It took them 23 minutes to make a first down. We still don #39;t know how long it took to make a touchdown, because they still haven #39;t made one.

Bucs #39; Lack Of Offense In Opener Was Like A Cold Blast From The <b>...</b>


The Pentagon's last hope of flight-testing critical new elements of an antimissile system, before activating the system this autumn, appeared to vanish with the disclosure that the next flight test has been postponed.

Test of Missile Defense System Delayed Again


Based on one Wall Street analyst #39;s findings, the popularity of Apple #39;s iPod is exceeding that of Sony #39;s Walkman during the 80 #39;s and 90 #39;s.

iPod adoption rate faster than Sony Walkman


Newborn infants display an innate preference for looking at attractive faces rather than their opposite, researchers say.

Newborns prefer beautiful faces


Office Depot Inc., the second largest US office supply chain, said Monday Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Nelson has resigned and a search for his successor is underway.

Office Depot CEO, chairman resigns


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Ten members of the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox filed for free agency on Monday. Catcher Jason Varitek, shortstop Orlando Cabrera, pitchers Curtis Leskanic, Derek Lowe, Ramiro Mendoza

More Red Sox declare free agency


Bank of America Corp. chief executive Kenneth D. Lewis reaffirmed his bank #39;s commitment to New England yesterday in a round of meetings in Boston with state

Bank of America reaffirms promises


WAKAYAMA -- A strong earthquake rocked Wakayama Prefecture and surrounding areas shortly before midnight Sunday, about 5 hours after a similar-sized quake hit the region.

2nd major quake forces evacuation in western Japan


com. The Angels will continue to train in Tempe, Ariz., and not make a move to Goodyear, Ariz., after the 2007 season. The club agreed Monday to extend its lease agreement with the city

Angels keep spring home in Tempe


Northwest says it will refund the difference plus a 50-dollar travel voucher to any customer who buys a Northwest ticket finds a ticket for the exact same Northwest flight on the same date during the same day as their ticket was purchased.

Northwest promises to match Internet fares on its own site


KIEV (Reuters) - The liberal challenger in a closely fought  presidential election in Ukraine threatened on Friday to bring  his supporters onto the streets if the authorities tried to  deny him victory by cheating.

Ukraine Liberal Vows Street Demos if Cheated in Poll


A Connecticut researcher on leave at UC Berkeley said Friday she tried to follow all the rules when she stored a confidential database on a campus computer system that was broken into by a hacker.

Researcher says hacked data stored properly


LOS ANGELES Oct. 4, 2004 - Gordon Cooper, who was the youngest and perhaps cockiest member of the original seven Mercury astronauts and set the space endurance record that helped clear the way for the first moon landing, has died.

Gordon Cooper, NASA Mercury Pioneer, Dies


In the end Sunday, there was no chance. Just time enough for a last stand at the Ryder Cup that was often determined, occasionally loud, but completely futile.

US blown out after worst Ryder Cup ever


George Washington and Saint Joseph's were picked to win their respective Atlantic 10 divisions in a poll of men's basketball coaches and media.

Colonials Favored


Deepening its commitment to help corporate users create SOAs (service-oriented architectures) through the use of Web services, IBM's Global Services unit on Thursday announced the formation of an SOA Management Practice.

IBM creates SOA practice


AP - Agere Systems Inc., which makes computer chips and software for cell phones and other devices, Tuesday said it fell to a loss for its latest quarter, hurt by charges for its restructuring plan and declining revenue.

Chip-Maker Agere Posts Loss on Charges (AP)


a three-hour party, really -he Jets delivered a rare rout, skewering the downtrodden Dolphins 41-14 last night at Giants Stadium.

NO DOUBT ABOUT THIS JETS ROUT


Yan Yanming has been arrested in Ruzhou, central Henan province, when his mother turned him in to police after he attempted suicide at home.

Chinese police arrest school stabbings suspect


Police may have killed a suspected top al Qaida operative today in a four-hour gun battle at a house in southern Pakistan that also led to the arrest of two other men.

Al Qaida Man Killed in Gun Battle


The New Jersey-based Accoona Corporation, an industry pioneer in artificial intelligence search technology, announced on Monday the launch of Accoona.

Super search Accoona.com launched in US and China


The latest New York Times/CBS News Poll, taken after the first debate, shows that John Kerry reassured many Americans of his ability to handle an international crisis.

Poll Results Show Race for President Is Again a Dead Heat


When Stephon Marbury practically scraped the sky with a fourth-quarter jumper that barely beat the shot-clock buzzer and gave the Knicks a 12-point lead with 1:59 to play Saturday afternoon, Madison Square Garden began to empty.

Knicks tighten defense in time


Iraq's interim PM Iyad Allawi appeals to world leaders at the UN to help Iraq

Allawi urges world to help Iraq


Boston #39;s victory over St. Louis in Game 1 of the World Series last night attracted the best television ratings for the opener of Major League Baseball #39;s championship round since 1999.

Fox #39;s Ratings for World Series Opener Are Highest Since 1999


CHERBOURG, France (Reuters) - A shipment of 308 pounds of  U.S. weapons-grade plutonium arrived in the French port of  Cherbourg Wednesday, despite protests by anti-nuclear  campaigners who fear it is vulnerable to a terrorist attack.

Shipment of Bomb-Grade Plutonium Reaches France


US oil major ConocoPhillips is seeking to buy up to 25 percent in oil giant LUKoil to add billions of barrels of reserves to its books, an industry source familiar with the matter said Friday.

Conoco Said in Talks for 25 of LUKoil


BONES from the biggest dinosaur ever discovered in the UK have been excavated by fossil hunters on the Isle of Wight, according to scientists.

Scientists unearth UK #39;s biggest dinosaur


AFP - President Vladimir Putin earned a thumbs-down from India's media after failing to back veto rights for any new permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

Indian press lashes Putin for ruling out UN Security Council veto (AFP)


AP - Colombia's hardline government said Friday it is willing to meet with members of the country's main leftist rebel group in an unprecedented offer aimed at freeing dozens of rebel-held hostages, including three Americans.

Colombia Offers Rebels Prisoner Swap (AP)


AFP - Ukraine entered its third week of political crisis with a new deadlock, as the opposition clashed with the ruling regime over changing the constitution ahead of a new runoff presidential vote ordered by the supreme court.

Ukraine enters third week of crisis with new deadlock (AFP)


Several hundred union members marched outside the Labor Department to protest new overtime pay regulations taking effect Monday, with two senators pledging to roll them back when Congress returns from recess.

Unions Protest New Overtime Regulations


\Thousands of loss-making phone boxes face the axe as mobile phone use soars in the UK, says BT.

Mobiles kill off more phone boxes


Jason Kidd is refusing to attend night sessions during the New Jersey Nets' two-a-day practices at training camp, and he doesn't care if the team fines him for it.

Kidd passes on night practices


McDonalds Corp. is welcoming its second new CEO in seven months, as Charlie Bell abruptly resigned to focus on battling the colon cancer doctors detected two weeks after he became the fast-food giants chief.

McDonalds names 2nd CEO in 7 months


Fund manager Cerberus Capital Management to buy the Mobitex network, used to support a quarter of the world's BlackBerry users.

Cingular Wireless plans to sell interactive unit


How something so elephantine can be so simultaneously light on its feet is a mystery. But maybe the New York City Marathon can be explained a bit by Paula Radcliffe #39;s presence yesterday.

Radcliffe avenges Athens


United Airlines, denied federal money to help it emerge from bankruptcy and squeezed for cash, plans at least \$625 million in cost cutting, top company officials told employees.

United sees \$625M in broad cuts


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The bulls and the bears are in this  together, scratching their heads and wondering what's going to  happen next.

Strategies for a Sideways Market


Soaring household debt and the rise in credit card spending has left Briton #39;s borrowers teetering on the brink of a precipice when it comes to the amount they owe, the Bank of England has warned.

Bank warns of soaring debt


Reuters - DaimlerChrysler's (DCXGn.DE)\third-quarter operating profit rose 7 percent, just below\analyst expectations, as gains at U.S. arm Chrysler helped\offset weaker earnings at premium carmaker Mercedes.

DaimlerChrysler Operating Profit Rises (Reuters)


An international music industry group said Thursday hundreds of lawsuits were being filed across Europe accusing people of piracy for illegally sharing music on the Internet.

Music Industry Group Launches Piracy Suits


The United States on Wednesday reiterated American support for the Iraqi interim government headed by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. The US supports Allawi and his government #39;s

US reiterates support for Iraqi interim government


Richard McCaw will captain the All Blacks against Wales on Sunday morning, with Wellington #39;s Piri Weepu set to make his test debut at halfback.

McCaw to captain with Umaga left out


Munich, Germany (Sports Network) - Bayern Munich will try to avenge a 1-0 loss to Juventus from two weeks ago when it hosts the Italian side Wednesday in a Champions League Matchday 4 encounter.

Bayern out for revenge against Juventus


AP - Gail Devers failed once again in the Olympic 100-meter hurdles, falling to injury just steps into her first race. Devers, 37, who has three world championships in the event, pulled up short and screamed as she slid under the first hurdle Sunday.

Injured Devers Can't Finish Hurdles (AP)


President Bush said on Wednesday a renewed drive to cut US budget deficits should help the weak dollar and that Tuesday #39;s Federal Reserve interest-rate hike showed Alan

Bush Pledges to Address Weak Dollar, Cites Fed


It won #39;t be  quot;all or nothing quot; and it won #39;t be  quot;everything, right away. quot; That #39;s the gist of the message coming out of Paris following the presentation of a report on a possible switch from Windows to open source.

Paris report: Open-source move could be costly


SPACE.com - The center of our galaxy is approximately \  27,000 light-years away in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius. At \  its core, as scientist have known for some time, lies a supermassive black hole \  surrounded by millions of stars, all huddled far more closely than in the galactic \  outskirts where our Sun resides.

Unexpected Beat in Heart of Milky Way (SPACE.com)


GENERAL NAKAR - Philippine soldiers yesterday rushed food, drinking water and other supplies by foot and helicopter to provinces cut off by four storms in two weeks which have left more than 1300 people dead or missing.

Race on to rush relief to Philippine flood victims


A U.S. soldier died of wounds sustained when a roadside bomb hit his patrol in Baghdad, the U.S. military said Sunday. Three other American soldiers were slightly wounded in the same attack but returned to duty.

Roadside Bomb Kills One U.S. Soldier


Two months after a judging error overshadowed one of the most stunning comebacks in Olympic history, Paul Hamm is no longer stuck in limbo.

Hamm allowed to hold his gold


The pink slips are flying into mailboxes and jobs are flying out of the country. But there are signs that give reason for some optimism in the tech sector. <FONT face=

Tech Sector's Mixed Signals


To counter Microsoft #39;s planned entry into the digital music market, Apple Computer offered to sign a strategic agreement with Sony, according to a Sept.

Jobs offered to let Sony into iTunes, report says


AP - As millions buy increasingly powerful cell phones, many companies are racing to develop video games to take advantage of the newfound portability.

Multiplayer Games Coming to Cell Phones (AP)


Athens -- In winning the gold medal in the 400 meters and leading the United States to its first sweep in an Olympic track and field event since 1988, Jeremy Wariner did something else of great significance.

NEW SCHOOL Baylor #39;s Wariner leads US sweep in 400


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange  Commission filed civil suits on Wednesday charging that six  former top executives at the technology company Peregrine  Systems committed massive accounting fraud.

SEC Charges Ex-Peregrine Execs with Fraud


Dec 6, 2004 - Orlando at Denver (9 pm EST). The Southeast Division-leading Magic try to extend their winning streak to four. Quentin Richardson, Suns, made eight 3-pointers and scored 37 points in Phoenix #39;s 121-99 victory over Portland.

ABC News NBA Today NBA Today


The Air Force Reserve #39;s Hurricane Hunters, those fearless crews who dive into the eyewalls of hurricanes to relay critical data on tropical systems, were chased from their base on the Mississippi Gulf Coast by Hurricane Ivan.

Ivan chases Hurricane Hunters from their hangar on the Gulf Coast


KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- One of Pedro Martinez's dreams has been to pitch again for Felipe Alou, who managed him in Montreal and now guides the Giants.

Martinez begins life as a free man


roundup Plus: EA to take World Cup soccer to Xbox...IBM chalks up two health care wins...Vonage users dial 311 for city info.

Briefly: KDE updates Linux desktop


So, you have five hundred tapes and albums of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and the like, and want then on your computer? Well, you could spend hundreds of dollars replacing music you already paid for once with CDs. Or, instead of paying twenty bucks per album, you could spend twenty cents per album to convert your tapes and vinyl to CD and rip those. Read more for how.    Also, the instructions below will allow you to defeat any copy protection. Period. Just substitute

How to rip from vinyl or tape


Kidnapped aid worker Margaret Hassan pleaded for her life in a tearful videotape Friday, saying she feared facing the same fate as British hostage Kenneth

Latest kidnapping angers many Iraqis


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Taser International Inc.  <A HREF=

Taser Execs Selling Heavily on the News


LONDON: British police said they had arrested four men under anti-terrorism legislation as the suspects tried to buy explosives for a dirty bomb.

UK Police arrest four trying to buy radioactive material


Lax enforcement of intellectual property laws hurts business and investment, group charges.

China Blasted Over Piracy


The deal creates the third-largest company in the wireless telephone industry, but its competition is much larger.

Sprint and Nextel to Merge, Creating Cellphone Powerhouse


AP - Nearly a year since it was sold by Vivendi Universal to private investors, online retailer eMusic has undergone a facelift that includes a panel of music critics to help users comb its trove of independent music.

Revamped eMusic Targets Indie Market (AP)


TUCSON, Ariz. Alex Smith passed for two scores 17th-ranked Utah held Arizona without a touchdown in a 23-to-6 victory. The 2-and-0 Utes protected their highest poll position since they finished the 1993 season ranked eighth.

(17) Utah 23 Arizona 6


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Insurgents penetrated Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone and set off bombs at a market and a popular cafe Thursday, killing seven people, including two Americans, the U.S. military said, in a bold attack on the compound housing the U.S...

Blasts Kill Seven in Baghdad's Green Zone


Sun Microsystems today released Java 2 Platform Standard Edition J2SE 5.0, code named project Tiger. Version 6.0 of the programming framework, codenamed Mustang, has entered the development stage and is expected

Sun Serves Strongest Java Flavor Ever Released


President Arroyo has asked her economic managers to lay the groundwork for the declaration of an unsustainable public deficit which will allow the national government

In the throes of a crisis


SYDNEY : Shares in Australian brewer and winemaker Foster #39;s fell sharply in early trade amid disappointment over the poor performance of its US wine operations after the group reported year-to-June results.

Foster #39;s shares down following poor earnings results, US wine <b>...</b>


It was the first game of the year, but Boston College was in midseason form. The Eagles came out flying in the first period last night, established a 3-0 lead, and never looked back, defeating defending national champion Denver, 6-2, at Conte Forum.

BC starts fast, finishes strong


Oil prices fall back to just above \$48 after the US government offers to loan crude to refiners.

Oil price surge takes a breather


Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Andrew Mohl (left), chief executive of AMP Ltd., talks with Bloomberg #39;s Kevin Foley in Sydney about first-half profit, investment fees and the strategy for its 10-percent stake in HHG Plc. AMP, Australia #39;s largest life insurer, ...

Australia  amp; New Zealand


AP - The president of China's biggest oil producer hailed the beginning of construction on a pipeline from Kazakhstan to China on Wednesday, calling it

Head of China Oil Co. Hails Project Launch (AP)


Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world #39;s largest retailer, reported a 12.7 percent rise in its third-quarter earnings, meeting Wall Street expectations.

Update 7: Wal-Mart 3Q Earnings Rise on Higher Sales


Thousands of Marsh   McLennan employees who have bought Marsh stock in the company's employee stock purchase plan or in their retirement plans have seen the stock fall 50 percent.

Investors Are Losing Ground as Insurance Inquiries Expand


If the Commission gives a positive judgement on October 6, then the government will come out in favour at the European Union summit in December for the beginning of accession talks, said Bela Anda, a spokesman for the German government.

Germany backs Turkey in EU bid


On 7 December 2004, IBM and China #39;s Lenovo announced that Lenovo will acquire IBM #39;s PC business for a total of \$1.75 billion in cash and shares.

Competition Heats Up as IBM Sells PC Unit to China #39;s Lenovo


Crude oil stockpiles in the US are at their lowest level since March, helping drive up the cost of a barrel of oil by almost \$2.

Tight US supplies boost oil price


STEPHEN Gallacher won a European Tour event at the 188th attempt yesterday. The talented Scot, who turned professional nine years past, birdied the first extra hole of a sudden death play-off at the Old Course

Gallacher savours maiden victory


Anaheim gained ground in the American League West and the wild card race with a 5-2 win over Seattle Monday. The Angels are now 2 1/2 games behind first-place Oakland and 4 1/2 behind wild card leader Boston.

MLB: Anaheim 5, Seattle 2


A powerful bomb killed at least 16 people, many of them schoolchildren, and wounded about 40 others as they assembled for an Independence Day parade Sunday in the northeastern state of Assam, authorities said.

Bomb Kills 16 During Indian Celebration


European insurance giant Axa has withdrawn its Aust. \$3.4 billion (\$2.48 billion) offer for the 48.3 percent of Axa Asia Pacific Holdings it doesn #39;t own after independent directors

Axa misses on Australia takeover


With so many jobs pruned from corporate payrolls in recent years, interest in the gestalt of being fired -- the hows and whys, the trauma and consequences -- is understandably high. Witness the surprising success of the television series  quot;The Apprentice. quot;

A shallow look at celebrities who lost jobs


AP - Wal-Mart has been sued in federal court by a man who claims the world's largest retailer discriminates against blacks in 12 Southern states from seeking truck-driving jobs.

Suit Alleges Racial Bias Against Wal-Mart (AP)


Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve will drive for Switzerlands Sauber motor racing team in next season #39;s Formula One championship.

Villeneuve gets back on track with Sauber


Medical-device maker Boston Scientific Corp. said Thursday that the Food and Drug Administration approved an extended shelf life of nine months for its Taxus Express2 drug-eluting coronary stent system in the United States, up from six months.

Boston Scientific Stent Gets Extension


HP has given up on trying to bring key parts of Compaq/DEC #39;s Tru64 operating system over to HP-UX and decided instead to buy similar technology from Veritas.

HP laughs off Tru64 promises, welcomes Veritas


BAGHDAD A suicide car bomber killed seven people when he struck a checkpoint at Baghdads Green Zone early Tuesday, the second attack in two days at the district that houses Iraqs interim government and foreign embassies, officials said.

Seven killed in Baghdad suicide attack


BERLIN (Reuters) - Apple Computer is planning the next wave  of expansion for its popular iTunes online music store with a  multi-country European launch in October, the services chief  architect said on Wednesday.

Apple Plans EU Expansion of iTunes Next Month


WASHINGTON -- After three dark years, the sun finally peeked through yesterday at the Aerospace Industries Association #39;s annual year-end review.

Sales soar in aerospace industry


Japan #39;s prime minister on Monday said he was not satisfied with the outcome of North Korea #39;s investigation into the fate of several Japanese nationals abducted decades ago by the communist country #39;s spies.

Japan unsatisfied with N.Korean probe


In an effort to integrate its IP-based communications products with Microsoft customer relationship management software, Cisco Systems today announced the Cisco CRM Communications Connector.

Cisco Ties Microsoft CRM to Your Phone System


Job worries helped push consumer confidence down in September for the second consecutive month, the Conference Board reported Tuesday.

US consumer confidence slips for second straight month: job <b>...</b>


PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (Reuters) - Malaysia's highest court  freed rebel politician Anwar Ibrahim from almost six years in  jail on Thursday, overturning his conviction for sodomy in a  shock ruling expected to win support for the new prime  minister.

Malaysia Rebel Politician Anwar Free, Urges Reform


AUSTIN -- Texas running back Cedric Benson created a mini-controversy when he gave a refreshingly honest answer to the question,  quot;If you could only have one, the Heisman or a win over Oklahoma, which would you choose? quot;

Longhorns leg it out


London - An Iraqi militant group is expected to negotiate for the release of British hostage Kenneth Bigley, who was seized by Islamic fundamentalists in Baghdad two weeks ago, a Kuwaiti newspaper reported on Saturday.

#39;Iraqis to mediate Bigley #39;s release #39;


PC shipments have started to ease off, as expected, but the worldwide PC market remained fairly strong in the third quarter, according to research from IDC and Gartner Inc. released Monday.

Businesses keep Q3 PC growth on track


Damien Rhodes scored on a 2-yard run in the second overtime, then Syracuse's defense stopped Pittsburgh on fourth and 1, sending the Orange to a 38-31 victory yesterday in Syracuse, N.Y.

Orange crush hopes


AFP - US auto giant General Motors has joined with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) to make a hybrid-fuel bus in China next year to promote the technology for cleaner, more efficient vehicles, state press reported.

General Motors announces hybrid fuel bus program with SAIC (AFP)


com October 19, 2004, 8:15 AM PT. This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web Services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.

Microsoft updates corporate IM


Central banks should not respond to every wiggle from inflation as they seek steady prices and the  quot;too big to fail quot; mantle enjoyed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose a threat to financial stability, St.

Fed Need Not Move on Inflation Wiggles


Europe will have a maximum of 12 runners at next week #39;s Breeders #39; Cup meeting at Lone Star Park in Texas. Dual Oaks heroine Ouija Board and last year #39;s Breeders #39; Cup Mile winner Six Perfections were unveiled

EUROPE LINES UP LONE STAR DOZEN


Reuters - An investigation into U.S. insurers\and brokers rattled insurance industry stocks for a second day\on Friday as investors, shaken further by subpoenas delivered\to the top U.S. life insurer, struggled to gauge how deep the\probe might reach.

Insurance Probe Rattles Stocks (Reuters)


International Business Machines Corp. is selling a majority stake in its pioneering personal computer business to China #39;s biggest computer maker, Lenovo Group Ltd.

Update 3: China Computer Maker Acquires IBM PC Biz


NEW YORK Sept. 21, 2004 - Financial services firm Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. #39;s third-quarter profit rose 5.2 percent, beating analysts #39; expectations, but its earnings per share fell by 10 cents from a

Lehman Brothers #39; Profit Up 5.2 Percent


AP - Ohio State is 15-5 in games decided by a touchdown or less under coach Jim Tressel, an uncanny run of success that defies explanation.

Ohio State Buckeyes Succeed in Close Games (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. Army plans within months to  break up Halliburton Co.'s contract to provide support services  for U.S. troops in Iraq -- valued at up to \$13 billion -- and  open the work to competitive bids, the Wall Street Journal said  on Tuesday, citing an internal Army memorandum.

Army to Rebid Halliburton Contract -WSJ


Battle lines are drawn at the Federal Reserve between those who favor formal inflation goals and those who don #39;t, and the debate is heating up ahead of the coming retirement of Chairman Alan Greenspan.

Fed Debates Policy for Post-Greenspan Era


By wire services. Tiger Woods, who surrendered his record 264-week streak as the world #39;s top-ranked golfer to Vijay Singh in September, rose a place to No.

Woods moves to No. 2 in world


NEW YORK - US stocks are seen in a contemplative mood Friday with the revised second-quarter gross domestic product reading likely to have a large bearing on sentiment and overall direction.

Stocks Are Seen in a Contemplative Mood


MOSCOW - The Kyoto Protocol overcame its final legislative hurdle in Russia when the upper house of parliament ratified the global climate pact Wednesday and sent it on to President Vladimir Putin for his signature -etting the stage for the treaty

Russia ratifies Kyoto Protocol


AFP - New Zealand faced the likelihood of conceding a massive first innings deficit against Australia after a clutter of wickets late on the third day of the second cricket Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Kiwis collapse has Aussies in command of second Test (AFP)


Reuters - South Africa's Harmony Gold has\made an unsolicited 52.9 billion rand ( #36;8.2 billion) bid to\take over bigger domestic rival Gold Fields to create the\world's biggest gold producer, it said on Monday.

Harmony Gold Bids for Gold Fields (Reuters)


Parking attendant Juan Rodriguez had just 78 cents in the bank and a whopping \$44,000 in debts when he hit a \$149 million Mega Millions lottery prize, bankruptcy documents revealed yesterday.

From nada to Mega


Links to this week's topics from search engine forums across the web: How Do You Compete With the Fortune 500s - Google Prices Stock at \$85 Per Share - MSN Block-Level Link Analysis - Slickest Link Building Tricks - Your Message to New SEOs - How To Handle AdWords With Thousands Of Keywords

Search Engine Forums Spotlight


AOL will be adding a host of new features designed to combat spam, virii and spyware to version 9.0 of its browser. The package, known as  #39;AOL 9.0 Security Edition #39; is a free download which was available from Thursday.

AOL adds anti-spam features to version 9.0


Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., Southeast Asia #39;s largest phone company, said the popularity of cut-rate calling plans offered by its Australian mobile-phone unit may limit the impact of lower prices on profit.

Singapore Telecom #39;s Lee Says Impact of Cheap Calls Limited


Aerial hunters have claimed the first wolf kills of the season as Alaska officials renew predator-control efforts to boost moose and caribou populations.

Alaska resumes aerial wolf-control program


Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group Inc. was under pressure Wednesday to come up with a takeover offer for UFJ Holdings Inc. that would fend off an unexpectedly generous \$29 billion rival bid by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

Heat is on MTFG to place UFJ bid


Shares plunge after company says its vein graft treatment failed to show benefit in late-stage test. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Biotechnology company Corgentech Inc.

Corgentech treatment fails trial


The collapse of Bernard Kerik's nomination has strained a relationship that has long been more complicated than mere friendship.

Strain Is Seen in Giuliani Ties With President


NEW YORK - Colgate-Palmolive Co., which announced Tuesday that it is eliminating 4,400 jobs, disclosed in a regulatory filing that many of its top executives and officers are given allowance of up to \$11,500 a year to spend on anything from pet-sitters to

Filing details perks for Colgate execs


Miami Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau will miss the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle that will require surgery, and said Wednesday he #39;s unsure whether the injury will end his 15-year career.

Seau to miss rest of season with torn pectoral muscle


NEW YORK (Reuters) - World oil prices shot higher on Monday  as companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico braced for output  disruptions from powerful Hurricane Ivan.

Oil Up a Dollar as Ivan Threatens


DETROIT (Reuters) - U.S. car and truck sales likely slowed  in October from incentive-driven, surprisingly strong levels in  September, and Detroit automakers look set to take most of the  fall.

Auto Sales Seen Falling from September


Tour of Spain favourite Roberto Heras lost ground as Spanish compatriot Jose Gutierrez came home alone to win the penultimate stage, a 178-km stretch ending at the summit of Puerto de Navacerrada.

Leader Heras pegged back


Dallas McPherson had three hits and an RBI in his first major league start last night, helping the Angels gain ground in the playoff race with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Anaheim, Calif.

McPherson gives Angels a lift


The new young guy for the Knicks, this season #39;s new young guy, fast and hungry and talented, is Jamal Crawford. He knows all about bad teams, because he has played his whole NBA career with the Bulls.

Isiah giving Crawford his shot to score with fans


A small majority of US Internet users are connected with broadband service for the first time. 51 percent of home Internet connections are broadband services in July, according to a Nielsen/NetRatings report.

Half of US web users use Broadband internet connection


Tokyo stocks ended mixed Tuesday as investors grew cautious ahead of the US presidential election. The US dollar edged higher against the Japanese yen.

Update 4: Tokyo Stocks Finish Mixed, Dollar Higher


MADRAS, India -- Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble achieved his sixth 10-wicket haul in tests to raise his side #39;s hopes of a series-equaling win in the second test against Australia in Madras.

Kumble raises Indian hopes of win


When a company with a small float comes unhinged from reality, look out.

Inmates in Charge of Travelzoo


Reuters - Web sites that reunite and reignite old\lovers are helping push up England's divorce rates, according\to a UK-based counseling service Wednesday.

Old-Flame Web Sites Boosting Divorce Rates (Reuters)


With the economy slowly turning up, upgrading hardware has been on businesses radar in the past 12 months as their number two priority.

New BlackBerry features smaller keyboard


In a move to round out its computer security offerings, Computer Associates International Inc. yesterday said it acquired Pest Patrol Inc., a Carlisle, Pa., company that specializes in software to detect and eradicate malicious spyware.

CA moves to tackle spyware


Subscribers of the company's Net phone service can get information on park locations, public transit, and so on.

Vonage: Dial 311 for city info


Bill Ford, Ford Motor Co. #39;s chairman and chief executive officer, called Wednesday for federal help with health-care costs and the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Ford CEO asks for government help on health costs


JOHANNESBURG (Dow Jones)--Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (HMY) said in a statement Wednesday it has posted details of its proposed merger with Gold Fields Ltd.

Harmony Posts Takeover Offer To Gold Fields Shareholders


NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Minnesota Twins lefthander  Johan Santana, who won his final 13 decisions of the regular  season, was a unanimous selection for the 2004 American League  Cy Young Award.

Twins' Santana Named AL Cy Young Winner


New York- The Yankees and Red Sox have been there and done that. They #39;re about to do it again tonight in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.

Schilling prepared to go on the attack


DOHA, Oct. 30. - Claiming responsibility for 9/11, Osama bin Laden has threatened the USA with more such attacks. The Al-Qaida chief also accused President George W Bush of misleading his people, in

I did it, Ill do it again: Osama


Emerson Electric Co., a maker of electrical energy regulation products, said Friday that chief executive David N. Farr will succeed chairman Charles F. Knight, who is retiring.

Emerson Electric Names Farr Chairman


With all the hoopla over Bush and Kerry, some of you may not have been paying close attention to the other races going on in this loaded US political season. I've read a good dozen or so Senate outlooks, and my blurry eyes and spinning brain kept getting lost in all the numbers and losing track of who, ultimately, was likely to control the Senate on November third. So I made my very own Senate outlook to figure it out (or add further confusion, depending on what you think of my predictions). The bad news is, we probably won't know who controls the Senate on November third. The good news, if you're a Democrat (or a person who loves one), is that my best guess at this point is that when the dust settles, Democrats will probably be in control by the very slimmest possible margin. Shock! But everyone knows the Dems have no chance of taking either house of Congress. I think everyone hasn't been paying attention. Read on for my rundown.

2004 US Senate Outlook


SALFIT, West Bank: Arab rivalry reached a crescendo yesterday when Palestinians #39; great musical hope bowed out to his Libyan competition in an internationally televised talent quest.

Rivalry voiced as Libyan singer outpolls Palestinian


A new version of the Sober e-mail worm started spreading in Europe on Friday, according to antivirus vendors, which have given the worm a midlevel threat rating.

New Sober variant spreading


Homemade bombs exploded in two Buenos Aires banks before they opened Wednesday, killing a security guard, police said.

Bombings at Two Buenos Aires Banks Kill 1


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. consumer sentiment stagnated in  early September, according to a survey released on Friday, as  doubts about the economy and the job market persisted.

US Sept Consumer Sentiment Stagnates


Mozambicans go to the polls this morning to vote in both presidential and parliamentary elections. The country #39;s electoral commission says half of the country #39;s estimated 18 million people have been registered

Mozambicans prepare to go to polls


BRUSSELS: Euro-zone finance ministers yesterday stepped up pressure on the US to show its strong dollar policy was more than just rhetoric even though they feared their calls were falling on deaf ears.

US  #39;ignoring dollar worries #39;


Suspected Maoist rebels kidnap a judge and a former adviser to the late king, Nepalese police say.

'Nepal Maoists kidnap officials'


The national and international promotion of London #39;s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games began yesterday with 200,000 people lining the streets of the capital and partying in Trafalgar Square.

LONDON CALLING TO THE IOC


CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- For the second time in a week, the Chicago White Sox have fallen victim to a pitcher #39;s first major league shutout.

SI.com


BEIJING (Reuters) - Sirens were due to wail across more  than 100 Chinese cities on Saturday to commemorate the 73rd  anniversary of the start of Japan's invasion of China, state  media said.

Sirens to Wail Across China to Mark 1931 Japan Attack


BARCELONA--The director of technology for RSA Security said businesses need to move their online customers toward a federated identity policy or security threats could bring people to lose confidence in trading.

RSA sees looming identity crisis online


Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world #39;s largest retailer, estimated that October sales at US stores open at least a year rose 2.8 percent, at the lower end of its forecast range, as shoppers bought more bedding and boys #39; and girls #39; wear.

Wal-Mart Says October US Sales Rise 2.8, Within Its Forecast


AP - The government was accused Saturday of misleading the British public over plans for postwar Iraq after a newspaper reported that Prime Minister Tony Blair was warned a year before the invasion that postwar stability would be difficult.

Report: Blair Warned of Iraq Chaos in '02 (AP)


Fannie Mae wanted to look very safe. But to do that it cut accounting corners, two regulatory agencies have now concluded. And that has severely damaged the image of the mortgage lender and its management.

Fannie Mae Pays the Price of Cutting Corners to Look Safe


That #39;s when Arsenal and Manchester United are set to meet again in the Premier League. The bitter rivalry between the two giants of English soccer grew even nastier after Sunday #39;s 2-0 United victory at Old

Acrimony, recriminations follow Manchester United victory over <b>...</b>


Aluminum producer Alcoa Inc. on Tuesday said it plans to declare force majeure to its customers because of a temporary shutdown of its alumina plant in Jamaica and damage to its seaport from Hurricane Ivan

Alcoa to Declare Force Majeure


America Online has had quite a bit of success with its AIM Robot (AIMBot) technology, including one that feeds users news headlines or on-demand news from the Wall Street

AOL Makes AIMBots Available To Enterprise Users


Using computer programs,scientists have suceeded in reconstructing the DNA of a creature that lived at the time of the dinosaurs more than 75 million years ago, a small, furry nocturnal animal that was the common ancestor of all placental mammals

Genome of the mammalian common ancestor reconstructed


Bernie Williams isn't sure just what comes over him every year when the leaves change and the air turns crisp, or why he tends to pop out of a box score whenever the Yankees are playing prime-time ballgames for rings.

Williams's time to shine


CAMBRIDGE Dec 14, 2004 - Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have used rat cells to grow dime-sized swatches of heart tissue that twitch like a beating heart when an electrical current passes through.

Heart Tissue Is Grown From Rat Cells


An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 shook Manila on Friday night, sending high rises swaying, knocking out power to some areas and sending frightened residents into the streets. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Major Quake Shakes Philippine Capital


WELLINGTON (Dow Jones)--Telecom Corp. of New Zealand (TEL.NZ) is expected to post higher net profit for the fiscal first quarter thanks to reduced interest costs, but operating earnings

NZ Telecom 1Q Net Likely Up But Competition Hurt Mkt Shr


A US economic barometer weakened for the fourth straight month in September as oil prices surged, showing a loss of momentum heading to 2005, the Conference Board said today.

US economy losing momentum


AP - Cubs starter Matt Clement left Sunday's game against the Houston Astros with an upper back and neck strain.

Clement Leaves Game With Neck Strain (AP)


An NHL lockout nine weeks old won #39;t end any time soon unless owners show some willingness to negotiate, agents said after a meeting with the players #39; union.

With no new talks set, NHL lockout expected to drag on


FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- Command Sergeant Major Kurt Pinero looked up from the operating table after laser eye surgery, and made out the pictures on the television screen across the room.

US soldiers flock to laser eye clinic


BEIJING -- China #39;s biggest computer maker said it has acquired a majority stake in IBM #39;s personal computer business for \$1.75 billion dollars in one of the biggest Chinese overseas acquisitions ever.

Chinese Firm To Buy IBM #39;s PC Business For \$1.75 Billion


Ofcom has warned BT to commit to  quot;substantive changes quot; or risk an inquiry under anti-price fixing laws, but has shied away from ordering a break up of the telecoms giant.

Ofcom shake-up spares BT break-up


Russell T. Jones, the rap artist known as O.D.B., was a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan and made a large imprint on rap music in the 1990's.

O.D.B., Controversial Rap Artist, Dies at 35


The European Union will open talks in coming days on whether and when to impose sanctions on US goods, the bloc #39;s executive says, a day after winning WTO backing over the  quot;Byrd quot; anti-dumping law.

EU to consider sanctions against US


(Sports Network) - The Detroit Pistons start a three-game homestand, as they welcome LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight to The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Detroit Pistons Team Report - December 16


LOS ANGELES (Sports Network) - Reggie Bush ran for 204 yards and a pair of long touchdowns as No. 1 Southern California edged UCLA, 29-24, in a regular season-ending Pac-10 showdown between cross-town rivals at the Rose Bowl.

Top-Ranked USC Beats UCLA to Finished Season Undefeated


The International Football Federation says it will pursue disciplinary action against France, Italy and the Netherlands for not handing down tough penalties against players who use drugs.

FIFA to Take Action Against France, Italy, Netherlands for not <b>...</b>


roundup Plus: Circuit City picks up AT #38;T Net phone plan...Tech firms rally against copyright bill...Apple .Mac customers suffer e-mail glitches.

Briefly: Microsoft boosts reporting tools


Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Israeli soldiers were behind an explosion at a house used by Hamas gunmen in Gaza City that killed five Palestinians, the Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz said, citing an unidentified Israel Defense Forces official.

Israeli Attack in Gaza Kills Five Palestinians, Haaretz Says


Aug. 17 (Bloomberg) -- US stocks rose for a third straight day after an unexpected drop in consumer prices encouraged investors that the Federal Reserve may be able to slow the pace of interest rate increases. Benchmark indexes pared gains as oil prices ...

US Stocks Gain for a Third Day, Led by Home Depot, Retailers


THE Howard Government has been assured by Indonesia that one of the main Bali bombers will not be released after reports he was seen having a coffee with a senior policeman in a central Jakarta shopping mall.

Bali bomber  #39;out of jail for a coffee #39;


China Aviation Oil (Singapore) Corp., which accounts for almost all of China #39;s jet fuel imports, said it #39;s in talks with suppliers and lenders to ensure deliveries to customers after

China Aviation in Talks to Ensure Nation #39;s Jet Fuel Imports


Ben Roethlisberger knows how good he has it in Pittsburgh these days with a talented supporting cast around him. And he knows how bad Eli Manning has it in New York without much of a supporting cast at all.

Eli should envy friends of Ben #39;s


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--As Australia consigns the lengthy federal election campaign to history, the outlook for interest rates returned to center stage Monday as housing

UPDATE:Data Suggests RBA Hike As Howard Victory Digested


Arsenal matched Nottingham Forest #39;s record of 42 consecutive league games without defeat at Highbury on Sunday afternoon after defeating a stubborn Middlesbrough side in an extraordinary eight goal thriller.

Arsenal equal record


ENGLISH Premier League champion Arsenal opened a five-point lead at the top of the table after a 4-0 thrashing of Charlton Athletic at Highbury yesterday.

Hot Gunners shoot clear


As both the weeks and the wins pile up for the Patriots, the more preposterous it becomes. Already it #39;s as farfetched and fanciful as anything that has happened in the NFL this season, Ben Roethlisberger #39;s magic carpet ride included.

Even with a patchwork secondary, the Patriots just keep on winning


Jed Weaver knows a little something about the Patriots from his years in Miami. He also attended the wedding of his friend, Patriots special team specialist Larry Izzo . Now all the newest addition to the New England roster has to do is learn the offense.

Weaver suddenly in a tight spot


Shares in Yukos, the Russian oil group beset by difficulties, dropped sharply yesterday after reports that the authorities had launched fresh tax claims against it, totalling up to \$7 billion.

Fresh tax claims hit Yukos


As badly as the Red Sox wanted to post their first win in the American League Championship Series, they were no match last night for the rain, which washed out Game 3 of their showdown with the Yankees at Fenway Park. Game 3 will be played tonight at 8:19, though customers with tickets to last night's rainout (marked  quot;Home Game ...

Gloom was in forecast


A United Nations team has arrived in Sudan to study if genocide has occurred in the western Darfur region, where fighting has displaced more than 1.5 million people.

UN Panel Begins Probe of Genocide Claims in Sudan


AP - The nation's retailers had a disappointing start to the holiday season, reporting sluggish sales for November as a much hoped-for surge in Thanksgiving weekend business failed to materialize.

Retailers Post Disappointing Nov. Sales (AP)


If he is removed he wants it to be based on the game situation, not the number of pitches he has thrown. The staff ace reached his imposed pitch count of 70 here in Baltimore after three innings last night.

Halladay wants to go full out


Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton has been jettisoned from the cycling team he captained, but the Marblehead bike ace vowed yesterday to fight doping allegations that have damaged his reputation and put his career in doubt.

Hamilton gears up for fight after Swiss team drops him


In a scene from the film  quot;The Right Stuff, sunlight streams through the window of astronaut Leroy Gordon  quot;Gordo quot; Cooper #39;s Faith 7 spacecraft as it reaches orbit.

Editorial:The right stuff of imagination


Filderstadt, Germany - France #39;s Amelie Mauresmo assured her world number one spot on Saturday when she beat US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia to advance to a final showdown with Lindsay Davenport in the \$650/ amp;nsbp;000 WTA event here.

Mauresmo v Davenport in final


ATHENS, Greece - The night before, Michael Phelps had stood by the pool with a strained smile and a bronze medal, his quest for Olympic immortality dashed, his million-dollar bonus lost, his gold medal count stuck on one.

Phelps #39; gold rush


Most of the nation's charities are attempting to raise additional funds by selling the names of donors to marketing organizations or swapping mailing lists with other nonprofits, a charity watchdog group said yesterday.

Group: Most charities sell donor lists


Microsoft will resume rolling out Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Wednesday when it starts pushing the massive update to business users via Windows Automatic Update and the Windows Update Web site.

Microsoft To Resume SP2 Auto Updating Wednesday


Roberto Mancinis side edged closer to the next stage of the Champions League after crashing Valencia to a humiliating 5-1 result in Spain.

Inter Thrash Valencia


Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal ( Sony ) System: Playstation 2

A video game guide for the holidays


LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Vince Young scored on an 18-yard touchdown run with 4:11 left and threw a 22-yard TD pass to Tony Jeffery with 11 seconds remaining to rally No. 6 Texas past Kansas, 27-23, yesterday.

Jayhawks can't pull off upset


SEOUL (Reuters) - Three former North Korean inmates gave  harrowing accounts on Monday of alleged suffering at political  camps, part of an event organized by activists aimed at  prodding Seoul to tackle Pyongyang on human rights.

Former N.Korea Inmates Tell of Suffering in Camps


When Che Carsner wanted to find discount airline tickets for his parents from the Miami area to New York, he knew where to look. Carsner, a Manhattan real-estate agent logged onto Kayak.

Power Surfing


Intel, the world #39;s biggest semiconductor maker, said on Monday that it had succeeded in building a test chip that packs 10 million transistors into an area the size of the tip of a ball-point pen.

Intel builds ultrasmall chip in test


ATHENS, Greece -- American Lauryn Williams pours down the track in the 100 meters, going faster and faster, smoothly pulling away from the pack, leg muscles bulging, arm muscles straining. She smiles while crossing the finish line, arms in the air. She ...

US track tries to turn the page


AP - In desperate need of frontcourt help, the Charlotte Bobcats activated forward Jamal Sampson on Monday even though he isn't 100 percent healthy.

Bobcats Shuffle Roster to Help Okafor (AP)


African leaders have expressed their sadness at the death of the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat. South Africa #39;s President Thabo Mbeki said Mr Arafat #39;s life was defined by unflinching sacrifice for his cause.

Africans salute Yasser Arafat


Frank Quattrone, considered the most prominent investment banker of the 1990s technology boom, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Prominent investment banker gets jail term


Thousands of embittered car workers rallied across Europe against mass job cuts planned by General Motors, the world #39;s biggest automaker, as labor unrest disrupted output at more GM plants Tuesday.

GM Staff Protest European Job Cuts


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc.  <A HREF=

Harley-Davidson Posts Higher Profit


The Bush administration, facing huge and politically sensitive trade deficits, secured China's pledge Friday to work harder to move its currency toward a flexible exchange rate, which would make U.S goods more competitive abroad.

China Agrees to Work on Exchange Rate


Now that Willie Randolph has been hired as manager, the Mets have plenty of other business to keep them occupied as they prepare for next week #39;s general manager meetings, and another issue

Leiter talks crawl as pitcher closer to free agency


AP - Jets Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae broke his right hand in Sunday's 34-28 win against the San Diego Chargers.

Jets C Mawae Breaks Right Hand (AP)


ARKALYK, Kazakhstan A US-Russian space crew is preparing to leave the International Space Station and return to Earth, ending a six-month mission.

Space station crew prepares for return home


US stocks rose, led by technology shares after Dell Inc. #39;s chief executive officer said demand at the world #39;s No. 1 personal-computer maker is healthy.

US Stocks Rise, Led by Technology Shares; Dell Advances


AP - The Christmas-themed movie

Self-Destructing DVDS to Reach More People (AP)


AP - Details of a new television ad from President Bush that begins airing this week:

AdWatch: Bush Touts Job Creation in TV Ad (AP)


GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli forces thrust into the outskirts  of a refugee camp on Thursday, killing four Palestinians  including a 9-year-old boy, as the army tightened its grip on  parts of the northern Gaza Strip.

Israel Army Kills 4, Including 9-Year-Old, in Gaza


Four California county and city governments, including those of Los Angeles and San Francisco , sued Microsoft late last week for abusing its monopoly market power and overcharging them for Windows and various Microsoft Office products.

Local California Governments Sue Microsoft


AP - A British company said Sunday it was releasing a video game recreating the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy.

Company Launches JFK Assassination Game (AP)


Reuters - The NFL Players Association\Monday filed a grievance with the Dallas Cowboys over the\recent release of quarterback Quincy Carter, claiming the\organization was in violation of the league's collective\bargaining agreement.

NFL Players Association Files Grievance Over Carter Release (Reuters)


Investigators said Friday that they believed the deadly bombing of the Australian Embassy was carried out by suicide attackers who had eluded a manhunt after fellow militants were captured during raids in July and August.

3 Fugitive Muslim Militants Suspected in Jakarta Attack


The first American military intelligence specialist to stand trial in connection with the abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib prison pleaded guilty here on Saturday to abusing prisoners.

Military Specialist Pleads Guilty to Abuse and Is Jailed


NEWS Corporation yesterday invoked a poison pill defence mechanism in an effort to stymie any hostile ambitions that John Malone might have for the company.

Poison pill for News


Hewlett-Packard late Tuesday released the financial results for its fourth fiscal quarter, which ended Oct. 31. The Palo Alto, Calif.

HP Earnings Rebound


AP - Robert D. Wall is too careful a scientist to say he's on the verge of a sensational discovery. But the soybean field where the Towson University anthropologist has been digging for more than a decade is yielding hints that someone camped there, on the banks of the Potomac River, as early as 14,000 B.C.

Maryland Dig May Reach Back 16,000 Years (AP)


JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, December 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:GFI)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:JSE:)(NYSE:GFI) welcomes today #39;s decision by the High Court of South Africa in respect of its ability to vote ordinary

Gold Fields Welcomes Decision by South African High Court


Defending champions Detroit Pistons avoided second lost in the first four games of new season as they narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 99-96 after two overtimes Monday in Los Angeles.

Defending champions avoid second lost


AP - President Bush's daughter Jenna plans to live in the District of Columbia and teach at a public school serving low-income children.

Jenna Bush Plans to Teach in Washington (AP)


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Gunmen killed Baghdad's governor in  Iraq's highest-profile assassination for eight months and a  suicide bomber killed 11 people on Tuesday in an escalating  campaign to wreck the Jan. 30 election.

Baghdad Governor Assassinated; Bomber Kills 11


ATHENS  Michael Phelps certainly will not beat Mark Spitz #39;s record seven Olympic swimming gold medals in Munich in 1972, but the American youngster is still racking up the gold in Athens.

Phelps adds 200-medley to his tally of gold


San Francisco, December 4: IBM is reportedly in talks to sell its personal computer business in a deal that could be worth up to \$2 billion and would cap a gradual withdrawal from the business it helped to pioneer in 1981.

IBM reported to put its PC business up for sale


Malaysia #39;s former deputy leader said Wednesday he is confident of victory when his country #39;s highest court reconsiders his conviction on corruption charges, arguing that his opponents have no case.

Malaysia #39;s Anwar Confident of Courts


Reuters - Accenture Ltd. , a leading\global consulting firm, on Wednesday posted\higher-than-expected quarterly earnings on a rebound in\consulting business, but projected profit for the current\quarter to miss Wall Street forecasts.

Accenture Profit Up, Outlook Below Street (Reuters)


American Express said Monday that it had filed suit against Visa International and MasterCard International for imposing rules, later overturned by the courts, that barred tens of thousands of banks from issuing its credit card.

AmEx files antitrust suit against credit card rivals


Technology used to check for diluted beer in kegs could soon be used to monitor water quality.

Beer gadget boost to water plants


China #39;s largest personal computer maker, Lenovo Group Ltd. (0992.HK: Quote, Profile, Research) , said on Wednesday it is buying control of IBM #39;s PC-making business for \$1.25

IBM Sells PC Unit to China #39;s Lenovo


When a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts member suffers a stroke, the giant insurer pays the hospital \$7,000 on average to cover the care. Medicaid pays an average of \$5,441.27.

Uninsured caught in costly twist


AP - Sneaker retailer Athlete's Foot Stores LLC filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition Thursday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan, according to court papers.

Athlete's Foot Seeks Bankruptcy Protection (AP)


Early results from Indonesia's first direct presidential poll put ex-general Susilo Yudhoyono on course to win easily.

Ex-general set for Indonesia win


LONDON -- Arsenal won for the first time in five matches yesterday, getting two goals from Thierry Henry to beat Birmingham 3-0, while Chelsea and Manchester United also earned comfortable wins in the English Premier League.

Arsenal back on track with new  #39;keeper


Two small browsers are very definitely chomping at Microsoft #39;s leg, rather than merely nipping at its heels. And now Savvysoft says Microsoft is demanding that it drop the name Excel from its TurboExcel product

Microsoft trademark troubles


There #39;s been a lot of gossip about the upcoming Google browser and its possible impact on Microsoft. It #39;s hard to predict what will happen, but it won #39;t surprise me if an all-out war between Google and Microsoft ensues.

A Google-Microsoft War


Serena Software this week announced improvements to its enterprise change management system, Serena ChangeMan Dimensions.

Serena boosts IDEs, collaboration in change management


Baseball Julian Tavarez's baseball cap is dirty and grimy -- but not illegal, according to the man who now owns it. Gene McNary , who bought the cap for \$140 from the fan who caught it when Tavarez was ejected and tossed it into the stands, took the cap to St. Louis Testing Laboratories, where substances on it were analyzed. ...

Tavarez's cap is plain dirty


AP - Yahoo Inc. is adding a tool to search computer hard drives as it scrambles to catch up with Google Inc. and stay a step ahead of Microsoft Corp. in the battle to help users sort through gobs of information on the Internet and the desktop.

Yahoo Adds Tool to Search Hard Drives (AP)


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Julian Tavarez was fined \$10,000 US by the commissioner #39;s office for throwing a fastball over the head of Jeff Bagwell.

Cardinals reliever Julian Tavarez fined


Ford Motor Co. announced the retirements of president Nick Scheele and vice chairman Allan Gilmour on Thursday, two company veterans tapped by Bill Ford to help the company emerge from a sea of red ink during the past three years.

Ford's President and Vice Chairman to Retire; Padilla to Replace Scheele


As Yanukovych campaigned in his own stronghold of eastern Ukraine Friday, the presence of opposition supporters and the color of the

Home Turf Shaky For Ukraine Premier


Soon you could be using your mobile phone on flights as easily as you do on the High Street. A two-year investigation has shown that mobiles can be used on planes without interfering with navigation systems.

Mobiles in aircraft edge closer


Canadian Press - PARIS (AP) - Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates signed a co-operation agreement with UNESCO on Wednesday to improve access to computers, the Internet and information technology training in developing countries.

Microsoft's Bill Gates in Paris to seal UNESCO partnership, meet Chirac (Canadian Press)


NEW YORK JPMorgan Chase, the second-largest US bank, has surprised Wall Street with a sharp drop in third-quarter earnings. The bank, which reported the result on Wednesday, attributed the weaker performance to poor results in fixed-income trading.

Fix-income deals hurt earnings at JPMorgan


Microsoft is making a major push to get home and business customers to embrace the security-focused overhaul to its Windows XP computer operating system.

Windows upgrade fixes security flaws, but it #39;s not perfect


Even though he has been China #39;s president for two years, Hu Jintao wasn #39;t given the powerful position of military commander until Sunday.

Hu #39;s on First


PERTH, Dec. 16. - Justin Langer survived Shoaib Akhtars incisive opening pace barrage and retorted with his 21st Test ton, as Australia recovered from 78 for five to 357 for eight at stumps today on the

Langer outplays pace barrage


Investors who got in on the ground floor of Google Inc. #39;s public stock offering might be tempted to pop some champagne corks right about now.

Staying power of Google Inc.? Time will tell


A MANNED rocket ship, financed entirely with private funds, reached the edge of space on Monday. The spaceship #39;s builders and backers say the project #39;s success marks a new age for commercial space tourism and travel.

New space travel era


The price of success takes it toll on Grand Theft Auto publisher as share price dips on the Nasdaq; analysts look for what #39;s due post-GTA.

On eve of GTA release, Take-Two shares slip


The lead attorney defending an accused helper of the Sept 11 suicide pilots at his Hamburg retrial was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, said his office, throwing into question how the trial will proceed.

Defense lawyer in Hamburg Sept. 11 trial seriously hurt


American skiier Bode Miller made it four World Cup wins in five races when he stormed to victory in the men #39;s downhill at Beaver Greek in Colorado.

Miller storms to downhill glory


The Adolph Coors brewery says it could force Molson to brew Coors Light in Canada for 10 years -- without a profit-sharing agreement.

Coors Talks of Profit-Sharing Agreement with Molson


Lou Piniella sprayed champagne after World Series victories as a player and a manager. He wanted some to celebrate a smaller achievement Friday night: For the first time in their history, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays won #39;t finish last.

Devil Rays hold off Tigers 4-1, avoid last-place finish for first <b>...</b>


India News, New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh returned home early today after attending the India-EU summit at The Hauge. He was received by Minister of State in the Prime Minister #39;s Office Prithviraj Chauhan at the Palam Technical Area.

India ; India-EU summit was very successful: Manmohan


BOSTON (Reuters) - General Electric Co. <A HREF=

GE Profit Rises Despite Hurricane Losses


The top United Nations envoy for Iraq has returned to Baghdad this week and is meeting with a wide spectrum of Iraqi political leaders and actors to see how theworld body

UN envoy returns to Iraq for meetings on transition


Andy Roddick fired coach Brad Gilbert this weekend after 11/2 years together that yielded a US Open title and the No. 1 ranking. No specific reason was given for the surprising split in a statement Roddick released Monday through SFX Sports Group.

Roddick splits with Gilbert after 1 years


University of California regents yesterday resoundingly rejected a proposal that sought to add a  quot;multiracial quot; category to UC #39;s admissions application.

UC rejects  #39;multiracial #39; category


Now that President Bush has been re-elected and the Republicans have increased their majorities in both houses of Congress, what does it mean to American investors?

Bush victory will buoy market, at least in short term


Continuing its push to grab larger chunks of the SMB (small and midsize business) markets, Microsoft on Friday confirmed it will ship a low-end accounting package -- code-named Magellan -- with a new version of Office, and the two will work in concert.

Office by the (financial) numbers


Tokyo stocks fell Friday morning as investors avoided significant moves ahead of a long weekend. The dollar was down against the Japanese yen.

Update 3: Tokyo Stocks Lower at Late Morning


We have been following the announcements surrounding Tiger Telematic #39;s upcoming Gizmondo for awhile now (for example here and here), but I never realized that NVIDIA would be powering it.

Gizmondo to use NVIDIA GoForce 3D 4500 GPU


Nearly three-quarters of IT managers are planning to deploy the Windows XP Service Pack 2 update to their systems, research shows.

IT managers plan imminent move to XP SP2


Into the regional finals of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, that is. The Americans lead their group with eight points off two wins and two ties.

Americans can advance to regional finals with victory


opposing sanctions, campaigning against the war and working for the survival of the countrys neediest when all other foreign aid workers had fled.

A life devoted to Iraq ends with a single bullet


Globalization does strange things to people. A day in the life of a Manila Philippines based business consultant - proving that you really CAN talk about Muddy Walters, bluegrass and work all on the same page...

The Real Time Modern Manila Blues: Bill Monroe Meets Muddy Waters in the Orient


Unisys Corp. plans to cut 1,400 jobs, or nearly 4 percent of its work force, and consolidate some facility space, moves that will help yield annualized savings of about \$70 million a year by 2005.

Unisys plans to cut 1,400 workers


David Wittig #39;s spoils from his tenure as chief executive of Kansas #39; largest electric utility, a company once brash enough to be called the Enron of the Midwest, are the talk of Topeka.

This Kansan Made Good, Maybe Too Good, Some Say


Bill Belichick took a few minutes Monday to convey his congratulations to his offensive coordinator on becoming Notre Dame #39;s head coach.

Belichick adjusts as coordinator takes Notre Dame job


The UK was today on course to become the second largest market for clothing retailer Hennes  amp; Mauritz after turnover climbed 16 over the summer.

H amp;M turnover climbs 16


Militants holding two French journalists hostage in Iraq extended their deadline by another 24 hours, Al Jazeera reported. The kidnappers threaten to kill the journalists unless France agrees to remove a ban on headscarves in schools.

Militants Give France Another Day


The universities suggest taking along a sample ballot, among other election tips.

MIT, Caltech offer low-tech voting advice


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Xerox Corp. <A HREF=

Xerox Profit Rises on Printer Sales


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marsh   McLennan Cos. <A HREF=

Marsh CEO Says Probe Near End


FREEPORT, Maine -- L.L. Bean projects that its online sales will overtake its catalog business within two years, but don't expect any trees to be spared in the process.

Catalogs hold fast in the electronic age


At least a dozen Microsoft software applications and operating systems affected. Also: The talking worm.

Flaws threaten Windows, Linux PCs


Stockholm - Nokia, the world #39;s biggest cellphone maker, took market share in the second quarter by cutting prices and introducing new models, rebounding from its lowest level since 1999, market researcher Gartner said yesterday.

Nokia claws back market share by cutting back prices


Reuters - Warner Bros. Pictures\has partnered with the production company of Jeff Skoll, who\previously was eBay's first full-time employee and first\president.

Warners Pacts for 'Syriana,' 'Action' (Reuters)


The deal would end a daring experiment by the nation's airlines, which created Orbitz as a competitor to Expedia and online ticketing sites like it.

Cendant Is Close to Acquiring Orbitz for \$1.1 Billion


Microsoft solicits PeopleSoft customers with offers of cheaper and better technology just days after Oracle purchases the company.

Microsoft tries to woo PeopleSoft customers


Reuters - Drug makers will not need regulatory\approval for every change in their manufacturing processes\under new guidelines designed to prevent supply disruptions,\U.S. health officials said on Wednesday.

FDA Eases Rules on Drug Manufacturing (Reuters)


AFP - Five months after entering the European Union, the small Baltic state of Latvia was plunged into political turmoil as its minority coalition government was forced to resign after parliament rejected the draft 2005 budget.

Crisis in new EU member Latvia after government resigns (AFP)


The Boston Red Sox have an unlikely fan in this World Series: Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman.

Cashman Admits Pulling for Sox


Craig Conway, the ex-boss of PeopleSoft, admitted yesterday that he may have over-reacted to the attempted takeover of his firm by Oracle.

OK, so Ellison is not a sociopath...


LONDON (Reuters) - British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw  flew to Sudan on Monday to keep up international pressure on  Khartoum to comply with U.N. demands to end the conflict in  Darfur that has already killed up to 50,000 people.

Britain's Straw to Keep World Pressure on Sudan


Yuliya Nesterenko of Belarus sped to an unexpected victory in the women #39;s 100 meter final at the Athens Olympics Saturday. The high-striding Belarussian clocked 10.

Nesterenko Wins Sprint Gold for Belarus


Environmentalists around the world are holding their heads a little higher. Wangari Maathai is being honored for her work in preserving the earth.

Nobel Peace Prize awarded


PC World - A high-capacity cigar, keys to the Internet, disc repair tools, Bluetooth add-on kit, and more.

Digital Gear: Gadgets, Networks Go Mobile (PC World)


Concerns about winter fuel supplies were heightened Wednesday after a report showed US inventories of distillate, which includes heating oil, shrank for the sixth straight week.

Update 6: Winter Fuel Supply Worries Continue on Data


Ronald  quot;Winky quot; Wright confirmed his status as the world #39;s No1 light-middleweight when he scored a majority points verdict to retain the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council versions of the title against Shane Mosley at the Mandalay Bay in Las

Victorious Wright has a nod and wink for Trinidad


EILAT, Israel - An explosion tore through a resort hotel in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, where Israelis were vacationing at the end of a Jewish holiday Thursday night, killing at least 30 people and wounding more than 160, officials said.    Two smaller blasts were reported later at other tourist sites in the Sinai, and witnesses gave reports that car bombs caused all three explosions...

Blasts Kill 30 on Egypt-Israeli Border


AP - Online payment processor PayPal said it would fine customers as much as  #36;500 if they violate the company's policies against using the service for gambling, pornography or selling prescription drugs without official certification.

PayPal to Impose Fines for Breaking Bans (AP)


Greece has admitted it joined the euro in 2001 on the basis of figures that showed its budget deficit to be much lower than it really was.

Greece admits fiddling euro entry


The British Grand Prix at Silverstone seems certain to be reprieved after a deal between Formula One teams. Nine of the 10 teams agreed to cut testing by 50 per cent to bear the cost of two extra races at

Nine out of 10 teams say that Silverstone is saved


The ability of Iraqi insurgents to snatch foreigners from their guarded Baghdad offices highlighted the country #39;s poor security as US officials argued whether elections could be held in towns under rebel control.

Security Worries in Baghdad, US Debates Polls


AUSTRALIA captain Ricky Ponting says the form of Michael Kasprowicz has left the world champions with a problem to solve ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which gets underway in England this week.

Kasprowicz causes dilemma


Aviva Plc, the fifth largest insurer globally, will hire about 3,300 more people in India and Sri Lanka by 2007, as part of its strategy to outsource some of its life and non-life services.

Aviva to hire 3,300 in India, Lanka for offshoring biz


AP - Sprint Corp. and cable television provider Mediacom Communications Corp. announced an agreement Wednesday that will allow Sprint to offer Internet telephone service to Mediacom's 2.7 million household subscribers.

Sprint, Mediacom Announce VOIP Deal (AP)


Google Market Value Tops Yahoo\\Google market value surges past \$50B, tops Yahoo so now they're worth more in dollar value than Yahoo. That goes right in line with being worth more in search value and relevance. I've written before that Yahoo has their fingers in so many pies that they ...

Google Market Value Tops Yahoo


BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA -- Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. plans to begin selling later this month a cellular telephone that includes a hard-disk drive. The handset was unveiled as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecom Asia 2004 event began here on Monday and is the first cell phone of its kind in the world, according to the company.

Samsung shows cell phone with hard-disk drive


ANYONE who doubts Gordon Brown #39;s ability to lead the nation should watch him in action at the International Monetary Fund. Here in Washington, where Brown chairs the IMF #39;s main policymaking committee, Brown is the leader of the pack.

Chancellor #39;s plan for poor nations #39; debt


TOKYO, Sep 22, 2004 (AFX-Europe via COMTEX) -- The dispute over next-generation DVD formats will continue for some time, Kunitake Ando, chairman of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association and president of Sony Corp, said in

Sony #39;s Ando says DVD format dispute to continue for some time <b>...</b>


COLIN MONTGOMERIE openly admits he is losing sleep. But there are more serious things than the Ryder Cup on his mind. As he continues his bid to be part of Europes team next month, Montgomerie is still

Monty still coming to terms with marriage split


AP - Brett Elliott wanted to play football so much, he left Utah for Division III Linfield and a chance to spend his senior season on the field.

Stagg Bowl to Crown Division III Champion (AP)


American businessman Malcolm Glazer has moved closer to a takeover bid for England #39;s storied soccer club Manchester United. The owner of the NFL #39;s Tampa Bay Buccaneers upped his stake in the

Bucs owner Glazer moves closer to possible takeover of Man United


His team down 13 points in the second half, Connecticut reserve freshman guard Antonio Kellogg stepped onto the floor with one thing on his mind -- defense.

UConn's Kellogg a little big man


Major cigarette makers go on trial on Tuesday in the US government #39;s \$280 billion racketeering case that charges the tobacco industry with deliberately deceiving the public about the risks of smoking since the 1950s.

US Suit Against Tobacco Makers Goes to Trial


Reuters - Chinese police have arrested a\21-year-old man suspected of stabbing eight teenagers to death\as they slept in a school dormitory, the latest in a wave of\school attacks in China, state media said on Saturday.

Man Held Over China School Deaths (Reuters)


AP - A 17-year-old California boy won a premier high school science competition Monday for inventing a device that converts ocean wave energy into electricity.

Calif. Teen Wins H.S. Science Competition (AP)


The home secretary is to spell out proposals for more far-reaching measures to tackle terrorism, amid fears of an al-Qaeda attack on Britain.

Anti-terror laws  #39;may go further #39;


Web search leader Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said the head of its Web log service, Blogger, will leave at the end of the week to pursue other interests.

Co-Founder of Google #39;s Blogger Leaving Company


Real Madrid forward Michael Owen was in the mood to celebrate after his midweek goal against Leganes completed a rare seven day hat trick of scoring La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey winners.

Owen Beaming From Real Big Week


washingtonpost.com - Change is coming for AT T Wireless's 21.7 million customers -- although they wouldn't know it from watching the company's commercials or shopping in its stores.

A Low-Key Migration (washingtonpost.com)


While taking a back seat to software and security efforts, hardware is still a big time concern according to our survey. Organizations are taking the opportunity to consolidate their environments as they replace

Samsung: Memory, LCD prices to drop; sales to rise


The Utah Jazz knew they were going to lose sometime, they just didn #39;t think it would be to guys named Chris Bosh and Loren Woods.

Raptors big men key in ending Jazz win streak


Someone would be well advised to warn Sergio Garcia to keep off the subject of how Miguel Angel Jimenez should prepare for the Ryder Cup when they play together in today #39;s third round of the Omega European Masters.

Jimenez to ignore Garcia


Nov. 4, 2004 -- Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have successfully grown stem cells that make sperm, which could eventually lead to new treatments for male infertility.

Sperm Stem Cells May Treat Infertility


Top seed Vince Spadea eased into the final of ATP International in Delray Beach in Florida in straight sets. The 30-year-old beat fellow American Jeff Salzenstein, who had knocked out Greg Rusedski in the quarter-finals, 6-3 6-1.

Spadea sets up Mello match


Business software maker Oracle on Tuesday promised to do everything it can to keep PeopleSoft #39;s giant customer base, whose departure could threaten the financial success of its proposed \$9.2bn takeover of the company.

Oracle shaken by PeopleSoft customers #39; concerns


AP - Most Florida voters had no problem casting a ballot on Election Day and many say they are confident their vote was counted correctly, a poll shows.

Poll: Fla. Voters Had No Voting Problems (AP)


NEW YORK - A disappointing earnings report from General Motors Corp. and another rise in crude oil prices sent stocks lower Thursday as investors grew even more nervous about the economy...

Stocks Fall on GM Earnings, Higher Oil


Phil Evans, principal quality adviser for the Consumers #39; Association, said:  quot;We #39;re continually told about the benefits of the Internet, about it breaking down borders.

British Government Criticizes Apple for Download Costs


Cisco Systems decision to acquire NetSolve means that its channel partners will be able to offer real-time monitoring of networks.

Cisco steps up to network monitoring plate


Lleyton Hewitt warmed up for the US Open in style as he claimed his second consecutive ATP title at the TD Waterhouse Cup. Hewitt, who won the Washington title last week, beat Peru #39;s Luis Horna 6-3, 6-1 on

HEWITT WARMS UP IN STYLE


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. industrial output growth nearly  stalled last month as production cuts at mines and utilities  nearly swamped a strong performance at factories, a report from  the Federal Reserve showed on Wednesday.

Industrial Output Growth Nearly Stalls


It was a Test match with a surprise in every corner. Chasing a victory target of 107 runs, Australia were blown away for 93 runs to hand India a 13-run win on the third day of the fourth Test

India spin to memorable win in Mumbai


AP - A relieved Italy broke into celebration after two Italian aid workers kidnapped in Iraq three weeks ago were released Tuesday, arriving home hours later aboard a private jet.

Italy Rejoices As Hostages Released (AP)


Let history repeat itself, Jason Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, urged the Red Sox owners in lobbying for them to sign the 32-year-old catcher for five years with a full no-trade clause at a premium wage.

Red Sox owners differ with Boras


ASHBURN, Va. - LaVar Arrington strained his right knee in practice Monday, a setback for the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker hoping to play this week after missing four games.

Arrington Re-Injures Knee in Practice


HANOI (AFP) - Vietnam has hit out at a decision by the United States to uphold anti-dumping duties on imports of Vietnamese shrimp.

Vietnam hits out at US anti-dumping shrimp tariffs


PayPal, the online payment service owned by auction firm eBay, has been suffering intermittent glitches since Friday. Some users have been locked out of their accounts for long periods, and

PayPal Slammed by Payments Glitch


A Worcestershire museum is forced to close for several weeks while a swarm of honey bees is removed.

Honey bees close museum


AP - A militant group in Iraq has executed two Macedonian men accused of spying for the United States, an Arab television station reported Monday.

2 Macedonian Hostages Said Killed in Iraq (AP)


After a steady diet of feature announcements throughout most of this year, Sun Microsystems officials formally launched their next-generation operating system this week.

Solaris 10 appears


After two ugly losses and two lightweight wins, the Auburn Tigers finally had a chance to prove their mettle against Tennessee last season.

Auburn wants repeat of last year #39;s play vs. Vols


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Michael Hart rushed for 234 yards and No. 14 Michigan rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat Illinois, 30-19, yesterday, sending the Illini to their 12th consecutive Big Ten loss. Hart ran for 127 yards and Max Martin added 60 yards rushing in the second half as the Wolverines (6-1, 4-0) kept the ball on the ground ...

Wolverines wake up late


LONDON, Oct 26 (AFP) - World oil prices will be driven down over the next two years due to there being enough crude to meet soaring demand, Claude Mandil, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), said here Tuesday.

World oil prices set for significant fall over next two years


In a possible Western Conference finals preview, Nikki Teasley scored 21 points to lead the Sparks past the Seattle Storm 83-80 in the regular-season finale Saturday night.

Sparks survive Storm surge in regular-season finale


Eyetech (EYET:Nasdaq - news - research) did not open for trading Friday because a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee is meeting to review the small New York-based biotech #39;s experimental eye disease drug.

Eyetech Awaits FDA Panel Vote


PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. will pay \$502 million to buy all outstanding shares of common stock of American Medical Security. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Cypress-based PacifiCare will pay \$32.

PacifiCare #39;s American Medical merger worth \$502M


Investors sent stocks sharply lower yesterday as oil prices continued their climb higher and new questions about the safety of arthritis drugs pressured pharmaceutical stocks.

Concern over drug stocks hurts Dow


BERLIN - German investor confidence posted a surprise jump in December as relief over falling oil prices helped to offset concerns about the impact of a surging euro on growth in Europe #39;s biggest economy.

German investor confidence surges


But exports to Europe safe after the Russian oil firm seals a barter deal with pipeline monopoly. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Yukos #39; crippling tax debts finally forced the Russian oil major to make a much-feared production cut Wednesday.

Yukos cuts oil production


Bosnia #39;s main Muslim, Serb and Croat nationalist parties were ahead in local polls, partial results showed on Sunday, but voter turnout fell below 50 percent for the first time.

Nationalists Strong in Bosnia Poll Count


Reuters - Authorities have halted oil export\flows from the main pipeline in southern Iraq after\intelligence showed a rebel militia could strike\infrastructure, an oil official said on Saturday.

Iraq Halts Oil Exports from Main Southern Pipeline (Reuters)


US warplanes, tanks and artillery units struck the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah yesterday, killing at least eight people and wounding 15 in a day that saw new violence across the country.

Fallujah strikes leave eight dead


TORONTO - Ford Motor Co. is reported to be on the verge of announcing a \$1-billion investment at its plant in Oakville, Ont. The company has decided to build a flexible manufacturing plant at the site, the Toronto Star reported Friday.

Ford to build new plant in Oakville: report


India wants to explore possible free trade agreements with Japan, China and the United States, as negotiations on such deals with Southeast Asian countries progress, the commerce minister says.

AP: India Exploring Free Trade Deals


BRITISH tycoon Richard Branson #39;s Virgin Group is jumping into the market for online music, with a  quot;Digital Megastore quot; offering US customers song downloads for US99c (\$1.

Virgin launches US music downloads


Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Noriko Anno, four-time world champion, won Japan #39;s sixth judo gold medal Thursday, defeating China #39;s Liu Xia in the women #39;s 78-kilogram class.

Anno Captures Japan #39;s 6th Judo Gold; Inoue Fails to Win Medal


The final flight of NASA #39;s X-43A hypersonic research aircraft is still on schedule for Monday afternoon, Nov. 15, weather permitting.

X-43A Mach 10 Flight on Schedule For Nov. 15


Bring Jenny DiDomenico a list of 12 friends and relatives, and she could have your holiday shopping done for you in about two hours.

Stress-free shopping with a seasoned pro


KHARTOUM, Sudan, Sept. 25 -- Sudanese authorities accused an opposition party Saturday of plotting to kill more than three dozen senior government officials and blow up key sites in the capital, where heavily armed troops were out in force for a second day.

Sudan Says Opposition Was Plotting Coup Attacks


NEW YORK - Demonstrators took to the streets on Sunday to protest President Bush's foreign and domestic policies as Republican delegates gathered to nominate the president for a second term.    A day ahead of the start of the Republican National Convention, up to 250,000 demonstrators were expected to march up Seventh Ave...

Big Anti-Bush Protests Expected in NYC


Scotch malt whisky distiller Glenmorangie GMGa.L is in talks with a number of parties regarding a possible offer for the company, the firm has said, as the news pushed its shares up almost 20 percent.

Distiller Glenmorangie in takeover talks


Exelon (EXC:NYSE - news - research) is reportedly in advanced talks to buy New Jersey #39;s largest utility group, Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG:NYSE - news - research).

Exelon Reportedly In Talks to Buy PSE amp;G


Gizmondo Europe, the UK-based subsidiary of Jacksonville, Florida firm Tiger Telematics announced yesterday that a one year distribution agreement has been signed with United Electronics to distribute the Gizmondo GPS-based handheld gaming console

Tiger Telematics acquires Integra, confirms Spanish, Portuguese <b>...</b>


Britain #39;s 850-strong Black Watch battle group has pulled out of Camp Dogwood in Iraq and returned to its base in Basra, the BBC reported Saturday.

Black Watch troops back in Basra


Prime Minister Adrian Nastase said Monday he had conceded defeat in Romania's presidential runoff in a telephone call to opponent Traian Basescu, whom he called

Nastase Concedes Defeat in Romanian Presidential Election


The smell of champagne, 1918 vintage, was still in my hair Thursday night when I was whisked back into a familiar losing environment.

Losing Stone isn #39;ta winning move


USATODAY.com - Democrats had great success in state legislative races this year, even as they performed poorly in the presidential race and campaigns for Congress. Many Democratic gains came in the heart of Republican territory.

Dems gain in 'hidden election' (USATODAY.com)


AMD has launched the Mobile AMD Athlon 64 processor, a low-power version of its 32/64-bit chip aimed at the thin-and-light notebook market.

AMD Introduces 64-Bit Mobile Processor


Champion jockey Kieren Fallon has denied any wrongdoing after being arrested over allegations of involvement in a massive race fixing scam.

Fallon denies race fixing scam


The Taiwanese president #39;s flight to an outlying island several weeks ago was diverted because 28 Chinese fighter jets were spotted in the area, a major Taiwanese newspaper reported Thursday.

Report: Chinese fighter jets interfere with


AP - John Halama and the Boston Red Sox finalized a one-year contract Wednesday.

Halama Agrees to Deal With Red Sox (AP)


Hi. This is your bank. Please verify your account and check routing numbers by filling out this form. Your credit card company here.

When these guys go phishing, you #39;re the big one


The Hoosiers haven #39;t known what it #39;s like to play in a postseason bowl game since 1993. Third-year coach Gerry DiNardo still doesn #39;t know what it #39;s like to win a Big Ten road game.

Indiana eyeing bowl bid


A bases-loaded walk from the O's Jorge Julio in the ninth gives the Yankees a 4-3 win over the Orioles.

Yankees Walk to Win


China is likely to become the world #39;s third largest trading power by the end of 2004, said the Ministry of Commerce. According to a report jointly published on Friday by the ministry

Nation likely to be 3rd largest trading power


AP - Recording companies looking to wring more profits out of music sales are hoping to sell retailers on a new hybrid disc. On one side is standard CD audio; on the other, the enhanced sound, video and other media capabilities of a DVD.

New Hybrid Disc Offers CD-DVD Combination (AP)


Reuters - The fragmented  software\business is growing up.

In Software Industry, Size Matters (Reuters)


DUBLIN: Ireland #39;s all-time leading scorer Robbie Keane struck the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Croatia in an international soccer friendly on Wednesday.

Keane strikes gives Ireland victory over Croatia


A WEAK dollar and a lack of major album releases saw music giant EMI #39;s sales slide again in the past six months. But chairman Eric Nicoli sang an uncharacteristically upbeat tune today when he said sales in

EMI upbeat on music business


quot;Hang on, I #39;m going to pick up a prostitute, quot; my boyfriend told me during a weekend trip to Pennsylvania. Steve pulled up to the curb as a girl in hot pants strutted past.

Violent, sexual video game tests child #39;s sense of reality


ATHENS, Greece - Lamar Odom made a key defensive play on Greece's Dimitris Pipanikoulaou, preventing him from getting a clean layup attempt that could have cut the United States' lead to two points, and the Americans won 77-71 Tuesday night in the second round of the Olympic men's basketball tournament.    In a much closer game than expected, the Americans bounced back from their embarrassing loss to Puerto Rico in their opener and avoided dropping to 0-2, which would have matched their loss total from the previous 68 years...

U.S. Bounces Back to Beat Greece 77-71


JERUSALEM -- Israel announced plans yesterday for 500 new housing units in the West Bank, after an apparent US policy shift that has infuriated the Palestinians. The Palestinians oppose all Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where they hope to establish an independent state.

Israel announces West Bank housing plan; barrier delayed


Noble Energy Inc. said Thursday it was acquiring Patina Oil Gas Corp. in a deal valued at \$3.4 billion including the assumption of debt, helping it expand into the Rockies and mid-continent.

Noble to buy Patina Oil Gas for \$3.4bn


Arsenal striker Thierry Henry believes that the Gunners should receive some sort of silverware for their unbeaten record. Sunday #39;s 5-3 win over Middlesbrough equalled Nottingham Forest #39;s 42-game unbeaten League run.

#39;Give Gunners silverware #39;


The confusion yesterday over whether two  quot;high-value quot; women prisoners being held in Iraq would be released has underlined the limits of the interim government #39;s authority.

Clash over prisoners exposes power struggle


It has only just begun and already South Korea #39;s program of historical reckoning of the often brutal Japanese occupation and colonization has produced its first victim. With no small amount of irony, it was the chairman of the governing ...

Korea #39;s tortured reckoning with collaborators


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain might relax rules about the  speed at which mobile phone operators have to build out  third-generation (3G) networks as part of a radical overhaul to  throw open the highly-regulated market for radio frequencies.

UK Telecoms Watchdog Might Relax 3G License Rules


CALGARY -- After losing the annual Labour Day Classic last year to the Calgary Stampeders, the Edmonton Eskimos wanted revenge. The Eskimos built up a 19-0 first-half lead and held on for a 25-7 win yesterday

Eskimos chill Stampeders


Talk about changing your tune: Shawn Fanning, whose Napster software made it possible for music lovers to get songs over the Internet without paying for them, is going legit.

Fanning: Napster Guru Unveils Legal File-Sharing Technology


Maybe with its relative distance from Microsoft, Lenovo will feel free to do what domestic PC makers don #39;t: aggressively make and market Linux desktops and laptops.

Think Again?


Two amateur explorers prepare to fly out to Indonesia in the hope of proving the existence of the

Tracking down the 'jungle yeti'


TOKYO - Hitachi Ltd, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co and Toshiba Corp said Friday they have officially signed an accord to set up a joint venture to manufacture liquid crystal display panels for flat TVs in January.

Hitachi, Matsushita, Toshiba to set up LCD panel venture


AFP - Perhaps if National Basketball Association players ask nicely, the guys from Argentina wearing gold medals will come to the United States and give them a few pointers on how to play the game.

Expect a real US NBA Dream Team in Beijing (AFP)


Tata group company Videsh Sanchar Nigam and global networking major Cisco Systems Inc on Tuesday signed a Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion) agreement to deploy broadband metro Ethernet solution, that will offer broadband services at less than Rs 1,000 per month

VSNL, Cisco to make broadband cheaper


PADRAIG HARRINGTON is a gizmo boffin. He has a wristwatch that times the speed of his swing, and his playing partner, Colin Montgomerie, was blinking his eyes in wonder as he showed it off on the 10th tee at Oakland Hills, Michigan, yesterday.

Trimmed down Monty has stomach for battle


Amid questions about whether the drug Vioxx was taken off the market soon enough, Senator Charles Grassley called for more safety precautions.

F.D.A. Defends Its Handling of Vioxx Safety Issues


TV quot; gt; Anthem and WellPoint Health Networks, two giant Blue Cross plans, finally won approval yesterday from California #39;s insurance commissioner for their \$16.

California Backs Merger of 2 Giant Blue Cross Plans


Boston, MA, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Bank of America has issued pink slips to 1,000 Fleet Boston employees across the Northeast and Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said he would investigate.

BofA lays off 1,000 at Fleet


Vijay Singh ended the five-year run of Tiger Woods as the world #39;s No. 1-ranked golfer, beating Woods and Adam Scott by three shots at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Vijay Singh Beats Tiger Woods to Take No. 1 Ranking (Update1)


Critics who oppose any change in financial market structures are not helping regulators work more closely with the markets, the top US markets regulator said.

SEC chief pushes reform compromise


Deep Impact

NASA Readies


The death toll from floods unleashed by Tropical Storm Jeanne rose sharply Sunday to nearly 2,000 people, with many still missing, as officials said they found hundreds more bodies in Haiti #39;s devastated northwestern region.

Around the world


ROME (Reuters) - Christmas on the island of Sicily, New  Year's eve at the bay of Naples.

Italy Lights the Path for the Olympic Torch


Murder trial witnesses say they heard screams and saw men running from where a British backpacker was found dead.

'Men fled' from bridge death spot


IBM has unveiled, under its Workplace platform strategy, an online developer resource centre that will give corporate and third-party developers access to tools to help develop products and services for the platform.

IBM introduces Workplace Resource Center


Since 1993, Siebel dominated the market for customer service software. In recent years, however, it has stumbled. Can it regain its former glory?

The Customer Relationship Expert Takes a Dose of Its Own Medicine


Editor #39;s note: ESPN senior NFL writer John Clayton #39;s weekly  quot;First And 10 quot; column takes you around the league with a look at the best game of the week followed by primers for 10 other games.

O-line must protect Manning


You can empty your pockets of change, take off your belt and shoes and stick your keys in the little tray. But if you've had radiation therapy recently, you still might set off Homeland Security alarms.

New Security Pain: Radioactivity


Reuters - A long-necked sea reptile that lived\millions of years ago in what is now China may have used its\stiff neck to sneak up on unsuspecting prey and suck them in,\scientists said on Friday.

Long-Necked Sea Monster Snuck Up on Victims (Reuters)


Peter Lonard won his second straight Australian Open title on Sunday with a come-from-behind 68 to win the championship by one stroke over Stuart Appleby.

Lonard retains Australian Open title


In a bid to gain support for its proposed merger with the Adolph Coors Company, the Canadian brewer Molson offered minority shareholders a \$316 million special dividend on Friday, contingent on the merger #39;s approval.

Molson Adds a Premium for Its Merger With Coors


Microsoft and Amazon.com have joined forces against perpetrators of phishing scams, filing a lawsuit against a Canadian company that they say ran a spamming campaign using Microsoft #39;s Hotmail services and forging Amazon #39;s name.

Microsoft, Amazon Take Phishers to Court


Reuters - The U.S. Army should withhold some\future payments to Halliburton  for work in Iraq due to\billing disputes, a government auditor said on Wednesday, a\move that could cost the contractor tens of millions of\dollars.

Auditor to Army: Dock Halliburton Pay (Reuters)


The NFL Players Association wants major additions to the revenue pool used to determine player salaries, making negotiations to extend the current contract more difficult than in the past.

Union complicates negotiations


Revenge, reprimand and schadenfreude really do feel good, according to a brain scan study published today. As well as explaining why Dirty Harry declared  quot;Go ahead, make

Brain scan shows why revenge is sweet