A new incarnation of Blue Gene/L can perform 70.7 trillion calculations per second, IBM says.

IBM to take supercomputing crown


Heart of Midlothian Plc said head coach Craig Levein is holding talks to take over as manager at Leicester City in England after steering the Scottish soccer club to the group stage of Europe #39;s UEFA Cup this season.

Hearts say coach Craig Levein to leave for Leicester


AFP - Singapore homeowners found with mosquitoes breeding on their premises will be fined instantly after dengue fever cases hit a 10-year high in the city-state better known for its spotless streets.

Spotless Singapore cracks down after dengue outbreak (AFP)


Afghan President Hamid Karzai is due to arrive in Pakistan on Monday for a two-day official visit, originally scheduled for last month.

Karzai set for visit to Pakistan


HOBART, Australia : Rescuers succeeded in saving most of the whales still stranded on beaches in Australia and New Zealand as scientists pinpointed cyclical weather patterns as a likely cause of increased beachings.

Rescued whales head out to sea as scientists blame weather for <b>...</b>


Summary - (Sep 17, 2004) After its crash landing, NASA scientists weren #39;t too hopeful that they #39;d turn up much science in the wreckage of Genesis #39; sample capsule, but the results so far have been a pleasant surprise.

Genesis Recovery is Going Well


BRAMBLES Industries today reported a 7 per cent decline in net profit to \$306.6 million after taking slugs in writedowns and costs particularly from the restructure of its CHEP pallet business.

Brambles profit down


Telecommunications giant AT amp;T has revealed that it is researching desktop alternatives (ie, Linux and Mac OS X) to Microsoft systems.

AT amp;T asks if Microsoft is the best desktop choice


Darren Clarke has fired a closing 68 to win Japan #39;s Taiheiyo Masters with a record 22-under-par total of 266. The cigar-puffing Northern Irishman finished six shots clear of European

Clarke wins Taiheiyo Masters


GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Witnesses say a ten-year-old girl was one of four Palestinians killed today by Israeli forces operating in the northern Gaza Strip.

Violence in northern Gaza kills four Palestinians, including young <b>...</b>


Boeing on Thursday said regulators are seeking information on its pension-fund accounting, the same day it announced it landed its first domestic order for its new 7E7 aircraft from a carrier that #39;s far from a household name.

Boeing signs first domestic 7E7 customer as SEC probes pension <b>...</b>


The Left #39;s displeasure notwithstanding, the Centre plans to go ahead with its plans of allowing more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in key sectors, including aviation.

Phased reforms in aviation sector: Patel


TEHRAN (MNA) -- Hassan Rowhani, the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and top nuclear negotiator, said on Monday that all Irans nuclear red lines and principles were specified in the recent Paris agreement.

EUs turn to respond to Irans goodwill


AP - One is a center-right president and a close ally of the United States who is accused of being too soft on outlawed paramilitary groups. The other is a leftist president who allegedly favors Marxist rebels and openly criticizes U.S policy.

Uribe, Chavez Have a Lot of Similarities (AP)


Virgin CEO Richard Bransons Virgin Space Ship Enterprise Is Set To Set The World On Fire. We Dose Him With Cold Water With Our Rundown Of Things To Expect With The Launch Of Virgin Galactic.

13 Things We Can Expect From Ric


AFP - US Secretary of State Colin Powell wrapped up a three-nation tour of Asia after winning pledges from Japan, China and South Korea to press North Korea to resume stalled talks on its nuclear weapons programs.

Powell wins backing for new NKorea pressure, but hears call for flexibility (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Bancorp <A HREF=

U.S. Bancorp Helped by Fee-Based Products


Economists had forecast a drop to 94.8. The November business assessment index fell to 93.8 from 94.7 in October, while the business expectation index fell to 94.3 from 95.9 last month, Ifo said.

Euro, oil saps German confidence


Mojave, Calif.Years from now, when future historians write about the democratization of space, don #39;t be surprised if this dusty, scrappy little town comes to be known as the 21st-century equivalent of Kitty Hawk.

Dreams take flight in Mojave


Incoming Boston University freshman Chris Bourque recently filled out the Terriers' standard player form that is kept on file at the school's sports information office.  quot;It's all the usual stuff -- date of birth, height, weight, and all that, quot; said Ed Carpenter, who has headed up the sports information department for some 30 years.  quot;But the part I liked best ...

A breath of fresh heir at BU


Martin rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns to become the New York Jets  #39; all-time leading rusher as the Jets posted a 34-28 victory over the San Diego Chargers .

San Diego Chargers


3 October 2004 -- Election officials in Bosnia say the country #39;s main Muslim, Serb, and Croat nationalist parties were leading as results for yesterday #39;s local elections came in.

Nationalists Leading Bosnian Elections


NEW YORK, November 9 (newratings.com) - Liberty Media Corporation (LB3A.ETR) has reported an eight-fold increase in its third-year profits, while the company #39;s quarterly sales more than doubled from the year-ago levels.

Liberty Media reports robust 3Q sales and profit growth


TELSTRA #39;S board, not the Federal Government, would decide who would replace Ziggy Switkowski as its new chief executive, Prime Minister John Howard said today.

Telstra to pick CEO, time sale


The actor Sidney Poitier became a witness in the trial of a suit against Walt Disney directors on Tuesday, and in so doing, he transformed a Delaware courtroom

Actor Takes Center Stage as Disney Trial Grinds On


Multinational companies began talks Monday with Nigerian villagers occupying three oil platforms in a dispute over jobs which shut 90,000 barrels per day of oil production.

Oil firms in talks to end Nigerian jobs protest


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 -- VoIP, Inc. (OTCBB:VOII) today announced that it plans to help cable companies capture a share of the Internet phone services business.

VoIP, Inc. To Pursue Cable Companies for Virtual Service Provider <b>...</b>


Microsoft said Sunday it #39;s looking into reports of a security screw-up in Windows Internet Name Service (WINS), a component of its most popular server software, including Windows NT 4.0 Server, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft WINS Said To Be Vulnerable


Through partnerships with leading technology vendors intended to leverage the capabilities of Oracle Files 10g, Oracle has announced evidence of strong support for its content management offering.

Oracle and HP expand offerings to value-added resellers


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

Thousands Protest Bush Before Chile Summit


BANGALORE: With global information group Reuters launching its data centre operations in Bangalore, journalism is being given a new spin.

Reuters re-writing journalistic rules


The Spaniard has been on the receiving end of some harsh treatment from Rossi, who began a well-publicised spat after he was penalised for an indiscretion by his team during the recent Qatar round

Rossi out to end on a high


An e-mail disguised as a Red Hat patch update is a fake designed to trick users into downloading malware, the Linux vendor warned in a message on its Web site.

Red Hat patch update a malicious hoax


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A new video game to be released on  Monday allows players to simulate the assassination of U.S.  President John F. Kennedy.

New Video Game Recreates Kennedy Assassination


The ambitious wish list launched by the successful campaigns of President George W. Bush and Congressional Republicans ran smack into the harsh reality Wednesday that the United States is short on cash.

Debt cloud looms over GOP plans


AP - The end of the year can be a great time to rebalance your portfolio and unload poor performers, but wise investors know to do a bit of research before buying and selling mutual funds in December.

Mutual Funds Can Have Tax Trap in December (AP)


TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei edged down 0.27 percent to  close lower for the ninth day in a row on Wednesday, its  longest losing streak in two years, as worries over the impact  of high oil prices on earnings weighed on exporters.

Nikkei Falls for Ninth Day


Surgeons carry out the first full face reconstruction, including the nose, using a single flap of skin.

Surgeons 'rebuild' patient's face


IBM announced last Friday a lower-cost blade server option--a pared-down chassis geared for small and midsize businesses. The new Express version of IBM #39;s BladeCenter chassis still can accommodate as many

IBM unveils low-cost blades


NEW YORK - Two relatives of Mariano Rivera were killed in an electrified swimming pool at his Panama mansion - dealing the ace reliever a double tragedy on the eve of the Yankees #39; playoff series against the Boston Red Sox.

Rivera Relatives Die in Accident at Pitcher #39;s Panama Pool


AP - Joe Jurevicius felt like a rookie again. The Tampa Bay receiver practiced for the first time this season Wednesday and expects to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears after being sidelined most of the past year by knee and back injuries.

Bucs' Jurevicius Returns to Practice (AP)


PalmSource surprised the mobile vendor community today with the announcement that it will acquire China MobileSoft (CMS), ostensibly to leverage that company's expertise in building a mobile version of the Linux operating system.

PalmSource to add Linux OS to offerings


BELGRADE Expect some fireworks Tuesday when Slobodan Milosevic takes up his own defense at the war crimes tribunal in The Hague. Over the last few years, as the prosecution presented evidence that the former

The Milosevic trial is doing its job


Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia #39;s former deputy prime minister, was freed by the country #39;s highest court, which overturned his conviction for sodomy following an appeal.

Malaysia #39;s Anwar Ibrahim Freed From Prison on Final Appeal


Myanmar #39;s junta freed at least two dozen members of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi #39;s political party on Friday during a mass release of 4,000 people detained  quot;inappropriately

Myanmar Frees Prominent Political Prisoners


AFP - Icelandair said it had bought an 8.4 percent stake in British low-cost carrier easyJet, describing the holding as a  quot;long-term trade investment. quot;

Icelandair buys 8.4-percent stake in EasyJet (AFP)


Check out any sporting goods store around town and you #39;ll find them cluttering the clearance racks: brown, white and orange No.

NFL 2004: Garcia a good fit for Browns


AP - Indiana University has received a three-year,  #36;2.6 million grant to study genes that make soybean plants resist disease.

Scientists to Study the Genes of Soybeans (AP)


AP - Better weather forecasts to prepare for storms and planning for energy needs months in advance are among the benefits expected from a planned Earth Observation System.

Benefits Seen in Earth Observation Data (AP)


Telecommunications equipment maker Nortel Networks will not lay off as many employees as it previously predicted, the company said Thursday.

Nortel trims layoff plan


com. Using 90nm processes and AntiVirusNX technology, Transmeta claims it #39;s the first low-power x86-based processor to provide hardware support for the anti-virus protection enabled by XP #39;s SP2.

Transmeta claims anti-virus first with new processor


AP - Salim Stoudamire scored 24 points, including 6-of-9 3-pointers, and 10th-ranked Arizona beat Wright State 83-66 Thursday night in the second round of the Preseason NIT.

No. 10 Arizona Outguns Wright St. 83-66 (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Media buyer Universal McCann on Monday  raised its forecast for global advertising spending in 2005,  citing growing marketing battles in industries such as autos  and drugs, but slightly cut its outlook for U.S. ad spending.

Universal McCann Ups Ad Spending Forecast


A serious security flaw in NullSoft's popular WinAmp player opens the door for crackers to seize control of vulnerable systems.

News: WinAmp flayed by skins attack


WASHINGTON - Senator John Kerry, Democratic challenger to U.S. President George Bush, would seek more government involvement on issues such as broadband adoption, cybersecurity and spam, while Bush, if re-elected, would continue to take a more market-driven approach to those issues, a panel of Washington, D.C., technology experts predicted Tuesday.

Panel: Kerry would take new approach to tech issues


AP - Steve Jobs, the charismatic chief executive of Apple Computer Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios, is back on the job after undergoing cancer surgery.

Apple CEO Makes Appearance Since Surgery (AP)


Iran has rejected a resolution from the UN nuclear watchdog that it should freeze uranium enrichment and threatened to end snap checks of atomic facilities if its case were sent to the UN Security Council.

Iran rejects UN call on nukes


BOSTON (Ticker) -- Ron Artest is stepping up for the Indiana Pacers early in the season. Artest scored 22 of his 28 points in the second half, including six free throws in the final 40 seconds, as the Pacers

Artest sets the pace against Celtics


Survivors of a fatal fire on a submarine have spoken of their experience as Canada #39;s defence minister said he could not rule out suing the British Government.

Sub blaze survivors relive terror


JL Lewis shot a superb 10-under-par 62 to take a two-shot lead at the Funai Classic in Florida. The 44-year-old, who started from the 10th, birdied his first four holes before a run of six birdies in eight holes took him clear of the field.

Lewis sets Funai pace in Florida


The global launch of the long-awaited Half-Life 2 game has been marred by online registration problems.

Gamers get playing Half-Life 2


AMMAN - Jordans King Abdullah relieved his half brother Prince Hamza of his duties as crown prince, royal palace sources said on Sunday.

Heir to Jordanian throne relieved of duties


In the latest battle for distribution and subscribers, XM Satellite Radio Inc. and its rival Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. yesterday announced separate deals with Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

Toyota Cuts Deals for Satellite Radio


NEW YORK, December 16 (newratings.com) - According to a report in the Washington Post today, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has advised Fannie Mae (FNM.

SEC advises Fannie Mae to restate earnings; \$9bn at stake


It has been billed as one of the most massive information-crunching, gigabyte-gobbling research endeavors in history -- which might explain why after a year #39;s work, scientists have gotten through only about one-tenth of a mouse #39;s brain.

Online map of brain genes to be released


Microsoft has pulled out of an international standards body because of concerns over control of intellectual property contributed to the group.

Microsoft pulls out of standards group over intellectual property <b>...</b>


AFP - A surprise drop in US wholesale prices in August showed inflation apparently in check, but analysts said this was good and bad news for the US economy.

Surprise drop US wholesale prices is mixed news for economy (AFP)


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

GM's U.S. Sales Surge


Yet another card format is here, spun off of the venerable MMC format by Samsung. This one is small enough to fit on a key of a keyboard, or into the smallest device.

Samsung #39;s MMCmicro shrinks flash memory further


Royal Dutch/Shell has agreed to pay \$120 million to settle fraud charges with the S.E.C. involving overstated oil reserves, the U.S. securities regulator said today.

Shell Settles Oil Reserve Case for \$120 Million


London, England (Sports Network) - Captain David Beckham will make his return to the English national team Wednesday when they travel to Madrid for a friendly.

Beckham back in England squad


Space shuttle astronauts will fly next year without the ability to repair in orbit the type of damage that destroyed the Columbia vehicle in 2003.

Big shuttle repairs not possible


In one sense, it would not be unprecedented for Gordon and the No. 24 team to rebound from the aftermath of Sunday #39;s Hendrick Motorsports plane crash to finish well at Atlanta; Kevin Harvick won there in 2001

Tragedy still fresh, Gordon faces tough situation in Atlanta


Iran has not accepted a proposal of the European Union (EU) to trade nuclear technology with its uranium enrichment program.  quot;It is just at the initial stage.

Iran, EU trio to hold further talks on nuclear issue


For the second quarter in a row, No. 1 network-gear maker Cisco (CSCO) reported record profit but saw some signs of economic weakness.

Cisco reports record profit but outlook disappoints


Reuters - U.S. presidents past and present\appealed to Americans on Monday to help victims of the Asian\tsunami as one of the biggest aid efforts in history struggled\to bring food and water to millions of desperate survivors.

Presidents Call on U.S. to Help Tsunami Survivors (Reuters)


UNITED NATIONS - China on Friday welcomed a Russian draft resolution to draw up a new list of terror suspects who would be subject to extradition in a stepped-up global campaign against terrorism. But the United States and France eyed the plan with a measure of caution...

Russia Terrorism Plan Meets Mixed Reviews


In the statement, issued Tuesday, the three developers argued that the legislation, called the software patent directive, would be harmful to the European economy.

Torvalds comes out against EU patent directive


AFP - The death toll from a devastating coal mine gas explosion in central China's Henan province rose to 77 as rescuers continued to search for any survivors, state media reported.

Death toll in China mine blast reaches 77; search for survivors continues (AFP)


AP - The newly returned crew of the international space station said Tuesday they had accomplished all the necessary tasks in their six months on the orbiting station, even with a risky, unplanned space walk to replace a bad circuit breaker.

Space Station Stint Deemed a Success (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - New applications for U.S. home loans  fell last week as 30-year mortgage rates reached their highest  levels in a month, an industry group said on Wednesday.

Mortgage Applications Fall Last Week-MBA


Three suspected Muslim militants have gunned down a British man in the Saudi capital Riyadh, security sources and diplomats say. They said the gunmen, driving past in a car, shot the man

Briton shot dead in Saudi capital


Big Blue is the latest to embrace iSCSI, a protocol increasingly being used to build low-cost storage area networks.

IBM storage server targets midsize companies


Boston isn't the cheapest place to do business. Living and housing costs are steep. And you can't play golf year round.

Venture capitalists -- Boston's lure for start-ups


IT workers' confidence in the employment market kept growing in July, but techies are less happy with actual jobs than workers overall.

Study: IT workers more optimistic


MILAN, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Parmalat on Thursday fired off the latest lawsuit in its bid to recover billions of euros from banks that did deals with the now insolvent dairy group, saying it had sued CSFB for ...

Parmalat adds CSFB to list of banks being sued


Hundreds of mourners paid their final respects yesterday to a college student killed when police fired pepper-spray pellets into a raucous crowd after the Boston Red Sox won the American League pennant.

Major League Notebook: Boston mourns death


AP - Grizzly and black bears killed a majority of elk calves in northern Yellowstone National Park for the second year in a row, preliminary study results show.

Study: Bears Kill More Elk Than Wolves (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO - Toshiba Corp.'s new desktop-replacement multimedia notebooks, introduced on Tuesday, are further evidence that U.S. consumers still have yet to embrace the mobility offered by Intel Corp.'s newer mobile processors.

New Toshiba notebooks highlight long-running trend


Iraqi troops have found  quot;hostage slaughterhouses quot; in Fallujah where foreign captives were held and killed, the commander of Iraqi forces in the city said Wednesday.

Forces find hostage  quot;slaughterhouses quot; in Fallujah


NEW YORK - The general counsel for broker Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. will step down next week as the embattled firm seeks to clean house and reform its business practices, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

Marsh general counsel to resign amid probe


Television #39;s dean of financial news, Louis Rukeyser, is giving up his CNBC show  quot;Louis Rukeyser #39;s Wall Street. quot;.

CNBC #39;s Rukeyser to end weekly show


AFP - Britain were neck and neck with Olympic minnows Slovakia and Zimbabwe and desperately hoping for an elusive gold medal later in the week.

Britain scratching about for medals (AFP)


Beijing, Sept. 15 (PTI): The Communist Party of China will hold its fourth plenum here from September 16 to 19 to discuss key issues facing the nation but a reported power tussle between the camps of military

Jiang-Hu tussle ahead of China #39;s Communist Party plenum


The European Commission is expected to approve Oracle #39;s \$7.7 billion acquisition of PeopleSoft on Tuesday, with no conditions attached, a person close to the case said Monday.

Europe Expected to Agree to Deal for PeopleSoft


WITH the future of Italy #39;s flagship carrier at stake, Alitalia is preparing to unveil a rescue plan at a crucial meeting with unions, revealing the number of planned job cuts aimed at averting collapse.

Union meeting crucial to Alitalia


Five people remained in critical condition on Thursday, a day after a blast in a chemicals plant run by Sasol killed six and injured more than 100, amid a report that the company had flouted safety norms.

Five remain in hospital after Sasol explosion


NEW YORK - Strong earnings from financial services companies and upbeat economic data pushed stocks higher Tuesday, but many investors clung to the sidelines ahead of the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates, expected later in the session.    Investors may be seeing some buying opportunities after Monday, when gloomy outlooks from the consumer staples group weighed heavily on the market; a strong reading on new housing construction provided additional incentive...

Stocks Higher; Investors Await Fed


STRASBOURG/SAN FRANCISCO - The European Commission on Tuesday approved Oracle Corp. #39;sproposed US\$7.7 billion (\$11 billion) hostile takeover of rival business software company PeopleSoft Inc.

EU backs Oracle #39;s bid for PeopleSoft


But university officials would be open to the possibility -- especially if someone else foots the bill. Google Inc., the popular online search engine, said Tuesday it would pay for the New York Public Library

Google offers five libraries funding to digitize materials


Australia #39;s government hasn #39;t accounted for 27 citizens in Iraq after an Islamic group said it took two Australians hostage, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.

Australia Still Looking for 27 Citizens in Iraq After Threat


Jessica Simmonds scores 19 points and ties her career high with 13 rebounds Wednesday to lead George Washington to a 62-52 upset of No. 24 Villanova.

Simmonds Leads Upset


Independent directors of Marsh   McLennan Cos. approached New York state Attorney General Eliot L. Spitzer this week about settling the corruption charges Spitzer has brought against the giant insurance broker and financial services firm, according to sources close to the investigation.

Marsh Talks to Spitzer About Settling


MOSCOW Russia #39;s security service announced Friday that investigators had found traces of explosives in the wreckage of one of the two passenger airliners that crashed almost simultaneously on Tuesday, and declared its downing a terrorist act.

Explosives found in Russian crash


SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia #39;s biggest airline Qantas has doubled its full-year profit on cost cuts and a pick-up in traffic, but the prospect of higher fuel costs has sent its shares down six percent.

Qantas posts record profit


Prosecutors tightened the screws on Yukos yesterday, calling in the oil giant #39;s top in-house lawyer for questioning after searching his office and apartment on the same day the company challenged

Yukos feels heat


It has emerged that Sonys new portable handheld gaming device - the PSP will also support MP3 formatted tracks alongside Sonys properitory format ATRAC.

PSP to support MP3


Haim Saban, one of the nation's richest and most improbable media magnates, may be one of the most politically connected moguls in Hollywood, trying to influence all things Israeli.

Schlepping to Moguldom


Mike Hampton worked six innings and hit a two-run homer Friday as Atlanta handed the Chicago Cubs a devastating loss, 5-4. The Cubs came into the game trailing San Francisco and

MLB: Atlanta 5, Chicago Cubs 4


NASA #39;s Cassini spacecraft successfully photographed one of the most mysterious objects in our solar system on Tuesday in a flyby that brought it within 745 miles of Saturn #39;s hazy moon Titan.

Titan Surface Still a Mystery


BEIJING The collapse of North Korea #39;s economy has caused food prices there to skyrocket and created new groups of people who cannot afford to buy what they need to live, the World Food Program said on Wednesday.

Food crisis worsens in North Korea


Wide receiver Jerry Rice officially will become a member of the Seattle Seahawks today, provided that he passes a physical and the league approves a trade agreed to late Monday night sending

Rice Headed to Seahawks


Crude oil futures contracts topped the psychological milestone of \$50 per barrel for the first time Tuesday, surging to new record levels that could unsettle oil importing nations.

Crude Oil Prices Top \$50 Per Barrel


The two companies expand an alliance to bundle DirecTV's service with the telecom provider's own offerings.

Qwest, DirecTV bring satellite TV to Western states


The Broncos announced Friday morning that the veteran defensive tackle would miss the rest of the 2004 season with a herniated disc in his lower back.

Friday, December 17, 2004 Elliss Out for Rest of Season


The Mac maker says it will replace about 28,000 batteries in one model of PowerBook G4 and tells people to stop using the notebook.

Apple recalls overheating batteries


Author and academic Professor Stephen Hawking is more of a role model to teenage boys than England football captain David Beckham, says a Good Housekeeping magazine survey.

Hawking is a teen role model


Description: Mel Karmazin is tapped to head Sirius Satellite Radio, not long after the network acquired Howard Stern #39;s show. The former Viacom president helped build Infinity Broadcasting into the country #39;s second largest conventional radio network.

Former Viacom Chief Will Helm Sirius


Here we are, a week into the college football season, and already the skin tingles with anticipation of what could be in store. Notre Dame is 0-1, likely on its way to 0-2, and quite possibly

Irish coach could make ugly history


MOUNT ST. HELENS -- The plane is a speck of mica in the volcano #39;s plume. It cuts back and forth through the cloud, battling the updrafts, downdrafts and turbulent air currents that form over a hot, heaving crater.

Geologist monitors emissions for clues about volcanoes


It was about taking care of business, or maybe it was about the Boston Red Sox not -gain. The Yankees didnt play their best game, but because the Red

Mussina outduels Pedro as Yanks roll


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. drivers could again face \$2 a  gallon gasoline now that crude oil has topped a record \$50 a  barrel, government experts said on Tuesday.

Motorists Could Face \$2/gal Gasoline Soon


AL QUDS, Dec 10: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon moved swiftly on Friday to forge a national unity government after winning approval to reshape his coalition and crushing internal opposition to his Gaza pullout plan.

Sharon to form new coalition


AP - In a debut vaguely reminiscent of the dot-com boom, shares of Internet search giant Google Inc. surged in their first day of public trading Thursday as investors who avoided the company's auction-based offering readily jumped into the familiar territory of the stock market.

Google Shares Hit  #36;100.34 in Market Debut (AP)


AT amp;T Corp. (TN: Quote, Profile, Research) will cut another 7,400 jobs and reduce the value of its assets by \$11.4 billion, spurred by its retreat from traditional consumer

AT amp;T to Cut About 7,400 Jobs


HOUSTON (Reuters) - Brandon Backe, a little-known local,  who arrived in the shadow of famous hometown heroes Roger  Clemens and Andy Pettitte last winter, brought the Houston  Astros to within a game of the franchise's first postseason  series victory in an 8-5 win over the Atlanta Braves Saturday.

Baseball-Backe Pitches Astros to 2-1 Series Lead


A survey of Internet vulnerabilities to be released Monday shows a sharp jump in attacks on Windows-based personal computers during the first six months of 2004, along

Attacks on Windows PC #39;s Grew in First Half of 2004


The Motion Picture Association of America on Tuesday filed its first wave of lawsuits against people it alleges have traded illegally copied movies online, a practice the MPAA says represents

MPAA files Internet suits


Venus Williams set up a clash with arch rival Lindsay Davenport after beating fellow American Chanda Rubin 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 in the third round of the US Open at Flushing Meadow.

VENUS SETS UP CLASH WITH ARCH RIVAL


Hewlett-Packard CEO #39;s job could be on chopping block along with 15,000 others if Compaq deal goes through. Watch  #39;Tech Live #39; Wednesday 3/20 at 9 pm Eastern for details.

Will Fiorina Be Merger Casualty?


AMSTERDAM Prosecutors in the Netherlands say police have arrested eight suspected Islamic radicals in connection with the murder of an outspoken filmmaker.

Eight arrested in Dutch filmmaker #39;s murder


At the tail end of August, with 31 games remaining, the approach Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon is preaching is the same as it was in the beginning

Ward #39;s two HRs power Pirates


A Russian court on Thursday rejected an appeal by the Yukos oil company seeking to overturn a freeze on the accounts of the struggling oil giant #39;s core subsidiaries.

Update 1: Freeze Is Upheld on Yukos Subsidiaries


Gallows humor apparently has become reality, with unconfirmed reports circulating that Washington football coach Keith Gilbertson and his staff were fired late Sunday night.

Gilbertson fired?


It #39;s always a festive time of year at Sun City when the Nedbank Golf Challenge gets underway, and defending champion Sergio Garcia, always an enthusiastic participant in South Africa #39;s premier golf tournament, joined the spirit of proceedings with a

Garcia brings Christmas to Sun City


An Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a house in Gaza #39;s Jabalya refugee camp on Sunday, killing a Palestinian man and wounding three women, witnesses said.

Israeli missile kills Palestinian in Gaza Strip


The vendor confirned that the delay in the release of its next-generation file system will also push back the release of the Windows programming layer.

Leaner Longhorn Will Delay Microsoft Business Framework


The specialty department store chain goes back to basics to get in touch with its customer base.

Kohl's Reconnects With Mothers


PONTIAC, Mich. - Five members of the Indiana Pacers and seven Detroit Pistons fans were criminally charged yesterday because of their roles in the Pistons-Pacers brawl last month - a fight that captured national attention.

5 Indiana players, 7 fans charged in November NBA brawl


troops to monitor renewed fighting in Darfur, where 1.5 million people have been driven from their homes. Ethiopia and Chad to the talks in the Nigerian capital, which analysts say have little chance of success.

Darfur peace talks delayed


ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves may still have the last word this afternoon, but Barry Bonds did all the talking with his bat Sunday night.

Bonds, Giants snap Braves #39; win streak


AP - Iraqi militants have released a Sudanese man who was kidnapped last month while working as an interpreter for a U.S. contractor, Sudan's Foreign Ministry said Saturday.

Iraqi Militants Release Sudanese Hostage (AP)


Irish stayer Vinnie Roe #39;s top weight of 58 kilograms was a telling factor as he finished second to favourite Makybe Diva in the rainswept Melbourne Cup, according to trainer Dermot Weld.

Vinnie Roe caught out by weight


CAIRO - Giant oil producer Opec expects prices to recover from the second-largest drop this year as members enforce their decision to lower output.

Oil price  #39;will stabilise #39;


Reuters - Peruvian police said on Monday they\seized nearly 1,540 pounds (700 kg) of cocaine hidden in frozen\giant squid bound for Mexico and the United States.

Peru Seizes Cocaine Haul Hidden in Giant Squid (Reuters)


The hometown favorite won the pole position at the Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, Brazil, after the seven-time world champion crashed during practice.

Barrichello takes pole for F1 #39;s Brazilian GP


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell at the market open on  Friday after a government report showed weaker-than-expected  job growth in September, a sign the  economy may not be as  strong as Wall Street had estimated.

U.S. Stocks Open Lower After Jobs Data


On Thursday, banks will begin implementing the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, better known as Check 21. The law is designed to speed up the processing of many of the 40 billion checks written each year.

Faster clearing comes with change on Thursday


Shares in global news group Reuters surge as it posts a smaller than expected fall in subscription numbers over the last three months.

Subscription news boosts Reuters


Interest rates may have peaked, the Bank of England has signalled as it warned that house prices could fall further in the coming months.

BoE report suggests rates on hold


ANKARA (AFP) - Thirteen workers were killed and nine were injured Wednesday in a massive blaze in a tunnel under construction at a copper mine in northern Turkey, the construction company said.

13 dead, nine injured in Turkish mine tunnel fire


Most Israelis want to await the outcome of international pressure on Iran over its nuclear program rather than consider a pre-emptive military strike on their arch-foe #39;s reactors, a poll published on Friday said.

Most Israelis Oppose Strike on Iran for Now -Poll


TOKYO (CBS.MW) - South Korea #39;s anti-monopoly watchdog said Monday it has expanded investigations into Microsoft Corp. after RealNetworks Inc.

Trade regulator to probe unfair trade allegations -report


A trouble-free day for Franck and Giancarlo as they completed almost 200 laps of Barcelona.

Barcelona Testing, Day 3, 26/11/04


AP - A Russian television network showed footage from inside the school raided by militants last week depicting hooded attackers in a gymnasium crowded with hostages and strung up with explosives attached to wires.

Russian Television Shows School Footage (AP)


When Leonard Popes 6-foot-7, 250-pound frame is running down the field, Georgia quarterback David Greene cant resist. Thatsa big weapon, Greene a South Gwinnett said.

Greene hooks up with Pope for big plays


World champion Petter Solberg extended his Rally of Italy lead to almost a minute after winning the first three stages on Saturday.

Dominant Solberg extends Rally of Italy lead


CHICAGO United Airlines, which has been threatening to end its pensions, has sent contract proposals to its employee unions. United wants to replace future pension plans with a defined contribution plan.

United Airlines details new contract proposals that include <b>...</b>


Danske Bank chief executive Peter Straarup said he planned to expand NIBs branch network in the Republic. The economy of the Republic of Ireland continues to outperform other European economies, and

Nib Employs 800 People in the Republic of Ireland, While Northern <b>...</b>


NEW YORK - Already a box office sensation, filmmaker Michael Moore got another loud reception Monday at the Republican National Convention. This time, it was boos...

GOP Delegates Boo Moore at Convention


Microsoft and Sun Microsystems on Wednesday held a progress report on work being done pursuant to their April 2004 agreement to collaborate on interoperability.

Microsoft-Sun: I can #39;t see me lovin #39; noboby but you


AP - A federal judge refused to dismiss charges Thursday against a self-styled community activist accused of attempting to blackmail New York Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield and his wife with a purported sex videotape, and ordered him held in jail.

Activist Charged With Blackmailing Yankee (AP)


A Norwegian peace envoy is wrapping up a visit to Sri Lanka, with no sign of any breakthrough in re-starting the country #39;s stalled peace process.

Sri Lanka peace process remains at standstill


Johnson Controls Inc. reported a 20 percent increase in profit for fiscal 2004, posting net income of \$817.5 million, or \$4.24 per share, compared with \$675.

Johnson Controls fiscal 2004 profit up 20 percent


Veteran outfielder Larry Walker, a proud son of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, dropped a little bit of Canadian hockey heritage into America's pastime when his Cardinals played the Dodgers in the National League Division Series.

Chances of a goodwill gesture are shaky


Political reforms have been sacrificed in China as leaders in Beijing trumpet their  quot;stability above all quot; policy, President Chen Shui-bian () said in a statement yesterday.

One country, two systems #39; model a barrier to democracy, speakers <b>...</b>


Safety Ed Reed has made game-changing plays in three of the Ravens' last four wins, and has become a scoring threat from the defensive side of the ball.

Reed Takes Offense


SEATTLE - Seismologists believe there #39;s an increased likelihood of a  quot;hazardous event quot; at Mount St. Helens due to recent changes in the mountain #39;s seismic activity.

St. Helens Quakes Could Lead To  #39;Hazardous Event #39;


A one-day nationwide strike of civil service workers in South Africa has brought education to a standstill and affected many other state agencies.

Public Service Workers Strike in South Africa


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications  Commission said on Tuesday it has conditionally approved  Cingular Wireless' \$41 billion acquisition of AT T Wireless  Services Inc. <A HREF=

FCC Approves Cingular's AT T Wireless Bid


Toyota Motor Corp yesterday launched a joint venture with China #39;s Guangzhou Automobile Group to produce the Camry sedan in the capital city of Guangdong Province.

Toyota Motor sets up JV in Guangzhou


AP - A European laboratory that was the birthplace of the World Wide Web and home of Nobel prize-winning developments in the quest to understand the makeup of matter wished itself a happy 50th birthday Tuesday.

Renowned European Laboratory Turns 50 (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Embattled mortgage finance company  Fannie Mae <A HREF=

Fannie Mae to Keep More Cash on Hand


The BBC's teletext service, Ceefax, celebrates 30 years as tributes pour in from the worlds of news and sport.

Ceefax marks 30 years of service


In the battle between Major League Soccer and the national teams of several players over the coming weeks, there will be likely few winners.

qualifiers to deplete MLS


Diageo has raised \$2.26bn (1.84bn) from the sale of 49.9 million shares of common stock held in General Mills. The shares were sold for 45.

Diageo raises 1.84bn from share sale


SYDNEY Metcash Trading, Australia #39;s biggest grocery wholesaler, said Monday that it had offered 846 million Australian dollars, or \$660 million, in cash or stock for Foodland Associated #39;s Australian business, to complete a nationwide distribution network.

Foodland gets offer for Australian unit


NEW YORK (Reuters) - More than half of all US residential Internet users reached the Web via fast broadband connections in July, outpacing use of slower, dial-up connections for the first time, market researcher Nielsen//NetRatings said on ...

Half of US Web Users Now on Broadband -- Report


Baghdad, Nov. 29 (NNN) : Iraqs interim deputy prime minister has said that postponing the forthcoming Iraqi elections would be giving in to terrorism.

Iraqi Leaders Warn Against Poll Postponement


Delphi Corp., the world's largest automotive supplier, said Friday it would cut 8,500 jobs next year.

Delphi to Cut 8,500 Jobs


BAGHDAD -- US troops sweeping through Fallujah yesterday found what appeared to be a command center used by followers of Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and a US general expressed confidence the battle for the city has  quot;broken the back of the insurgency. quot;

Troops in Fallujah find terror group's command center


Hard as they tried, the Red Sox were unable to dissuade Gabe Kapler from bolting to Japan. But they made sure another key bench player will return next season when they enticed Doug Mirabelli to sign a two-year contract worth \$3 million, the richest deal of his career.

Mirabelli signs for two years


AP - PalmSource Inc. has finally answered the smart-phone call.

New Palm System Targets Smart Phones (AP)


NEW ORLEANS - With 135-mph Hurricane Ivan closing in with frightening intensity, this flood-prone city scrambled Wednesday to get people out of harm's way, putting the frail and elderly in the cavernous Louisiana Superdome and urging others to move to higher floors in tall buildings.    Ivan made a slight turn north on a path that could bring it ashore early Thursday at the Alabama-Mississippi line, near Mobile, Ala., but forecasters said everyone from New Orleans to the Panhandle should be worried...

New Orleans Urges People to Take Shelter


VIRGINIA WATER, England (Reuters) - Vijay Singh and Ernie  Els, the world's top two players, could not be more confident  going into the World Match Play Championship starting at  Wentworth Thursday.

Singh and Els Primed for Match Play Showdown


rank P. Quattrone, the Wall Street banker whose pay and deals made him a vivid symbol of the 1990 #39;s technology boom, was sentenced to 18 months in prison yesterday for obstructing a government

Ex-Wall Street Banker Sentenced in Federal Obstruction Case


AP - Decades ago, a beleaguered Nebraska football coach raised a stink across the plains when he said he didn't think this state could be great at anything.

In Nebraska, Football Feeds State's Ego (AP)


Too bad the newest installment in the  quot;Leisure Suit Larry quot; series isn #39;t much of a video game. The challenging puzzles and clever character interaction that boosted earlier titles in the franchise

Latest  #39;Leisure Suit Larry #39; lacking


Description: NPR #39;s Michele Norris talks with Wall Street Journal sports reporter Stefan Fatsis about the latest news from the college gridiron.

The Week in College Football


Hip-hip duo OutKast have taken top honours as the recording industry handed out its first awards for music sold through Internet-music services like Apple Computer Inc.

OutKast tops first digital-music sales awards


Man Utd's Ruud van Nistelrooy says he is not guilty after being hit with an FA charge over a tackle on Ashley Cole.

Football: Man U star denies stamp


In Giants Coach Tom Coughlin's view, he and Detroit Coach Steve Mariucci's teams are in the same boat; Mariucci has simply been steering his for one season longer.

Giants and Lions Show Rebuilding Is Relative


Nothing could be worse for golf than Vijay Singh as the PGA Tour #39;s No. 1 player. Seriously, Singh replacing Tiger Woods as the world #39;s No.

Special to Page 2


San Jose Earthquakes #39; Dwayne De Rosario celebrates after scoring against the Kansas City Wizards in the first half, during the first game of the Western Conference playoffs in San Jose, Calif.

Earthquakes Lead Wizards 1-0 in Series


US Airways, the most troubled of the nation's major airlines, has had to walk a tightrope the last few months, simultaneously talking tough to its unions while telling customers their frequent-flier miles are safe and the skies are still friendly.

Handling of frequent-flier miles, tickets depends on appetite for risk


TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian proposed  on Tuesday to define direct transport links with rival China as  cross-Strait routes, in a bid to bypass a longstanding  political dispute, but Beijing is likely to ignore him.

Taiwan Offers Compromise on Direct China Links


Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar, who was due in Paris on Sunday to start a European tour, has postponed his visit to France due to the ongoing hostage drama involving two French journalists, Arab diplomats said Friday.

Iraqi president delays trip to France over hostage crisis


International Business Machines Corp. said Wednesday it signed a pair of outsourcing contracts worth more than US\$1 billion (euro752 million) with two Danish companies, continuing the computer giant #39;s push into northern Europe.

IBM Inks \$1 Billion Outsourcing Deals


Struggling United Airlines is rushing to again slash wages and to terminate pension plans in a bid to stem cash drain and satisfy lenders.

United requests OK to cut wages


Rivaling Bush vs. Kerry for bitterness, doctors and trial lawyers are squaring off this fall in an unprecedented four-state struggle over limiting malpractice awards...

Bitter Malpractice Fight Going to Voters


As soon as rumors began to fly about the IBM-Lenovo deal, bloggers and others began to buzz about the possibility that IBM would use the opportunity to buy Apple. The contract posted by Lenovo, however, says no. Missing Links

IBM buying Apple? No dice


Sun City - Ernie Els says the longer, toughened-up Gary Player Country Club course - venue for the Nedbank Golf Challenge beginning on Thursday - will not yield the low scores seen in the past in Africa #39;s  quot;Major quot;.

Els makes intentions clear for Sun City


Five of the Top 6-ranked players on the WTA Tour compete this week at the Tier I stop in Moscow, though that could change with the possible withdrawal of top seed Amelie Mauresmo, who sustained a muscle pull in her leg Sunday, forcing her to pull from the

Davenport Could Steal No. 1 Ranking This Week at WTA Moscow


Automotive parts supplier Delphi Corp. (NYSE: DPH) received a subpoena from the US Securities and Exchange Commission in late July in connection with agreements with Electronic Data Systems Corp.

SEC subpeonas Delphi over EDS payments


It was the US Open all over again Saturday at the WTA stop in Beijing: Serena Williams and Svetlana Kuznetsova working their way toward the final, and Russian Vera Zvonareva breaking down in tears during her match.

Serena, Kuznetsova Reach WTA Beijing Final, Zvonareva Cries Out


Surrounded by what remained of his entourage, a victorious John Ruiz was walking through the tunnel toward his dressing room Saturday night when a spectator leaned over

Nothing artistic about MSG canvas


AP - Australians voted in parliamentary elections Saturday with Prime Minister John Howard and his Labor Party challenger in a virtual dead heat, following a campaign that focused more on the economy and social programs than on Howard's decision to send troops to Iraq.

Voting Begins in Tight Australia Election (AP)


As hurricanes go, Charley stirred up a lot of trouble. The storm will go down as one of the most destructive in history. But it also stirred up trouble on Wall Street, igniting controversy about whether or not it #39;s a good time to look at insurers.

Insurers #39; Storm Swirls Around Chubb


None of the United States #39; major trading partners manipulated their currencies to gain economic advantage in the first half of 2004, the US Treasury Department said in a report released on Friday.

US Treasury report finds no forex manipulation


\

 By Robert Evans

 GENEVA (Reuters) - Mobile phone subscribers around the\globe totaled nearly 1.5 billion by the middle of this year,\about one quarter of the world's population, the International\Telecommunication Union (ITU) said on Thursday.

Mobile Phone Users Double Since 2000


After slow sales last month, General Motors increases rebates on 2005 model-year cars and trucks. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - After a drop in sales last month, General Motors Wednesday announced increased cash incentives on 2005 model year cars and trucks.

GM boosts incentives on  #39;05 models


Reuters - Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. \has tentatively agreed to pay  #36;222.5 million to settle an\investor lawsuit over its role as an underwriter for Enron\Corp., a person familiar with the situation said on Thursday.

Lehman Near Deal on Enron Lawsuit-Source (Reuters)


Traders follow closing bell equity prices at the New York Stock Exchange, on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004. The Dow ended the session down after advancing earlier in the day.

Stocks Surge on Presumed Bush Victory


US oil giant ConocoPhillips has announced a \$US2.4billion (\$3.3billion) strategic alliance with Russia #39;s largest oil company, Lukoil, under which Conoco will buy a 7.6per cent stake in the Russian company and get a share of joint projects.

Conoco buys stake in Russian oil giant


United Airlines and Delta Air Lines both took further steps to tackle the US aviation industry #39;s crippling financial crisis, despite the normally quiet Thanksgiving holiday period.

US airlines take action on finances


Nepalese soldiers check the bags of people heading for the capital at Naubise, 30 kilometres to the west. Maoists have set up blockades on routes to Kathmandu.

Fears, prices soar as blockade tightens


A group of leading mobile phone vendors said Friday (Sept. 10) they will work together to bring about widespread delivery of broadcast television to mobile devices.

Cell phone vendors to work on mobile TV


BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- The Kansas City Chiefs would like a repeat performance of last year #39;s meeting against the Baltimore Ravens.

Kansas City vs. Baltimore


AP - There's a new option for people who suffer from extreme nearsightedness, whose world loses its crisp edge just a few inches from their noses. The first implantable lens for nearsightedness was approved Monday by the Food and Drug Administration.

FDA Approves Lens Implant to Sharpen Sight (AP)


Michael Clarke notched a century on his test debut and skipper Adam Gilchrist hit a blazing hundred yesterday as Australia took charge of the opening test against India.

Australia takes charge in opening test against India


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Lucent Technologies Inc. <A HREF=

Lucent, Unions Have Tentative Agreement


As US President George Bush headed for a second term in office, the American election produced mixed reactions in the Middle East.

Middle East concern over Bush victory


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

National Semiconductor to Sell Unit


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Interstate Bakeries Corp. filed for  bankruptcy on Wednesday after struggling with more than \$1.3  billion in debt and weak demand for bread products amid the  popularity of low-carbohydrate diets.

Interstate Bakeries Files for Bankruptcy


Two Sydney-based Royal Australian Navy officers have been charged by police with possession of child pornography allegedly downloaded from the internet on to a computer on board their ship.

Navy officers on porn counts


Shareholders in Abbey National PLC voted overwhelmingly Thursday to approve the bank #39;s acquisition by Santander Central Hispano of Spain.

Abbey National Shareholders OK Takeover


Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. INFANTA, Quezon, Philippines -- Severina Espedero has nothing but the clothes she is wearing.

Evacuees vow never to return to storm-ravaged towns


Scotland #39;s Stephen Gallacher holds the trophy in front of the clubhouse whilst sitting on the Swilcan burn bridge after winning the Dunhill Links golf championship at St.

Gallacher Scores First European Tour Win


The turbulent story of Leeds United took another bizarre turn yesterday as Sebastian Sainsbury, a 41-year-old member of the supermarket dynasty, emerged as the frontman for an American-based

Sainsbury consortium plans 25m bid for Leeds


JAMES Hardie would face possible litigation if it did not ensure asbestos victims were adequately compensated, the ACTU said today.

Time running out for Hardie: ACTU


AFP - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi pitched Japan's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat to world leaders, calling it just reward for Tokyo's contributions to global peace and security.

Japan seeks UN payback with permanent Security Council seat (AFP)


Symantec has announced that several of its firewalls and gateways are vulnerable to denial of service attacks, and has released firmware to fix them.

Symantec Firewalls And Gateways Are Vulnerable To Attack


If a picture is worth a thousand words, can a camera cell phone lower your monthly talk-time bills? Probably not, but that hasn #39;t impeded the phenomenal international success of the  quot;cellcam.

A snapshot of camera phones that answer photography #39;s call


European Central Bank President Jean- Claude Trichet joined European finance ministers in appealing to the US to stem the decline of the dollar, warning that the currencys slide risks derailing global growth.

EU Appeal to US to bring up Dollar


Congress may consider a bill that could send thousands of Internet music and movie downloaders to jail, but the legislation faces opposition from groups that say it would unfairly punish consumers. <FONT face=

Congress May Act on Internet Piracy Bill


Shares of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. jumped to a new 52-week high Thursday, a day after the company said it would begin broadcasting its commercial-free radio stations to subscribers over the Internet.

XM Radio Shares Jump on Online Service


The Scot is regarded as one of the finest young coaches in the country, and he has handed the Toffees a huge boost by agreeing a deal that will keep him at Goodison until the summer of 2008.

Moyes signs new Everton Football Club deal


BASEBALL Seattle (AL): Named Mike Hargrove manager and agreed to terms on a three-year contract.

Transactions


Celtic star Stilian Petrov has urged the Parkhead board to hand a number of top players new contracts before they live to regret letting them go.

PETROV WANTS BHOYS SIGNED UP


TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada bid a final adieu to the  Montreal Expos who disappeared from the country's sports scene  on Wednesday in a wave of bitterness and nostalgia.

COLUMN: Major League Baseball Strikes Out in Montreal


roundup Plus: Appeals court to rehear e-mail snoop case...Macromedia giving away Flex...T-Mobile adds security measure to hot spots.

Briefly: SAP taps search technology


Reuters - The image of a blurry red ball near\a failed star just might be the first picture ever snapped of a\planet outside our solar system, an astronomer who helped find\the object said on Monday.

Blurry Image Might Be First Picture of Exoplanet (Reuters)


Reuters - Amazon.com Inc.  on\Thursday posted quarterly earnings that more than tripled on\strong international sales but offered an outlook for 2005 that\was below the more bullish analyst forecasts, sending its stock\down 8 percent.

Amazon Posts Profit, Outlook Disappoints (Reuters)


COLOGNE - More than 20,000 people, most of them Muslim, have demonstrated in Germany against terrorism and for world peace. The crowd held aloft a sea of Turkish, German and European Union flags during speeches in downtown Cologne at the end of a march.

German Muslims march against terror


SIALKOT, Pakistan -- A suicide attacker carrying a bomb in a briefcase struck a Shi'ite mosque crammed with hundreds of worshipers in eastern Pakistan, killing at least 25 people and wounding more than 50 during prayers yesterday.

Suicide bomber kills 25 at mosque in Pakistan


Israeli and Palestinian officials have begun negotiations to end a week-long Israeli army operation in north Gaza, Israeli security sources say.

#39;Talks bid #39; to halt Gaza violence


YANGON: Myanmar has pledged to adhere to its roadmap to democracy and draft constitution timeframe, media reported on Saturday, despite the sacking and arrest of the nations former premier who was seen as the key architect of the plan.

Myanmar to continue roadmap to democracy


The Ravens hold on to a 30-23 victory over the Miami Dolphins after building a 20-point lead and now need losses by Denver and Jacksonville to make the postseason.

Ravens Win, Watch


In New York, US blue chips closed near the unchanged mark Thursday in ultra-light volume, but technology stocks slipped lower after a broker cut its growth forecast on the semiconductor industry.

US tech stocks slip


NEW YORK, August 25 (New Ratings) - Altria Group Inc (MO.NYS), the parent group of the tobacco company, Philip Morris, raised its regular quarterly dividend today from \$0.

Altria, Kraft Foods raise dividend payouts


Reuters - A U.S. Army sergeant accused of deserting\to North Korea in 1965 and now hospitalized in Japan is willing\to appear before the U.S. military in Japan for a plea bargain,\Japanese media reports said on Saturday.

GI Jenkins Said Willing to Face U.S. Tribunal -Media (Reuters)


Microsoft blogger Robert Scoble has an exhaustive roundup of the reaction to the new MSN Spaces Web publishing and blogging tool, plus a link to a video interview of the MSN Spaces development team on Microsoft #39;s Channel 9 site.

MSN Spaces reaction


President George W. Bush on Friday condemned the attacks in Egypt that killed at least 28 people and offered help to the Egyptian government as it seeks those responsible.

Bush condemns Taba explosions


To listen to Iraq's new police officers is to hear the voices of under-equipped and under-trained men, often unnerved by the danger but determined to work.

Iraq's New Police: Scared, but at Least Employed


Former Belgium coach Raymond Goethals, who took his country to third place at the European Championship in 1972, died on Monday aged 83.

Former Belgium coach Goethals dies at 83


Wall Street had expected a drop in new unemployment claims. The prediction of economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires and CNBC was a decline of 14,000 claims.

US Data Suggest Job-Market Recovery Losing Steam


Canadian Press - WASHINGTON (CP) - President George W. Bush and his staunch Iraq ally, Britain's Tony Blair, presented a united front Friday on enlisting Europe's help for a new push to establish a peaceful Palestinian state.

Bush and Blair present united front on new chance for Mideast peace (Canadian Press)


Google has launched a beta test of a new service that allows mobile users to access its database from their handsets using short message service.

Google launches SMS-based information service


AP - Japanese vehicles dominate the government's annual list of vehicles with the best fuel economy, but Ford Motor Co. can claim the most fuel efficient pickup and sport utility vehicle.

Japanese Cars Tops Fuel Efficiency List (AP)


Reuters - Corey Dillon rushed for 115 yards as\the New England Patriots beat the New York Jets 13-7 at Foxboro\Sunday to take their record winning streak to 21 games.

NFL Wrap: Dillon Helps Patriots Earn 21st Successive Win (Reuters)


A committee of renowned scientists said the result was a vote of confidence in medical research and a positive sign for Switzerland as a centre for science and research.

Hope of medical progress carries vote


AP - Jeffrey Saut doesn't need a minutely detailed analysis to get a read on the technology sector  #151; the chief investment strategist at Raymond James Financial Services can get an idea from just looking around his office. Raymond James isn't buying new technology, and neither are thousands of other companies  #151; because there's nothing that they're really motivated to buy.

Innovation Needed Before Techs Can Grow (AP)


TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Broadband services using fiber optic  networks are expected to grow in the coming years with the race  now on among companies to develop this technology, the chairman  of Israel's Alvarion Ltd. <A HREF=

Race on to Build Fiber Optic Networks - Alvarion


TULSA, Okla. - Saint Francis Hospital, a Tulsa heart-care center, announced on Monday that with the aid of GE Healthcare it has installed of a new information technology system to handle hospital files.

Saint Francis Hospital digitizes patient records with GE systems


Basketball games are most often decided by a crucial run, but last night was simply a runaway as the Boston College women's team routed Fordham, 82-40, before a crowd of 630 at Conte Forum.

BC doubles up Fordham


ORCHARD PARK, NY (Sports Network) - Willis McGahee ran for 132 yards and a touchdown to lead the Buffalo Bills to a 22-17 victory over the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

NFL Wrap: Buffalo Bills Defeat New York Jets


Mike Brown #39;s five career defensive touchdowns are more than any player in the history of the Chicago Bears. Now, two games into his fifth season, the Bears safety and defensive captain is finished for the year after tearing his right Achilles #39; tendon.

Bears safety Brown out for season


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

Hurricanes Hurt Office Depot's Profit


CHINA IS continuing its pogrom on the country #39;s Internet cafes and officially confirmed that it has shut more than 1,600 Internet cafes since February.

China confirms more Internet cafe closures


A spokesman for China #39;s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said here Friday that the 9.7 percent increase of consumption in the first three quarters this year is  quot;encouraging quot;.

Consumption increase  quot;encouraging quot;: statistics official


AP - Armed settlers who resist evacuation could face five years in prison under a law proposed Sunday before next year's planned removal of all 21 Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and four in the West Bank.

Resistant Israeli Settlers May Get Prison (AP)


UK house prices fall by 0.4 in October, the Nationwide building society says, the biggest decline since February 2001.

UK house prices 'fell in October'


The global financial system is at its most resilient since the equity bubble burst in 2001, the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday, despite rising interest rates, heightened security and higher oil prices.

IMF says markets at most resilient in 3 years


Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Digital went live today offering some 1,000,000 tracks - This being 250,000 more than iTunes. In March Branson said he will be adding digital music to his Virgin brand at the time

Virgin digital goes live


Darwin may work in the flat enterprise software market--mergers and acquisitions are expected to increase the clout of leading firms.

Survival of software's fittest


HAMAMATSU CITY, Japan - (BUSINESS WIRE) -ov. 1, 2004  -aha Corporation, the worlds largest manufacturer of musical instruments and an established leader in digital audio, is today offering free

Yamaha Offering Free Authoring Tools for Adding Dynamic


When \$100 buys a pocket-sized gadget that can store decades' worth of appointments -- and \$200 gets you one that also serves as a digital photo album and MP3 player -- why would anybody spend up to \$500 on a new Palm or Pocket PC handheld?
<FONT face=

Deluxe Handhelds Try Hard to Justify Price


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Cingular Wireless on Tuesday closed  its \$41 billion cash purchase of AT T Wireless Services Inc.  <A HREF=

Cingular Closes \$41 Bln ATT Wireless Deal


US forces uncovered more bodies in the northern city of Mosul on Friday, apparent victims of an intimidation campaign by insurgents against Iraq #39;s fledgling security forces.

Six more bodies found in Mosul


The co-pilot of an airliner which crashed in New York in November 2001 made a fatal error, an inquiry finds.

Queens crash blamed on co-pilot


NewsFactor - Most industry observers agree that the CRM-software market is picking up speed this year and will continue to do so next year. And most also agree that venture capitalists have been waiting for several years to make their next moves regarding the startups they have backed through the thin years.

Analyst: CRM Mergers and Acquisitions Picking Up (NewsFactor)


Apple is recalling 28,000 PowerBook batteries after it was discovered that the batteries could overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Apple recalls 28,00 PowerBook batteries due to fire hazard


The Pittsburgh Steelers #39; Antwaan Randle El posted back-to-back returns of 60 and 43 yards in the first half at Heinz Field. Those big plays set up 10 points

Special teams can #39;t handle Randle El


CERGY-PONTOISE, France -- A metal strip that fell off a Continental Airlines jet and a fuel tank design fault led to the deaths of 113 people in the Concorde air disaster near Paris in 2000, an official report said on yesterday.

Concorde crash laid to debris, flaw


quot;Unbearable, quot;  quot;worrisome quot; and  quot;not convincing quot; were expressions used by employee representatives in response to an Alitalia management proposal to save the company, but they nonetheless agreed to continue talks.

Alitalia Unions Reject Rescue Plan, Job Cuts


The names may change. Not the results. China still rules the Olympic diving pool. The Chinese earned another gold medal - their fifth of the Athens Games - when Guo Jingjing

China #39;s Guo Easily Wins 3M Springboard


A tentative \$1 billion agreement reached by Delta Air Lines and its pilots union late Wednesday seemed to come at a painful, but practical cost.

Delta Dodges Bankruptcy Bullet


WASHINGTON - House Republicans plan to follow President Bush's lead and reject the Sept. 11 commission's recommendation to strip the Pentagon of control over its spy shops in favor of a new national intelligence director with hiring, firing and spending control...

House GOP to Reject 9/11 Recommendation


Shares for National Semiconductor Corp. rose more than 12 percent Thursday after the Santa Clara chipmaker said its net profit tripled despite a decline in demand during the summer months.

Nat Semi triples its net profit


Visiting Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said Sunday his government was going to stickto the January election timetable despite the unstable situation in the country

Iraq to stick to election timetable: Iraqi PM


India ended the fourth day needing 210 more runs to win this multi-stranded epic of a second Test and level the series against Australia.

Martyn defies rampant India


Fifty-five percent of workers voted against strikes, in a ballot that drew participation by 77 percent of the 1,300 eligible employees.

Jaguar Workers Vote Against Strike


ATHENS (Reuters) - South Africa ruined Michael Phelps's  dream of winning a record eight gold medals at the Athens  Olympics with a stunning victory in the men's 4x100 meters  freestyle final on Sunday.

South Africa Ends Phelps Medal Quest


AP - Mickael Pietrus gave Golden State just the lift it needed, contributing 15 points and six rebounds off the bench as the Warriors ended a four-game losing streak with a 104-96 win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.

Warriors Whack Pacers 104-96 (AP)


By Christopher Hope, Business Correspondent (Filed: 05/10/2004). British motor racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart yesterday attacked the Government for not allowing a 16m fund for the motorsport industry to

Government attacked for not backing Silverstone


AP - Mitsubishi Motors Corp. shareholders approved a move Wednesday enabling the scandal-plagued Japanese automaker to raise cash through a share offering, but demanded the company clean up its image and improve its product offerings to turn its lagging business around.

Mitsubishi Shareholders Demand Changes (AP)


(Sports Network) - The Florida Marlins continue their pursuit of the National League wild card spot, as they continue a five-game series against the Montreal Expos.

SportsNetwork Game Preview


Takuma Sato will return with BAR-Honda in 2005. The team confirmed the Japanese driver #39;s return on Tuesday ahead of this weekend #39;s Japanese Grand Prix.

BAR-Honda confirm Sato for 2005


Demonstrators protest against the upcoming visit to Chile by US President George Bush in front of the central courts building where a coalition of leftist groups sued Bush and other US government officials for the abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq

Bush Sued in Chile Over Prisoner Abuse


SYDNEY: The Commonwealth Bank of Australia said it expects increased earnings in the current financial year even though home lending had eased and margins are being squeezed in an increasingly competitive financial sector.

Australia #39;s Commonwealth Bank says earnings set to increase


WASHINGTON -- A major rewrite of corporate tax law that would end a trade dispute with Europe won congressional negotiators' backing yesterday after House Republicans beat back efforts to increase tobacco regulation. The measure would repeal a tax break for thousands of US exporters that the World Trade Organization ruled illegal. As a replacement, it offers more than \$140 billion ...

Conferees back bill to resolve trade row


MADRID (Reuters) - Seven men implicated in a suspected  Islamic radical plot to blow up Spain's High Court remain at  large despite the arrests of 13 more people, police sources  said on Friday.

Seven Still at Large in Plot to Bomb Spanish Court


At the Washington Hilton and Towers, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and other members of boxing's royalty attended Fight for Children's 15th annual Fight Night.

Fight Night at the Hilton


Jenson Button will tomorrow discover whether he is allowed to quit BAR and move to Williams for 2005. The Englishman has signed contracts with both teams but prefers a switch to Williams, where he began his Formula One career in 2000.

BUTTON TO DISCOVER FUTURE


AP - China's biggest computer maker said Tuesday it is in acquisition talks with a major international technology company, a disclosure which comes amid reports it might buy IBM Corp.'s personal computer business.

Lenovo May Be in Acquisition Talks With IBM (AP)


Reuters - Aluminum could be an unusual savior for\Atlantic salmon in prized Scandinavian and Russian fishing\rivers because it kills a voracious parasite, researchers said\on Friday.

Aluminum Can Kill Salmon River Parasites-Study (Reuters)


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

China Invokes Deng to Send Tough Taiwan Message


The anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks went by, mixed with the news of the dreadful incident in the Russian school in Beslan; there were nearly 350 victims, mostly children.

Ayoon wa Azan (His Masters Voice)


SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--China Aviation Oil Singapore Corp. (C47.SG) Tuesday said four executives have surrendered their passports to Singapore police as the investigation into Singapore #39;s worst financial scandal continues.

Four China Aviation Execs Surrender Passports To Police-2


The Angels have reached agreement on a two-year contract with former Dodger Steve Finley, who provides a more cost-efficient, shorter-term solution to their gap in center field than top free agent Carlos Beltran.

Finley set to be an Angel


Motorsport.com. Petter Solberg claimed a comfortable victory on Rally Japan, keeping his WRC championship hopes alive, and giving a home-soil victory to the Subaru team.

Solberg takes inaugural Rally Japan


BAGHDAD - Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who heads a group of Islamic extremists affiliated with the al-Qaida network, said in a statement posted on a website Tuesday that his group is responsible for the murder of Japanese hostage Shosei Koda, while repeating

Al-Zarqawi says Japan offered ransom for Koda; gov #39;t says it didn #39; <b>...</b>


The three-year, \$15 million deal is for Omniture's SiteCatalyst traffic analysis service.

AOL signs up for Omniture traffic tool


CNN/Money #39;s Stock Spotlight: Is now the right time to add Pfizer to your portfolio? By Andrew Stein, CNN/money staff writer. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Drug stocks are supposed to be the ultimate defensive plays in an uncertain economy.

Bad medicine?


Andrew Corp. Thursday forecast a fiscal fourth-quarter loss on lower revenue, citing rising raw materials costs and weak demand in North America as two large customers that are about to

Andrew forecasts a loss


SYDNEY: BHP Billiton said it has approved a copper project in northern Chile costing 990 million US dollars and the expansion of its iron ore operations in Western Australia.

BHP Billiton approves Chile copper project, Western Australia iron <b>...</b>


Oracle today unveiled its  quot;best and final offer quot; for PeopleSoft, promising to withdraw entirely from the long-running takeover battle if its \$24 per share proposal is not accepted by 19 November 2004.

Oracle makes  #39;best and final #39; PeopleSoft offer


Rashard Lewis scored 27 points and Ray Allen 24 to lead the Seattle SuperSonics to a shock 113-94 victory Sunday over the San Antonio Spurs.

Supersonics sink Spurs


BANGKOK : Bird flu fears in Thailand prevented passers-by from helping four people injured in an accident between a drunk-driver and a pick-up truck full of chickens, rescue officials said on Sunday.

Passers-by ignore car crash victims because of Thailand bird flu <b>...</b>


At least 143 people have died in China in flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains, the official Xinhua new agency reports.

China flood deaths mount to 143


The city of Paris intends to reduce its dependence on software suppliers with  quot;de facto monopolies, quot; but considers an immediate switch of its 17,000 desktops to open source software too costly, it said Wednesday.

Paris city authority hedges bets on Linux move


Boston ace Curt Schilling will not face the Yankees on Sunday because of an injured right ankle, though it's possible he could return later in the series.

Schilling to Miss A.L.C.S. Game 5 Start


Reuters - Applications for U.S. home mortgages\rose last week, as mortgage rates fell, an industry group said\on Wednesday.

Mortgage Applications Rose Last Week (Reuters)


Barclays is on the verge of buying control of South Africa #39;s biggest retail bank, marking its return to the country where it infamously operated during the apartheid era.

Barclays in talks to buy South Africa #39;s biggest retail bank


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - If the unemployment rate stays at current levels until the election, President Bush stands a much better chance at winning another four years in the White House, a job placement firm reported Monday.

Unemployment rate key for Bush


ATHENS : Felix Sanchez gave the Dominican Republic their first ever athletics Olympic gold medal with a devastating display in the 400 metres hurdles.

Olympics: Superman Sanchez delivers on his Olympic promise


Royal Philips Electronics continued its withdrawal from non-core stakes on Friday by slashing its stake in Atos Origin by more than half.

Philips halves stake in Atos Origin


US marines in Falluja have come under sustained attack from several different directions in the headquarters they have set up in the Iraqi city.

Falluja troops under heavy fire


Mike Volpi, routing technology general manager at Cisco, spoke recently about important new application-aware networking technology, service providers and his 10 years at Cisco.

Q A, Part 1: Cisco's Mike Volpi on IP traffic management


AP - The race in Colorado's newest congressional district has turned ugly in the homestretch, with swastikas scrawled on the signs of Republican Rep. Bob Beauprez and deer entrails left on the doorstep of a Democrat.

House Race Turns Ugly in Colorado (AP)


AFP - Leading electronics maker Sharp said interim net profit rose 40.7 percent to a record high on robust sales of liquid crystal display TVs and camera-equipped cellphones but it cautioned on the outlook due to the possible impact of high oil prices on global economic growth.

Sharp net profit up 40 percent in first half on robust LCD TV sales (AFP)


AP - The Supreme Court considered Tuesday whether the government can send immigrants back to countries that haven't agreed to accept them, a question that will determine the fate of thousands of Somalis resisting deportation to their war-torn homeland.

High Court Considers Immigration Cases (AP)


For a team without a budget, the Expos made a big early splash in free agency. In their first major moves since announcing their relocation to Washington, the Expos on Tuesday agreed to terms with third baseman

Washington-bound Expos find the money for Castilla, Guzman


Merger will make buyer No. 3 in marketMerger to make Penn National 3rd biggest casino operator. BILOXI - Penn National Gaming Inc.

Penn National to buy Argosy Gaming


Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. PARIS, France -- A virus that spies on keystrokes and downloads passwords and bank account details is circulating

Trojan horse program masquerades as anti-spam screensaver


Reuters - Inuit hunters threatened by an\accelerating thaw of the Arctic want to amend a U.N. convention\to put pressure on Washington to do more to slow global\warming, an Inuit leader said on Thursday.

Inuit Seek to Pressure U.S. to Slow Arctic Thaw (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Serena Williams moved into the fourth  round of the U.S. Open with an error-strewn 7-5, 6-4, defeat of  French teenager Tatiana Golovin on Friday.

Serena Battles Errors and Golovin to Advance


Reuters - Baltimore Ravens running back\Jamal Lewis was suspended for two games without pay and fined\an additional two weeks' salary by the league on Friday for\violating the NFL substance abuse policy.

Jamal Lewis Suspended for Two Games (Reuters)


AP - Everything from fire ants and coyotes to armadillos, lionfish and beach kudzu have made new homes in South Carolina over the years. So can the Cuban tree frog be far behind?

Cuban Tree Frogs Moving Toward S.C. (AP)


ATHENS (Reuters) - In a feat that would have made ancient  alchemists green with envy, Chile's Fernando Gonzalez and  Nicolas Massu turned sweat, tears and raw desire into solid  gold at the Olympic Games.

Tennis: Chilean Alchemists Turn Dreams Into Gold


Yahoo! has purchased the privately held Stata Labs in an apparent attempt to beef up its online e-mail service. Stata Labs, based in San Mateo, California, developed Bloomba, a popular e-mail client that made

Yahoo! absorbs Stata Labs


Las Vegas Sands Corp. #39;s initial public offering received a frothy reception from investors hungry to bet on another casino company.

Viva Las Vegas Sands IPO


AP - The year 2004, punctuated by four powerful hurricanes in the Caribbean and deadly typhoons lashing Asia, was the fourth-hottest on record, extending a trend since 1990 that has registered the 10 warmest years, a U.N. weather agency said Wednesday.

2004 Among the Hottest Years on Record (AP)


AP - Earnings at Adobe Systems Inc. increased 36 percent in the latest quarter as the company posted record revenue on strong sales of its graphics and imaging software.

Adobe 4Q Earnings Surge 36 Percent (AP)


AP - Memphis will accept an invitation to play in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Dec. 22.

Memphis to Accept GMAC Bowl Invitation (AP)


ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Michigan beat Minnesota with a dramatic comeback for the second straight year...

Michigan Edges Minnesota in Final Minutes


Robby Gordon apologized Monday for intentionally causing an accident at New Hampshire International Speedway that involved championship contenders Tony Stewart and Jeremy Mayfield.

Gordon apologizes for New Hampshire accident


Spain #39;s second-largest bank, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, said Monday its nine-month net profit rose 18.4 percent on strong income from Spain and Mexico.

Spanish Bank BBVA Sees Profit Rise


Air China, the biggest and last of China's three large airlines to list on the stock market, prices its float near the top of its  target range.

Air China raises \$1.07bn in IPO


Oracle Corp. has extended its \$7.7 billion hostile takeover bid for Pleasanton #39;s PeopleSoft Inc. until Sept. 10. Redwood City-based Oracle #39;s previous offer would have expired at 9 pm Friday.

Oracle extends PeopleSoft takeover bid


Two US soldiers, including one from Carson, have been charged with murder in the death of an Iraqi civilian, the 1st Cavalry Division announced Monday.

Carson man charged with Iraqi #39;s murder


Diamond Ferri ran for 141 yards two touchdowns and scored again on an interception Saturday in Boston as Syracuse rolled to a 43-17 victory over No.

Syracuse ends BC #39;s BCS hopes


At 12-16 and without All-Star Chamique Holdsclaw, the Washington Mystics weren #39;t thinking about the postseason.  quot;It #39;s a dream come true, quot; said Alana Beard, whose 23 points and nine rebounds

Mystics win fifth game in a row


BANGKOK, November 3 (IslamOnline.net  amp; News Agencies) - Amid mounting fears of spreading violence across Thailand over the killings of scores of Thai Muslims by security forces, a local Buddhist official was beheaded in what seems a revenge act for the

Revenge Attacks Feared Across Thailand


ATHENS Cuba captured its third gold medal in Olympic baseball on Wednesday, beating Australia by 6-2 as Frederich Cepeda hit a two-run homer for the Cubans.

Cuba takes gold medal in baseball


Top seeded Lleyton Hewitt rallied to a 6-0, 3-6, 6-1 win over Japan #39;s Gouichi Motomura yesterday in the second round of the Japan Open.

Hewitt advances to third round


Reuters - U.S. computer giant Apple  is\locked in a cybersquatting battle with a 22-year-old British\Internet whiz kid over the itunes.co.uk Web Site, a domain the\company wants for its chain of iTunes online music stores.

Apple in Cybersquatting Fight Over ITunes Website (Reuters)


Microsoft Corp., world #39;s largest software company, is planning to launch 2005 version of their Media Center software program on Oct. 12.

Microsoft plans to announce new media center


East Boston's Jermaine Wiggins has roamed from college team to college team, NFL team to NFL team. He fills perfectly the role of nomad tight end.

Taking a liking to Vikings


Militants sawed off the heads of three hostages believed to be Iraqi Kurds in a grisly videotape that surfaced Sunday, hours after Iraq #39;s prime minister said January elections would be held on schedule.

Beheadings of 3 on videotape


Harley-Davidson Inc. on Thursday said Jeffrey L. Bleustein will retire from his position as chief executive on April 30 after 30 years at the company.

Harley-Davidson CEO Bleustein to Retire


US computer giant Apple is locked in a cybersquatting battle with a 22-year-old London Internet whiz kid over the itunes.co.uk website, a domain the company wants for its chain of iTunes online music stores.

Apple in cybersquatting fight over iTunes


If you allowed yourself to think the unthinkable and harbor dreams of a Texans playoff berth in 2004, this was your  quot;Stagger Lee.

Rocky Mountain low clouds postseason hopes


GAINESVILLE - Urban Meyer always said his family would help shape any decision concerning his football coaching future. On Saturday, someone asked the University of Utah coach why he ultimately chose to take the Florida job.

Family Lures Meyer To Gainesville


While Gov. Rick Perry on Friday questioned whether a state district judge #39;s ruling on public school finance would be upheld by the Texas Supreme Court, US Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison

Perry doubts it will stand; Hutchison says state still needs <b>...</b>


US blue chips ended slightly lower on Wednesday after crude oil climbed above \$44 a barrel, renewing fears that high energy costs would cut into corporate profits.

Blue Chips End Lower After Oil Rises


AP - The number of butterflies fluttering around the Chicago area has dropped dramatically this summer, experts and enthusiasts say.

Groups: Ill. Butterfly Population Falling (AP)


Although Oracle still faces obstacles in its \$7.7 billion hostile takeover bid, analysts said yesterday's court rejection of the U.S. Department of Justice's attempt to block the deal on antitrust grounds is a blow for PeopleSoft.

Judge's decision means uncertain future for PeopleSoft


Activision and id Software have announced today an upcoming expansion for the popular DOOM 3. The expansion, which is named DOOM 3: Resurrection Of Evil and is co-developed by Nerve Software

DOOM 3: Resurrection Of Evil Ann


Reuters - A short distance from Spindletop oil\field, the site of the gusher that triggered the Texas oil rush\more than a century ago, scientists have found a purpose for\the long-disused underground reservoirs -- as storage for the\pollution emitted by burning fossil fuels.

Carbon Storage Comes to Disused Texas Oil Fields (Reuters)


It #39;s barely a year since Krispy Kreme Doughnuts came to the Hub, vowing to glaze the town. But last night Chief Executive Scott Livengood was instead eating liberal helpings of fresh-baked

Hole in Krispy Kreme strategy gro


Eastern Germany sees more mass protests over welfare cuts, with smaller rallies in western cities.

German welfare rallies escalate


The United States tops the  quot;Dirty Dozen quot; list of spam-producing countries released by security firm Sophos.  quot;The problem is that there is so much money to be made with spam, and it is very

Report: US Leads in Spam Production


Scott Knaster, author of 11 books about computers and technology, has released his newest book, Hacking iPod  iTunes. The book explores tips and tricks relating

Scott Knaster Releases New Book,  quot;Hacking iPod  iTunes quot;


TiVo said on Monday that its quarterly loss widened, citing increased marketing costs, but the maker of digital video-recording technology said it expects to have 3 million subscriptions by the end of the year.

Loss widens; 3 million customers seen by year #39;s end


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The blue-chip Dow closed at its lowest  point this year on Friday as oil prices climbed to another  record and Microsoft Corp.'s <A HREF=

Dow Slides to Year Low on Oil, Microsoft


Verizon Wireless, the largest US wireless company, will expand its high-speed data service to 16 markets by the end of the year, the chairman of Verizon Communications Inc.

Verizon Wireless to Add 16 Cities to Broadband


InfoWorld - Although the threat of Oracle #8217;s hostile takeover continues to cast a shadow over it, PeopleSoft is pressing on with plans to integrate into its product mix the enterprise applications it picked up last year in its acquisition of J.D. Edwards.

Undaunted PeopleSoft rolls out business apps (InfoWorld)


USATODAY.com - Not only does the filmmaker's Bush-bashing documentary, Fahrenheit 9/11, arrive on DVD today (Columbia TriStar,  #36;29), but two of his previous films, Bowlingfor Columbine and The Big One, are in stores Tuesday repackaged as the Michael Moore Limited Edition DVD Collector's Set .

Moore and more documentaries (USATODAY.com)


CHANTILLY, VirginiaSpace shuttle Enterprise was born to be an astronautical bridesmaid, never a bride. Built in 1976 as one of the first trio of US shuttles, Enterprise never

Space shuttle Enterprise takes center stage, at last


NVIDIA, graphics card manufacturer, has reported that it #39;s partnering up with Sony on the graphics hardware for PlayStation 3. The companies have been developing a custom graphics processing unit (GPU) incorporating next-generation GeForce technology

NVIDIA Partners With Sony


State Street Corp. said it will eliminate 425 jobs as a cost-cutting move after the financial firm yesterday reported a weak third quarter in which earnings fell 13 percent because of a sharp drop-off in lending and trading activities in securities markets.

State Street says it will cut 425 jobs


The fourth round of the African Union sponsored peace talks on Darfur to find a solution to the 22-months old crisis resumed in Abuja yesterday amidst continued violence in the Sudanese region.

Darfur Peace Talks Resume in Abuja


KANSAS CITY, Kan.  Tony Stewart, who knows a thing or two about being in trouble with NASCAR, blistered the organization Saturday in defense of fellow driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Stewart rips NASCAR #39;s penalty


DUBAI (AFP) - An Italian hostage identified as Salvatore Santoro has been killed by an Islamist group in Iraq, Al-Jazeera television said quoting a statement from the group and showing footage of the man.

Islamist group in Iraq claims killing of Italian hostage: TV


Mark Schwarzer: A commanding presence for Boro throughout but had little chance of stopping Drogbas winning strike. 8. Stuart Parnaby: Solid performance, proved strong in the air

Middlesbrough V Chelsea Player Ratings


Shareholders in Santander Central Hispano on Thursday approved the euro13 billion (US\$16.4 billion) takeover of Abbey National of Britain.

Santander Gets Approval of Abbey Bid


Several storage suppliers are adding to their arsenal of products and technologies aimed at IT managers dealing with the explosion of data storage at Storage Networking World in Orlando this week.

Products unveiled at storage networking show


An American hostage being held in Iraq has been beheaded, according to a statement by the group holding three Westerners. The statement said: God protect him, has beheaded the first American.

American Hostage  #39;Beheaded #39;


AP - Banking giant Wells Fargo  amp; Co. has taken control of embattled mutual fund provider Strong Financial Corp., completing an acquisition negotiated more than seven months ago under the cloud of a financial scandal.

Wells Fargo Takes Control of Strong (AP)


A US government commission looking into the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal in Iraq is set to  publish its findings.

Abu Ghraib report set for release


Reuters - The U.S. Securities and Exchange\Commission will vote soon on new governance and disclosure\rules for the groups that oversee America's stock markets, SEC\Chairman William Donaldson said on Thursday.

SEC Chief: Vote Near on Market Crackdown (Reuters)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Concerned health officials began  investigating what went wrong at a British vaccine plant where  half the U.S. flu shots were made, while Americans jostled for  now-scarce immunizations on Friday.

Experts Urge Action as U.S. Lines Up for Flu Shots


MONTREAL (CP) - Molson Inc. shares gained ground Friday after the brewer announced its shareholders will get a special premium if they agree to a proposed merger with Colorado beer maker Adolph Coors Co.

Molson sweetens Coors merger proposal with \$381-million dividend


Let #39;s see the Fantasy League expert who had Clinton Portis being relegated to an afterthought while foreseeing Jerome Bettis carrying the Steelers to the team #39;s longest winning streak since 1976.

Where Was Portis?


TORONTO -- He surely thought of it dozens of times and apparently said it at least once. Given the chance yesterday, though, Bill Belichick wasn #39;t going to repeat out loud his opinion of Drew Bledsoe.

Bills, Patriots have old, new scores to settle


Arm is to pay \$910m (504m) in cash and shares for Artisan, the US-based transistor-level designer for systems-on-a-chip. Arm chairman Sir Robin Saxby said in a conference call:  quot;This will be a combination

Arm hands over \$910m for US chip firm


The news that the Dixon #39;s group is to stop selling the venerable VCR is the end of an era. As with the launch of Dire Straits  #39;Brothers in Arms #39; CD in the early 1980s which was seen as the tipping point between

Dixons wipes the VCR from its stores


Olympic 400 meter relay gold medallist Alvin Harrison has accepted a four-year ban for drugs violations, the United States Anti-Doping Agency said on Tuesday.

American Alvin Harrison Banned for Four Years


Two non-profit organizations devoted to promoting free and open source software standards have made a cooperative agreement. The Free Standards Group (FSG) and the Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) will

Newly released LSB 2.0 gains powerful industry ally


AS the US reeled from the death of nine marines in Iraq at the weekend, insurgents in Fallujah claimed to have obtained chemical weapons and threatened to use them in any battle for control of the rebel stronghold.

Rebels vow to use chemical weapons


AFP - A person with dual British-Irish nationality was one of three UN election workers kidnapped in Afghanistan, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said.

British-Irish national kidnapped in Afghanistan: Straw (AFP)


Microsoft Research will open a laboratory in Bangalore, India, the company #39;s third research installation overseas and a sign of India #39;s increasing importance in tech.

Microsoft Research to open lab in Bangalore


The Sudanese government bowed to international pressure yesterday and agreed to allow more foreign troops in the stricken Darfur region.

Khartoum agrees to bigger peace force


Liechtenstein claimed a historic result on Saturday as they managed to hold Portugal to a 2-2 in Vaduz. Pauleta opened the scoring for Portugal in the 23rd minute.

Liechtenstein Embarrass Portugal


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Democrat John Kerry said today President Bush was guilty of

Kerry Tours Fla. Asking for Early Votes


More than five weeks after hundreds perished in the seizure of School No. 1 by Chechen separatists, Beslan remains a town reeling from grief, shock, rage and disbelief, a town whose suffering seems only compounded by the day.

After Siege, Russians' Grief Turns to Anger


Reuters - The Nikkei average was flat in\mid-morning trade on Tuesday, with a rise in bank shares and\insurers helping the Tokyo market stabilize after the\benchmark's slide to a five-month closing low the previous day.

Rebound in Banks Helps Nikkei Stabilize (Reuters)


Companies must disclose more information about their business deals and financial obligations starting Monday, when new Securities and Exchange Commission rules take effect.

SEC Rules Expand Disclosure


A mortar attack on an Israeli military post in the southern Gaza Strip injured 11 soldiers, the Israel Defense Forces said. Israeli troops hours later raided the Khan Younis refugee camp, the Haaretz newspaper reported.

Gaza Strip Mortar Attack Injures 11 Israeli Soldiers (Update3)


RICHARD Branson #39;s Virgin Group said today it was jumping into the market for online music, with a  quot;Digital Megastore quot; offering US customers song downloads for 99 US cents (\$1.

Virgin tunes in to online music


Invesco Funds Group Inc. and two other mutual-fund units of Amvescap LLC will pay \$375 million to settle Securities and Exchange Commission charges of helping favored investors engage in improper mutual-fund trading.

Invesco, 2 other Amvescap units settle charges


IIt will be 9:54 in the morning, Mountain Daylight Time, on Wednesday, September 8, when the Genesis sample return capsule, weighing 190 kilograms (420 pounds), will enter the Earths atmosphere

GENESIS Returns to Earth:


This may be Lone Star Park, but more than a few stars big and bright will be deep in the heart of Texas on Oct. 30 for the 21st Breeders #39; Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.

Eyes of Texas are upon them


Rangers manager Alex McLeish has challenged his players to embark on a Uefa Cup run which would put Scottish football back on the European map.

Rangers urged on to Euro glory run


Daunte Culpepper completed 24 of 30 passes, one for a touchdown, as the Minnesota Vikings topped the Tennessee Titans 20-3 Sunday.

NFL: Minnesota 20, Tennessee 3


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks rose slightly on Friday,  boosted by computer maker Dell Inc. <A HREF=

Tech Stocks Edge Higher, Lifted by Dell


Because rarely is a rally so improbable, even the man who pulled it off didn #39;t believe he could. On the same day he crash-landed on the vault and dropped to 12th place, Hamm nailed his final two routines Wednesday evening to claim ...

Hamm #39;s comeback America #39;s Olympic moment


Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni calls a week-long truce with Lord's Resistance Army rebels.

Uganda declares limited ceasefire


SBC Communications SBC.N will pay Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O at least \$400 million over 10 years for technology to help SBC sell video services over its upgraded broadband lines, the companies said Wednesday.

SBC Gives Microsoft \$400 Mln Internet TV Deal


Airline passengers flying out of Evansville will soon have fewer choices. Newswatch has learned one of the airport #39;s major carriers is pulling out.

Evansville Airline Pulling Out


KARACHI, Pakistan - Pakistani forces following up on a raid that killed a top al-Qaida fugitive arrested four more suspected extremists Monday, while the U.S. Embassy warned that security constraints could keep its staff from helping citizens who get into trouble outside big cities...

Pakistanis Arrest More Militant Suspects


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Defence officials have signed a  #36;2.9-million deal with a U.S. firm to develop an anti-anthrax inhaler that could be available for civilian as well as military use.

Military signs deal to develop anti-anthrax inhaler (Canadian Press)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. IPO market's first-half  revival from last year's moribund levels turned into a summer  of discontent for many eager companies trying to tap the public  markets.

IPO Outlook Muted


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The number of Americans filing for unemployment assistance rose by 18,000 last week, the government reported Thursday, as the figures that have fluctuated with the series of hurricanes on the East Coast came in above estimates.

Jobless claims jump by 18,000


Greece is to face legal action after providing false budget deficit figures between 1997 and 2003, which disguised the country #39;s repeated breaches of European Union budget rules.

Greece faces court action over false deficit figures


The UK's oil trade balance sank into the red for the first time in 13 years in September, official figures show.

UK oil balance moves into deficit