Hello! magazine is to appeal against damages awarded to its rival OK! over Catherine Zeta Jones' wedding photos.

Hello! appeals in Zeta Jones case


Martha Stewart, the lifestyle guru convicted of lying about a share sale, signs a new five-year contract with the firm that bears her name.

Stewart gets new five-year deal


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - AT T Corp. on Thursday reported a  \$7.1 billion third-quarter loss due to an \$11.4 billion  writedown of its assets after its retreat from consumer  services and other restructuring charges.

AT T Posts \$7.1 Billion Loss on Writedown


UK High Street sales confound market expectations and rise by 0.6 in August, increasing the likelihood of another interest rate rise this year.

Surprise rise in UK retail sales


The father of Damilola Taylor remains confident four years after his son's murder that the killer will be caught.

Father hopes for Damilola justice


Darren Williams has his suspicions about 9/11 and he's attracting hordes of readers to his Web site interested in his unorthodox ideas about the attack.

Conspiracy Theories Flourish on the Internet


Strong performances across the Boeing Co. quot;s defense systems businesses including the C-17 and X-45 programs based in Long Beach and future combat systems in Huntington Beach helped boost third

Boeing earnings jump 78


United Airlines said today that it would cut 68 airplanes from its fleet, shift more responsibility for domestic routes to its regional carrier, and expand international flying.

United Airlines to Cut 68 Planes and Add to Foreign Flights


AP - After four launch delays in as many days, a rocket carrying a spy satellite blasted off Tuesday.

Rocket Carrying Spy Satellite Launched (AP)


The telecom industry has endured some tough times. They haven't seen anything yet.

Don't Make the Babies Cry


Reuters - With a threatened boycott its historic\presidential election firmly relegated to the background,\Afghanistan took first steps on Tuesday to begin counting\votes.

Crisis Over, Afghanistan Heads for Vote Count (Reuters)


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--The number of job advertisements in Australian newspapers rose 5.0 in October from September, and climbed 5.2 from a year earlier, Australia  amp; New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

ANZ Australia Newspaper Job Ads 5.0 In Oct Vs Sep


Chalone Wine Group has finally accepted the takeover offer from French winemaker Domaines Barons de Rothschild. The French company announced today (1 November) that it has entered into a merger agreement with

US: Rothschild Chalone takeover is go


Nearly 300 people are dead and thousands of families stranded in three coastal municipalities in Quezon province (Real, General Nakar and Infanta) in the aftermath of tropical depression Winnie, according to the most recent reports from the Department of

Appeals for help as hundreds dead, thousands of families stranded <b>...</b>


NEW YORK - Joe Torre does not bother to look for the look, not anymore. In the immediate wake of a traumatic baseball experience, Torre might need his green tea, his turn on the exercise bike, his time with family and friends.

Yankees #39; victory demonstrates Jeter #39;s value


AP - President Bush issued a holiday-season call on Americans to volunteer and give to charity  #151;

Bush Asks Americans to Volunteer, Give (AP)


AP - It was inevitable that crews building a massive housing development near west Los Angeles wetlands would unearth American Indian remains.

L.A. Development Unearths Indian Cemetery (AP)


Federal and local authorities, under the auspices of the New York Asset Forfeiture Task Force, have recently served grand-jury subpoenas seeking testimony in the circulationscandals

SEC enters paper circulation probe


Ants use angled signposts and tiny scent markers to find their way home or follow the path into the wilderness, according to a study published in British science weekly Nature.

Study uncovers ants #39; 60 degrees of navigation


quot;You are entering the past, quot; the sign says.  quot;No cellphones. quot; Inside, the wooden floor creaks in spots and the aisles are crammed with everything from souvenir coffee mugs to toothpaste. There's even homemade fudge.

Past meets present here


CLAMART, France (Reuters) - Doctors will need

Arafat Conscious, Days Needed for Diagnosis-Aide


Reuters - Arctic peoples aim to team up with\tropical islanders in a campaign against global warming,\arguing that polar bears and palm-fringed beaches stand to\suffer most.

Arctic People Seek Tropical Team on Global Warming (Reuters)


BRIGHTON, England (Reuters) - Iraq overshadowed the start  of Tony Blair's Labour Party conference on Sunday despite the  prime minister's efforts to turn attention to the domestic  agenda ahead of a general election expected next year.

Iraq Dogs Blair as Party Conference Starts


Vijay Singh shot a 68 to widen his lead over Tiger Woods at the Deutsche Bank Championship, putting him one round from his sixth victory of the year and the No.

Singh extends lead, closes in on Woods


It is an accepted axiom in the NFL: Every team has problems. Coaches and team executives commiserate about them like old folks complaining about aches and pains.

Super Bowl 39: Patriots -- again


Denver running back Quentin Griffin is out for the year. The team placed Griffin on injured reserve Wednesday, two days after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a 23-10 loss at Cincinnati.

Injury Sidelines Broncos' Griffin for Year


A four-day general strike begins against fuel price rises in Nigeria, Africa's biggest oil producer.

Nigeria fuel price strike starts


WASHINGTON--North Korea may be bluffing, but it appears ready to launch one or more Rodong ballistic missiles capable of hitting Japan anytime it wants, according to a senior US official.

N. Korea ready #39; to fire off missile


Playing a weekend series in Florida, the Atlanta Braves are eager to make their big lead in the National League East even bigger. Chipper Jones hit a three-run homer to help overcome an early deficit last

NL notebook: Braves getting close to another division crown


Japan #39;s ruling party is considering constitutional revisions for setting up a self-defense military force and also making the emperor the head of the state.

LDP to propose self-defense force


BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan -- This week #39;s trip to the international space station will be the cosmonauts #39; first flight in a Soyuz spacecraft -- a rupture with the 30-year tradition of having at least one crewman with previous experience in piloting the capsule.

Space Crew Takes First Spin in a Soyuz


Sports India, Cricket: Chennai, Oct 11 : Former Supreme Court judge S. Mohan, appointed interim administrator of the Indian cricket board by the Madras High Court, Monday reported to the court about his being locked out of the board #39;s office in Mumbai.

BCCI administrator Mohan reports to Madras High Court:


World leaders have been flooding President Bush with congratulatory calls since his reelection victory, but at least one -- Spain #39;s Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero -- appears to be having trouble getting through.

Spanish PM Having Trouble Congratulating Bush


World's fastest supercomputer can now be yours for only \$1.5 million. Machine combines exotic and mainstream technology.

IBM's Blue Gene/L goes on sale


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- One day before Martha Stewart is to begin serving her five-month prison sentence, attorneys for the lifestyle maven reiterated her desire to continue with her appeal by demanding that the government hand over documents.

Attorneys demand that government hand over documents


Everett over Leominster -- Can you believe the Globe's high school staff picked A-B No. 1? I told them it was outrageous but they wouldn't listen. They claim Pope John has a tougher schedule than Everett.

This week's picks


It has been a busy few days at Computer Associates (CA) as the company first announced the acquisition of Netegrity and has now released details of a new licensing schema available on the company #39;s large portfolio of mainframe software products.

CA Introduces Mainframe Usage Based Pricing


JAMMU, India, Nov. 20 -- India pulled about 3,000 troops out of Kashmir Saturday in a planned withdrawal of army units from the disputed region, Indian officials said.

3,000 Indian Troops Pull Out of Kashmir


E-commerce giant eBay made another foray into the classifieds space, buying Dutch classifieds site Marktplaats.nl for around \$290 million.

EBay Buys Dutch Classifieds Site for \$290M


Israeli Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday took back his threat to withdraw from the governing Likud Party, but a minority religious party quit Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's coalition in protest over the plan to remove Israeli settlers and troops from the Gaza Strip and a portion of the West Bank.

Israeli Minister Retracts Threat to Quit


LAS VEGAS -- Vitali Klitschko made one statement with his fists, and another with his words. Both came through loud and clear in a dominating title defense that elevated him to the top of a crowded list of heavyweight champions.

V. Klitschko punishes Williams in title defense


A jet bound for New York made an emergency landing at Stansted airport yesterday after repeated warnings that a bomb was on board.

Tornado fighters escort jet to Stansted after bomb scare


Spoons are so old school. And so slow. Harried Americans searching for ways to shave precious seconds from their dining routines have seized on a slew of new foods designed to keep them on the go - no utensils needed.

Food Industry Helps Americans Eat Faster


CHICAGO - After a season full of frustration and several well-documented hissy fits from Cub players, veteran broadcaster Steve Stone announced his resignation Thursday night on WGN AM Radio.

Stone Gone


NAWABSHAH, Sept 26: An alleged terrorist, who was later identified as an Al Qaeda kingpin Amjad Farooqi, was killed and seven other people, including two women and three children , were arrested

Security forces kill Amjad Farooqi


The 2-year-old .Net joint initiative between Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard has produced \$600 million in revenue.

Microsoft, HP pleased with results of .Net partnership


SEX and the City may have left the nation #39;s television screens, but its viewers are propping up the national economy as they buy up big on shoes, clothes and cars.

Sex and the City driving economy


A judge in Milan will today begin the first criminal proceedings to be triggered by the Parmalat scandal when he opens a hearing to decide on calls for the indictment of 32 individuals and institutions including the group #39;s founder and former chairman

Parmalat chiefs await their fate


Feeling he had been a good teammate and friend to Pedro Martinez and had gladly accepted being the No. 2 pitcher behind him, Curt Schilling expressed surprise

Red Sox miffed by parting shots


Jeffrey Greenberg will almost certainly be gone. But his company, Marsh  amp; McLennan, has a good chance of surviving as long as its outside directors understand that Mr.

To Survive the Dance, Marsh Must Follow Spitzer #39;s Lead


Reuters - Qualcomm Inc. , a maker of\chips used in mobile phones, on Friday said it may change the\way it recognizes royalties from licensees, which would reduce\fourth-quarter pretax income by  #36;298 million.

Qualcomm May Change Accounting,Shares Off (Reuters)


China #39;s car sales rose 13.94 percent in September from August to 194,100 units, the China Daily said on Monday, citing official data which signals further signs of life after months of weak growth caused by credit curbs.

China #39;s Sept car sales rise 13.94 pct from Aug -paper


Sonia OSullivan, who claimed silver for Ireland in Sydney four years ago, struggled home in last place in the 5,000m final in Athens tonight.

Sorry Sonia Trails in Last


Reuters - European shares got off to a sparkling\start of the New Year, rallying to a 30-month high on Monday\after a broad rebound of the dollar lifted exporters such as\car giant DaimlerChrysler.

Europe Stocks Start 2005 at 30-Month High (Reuters)


Adobe unveils Acrobat 7.0\Adobe Systems has launched Version 7.0 of its Acrobat family of desktop applications. Enhancements to the software allow users to leverage Acrobat 7.0 and Adobe PDF for processes such as assembling documents from multiple sources, creating forms, and secure collaboration. Acrobat 7.0 tightens integration with Adobe LiveCycle software for connecting document services with businesses processes. The integration allows Acrobat 7.0 Professional users to create XML and PDF forms that can be integrated into back-end systems. Also announced was Adobe Reader 7.0 client software, which facilitates Reader users participation in document reviews and access to Yahoo Search functions. Acrobat 7.0 Professional is priced at \$449; existing users can upgrade for \$159. Acrobat 7.0 Standard is priced at \$299; upgrades are priced at \$99.\Acrobat 7.0, Adobe Systems

Product Previews


The SFA had been expected to sack the German and end his two less than glorious years as national coach. But a meeting of the 11 board members did not materialise, leaving Vogts #39; future in limbo.

Vogts stays in Scotland job


AMES, IA -- Here is a quarter-by-quarter summary of the Cyclones #39; 31-point loss to Texas A amp;M Saturday night at Jack Trice Stadium.

ISU vs. A amp;M: By the Quarters


Europe #39;s Ryder Cup players continued to bask in the glow of their victory over the United States as David Howell and Luke Donald climbed to the top

Howell and Donald bask in Ryder Cup afterglow


TOKYO : Japan #39;s biggest heavy machinery maker Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. said it would build a plant to manufacture wings for Boeing #39;s next-generation 7E7 Dreamliner jet, scheduled for launch in 2008.

Mitsubishi Heavy to supply wings for Boeing #39;s next-generation jet


China has rejected calls from Hong Kong #39;s pro-democracy lawmakers for a public referendum on whether local residents should be allowed full, direct democracy from 2007.

China rules out Hong Kong democracy vote


RANGERS striker Nacho Novo will know by Friday whether he can face Celtic in Saturday #39;s vital Scottish Premier League game at Ibrox.

Anxious week for striker


Norwich Union is to offshore 950 jobs to India and Sri Lanka next year, with the loss of work in Norwich and York. The insurance giant said it will do all it can to minimise compulsory redundancies by redeploying staff to alternative jobs.

Norwich Union axes 950 jobs


Xstrata Plc, the world #39;s biggest exporter of power-station coal, offered A\$7.4 billion (\$5.5 billion) for WMC Resources Ltd. to gain nickel and copper mines.

Xstrata Offers A\$7.4 Billion for WMC Resources to Add Nickel


WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (Sports Network) - Xavier  Beitia's 22-yard field goal with 1:03 left to play lifted  fifth-ranked Florida State to a 20-17 victory over Atlantic  Coast Conference rival Wake Forest at Groves Stadium.

Fifth-Ranked Florida State Holds Off Wake Forest


AFP - France, one of the harshest critics of the war that brought down Saddam Hussein, stressed it would not commit troops for Iraq despite appeals from the United States and United Nations.

France pours cold water on Bush's sunny vision of Iraq (AFP)


It's hard enough staying the right weight here on Earth. In space, it might be even harder. According to NASA-supported researchers, altered gravity somehow disrupts the natural ability \\of animals to maintain the appropriate weight.

The Pathway Less Traveled


SEATTLE -- For Microsoft Corp. shareholders, the holidays will likely come early this year in the form of a one-time \$3 dividend that's part of the company's plan to return some of its \$64.4 billion cash hoard to shareholders.

Microsoft dividend depends on stock-plan change


London - Britain #39;s inflation rate hit its highest level in five months in November, pushed up by air fares and surging utility bills, official figures showed yesterday.

Transport costs lift UK inflation to 1.5


Reuters - Google Inc. on Wednesday\said it priced its long-awaited initial public offering at  #36;85\per share, far below initial expectations, ending a tumultuous\process beset by poor market conditions and a series of\missteps.

Google Sets Price of  #36;85 in  #36;1.67 Bln IPO (Reuters)


Delta Air Lines #39; much-awaited turnaround plan will include more job cuts at the ailing carrier, along with pay and benefits changes.

Delta turnaround plan to include job cuts


Observers say: Thomas is a great little defender who never quits and loves to run. He #39;ll even take the odd run up the field with the ball.

Kicking it around


Sprinter Jerome Young was banned for life by the US Anti-Doping Agency on Wednesday following the former 400-metre world champion #39;s second positive test for an illegal steroid.

Sprinter Young banned for life


Updated OS includes software applications designed for business users.

Novell Puts Desktop Linux to Work


12/6/04- There #39;s a big deal in the gold-mining business. Goldcorp is buying its Canadian gold-mining competitor Wheaton River Minerals for about 2 billion dollars in stock.

Major Gold Business Takeover


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. advisory panel on Friday will  review data on an experimental drug that is injected into the  eye to stop vision loss in elderly patients at risk of going  blind.

FDA to Review Eyetech, Pfizer Eye Drug


AP - Pope John Paul II on Sunday moved five Catholics closer to sainthood, including Austria's last reigning emperor and a German nun whose graphic visions of Christ's suffering helped inspire the blockbuster movie

Pope Beatifies Emperor, Nun, Three Others (AP)


LONDON (CBS.MW) -- The benchmark New York crude contract was little changed at \$49.44 a barrel early Monday after the Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Nuaimi said the country will raise production capacity to 12.5 million barrels per day within a few years from

Crude oil futures flat; Saudis look to raise capacity


AP - Researchers put a satellite tracking device on a 15-foot shark that appeared to be lost in shallow water off Cape Cod, the first time a great white has been tagged that way in the Atlantic.

Great White Shark Gets Satellite Tracker (AP)


Spain #39;s Oscar Freire won the sixth stage of the Spanish Vuelta on Thursday, and countryman Manuel Beltran of the US Postal Service team kept his lead as the overall standings remained unchanged.

Spain #39;s Freire wins sixth cycling stage


What once was the thriving Iraqi city of Fallujah now is a virtual ghost town of bombed-out buildings and piles of rubble. Nearly five weeks after the fight for the city began, a fight in which more than 50

Area Marine aids in Fallujah restoration


Police raided the Brazilian offices of international security consultant Kroll Inc., seizing evidence and arresting five employees amid allegations Kroll illegally spied in a probe of a bitter corporate dispute.

Brazilian Police Raid Kroll, Make Arrests


A massive eagle which became extinct five centuries ago was once New Zealand's chief predator, scientists believe.

Huge eagles 'dominated NZ skies'


WASHINGTON : A closely watched index of future economic activity fell for a third straight month, suggesting a tepid pace of growth for the world #39;s largest economy, analysts said.

US economic barometer points to sluggish trend


Sydney - Bemused diners watched as three hapless thieves unsuccessfully tried to kick open a sliding door in a botched attempt to rob an Australian seafood restaurant, police said on Monday.

Stick-up becomes unstuck at Aussie restaurant


Els said the American-based Tour wants him to play in more events, but he considers himself a global golfer.  quot;I think they need to understand that I think the golfing world has changed

Els miffed at PGA stance


A UN meeting on endangered species could help secure the survival one of humanity #39;s closest living relatives, the orangutan, by saving its forest home from loggers, a leading expert said on Tuesday.

Save the Trees, Save the Apes, Expert Says


Denver Nuggets: Shooting guard Voshon Lenard will be out for at least six months after surgery on his torn Achilles tendon. The team said the surgery on Lenard #39;s left leg was a success.

Lenard has surgery on Achilles


In the past three decades, Bart #39;s Rule has held sway, at least for Australian and New Zealand stayers. Bart #39;s Rule is the dictum of legendary trainer Bart Cummings that horses should have

Cup winning formula changing


CORNING, NY -- Corning Inc. will take non-cash charges of as much as \$2.9 billion against third-quarter results as the company #39;s telecommunications unit continues to struggle with industry sluggishness.

Corning to take nearly \$3 billion in charges, cites gloomy telecom <b>...</b>


com September 9, 2004, 5:10 PM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.

Microsoft ready to ship Virtual Server


CANNES, FRANCE-- Regardless of whether Oracle Corp. succeeds in its hostile takeover bid for PeopleSoft Inc., market leader SAP AG will be the one to reap the benefits, an executive for the German company said on Sunday.
ADVERTISEMENT

<img src=

Oracle-PeopleSoft battle is good for SAP, exec says


BEIJING - Forty-four suspected North Koreans climbed over a wall into the Canadian Embassy in Beijing yesterday, the latest in a rash of diplomatic mission break-ins by North Koreans seeking asylum.

Quickly Asia


AFP - Hundreds of airline passengers suffered disruption to their travel plans when a major regional airport was shut down for an hour after a humming and vibrating adult sex toy was mistaken for a bomb.

Vibrator shuts down Australian airport (AFP)


Reuters - The director of a documentary about\John Kerry's Vietnam service sued Sinclair Broadcast Group on\Thursday, accusing it of illegally copying his photographs in a\controversial anti-Kerry movie it plans to air portions of this\week.

Sinclair Sued by Filmmaker Over Kerry Photos (Reuters)


But as the holiday shopping season approaches, discounters aren #39;t so optimistic about the jingle in their pockets. BY ANNE D #39;INNOCENZIO.

Retailers grin over Oct. sales


SYDNEY: Australia #39;s Fairfax newspaper group said it is well placed for expansion if the government goes ahead with a plan to use its newly won control of both houses of parliament to relax media ownership laws.

Australia #39;s Fairfax poised for growth if media laws relaxed


AFP - Police investigating the deadly attack at the Australian embassy in Jakarta have said they have identified all nine victims of the blast and are still working to piece together the suicide bombers.

Jakarta embassy bombers not among the nine victims: police (AFP)


BAGHDAD - Iraqi Shiite militiamen were planting bombs in the street of a Baghdad slum amid echoing machine gun fire yesterday, as angry foot soldiers of radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr cursed the Iraqi government and US  quot;occupiers quot; after deadly fighting

Baghdad slum alive with bombs


MUNICH, Germany -- Bayern Munich are expecting Iranian striker Vahid Hashemian to travel to Israel for this week #39;s Champions League match, an act which could put him in trouble in Teheran.

Hashemian facing Champions dilemma


AP - George Zahringer III is back for another shot at the U.S. Amateur. The New Yorker is one of three returning quarterfinalists for the tournament, which begins Monday at the Winged Foot Golf Club. Lee Williams of Alexander City, Ala., and Patrick Carter of Lesage, W.Va., complete the trio from last year's championship that was won by Nick Flanagan of Australia.

Zahringer Leads Field at U.S. Amateur (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - A government-sponsored trial of Pfizer  Inc.'s <A HREF=

Celebrex Trial Halted After Heart Attacks


Iraq vows to punish culprits behind killing of unarmed new soldiers claimed by Zarqawi #39;s group. BAGHDAD - Iraq said 52 people were killed in the weekend massacre of unarmed new soldiers that was claimed by

52 killed in weekend massacre of Iraqi army


Merck  amp; Co. (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday withdrew its arthritis drug Vioxx globally after a colon cancer trial confirmed long-standing concerns the drug raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Merck Vioxx recall: analyst, investor reaction


Bob Evans Farms Inc. (BOBE.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday reported a 40 percent drop in quarterly earnings and warned that full-year results would fall short of estimates due to weak sales at its namesake restaurants.

Bob Evans Earnings Down 40 Percent


com September 30, 2004, 8:02 AM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.

Red Hat taps Netscape to broaden its landscape


ELGIN VALLEY, South Africa -- When South Africa held its first fully democratic elections in 1994, Patrick Kraukamp, a day laborer, was just starting a job as a forklift driver at the Paul Cluver wine estate in this lush mountain valley.

Wineries in South Africa give a boost to blacks


PITTSBURGH (Sports Network) - Steelers wide receiver  Plaxico Burress' injured hamstring will keep him out for a  third straight game when Pittsburgh welcomes the New York Jets  to town Sunday.

Burress Out for Sunday Showdown with Jets


AP - Insurgents set off at least two car bombs and attacked a police station Saturday in the central Iraqi town of Samarra, killing at least 19 people and wounding 23, according to police and health officials.

Attacks Kill at Least 19 in Samarra, Iraq (AP)


Reuters - Japan's Nikkei average was flat by late\morning trade on Tuesday as falls in oil-related stocks offset\gains in some exporters including auto makers after a retreat\in oil prices eased fears about the global economy.

Nikkei Flat in Nervous Trade (Reuters)


MIAMI (Sports Network) - The Florida Marlins have signed  pitcher Al Leiter to a one-year contract, one day after the New  York Mets decided not to offer the lefthander arbitration.

Pitcher Leiter Headed Back to South Florida


Aid teams in Sri Lanka battle the aftermath of flash floods as they try to prevent the spread of disease among survivors.

Helpers battle Sri Lanka floods


Since its release in early 2003, AMD #39;s Opteron server CPU has made great inroads almost everywhere... except with Dell. The CEO of Dell, Kevin Rollins, says that may very well be about to change, as the company

Dell Contemplates AMD Chip Offerings


Online shoppers using PayPal to pay for goods on eBay (Quote, Chart) will now get up to \$1,000 of coverage for non-delivery of items, thanks to an expansion of the company #39;s buyer protection program.

PayPal Doubles Buyer Protection on eBay


Lycos Europe launched a free screensaver that deliberately clogs spam servers. The  quot;Make Love Not Spam quot; screensaver, available in both Mac and PC formats, sends HTTP requests to a list of servers that Lycos

Lycos App Lets Users Exact Revenge on Spammers


JAPAN N. Korea missile said poised for launch TOKYO -- The United States and Japan have detected signs that North Korea is preparing to launch a ballistic missile capable of reaching almost anywhere in Japan, Japanese and US government sources said yesterday. The preparations were detected after the reclusive communist state declined to participate in a fourth round of six-party ...

N. Korea missile said poised for launch


Apple Computer Inc. on Thursday launched its iTunes online music store in Canada, the 14th country in which the popular service is available.

Apple Launches ITunes Music Store in Canada


Sony Corp. on Thursday reported a big boost in profits in the second quarter, due to the success of box office hit  quot;Spider-Man 2. quot;.

Sony Springs From  #39;Spider-Man #39; Web


Red Sox pitcher Pedro Astacio and Yankees pitcher Brad Halsey were each suspended Tuesday for three games and fined an undisclosed amount.

Astacio, Halsey Suspended


Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Saturday said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh #39;s announcement on reduction of troops in the state was bound to have a  quot;positive impact quot; on the situation in Srinagar and hoped that the decision would

Decision to reduce troops bound to have positive impact: Mufti


LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair  rejected a call Wednesday for an independent inquiry into the  civilian death toll in the U.S.-led war in Iraq.

Blair Rules Out Iraq Civilian Death Toll Probe


Macedonia #39;s president has confirmed that the United States has informed him of plans to officially recognize his country as the  quot;Republic of Macedonia, quot; a decision that drew protests from Greece.

US to Recognize  #39;Republic of Macedonia #39;


Senior tailback Lydell Ross resumed practicing Tuesday, but his full reinstatement to the Ohio State roster remains undetermined pending possible charges for theft by deception.

Ross #39; fate still pending


Annika Sorenstam has played in the Samsung World Championship every year since 1995, winning the title three times. So Sorenstam has as good of a perspective as anyone about what the tournament means to players.

Samsung boasts long history


The people behind New York City's bid for the 2012 Summer Games think they have a chance to beat the four competing European capitals.

New York Hopes to Win Olympics by Dividing Votes


AP - Past presidential candidates and their critics have been known to shade the truth for political purposes. But to memory researchers, it doesn't take intentional falsifying to understand the discrepancies in the retelling of Sen. John Kerry's war experiences.

Kerry Debate Shows Fickleness of Memories (AP)


The Yankees have spent the last two years trying to find a left-handed reliever to take the place of Mike Stanton. Now they have one: Mike Stanton.

Yanks, Mets make a deal


Tokyo stocks slipped Thursday morning as investors took profits from recent gains. The US dollar was up against the Japanese yen. The Nikkei Stock Average of 225 issues was down 36.

Update 4: Tokyo Stocks Lower at Late Morning


Chinese scientists have optimized the spacecraft #39;s configuration to reduce its weight and improve the performance of onboard equipment.

China Plans Five-Day Manned Space Mission for 2005


PC giant unveils consumer electronics strategy, including iPod music player, high-definition TVs and PCs that record television shows. \

HP to tempt shoppers with digital lifestyle


DirecTV Group, the largest satellite television programmer, said its loss widened considerably in the third quarter because of a one-time charge to pay for new satellites.

Satellite write-downs widen DirecTV #39;s loss


ALBUQUERQUE, NM (CBS.MW) -- The US economy is  quot;generally sound quot; and should not be derailed by higher oil prices, Thomas Hoenig, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, said Tuesday.

Hoenig: Outlook  #39;generally sound #39;


Oakland won the season series against Seattle for the first time since 2000. Angels' Vladimir Guerrero matched a career high for hits with his fifth four-hit game this season and 15th in his career. It was the second two-homer game this week for Guerrero, who has 38 this year and is hitting .338 with a team-record 123 runs and 124 ...

AL notables


Video gamers are getting younger and younger. And parents and the video game industry agree that the implications are likely to be huge.

Weaned on Video Games


Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne equalled Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan #39;s record for Test wickets Thursday when he removed Indian opener Yuvraj Singh on the opening day of the second Test.

Warne equals Test wicket record


THE fastest-swivelling space science observatory rocketed into orbit yesterday to scan the universe for violent celestial explosions, which astronomers believe represent the birth screams of black holes.

Hole-hearted attempt


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese technology companies Canon Inc.  and Toshiba Corp. said on Tuesday they would invest \$1.82  billion in a joint venture to manufacture advanced flat panel  displays.

Canon, Toshiba to Form Flat Panel Display Venture


Here #39;s a way to spoil the celebration for No. 11 Tennessee after beating Florida: check out the Volunteers #39; remaining schedule and recent history.

More tough SEC games loom after Florida-Tennessee


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - The House of Commons has agreed to accept a Conservative amendment to the throne speech, avoiding a showdown that threatened Paul Martin's minority government.

Commons accepts throne speech amendment, avoids confidence vote (Canadian Press)


Barry Larkin tells The Associated Press he will not be offered another contract by the Cincinnati Reds, ending his 19-year tenure with his hometown team.

Larkin Says He Won #39;t Return To The Reds


LONDON (Reuters) - Soccer players and other sportsmen could  soon face mandatory two-year bans from their sports if they are  caught using recreational drugs at any time, the head of the  World Anti-Doping Agency said Monday.

WADA Look to Crack Down on Recreational Drug Use


ENGLANDS Paul Casey and Luke Donald clinched the World Cup by one shot in Seville. The pair trailed Spain by one at the start of the final day but fired a closing alternate-shot 64 for 31 under to overhaul the local favourites.

Anglos win World Cup


\\If the US makes Stem Cell research illegal, and a company in a foreign country\(say Japan), develops a cure for a desease (say Cancer, or Alzheimers), can\said company file a patent in the US?\\I assume so... seems like a pretty good reason to make Stem Cell research legal.\\

Illegal Research and Patents


MOSCOW, December 17 (RIA Novosti) - Yesterday, a Houston court started hearing Yukos #39;s petition for bankruptcy. The company filed the petition to contest the December 19 auction of a 77 stake in its main

RUSSIA * US * YUKOS * LAWSUIT * YUGANSK * AUCTION


Video game publisher Acclaim Entertainment Inc. (AKLM.PK: Quote, Profile, Research) , which has been hampered by a lack of hit titles, filed for bankruptcy liquidation on Thursday after failing to line up new financing.

UPDATE 2-Video game maker Acclaim files for bankruptcy


Reuters - Mount St. Helens spewed more steam and\ash on Monday, raising concerns about a larger eruption at the\Washington state volcano that woke last week after 18 years of\slumber.

Mount St. Helens Spews More Steam and Ash (Reuters)


PC World - CA buys antispyware vendor PestPatrol while McAfee snaps up Foundstone.

Security Firms Bulk Up (PC World)


Computer misuse at government offices is an ongoing problem, and experts say managers should take specific actions to keep federal employees from using their desktop computers for personal business.

Watching while you work


Russia #39;s finance minister announced a \$5.4 billion increase in funding for four key security agencies on Tuesday, a day after President Vladimir Putin announced his plan for combatting terrorism.

Russia Announces More Funding for Security


Reuters - The African Union said on Saturday that\Sudan had started withdrawing troops in Darfur ahead of an\evening deadline to end fighting in the troubled region.

AU Says Sudan Begins Troop Withdrawal from Darfur (Reuters)


Supporters say the new technology, which uses electric power lines, could become a major alternative to cable modem and phone connections if FCC approval helps it attract  participation of major utility companies.

FCC Approves New Broadband Hookups


If you don't think Kevin Youkilis is happy to be back in the Red Sox lineup, consider this: He was in his uniform and on the field three hours before last night's game against the Devil Rays.

Happy return for Youkilis


GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Sept. 28, 2004 - An Israeli Arab who works as a producer for the TV network CNN was released Tuesday, a day after he was kidnapped at gunpoint, relatives and Palestinian police said.

Abducted CNN Producer Released in Gaza


Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - In his first public address as federal health minister, Ujjal Dosanjh carefully toed the government line on Monday, saying Ottawa is prepared to invest more money in medicare to reduce waiting times, but not by sponsoring a national pharmacare program demanded by the provinces. But even as he was speaking, Saskatchewan's premier said in Regina that provincial premiers will meet one more time to flesh out the details of the proposed pharmacare program before taking their idea to Prime Minister Paul Martin.

Donsanjh still nixing pharmacare, but premiers plan meeting to refine program (Canadian Press)


FRANKFURT When they introduced the euro in 1999, the European countries that gave up their own money knew they wanted a strong, stable currency that would command their citizens #39; confidence and ease the conditions for cross-border commerce.

News Analysis: Global vote of confidence for euro


Our Week 6 candidates for Sunday Stud include Jeff Garcia, who led the Cleveland Browns to a 34-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, and Clinton Portis, who rushed for 171 yards to help the Redskins break their four-game losing streak.

Week 6: Sunday Stud


Shares of Marathon Oil Corp. (MRO.N: Quote, Profile, Research) rose to historic highs on Friday after Smith Barney raised its rating on the company, saying long-term oil prices

Marathon shares hit record high after upgrade


SALT LAKE CITY -- Defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham is deciding whether to stay at University of Utah and accept its head coaching job or take a rival offer from Brigham Young University.

Utes D coordinator has two offers


Selling stocks short is a very, very risky move that shouldn't be attempted by new investors.

Short Ride to Disaster


The defrocked Irish priest who sabotaged the Olympic Marathon has vowed that his illegal stunt days are over. Cornelius Horan, 57, was given a one-year suspended sentence by a Greek court after attacking the

Ex-priest #39;s  #39;stunt days over #39;


MOSUL, Iraq -- Real power on Iraq's streets often lies in the hands of men like Sadi Ahmed Pire.

In Mosul, Kurdish militia helps keep order


It should be easier for mobile users to discover the amount of radiation generated by their handsets,  a leading expert says.

Demands over mobile radiation


Elena Dementieva beat Jennifer Capriati 6-0 2-6 7-6 (7-5) in a thrilling spectacle of tennis on Friday night to progress to the women #39;s singles final of the US Open.

DEMENTIEVA WINS THRILLER


US stocks gained on optimism the US presidential election would produce a clear winner, acting as the catalyst to lift share prices the rest of the year.

US Stocks Gain on Optimism About Election; Nextel Advances


But the most important entry on Middle East watchers #39; list is George W. Bush: in for four more years. The recent death of Arafat, the Palestinian Authority president, creates an opportunity for the United

Bush seems primed for Mideast push


SPACE.com - One of the pleasures of \  stargazing is noticing and enjoying the various colors that stars display in \  dark skies. These hues offer direct visual evidence of how stellar temperatures \  vary.

Explore the Many Colors of Stars (SPACE.com)


The Zimbabwe government lifted the ban on visiting journalists even though it was revealed that those journos were denied accreditaion because of insufficient information provided!

Games over, now let #39;s play


RAMADI, Iraq - Six Iraqis were killed as violence flared in the flashpoint city of Ramadi on Monday as nearby Fallujah braced for an all-out assault with US and Iraqi troops massing in the rebel heartlands.

Six Iraqis killed in Ramadi as Fallujah braces for all-out assault


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq #39;s interim government said it had defused a Shi #39;ite rebellion in Najaf on Friday without a shot being fired, but rebel militiamen denied police had seized the city #39;s sacred Imam Ali Mosque from their control.

Confusion Surrounds Seizure of Iraqi Mosque


The head of the Chinese space agency, Laiyan Sun, will meet for the first time with NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe Dec. 2 in Washington for an  quot;informal quot; session.

NASA #39;s O #39;Keefe to meet Chinese space agency chief


AP - Atomic radiation levels are beginning to decline in the Arctic, years after Soviet nuclear weapons tests and the Chernobyl nuclear accident spewed their fallout over the region, according to a study released Tuesday.

Study: Atomic Radiation Down in Arctic (AP)


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

Crime Spurs South Africa's Inventors to Action


Tokyo stocks rose by midday on Monday as a broad range of issues got a lift from a key survey that boosted optimism on Japan #39;s economic outlook and raised expectations that growth figures will be revised up.

Tokyo Stocks Higher, Lifted by Survey


AFP - George W. Bush and election rival John Kerry hammered away at each other's credibility ahead of their final debate while Democrats were outraged about a new anti-Kerry documentary.

Bush and Kerry step up credibility battle before last debate (AFP)


IT IS two years since Tim Henman enjoyed top billing at a championship and there, in Basle, he reached the quarter- finals before losing to David Nalbandian.

Prospect of Houston is no problem for Henman


Verizon will use Linksys phone adapters for its VoIP service, as the market for placing calls over the Net picks up momentum.

Linksys, Verizon team on Net telephony


UN refugee workers are readying themselves for an influx of refugees from Darfur as people in the western Sudan region take advantage of the end of the rainy season and a promised government clampdown on militia violence.

Aid workers braced for more Darfur refugees


Open-source champion Red Hat has taken its new CFO from the traditional business world. Charles Peters, who becomes executive vice president and CFO of the Linux-based firm, has a solid background as a qualified

Red Hat goes mainstream to cap new CFO


WASHINGTON -- Despite record oil prices and strong projected demand from China and the United States, major oil firms are skimping on their exploration budgets and pocketing big profits while waiting out the storm of high prices, oil analysts say.

Rate of oil exploration slows


WASHINGTON Sept. 24, 2004 - Shares of Fannie Mae fell again on Friday, capping a three-day slide of more than 13 percent, as investor concerns widened after a government regulator accused top executives

Fannie Mae Shares Drop 13 Pct. in 3 Days


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Telstra Corp. #39;s (TLS) revenue so far this fiscal year has been growing at a similar pace to the second half of 2003-04, Chief Financial Officer John Stanhope said Monday.

INTERVIEW: Telstra Rev Growth Similar To 2H04 -2-


Reuters - Japan and the United States agreed on\Saturday to resume imports of American beef from animals with\birth records up to 20 months, Japan's Foreign Ministry said in\a statement.

Japan, U.S. Agree Resumption of Some Beef Imports (Reuters)


ATHENS: Seldom have sporting moments of inconceivable pain and delirious joy covered more emotional ground yet been so difficult to distinguish.

High drama as stars dissolve in tracks of tears


AFP - Britain's manufacturing recovery stuttered in the third quarter, weighed down by a slowdown in demand and the surging cost of raw materials, the country's leading business grouping said.

British manufacturing hit by higher costs, slowing demand (AFP)


A new study finds fathers who are interested in their daughters' activities -- whether traditionally masculine pursuits such as sports or traditionally feminine ones such as music -- increase the chances that the girls will stay involved with those activities.

Involved Dads Help Daughters' Development


Nobody was expecting good news to come out of Marsh  amp; McLennan (MMC ) when it announced third-quarter earnings on Nov. 9. After all, the world #39;s largest insurance broker has lost its chief executive -- and

Marsh Mac #39;s Deepening Morass


Officials announced the launch of an IBM Innovation Center in Beijing Thursday to find better ways to get software from ISVs (define) around the world into the computers of small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in China.

IBM Taps into China SMBs


AFP - The eurozone economy got slapped with a wave of bad news that highlighted a third-quarter slowdown, a decline in industrial activity and a stagnant job market.

Eurozone economy hit with flood of bad news (AFP)


He #39;s a cool guy, a borderline lunatic, someone who can jam the hell out of a Strat. He #39;s got a temper that #39;s quicker than Michael Vick and spent some time last week talking football

Falcons keep heat on Bulger, RBs


AP - David Ortiz homered twice and drove in four runs, and Curt Schilling earned his 16th win in the Boston Red Sox's 11-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night.

Ortiz Powers Red Sox Past Blue Jays 11-5 (AP)


quot;The world gave me eight minutes, and I will give the world a surprise, quot; said Chinese director Zhang Yimou, who is gearing up for a show at the closing ceremony of the Athens Olympics.

Auteur Zhang ready for Athens surprise show


A fresh diplomatic crisis loomed after US officials indicated they would not object to continued construction in Israeli West Bank settlements, and Palestinians warned such a policy shift would wreck Mideast peace efforts.

Palestinians denounce latest US policy shift


The man most Palestinians would like to see succeed late President Yasser Arafat may run in upcoming elections despite five life prison terms handed down by Israel for orchestrating murders, his lawyer says.

Jailed Palestinian leader eyed as Arafat successor


SiliconValley.com - Don Listwin, chief executive of communications software maker Openwave Systems, is giving up the executive reins to throw himself into a personal crusade against cancer.

Listwin steps down as CEO at Openwave (SiliconValley.com)


For the first time since 1993, Willie Randolph won #39;t be in a Yankees uniform on Opening Day when New York opens its season next April.

Yankees happy for Randolph


US Airways Group Inc. said Thursday has reached agreements with its lenders and lessors for continued use and operation of substantially all of its mainline and Express fleet.

US Airways to Keep Flying Most Planes


Moscow: President Vladimir Putin stepped up Kremlin control over Russia #39;s regions Monday and called for moves to improve security in the north Caucasus as he appointed a new government chief of staff after the Beslan school hostage tragedy.

Putin appoints new government chief of staff


At the rate the Boston Red Sox are going, they will soon be selling their World Series highlight film, which should be quite a bargain, considering it can double as a bloopers video.

In Game 2, It #39;s Bloopers: The Sequel


Property owners at Cape San Blas, Fla., have run into an insurance Catch-22.

Policy to Preserve Coastline Runs Into Reality on Nation's Beaches


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Bankrupt US Airways <A HREF=

US Airways Reaches Deal with Dispatchers


A virulent form of hepatitis that is especially lethal for pregnant women has broken out in two of Iraq's most troubled districts.

Hepatitis Outbreak Laid to Water and Sewage Failures


com. As manager Terry Francona put it before this American League Championship Series began:  quot;These guys just like to play ball.

No quit in resilient Red Sox


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Militants piled more pressure on the  United States' military allies in Iraq on Thursday, seizing a  Polish woman and holding a Japanese man under death threat.

IRAQ Kidnappers Tighten Screw on U.S. Allies in Iraq


Shares of Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. Inc. (MMC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) fell 6 percent before the bell Friday, extending their slide a day after the insurance broker was targeted in a fraud suit by New York #39;s attorney general.

Before the Bell--Marsh and La Jolla drop, Delta gains


AP - San Diego's native-born panda, Hua Mei, gave birth to twins on Wednesday, less than a year after she was sent into a Chinese breeding program.

San Diego-Born Panda Hua Mei Has Twins (AP)


AP - A Chicago Tribune editor who was on the Vietnam mission for which John Kerry received the Silver Star is backing up Kerry's account of the incident.

Veteran Backs Kerry on Silver Star Account (AP)


Lab test confirmed that 23 tigers in a private zoo in eastern Thailand have died of infecting with avian influenza virus, officials said here on Tuesday.

Thailand confirms 23 tigers die of bird flu


Will this newfangled kind of mortgage help you buy a house?

Homebuying with Good Credit, Little Cash


Chelsea is the new Premier League leader in England. The Blues took a hard-fought 1-0 victory yesterday over Everton on Arjen Robben #39;s 72nd-minute goal.

Blues are Robben first place from Arsenal


The taekwondo Olympic competition degenerated into chaos Saturday when irate Azerbaijan coaching staff stormed the fighting area in ugly scenes which overshadowed US and Chinese gold medals.

Azeri Protest Spoils US, China Taekwondo Gold


US video game makers Acclaim has filed for bankruptcy after struggling to keep up sales in an increasingly competitive games market for some time.

Games makers Acclaim ceases ops


and two days later his company hit another milestone. It released what #39;s easily its most important product in more than nine years.

Solaris 10 Could Brighten Sun


WASHINGTON -- Pakistan's military has been so effective in pressuring Al Qaeda leaders hiding in the tribal region of western Pakistan that Osama bin Laden and his top deputies no longer are able to direct terrorist operations, a senior American commander said yesterday.

Bin Laden said to be cut off, compromised


That #39;s a lesson leveraged for tens of millions of dollars by minority investors in Internet Auction Co., the South Korean Internet site that eBay controls and tried to take private last year.

eBay Opens Wallet in Korea


Defensive end Ty Warren , who played behind veteran Bobby Hamilton as a rookie last year and had 33 tackles, has eclipsed that total with 48 stops this season in 12 starts. Throw in a pass deflection, a couple of forced fumbles, and 4 1/2 sacks, and it's been a promising turnaround for the 13th overall pick in ...

Warren the do-it-yourself type


In the Enron bankruptcy tale, one of the more intriguing sideshows involves the fate of Portland General Electric, the only energy-producing asset Enron actually owned.

Variations on Power to the People


EILAT, Israel -- Rescue workers yesterday searched the wreckage of an Egyptian hotel for more than three dozen people still missing after three coordinated bomb attacks that killed about 30 Israeli tourists and Egyptians at two vacation resorts on the Red Sea.

Dozens missing after blasts in Egypt


Two days after senior Lane Jackson will be counted on heavily to lead Navy to its first victory over Notre Dame since 1963, the inside linebacker be interviewed by a panel of SEALs.

Jackson Is on a Mission


Fiat (FIA.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) does not plan to delay any further a contested option allowing it to sell car unit Fiat Auto to partner General Motors Corp

UPDATE 1-Fiat CEO says won #39;t delay GM put option again


For the second time in a year, telecommunications equipment maker Lucent Technologies Inc. is reducing benefits promised to retirees.

Lucent Technologies cuts benefits for more retirees


Competitors criticise Dell for a lack of engineering expertise, but the company says one significant computer due to launch in November is its own design: its second-generation blade server, the PowerEdge 1855.

Dells new blade  home grown or not?


Slobodan Milosevic angrily refused to work with two court-appointed lawyers Tuesday as they called the first witness in his war crimes defense case - an elderly Serbian nationalist who taught the ex-Yugoslav leader law and advised the wartime Serbian

Hard-Line Serbian Defends Milosevic


Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling has surgery to repair his injured right ankle with no complications Tuesday, the team doctor said.

Schilling Has Surgery


AP - After falling onto the edge of the judges' table on the landing of his vault, Paul Hamm performed two of the most spectacular routines of his career to win the men's all-around gymnastics title by the closest Olympic margin ever.

Hamm Wins All-Around Gymnastics Title (AP)


Somebody named Larry Donald slapped Evander Holyfield silly Saturday night, making us all wonder why the former champ still has a boxing license.

Gordo #39;s Tipsheet: Sunday Edition


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Thoroughbred race horses are riding  high as purse money grows along with television audiences for  the sport made even more popular by Hollywood movies such as

Thoroughbreds Ride High


Videoconferencing tools are increasingly making their way not just into the office but into the home, adding a dimension to long-distance visits with relatives and friends.

Waving Hello, From a Distance


The three-person spacecraft flew higher than 62 miles for the second time in a week and captured the X-Prize, an award offered to promote private-sector development of spaceships.

Private Space Ship Snares X-Prize


Thousands of years before white and Indian hunters drove the buffalo of America #39;s Great Plains to virtual extinction, the ancestors of those lordly animals suffered a similar fate -- but it was major climate change, not hunting, that did them in, says an

Ancient bison done in by climate, not hunters


Peak-time woes bedevil merchants, customers

Amazon's 'morning nightmare' lasts 11 days, and counting


WITH the Knicks shedding assistant coaches like a volcano emits warning rumbles, and the Nets reverting back to the bad old days, it could be a long winter for New York.

Isiah Thomas, Nobody #39;s Fool, Won #39;t Coach These Knicks


THERE are times when the game is truly worth the candle, when you are in the stadium and conscious of the privilege. It was like that at Lansdowne Road yesterday as Ireland produced one of their great performances

White pays for harsh words


Lucent Technologies Inc. (LU.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , among the world #39;s largest makers of telecommunications equipment, on Wednesday said its fourth-quarter earnings

Lucent Says Earnings More Than Triple


The US Justice Department has opened a criminal probe into whether American International Group Inc. , the world's largest insurer by market value, helped a major banking client move bad loans off its books, AIG said yesterday.

AIG faces criminal probe over loans


Baltimore, MD -- Johan Santana fired seven shutout innings as Minnesota won the rubber match of a three-game series with Baltimore, 9-0 at Camden Yards.

American League Game Summary - Minnesota At Baltimore


BOSTON -- After suffering decades of defeat and disappointment, the 2004 Boston Red Sox made history Wednesday night, beating the Yankees in the house that Ruth built and claiming the American League championship trophy.

Sox Victorious At Last!!


The European tour is investigating Seve Ballesteros, who is accused of assaulting another Spanish golfer off the course during an amateur tournament last month.

European Tour Investigating Ballesteros


South London fighter Danny Williams is bidding to reclaim the WBC world heavyweight title for Britain when he takes on champion Vitali Klitschko in Las Vegas.

Williams bids to beat Klitschko in Vegas


new yorkCrude oil futures rose to almost \$50 (US) a barrel yesterday as platforms in the Gulf of Mexico pumped at below-normal rates two weeks after Hurricane Ivan.

Supply worries lift oil near \$50 US


A man charged in one of the largest identity theft scams in US history pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and fraud in connection with identity documents this week.

Identity Theft Suspect Pleads Guilty


The British government condemned racist taunts by fans in Spain aimed at black players on England #39;s team during an exhibition game, and soccer #39;s governing body ordered an investigation Thursday.

Britain condemns racist taunts; FIFA calls for probe


British Prime Tony Blair arrived today for critical Northern Ireland peace talks and declared:  quot;This really is the moment of decision for us.

NI talks reach  #39;moment of decision #39;: Blair


Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday accused India of being  quot;paranoid quot; over its efforts to secure F-16 fighter aircraft and other weaponry from the US but said this would not have any bearing on nuclear and conventional confidence building measure talks between

Pak says India paranoid on F-16


reserved. US digital wireless communications products developer Qualcomm has announced that German handset maker Siemens is to build wireless multimedia handsets based on chipsets from Qualcomm #39;s WCDMA (UMTS) Mobile Station Modem (MSM) portfolio.

Siemens Selects Qualcomm #39;s Chipsets


AP - SunTrust Banks Inc. has fired its chief credit officer, Sandra W. Jansky, and two others in its credit division after an investigation found errors in its calculation of auto loan default reserves, the company said Wednesday.

SunTrust Fires Three After Investigation (AP)


AIN EL HELWEH, Lebanon -- Shops and schools in this southern Palestinian refugee camp remained closed all weekend, mosque loudspeakers blared out Koranic verses, and soot from tires set alight when Yasser Arafat's death was announced settled on cars.

In Lebanon's refugee camps, Palestinians unite to mourn


TORONTO (CP) - BFI Canada Income Fund and IESI Corp. of Fort Worth, Tex., say they have agreed to a \$1.1-billion merger that will give IESI shareholders a 39 per cent stake in one of North America #39;s largest non-hazardous solid waste management companies.

Waste management firms BFI Canada, IESI announce \$1.1 billion <b>...</b>


It may be hard to believe in these days of driving the SUV to the corner store, but people are actually pretty fast on their feet, and endurance running may have played an important role in human evolution.

Humans Well-Suited for Running


The next-generation OS will allow consumers to watch one channel while recording another, CNET News.com has learned.

Microsoft to tune up Media Center PC


Dr Rajkumar who spent around 118 days in captivity with Veerappan, had said in a press conference soon after his release that there was a human being within the bandit.

The Forest Brigand and Me


Second seed Elena Dementieva saw her hopes of a first title of 2004 end in double-quick time on Friday when she was hammered 6-1 6-1 by fellow Russian Elena Bovina in the semi-finals of the New Haven Cup.

Second seed Dementieva hammered by Bovina in New Haven


Free agent Pedro Martinez met with the general manager of the New York Mets in his home country, a month after helping the Boston Red Sox win their first World Series title since 1918, a baseball source told The Associated Press.

Martinez meets with Mets GM in Dominican Republic


Morgan Stanley was slapped with a \$100,000 fine from regulators on Monday after the investment bank failed to tell municipal bond investors that their holdings could be redeemed before the maturity date.

Morgan Stanley Is Fined \$100,000 by NASD


There were times when Fred Hale Sr. #39;s loved ones wondered if he might just live forever. Nothing seemed to stop Hale, the oldest man in the world.

Secret of success (for 113 years): hobbies, honey, a merry outlook


The ongoing civil trial involving P2P file sharing network Kazaa highlights the risks corporates face by not locking down employees #39; desktop applications, say security experts.

Kazaa trial highlights P2P dangers


Reuters - The United States\accused Sudan on Thursday of using attack helicopters against\African villagers and said the United Nations was not being\tough enough on Khartoum.

U.S. Says UN Not Being Tough Enough on Sudan (Reuters)


A few weeks ago I wrote in this very blog that HD for the masses was still some way away. Well, its taken another step closer: Sony has just announced a \$3700 HD Camcorder for consumers.

Enter your e-mail:


The Notre Dame players have heard them all around campus this week, and theyre not listening to any of it. After all, wasnt it just a couple of weeks ago the same sort of negative

Irish identify with must-win Huskies


Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum in New York granted Martha Stewart #39;s request to be assigned to a prison camp in Danbury, Connecticut.

Martha Stewart #39;s  #39;Jail Me #39; Request Granted


TOKYO - Nintendo says it will make available 12 software titles for its new  quot;DS quot; handheld game console when the dual-screen machine debuts in Japan on Dec. 2. Nintendo is gearing up to defend its market share

Nintendo says 12 DS games to debut in Japan


Iranian Foreign Minister Kemal Kharrazi announced that the negotiations between Iran and the European Union (EU) on Iran #39;s nuclear programs are in their final phase.

Kharrazi: EU-Iran Negotiations in Final Phase


The bodies had been whisked away but the dried pool of blood covering the dirt-floor dead end of a twisting alley was a chilling sign of what happened here last week.

Police terror sweeps across Haiti


KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghanistan's first direct presidential election was thrust into turmoil hours after it started Saturday when all 15 candidates challenging interim leader Hamid Karzai said they would boycott the outcome because of potential fraud in the system designed to keep voters from casting more than one ballot.    The poll also was marred by violence, as militants ambushed police escorting boxes of ballots, killing three officers in the deadliest direct assault on the landmark post-Taliban vote, a senior official said...

Opposition Alleges Afghan Election Fraud


Inhibitex Inc. stood out from a mixed biotechnology sector Monday, jumping more than 20 percent on news that it will receive a fast-tracked review for a staph-infection treatment.

Inhibitex Outstrips Mixed Biotech Stocks


Ten turnovers later, No. 2 Everett was awarded no style points yesterday but did manage to pick up a key Greater Boston League victory, defeating No. 11 Peabody, 31-6. In a game that included nine fumbles and an interception, the Crimson Tide did a better job of capitalizing on Peabody's five turnovers than Peabody did on Everett's five ...

Everett picks up on Peabody miscues


A federal bankruptcy judge approved United Airlines #39; amended financing plan Friday, rejecting union arguments that United didn #39;t try hard enough to come up with an alternative that would continue company contributions to employee pension funds.

Update 12: Judge Won #39;t Block United Pension Plans


On the eve of the Kobe Bryant sexual assault trial, a frustrated judge chastised prosecutors Thursday for waiting until the last minute to challenge DNA evidence the defense

Bryant judge questions prosecution #39;s late challenge to DNA <b>...</b>


Sudan expelled the country director of Save the Children, accusing the British aid agency of breaching Sudanese law and interfering in domestic affairs, the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry and the agency said on Monday.

Sudan Expels Head of Britain Aid Agency


San Francisco, September 30: IBM on Wednesday said it will take a third-quarter charge of \$320 million to settle all but two claims of an ongoing lawsuit claiming its pension plan discriminated against older workers, in exchange for capping its potential

IBM settles pension claims, other liability capped


NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Google Inc. <A HREF=

Google Slashes IPO, Gets Pricing Go-Ahead


Senior tailback Robert Carr rushed for 160 yards on 32 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead Yale to a 21-9 win over Princeton yesterday in New Haven.

Carr in the high-speed lane for Bulldogs


In response to concerns of the disappearance of nuclear materials, Iraqi Science and Technology Minister Rashad Omar told the press Tuesday that UN nuclear inspectors are welcome to return.

Iraq welcomes UN nuclear inspectors to return


US law enforcers have arrested dozens in a crackdown on  quot;spam quot; e-mail, identity theft and other fraudulent online activity, a person involved in the investigation says.

US arrests dozens in  quot;spam quot; crackdown -source


Shares of ID Biomedical jumped after the company reported Monday that it signed long-term agreements with the three largest flu vaccine wholesalers in the United States in light of the shortage of vaccine for the current flu season.

ID Biomedical Shares Up on Vaccine Contract


As Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat clung to life Thursday, many in the West began to hope -- not for his death, but for the possibility that peace might follow it.

Arafat #39;s health raises questions about Mideast


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Children's Place Retail Stores Inc.  <A HREF=

Children's Place to Buy Disney Stores


AP - Japanese companies were less upbeat in December than they were three months ago, amid recent data indicating that the world's second-largest economy may be losing steam, a key government survey showed Wednesday.

Japanese Manufacturers Less Upbeat in Dec. (AP)


Although downgraded to a tropical storm, Ivan is still churning a deadly path north leaving a death toll of 75, including 38 in the United States.

Ivan Leaves Long Trail of Damage Along Gulf


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

UK's EMI Says to Face Music Industry Probe in U.S.


Zimbabwe #39;s rebels are pinning their hopes on Richard Bevan, the chief executive of the Professional Cricketers #39; Association, the England players #39; union, as a last resort in their battle with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union.

rebels pin hopes on Bevan


People are being warned about a scam e-mail which uses the US presidential poll to part them from their cash.

E-mail scam plays on US elections


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Rebel Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr  has ordered his militia to end attacks on U.S. and Iraqi  government forces and will soon unveil plans to pursue his  goals through politics rather than conflict, aides said Monday.

Iraqi Cleric Calls Cease-fire After Bloody Uprising


Phelps led all the way in winning the 200-meter freestyle at the World Short Course Championships on opening night Thursday, giving the world #39;s best swimmer a chance to equal the six gold medals he won at the Athens Olympics.

Phelps wins first medal, Sandeno wins three at Short Course World <b>...</b>


The Chicago Cubs are not ignoring the fact that Sammy Sosa arrived late to last Sunday #39;s season finale, and then left early. The club announced Wednesday the slugger will be fined a day #39;s pay - or \$87,400, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Sosa reportedly fined \$87,400


Ever since rookie Al Jefferson showed up late for a team meeting after misinterpreting the Celtics schedule, he has been the subject of more training camp jokes than he cares to remember. Coach Doc Rivers quipped after practice yesterday that Jefferson risked missing the team's charter flight to Chicago after misreading the trip itinerary. Jefferson insisted that he ...

For Jefferson, it's not easy being green


Yasser Arafat lay critically ill with liver failure today and his condition was not improving, a Palestinian official said, as Israel finalised plans to bury the Palestinian president in the Gaza Strip.

Arafats liver fails


SBC Communications Inc. and BellSouth Corp. will build fiber-optic networks for carrying video more quickly after US regulators said they won #39;t force the phone companies to share the equipment with competitors.

FCC ruling speeds network creation


PARIS (AFP) - China, Japan and North America will pull the global economy forward over the next two years despite headwinds thrown up by high oil prices and tenacious deficits, the OECD predicted.

Global economy to hit headwinds next year: OECD


THE long and bitter presidential campaign will (it is widely and devoutly hoped) be over in nine days. One man will win, and the voters will be rewarded with either George W. Bush #39;s  quot;ownership

In This Climate, Victory #39;s No Picnic, Either


Reuters - Italians largely oppose gay marriage with\61 percent rejecting homosexual wedlock and even more opposed\to adoption for same-sex couples, a poll on Sunday showed.

Italians Oppose Marriage, Adoption for Gays (Reuters)


SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Larry Lester said it was difficult waiting seven long days to purge the dull ache he felt in his heart after last week's loss to Pittsburgh. In that game, Lester committed a costly fumble in overtime that resulted in Boston College's first Big East loss of the season, 20-17.

Redemption for Lester


Surrounded by the devastation of a storm that killed hundreds of their countrymen, Haitians took time to groom themselves for church Sunday, braiding little girls #39; hair and polishing shoes.

Haitians go to church after Jeanne passes


AP - Vancouver Canucks forward Todd Bertuzzi returned to the ice Sunday for the first time since being suspended for attacking Colorado's Steve Moore, playing in a charity game that included more than 30 locked out NHL players.

Canucks' Bertuzzi Plays in Charity Game (AP)


Anheuser-Busch has launched a caffeine-infused version of its leading Budweiser brand. The beer, called B(E) will also contain guarana and ginseng.

US: AB to launch caffeinated Budweiser


Bank of America Corp. said yesterday it will add up to 900 jobs in Rhode Island with the opening of a call center in East Providence.

Bank to add up to 900 jobs in R.I.


Soft sales continued at Wal-Mart Stores in the latest week, the world #39;s largest retailer reported Saturday. Free! Sign up here to receive our Before the Bell e-Newsletter!

Wal-Mart says softness continues


Separatists are suspected of bombing a crowded market, a tea plantation and other sites yesterday, killing seven people in a second day of explosions and gun attacks that have

Separatist attacks kill 57 in north-east India


Amcast Industrial Corp. has sold its Automotive Components Group, including its operations in Cedarburg, to Park-Ohio Holdings Corp.

Amcast sells aluminum castings business to Park-Ohio


Reuters - Piecing together old video footage, an\Italian aid group released emotive images to Arab television on\Sunday of its two female Italian charity workers and two Iraqi\colleagues kidnapped in Baghdad.

Video Appeal for Release of Italian Hostages (Reuters)


British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline PLC reported a 9 percent drop in third-quarter earnings Thursday, citing stiff competition from generic drug makers.

Glaxo Sees Dip in Third-Quarter Profits


AFP - Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, the first Greek premier to visit Egypt in 12 years, held talks in Cairo with President Hosni Mubarak.

Greek PM meets Mubarak (AFP)


ARLINGTON, Va. The union representing US Airways reservation agents and other passenger service employees has voted to authorize a strike if it can #39;t negotiate a fair contract with the Arlington-based airline.

Union votes to authorize strike if talks break down


Prototype 20.1-inch display is the world's largest OLED, the South Korea-based manufacturer says.

LG Philips lays claim to biggest OLED


Yes, boys and girls, the word for this year is  #39;blog #39;--that #39;s blog as in  #39;a website that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments and often hyperlinks.

The Word of the Year is: Blog


On one side, you had Boston College playing for its first Big East championship (by default, some would say) and an invite to a big-time, big dough, BCS bowl; a team saying

Megliola: BC blows golden opportunit


Yahoo has quietly purchased e-mail software company Stata Labs, in what could be an investment in a coming PC search tool to rival Google and Microsoft.

Yahoo Purchases E-Mail Search Company


Linx Printing Technologies says it is backing a 86 million pound takeover offer by US firm Danaher after a rival, lower, bidder withdrew.

Linx Printing backs Danaher takeover


Bonds will look to make the most of his last visit of the year to hitter-friendly Coors Field as the San Francisco Giants wrap up a two-game series with the Colorado Rockies.

Can Bonds reach 700 in Coors Field finale?


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. economy showed signs of  strength with the release of stronger-than-expected retail  sales data on Monday that helped cement views the Federal  Reserve will raise interest rates again this week.

Retail Sales Edge Up as Car Sales Dip


Ziff Davis - Open-source leader Eric Raymond spells out his objections to Sun President Jonathan Schwartz's contention that the Java Community Process is truer to open-source ideas than is Linux.

Open Source Leader Takes Sun's Schwartz to Task (Ziff Davis)


As the 2004 Summer Olympics officially get underway Friday with an international broadcast of the opening ceremonies, health experts expect the Athens games to inspire couch potatoes to become more active. But, experts caution, amateurs, particularly sedentary ones, should not jump into a new sports activity without sufficient preparation.

Olympics Could Call Out the Couch Potatoes


American NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao, bottom, Russian cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov, center, and Russian Yuri Shargin, top, wave just before their launch at the cosmodrome Baikonur in Kazakstan, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004.

New Crew Sets Off for Space Station


By ROBIN BROWN. After three decades as a volunteer Salvation Army bell ringer, 64-year-old James  quot;Sonny quot; Rosel keeps thinking of retiring.

Salvation Army tradition in danger


Thousands of school children are logging on to the Internet to join scientists exploring a series of hydrothermal vents a mile under the sea to the west of Costa Rica.

Students Log On as Scientists Explore Deep Ocean


OAKLAND, Calif. -- Ichiro Suzuki had two hits on Tuesday night to move within three of tying the single-season record in the Seattle Mariners #39; 7-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

Ichiro goes 2-for-5 in Mariners victory


Boston Scientific Corp said on Friday it has recalled an ear implant the company acquired as part of its purchase of Advanced Bionics in June.

Boston Scientific Recalls Ear Implant


Australian David McKenzie, who missed qualifying for his US PGA tour card by one shot six days ago, had an 8-under-par 64 Saturday to take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the Australian Masters.

Lonard four back in pursuit of Slam


The Red Sox could have a new shortstop -- National League All-Star Edgar Renteria -- as soon as today. Renteria plans to decide today whether he will succeed his Colombian countryman, Orlando Cabrera, as Boston's everyday shortstop, according to a source familiar with Renteria's plans.

Renteria's decision expected today


AP - Venezuelan election officials agreed Tuesday to conduct a partial audit of the results of a recall referendum won by President Hugo Chavez, amid opposition charges of election fraud, officials told The Associated Press.

Venezuelan Officials Agree to Audit Sample (AP)


OLYMPIC silver medallist Brooke Hanson led an Australian quinella in the 50 metres breaststroke final at the world shortcourse win titles at Indianapolis today.

Hanson completes 50m quinella


Q: Is it appropriate for my boss to ask me point-blank if I'm looking for another job? I find it rather rude. I don't think this is anyone's business, especially my manager's. What's a suitable response?

Is it appropriate for my boss to ask me if I'm looking for another job?


Reuters - U.S. and Iraqi forces pushed on\with their offensive against insurgents in the town of Samarra\overnight, killing five people and wounding 20 in the fighting,\a doctor at a local hospital said Saturday.

U.S. Pursues Samarra Offensive; 5 Dead, 20 Wounded (Reuters)


A parliamentary session due to have begun on Monday in the Maldives has been postponed indefinitely.

Emergency defers Maldives debate


Though I #39;ve spent a good portion of my life living in the Southeast, I didn #39;t stumble upon Hibbett Sporting Goods (Nasdaq: HIBB) in real life.

A Hot Prospect for Hidden Gems


Former owner Alex Langer is poised to resume operations of WBIX-AM this week amid signs the station is about to significantly cut back on its signature business news and information programs. Langer sold WBIX to accused embezzler Bradford Bleidt in 2002 for \$10 million, but was still owed \$7 million when Bleidt was arrested and charged this month with stealing ...

Former owner to operate WBIX-AM


LONDON (Reuters) - Ireland's Philip Walton, who holed the  winning putt for Europe at the 1995 Ryder Cup, tees off this  week in a field of 168 at the European Tour qualifying school  finals in Spain.

Back to 'School' for Walton, and 167 Other Hopefuls


A host of new products are designed to work and compete with leading enterprise management products, the company says. By Darrell Dunn.

Microsoft Puts New Life Into Its Systems Management


High levels of  may be killing off people living in cities around the world, experts suspect.

Ozone 'link' to premature deaths


AUGUST 24, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - A Columbus, Ind., man was charged yesterday in federal court with hacking into the systems of his Gloucester, Mass.

Indiana man charged with hacking into former employer #39;s systems


US DOMESTIC air travellers could be surfing the web by 2006 via government-approved technology that allows people access to high-speed internet connections while they fly.

US approves high-flying broadband


Miami,FL (Sports Network) - The Florida Marlins released reliever Billy Koch on Tuesday, while catcher Ramon Castro opted for free agency.

Koch off the hook; Marlins release pitcher


Lee, who batted .305 with 31 homers and 99 RBIs last season, gives the Brewers a right-handed slugger in the middle of the lineup to complement Geoff Jenkins and Lyle Overbay, both left-handed hitters.

ChiSox trade Lee to Brewers for Poz, Vizcaino


AP - Experts say few migrating monarch butterflies are being spotted in Vermont this year where once they were common autumn sights.

Monarch Butterflies Go Missing in Vt. (AP)


The Portland Trail Blazers suspended reserve forward Qyntel Woods without pay Tuesday pending a team investigation surrounding alleged dogfighting.

Blazers Suspend Qyntel Woods Without Pay


A European Court judge today pressed Microsoft to explain how it would suffer irreparable harm if it follows EU orders to share technology with competitors, but he offered no clues as to how he will rule.

EU judge to Microsoft: Justify penalty suspension


Human activity has raised the risk of more heat waves like last years, which gave Europe probably its hottest summer since 1500, scientists said on Wednesday.

Humans raise risk of Europe heat wave


Worldwide mobile phone sales rise 26 in the July to September quarter, driven by demand for new handsets.

Mobile phone sales still booming


Like bugs streaking colorfully down the side window of a moving car, Earthgrazing Perseid meteors could put on a pleasing show after sunset on August 11th.

Horseflies and Meteors


African health workers aren #39;t just being lured away by better salaries in rich countries. They are fleeing squalid and unsafe workplaces and staggering workloads.

Africa #39;s Health Worker Exodus: Who #39;s at Fault?


Reuters - PeopleSoft Inc.  on Monday\forecast third-quarter revenue would exceed Wall Street\expectations, saying it added 150 new customers and had more\large software license transactions than in the previous\quarter.

PeopleSoft Sees Revenue Above Views (Reuters)


MIAMI - Nearly a half-million people were ordered to evacuate as Hurricane Frances swirled toward Florida on Wednesday just weeks after Charley's devastating visit, threatening to deliver the most powerful one-two punch to hit a state in at least a century.    Those planning to ride out the storm snapped up canned food, water and generators, while military helicopters and planes were flown out of the area and Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center said it would close on Thursday...

Florida Calls for Hurricane Evacuations


A group led by al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has claimed responsibility for a suicide car bombing which killed three British troops in Iraq.

Zarqawi group says it killed British troops


Nepal #39;s ruling coalition has expressed hopes for peace talks with Maoist rebels, as the capital, Kathmandu, returned to normal after the rebels lifted a week-long blockade.

Hopes for peace talks as Nepal rebels lift blockade


San Francisco, CA - Music publisher Ludlow Music, Inc., has officially backed down on its threats against web animation studio JibJab Media Inc.

Music Publisher Settles Copyright Skirmish Over Guthrie Classic


AP - Monitoring the gases emitted by lava from Mount St. Helens might provide clues to future eruptions, a British volcano expert reported Thursday.

Lava Gases May Give Clues to Eruptions (AP)


New Navision 4.0 application includes financial, e-commerce, and CRM tools.

Microsoft Shows Small Business Software


WASHINGTON - The White House said seven months ago that it had released all the records on President Bush's stateside military service during the Vietnam War, yet new records are still dribbling out as Election Day approaches.    The White House on Wednesday night produced a November 1974 document bearing Bush's signature from Cambridge, Mass., where he was attending Harvard Business School, saying he had decided not to continue as a member of the military reserve...

Bush Document Details Military Departure


Michael Ovitz wanted a \$50 million signing bonus to become president of the Walt Disney Co., but the directors who eventually hired him were not willing

Testimony: Ovitz Was Denied Signing Bonus


The Canadian launch of Apple #39;s iTunes music-download service, which was expected to take place by the end of November, has been postponed.

iTunes Canada Launch Postponed


Reuters - Japan's Nikkei average edged up 0.25\percent at the opening on Tuesday as investors stayed\optimistic about Japan's economy and bought banks and insurance\firms.

Tokyo Stocks Open Firmer on Economy (Reuters)


BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (Reuters) - The words were there  but the conviction was missing as members of the U.S. team  vowed to produce another Ryder Cup miracle Saturday.

U.S. Defiance Undermined by Lack of Conviction


The maker of a documentary about Fox News offers raw footage of his film online for others to re-edit into new 'mixes.' With the spread of broadband and cheap filmmaking software, film may become remixers' favored medium. By Daniel Terdiman.

Outfoxed Offered for Remix


American forces stepped up their pressure on the insurgent-controlled city of Falluja on Friday, unleashing an aerial and artillery bombardment of

US Intensifying Bombing Attacks on Falluja Sites


roundup Plus: RealNetworks signs up Red Flag Linux...Microsoft ships Virtual PC 7...SGI warns of lower revenue, deeper loss.

Briefly: Salesforce.com reports subscriber surge


Ever since Nomar Garciaparra was traded for Orlando Cabrera, the Boston Red Sox have gone 26-8.

Red Sox' New Shortstop Fits Like a Glove


Athens, Greece (Sports Network) - US women #39;s basketball player Katie Smith will miss the remainder of the Olympics after an MRI exam revealed torn cartilage in her right knee.

Katie Smith tears cartilage; disappointment for Serbia  amp; <b>...</b>


LONDON: Three-times winner Tiger Woods bids for a third successive title at this weeks WGC-American Express Championship in Kilkenny, Ireland.

American Express Cship: Woods eyes fourth title after Vijays <b>...</b>


JEDDAH, 26 October 2004 - Hours after the gruesome murder of 49 unarmed Iraqi army recruits on Saturday, the group Tawhid wal Jihad (Monotheism and Combat) claimed responsibility for it in the name of its leader Abu Mussab Al-Zarqawi.

Zarqawi the Terror Monster: But Does He Really Exist?


AFP - President George W. Bush beat Senator John Kerry in the US state of Ohio in a November 2 vote, according to official results.

Bush won, but Democrats question Ohio vote (AFP)


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices surged to a new high above \$47 a barrel on Wednesday on evidence that energy costs are not substantially slowing the economic growth that fuels oil demand.

Oil at \$47, Economic Impact Seen as Muted


HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Sports Network) - His first pole of the  season couldn't have come at a better time for Nextel Cup  Series points leader Kurt Busch. The No.97 Roush Racing Ford  driver captured the pole for Sunday's season finale, Ford 400,  with a time of 30.114 seconds (179.319 m.p.h.).

Busch Wins Pole for Nextel Cup Finale


CROMWELL, Conn. -- There were professional golfers on hand, the sunlight was pouring down, and Eddie Carbone had on a shirt and tie, so in many ways everything seemed in place yesterday.

Carbone leaves a legacy behind


Intel announced its plans on Thursday to improve the Internet by making it safer, more useful, reliable, and accessible. At Fall IDF (Intel Developer Forum), Pat Gelsinger, Senior Vice President and Chief

Intel suggests overlay to boost Internet performance


EDEN PRARIE, Minnesota (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings  wide receiver Randy Moss will not play for the first time in  his NFL career on Monday night with a slight tear in his right  hamstring.

Vikings WR Moss to Miss Monday's Game


Chicago White Sox: The White Sox avoided arbitration with right-hander Jon Garlandon Friday, agreeing to a \$3.4 million, one-year contract.

One-year deal avoids arbitration


Safety Shaun Williams of the New York Giants will be sidelined the rest of the season after surgery on his left knee on Thursday. Williams was hurt in practice last Friday, when he intercepted a pass and landed awkwardly.

Williams has surgery on left knee, out for season


London - Space tourism, the business of rocketing civilians into orbit as British tycoon Richard Branson vowed on Monday to do, is technically feasible within a few years but fraught with perils, a space expert said.

Space flight  #39;extremely difficult #39;


MIAMI - Nearly a half-million people were ordered to evacuate as Hurricane Frances swirled toward Florida on Wednesday just weeks after Charley's devastating visit, threatening to deliver the most powerful one-two punch to hit a state in at least a century.    Those planning to ride out the storm snapped up canned food, water and generators, while military helicopters and planes were flown out of the area and Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center said it would close on Thursday...

As Frances Nears, Fla. Urges Evacuations


It was the kind of defense these Knicks are not known for. The kind they often pay lip service to. The kind that leads to ugly basketball, long stretches without points and NBA victories.

Even Knicks get their 15 minutes


President Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry on Friday seized on a Labor Department report showing the US expanded payrolls by 144,000 and lowered the unemployment level to 5.4 percent

Bush, Kerry battle over jobs report


JAMMU, India : Two trains collided head-on in the northern Indian state of Punjab Tuesday, killing 15 to 20 people, the railway minister said.

Head-on train crash leaves 15 to 20 dead in India: minister


October 5, 2004 -- Following the official announcement of his retirement, Scottie Pippen and Bulls GM John Paxson met the media at the Berto Center after the teams first official training camp practice this season.

Pippen:  quot;If I had anything to give, Id leave it here... quot;


Just eleven days into the 2004 Olympics in Athens, we have already been confronted with the seemingly common problem of drug use within sport. So much so, in fact, that it has been dubbed

The Olympic  Drug Problem


The UN War Crimes Tribunal has named two lawyers to defend former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, despite his adamant objections.

UN Court Formally Appoints Defense Lawyers for Milosevic


Black was charged with fraud yesterday by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), accusing him of using the company as, what they termed, his personal piggy bank.

Black moves to privatise Hollinger


Tiger is upset that his buddy Mark O #39;Meara got passed over as 2006 Ryder Cup captain. Instead, PGA America picked Tom Lehman. Woods says that Lehman is a good choice but would be a good choice four years from

Tiger Takes A Stand On Ryder Cup Politics


The Boston Cannons said they weren't looking for revenge last night against the Baltimore Bayhawks, who drubbed the Cannons in their penultimate game of the season. That's what they said.

Cannons find target in rout


The United States yesterday announced anti-dumping duties on imports of Chinese shrimp as high as 113 per cent, a move that will hurt both US consumers and Chinese shrimp farmers, China Daily reported Thursday.

Shrimp trade with US hindered


Linz, Austria (Sports Network) - Former world No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo of France led the parade into the semifinals at the \$585,000 Generali Ladies Linz tennis event.

Mauresmo charges into Linz semis


SHEFFIELD, England - Thousands paid their respects Wednesday at the funeral of Emlyn Hughes, the former England and Liverpool captain who was one of the greatest English soccer players of his generation.

Thousands remember former England captain Emlyn Hughes


AP - Insurgents in Iraq have kidnapped more than 150 foreigners. Those reported held are:

A Look at Foreigners Taken Hostage in Iraq (AP)


The Australian Gas Light Company (AGL) today announced its was ending its 12 year long involvement in the New Zealand energy sector with the \$750 miillion sale of its 66.

AGL retreat from NZ energy market


1. KURT BUSCH. He has scored nine consecutive top-15 finishes, including his second fifth-place effort in a row in the EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday.

NASCAR glance


Gusting winds and a gutsy Andre Agassi were not enough to blow Roger Federer away. Federer moved into his first US Open semifinal on Thursday, completing a five-set thriller over Agassi and

Federer knocks out Agassi at US Open


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon approved tenders to build 1,000 more Israeli settler homes in the occupied West Bank, plans that were shelved earlier to avoid discord with Washington, political sources said Tuesday.

Sharon Allows 1,000 More Settler Homes in West Bank


Pedro Martinez is still available, and the New York Mets still believe they have a realistic chance to land him.  quot;Do we have hope of signing him?

Mets still hoping to land Martinez


Four years after its splashy launch, chip maker is still struggling.

Transmeta Hype Suffers Hardware Reality


Trade officials failed to resolve their dispute over government subsidies to aircraft manufacturers, especially Airbus and Boeing.

U.S. and Europe Fail to Resolve Dispute on Aircraft Subsidies


Audits and lawsuits by the Internal Revenue Service raked in a record \$43.1 billion in taxes last year -- about four times the agency #39;s budget -- as the IRS audited more wealthy individuals

IRS increases audits, wants more enforcement


If you get a holiday greeting e-mailed to you, be careful to check where it #39;s from. There #39;s a Christmas grinch making its way through cyberspace.

Holiday greeting could infect your computer


European stock markets mostly rose in early dealing this morning, buoyed by a strong overnight rally by Wall Street. US stocks rebounded, winning support from a sharp drop in crude oil prices and positive broker comments regarding the technology sector.

10.45am Market Update


AP - Terrmel Sledge hit a tiebreaking RBI double in the eighth inning and the Montreal Expos opened the team's final series before the franchise moves to Washington with a 4-2 victory over the New York Mets on Friday night.

Expos Defeat Mets 4-2 (AP)


Reuters - U.S. blue chips fell on Wednesday as a\steep decline in commodity prices and lower crude oil dented\shares of Alcoa Inc.  and Exxon Mobil Corp.,\outweighing strong earnings from McDonald's Corp. .

Blue Chips Fall on Commodity, Oil Stocks (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices broke above \$55 a barrel on  Tuesday as concern lingered over thin world heating oil  supplies ahead of the northern winter.

Oil Ends Above \$55 on Winter Supply Fears


When Mike Gatting bumped into his umpiring nemesis Shakoor Rana some time after their finger wagging contretemps at Faisalabad in 1987-88, he was not best pleased.

Unlikely lads fight for the right to party


A suicidal car driver may have caused the train crash which killed seven people and injured 150, it emerged yesterday. Police are investigating whether a man who stopped his car on an unmanned level crossing

Frantic attempt to stop the train - then utter devastation


The Bush administration upheld yesterday the imposition of penalty tariffs on shrimp imports from China and Vietnam, handing a victory to beleaguered US shrimp producers.

US sets penalties on import of shrimp


Independent directors at Marsh   McLennan have begun talking to the New York attorney general about forcing the resignation of Jeffrey W. Greenberg, the chief executive.

Marsh Chief May Step Down as Part of Settlement


SPACE.com - TELLURIDE, COLORADO -- Better make room for an extra crewmember aboard any spaceship heading outward. This person wont require food, oxygen or water, nor even need to buckle up for safety. The tag-along traveler could, however, be a lifesaver in terms of getting the expedition to and from a celestial destination.

Virtual Humans Proposed As Space Travelers (SPACE.com)


Burma investigates illegally imported luxury cars, the latest repercussion of former PM Khin Nyunt's ouster.

Burma crackdown on luxury cars


Integrated circuits maker Linear Technology Corp., of Milpitas, says Bob Swanson will give up the title of chief executive officer after 23 years, shifting to a new role as executive chairman.

Linear Technology charts CEO transition


NEW YORK : Heavy rain disrupted play on the 10th day of the US Open, but organizers were still hoping to salvage at least some of the night session, said US Tennis Association chief executive of pro tennis Arlen Kantarian.

Tennis: Federer still on tap for night session at rain-plagued US <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Shares of Alcan Inc. rose 3 percent Thursday, drawing support from the Canadian metals giant #39;s third-quarter results in which profit nearly doubled due to strong industry fundamentals and contributions from its Pechiney unit.

Alcan #39;s Q3 results lifted by Pechiney


U.S. forces said they are beginning the second phase of the operation, turning the city over to Iraqi police and military forces.

U.S. and Iraqi Forces Complete Takeover of Samarra


As its battle with Oracle continues, the software maker attempts to offer some good news by unveiling tools designed for manufacturers.

PeopleSoft touts new tools


Hurricane Frances, predicted to hit land 100 kilometres (62 miles) south of NASA #39;s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, could cause catastrophic damage to the space shuttles and spacecraft stored there, meteorologists predict.

Hurricane Frances could destroy space shuttles


San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's decision in February to open City Hall to thousands of gay weddings has become a subject of considerable debate among Democrats.

Some Democrats Blame One of Their Own


SAN FRANCISCO - Employers agreed to end their lockout of workers at 14 San Francisco hotels and resume negotiations with UNITE HERE!

San Francisco hotel lockout ends; talks to continue


AP - Rebels and paramilitary fighters who have laid down their arms in Colombia could soon be slaughtering hogs and cultivating blueberries if a proposal by members of Congress succeeds.

AP: Ex-Colombian Rebels Seen As Farmers (AP)


AP - Florida State wide receiver Lorne Sam will not be available for the Seminoles when they play West Virginia in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 1.

Fla. State's Sam Won't Play in Gator Bowl (AP)


NEW DELHI: Myanmar army strongman General Than Shwe was due to meet Indian premier Manmohan Singh, leader of the world #39;s biggest democracy, in New Delhi as the neighbouring nations sought stronger ties.

Myanmar army strongman to meet Indian premier on  #39;historic #39; visit


KABUL (Reuters) - Three foreign U.N. workers held hostage  in Afghanistan were freed unharmed on Tuesday, almost four  weeks after their abduction at gunpoint on a Kabul street  raised fears of a wave of Iraq-style kidnappings.

Three U.N. Hostages Freed Unharmed in Afghanistan


Cuban authorities have erected a huge poster across from the US Interests Section in Havana that depicts US soldiers abusing prisoners in Iraq.

Cuban Authorities Retaliate Against US Christmas Display


ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Josh Smith scored inside off a miss by Al Harrington with 17 seconds remaining to help the Atlanta Hawks defeat the Philadelphia 76ers, 96-92, and end a nine-game losing streak.

Hawks snap nine-game losing skid


HIGH above white-walled, seven-hilled Amman, in the heart of the Jordanian royal palace compound, a national flag flies in the desert breeze.

Abdullah flies flag of Mid-East reform


Pakistan rejected a US official #39;s weekend claim that Osama bin Laden was close to being captured as  quot;politicking quot;.  quot;He can say this, but we have no sound information.

US  #39;politicking #39; over Osama capture claim: Pakistan


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar recovered against the euro and  the yen on Tuesday following poor Japanese output figures,  although many traders suspect the U.S. currency's two-day  reprieve from weeks of heavy selling won't last long.

Dollar Recovers Against Euro, Yen


Even after Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip, it will still be considered under international law as the occupying power and be held responsible for the crowded territory, according

Study: Israel to maintain responsibility for Gaza after pullout


Mark Martin joined the growing list of longtime drivers easing their way out of NASCAR, announcing Thursday that the 2005 season will be his last as a full-time racer.

Martin will cut schedule


A US officer who fought alongside presidential candidate John Kerry in  Vietnam condemns his critics.

Kerry comrade breaks war silence


com Staff. Astronomers have produced the first truly useful image ever of something in space using gamma rays. It #39;s a picture only an astronomer could love, but it appears to help solve a century-long mystery.

Possible Source of Cosmic Rays Found


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar sagged to a record low  against the euro on Tuesday after remarks on monetary policy by  European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet did not  detract from bullish euro sentiment.

Dollar Crumbles Before Euro, New Low Hit