil Giant Warns of Output Cut (Reuters)


BALTIMORE - While speakers at the EPCglobal Inc. U.S. conference Wednesday talked up the benefits of radio frequency identification (RFID), analysts watching RFID adoptions said many U.S. companies are still waiting to see a clear reason to adopt the technology.

Speakers debate RFID benefits, challenges


While nosing around the Quaternary mammal collection at the Provincial Museum of Alberta two years ago, Paul Matheus, a paleontologist with the Alaska Quaternary Center, came across a brown bear fossil that seemed out of place.

Ancient fossil offers new clues to brown bears past


SEPTEMBER 29, 2004 -- Cendant Corp. and Orbitz today reached a definitive agreement for Cendant to buy all the shares of Orbitz for \$27.

Cendant To Buy Orbitz For \$1.25 Billion


LONDON -- On a sweltering August afternoon, George Watson wedged himself, his briefcase, his sports jacket, and his raincoat into a narrow seat aboard the profoundly un-air-conditioned No. 38 bus, as it resumed its rumble down High Holborn, in London's bustling city center.

Lamenting London's double-deckers Up-to-date buses supplant symbol


A DISAPPOINTING sales forecast from Wal-Mart Stores Inc sent US stocks mostly lower today as investors worried that oil prices, which stabilised after last week #39;s highs, would

Wal-Mart spooks US traders


Web sites have converted the mischievous idea of a few alumni into an odd form of futures market for betting on a college football coach's career.

Web Sites Stirring Up Criticism of Coaches, Even the Unbeaten Ones


BAIJI, December 01 (Online): A car bomb exploded in a crowded market in a town north of Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least seven people and wounding 20, underlining Iraqs severe security problems with elections just two months away.

Car bomb kills seven in Iraq


Sonic's latest version of its DVD burning software improves on its predecessor but still trails the latest offerings from Ahead Software and Roxio.

MyDVD 6: Better--but Not Best--Burning


Hello! magazine challenges a ruling which made them pay damages to Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas.

Hello! fights against Zeta ruling


HONG KONG - Virgin is planning to launch a mobile phone service in China as a 50-50 joint venture with a Chinese company within a year to 18 months, according to reports.

Virgin in talks to secure a slice of China #39;s mobile market


InfoWorld - Storage companies continued to demonstrate a wealth of new products and technologies Wednesday at the Storage Networking World in Orlando.

From SANs to SATAs, storage vendors continue product march (InfoWorld)


The Giants showed on Saturday that they can win even the biggest games without Barry Bonds #39;s bat. Pedro Feliz hit a tie-breaking grand slam with two outs

GIANTS 9, DODGERS 5 Grand Slam by Feliz Lifts Giants #39; Postseason <b>...</b>


KABUL (Reuters) - A Taliban splinter group that has  threatened to kill three U.N. hostages again extended a  deadline on its demands after the government said it would  respond to them on Wednesday, a spokesman for the group said on  Tuesday.

Afghans Again Extend Deadline for UN Hostages


NEW YORK - David Stern would not want to be in charge of a league that needs barriers to separate fans from players. Nor would he follow the lead of European soccer and order games to be played in empty arenas.

Stern seeks solution


The real question is whether the movie industry, unlike the recording industry, can provide an answer to P2P that is as convenient and valuable to users.

MPAA Fights Film Swapping with Suits and Software


It #39;s been quiet around Vince Carter for the last two weeks: He #39;s been going about his business of getting into shape, learning a new coach, a new system and a couple of new teammates.

Vince ready to play ball and be happy #39;


TAMPA - When the first Bowl Championship Series standings are released today, expect the first step in a season-long Ute Movement.

Want A BCS Buster? Look At Utah


All the baseball world yesterday learned that a pitcher's ankle bone is connected to his pitching bone, but the late-afternoon revelation here at Yankee Stadium was the medical/anatomical bulletin that Curt Schilling's ankle bone is connected to Derek Lowe's pitching bone.

Lowe ready to contribute in any role


(Sep 23, 2004) -- OGDEN, Utah (AP) -- Interstate Bakeries Corp., which has 300 employees at bakeries in Ogden and Salt Lake City, has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Twinkies May Have Lost Their Twinkle


Starbucks Corp., the world #39;s largest coffee-shop chain, on Wednesday said sales at stores open at least a year rose 8 percent in August, the first time growth fell below double-digits in nine months.

Starbucks Aug. Same-Store Sales Up 8 Pct


A major polio epidemic in West and Central Africa is inevitable in coming months, but the disease could be eradicated worldwide next year by mass immunizations, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

UN: Africa Condemned to Major Polio Epidemic


IT managers and contract specialists often fail to include important criteria in final tech deals, such as performance promises made by vendors during the request for proposals process, said negotiation experts at an IBM Share conference.

Catching 'gotchas' in tech contracts


SPACE.com - An international team of scientists has found life on a Norwegian island.  No surprises there, but the successful field test of a collection of life-detection instruments may be a stepping stone for future endeavors to sniff out life on Mars.

Expedition Turns Up Life on Pseudo-Mars (SPACE.com)


Chone Figgins and Troy Percival saved the Anaheim Angels, and gave them a little boost in the West race.

Angels, A's keep the pace


HOUSTONMerrill Lynch  amp; Co. drafted a letter in mid-June, 2000, instructing Enron Corp. to wire \$7.5 million (US) to a specified account by the end of that month to buy out the brokerage #39;s \$7 million investment in three barges.

Enron deals were sham, court told


What #39;s at stake: Oklahoma needs to keep winning to stay in the running for the national title. Texas A amp;M controls its fate in the Big 12 South but must win out (OU, Texas Tech, UT).

Oklahoma At Texas A amp;M


The US is virtually defenceless against another scandal such as Vioxx, senators investigating Mercks withdrawal of its popular painkiller were told yesterday.

FDA expert accuses agency over Vioxx


AP - Their right guard went down early in training camp, and their star inside linebacker followed shortly after that. The veteran quarterback joined the injury list two games into the season, and their Pro Bowl nose tackle, top cornerback and best running back followed.

Steelers Keep Winning Despite Injuries (AP)


ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - An Afghan Islamic cleric who died in custody in Pakistan on Wednesday had signs of torture on his body, an intelligence official said.

Cleric Who Died in Pakistan Custody  #39;Tortured #39;


Russia is to allocate 2bn dollars to reduce prices of medicines within the framework of the implementation of the monetary benefits programme, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with representatives of India #39;s business circles in

Putin promises 2bn dollars to subsidize medicines under Russian <b>...</b>


A group of women on the tiny UK Pacific colony of Pitcairn criticise sex abuse trials about to start on the island.

Pitcairn women blast sex trials


Investors were unmoved by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's improved assessment of the economy, and stocks remained mixed today in light trading.

Stocks Are Mixed on Greenspan's Testimony


US Airways pilots yesterday approved a five-year, cost-cutting contract that will reduce their pay about 18 percent and save the airline about \$1.

US Airways Pilots Approve 18 Pay Cut


LOS ANGELES - Sony BMG Music Entertainment and online peer-to-peer software distributor Grokster are working on a new venture that is expected to offer paid and free song downloads over the Internet, sources say.

Sources: Sony Eyes File-Sharing Venture


Basketball star Shaquille O #39;Neal could not have made a better home debut for his new club the Miami Heat. The American Airlines Arena felt the full force of the  quot;Shaq Attack quot; as a record crowd of more than

Shaq is hot stuff


THE Fed's decision today was widely anticipated, and I hope the economic effects of the tightening of monetary policy are fully examined before moving much further in this direction.

Keeping Politics Out of the Fed


What doping scandals? What debts? Drunk with pride for successfully pulling off a great homecoming Olympics, most Greeks said they would happily do it all over again.

Doping and debts aside, it was all worth it


US Airways Group Inc. and UAL Corp.'s United Airlines, both operating under bankruptcy court protection, reported losses in the third quarter yesterday, blaming record high fuel prices and an inability to raise fares amid stiff competition.

US Airways, UAL Post Third-Quarter Losses


NEW YORK, October 26 (newratings.com) - Cingular Wireless has completed its previously announced merger deal with AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc (AWE.

Cingular completes AT amp;T Wireless merger


Customers of the Times Square Toys  #39;R #39; Us yesterday said the flagship store lacked its normal Christmas bustle, one day after pepper spray forced the evacuation of some 3,000 customers.

PEPPER-SPRAY TOYS  #39;R #39; US  #39;DESERTED #39;


The man who ended up with Barry Bonds #39; 700th homerun hit promised a state judge here Wednesday that he would not sell the ball, valued in the  quot;six figures, quot; before a judge decides who is the real owner.

Bonds #39; 700th homerun ball tentatively kept from auction block


AP - What a great day to play pitch and catch, NFL style. Peyton Manning and Brett Favre looked like a pair of schoolyard slingers Sunday in Indianapolis' 45-31 victory over Green Bay. Donovan McNabb, Daunte Culpepper, Aaron Brooks and Marc Bulger all threw for more than 300 yards.

Playing Pitch and Catch in the NFL (AP)


Mills Corp., the Arlington-based retail developer, said yesterday it plans to buy half of Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg and eight other malls around the country in a billion-dollar deal that gives it a new portfolio of shopping centers to redevelop in the years ahead.

Mills Buys Into Lakeforest Mall


AP - Chicago at Montreal (7:05 p.m. EDT). Greg Maddux (12-8) starts for the Cubs.

Baseball Today (AP)


Palestinian militants have blown up explosives in a tunnel near an Israeli army post on the Gaza-Egypt border in a coordinated attack that Arabic Al Jazeera television says killed four soldiers.

Israeli soldiers  quot;killed in Gaza blast quot;


A third generation of Siberian tigers are the youngest to be tracked with transmitters by conservationists.

Siberian cubs get radio collars


Gary Winnick, the former chairman of Global Crossing, the Bermuda-based telecommunications group which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2002, will not be fined

No SEC charges for Global Crossings ex-head


An association of US textile importers and retailers says it has filed a lawsuit to stop the US Commerce Department from considering import quotas on Chinese products sought by textile manufacturers.

US textile importers, retailers say no to quota


AFP - Pakistan's parliament rubber-stamped the president's choice of prime minister, Shaukat Aziz, despite an opposition boycott and angry protests.

Shaukat Aziz elected as Pakistani prime minister despite boycott (AFP)


MARK COLVIN: In China, President Hu Jintao has now assumed control of the military, marking his rise to full power after a leadership change that began in late 2002.

Chinese leadership transition completed


Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Cos., Exxon Mobil Corp. and the Dutch government struck a deal Monday giving the Netherlands - the third-largest gas producer in Europe - more control of the Dutch gas company Gasunie.

Shell, Exxon Mobil Sell Gas Pipelines


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. warplanes bombed a suspected  insurgent hideout in rebel-held Falluja on Tuesday and U.S.  tanks and aircraft bombarded areas of northeastern Baghdad,  stepping up operations against guerrilla strongholds.

U.S. Forces Bomb Iraqi Rebels; Jordan Has Poll Doubts


AP - The board of Air India's charter airplane operation has approved a plan to acquire 18 Boeing airplanes in a deal that could be worth more than  #36;1 billion at list prices.

Air India Board Approves Boeing Purchase (AP)


SiliconValley.com - Two weeks ago Monday was a lousy day for Julianne Biagini, chief financial officer of a Sunnyvale wireless company.

Too much auditing, not enough auditors (SiliconValley.com)


OTTAWA (Reuters) - Nortel Networks Corp. <A HREF=

Nortel Cuts Fewer Jobs, Exits Real Estate


Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese is pushing a plan to change the way teams are selected for the Bowl Championship Series and make the process, which has been marked by controversy since its inception in 1998, more in line with the way the NCAA picks teams for its basketball tournament.

Tranghese offers new BCS plan


Canadian Press - QUEBEC (CP) - A 68-year-old accountant convicted of taking part in a scheme to defraud Roman Catholic nuns of  #36;100 million was sentenced Friday to two years' house arrest.

Quebec accountant convicted of defrauding nuns gets house arrest (Canadian Press)


AFP - US Vice President Dick Cheney will square off with his Democratic rival John Edwards in a televised debate that suddenly takes on importance for the Republicans after George W. Bush's tepid showing last week.

Cheney, Edwards prepare for debate as race tightens (AFP)


Leaders of the insurgent Mahdi Army declared Thursday that they had been betrayed by Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, who has been trying to lure away the militia #39;s supporters with millions of dollars in aid.

Militia Leaders Charging Betrayal by Iraqi Premier


TOKYO (CBS.MW) - The Nikkei Average finished the morning just under the key 11,000 mark after breaking that level earlier Monday following US gains as the pullback in oil prices eased concerns about corporate profits.

Crude oil price drop buoys sentiment


Redskins backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey took an abundance of the snaps during practice Tuesday and remains likely to start Monday's game against Dallas at FedEx Field.

Ramsey Is Likely Starter


The union of Cingular and AT T Wireless would create the nation's largest cellular company. How smoothly will it go?

For Cingular, Becoming No. 1 Also Poses Risks


Overland Park, 15.10.04 - Sprint Corporation announced it will record in its third quarter financial results a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge reducing the value of its long-distance network assets.

Sprint will 700 Stellen im Verkauf und Support streichen


Robert Mondavi Corp. said it would sell not only the Napa Valley facility, perhaps America #39;s most famous winery, but all of its high-end wine ventures in California and around the world, to concentrate on

Mondavi to move on


A rare reef fish called the humphead wrasse should be guarded from the trade that is threatening its future, conservationists say.

Protection plea for reef fish


Energy futures prices rebounded in trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange Wednesdayone day after energy prices had plummeted.

Energy futures prices rebound on NYMEX


The Cowboys needed two things to avert an 0-2 start against the Browns on Sunday: defensive grit and the coaching of Bill Parcells.

Defense Carries Dallas


INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Despite Jeff Fisher #39;s best attempt, there doesn #39;t seem to be anything that can slow down Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

Manning throws 3 TDs to topple Titans


We try not to make assumptions, but can we all agree that Mariano Rivera's commute to work yesterday was a little bit easier and decidedly less stressful than the one the day before?

Closer makes short work in nick of time


Crude oil futures may decline next week on speculation the US is importing enough to boost inventories, easing concern about a shortage of winter fuel, according to a Bloomberg survey.

Crude Oil May Fall as US Inventories Gain, Survey Shows


Researchers tell a Senate hearing that internet porn is more addictive and harmful than street drugs. One calls for government-funded research into the 'erototoxins.' By Ryan Singel.

Internet Porn: Worse than Crack?


ATHENS (Reuters) - Italian Ivano Brugnetti strode to  victory in the first athletics final of the Athens Olympics on  Friday with a commanding performance in the men's 20km walk.

Brugnetti Strides to First Gold in 20km Walk


AP - Eight eBay sellers were ordered to pay nearly  #36;90,000 in restitution and fines after admitting they bid up products online to inflate the prices.

8 EBay Sellers Admit to Phony Bids (AP)


Bangladeshs main opposition party has called for a fourth strike day in a week today to protest against a deadly grenade attack.

Bangladeshi opposition calls for today strike


AP - Gen. John Abizaid, the head of U.S. Central Command, made a surprise Thanksgiving Day visit to troops in Afghanistan and met Friday with the country's president.

U.S. Commander Makes Afghan Visit (AP)


International Hockey Federation sent a formal invitation on Tuesday asking India to take part in this year #39;s Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Pakistan following Australia #39;s withdrawal from the event on security grounds.

FIH invites India for Champions Trophy


TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan has agreed in principle to allow  microchip packaging firms to set up units in China, but final  approval will have to wait until local elections are completed  next month, a newspaper said on Monday.

Taiwan to Rule on Chip Packagers' China Plans -Paper


Can #39;t give anything away in October, Mike Scioscia reasoned, and the Anaheim manager picked his best defensive infielders at second and third base to play the first game of the playoffs.

Score Angels #39; lineup moves a failure


WASHINGTON - The Congressional Budget Office projected Tuesday that this election-year's federal deficit will hit a record \$422 billion, a shortfall that would be smaller than analysts predicted earlier this year.    The figure immediately provided political fodder for both parties now in the final two-month stretch of the presidential and congressional campaigns...

CBO Projects \$442 Billion Federal Deficit


Jonathan Woodgate has backed former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson to make a speedy return to football. The veteran tactician was relieved of his duties on Monday by Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd, citing poor results as the reason for his sacking.

Woodgate backing for Robson


Padraig Harrington led the way in the German Masters first round on Thursday as Europe #39;s Ryder Cup players warmed up for next week #39;s match against the United States.

UPDATE 1-Harrington enjoys welcome return to form


FRANK LAMPARD has warned England they need to be  quot;spot on quot; in terms of their approach to avoid a potential banana skin in Wednesday #39;s World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan.

Lampard warning for tricky #39; quest


TechWeb - Web sites for Indymedia, a Texas company, were knocked offline when the servers housing them were seized in Britain. Indymedia and civil libertarians are charging censorship.

Indymedia Web Server Takedown Called Speech Threat (TechWeb)


November 21, 2004 -- Palestinians began registering candidates yesterday for a presidential election to replace Yasser Arafat, as the late leader #39;s family considers releasing his medical records and revealing his cause of death.

PALESTINIAN HOPEFULS JOCKEY FOR POSITION


Reuters - Israeli forces Thursday blew up two\Palestinian housing blocs in a Gaza refugee camp that the army\said were used by Palestinian militants to launch attacks\against soldiers and settlers.

Israeli Army Destroys Gaza Homes After Bus Bombings (Reuters)


The US economy grew at an annual rate of 3.3 in the spring, the government reported Wednesday in the final revision to second-quarter gross domestic product.

Economy grows at 3.3 rate in Q2


M #39;LEARNED FIENDS for the file sharing outfit Sharman Networks told the Australian District Court that Kazza should be allowed in Australia because it is legal in the US.

Kazaa makes plea for legal status


With the iMac G5, Apple has pared the desktop computer down to little more than the parts that people look at and touch -- keyboard, screen and mouse.
<FONT face=

Speed and Elegance in a Desktop Package


A major criminal network arranging fake marriages in Britain is smashed by the Immigration Service.

'Fake marriages network' smashed


TORONTO (CP) - Rogers Communications Inc. said Monday it will pay \$1.77 billion in cash for the 34 per cent stake in cellphone subsidiary Rogers Wireless owned by longtime US partner AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.

Rogers Communications to pay \$1.77B for AT amp;T stake in Rogers <b>...</b>


New York #39;s attorney general sued the nation #39;s leading insurance brokerage yesterday, accusing brokers of taking payoffs to steer clients to insurance companies that were not necessarily offering the lowest prices for their policies.

Insurance brokerage sued for not offering lowest prices


quot;Buck and McCarver talk too much. Why doesn't Fox muzzle them? quot;  quot;I can't stand McCarver. Why doesn't Fox hire Jerry Remy to call the World Series? quot;

Fox has a bird's-eye view


THE dollar was weaker yesterday, although off its lows, after the release of capital flows data that suggest foreign demand for US assets could be waning.

Dollar hit by investment fears


SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal judge on Monday stayed his own ruling that UPS must give deaf and hearing impaired workers the same opportunity as others to become truck drivers, allowing the company to appeal.

Federal judge stays ruling in UPS case


KUALA LUMPUR: Corporations which think that spam is merely an irritation must change their mindset to consider it a real security threat instead, said e-mail security provider Ironport Systems Inc.

Spam: From nuisance to corporate killer


The manager is an afterthought, buried under the avalanche of publicity generated by his courageous, gimpy pitcher; his charming, devastating designated hitter; his forthright, charismatic, long-haired center fielder. Every day this march to the World Series has produced a new story or a new hero. There's Manny Ramirez, finally hitting a home run. There's Pedro Martinez, spinning ...

Time to say thanks for job well done


com September 8, 2004, 5:28 AM PT. With the economy slowly turning up, upgrading hardware has been on businesses radar in the past 12 months as their number two priority.

Itanium not meeting Intel #39;s goals


Nairobi - The Sudanese government has said the best way to end the conflict in its western Darfur region may be to let the people there manage their own affairs.

Khartoum suggests federal system for Darfur


It's reality TV at its most sci-fi. Two Hollywood stunt pilots hired by NASA are practicing to snag the 400-pound Genesis capsule Wednesday to give it a softer landing as it hurtles to earth. It'll be broadcast live so they better get it right.

Catch a Falling Space Capsule


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New England Patriots began their  quest for successive Super Bowl titles with a tight 27-24 win  over the Indianapolis Colts in the opening game of the NFL  season in Foxboro Thursday.

Patriots Begin Title Defense with Narrow Win Over Colts


AP - Top-seeded Elena Dementieva won the last five games to come back and beat Elena Bovina 0-6, 6-0, 6-4 Sunday in the WTA Tour's latest all-Russian final to win the Gaz de France Stars tournament.

Dementieva Beats Bovina in France (AP)


Letters Reports of demise premature

Valiant Reg readers save internet


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. consumers have grown more  cheerful so far this month as the hotly contested presidential  election drew to a close and job prospects seemed to improve,  according to a survey released on Friday.

Consumer Sentiment Improves in November


The future suddenly looks shaky for online DVD rental pioneer Netflix Inc. - a plucky home entertainment upstart that managed to hold its ground after retailing giants Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Blockbuster Inc. invaded its turf.

Netflix Girds for DVD Rental Price War


The England cricket team will fly out to Zimbabwe today for the start of their controversial tour of the south African country. Thirteen British journalists had been banned from covering the tour but, following

England cricketers fly to Zimbabwe


Kevin Garnett compiled 23 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists, and the Minnesota Timberwolves used a tough defense to snap the Phoenix Suns #39; nine-game winning streak 97-93 on Friday night.

Suns #39; streak ends at nine


WASHINGTON -- Canada #39;s loss is a capital gain. After three years of uncertainty, the Montreal Expos will have a new home in Washington.

Expos off to Washington


FOREIGN Minister Alexander Downer will today begin talks with North Korean officials to try to convince the communist state to drop its nuclear weapons program.

Downer to begin nuclear talks


Seeking to restore the confidence of investors and advertisers after discovering exaggerated circulation figures at The Dallas Morning News, Belo Corp.

US publisher cuts jobs after scandal


CLEVELAND Pitcher Scott Elarton has agreed to a one-year, 850-thousand-dollar contract with the Cleveland Indians. He #39;d been eligible for free agency.

Sports: Indians reach terms with Elarton


FALLUJAH, Iraq : At least six US marines were killed and several others wounded in a bomb attack on a military convoy near the militant Iraqi stronghold of Fallujah, witnesses and US military sources said.

Six US marines killed in Iraq bomb attack


Crude oil futures declined for a fifth session Thursday as a cease-fire in Najaf eased concern that shipments from Iraq would be disrupted.

Crude oil price declines for fifth session


SAN JOSE, Calif. (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. has hooked  up with Irish rock band U2 to launch the iPod U2 Special  Edition, a black edition of its popular digital music player  that holds up to 5,000 songs.

Apple Rocks with U2, Rolls Out iPod Photo


A new family of worms which uses an unpatched vulnerability in Internet Explorer is spreading widely across the net.

News: Bofra worm sets trap for unwary


Despite a published report to the contrary, the Yankees have not come to terms with Jaret Wright as of Tuesday night, but the Bronx Bombers did move quickly to replace

Yankees close with Wright, Womack


The US Air Force has awarded a multiyear contract that calls for Microsoft to consolidate 38 various software license agreements and tighten security features.

Microsoft lands US Air Force


NASA officials have confirmed Russian reports about an outer-space swap worth an estimated \$60 million or more. If approved by the US government, the deal could put off a looming

NASA, Russians forging a deal for rides


TORONTO -- The life of the setup reliever, lived to the fullest here last night by Mike Timlin, is rarely rewarded in the box score with the capital S' (as in save, or seal of approval).

Middle management


United Airlines has said it will very likely terminate its four employee pension plans and replace them with less generous benefits. United said the drastic move was needed to attract the financing that would allow it to emerge from bankruptcy.

United set to drop pension plans


Raytheon Co. #39;s largest area union of manufacturing employees approved a three-year contract yesterday, according to labor officials and the Waltham defense contractor.

New Raytheon contract grants raises


A Zimbabwe opposition MP who assaulted a minister in parliament has been arrested trying to leave the country. A parliamentary committee recommended on Wednesday that Roy Bennett be jailed for a year after

Zimbabwe MP arrested over brawl


BAGHDAD, Oct. 21 -- Two attacks on vehicles carrying Iraqi women to their jobs Thursday morning claimed the lives of six women and one man and severely wounded more than a dozen people, witnesses and government officials said.

Iraqi Aviation Staffers, Aides to the President Killed on Way to Work


WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has urged the international soccer authorities to preserve the health of the world superstar footballers for major tournaments, who expressed his will in Slaley of England on Tuesday ...

Top players need more rest, says Eriksson


AP - House Republicans pushed through legislation Tuesday aimed at reducing frivolous lawsuits.

House Hopes to Quell Frivolous Suits (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kirk Rueter allowed just three hits  over seven innings and J.T. Snow homered as the San Francisco  Giants scored a crucial 4-2 win over Los Angeles in National  League play at Dodger Stadium Friday.

NL Wrap: Rueter Sharp as Giants Stay in Division


BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Playing in its first-ever Big Ten/ACC Challenge game at Assembly Hall, the Indiana Hoosiers put up a fight, but fell on the short end, 70-63, to No.

Men #39;s Basketball News Update


STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Ten or more years of mobile phone use  increases the risk of developing acoustic neuroma, a benign  tumor on the auditory nerve, according to a study released on  Wednesday by Sweden's Karolinska Institute.

Mobile Phones Increase Tumor Risk, Study Says


LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar turned tail from recent  three-week highs against the euro and Swiss franc on Friday as  investors grew cautious ahead of U.S. growth data and a speech  by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan.

Dollar Eases Before GDP Data, Greenspan


Shareholders in South Africa's biggest banking group Standard Bank agree to sell a 10 stake to black investors.

Standard Bank agrees stake sale


In a step sure to spark major innovation in the design of consumer electronics, networking, automotive, and IT systems, 15 companies today announced their intention to form Power.

Power.org Initiative to Advance Community of Electronics <b>...</b>


A delegation from the Muslim Council of Britain has travelled to Baghdad to make a plea for the release of British captive Ken Bigley.

UK Muslims in Iraq on mercy mission


BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Landon Donovan was voted the US soccer team player of the year Thursday, becoming the first three-time winner of the award.

Donovan Wins Third Straight Player Of Year Award


AP - On the eve of taking office, the most watched new arrival in the nation's capital says it's way too early to talk about his place in history.

Obama: Not Quite Ready for History Books (AP)


Andre Agassi lost the Stockholm Open final in a third-set tibreaker to Sweden #39;s Thomas Johansson, who won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) Sunday to capture this tournament for the second time.

Agassi loses Stockholm Open final


The online auction giant announced Friday that it has agreed to acquire Rent.com, a leading listing service on the Internet for rental housing.

eBay Buys Rental Listing Firm


Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd. (HTIL), part of Hong Kong #39;s Hutchison Whampoa Ltd., on Monday began marketing a scaled-down IPO worth up to HK\$8.

UPDATE 2-Hutchison telecom unit markets US\$1 bln IPO


EVANSTON, Ill. Noah Herron #39;s three-yard touchdown run with 38 seconds left pushed Northwestern past 17th-ranked Purdue 13-to-10.

Northwestern 13 (17) Purdue 10


Oil exports from southern Iraq have been brought to a complete halt, a senior oil official said Monday, following a spate of pipeline attacks launched by insurgents trying to undermine the nation's interim government.

Attacks Reportedly Halt Iraq Oil Exports


Canadian Press - KINSHASA, Congo (AP) - President Joseph Kabila suspended six cabinet ministers and 10 directors of state-run companies Thursday after a parliamentary inquiry alleged they had embezzled government funds.

Cabinet ministers suspended after Congo's parliament alleges corruption (Canadian Press)


Attention, notebook shoppers: Intel drops the cost of Pentium Ms and Centrino--a sign that cheaper laptops are on the way.

Intel whacks mobile chip prices


While keeping pitcher Pedro Martinez and catcher Jason Varitek remain the primary objective for the Red Sox as they head to baseball's winter meetings for the first time as World Series champions, a flurry of free agent signings this week would appear to foreshadow an active weekend of player movement.

For sale signs


Holding the Carolina Panthers scoreless for the first 57 minutes, the Eagles remained the lone undefeated team in the National Football Conference, cruising to a 30-8 victory on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.

Looking for Revenge Against Panthers, the Eagles Get Some Respect <b>...</b>


One challenge will be to link the call center with back-office databases of CRM applications so that agents can see, for example, the identity of the caller and the history of their account.

BT will switch its call center network to VoIP


American astronaut Mike Fincke, front , and Russian cosmonaut, Yuri Shargin, third, get off a plane at the Chkalovsky airport, just outside Moscow, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004, while heading to Moscow #39;s Star City, the home-base of Russia #39;s space program.

Soyuz Capsule Lands on Kazakhstan Steppe


AP - Sen. Elizabeth Dole has secured more than half of the votes she needs to become the first woman to lead the GOP campaign committee that works to help elect Republicans to the Senate.

Dole May Lead GOP Senate Campaign Panel (AP)


US Airways Group on Friday asked other unions to follow the pilots in accepting rollbacks as the airline struggles under bankruptcy.

US Airways pilots OK wage rollback


Essential supplies were being ferried into Kathmandu yesterday under the protection of military helicopters, after Maoist rebels cut off Nepal #39;s capital from the rest of the Himalayan kingdom for the fifth day.

Nepalese struggle to break rebel hold on capital


AP - In one of the first enforcement actions of the Americans with Disabilities Act on the Internet, two major travel services have agreed to make sites more accessible to the blind and visually impaired.

Web Sites Agree to Be Accessible to Blind (AP)


Trying to defuse rumours he might be leaving soon, Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Thursday night he intends to honour the final four years of his contract.

Shanahan says he intends to honour his deal with Broncos


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- News Corp. (NWS) announced that its UK newspaper unit News International will cut its production staff by two thirds and invest 600 million pounds (\$1.

News Corp unit to invest 600M pounds in printing plants


ST. LOUIS -- It #39;s a big day for a big check in St. Louis where the team behind a rocket plane called SpaceShipOne has accepted a \$10 million prize for advancements in private space travel and tourism.

\$10 Million Payday: SpaceShipOne Gets Prize


A privately built rocket plane\will try to blast out of the atmosphere over the Mojave Desert\on Monday for the second time in less than a week to win a \$10\million prize for the first commercially viable manned\spacecraft.

SpaceShipOne Readies for \$10 Mln X Prize Flight


BAGHDAD, Iraq - A roadside bomb attack killed three American soldiers in a convoy on the day of a country-wide offensive by U.S. troops and Iraqi soldiers against Sunni insurgents and suspected extremists...

3 U.S. Soldiers Killed by Bomb in Iraq


ATHENS (Reuters) - The United States proved there is more  to U.S. cycling than Lance Armstrong on Wednesday and Leontien  Zijlaard-van Moorsel of the Netherlands became the most  successful woman in Olympic cycling history.

Americans and Dutch Strike Gold in Cycling


Insurgents opened a new front against U.S.-led forces today in Mosul, while an enormous car bomb in Baghdad killed at least 13 people.

As U.S. Advances in Falluja, New Fighting Erupts in Northern Iraq


It didn #39;t take long. First poll, first controversy. Or at least mini-controversy. If you had taken the wisdom of the two human polls, the first Bowl Championship

BCS rankings still rankling


South American leaders create an economic and political bloc modelled on the European Union.

S America creates single market


The mobile developer disbands the unit that developed the short-range wireless technology used in some cell phones and notebook PCs.

Ericsson pulls Bluetooth division


Bangladesh slumped to 36 for five at tea on Sunday as India closed in on a victory which could yet be completed within three days.

Bangladesh crumble


SUN CITY, South Africa -- Australia #39;s Stuart Appleby bogeyed the final two holes to slip back to a four-way tie for the lead after the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Thursday.

Four tied atop Nedbank Challenge


The 47-year-old former England coach was unveiled today, bringing to an end Wolves month-long search for a successor to Dave Jones.

Hoddle confirmed as Wolves boss