MacCentral - Apple Computer Inc. has updated the software for some of its iPod music players so that songs bought from RealNetworks Inc. won't play. RealNetworks says they're not sure why it's happened, but they're working on a fix. Apple suggests that it's what to expect if you use music that isn't officially supported on the iPod.

RealNetworks promises iPod lockout fix (MacCentral)


A delegation of Tamil Tiger rebels has left Sri Lanka for a three week tour of Europe aimed at putting pressure on the government to resume peace talks.

Sri Lanka rebels seek Europe help


Orlando Hernandez , who hasn't pitched in more than two weeks, will start Game 4 tomorrow night for the Yankees against Tim Wakefield .  quot;Experience, quot; said manager Joe Torre , who bypassed Javier Vazquez to go with El Duque, who has pitched in four World Series and has a 4-1 record in League Championship Series.

Hernandez will put up dukes


Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Curt Schilling won his seventh straight start and became baseball #39;s first 20-game winner, leading the Boston Red Sox past the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 11-4 at Fenway Park.

Boston #39;s Schilling first to 20 wins


eBay (Quote, Chart) CEO Meg Whitman isn #39;t interested in filling the top spot at Walt Disney Co. (Quote, Chart) when Michael Eisner retires in 2006, a spokesman for the auction giant told internetnews.

eBay CEO Not Tempted by Disney Job


The U.S. intelligence community considers authentic a message on an Islamic Web site in which Abu Musab Zarqawi was announced to have sworn his network's allegiance to Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda, a senior administration official said on Monday.

Terrorist Zarqawi Swears Allegiance to Bin Laden


If the free-falling Mets have already decided to fire Manager Art Howe, he wants to be let go now instead of after the season.  quot;Why put me through this?

Howe to Mets: If I #39;m out, fire me now


It #39;ll cost about the same as the regular-sized PS 2 in the US and Europe. The smaller PlayStation 2 has all regular PlayStation 2 functions such as playing CDs and DVDs.

Sony Releases New Smaller PlayStation 2


Toyota, General Motors and seven other automakers filed suit to block California's new greenhouse gas regulation, which was approved by the state in September.

Automakers Sue to Block Emissions Law in California


AP - Alley Broussard ran for a career-high three touchdowns in the first 17 minutes and No. 13 LSU held Mississippi State to seven first downs and 130 yards in a 51-0 victory Saturday.

No. 13 LSU Crushes Mississipi State 51-0 (AP)


Juan Carlos Ferrero was sent out of the China Open in the second round by Kevin Kim of the United States. The Spanish second seed, whose season has been disrupted by injury and illness, was outplayed and Kim wrapped up a 6-4 6-4 victory with an ace.

Ferrero crashes in China


AP - It's third-and-long, the game's on the line, the crowd is screaming, and the young quarterback with the pounding heart and racing thoughts gets a little unsettled as he takes his place behind the center.

Young NFL QBs Get Rough Treatment (AP)


 By Fiona Ortiz

 SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) - Pacific Rim trading nationsagreed they should work harder to control the production andtrade of shoulder-launched missiles to keep them out of thewrong hands, foreign and trade ministers meeting in Chile saidin a resolution on Thursday.

APEC Nations Work on Stronger Security Resolutions


Reuters - When Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ.N)\warned of a profit shortfall last week, it blamed problems it\had combining two SAP systems, something that the computer\maker believed would be relatively simple when they were\putting together a deal to buy Compaq two years ago.

HP's Software Woe Has Bigger Industry Implication (Reuters)


AP - It was difficult for Southern California's Pete Carroll and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops to keep from repeating each other when the two coaches met Thursday.

Similarities Abound in Orange Bowl Teams (AP)


Virus writers have grafted a network sniffer into the latest variant of the SDBot worm series. So far there are no reports of SDBot-UH in the wild but the inclusion of selective network sniffing along with

Virus writers add network sniffer to worm


Oil prices have pushed above \$49 a barrel, approaching record levels as worries about the stability of supplies from Iraq, Nigeria and Russia compound concerns over low fuel stocks ahead of winter.

Oil price heads towards record


The UK-led Beagle 2 team maintains its Mars lander was probably lost because of unexpected atmospheric conditions during entry.

Beagle team probes its own loss


SiliconValley.com - Engineering star Ashok Krishnamurthi quit his job at Juniper Networks with more than  #36;2 million in gains from exercising options and selling shares in his final weeks with the Sunnyvale networking company.

Big gains for Krishnamurthi (SiliconValley.com)


OTTAWA - The economy created another 34,300 jobs in October but the unemployment rate remained at 7.1 per cent as more people entered the labour force, Statistics Canada said Friday.

Job growth continues but unemployment rate remains unchanged


Well, we started the project soon after Morrowind, and our team was split into two groups -- one working on technology for Oblivion, and one working on expansion packs.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Developer Diary


The troubled tech company releases an estimate of the damage it could sustain in the wake of the airline's bankruptcy filing.

US Airways woes spark EDS earnings warning


Juan Pablo Montoya could become an  #39;even better #39; Formula One racer at the wheel of a McLaren, Woking CEO Ron Dennis said prior to returning to Europe.

Montoya can be  #39;even better


Benfica and Real Madrid set the standard for soccer success in Europe in the late 1950s and early '60s. The clubs have evolved much differently, but both have struggled to reconcile the methods of the past with modern exigencies.

Job was a royal headache


Macs still have fewer bugs than Windows PCs, but Apple moves to plug security holes before problems crop up.

Mac Skeptic: Are Hackers Now Gunning for the Mac?


AP - Weber State football coach Jerry Graybeal resigned Tuesday after a 1-10 season, the worst in the program's 43-year history.

Jerry Graybeal Quits As Weber State Coach (AP)


At a gathering of hundreds of iSeries users at at Common's Fall 2004 conference in Toronto, IBM officials agreed with users that the company needs to push the system's viability and versatility more.

IBM looks to restore iSeries' 'luster'


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Unlike every other team in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles are secure in the knowledge they are heading to the playoffs.

Eagles clinch fourth straight division title


His face was as hard as flint, which is not easy for someone who looks like Oscar De La Hoya.

More than just a pretty face


By edu h. lopez. Network Appliance (NetApp) has unveiled its strategy for the Philippine market as it strengthens its strategic partnership with Oracle and VERITAS.

NetApp strengthens partnership with Oracle and VERITAS


CANNES - Despite the number of IT security products and services cramming the market, businesses are more exposed than ever to emerging threats, according to industry experts speaking at the Etre technology conference in Cannes on Tuesday.

Enterprise security is worst ever, experts say


ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- US Airways asked a bankruptcy judge yesterday to cancel labor contracts with three of its unions and impose much lower pay so it can move ahead with a plan to permanently cut costs, reposition itself as a low-cost carrier, and avoid a possible liquidation.

US Airways seeks end of labor pacts


Bombs explode in separate Spanish towns after a warning in the name of the armed Basque separatist group, Eta.

Spain bombs 'follow Eta warning'


A former executive of the biotechnology company MedImmune faces from 15 to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty Friday to security fraud and perjury in U.S. District Court in Washington. <FONT face=

Former MedImmune Exec Pleads Guilty


NEW DELHI - India has the world's largest number of HIV-infected people, the head of a top international AIDS-fighting fund said Wednesday, dismissing official figures.

Expert: India Leads World in HIV Cases


Google unveils its first desktop application for searching through personal files on the PC and through a person's Web history.

Screenshot 4 of 4: Google Desktop Search tool


As a strike that could cripple the District's hospitality industry looms, employers offered to resume bargaining next week but also alleged to the NLRB that the union has not negotiated in good faith.

D.C. Hotels Seek New Talks, File Complaint


AP - Boosting homeownership tops President Bush's housing agenda, but the biggest battle facing his administration during the second term is how to overhaul a program that helps 2 million poor families pay their rent.

Home Ownership Tops Bush Housing Agenda (AP)


CHELSEA were barking up the wrong tree as they were muzzled by a PSG team who had failed to win an away game in Europe for seven years.

Chelsea 0 PSG 0


TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran will stop allowing U.N. snap checks  of nuclear sites if the atomic issue is sent to the Security  Council, its chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani said on  Sunday.

Iran to End UN Nuke Checks if Reported to Council


Israeli gunfire killed an 8-year-old Palestinian girl eating lunch in her home today during an exchange between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers in the southern Gaza Strip, the girl #39;s family said.

Palestinian Family Says Girl, 8, Was Killed by Israeli Bullet


Lycos Europe NV is offering Internet users a way to stick it to spammers with its new screen-saver software, called  quot;Make Love, Not Spam.

Lycos Europe To Spammers: It #39;s Pay-Back Time


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

Google launches Amazon-style book search business


SAN'A, Yemen - A Yemeni judge sentenced two men to death and four others to prison terms ranging from five to 10 years Wednesday, the first convictions and sentences for the 2000 suicide bombing of the USS Cole, an attack blamed on Osama bin Laden's terror network.    Saudi-born Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, who is in U.S...

Two Sentenced to Death for USS Cole Attack


BRASILIA, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil has met Chinese wishes  to recognize the Asian country as a

Brazil Recognizes China as a 'Market Economy'


Investor's Business Daily - Chinese Internet companies that lit up Wall Street last year have become fading stars. Most blame the slowdown in the wireless end of their business for their shrinking market value.

Chinese Game Maker Shows Winning Touch (Investor's Business Daily)


OTTAWA - Interest rates are up and are likely going higher but don #39;t lock in that variable-rate mortgage, experts advised Tuesday after the Bank of Canada raised interest rates a further quarter-point.

Rates up another quarter-point


JOS MOURINHO, the Chelsea manager, is full of bravado but when, on Thursday night, he stated that he wanted to meet Barcelona in the last 16 of the European Cup, he was not bluffing.

We have no fear of Barcelona, Mourinho insists


OTSU - World No. 1 Annika Sorenstam kick-started her bid for a fourth straight Mizuno Classic title by tying the course record with a 9-under-par 63 to move into the lead after the first round of the \$1 million event in Shiga Prefecture.

Sorenstam leads Mizuno Classic


Growing up as a Southern California native, Jim Hardy wanted to play for USC since he was 8 years old. Many of the kids he grew up with and played football against would later become rivals of his at UCLA.

USC-UCLA rivalry goes deep


DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. is recalling more  than 32,000 of its Chevrolet Aveo subcompact cars because of a  potential problem with their rear seat safety belts.

GM Recalling Aveo Cars for Safety Belt Fix


Mazda will soon introduce the hybrid version of the Mazda Tribute, which is a shared platform with the Ford Escape. From the sound of it, this should be coming to market for the 2006 model year.

Mazda to share Fords hybrid SUV


Dialogue between China and France, two countries which highly value cultural diversity and pluralism in international politics, is no doubt conducive to world peace, China #39;s

Chinese paper says Chirac #39;s China tour magnifies partnership


MacCentral - Apple Computer #8217;s stock price continues to set post-Power Macintosh G4 Cube records, most recently last week with a closing price of  #36;68.44 per share on Monday, November 29. That #8217;s the company #8217;s sixth-highest closing price of all time; the watermark remains  #36;72.10 per share on March 22, 2000.

Will analysts stick with Apple this time? (MacCentral)


AP - The Patriots can be healthy or hurting. The field can be drenched or dry. The opponent might have a stingy defense or a high-scoring offense. New England just keeps winning.

Patriots Win in All Conditions (AP)


Graphics card giants ATI and Nvidia are working on new chips to improve the quality of mobile displays.

Mobile graphics look to impress


Canadian Press - (CP) - Trade between Quebec and the northeastern United States is a natural and a sovereign Quebec would help make it easier, Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe said Friday.

A sovereign Quebec would help trade between Quebec and northeast: Duceppe (Canadian Press)


Fieldstone Mortgage  has in recent years become one of the largest independent mortgage lenders in the country. But even though it is based in Columbia, you've probably never heard of it unless you're a customer.

Bass Family Still Fiddling With Fieldstone


Alitalia SpA said eight of its nine biggest unions agreed to a plan to split Italy #39;s biggest airline in two, enabling the carrier to get a loan to stay in business.

Alitalia Says Unions Agree to Plan to Split Company (Update6)


Wasting little time in its search for a new football coach, Notre Dame will meet with Utah Coach Urban Meyer on Thursday.

Notre Dame Planning to Meet With Meyer


BEIRUT, Lebanon - The Lebanese Embassy in Baghdad is working with Iraqis to secure the release of a 7-year-old Lebanese boy taken by kidnappers demanding \$150,000, Foreign Ministry officials said Monday.

Boy, 7, kidnapped in Iraq


Government service firms often leaped before they looked as they scrambled to buy their way into the booming intelligence and anti-terrorism field.
<FONT face=

Post-9/11 Mergers Brought Problems


New York City submitted its formal plan Monday to host the 2012 Olympics, as the centerpiece of the bid, a West Side stadium, continues to spark heated exchanges.

New York files final bid for 2012 Olympics


The European Union, Japan and Canada won permission from the World Trade Organization to levy tariffs on US goods to retaliate for a law that has given American companies \$750 million in customs imposed on foreign competitors.

EU, Japan Win WTO Support for Trade Sanctions on US (Update5)


Celtic were on the receiving end of Henrik Larsson #39;s brilliance last night as they went down 3-1 to Barcelona in their opening Champion #39;s League match.

Larsson helps Barca to victory against Celtic


KABUL, Afghanistan -- Jonathan Keith Idema, an American accused of running a freelance antiterror operation and private prison in Afghanistan, testified in court yesterday that he could prove US and Afghan authorities were fully aware of his actions, and he accused the FBI of confiscating evidence that would support his contention.

American says US backed his jail


The Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, was in a serious condition last night after a sharp deterioration in his health, Palestinian officials said.

Palestinian officials rush to bedside of ailing Arafat


Wall Street closed its third straight winning week with another rally Friday, advancing as a new retail sales report and a consumer sentiment reading showed that Americans are growing more confident about the economy.

Stocks Finish Higher on Retail Report


The dollar fell against the yen and the euro in Asia on Monday for the first time in three sessions as US hedge funds and Japanese exporters resumed selling the greenback on concerns about US economic imbalances.

US Dollar Falls Against the Yen


Intel is shipping a new mobile processor built on 90nm process technology that clocks up to 2.1GHz. The Pentium M 765 includes 2MB of integrated L2 cache and a  quot;power optimized quot; 400MHz system bus and enhanced  quot;Speedstep quot; power saving technology.

Intel upclocks Pentium M


AP - A poll of American Indians found that an overwhelming majority of them are not bothered by the name of the Washington Redskins.

Poll: Skins' Nickname Offends Few Indians (AP)


AP - Amid record seizures of cocaine and massive spraying of coca plantations, a senior U.S. official says the

Official: War on Drugs at 'Tipping Point' (AP)


AP - More than 60 countries agreed Sunday to ban the killing of sharks for their fins in the Atlantic Ocean, a move that conservationists hope will increase protection of threatened species around the world.

More Than 60 Nations to Protect Sharks (AP)


At the closing ceremony of the Athens Olympic games last night Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, issued the traditional invitation to  quot;the youth of the world quot; to reassemble in four years #39; time.

Human rights shadow over Beijing games


South Africa coach Jake White was a relieved man after watching his side concede two last-gasp tries before hanging on for a 38-36 victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Rugby-White relieved as South Africa begin with narrow win


Jacques Santini #39;s shock resignation as Tottenham Hotspur coach has left the London club once again in a state of chaos and Saturday #39;s 3-2 defeat at home to Charlton Athletic merely added to the gloom.

Tottenham players were in shock over Santini, says Jol


BOXING: Ricky Hatton last night gave another stark indication that he is ready for a career-defining fight in the new year, by battering Ray Oliveira at the ExCel Conference Centre in London.

Hatton cruises to his 15th defence


LOUDON, NH - As this newfangled stretch drive for the Nextel Cup championship ensues, Jeff Gordon has to be considered the favorite for a fifth title.

Gordon the favorite for the Chase


AP - Archeologists have discovered ancient graves near Ancient Olympia, the hallowed site where the Olympic games were born in 776 B.C., the Culture Ministry said Thursday.

Burial Site Found Near Ancient Olympia (AP)


Because so many members of Red Sox Nation are expected in Boston to celebrate the team #39;s World Series triumph, the victory parade today won #39;t be making any stops and won #39;t culminate with a staged rally, either.

Boston readies for parade


At only over 1 pound, Sony #39;s VAIO U Ultra Portable PC is a full Microsoft Windows XP computer, on a form factor that resembles that of a PDA.

Sony will release the Ultra Personal Computer in the USA


The software company reveals details of update to its flagship Java development tool, JBuilder 2005, available next month. \

Borland details latest on JBuilder


Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer brought his campaign to retain his company #39;s dominance in the Indian software market to the country #39;s leadership yesterday.

Microsoft CEO meets Indian prime minister


If they could have made the shutout last just one more inning, the unbeatable American softball team would have wound up with not only a third straight gold medal, but a feat that years from now will seem mythological.

American women win softball gold  then look human


quot;We #39;ve worked hard to balance the need to provide vibrant air service and grow the economy with the need to clear the skies over O #39;Hare, quot; said Mineta.  quot;The process worked, yielding substantial reductions that will produce results for the ...

Temporary Flight Caps Are Just That


A Hungarian fencing referee was expelled from the Olympics and suspended for two years Sunday after making several errors during Saturday night #39;s gold-medal match in men #39;s team foil.

Hungarian fencing referee suspended for two years


An arms dealer, who is the key state witness in the attempted coup in an oil-rich African state, said that he had talks with Sir Mark Thatcher who wanted to buy two military helicopters, it was revealed yesterday.

Arms dealer says Thatcher wanted to buy two military helicopters


NEW YORK - On. Dec. 17, the US Food and Drug Administration released a statement relating to Pfizer #39;s (nyse: PFE - news - people ) Celebrex.

Eye On Stocks For Monday, Dec. 20


Reuters - Twenty-five TAP-Air Portugal passengers\and crew were slightly injured when the plane made a hasty\maneuver to avoid a mid-air collision just before landing on an\island in The Azores on Friday, TAP said.

Twenty-Five Hurt as Azores Plane Avoids Collision (Reuters)


BEIJING, China (Ticker) -- Seventh-seeded Taylor Dent of the United States won his opening-round match at the inaugural China Open, defeating qualifier Peter Luczak of Australia, 6-3, 6-2 on Tuesday.

Dent wins opening-round match at China Open


A day after outgoing NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe said the space agency #39;s broken safety culture has vastly improved since the Columbia accident, legendary astronaut John Young begged to differ.

Young counters O #39;Keefe, saying the culture at NASA hasn #39;t changed


WASHINGTONThe 700 MHz spectrum situation just got worse. The Senate Commerce Committee voted 13-9 Wednesday to possibly never require TV broadcasters to return spectrum in the 700 MHz band.

Senate action could allow broadcasters to keep 700 MHz spectrum <b>...</b>


Arsenal has retained its two-point lead at the top of the English Premier League on a day when, of the 16 teams in action, only Liverpool and Newcastle United scored more than once.

One goal enough for Arsenal, Chelsea


MARK COLVIN: Another announcement on Arabic TV, another brutal execution and again those doing their best to rebuild Iraq are being either killed or terrified into leaving.

Aid group says it will try to keep working in Iraq


ATHENS--Argentina was crowned Olympic men #39;s basketball king Saturday night as it eased to a 84-69 victory over Italy in the gold medal game at Olympic Indoor Hall.

Argentina takes basketball gold, US settles for bronze


Computerworld has named Mitch Betts as its new executive editor and hired Martha Connors for the newly created job of vice president and general manager for the company's online business.

Computerworld names Betts executive editor, Connors, VP/GM for online


Reuters - U.S. software giant Microsoft  is\aiming to get its audio and video software into mobile phones\before it is beaten to the 650-million-handsets-a-year market\by rivals like Apple.

Microsoft Sees Music Opportunity in Cell Phones (Reuters)


PRINCE NAMED CAMBODIAN KING. Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk #39;s son, a former ballet dancer, was officially confirmed yesterday to succeed his father on the throne.

WORLD BRIEFS


American forces have stormed key areas of Fallujah early in the day, in what appears to be the first stage of the long-expected assault on the city.

America begins Fallujah assault


Singapore authorities said Thursday China Aviation Oil #39;s US\$550 million losses in oil gambles could have happened  quot;in any other financial center quot; and said it had no plans to overhaul its corporate reporting and disclosure standards.

Central Bank Comments on China Aviation


Standing in the snow at a medal celebration at the 2002 Winter Games at Salt Lake City, Jimmy Pedro had a sudden inspiration. He took out his cellphone and called his wife, Marie, back in Methuen, Mass.

Bronze is golden to Methuen's Pedro


AP - New Hong Kong lawmakers were sworn in Wednesday, and one of their newest members  #151; a longtime activist  #151; shattered the solemnity by shouting pro-democracy slogans as he joined the system he has spent years protesting.

Hong Kong Swears in New Legislature (AP)


The final cost of modernising NHS IT systems could reach 31bn - five times the declared figure, a report says.

Warning of major NHS IT overspend


Alitalia has reached a deal with most of its unions to split the state-controlled airline in two, hoping the plan will secure its immediate future and open the way for partial privatization.

Alitalia Reaches Deal With Most Unions On Split


AP - Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson practiced for the first time this week Friday and is listed as probable for Sunday's game at New Orleans.

Chargers' Tomlinson Returns to Practice (AP)


Faced with a surge in deadly guerrilla attacks, Prime Minister Ayad Allawi declared martial law across most of the country today as American and Iraqi troops made final

Iraq Declares State of Emergency as Insurgents Step Up Attacks


AT amp;T Wireless on Monday seemed to be trying to turn back the clock on cell phone design trends when it introduced the Ogo, a messaging-only handheld.

AT amp; Wireless unveils messaging-only handheld


Furious British Labour politicians have warned Prime Minister Tony Blair that they have drawn a line in the sand over an American request for the deployment of more British troops.

MPs draw line in troop fracas


Reuters - Glaciers are melting faster than before in\some regions from the Arctic to the Alps but others are getting\bigger, scientists said on Friday.

Glaciers Shrink, But Some Resist Global Warming (Reuters)


The Finnish driver has had a disappointing weekend in Estoril: he finished 13th and 3rd However, he keeps the lead in the championship.

Heikki Kovalainen looses ground in Estoril


Investor's Business Daily - Oil For Food: It's one of the great scandals of our time, no less so because the big media have mostly ignored it. Now comes a report hinting why some key former allies opposed the U.S.-led war in Iraq: They were bribed.

UNconscionable (Investor's Business Daily)


AP - Oracle Corp.'s hostile  #36;7.7 billion bid for rival software maker PeopleSoft Inc. could drop by one-third to one-fourth, Oracle co-president Safra Catz said Monday.

Oracle May Drop PeopleSoft Bid (AP)


China on Thursday urged Canada to hand over 44 North Korean men, women and children, who stormed into the Canadian Embassy in Beijing on Wednesday to seek political asylum.

China urges Canada to hand over North Korean asylum seekers


SpaceShipOne, which is solely funded by Paul G. Allen, was designed by aviation legend Burt Rutan and built by his company, Scaled Composites.

Virgin to Become the Worlds First Commercial Space Tourism <b>...</b>


While there cannot be the slightest doubt that the decision to stage the end-of-season Masters Cup at a modest outdoor arena in Texas for the past two years was a huge mistake, the incandescent play of Switzerland #39;s Roger Federer has preserved the

Federer rolls on in a class of his own


A 60-year-old grandmother jumped on the back of a crocodile as it dragged a man from his tent in northern Australia, but was then attacked by the 350-kilogram beast.

Grandmother wrestles crocodile


ATHENS (Reuters) - Sarunas Jasikevicius went on a shooting  spree in the last three minutes of play to lift Lithuania to a  94-90 victory over the United States in the men's Olympic  basketball tournament Saturday.

Lithuania Shoots Down U.S. in Men's Olympic Basketball


CAMP ZAMA, Japan - The Charles Jenkins saga drew nearer an end Wednesday when the Army sergeant was reduced in rank to E-1, dishonorably discharged and ordered to forfeit all pay and allowances and serve six months in prison after pleading guilty to

Jenkins sentenced after pleading guilty to desertion


AFP - From the remote jungles of Papua to the high rises of Jakarta, Indonesia was staging landmark elections widely expected to see a former general unseat President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

Indonesia's Megawati faces former general in landmark presidential polls (AFP)


Record oil prices are creating headwinds for the U.S. economy but do not place its recovery at risk, Dallas Federal Reserve Bank President Robert McTeer said on Monday.

Fed President Calls Oil Troublesome


Rail transportation firm Union Pacific Corp. on Thursday said soaring fuel prices and increased operating costs offset higher third-quarter revenue and drove down its profit by 36 percent.

Union Pacific #39;s 3Q Profit Plummets


AP - Two Israelis and an American won the Nobel Prize in chemistry Wednesday for showing how cells can give a

Israelis, American Win Nobel for Chemistry (AP)


Racing pigeon owners are planning to make their birds less tasty in a bid to stop them being eaten by peregrine falcons, it was revealed today.

Foul Taste to Keep Pigeons Safe


Veritas Software announced Tuesday that it plans to acquire KVault Software in a move designed to expand its e-mail storage and archiving offerings.

Veritas to buy maker of e-mail storage tools


Every year, you're given the chance to have a say in how the companies you own are run. Don't blow it. Vote.

Don't Waste Your Vote


About 3,400 union workers at three BF Goodrich Tire Manuafacturing plants in Indiana and Alabama have approved a new contract after working nearly 15 months without one.

United Steelworkers OK BF Goodrich pact


WASHINGTON - President Bush and his vice president conceded Thursday in the clearest terms yet that Saddam Hussein had no weapons of mass destruction, even as they tried to shift the Iraq war debate to a new issue - whether the invasion was justified because Saddam was abusing a U.N. oil-for-food program...

Bush, Cheney Concede Iraq Had No WMDs


Franklin D. Raines, the head of Fannie Mae, took issue with every major damaging conclusion of the mortgage giant's regulator on Wednesday.

Chief Says Fannie Mae Did Nothing Wrong


NEW YORK - Computer Associates International Inc. (CA) is expanding its presence in the Middle Eastern region, announcing Monday that it has opened a regional headquarters in the United Arab Emirates.

CA opens United Arab Emirates headquarters


WASHINGTON - A day before the first presidential debate, the government's health policy watchdog raised concerns that early mailings to seniors about the new Medicare prescription discount cards championed by President Bush were confusing or inadequate.

AP: Memo Warned About Medicare Cards


Reuters - Civil and womens' rights groups started an unprecedented 16-day blockade of the tiny state of Manipur on Monday to demand that the government repeal a security law which they say is being abused.

Activists blockade Manipur over security law (Reuters)


Canadian officials are reporting that their government's immigration Web site has been swamped with traffic since George W. Bush gave his acceptance speech on Wednesday. Missing Links

Fed-up Americans eyeing Canada?


The Detroit Lions went three full seasons without winning an away game, setting an NFL record for road futility. They ended that ignominious streak Sunday in their first opportunity of the season, beating the Chicago Bears 20-16 at Soldier Field...

Lions Win First Away Game in Three Years


AP - Pointing to Lebanon as a stable exception in a troubled neighborhood, President Bashar Assad has suggested an end to Syrian intervention in Lebanon would lead to chaos there.

Syrian President Defends Role in Lebanon (AP)


Awarding the iMac G5 five stars, PC Magazine writes,  #147;Pros: Simple, stunning all-in-one design. Quiet. Just one cord (for power), thanks to optional Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. More compact than other all-in-one desktops. Gorgeous 20-inch screen and desktop-caliber hard drive make machine more usable than a desktop-replacement notebook, for the same money and space use #133; Bottom Line: Apple has another design coup on its hands with the Apple iMac G5. Its clean, simple look  #151; imagine if an iPod grew into a full-size, self-contained PC  #151; exclaims,  #145;It #146;s about time they designed a computer like this. #146; #148; Sep 21

Five-Star Review of iMac G5


Company's \$185 machine will debut in India, Mexico and Caribbean and feature browser, e-mail and word processor.

AMD debuts low-cost Net device


Andrew Flintoff hit a typically brutal 99 and took the final wicket Friday as England cruised to a comfortable, series-clinching victory over India in the second one-day cricket international at the Oval.

Flintoff, Collingwood lead England to win


Inside linebacker Ahmad Brooks will debut as a kickoff returner when 16th-ranked Virginia opens the season Saturday at Temple, but he might not start the game at his usual position.

Brooks Will Be Returner


Plummer threw four touchdowns and Smith became the Denver Broncos #39; all-time leading receiver in a 31-13 victory over the Houston Texans.

SMITH BREAKS RECORD IN DENVER WIN


AFP - Ukraine's opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko said he was not yet ready to blame the ruling elite with trying to poison him after doctors confirmed he was disfigured by ingesting a massive dose of a deadly toxin.

Ukraine opposition leader urges investigation after poison report (AFP)


AFP - Swedish fashion retailer Hennes and Mauritz is in talks to buy all 35 shops belonging to Macmoda, Portugal's largest clothing retail chain.

Sweden's H and M in talks to buy Portugal's largest retail chain (AFP)


AP - Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox got the jump on Anaheim in the AL playoffs. Perhaps that's how the Angels prefer it. Schilling pitched 6 2-3 effective innings, Manny Ramirez and Kevin Millar homered during a seven-run burst, and the Red Sox beat the Angels 9-3 Tuesday in Game 1.

BoSox Win 9-3 to Open Series With Angels (AP)


AFP - British mobile phone operator Vodafone said it has brought in an executive from Japanese rival NTT DoCoMo to head up its struggling Japanese unit, Vodafone K.K.

Vodafone names former rival as new head of Japanese unit (AFP)


This third and final part of the wireless pen-test series looks at how to mitigate the security risks outlined in the previous articles, and then looks at some proposed solutions currently in front of the IETF.

Infocus: Wireless Attacks and Penetration Testing (part 3 of 3)


AMD intends to hold the performance crown for desktop processors with today #39;s introduction of the Athlon 64 4000 (2.4 GHz) and FX-55 (2.

AMD announces AMD Athlon 64 4000, FX-55


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - U.S. dieters will soon be able to  count their carbs on mobile phones, the company behind the  Atkins Diet said on Thursday.

Atkins Gets Tech-Savvy to Reach More Dieters


Dillard #39;s Inc. posted a narrower second-quarter loss Wednesday due to cost cutting, but missed Wall Street expectations by a whopping 15 cents per share.

Dillard #39;s Posts Narrower 2Q Loss


Stian Eckhoff and Frode Andresen gave Norway a 1-2 finish in a 10-kilometer World Cup biathlon sprint event Wednesday. Jay Hakkinen of the United States finished seventh, his best outing this season.

Norway goes 1-2 in biathlon sprint


Rubens Barrichello put Ferrari on pole position for race of the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix on September 25 while his teammate Michael Schumacher has to start from the back of the grid after a spin-off in Saturday #39;s qualifying.

Ferrari first and last in qualifying


A single gene could be responsible for determining how easily people become addicted to smoking, according to a report. By tweaking a gene in the brains of mice, US researchers were able to create a hypersensitive

A single gene may help overcome addiction


Open-source software advocates got a potential boost from a report by the U.K.'s Office of Government Commerce, which cited advantages on the server side and a growing maturity on the desktop front.

U.K. report cites merits of open-source


Late Wednesday, Microsoft announced three updated MSN services that are designed to make email, instant messaging (IM) and online sharing more integrated experiences.

Microsoft Unleashes New MSN Services


Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova will play in October #39;s Japan Open tennis tournament, organizers said Thursday. The 17-year-old Russian, who beat two-time defending champion Serena Williams to win Wimbledon

Sharapova to play at Japan Open


By Trevor Mason and Chris Moncrieff, Political Staff, PA News. The Ulster Defence Association was warned by the Government today that it must live up to commitments it gave on ending military activity.

Uda  #39;Must Stick to Ceasefire Pledges #39;


The pack addresses several stability issues with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Entourage and Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications for Office 2004.

Mac Users Get MS Office 2004 SP 1


AP - A little county with a reputation for big lawsuits  #151; some call it a

Bush to Highlight Tort Reform in Ill. (AP)


iTunes is the first download music store to offer direct links to a la carte singles and albums that generate paid commissions to affiliate websites. The iTunes Affiliate Program will complement successful iTunes programs including iTunes on Campus, offering free site licenses to colleges and universities, and the iTunes Volume Discount Program, providing bulk song downloads at a discount. Sep 1

iTunes Affiliate Program


The Economist is currently reporting the results of a survey of professional economists. When asked the majority seemed to feel that the economy was safer in Kerry's hands than in Bush's. The Bush tax cuts seem to have gone down particularly poorly with this group.     On the more positive side for Bush, a significant number of the economists say they don't think the problems of the US economy are entirely his fault.

Professional Economists: The Economy is Safer in Kerry's Hands


U.S. employers probably increased their hiring slightly in September, economists said in advance of jobs figures being released this morning.

Political Spotlight Is on Jobs Report


Peninsular  amp; Oriental Steam Navigation Co., the UK #39;s largest ferry and ports operator, will trim its ferries fleet and cut 1,200 jobs, or a fifth of the unit #39;s workforce, to stem losses.

P amp;O to Cut 1,200 Jobs to Stem Losses at Ferry Unit (Update2)


Politics as usual? Hasta la vista, baby. The radical center has flexed its muscle in California, short-circuiting the parties and going directly to the people. Now it could sweep the nation. By Jill Stewart from Wired magazine.

The New American Idol


J.J. Sullivan gives Tyngsboro its first Eastern Massachusetts scoring leader. Following are the year-by-year scoring leaders for EMass. Year Name School Points 2003 J.J. Sullivan Tyngsboro 208 2002 Gerard Festa St. Mary's 199 2001 Jeff Ross Lowell 166 2000 Stephen Grillo Savio Prep 310 1999 Chris Piscione Chelmsford 168 1998 Brian Fabrizio Norwell 269 1997 Sharif Hartgrove Madison Park 210 ...

Year-by-year leaders


TERRY Butcher, the Motherwell manager, last night drew comparisons between Rangers goalkeeper Stefan Klos and his record-breaking former Ibrox team-mate Chris Woods after the German defied his side at Fir Park.

Butcher hails  #39;barrier #39; Klos


Eighteen-year-old Allyson Felix set a world junior record of 22.18 seconds while winning the silver medal in the women #39;s 200. She finished second to former University of Arkansas student Veronica Campbell

Felix wins silver, sets record


Tokyo - Still reeling from a 6.8-level earthquake, Japan #39;s northwestern Niigata prefecture was hit by another strong quake on Sunday afternoon measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale as the death toll from the previous hours rose to at least 22.

Japan quake death toll hits 21


John Kerry may not win Ohio without attracting votes from sportsmen. That #39;s why he took time in the final weeks of the election campaign to hunt geese in Boardman, Ohio, yesterday.

Kerry #39;s Goose Hunt Reflects Need for Sportsmen Vote to Win Ohio


A sticky substance from the skin of frogs could be used to repair human knee joints, scientists believe.

'Frog's glue' could mend knees


LONDON (Dow Jones)--Banco Santander Central Hispano SA (STD), the Spanish bank planning to buy UK lender Abbey National PLC (ANBA), Monday attacked its potential domestic

FOCUS: Santander Says HBOS Counterbid To Face Problems


Earnest Shelton scored 24 points and Ronald Steele had a school-record 18 assists to lead No. 22 Alabama to a 114-77 rout of East Tennessee State on Wednesday night.

No. 22 Alabama Tops East Tennessee State


CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo  Chavez on Friday urged his opponents to recognize his recall  referendum victory and pledged dialogue even with his

Chavez Urges Foes to Accept Defeat, Scoffs at Fraud


The Supreme Court said Friday it would consider whether Internet providers should be allowed to sell their high-speed service over the cable television system.

Supreme Court to Hear ISP-Cable Dispute


CELTIC enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Hearts overnight as the visitors paid a heavy price for trying to frustrate the Scottish Premier League leaders.

Celtic leave Hearts broken


NEW YORK, October 1 (newratings.com) - Red Hat Inc (RHAT.NAS) has agreed to acquire certain Netscape Security Solutions assets from American Online Inc (AOL), a unit of Time Warner Inc (TWX), for \$20.

Red Hat to buy Netscape assets for \$20.5mn


WASHINGTON, DC - US Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan on Tuesday downplayed concerns over the record levels of debt being carried by American households.

Greenspan downplays worries over high US household debts


A new study of the phylogeny of human head and body lice provides evidence that Homo sapiens once made direct physical contact with a more archaic lineage.

Lice tell mankind #39;s story


AFP - Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad, called for Lebanon's sovereignty to be respected, rejecting international condemnation of Damascus' interference in its smaller neighbour's politics.

Assad and Mubarak call for total Lebanese sovereignty (AFP)


Linux software maker Red Hat on Tuesday released an update to its enterprise product with security upgrades, support for IBM Power5 servers, new driver support and bug fixes.

Red Hat upgrades security


JAPAN was on edge last night after its worst earthquake in almost a decade killed at least 20 people, including three children, and injured 1500.

Japan braces after deadly quake


Synonymous with Florida retailing for 106 years, the Burdines name will be retired by the end of January. By MARK ALBRIGHT, Times Staff Writer.

Macy #39;s name to supplant Burdines


Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday it will end the second of its two production shifts at its suburban assembly plant effective Jan. 3, eliminating about 800 jobs.

Ford to end second shift at suburban St. Louis plant


Alaxala Networks Corp., the backbone-network router and switch joint venture announced by Hitachi Ltd. and NEC Corp. earlier this year, began operations on Friday, it said in a statement.

Hitachi, NEC launch networking equipment joint venture


The station #39;s primary oxygen generator has barely worked this month despite repair efforts by the two astronauts on board. The men have had to tap into backup oxygen supplies.

Shortages May Force Space Station Evacuation


RISING oil prices and interest rates have hit confidence in service firms, but manufacturers have recorded their best spell of orders for nine years, two new surveys show today.

Confidence slips in the service sector


As the nanotech/biotech company earns a profit, keep an eye on two drugs in phase 3 trials.

Future Looking Up for Flamel


The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has booked six of its conventions between 2007 and 2011 at the Boston Convention  amp; Exhibition Center, the \$800 million South Boston facility that opened in April. The group will hold its Marketplace Conference and Pharmacy and Technology Conference at the center in 2007, 2009 and 2011. A total of 25,000 attendees are ...

Convention bookings


USATODAY.com - Internet search giant Google, which raised  #36;1.7 billion in a highly publicized IPO, announced its first quarterly earnings as a public company Thursday, and the results were stellar. Google reported revenue of  #36;805.9 million, more than double last year's  #36;393.3 million.

Google wows investors with first results since IPO (USATODAY.com)


AFP - British oil giant BP reported a 43-percent rise in third-quarter pro forma net profit to 3.94 billion dollars (3.08 billion euros) thanks to soaring crude prices and booming demand.

BP quarterly profits soar, but spending plans a worry (AFP)


An explosion in a public market in the southern Philippines on Sunday killed at least 11 people and injured nearly 30 others, police said.

11 killed in Philippines blast


US midfielder DaMarcus Beasley scored a goal Sunday to help lead PSV Eindhoven past Vitesse Arnhem 2-0 in the Dutch league -- the 10th straight shutout for unbeaten PSV.

Beasley leads PSV to 10th straight shutout win in Dutch league


Moscow, Russia (Sports Network) - Anastasia Myskina of Russia successfully defended her title in Moscow with a straight-set win over countrywoman Elena Dementieva at the final of the \$1.

Myskina defends title in Moscow


Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) unveiled the latest version of its entertainment-focused operating system Tuesday, seeking a broader audience on a wider array of computers and stoked by partnerships offering music, movies and even recorded books.

Microsoft Increases Focus on Entertainment


WILMINGTON, Delaware A director of PeopleSoft said that Craig Conway, the company #39;s chief executive, was fired on Friday in part because he made false statements at an analysts #39; conference in September 2003.

PeopleSoft chief fired for remark to analysts


WOBURN, England (Reuters) - Britain's Ryder Cup debutant  David Howell, lauded for his fine performance with Paul Casey  in the morning fourballs Saturday, altered his swing just hours  before the start of the match against the United States.

Howell Altered Swing Just Hours Before Ryder Cup


Japanese blind runner Yuichi Takahashi won the Paralympic marathon Sunday, unsure of his victory until well after he finished his race along the ancient course.

Blind Japanese runner wins Paralympic marathon


India #39;s software exports are on track to grow by 30 percent in the year to March 2005, despite attempts in the key US market to discourage outsourcing and protect jobs, the industry #39;s head said on Monday.

Indian Software Boom on Track, Industry Head Says


Quarterback Quincy Carter signs with the New York Jets on Tuesday, three weeks after his surprising release by Dallas.

Jets Sign Q. Carter


SAN ANTONIO - Sometimes, the planets align perfectly and, presto, you can rebuild in one fell swoop without ever hitting rock bottom.

Isiah needs a lone star


With a low-profile, tightly secured arrival at Bagram Air Base, Vice President Dick Cheney became the highest-ranking United States official to visit Kabul since the Taliban #39;s overthrow.

Cheney:  #39;We #39;re going to get it done #39; in Iraq


BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Reuters) - The U.S. team were  left needing a final-day miracle escape after Europe maintained  their stranglehold of the 35th Ryder Cup on Saturday.

Europe Leaves U.S. Needing Ryder Cup Miracle


Peter Molyneux, widely considered one of the best high-concept designers in the video-game industry, is renowned for creating

Letting Gamers Play God, and Now Themselves


Reuters - A group of consumer electronics\makers said on Wednesday they approved the format for a new\generation of discs that can store five times the data of DVDs\at the same cost -- enough to put a full season of

Companies Approve New High-Capacity Disc Format (Reuters)


ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has revealed dramatic plans of an al-Qaeda-linked group of terrorists to launch suicide attacks on key government leaders and the US Embassy earlier this month.

Pakistan reveals al-Qaeda plot


The holidays are coming. Now, more than ever, the desire is to be close to friends and family. While not everyone can catch a plane or train to be with the ones they love, today #39;s communications technologies

Three Ways Technology Brings People Together


PALM HARBOR, Florida (Reuters) - Jeff Sluman shot a  course-record nine-under-par 62 on Thursday to lead after the  first round of the \$5 million Chrysler Championship.

Sluman Fires on All Cylinders at Chrysler


In blasting new overtime rules that take effect Monday, Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards says he can #39;t understand why the Bush administration wants to undermine a system that rewards workers who toil long hours.

Edwards denounces new overtime rules


Ziff Davis - Fresh from its Web browser buzz, the open-source group takes on Microsoft with an e-mail application release. Can it repeat its Firefox success?

Mozilla Launching Second Act with E-Mail Client (Ziff Davis)


AP - British troops took control of the offices of Muqtada al-Sadr in the southern city of Basra on Friday after clashing with militants loyal to the rebel cleric, witnesses said.

British Troops, Militants Clash in Iraq (AP)


St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Woody Williams filed for free agency yesterday after the team told his agent it will decline his \$8 million option and pay him a \$900,000 buyout.

Notebook: Cardinals #39; Williams files for free agency


WR Terrell Owens found himself in the middle of yet another controversy this week. Owens agreed to a request by ABC to take part in a two-minute intro to the Eagles #39; Monday Night Football appearance against the Dallas Cowboys.

Controversy Again: Owens #39; ABC Spot Catches Heat


DALLAS (Sports Network) - Dallas Mavericks All-Star forward  Dirk Nowitzki is expected to be sidelined 7-to-10 days after an  MRI exam Monday revealed a mild left ankle sprain.

Mavericks' Nowitzki Sidelined with Ankle Injury


AP - Samuel Dalembert hears of the unrest in his homeland from storms and political violence, and feels so helpless. He has donated generous sums to assist relief efforts in Haiti, but he has no peace of mind.

Dalembert Has More to Worry About Than NBA (AP)


Chip giant Intel has more or less ruled out building a new manufacturing facility in Brazil, due to high labor costs. While such costs in Brazil are lower than in rich countries, they are still higher than

Intel Passes Over Brazil


Adam Striegel, a 23-year-old senior at the University of Pittsburgh, went on a field trip this past spring to study rocks. This week, Striegel revels in the fame that comes with discovering the skull of a

Justin Merriman/Tribune-Review


Some contend that low-cost labor in India, China and elsewhere is far from the only thing inhibiting job growth in the United States --  skilled workers just aren't out there. American adults rank 12th in literacy among those of 20 high-income, industrialized countries, according to a study.

Skilled Labor in High Demand,  Low Supply


Typhoon Aere made landfall in southeastern China Wednesday after killing five people and flooding Taiwan, the BBC reported. The storm system packing winds of 86 mph and gusts

Quarter million Chinese flee typhoon


Collins Hill senior Michael Winfield has signed a baseball and academic scholarship with the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, SC He is the son of Randy Winfield and Cherie Welday.

Collins Hills Winfield signs with USC-Upstate


Despite increased pressure by the U.S. against al-Qaeda, the groups ranks are growing, and new leaders are taking charge

A New Manhunt in Pakistan


Ever since two Gemini spacecraft met up high above Earth in 1965, the US space program has used astronauts for every rendezvous in orbit -- with other spacecraft, satellites, space stations or the Hubble Space Telescope.

NASA Puts Hands-Free Linkup to a Test


HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- When the Jets turned on the film of last week's Seattle-New England game, what they saw was obvious: The Seahawks did dumb things. They dropped passes and committed costly penalties, and even though they came back late and got within 3 points, their bumbling ways cost them a chance to break the Patriots' record winning streak and ...

Perfection is the goal in showdown


AP - The city of Philadelphia and Verizon Communications Inc. struck an agreement Tuesday that would allow the city to provide wireless Internet access as a municipal service even though Gov. Ed Rendell signed legislation giving Verizon the power to scuttle the project.

Philly, Verizon Complete Wireless Deal (AP)


EDMONTON -- Global warming is happening twice as fast in the Arctic as anywhere else and could cause everything from the extinction of polar bears to the flooding of large parts of Florida, says a report released yesterday.

Warming hastens Arctic changes


Component #39;s weaker results and profit warning weigh on Dow. Slight ease in oil prices helps. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - An earnings miss and profit warning from 3M kept the Dow in the red Monday morning, but the

3M drags down Dow


Aston Villa romped to a 3-0 Premier League victory over Portsmouth on Saturday as their South American connection paid dividends at Villa Park.

UPDATE 1-Villa stroll past Portsmouth


Deal with ESS Technology will add support for Ahead's variant of the MPEG-4 video format on DVD players.

Ahead Pushes Nero Digital Format for DVDs


The medical records of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat who died of multiple organ failure have been handed over to his widow Suha Arafat, who has got the file from the Percy military hospital in Paris, where her husband died.

Arafat #39;s medical records handed over


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 0.37 percent  in early trade on Thursday as investors bought exporters such  as Canon Inc. after a fall in oil prices boosted confidence  over the U.S. economy and lifted Wall Street stocks.

Japan Stocks Firm on Optimism on Oil Fall


Ubisoft #39;s darker iteration on the Prince of Persia franchise comes to light on multiple consoles December 2; was originally dated for mid-November.

Prince of Persia sequel goes gold


Oracle proclaimed a symbolic victory Saturday after 61 percent of PeopleSoft stockholders accepted its \$9.2 billion takeover offer.

Oracle Moves One Step Closer in Its Bid to Take Over a Rival


Denver Nuggets #39; Nene Hilario, right, of Brazil, and Houston Rockets #39; Juwan Howard (5) chase a lose ball during the third quarter of their preseason game Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004, in Houston.

Nuggets Pick Up Nene #39;s Option


TOKYO Managers at Japan #39;s largest companies were less optimistic about their business prospects in the last quarter but still plan big increases in capital investment this year, according to a central bank survey disclosed on Wednesday that offered hope

Japan firms to increase spending


District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said he filed the motion to dismiss the criminal case Wednesday because Bryant #39;s 20-year-old accuser was no longer willing to testify.

Rape Charge Against NBA Star Kobe Bryant Dropped


AP - A consumer's group said Wednesday it has complained to government regulators about the cost of downloading music from Apple's iTunes system.

U.K. Group Complains of Higher ITunes Cost (AP)


Two Web conferencing service providers, WebEx and Genesys Conferencing, separately are updating their applications to offer more features.

WebEx, Genesys enhance conferencing services


Can computers get along fine without writers? Word is they just might. In an essay in the New York Times...

Unlocking the chip's inner Hemingway


IT #39;s Bill Frisbie, Michael Pearle and Clendon Ross give you their picks, and the reasoning behind those picks, in Saturday #39;s game between Texas and North Texas.

IT #39;s North Texas Game Picks


Lawyers for former Enron Corp. chief executive Jeffrey Skilling asked a federal court to move his trial out of Houston, arguing in a filing on Monday that any jury in Enron #39;s hometown would be biased.

Former Enron CEO Skilling Seeks to Move Trial


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

SBC links e-mail, voice messages, fax


A racist slur made by Spanish national coach Luis Aragones against Thierry Henry has angered the Arsenal star #39;s teammates, who have called for FIFA take action.

Gunners attack Aragones


With the help of a modified backyard telescope, astronomers have discovered a giant planet orbiting another star. It is the first extrasolar world found with such modest equipment.

Backyard telescope helps find new planet


AFP - Allen Iverson scored 17 points despite a fractured right thumb and the reeling United States team was pushed to the brink before beating Greece 77-71 in an Olympic preliminary round basketball game.

US NBA stars pushed to the brink before edging Greece (AFP)


In just his fifth college game, Adrian Peterson ran for 225 yards and made many big plays when No. 2 Oklahoma needed it most.

Freshman Helps Sooners Run Past Longhorns


Linux distributor Red Hat Inc. RHAT.O said on Thursday that it had bought Netscape #39;s computer user identification and management technology from America Online Inc.

Red Hat Buys Technology from Netscape


Eden Prairie, Minn. (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings  starting running back Michael Bennett will miss the team's  season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 12 with a  sprained right knee.

Vikings' Bennett Out for Season Opener


Large-scale assaults like that in Samarra  could be the way forward in Iraq, the US defence secretary says.

Rumsfeld predicts major Iraq ops


Those looking the obtain the most anticipated movie, album or game before anyone else have sought such information on various Internet mediums.

Halo 2 Released Early But...


The name Goldsmith #39;s will be disappearing from the retail landscape in January. Federated Department Stores plans to put all of its regional chains under its Macy #39;s brand, completing a transition that began with the other stores sharing the Macy #39;s name.

Macy #39;s to go nationwide


One of the heros of the World Series will be in the political spotlight Friday in New Hampshire. Boston Red Sox pitching ace Curt Schilling is appearing with President Bush Friday.

Schilling to appear with Bush in NH


NewsFactor - Bill Gates is about to announce a new step in Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) home-entertainment strategy.

Microsoft Upgrades Windows XP Media Center (NewsFactor)


LARNACA, Cyprus, Oct 5 (AFP) - The Cypriot authorities issued a strong protest Tuesday after Israeli warplanes forced a German airliner into their flight control zone without prior authorization amid a bomb alert.

Cypriot protests after Israeli jets force airliner into flight <b>...</b>


Manhattan-based financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald said Tuesday it is spinning off its inter-dealer voice brokerage business and will concentrate on sales and trading, investment banking, asset management and other institutional services.

Cantor Fitzgerald spinning off business


As polls suggest gains for President Bush among black voters, Democrats are trying to solidify their bloc.

Gore and Kerry Unite in Search for Black Votes


Yahoo has acquired Stata Labs, a company whose e-mail application Bloomba allows users to search messages and attachments. Engineers from Stata Labs are to join Yahoo.

Yahoo acquires e-mail search firm


TOKYO (AP) -- Cutting class just got harder but schools are safer thanks to computer chips that help track students, Japanese officials say.    Some schools here this month began trial runs in which students carry chips that have tiny antennae and can be traced by radio, with some of the kids attaching the tags to their backpacks...

Japanese Schools Tracking Students by Radio


Astronauts have long known that space travel is a good way to diet. The excitement of launch. Thrilling vistas seen from Earth orbit. Floating weightless. Maybe a touch of motion sickness. Who can eat at a time like that?

The Pathway Less Traveled


US Airways Group scrambled to find cost savings to avoid tumbling back into bankruptcy, an event industry analysts warn could come as early as this weekend.

Bankruptcy looms as US Airways seeks last-ditch cost savings


AP - The Houston Rockets were finishing up one of their worst performances of the season when a chant rang out from behind the bench.

Fans Chant 'Fire Gundy' As Rockets Trounced (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new  claims for jobless benefits rose 25,000 last week to 349,000, a  government report showed on Thursday, with some analysts citing  the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday as distorting the data.

US Jobless Claims Rise More Than Expected


Pakistani tribal elders hold a meeting to discuss the release of Chinese engineers in Barwand of South Waziristan, Pakistan along Afghanistan border on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004.

Pakistani Forces Rescue Chinese Hostage


MEXICO CITY -- For the 14 years he worked as an undocumented migrant in the United States, Carmelo Rivera saw up to \$30 deducted each week from the \$300 to \$500 he earned as a vineyard worker. The deductions were supposed to pay for his retirement.

Illegal migrants' Social Security payments out of reach


Saboteurs blew up an oil pipeline in southern Iraq early today in the latest attack targeting the countrys crucial oil industry, police and oil officials said.

Saboteurs Blow Up Pipeline


ZDNet #39;s survey of IT professionals in October kept upgrading hardware at number two on the businesses radar throughout the year.

Toshiba is taking back bad memory


Automakers have recalled more vehicles in the United States this year than ever before, but thats probably because of the increasing complexity of cars

Numerous recalls point to vigilance, vehicle complexity


Saudi Arabian authorities say the security forces have shot dead three suspected militants in the capital, Riyadh.

'Three dead' in Riyadh shootout


That's why the law already bans their sale to minors, Tony...

Blair reveals some games 'unsuitable' for kids


The Home Office reveals fewer crimes were solved by police in England and Wales last year.

Crime detection figures on slide


LONDON (Reuters) - EMI Group PLC, the world's third-largest  music company, confirmed on Friday it faced a New York probe  into how music companies influence what songs are played on the  radio.

EMI to Face Spitzer Music Industry Probe


Moonlighting Hollywood stunt pilots and NASA scientists are teaming up to snatch a returning space capsule in midair over central Utah next month.

Stunt pilots to aid NASA in catching a piece of the sun


The Munch Museum in Oslo, where thieves stole The Scream last month, is to upgrade its security in the wake of the raid.

Scream gallery improves security


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shaquille O'Neal scored a season-high  40 points and added 12 rebounds and five blocked shots to drive  the host Miami Heat past the Washington Wizards 106-83 Monday.

NBA Wrap: O'Neal Pours in 40 as Heat Subdue Wizards


Despite enduring his worst season since turning professional nine years ago, Tiger Woods says he is on track to overtake Jack Nicklaus #39;s haul of 18 major championship victories.

I #39;m still ahead of Nicklaus #39;s pace, says Woods


(Sports Network) - The Suns fell in overtime to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-109, on Wednesday at Gund Arena. Shawn Marion paced six Phoenix players in double figures with 22 points and Quentin Richardson had 21.

Phoenix Suns Team Report - November 11


The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is firing up its campaign against illegal file-sharing with 459 legal actions against music uploaders.

Recording Industry Broadens File-Sharing Wars


Reuters - Democratic challenger John Kerry cut\President Bush's lead to 2 points with just over two weeks to\go before the Nov. 2 election, according to a Reuters/Zogby\poll released Sunday.

Reuters Poll: Kerry Trims Bush Lead to 2 Points (Reuters)


Facing new violence and harsh criticism, the prime minister yesterday said he would set up an independent commission to investigate the

Thai probe announced in deaths of detainees


BANGALORE, India (Reuters) - When narrow colonial-era  streets get jammed with evening traffic in India's technology  capital, the radio disc jockey turns agony aunt.

Bangalore Thrives, Chokes on Outsourcing


The new international space station crew will leave tonight with renewed hopes that recent oxygen problems and possible supply shortages aboard the orbital outpost won #39;t interrupt its six-month mission.

New space station crew ready to go


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Movie studios and record labels on  Friday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that  Internet

Hollywood Asks Top Court to Weigh File Trading


Despite rising drug costs and increased pressure to import cheaper drugs from abroad, a Pew study finds that not many Americans buy prescription drugs through the internet. Most feel drugs purchased online are not as safe.

Few Americans Buy Meds Online


Toronto - Thursday #39;s meeting between the NHL and the NHL Players #39; Association wrapped up after nearly four hours with the two sides agreeing to meet again.

Hockey labour talks to continue next week


Renewed insecurity stops Oxfam delivering vital aid to 200,000 people in Darfur - Security in Darfur has deteriorated over the past two weeks leaving nearly 200,000 people in Darfur cut off from vital aid supplies.

Achievements on Humanitarian Access in Darfur  #39;fast falling apart #39;


Militants holding a Briton and two other foreign UN workers in Afghanistan have threatened to kill them unless all Taliban and al Qaeda prisoners are released from US

Kidnapped Briton gets Afghan deadline


PC World - Thumbnail-sized memory card's maximum capacity will be 128MB.

Samsung Makes Smaller MMC Card for Cell Phones (PC World)


When the Dodgers face the San Francisco Giants this weekend in a three-game series beginning in San Francisco this weekend, most Jews will be in synagogue for the holiest day of the year.

But Will Shawn Green Fast?


Anastasia Myskina kept Russia #39;s Fed Cup hopes alive by beating Moscow-born Tatiana Golovin 6-4 7-6 in the second singles of the competition final against holders France on Saturday, levelling the score at 1-1.

UPDATE 1-Myskina beats Golovin for Russia to level at 1-1


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Computer viruses spread by e-mail are growing more sophisticated as virus writers and  quot;spammers quot; are thought to be joining forces in an effort to make smarter bugs, a computer security group said on Tuesday.

E-Mail Viruses Getting Smarter, Report Says


European governments on Monday spoke out against a French proposal that the European Union restrict development aid to poorer member states that seek to lure foreign investment with low corporate tax rates.

EU states speak out against Sarkozy plan


JFKReloaded.com recreates the last few moments of the President #39;s life and challenges participants to help disprove any conspiracy theory by recreating the three shots that Lee Harvey Oswald made from the infamous sixth floor of the Dallas book depository

JFK: Reloaded


Check--or checkmate? Carl Icahn, attempting to block Mylan Laboratories (nyse: MYL - news - people ) in its buyup of King Pharmaceuticals (nyse: KG - news - people ), made his move: Earlier this month, the

Icahn: Mylan Says Takeover Bid Neutralized As Perry Becomes Top <b>...</b>


Graeme Souness believes he has the best attack in the country after Alan Shearer and Patrick Kluivert dismantled Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin in Newcastle #39;s 5-1 UEFA Cup win in Tel Aviv.

Souness praises fab four


Australia is investigating reports that two of its citizens have been taken hostage by  militants in Iraq.

Australians 'kidnapped' in Iraq


SYDNEY, Australia (Todd Macalpine/ OZMUSICWEED / www.ozmusicweed.com) - Ozmusicweed, the first Australian Weedshare site (http://www.

Sharman Networks use Weedshare to establish in Australian Court <b>...</b>


OTTAWA (CP) - The composite leading index, an early measurement of economic performance, moderated again in August, to 0.5 per cent from 0.6 per cent in July, Statistics Canada reported Friday.

Leading indicator of economic performance moderated again in <b>...</b>


Israeli troops withdrew from the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis on Tuesday morning, following a 30-hour operation that left 17 Palestinians dead.

Israel pulls out of Khan Yunis leaving 17 dead as Qurei urges int #39; <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Merck (MRK) is out with a statement that  quot;strongly disagrees quot; with the findings of a new study that raised questions about the safety of its Vioxx arthritis drug.

Merck says it  quot;strongly disagrees quot; w/ study analysis


Asian stocks finished mixed Wednesday, with Tokyo shares advancing on a positive economic outlook but markets in Hong Kong and elsewhere falling on worries about record-high oil prices.

Asian Shares End Mixed; Tokyo Advances, Hong Kong Falls


India #39;s Anil Kumble became the third spin bowler in test history to take 400 wickets on the opening day of the first test against Australia on Wednesday.

India #39;s Kumble claims 400th test scalp


Pau Gasol scored 22 points and Shane Battier added 18, and Memphis won for the first time in five games this season. Kobe Bryant, guarded by a three-man rotation, had 20 points on 4-for-19 shooting for the Lakers.

UNDATED: seven assists.


BRISBANE: New Zealand kept themselves firmly in the first Test with Australia yesterday after Jacob Oram blasted a career-best 126 not out to help the Kiwis reach a healthy first innings total of 353.

Australia struggling against New Zealand


AP - SAN JOSE, Calif.  #151; Microsoft Corp.'s software platform for personal digital assistants took over the market lead from PalmSource Inc. for the first time in the third quarter, according to market research released Friday.

Microsoft Takes Lead in PDA Shipments (AP)


Carmen Douma-Hussar thought she would be enjoying a vacation in Florida yesterday, not running a race.

A Canceled Trip Leads to an Easy Victory


An American researcher claimed Sunday to have discovered the remains of the legendary lost city of Atlantis on the bottom of the east Mediterranean Sea.

Lost city of Atlantis found?


Reuters - The Baltimore Orioles have\agreed to terms with veteran first baseman/designated hitter\Rafael Palmeiro Wednesday to a one-year contract. Financial\terms of the deal were not disclosed.

O's Ink Veteran Palmeiro for 2005 Season (Reuters)


Das ist alles: Germany #39;s BMW on Monday said Karl-Heinz Kalbfell has resigned as chief executive of its ultra-posh Rolls-Royce brand.

Kalbfell: BMW Says Second Rolls-Royce CEO Resigns This Year


As any cell-phone user knows, background noise, including traffic jams and bustling streets, can be a nuisance. The cacophony becomes even worse when the caller insists on yelling over the noise.

Military Headset Reaches Masses


The Dulles-based low-fare carrier filled only 52 percent of its seats in November, compared with 52.8 percent in October, the airline's parent, Flyi Inc., reported Monday.

Independence Continues to Struggle


Shopper traffic returned to levels above the previous year, Wal-Mart Stores reported Saturday. Free! Sign up here to receive our Internet Daily e-Newsletter!

Wal-Mart traffic back above  #39;03 level


Only three things in life are certain in the nation #39;s capital: death, taxes and the Cowboys #39; domination of the Redskins. Washington brought back Joe Gibbs to revitalize the Redskins

Cowboys corral Redskins


Infosys Technologies on Monday announced that its Board of Directors approved Sponsoring a Secondary ADS Offering ( quot;the Offering quot;), against equity shares held by its existing shareholders in India.

Infy approves Sponsored ADS


AP - Supporters of a major rewrite of corporate tax law are optimistic they will be able to complete congressional action this week on legislation needed to end a bitter trade fight with Europe and shower  #36;130 billion in new tax breaks on businesses.

Corporate Tax Bill Nears Final Approval (AP)


The largest crowd of the season came to see the Expos play in Montreal for the final time Wednesday. There were tears and boos. Some lobbed golf balls and bottles onto the field at Olympic Stadium in protest.

Montreal bids adieu to Expos


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- James Wilhoit kicked a 50-yard field goal with six seconds to go to lift No. 13 Tennessee to a wild 30-28 victory over 11th-ranked Florida last night.

Gators get booted


High-definition television is set to take off in Europe in the coming year, say TV executives.

Europe lines up for TV innovation


TROUBLED china maker Royal Doulton has revealed that it has held talks about a takeover by rival Waterford Wedgwood. Stoke-based Doulton, which said in March that it would close its last UK factory in the

Chips are down in china merger


Reuters - Millions of locusts swarmed through\Israel's Red Sea resort town of Eilat on Sunday, devouring\crops and flowers in the country's south.

Israel Hit by Worst Locust Plague Since 1950s (Reuters)


Xstrata yesterday threatened to withdraw its hostile 2.9 billion takeover offer for WMC if the Australian miner indicated it would dilute value by paying out up to A\$1 billion in cash to shareholders.

Xstrata threatens to pull offer


wait for it -- is a landlubber. Thursday, services firm EDS (NYSE: EDS) said the bankruptcy filing by US Airways could cut

EDS Grounded Too?


AP - Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said Monday that the U.S. presidential election was stalling the Middle East peace process and urged other countries to increase their efforts.

Palestinian: U.S. Election Stalling Peace (AP)


19 October 2004 - Concerned by reports of the dismissal and detention of the Prime Minister of Myanmar, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on the country #39;s authorities to remain committed to the process of national reconciliation

Annan calls on Myanmar leaders to remain committed to <b>...</b>


In a way, he was the guy who started the whole mess, simply by setting foot on the field. Just following orders, Alfredo Amezaga innocently came on to pinch run Sept.

Angels stun A #39;s, need one more to clinch


The alternative browser, developed (and continually re-developed) by a network of programmers, is available for free download from the non-profit Mozilla Foundation website.

Firefox version 1.0 released


Government plans to ban smoking in the majority of enclosed public spaces in England, ranging from offices to restaurants, within four years were labelled a  quot;bodge quot; yesterday.

Nine out of 10 pubs face smoking ban


Around 50 Iraqi soldiers were killed execution-style after insurgents intercepted minibuses carrying them home on leave, officials said today.

Insurgents Kill About 50 Iraqi Soldiers in Ambush


United Nations - Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on Friday appealed to world leaders at the United Nations to put aside their differences over the war and help rebuild his shattered nation.

Iraqi PM asks for support


Swedish research institute finds that 10 or more years of cell phone use may increase the risk of acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous tumor.

Study links cell phones, tumors


Just when their defense was playing at a high level and sparking a three-game winning streak, the Chicago Bears lost star linebacker Brian Urlacher.

Urlacher out four to six weeks


In his ninth year with the Patriots, Tedy Bruschi has continued to defy description. Is he a defensive lineman in a linebacker's body? Or is he a linebacker with a defensive lineman's demeanor?

He's in position to succeed


The Donald will remain at the helm of his troubled casino company under a new plan to salvage it for a second time. Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts said yesterday it will file for bankruptcy

TRUMP PUMPED UP


An Israeli helicopter blasted a car in Gaza with a missile today, killing one person and seriously wounding a militant leader, hospital officials said, on a day when Israelis killed seven Palestinians.

Israelis Kill Seven in West Bank and Gaza Violence


Newcastle manager Bobby Robson has been  quot;relieved of his duties quot; at the lagging soccer club, Newcastle announced Monday.

Bobby Robson  #39;relieved of duties #39; at Newcastle


Jason Campbell hits Courtney Taylor for a 16-yard touchdown pass with 1:14 to play and No. 14 Auburn gets two chances to kick the winning extra point in a 10-9 victory over No. 5 LSU on Saturday.

A Second-Chance Win


Mexican consultancy firm Bursametrica said on Monday that international market oil prices will remain high in the short and long run.

Mexico #39;s firm says oil price to remain high


It's the Bryans or bust! That's the desperate predicament today for some American tourists -- a.k.a. the US Davis Cup team -- who find themselves in a lion's den called Estadio Olimpico. Surrounded by 27,200 high-decibel growlers, Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish felt the teeth of those homebodies in the seats, plus Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya ...

On Day 1, a lot of pain in Spain


Reuters - Television shopping in Europe is\projected to nearly double to 8.8 billion euros ( #36;10.8 billion)\by 2008 as more households sign up for digital TV service,\according to a study released Wednesday.

European TV Shopping Seen Doubling by 2008 (Reuters)


The Federal Communications Commission has made changes to its regulations that will allow power companies to provide broadband services over electric lines.

FCC Rules To Allow Broadband via Power Lines


OCTOBER 26, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - As expected, the European Commission announced today that it has ruled that Oracle Corp. can proceed with its hostile acquisition attempt of PeopleSoft Inc.

EU okays Oracle bid for PeopleSoft


WALL Street #39;s broad market indicators ended nearly flat today after an early rally attempt ran out of steam, but tech stocks held on for solid gains.

Tech stocks lead the way


The Diamondbacks introduced shortstop Royce Clayton as their newest member Tuesday after free-agent pitcher Matt Clement visited Bank One Ballpark.

Clayton, Counsell now on board


She was the champion of the music industry. He was the voice of the people. It was a death match made in heaven -- but they found common ground. By Hilary Rosen and Lawrence Lessig from Wired magazine.

When Hilary Met Larry


Reuters - Retailer Kmart Holdings Corp. (KMRT.O)\on Monday said it finalized a deal to sell 18 of its stores to\Home Depot Inc. (HD.N) for  #36;271 million.

KMart to Sell 18 Stores to Home Depot (Reuters)


Seven US Marines were killed on Monday when an apparent suicide car bomb exploded near their military convoy on the outskirts of Fallujah.

OUTSIDE FALLUJAH: 7 Marines killed in car bombing


California's not the only state willing to throw money at the controversial research. Wisconsin's governor plans to spend \$750 million building two research centers and supporting scientists studying cardiovascular illnesses and other diseases.

Wisconsin to Invest in Stem Cells


Singer Robbie Williams' greatest hits album is to be sold on a memory card for mobile phones.

Robbie album sold on memory card


VIERA, Florida (Sports Network) - On the day Major League  Baseball owners delayed the vote to finalize the move of the  Expos to Washington, DC, the club on Thursday signed manager  Frank Robinson to a one-year contract.

Robinson Signs Deal to Manage Expos in DC


AP - Malaysia went on a nationwide alert against bird flu Thursday after officials confirmed that a deadly strain of the disease, blamed for the deaths of 27 people in Asia, had been found in a tiny northern village.

Malaysia Confirms Deadly Bird Flu Found (AP)


Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a retired four-star general trained in the United States, led the fight against Indonesia #39;s main al-Qaida-linked militant group.

Former US-trained general projects a reputation for strength, calm


TOMMY BURNS #39; appointment as Walter Smith #39;s assistant had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with him being the right man.

Double act can bring Old Firm fans back


AP - Incumbent Republican Rep. Barbara Cubin easily fended off four GOP challengers to earn a shot at a sixth term in November's general election.

GOP Incumbent Wins Wyo. Primary for House (AP)


Europe needs to become a power on the international stage, able to stand alongside the United States in shaping a fairer world order, President Jacques Chirac of France said last night.

French leader backs cooperation with Britain but maintains stance <b>...</b>


SINGAPORE : The Philippines #39; largest food and beverage group, San Miguel Corp, says it may bid for a 40 percent stake in Singapore-listed Del Monte Pacific.

San Miguel may bid for 40 stake in Del Monte Pacific


BESLAN: On the charred planks of the gymnasium of School Number One, amid soot-covered children #39;s sneakers and shell casings, Beslan #39;s aggrieved citizens debated fighting back.

Revenge takes root in the ashes


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chipper Jones hit a three-run homer  and J.D. Drew also went deep as the Atlanta Braves continued to  close in on another division title with an 8-1 win over the  Florida Marlins in Miami Friday.

NL Wrap: Jones Leads Braves Closer to Division Title


NEW YORK - Republican National Convention protesters waved symbolic pink slips along a three-mile

Convention Protests Target Labor Policies


MIAMI, Oct 21 (AFP) - Known as the capital of Cuban exiles, Miami was abuzz Thursday with news of President Fidel Castro #39;s accident, with many Cuban-Americans bemoaning that the communist leader only fell on his face, and not from power.

Miami, capital of Cuban exiles, abuzz with news of Castro #39;s fall


LOS ANGELES -- A source said Hollywood studios are preparing to file copyright infringement lawsuits against people they say are illegally sharing movies online.

Source: Movie Industry To Sue Computer Users


PATTANI, THAILAND, OCTOBER 26 : Almost 80 people died in military custody in southern Thailand, suffocated while being transported in trucks to Army barracks after a violent demonstration by Muslims, officials said on Tuesday.

78 suffocate to death in Thai army custody


Analyst firm Gartner has put out a statement warning businesses to steer clear of Google #39;s desktop search tool until a more robust, enterprise-ready version is released.

Google under pressure over desktop search


AP - Insurgents launched two major attacks Friday against a Shiite mosque and a police station in Baghdad, killing 30 people, including at least 16 police officers, the deadliest insurgent attacks in weeks.

30 Killed in Pair of Major Attacks in Iraq (AP)


Asian economies are heading for robust economic growth in 2004, followed by a slight slowdown in 2005, the Asian Development Bank has said.

ADB sees stronger growth in Asia


Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O and cable television provider Comcast Corp. CMCSA.O said on Monday that they would begin deploying set-top boxes powered by Microsoft software starting next week.

Comcast, Microsoft to Deploy Video Recorder Set-Tops


His coaches, his players, his mother, his wife, Daunte Culpepper can #39;t thank them enough for their efforts in this world. Then there #39;s the small matter of help from beyond.

Ann Heisenfelt, AP


PHOENIX (Sports Network) - The Arizona Diamondbacks signed  free agent shortstop Royce Clayton to a one-year contract on  Tuesday. Financial terms were not released.

Diamondbacks Sign Shortstop Clayton


YANGON, Nov 29: The detention period of the Myanmar #39;s detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been extended by another year, her party officials said on Monday.

Suu Kyi detention extended


Reuters - Space cooperation between China and the\U.S. may finally be getting off the ground a year after China\put a man in orbit, with the two countries holding their first\talks and planning a series of exchanges.

U.S., China Count Down to Space Cooperation (Reuters)


A much-watched Alzheimer #39;s medicine Forest Laboratories (nyse: FRX - news - people ) was developing with Germany #39;s Merz failed to show a statistically significant benefit in a clinical trial.

Eye On Stocks For Wednesday, Sept. 1


Three men were trampled to death in a rush to claim vouchers at the first IKEA furniture showroom in Saudi Arabia Wednesday, hospital officials said.

Three Killed in Rush for IKEA Vouchers


Police plan to file murder charges against Sao Caetano club officials for the death of defenseman Serginho, who collapsed on the field and died of heart failure last month.

Soccer Club to Be Charged With Murder


AP - With more than 4,000 scientists, including 48 Nobel Prize winners, having signed a statement opposing the Bush administration's use of scientific advice, this election year is seeing a new development in the uneasy relationship between science and politics.

Science, Politics Collide in Election Year (AP)


The annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington later this week should be anything but routine.

Crunch time on poverty


Reuters - Egypt on Monday showed off some of the\619 ancient artifacts smuggled out of the country in the late\1990s and repatriated from London last week.

Smuggled Ancient Egyptian Artifacts Return Home (Reuters)


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar fell to a seven-month low  against the yen and was within sight of a record low versus the  euro on Monday due in part to market views that Washington is  happy to see it weaken.

Dollar Down Vs Yen


KINSHASA (Reuters) - The U.N. mission in Congo said on  Wednesday it had spotted 100 soldiers, thought to be Rwandan,  in the east of the vast Central African country but Kigali  declined to say whether its troops had crossed the border.

U.N. Says It May Have Spotted Rwandan Troops in Congo


The Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved a drug for multiple sclerosis that has shown early evidence of being more effective than existing drugs.

FDA Approves a Multiple Sclerosis Drug


The marketing behind the new iMac G5 will leave no doubt in consumers' minds what else Apple has delivered lately.

Apple's Phil Schiller, analysts discuss the iMac G5


Largely overlooked during the holiday craziness last month, Yahoo introduced real-time traffic information for 70 major U.S. cities.

Yahoo Offers Real-Time Traffic Reports


A disappointing holiday sales forecast from Wal-Mart is dragging on blue chips, while Apple Computer is a bright light on Wall Street.

Stocks fall sharply, quickly


AP - Memphis Grizzlies point guard Jason Williams did not play against the Orlando Magic on Saturday night because of a sore right foot.

Sore Foot Sidelines Grizzlies' Williams (AP)


Scientists are hoping that

Smallest 'guitar string' to weigh atoms


Madrid - At the risk of breaching Internet civility, Lycos Europe is offering computer-users a weapon against spam-spewing servers: a screen-saver program that automatically hits the offenders with data to slow them down.

Lycos launches  #39;make love, not spam #39; program


Record labels are looking to digital sales as a first step on the road to the larger music marketplace after years of infighting over how to sell music online.

Music Industry Is Trying Out Digital-Only Releases


Reuters - Price declines for U.S. consumer\electronics accelerated in August, fueled by discounted price\cuts for the popular iPod digital music player and traditional\DVD players, according to an industry study prepared for\Reuters.

iPod, DVD Players Lead Aug. Electronics Prices Lower (Reuters)


HOUSTON -- Kelly Holcomb's return to the lineup provided a lift to the Browns' punchless offense, and Cleveland surprised the Houston Texans with a thoroughly dominating effort in a 22-14 victory yesterday, breaking a nine-game losing streak.

Holcomb's return sparks Browns


ST. LOUIS -- When St. Louis coach Mike Martz last week publicly chastised his team, he admonished players to make something happen and to do it immediately.

Rams make statement they #39;re team to beat in NFC West


Apple fans in Canada would be happy to know that iTunes has finally made it to their country. Canada users of iPod can now use Apple iTunes store to buy and download music at 99 cents per song.

Canada gets iTunes finally


BHOPAL - At least 15 students were crushed to death on Sunday by a speeding train at a railway station in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, a local administrator told AFP.

15 students crushed to death by speeding Indian train


Standing in his rhinestone-studded Elvis suit with a Massachusetts license plate dangling from his neck and a Boston Red Sox hat on

Red Sox Nation thrives in California


A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 has hit a wide area of Japan #39;s northern most main island of Hokkaido. Public broadcaster NHK says several people, including an elderly woman and a 13

Earthquake hits Japan northern island


India are already in massive trouble, losing two wickets straight after lunch as they chase an unlikely 543 for victory against Australia in the third Test in Nagpur.

India rocked early in run chase


VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian skier Hans Knauss, 33, has  tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone.

Knauss Tests Positive for Nandrolone


Fernando Poe Jr., the action film star and presidential candidate who refused to concede the election in May, died early Tuesday after suffering a stroke.

Fernando Poe Jr., 65, Philippine Actor-Politician, Dies


Bangalore, Oct. 7 (PTI): Australia were all out for 474 in their first innings after lunch on the second day of the first cricket Tests at the M Chinnaswamy stadium here today.

Australia all out for 474


ATLANTA -- The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is in turmoil again -- this time with the resignation of its president, the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth.

With president #39;s resignation, civil rights group again in turmoil


Spanish authorities said Tuesday they disrupted a plot by a cell of Islamic radicals to blow up a Madrid court complex that serves as the home for the country #39;s top anti-terrorism investigators and judges.

Spain Disrupts Terror Plot


LONDON - The dog might be man #39;s best friend, but the world #39;s favourite animal is the tiger, says an international survey. The great Asian cat, threatened with extinction in much of its range, beat the dog

Tiger still burns the brightest


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is still unsure whether to field Cristiano Ronaldo in Saturday #39;s Premiership clash against Norwich.

Fergie undecided over Ronaldo


SYDNEY - He may have failed to unseat Prime Minister John Howard in Saturday #39;s election, but opposition leader Mark Latham looks set to remain head of the Labour Party, his colleagues said Sunday.

Australian opposition sticking by Latham


In some ways, Jon Gruden #39;s decision to replace quarterback Brad Johnson with Chris Simms is similar to a baseball manager changing pitchers after the infield has made three errors.

Simms Signals Start of Future


Two local shows go beyond comic grotesque or the new objectivity and suggest that German modernism before World War II was united by a relentless scrutiny of the world.

Those Witty, Mocking Germans


The Bush administration would like to throw cold water on the idea of doing anything substantive about global warming. But the heat should be on the president until the United States limits emissions of greenhouse gases.

It #39;s time for US action on global warming


The world #39;s top finance officials on Friday asked oil-producing nations to step up production and agreed it was crucial to work out exactly why prices

G7 Wants More Oil Output


LONDON : World oil prices stormed above 54 US dollars for the first time Tuesday as strikes in Nigeria and Norway raised worries about possible supply shortages during the northern hemisphere winter.

World oil prices reach new highs on supply fears


THOMASTOWN, Ireland -- Ernie Els held off a strong challenge from playing partner Thomas Bjorn to win the American Express Championship by one shot Sunday.

Bjorn challenges but falls shorts


The Food and Drug Administration ignored danger signals from its own scientists about Merck and Co. Inc. #39;s Vioxx painkiller, Sen. Charles Grassley told a hearing Thursday into the drug #39;s withdrawal in September.

Senator Says FDA Ignored Own Scientists on Vioxx


David Blunkett is being urged to bring forward plans to allow phone-tapping evidence in UK courts so trials of foreign terror suspects can go ahead.

Law change call for terror cases


In March, NASA launched an experimental jet that reached a record-setting speed of about 5,000 mph. Now researchers want to leave that milestone in the dust.

NASA Jet Will Try to Go 7,000 Mph


The Redskins may have a tough time retaining improving linebacker Antonio Pierce when he becomes a free agent after the season.

Pierce Thrives in Middle


keeleysam writes  quot;cnet news.com is reporting that Alienware is going to ship a 4GHz desktop. The new Area-51 ALX, introduced on Friday, uses overclocking, or the practice of pushing a processor past its factory

Alienware Reveals 4GHz desktop


Tripoli - An African summit meeting wound up here overnight with a joint statement rejecting any  quot;foreign intervention quot; in the crisis-torn Sudanese region of Darfur and voicing strong support for the Sudanese government which is threatened with

Darfur summit opposes  #39;foreign intervention #39;


and then dedicated his feat to the memory of his late father. Keane scored the third goal in Ireland #39;s 3-0 victory over Cyprus as manager Brian

Rep Ireland 3, Cyprus 0


AFP - Norway's oil production faces a crisis in mid-November with a threat by oil sector groups to stage a lock-out to end industrial action which has weighed on the industry since July.

Norwegian oil production faces paralysis after lock-out threat (AFP)


Wal-Mart Stores Inc., hurt by sluggish sales over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, on Friday launched a rare advertising blitz in newspapers around the United States focusing on its price cuts.

Wal-Mart Launches Rare Newspaper Advertising Blitz


Microsoft is now aiming at a market that Apple Computer pioneered more than a year ago with its iTunes online music store.

Can Microsoft Stomp iTunes With a Store of Its Own?


Analyst says wireless synchronization with Exchange e-mail software may make it more attractive to corporate IT departments, which usually favor devices based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system.

PalmOne updates the Treo smart phone


With the country in need of cash and rich people dying to show off their wealth, Mr. Stein proposes a unique solution: having the government sell titles of nobility.

For Sale: The Ultimate Status Symbol


NEW YORK (Reuters) - America Online, the world's largest  Internet service provider on Monday launched an overhauled  online shopping center it hopes will help it keep pace with  competitive offerings by Yahoo Inc.<A HREF=

AOL Rings Up New Shopping Service


Phone service that's available wherever there's a Net connection is approaching 2 million users.

Voiceglo says consumers see the light


NEW Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group expects to double its Australian earnings in 2004-05 following its takeover of the Darwin casino.

SkyCity plays its cards right


The Yankees have won 10 of their last 11 home games against Cleveland. Baltimore outscored Tampa Bay, 31-8, in the three-game series.

AL notables


Gentlemen, Start Your Gyros


The European commission president, Jose Manuel Barroso, today urged Ankara to  quot;go the extra mile quot; - including the recognition of Cyprus - to convince sceptics Turkey is ready to become a candidate for EU membership.

Turkey urged to recognise Cyprus


A streamlined process supplies beds and social workers more quickly and eliminates the system's rundown gateway in the Bronx.

New York Announces New System to Process Families Seeking Shelter


SAN DIEGO -- The San Francisco Giants lost both the wild-card lead and right fielder Dustan Mohr in a 4-3, 10-inning loss to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night.

Giants lose in extra innings to Padres


Celtic captain Jackie McNamara will be ruled out for at least a month due to an ankle ligament damage sustained in the Scottish champions #39; 3-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona on Tuesd ay.

Celtic captain McNamara ruled out by injury


About 29 people, thought to be North Koreans seeking asylum, broke into a Japanese school in Beijing on Wednesday apparently by cutting through the wire perimeter fence.

N.Koreans Break Into Japanese School in China


NEW YORK, Oct 11 (AFP) - World oil prices scaled record peaks Monday, rising on concern over disruptions to supply from strike-hit producers Nigeria and Norway.

World oil prices hit record highs


AP - Shoppers turned tightfisted in August, dropping sales at the nation's retailers by 0.3 percent, providing fresh evidence of an erratic pace of consumer spending in recent months.

Retail Sales Drop 0.3 Percent in August (AP)


WINDHOEK, Namibia - The southern African nation of Namibia voted on Monday for a successor to the only leader the country has ever known, and election officials said the first of two days of voting started smoothly.

Namibia Votes for New President


A Red Sox fan blames

This Season, Heisenberg Wears a Red Sox Rally Cap


President Bush #39;s speech on Thursday to the Republican convention offers him a chance to seize the initiative in an economic debate that polls show is being won by his Democratic rival, John Kerry.

Tax Cuts Still Cornerstone of Bush Economic Plan


Things have gone from bad to worse at Alliance Gaming (NYSE: AGI), the nation #39;s number-two slot manufacturer. A weak first-quarter outlook incited the wrath of investors

Alliance Gaming Misses the Jackpot


com October 5, 2004, 8:32 AM PT. Rivals PalmOne and Microsoft appear to have cast aside their differences, as the handheld maker licenses an e-mail synchronization tool from the software giant.

PalmOne grabs Microsoft Exchange license


AP - Democrat John Kerry is asking county elections officials to allow his witnesses to inspect the 92,000 ballots cast in Ohio in which no vote for president was recorded, a Kerry lawyer said Sunday night.

Kerry Lawyer Seeks Ohio Ballot Inspection (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Soaring crude prices plus worries  about the economy and the outlook for earnings are expected to  hang over the stock market next week during the depth of the  summer doldrums.

Oil and Economy Cloud Stocks' Outlook


THOMASTOWN, Ireland (Reuters) - Three-times winner Tiger  Woods could miss the WGC-American Express Championship at Mount  Juliet with a shoulder injury, he said on Wednesday.

Woods Doubtful for World Championship Tournament