IBM plans to expand the number of on-demand data centers it has from one to 11 by the end of the year. Users at the AFCOM data center conference in Atlanta had mixed views on the prospect of adopting an outsourcing model or pay-as-you-go pricing.

IBM to expand on-demand data centers


THE 64,000 dollar - correction, make that 500 million dollar -uestion hanging over Shire Pharmaceuticals is whether the 5 per cent jump in the companys shares yesterday reflects relief that US regulators have finally approved its drug for

Kidney drug approval gives Shire some breathing space


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Insurgents fired mortars at a meeting  where Iraqi leaders met to pick an interim national assembly  Sunday, killing at least two people in a grim reminder of the  country's tortured path toward democracy.

Mortars Mark Opening of Iraqi Political Conference


MOUNT St. HELENS, Wash. - Three earthquakes ranging in magnitudes between 2.6 and 2.8 rattled Mount St. Helens Sunday evening and into Monday morning.

Series of earthquakes rattle Mount St. Helens


PARIS Sanofi-Synthlabo, which this month completed its \$63 billion purchase of a rival drug manufacturer, Aventis, reported Tuesday a 21 percent jump in first-half profit on higher demand for the blood thinner Plavix and the cancer treatment Eloxatin.

Sanofi #39;s first-half profit rises 21


Felix Trinidad returned to the ring after more than two years to score a thrilling eighth-round stoppage of Ricardo Mayorga at New York #39;s Madison Square Garden in a non- title bout being described as one of the fights of the year.

Trinidad climbs off canvas to keep title options open


A new battle of technologies may be in the offing in the 802.11n arena as 12 key companies have developed a key proposal to counter another one announced last week that is backed by a group of top wireless players.

Second Wi-Fi standards group steps forward


While the high-profile battle between the major search engines that scour the Web rages on, Convera Corp. in Northern Virginia has quietly carved out a niche for itself: selling software that helps U.S. and foreign intelligence agents search their databases.<FONT face=

Agencies Find What They're Looking For


(AGI)  Rome, Italy, Aug 24  The president of the Left Democrat MPs, Luciano Violante, speaking of the abduction of the Italian journalist Enzo Baldoni in Iraq said that it was necessary not to surrender to the blackmail of terrorists.

IRAQ VIOLANTE DO NOT SURRENDER TO TERROR BLACKMAIL


Love him or hate him, he delivers the goods. Howard Stern #39;s five-year deal with Sirius Satellite Radio (nasdaq: SIRI - news - people ) helped it to add more than 69,000 new subscribers in September to pass the 700,000 mark.

Stern: Sirius Subscribers Top 700,000 On Program Deal


Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - Thousands of Royal Bank clerks are being asked to display rainbow stickers at their desks and cubicles to promote a safe work environment for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals.

Royal Bank clerks asked to display rainbow stickers to support gays, bisexuals (Canadian Press)


Six million students are expected to begin school Saturday in a key test of security.

Iraqis wary as school year starts


New Delhi, Sept. 19 (NNN): Making a strong pitch for United Nations reforms and restructuring of the Security Council, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday left for a nine-day trip to Britain and the United States.

Manmohan Trip: PM To Raise Issues Of UN Reforms, Terrorism


Microsoft quietly launched its new blogging service, MSN Spaces, earlier this week. The quiet launch has already attracted more than 250,000 users to the new service, still in beta.

Microsofts New Blogging Service


After defiantly warding off rival Oracle Corp.s \$7.7 billion hostile takeover for 15 months, business software maker PeopleSoft Inc.

Oracle bid looking better


If you think of your business as a car and your IT infrastructure as the road it travels on, then your business processes are the tires that let the car move along the road. What we are seeing now, at an ever increasing rate, is CFOs asking CIOs to kick the tires and check the air pressure. Analogies aside, CFOs want CIOs to get more involved in process design across the company.

A break with tradition


MOBILE phone giant Nokia has reported a drop in third-quarter profits after cutting handset prices to win back market share, but said sales had picked up.

Nokia #39;s price cutting gets good reception


The moment when Paul Hamm hit his high bar routine was one of the most electrifying sports moments Ive ever seen. I cant recall seeing something that I immediately felt was so outstanding

Paul Hamm, In Keeping Medal, Misses Opportunity


Hilton Group, the operator of Hilton hotels outside the United States, is selling about a dozen of its British hotels as it focuses on the country #39;s main cities.

Briefs: Hilton Group to sell UK hotels


BAGHDAD, Iraq - One of the American hostages kidnapped last week in Iraq has been beheaded by the Al Qaeda-linked group of Jordanian terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (search ), according to a Web site.

Video Shows Beheading of Man Said to Be US Hostage in Iraq


TORONTO (CP) - A Bay Street investment dealer has dropped out of the battle to refinance Stelco Inc., saying it can #39;t compete in a sales process that favours the Hamilton steelmaker being taken over by an industry player.

GMP Securities pulls out of Stelco effort to restructure and <b>...</b>


The fingerprint scanner on the new IBM ThinkPads is a discreet swipe sensor built into the palm rest. It lets users log in to Windows using their fingerprint or replace the ThinkPad #39;s existing

IBM Adds Fingerprint Scanning to ThinkPad Laptops


BUCHAREST -- President Ion Iliescu yesterday admitted Romania's complicity in the Holocaust, ending decades of denial that hundreds of thousands of Jews were killed in the country when it was an ally of Nazi Germany.

Romania says it had role in Holocaust


Oil prices hit a new three-month low on Wednesday as mild winter weather in the United States and expectations of a rise in heating fuel stocks kept downward pressure on the market.

Oil at 3-Month Low, Off \$8 in 7 Sessions


NEW YORK - Republicans marshaled their forces to bolster President Bush's image as a strong leader in treacherous times as they open their national convention in the city that felt the brunt of the worst terrorist attacks in U.S. history...

GOP to Bolster Bush Image As Strong Leader


Not only did Jones easily advance to the final of the long jump, surpassing the automatic qualifying standard on her second attempt, but she was animated afterward, even giggling, after finally

Jones into finals


Costs of employer-sponsored health plans are expected to climb an average of 8 percent in 2005, the first time in five years increases have been in single digits.

Employer insurance rates #39; rise to ease up


BAGHDAD, Iraq - A series of strong explosions shook central Baghdad near dawn Sunday, and columns of thick black smoke rose from the Green Zone where U.S. and Iraqi government offices are located...

Explosions Rock Baghdad Near U.S. Offices


BAL HARBOUR, Fla. - The first presidential debate and its focus on foreign policy and security gives both President Bush and Sen...

Foreign Policy at Forefront of Debate


quot;And that #39;s the way it is, quot; Walter Cronkite, the venerable anchorman of CBS News, used to say. Here #39;s the way it is now: Americans don #39;t take the news on trust.

The way it is today isn #39;t how it was


Several leading Iraqi political parties call for national elections scheduled for 30 January to be delayed.

Top Iraq groups demand poll delay


AP - In their first detailed and comprehensive look at the DNA of chickens, scientists have found that 60 percent of the bird's genes have close cousins in humans. They say such analysis should prove valuable in learning more about the human genome.

Chicken Genome Should Boost DNA Research (AP)


that could improve relations between the country #39;s military leader and one of its main parties. Asif Ali Zardari had been in jail since Bhutto #39;s government was ousted in November 1996.

Pakistani court frees Bhutto #39;s husband


Six Egyptian students captured sneaking into Israel have been exchanged for an Israeli businessman convicted in Egypt as an Israeli spy.

Israel and Egypt Swap Prisoners


AFP - A US military tribunal charged Australian Taliban fighter David Hicks with warcrimes after he was allowed to meet his family for the first time in five years.

Australian Taliban charged at US military tribunal after meeting family (AFP)


In the world of retailing, there is no such thing as  quot;too big to fail, quot; as investors have often learned to their sorrow.

Marriage does not guarantee happiness


AP - After nearly 50,000 Michigan Democrats cast ballots over the Internet in February, academics eagerly sought election data that would help them determine what types of people voted online. But scholars around the country complain that they haven't been able to get statistics from the Feb. 7 caucus.

E-Voting Research Delayed, Experts Say (AP)


Real Madrid ended talk of a crisis at the club as they thumped Levante 5-0 in the Bernabeu and Valencia moved back into the Champions League places with a 2-0 win over Mallorca.

Liga Sunday Wrap: Madrid Answer The Critics


Prior to her opening-round match in the Fed Cup final Saturday, Svetlana Kuznetsova said her loss to Nathalie Dechy in their lone meeting last January was an anomaly, since it was before she became US OPEN WINNER SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA.

France Shocks Russia to 1-1 Tie at Fed Cup


Dec 16, 2004: The storage race for higher capacity and smaller sized storage hard disk drives continues with Toshiba being the latest vendor to break into the lead with the release of its newest invention.

Toshiba inspires breakthrough in hard disk storage


PARIS (Reuters) - About 400 inhabitants of three villages  in France's eastern region of Marne were evacuated on Sunday  after a soldier threatened to blow up a site storing  explosives.

French Soldier Threatens to Blow Up Explosives


PC buyers can look forward to DVDs with up to 10 times the storage when Hewlett-Packard debuts Blu-ray compatible machines.

HP strikes Blu note for DVDs, talks of fat storage


THESSALONIKI, Greece -- Iraq's surprising Olympic soccer run came up short with a 1-0 loss to Italy in a bronze medal game that couldn't escape reminders of violence in the war-torn country.

Italy ends inspired Iraqi run


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices eased on Friday as swelling  crude stockpiles countered worries over a cold snap in the U.S.  Northeast that is expected to keep furnaces fired up until the  middle of next week.

Oil Eases as Supplies Offset Winter Fears


Reuters - Iraq's interim prime minister Iyad\Allawi has held private meetings with Iraqi insurgents in an\effort to persuade them to accept a government amnesty offer,\The Washington Post reported on Sunday.

Allawi Talks to Iraqi Insurgents on Amnesty -Report (Reuters)


LONDON (Reuters) - Iraq has become a magnet for foreign  terrorists since the U.S.-led invasion last year and there are  not enough troops to cope, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Britain  said on Thursday.

Saudi Ambassador Says More Troops Needed in Iraq


The latest Microsoft Windows security flaw could result in more harm than usual because the company's system for fixing it could prove too vexing for some PC users to deal with, security experts warned. <FONT face=

New Windows Patch Proves Tricky


When Rubens Barrichello crossed the line in qualifying and  #39;P1, P1 #39; filled his ears,  #39;my legs went numb, #39; the Brazilian explained.

Paddock talk - Brazil


Japan #39;s Mizuki Noguchi captured the gold medal in the women #39;s marathon at the Olympic Games in Athens on August 22. Noguchi, silver medalist in last year #39;s world championships in Paris, took over the lead

Mizuki Noguchi of Japan wins women #39;s marathon gold


Despite well-publicized wins by piracy foes, illegal digital music and movie trading continues to flourish in underground havens.

Sneaky Sharing


WORLD champion driver Michael Schumacher escaped uninjured after a high-speed crash during a testing session in Monza, Italy, yesterday.

Schu #39;s lucky escape


NEW DELHI, Sept 8: Pakistan and India announced their determination on Wednesday to resolve the Kashmir issue according to the letter and spirit of the Shimla Agreement , and invoked the purposes

Fresh initiatives on many fronts: Determination in joint <b>...</b>


LONDON-September 27, 2004 - A ticket may soon be all that separates you from a dream voyage to the final frontier. British entrepreneur Richard Branson says Virgin company plans to start offering commercial space flights over the next few years.

Groundwork Laid for Spaceline


NEW YORK: Comeback kid Tommy Haas upset 12th seed Sebastien Grosjean to move into the third round of the US Open on Friday. The German former world number two, who missed the whole of last season after shoulder

Haas puts Grosjean in the shade


ONE OF Yasser Arafat #39;s least-admired roles in the last few years was as the constantly cited excuse for international futility in Middle Eastern peace efforts.

New peace hope in post-Arafat era


Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, setting a test for a new Palestinian leadership, said it could show its desire for peace by ending incitement against Israel even before any crackdown on militants.

Sharon Sets Peace  #39;Test #39; for Palestinians


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Twice champion Andre Agassi sent out  an ominous warning to his rivals for the U.S. Open title on  Saturday with a ruthless 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 third-round demolition  of Czech Jiri Novak.

Agassi Sends Out Warning with Novak Win


Top-seeded Vincent Spadea beat qualifier Hugo Armando 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 Friday night to reach the semifinals of the Millennium International Tennis Championships.

Spadea in semifinals


ATLANTA - Jeff Bagwell and Raul Chavez homered early for the Houston Astros, but the Atlanta Braves rallied to a 2-2 tie heading into the ninth inning Thursday, as Houston sought its first victorious playoff series.    Houston took a 1-0 series lead into Game 2 against Atlanta at Turner Field...

Astros and Braves Tied 2-2 After 8


washingtonpost.com - President Bush emerged from his New York convention with a solid lead over Democratic challenger John F. Kerry, strengthening his position on virtually every important issue in the campaign and opening up a clear advantage on many of the personal characteristics that influence voters in presidential elections, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

Bush Support Strong After Convention (washingtonpost.com)


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Hurricane Jeanne got stronger, bigger and faster as it battered the Bahamas and bore down on Florida Saturday, forcing hundreds of thousands more residents to hurriedly shutter their homes ahead of its anticipated devastating punch...

Jeanne Tears Across Bahamas Toward Fla.


AP - Computer giant IBM said Monday it had asked Switzerland's highest court to block a lawsuit by Gypsies claiming the company's punch-card machines helped the Nazis more efficiently commit mass murder.

IBM Asks Court to Block Gypsies' Lawsuit (AP)


The U.S. official said Monday that the United States made two major mistakes: not deploying enough troops and then not containing the violence immediately after the ouster of Saddam Hussein.

Bremer Criticizes Lack of Troops in Iraq


The takeover battle for Manchester United Football Club (MUFC) is far from over, as Malcolm Glazer has again increased his share in the worlds richest football club.

Salary 20,421 pa Location London Company Epping Forest District <b>...</b>


The Knicks are keeping their eyes fixed on Vin Baker and Nazr Mohammed, fervently hoping they can provide 48 quality minutes and a few blocked shots between them.

Without Mutombo, Knicks Hope the Center Will Hold


Do-it-yourself phishing kits are freely available on the Internet, a security firm said Thursday, and they will lead to more scams sent to online consumers.

Do-It-Yourself Phishing Kits Lead To More Scams


A videotape posted by on a website showed the beheading of three hostages said to be members of an Iraqi Kurdish party, slain for co-operating with American forces in Iraq, according to their captors.

Website video purports to show beheadings of three Kurdish <b>...</b>


The number of Japanese men and women who have lived 100 years or more surged this year to a record 23,038. The figure released by the Health Ministry reflects longer life spans in a rapidly greying nation, where

Japanese getting older as record numbers reach 100


A US Treasury Department spokesman on Monday gave a positive, though muted, reception to a British proposal to ease the debt of heavily indebted poor countries, which was unveiled over the weekend.

US Trsy  quot;glad to see quot; UK idea on poor country debt


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's image in the United States  may be tarnished and relations with its main ally suffer even  if suspicions a Pentagon analyst gave secrets to the Jewish  state prove false, Israeli officials said Sunday.

Israelis Fear Fallout from Pentagon Spy Probe


GENEVA: International airlines are heading for a near US\$5bil loss this year, largely due to the rise in oil prices, the industrys global body said on Tuesday.

Airlines may incur US\$5bil loss this year


AP - The Minnesota Twins left Cleveland clinging to first place in the AL Central  #151; and already looking ahead to their next showdown with the surprising Indians.

Twins Rally to Beat Indians in 10 Innings (AP)


Manchester, England (Sports Network) - Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy picked up a hip injury while playing for Holland in a World Cup qualifier Wednesday.

Van Nistelrooy hurts hip


The US trade deficit narrowed in July from the prior month #39;s record as exports rose and a decline in oil shipments contributed to the first drop in imports in 11 months, the Commerce Department said in Washington.

US Trade Deficit Narrowed to \$50.1 Billion in July (Update1)


NEW YORKA journey from the sandlots of Venezuela to baseball #39;s biggest stage was something Blue Jays pitcher Gustavo Chacin pulled off with the help of a friend.

Chacin #39;s debut a gem


programmes as Seoul stepped up security along its border with North Korea due to a suspected infiltration. pressure to give more concessions to entice the reclusive state back to nuclear arms talks.

Powell seeks Seoul help on N.Korea


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A large climb in September U.S.  retail sales and bigger-than-expected gains in underlying  producer prices boosted hopes for stronger growth and bets that  the Federal Reserve will continue to raise interest rates.

Retail Sales Jump But Oil Hits Confidence


RealNetworks, which kicked off the Internet #39;s first digital music price war by selling songs at half-price, ends the sale on Thursday but will continue selling top-10 singles as 49-cent loss leaders.

Real says digital song sale doubled market share


Diet trend, high debt level cited. Interstate Bakeries had shown signs of financial trouble for months. Twinkies await sale on a shelf in a Wonder Bread outlet store in Lawrence, Kan.

Maker of Twinkies files for protection


Spain #39;s Constantino Zaballa, riding for the Saunier Duval team, broke away early in the day for an easy win in Friday #39;s 19th stage of the Tour of Spain over Avila and Collado Villalba.

Zaballa in Breakaway Stage Win


NEW DELHI, Nov. 26. - In a major thrust to Indias Look East policy, Dr Manmohan Singh will leave for Laos on Sunday to attend the 3rd India-Asean summit scheduled to be held in Vientiane on 30 November.

PM looks east to Asean


Australia is facing a federal election on October 9th with the two main parties having little to separate them in domestic and economic policy. Where the Liberal and Labor parties differ greatly is in foreign policy. The Liberal Party adheres to the

Comparing Australian Foreign Policy With Respect To Terrorism


The surgeon who treated a young Jakarta blast victim fears the five-year-old may have paralysis, reports Connie Levett from Singapore.

Two fathers keep vigil for Manny


Marsh  amp; McLennan Companies Inc. (MMC) reported on Monday that Roger Egan, president and COO of Marsh Inc., its risk and insurance services subsidiary, and Christopher Treanor, Marsh Inc.

MMC Makes Management Changes; Egan, Treanor Out


Bruce Goodman is shopping for a new plasma television. He #39;s been doing that for a while -- about six months.  quot;It #39;s much more work than it ought to be, quot; he said of his research.

To Be Picture-Perfect, a Choice of 3


com. In a new indication that the sale of US-built telecommunications infrastructure to foreign interests at fire-sale prices is continuing, Tyco International announced Monday that it is selling its Tyco Global Network to India #39;s Tata Group.

India #39;s Tata Group Acquires Tyco Network At Bargain Price


The European Union will finance over half of the cost of the African Union #39;s (AU) cease fire monitoring and civilian protection force in Sudan #39;s troubled region of Darfur, EU foreign affairs chief Javier Solana said on today.

EU to finance over half of African mission in Darfur


The decision marks the first time a mechanical device has been made widely available to replace a failing human organ.

FDA Approves Artificial Heart  For Those Awaiting Transplant


Honest, sincere and a man of integrity - the most common definition for the man whom many call an  #39;accidental politician #39;.

The  #39;gentle #39; doctor of Gah


As co-stars of an elite, wireless-oriented tech show they were improbable indeed: A weed whacker, a blender and a boombox. Their decibel assault at this year #39;s 6th annual DEMOmobile show in San Diego was the

New toys for wireless crowd


India says it would consider granting autonomy to the disputed region of Kashmir to help make peace with Pakistan, but added it will not redraw its borders.

India Considers Granting Greater Autonomy to Kashmir


The latest variant of the MyDoom mass-mailing worm is spreading fast, even as security firms raise the worm #39;s threat assessment.

MyDoom Spreading Fast


MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State University officials said the college is bucking a nationwide trend toward declining enrollment in MBA degree programs.

BSU #39;s MBA program thriving as others struggle


Turkey must go further in improving its Kurdish minority #39;s cultural rights, EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said on Tuesday.

Turkey Must Increase Kurds #39; Rights -Verheugen


Chinese consumers show little sign of reining in their spending, despite the first rise in core interest rates in nine years.

Chinese retail sales hold firm


Paris, France (Sports Network) - French cycling star Richard Virenque announced Friday that he is retiring. Virenque was known for his fierce mountain climbs, but his cycling career was also tainted by his

Cyclist Richard Virenque retires


Defying concerns that post-9/11 construction would be dominated by concrete bunkers, the designers of new buildings in New York are turning to glass facades.

Even in an Age of Terrorism, Towers Are Sheathed in Glass


A renegade supplier may have flooded U.S. market with up to a million bogus batteries.

Burned again, Kyocera recalls more phone batteries


InfoWorld - MySQL this week made available three new consulting packages that aim to help IT departments quickly design and implement open source database systems. The packages feature MySQL-certified senior consultants who work at customer sites for short-term engagements and provide in-depth application analysis as well as recommendations on application design, performance optimization, and help with migrating legacy databases to MySQL. The packages are MySQL Architecture  amp; Design, which offers two days consulting for  #36;5,000; MySQL Performance Tuning  amp; Optimization, which provides three days for  #36;7,500; and MySQL Migration Jumpstart, which includes five days consulting for  #36;10,000. MySQL also provides longer-term, customized consulting services. For more information visit www.mysql.com/consulting.

In Brief: MySQL announces new affordable consulting packages (InfoWorld)


Detained Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been told she will be held under house arrest until at least next September, a spokesman for her political party said.

Burma Extends Democracy Leader #39;s Detention


Jacques Chirac has ruled out any withdrawal of French troops from Ivory Coast, despite unrest and anti-French attacks, which have forced the evacuation of thousands of Westerners.

Chirac says French troops will stay in Ivory Coast


Bosnian Prime Minister Adnan Terzic has announced that he and the Bosnian government will resign. Terzic made the statement to Bosnia private television, BN TV.

Bosnian Government Resigns


A 21-year-old British soldier has appeared at Bow Street Magistrates Court charged with the murder of a civilian in Iraq. Trooper Kevin Lee Williams, from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, is charged with murdering

British soldier charged with Iraqi #39;s murder


Blackburn was dumped out of the Carling Cup on Wednesday, losing 7-6 on penalties to lowly Bournemouth in the second round. The two sides had tied 3-3 after extra time in English soccer #39;s second tier club knockout competition.

Blackburn out of League Cup after 7-6 loss to Bournemouth on <b>...</b>


South Korea went on high alert over possible infiltration by North Korean agents Tuesday while US Secretary of State Colin Powell met with top officials in Seoul on how to denuclearize the North and redeploy US troops on the

South Korea on alert for North Korean infiltration


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Ballistic missile defence, a mere political hiccup south of the border even in an American presidential year, is showing surprising strength as a topic of public debate in Canada.

Missile defence, just a hiccup in U.S., takes on political life in Canada (Canadian Press)


Reuters - U.S. Treasury debt prices fell for a\second straight session on Wednesday as buyers' resistance to\higher prices spawned a wave of profit-taking.

U.S. Treasury Debt Prices Fall (Reuters)


BERLIN (Reuters) - Fourteen years and a trillion euros  after reunification one in five Germans would like to see the  barrier that split the country during the Cold War put back, a  survey found Wednesday.

One in Five Germans Wants the Berlin Wall Back


AFP - Australian retail giant Coles Myer launched a 1.18 billion dollar (861 million US) bid for pub and liquor store group ALH, trumping a lower offer by rival Woolworths.

Coles trumps rival Woolworth's bid for pub and gaming group (AFP)


Wireless local area network (Lan) - or Wi-Fi - technology is undergoing a  quot;fundamental shift quot; as embedded Mini PCI card adaptors take over from PC card adaptors as the dominant access devices, new research has claimed.

Wi-Fi undergoing  #39;fundamental shift #39;


AP - Russia's upper house of parliament on Wednesday ratified the Kyoto Protocol and sent it to President Vladimir Putin for the final stamp of approval that would bring the global climate pact into force early next year.

Russian House Ratifies Kyoto Protocol (AP)


A group of investors, including Donald Trump Jr., plan to invest \$3 billion to develop Yeongjong Island in Incheon, a Korean legislator has said, part of a government project to create a Northeast Asian logistics hub.

Trump-led group may invest \$3 bil. in Incheon


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Asian share markets staged a  broad-based retreat on Wednesday, led by steelmakers amid  warnings of price declines, but also enveloping technology and  financial stocks on worries that earnings may disappoint.

Asian Shares Lower on Earnings, Steel


AP - President Bush paused on Veterans Day to honor American soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan during his presidency and in wars past. As he spoke, U.S. warplanes and artillery pounded insurgents west of Baghdad.

Bush Honors Fallen American Soldiers (AP)


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi militants said they shot and killed an Italian citizen after he tried to break through a guerrilla roadblock on a highway outside the insurgent stronghold of Ramadi.

Iraqi Militants Say They Shot Italian


Reuters - Titan Corp. , which provides\technology and translating services to the U.S. military, on\Wednesday reported a slightly higher quarterly profit.

Titan Posts Slightly Higher Profit (Reuters)


In two joint press releases, Sony Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Toshiba, and IBM, have today announced the creation of the prototype CELL processor, which is currently being developed in Austin Texas.

CELL Prototype Announced By Sony, Toshiba, and IBM


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Viacom Inc. on Thursday posted a  quarterly loss on charges from spinning off the Blockbuster  Inc. video rental chain, but its shares rose on a  larger-than-expected stock repurchase and higher cable network  advertising sales.

Viacom Posts Loss; Sets \$8 Bln Buyback


Bausch  amp; Lomb Inc., propelled once more by a sharp rise in sales of contact lenses, eye-care drugs and vision-correction surgical products, posted a 34 percent jump in third-quarter

Bausch  amp; Lomb #39;s profit jumps 34 percent


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Booming orders for new military  aircraft boosted overall orders to U.S. factories by 0.5  percent to a seasonally adjusted \$371.51 billion in October,  the Commerce Department said on Thursday, though demand was  flat when defense was excluded.

U.S. Factory Orders, Jobless Claims Up


NEW YORK (DowJonesAP) - AMR Corp. announced Friday it will boost its presence at its hub in Dallas-Fort Worth by 10, days before rival Delta Air Lines Inc.

American beefs up Dallas/Fort Worth service


quot;Football is a funny game. There are injuries, suspensions and so on and you #39;ve just got to take your chance when you get it, quot; was Michael Owen #39;s response last week when asked how he felt

Soccer: Owen sets up winner for Madrid on debut


LONDON, Oct 27 (IranMania) - Iran was to respond today to Europe #39;s offer for the Islamic Republic to avoid possible UN sanctions and receive nuclear technology by indefinitely suspending uranium enrichment, but there was little hope of a breakthrough

Iran to respond over nuclear freeze


Staking its prestige on Sudan #39;s troubled peace process, the UN Security Council met away from its New York home for the first time in 14 years on Thursday to try to end two decades of war in Africa #39;s biggest country.

UN Security Council in Africa to Push Sudan Peace


Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing vowed Thursday in Santiago to make joint efforts with other members of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the fight against terrorism and corruption.

China pledges efforts in fight against terrorism, corruption


Peter G. Angelos could sell the Baltimore Orioles for almost \$200 million more than he paid for the team 11 years ago under terms of a deal he is negotiating with Major League Baseball to compensate him for the Montreal Expos moving to Washington

Baseball in DC, Angelos likely smiling


Pfizer Inc., the world #39;s biggest drugmaker, said Wednesday third-quarter earnings rose on higher sales of key medicines. The New York based company said it earned \$3.

Pfizer earnings grow


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - It's the apparent absence of any bitterness or anger that makes Steven Truscott remarkable, his supporters say.

Supporters say Truscott has been an inspiration of calm, quiet strength (Canadian Press)


Chinese dissident Liu Jingsheng is freed after a decade in jail but says his freedom of speech is limited.

China releases leading dissident


FRANKFURT Lufthansa canceled about 60 European flights and its services around the world were delayed on Thursday after a computer fault in its check-in system, the German airline said.

Computer problem cancels Lufthansa flights


Wearable tech goes mainstream as the Gap introduces jacket with built-in radio.\

Gap's gadget garment blasts your favorite tunes


PENSACOLA, Fla. - Their homes are in ruin, many have only the shirts on their backs...

Victims of Hurricane Ivan Vow to Rebuild


Clemson and South Carolina will turn down bids to play in postseason bowl games after both teams fought during their game on Saturday.

Clemson and South Carolina Will Turn Down Bids


PHNOM PENH : Thousands of Cambodians flocked to the royal palace to catch a glimpse of new King Norodom Sihamoni as his formal coronation period ended with the extinguishing of a candle.

Thousands flock for glimpse of new Cambodian king as coronation <b>...</b>


IBM signed a definitive agreement to acquire Venetica, a privately held company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth-quarter.

IBM Buying Venetica


Electronics giant Sony has reported a fall in profits, in contrast to strong gains seen by Matsushita and Canon. Sony, which blamed a fall in sales of televisions and portable audio players, saw half-year

Sony profits down as rivals up


Middlesbrough came from nowhere to deprive Harry Redknapp of victory in his first match in charge of Southampton with two goals in the dying minutes to snatch a 2-2 draw.

Boro snatch a point


Wall Street is growing increasingly skeptical about PNC Financial #39;s (PNC:NYSE - news - research) proposed purchase of scandal-tainted Riggs National (RIGS:Nasdaq - news - research), which is the subject of a federal money-laundering probe.

Doubt Grows PNC Will Close Riggs Deal


Jason Bohn wasn #39;t having much success in Las Vegas --  quot;Been getting killed, quot; he said with a laugh -- until he picked up his golf clubs.

Lucky seven share lead after 18 holes


(Sports Network) - The Reds begin a four-game set against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park today. Cincinnati will rely on righthander Josh Hancock to get the job done on the mound tonight.

Cincinnati Reds Team Report - September 16


LONDON: The British government announced yesterday a range of new measures to fight global terrorism and organised crime, as Queen Elizabeth set out its new lawmaking agenda.

Britain plans tougher laws to fight terror


The new tower planned for the World Trade Center site has a lot more going for it than its 1,776-foot height -- it will include an array of environmentally friendly power sources. By John Gartner.

Freedom Tower Will Be Green Giant


Tokyo #39;s Nikkei was down 0.26 percent by late trade on Wednesday although it recovered slightly from earlier lows as selling was curbed amid growing views that the market has fallen too far too fast.

Nikkei Poised to Mark 9-Day Losing Streak


WHEN Scots turn up the heat the rest of the world dies a little, a report by an international conservation charity claimed yesterday.

Scotland now 16th in world for ecological impact


Barry Bonds hit a two-run homer in the first inning to support a strong effort by Kirk Rueter and help the Giants beat the New York Mets, 3-1, yesterday in San Francisco.

Bonds powers Giants


Through its Windows  #39;Experience More #39; event in Singapore, Microsoft let Super! cop a feel of the slickest hi-tech goodies way before they hit the streets.

Age Against the Machine : Technosexual revolution


Reuters - The dollar struggled on Tuesday to extend\its recovery against the euro from a record low hit last week,\as the market eyed a deeper decline in the U.S. currency in the\near-term.  The unexpectedly quick rebound in the dollar\against the euro at the start of 2005 caught some traders off\guard and left the market cautious about selling the U.S.\currency.

Dollar Struggles to Extend Recovery (Reuters)


The first international war crimes trial of Kosovo Albanians began yesterday, with three former rebels accused of abducting and killing suspected

Ex-Kosovo rebels face first war crimes trial


HOMESTEAD, Fla. - One might not think a disastrous qualifying effort alone could erase the momentum created by four victories in five weeks.

Johnson #39;s team in familiar position: fighting back


Price and coverage are the key issues affecting mobile users, a survey of European consumers finds.

Mobile users 'want cheaper calls'


AP - Ignoring a warning to abort the flight, a test pilot took a stubby-looking rocket plane on a corkscrewing, white-knuckle ride past the edge of the atmosphere Wednesday, completing the first stage of a quest to win a  #36;10 million prize.

Pilot Completes 1st Stage of Space Flight (AP)


Canadian Press - WASHINGTON (AP) - President George W. Bush on Monday removed a ban on commercial air service to Libya and released  #36;1.3 billion in frozen Libyan assets in recognition of

Bush lifts Libya sanctions, paves way for Pan Am 103 payments (Canadian Press)


General Motors offers consumers chance to lock in today's rates, but there's this five-year clause.

GM Deal: Hitch Included


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - Supermarket workers in northern California are preparing for a possible strike against Safeway - just as their sister union local in Los Angeles did for nearly five months ended in March.

Labor leaders seek to remedy shortcoming of locals


PHILADELPHIA -- Considering the number of times Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens were mentioned in the same breath this year, perhaps it #39;s only fitting they should both make headlines with their respective injuries on the same ...

Pitcher presumably suffered injury on two-run single


Toyota Motor Corp., the world #39;s largest seller of gasoline-electric automobiles, will double the number of Prius hybrid cars for sale in the United States next year to reduce the waiting period for customers.

Toyota plans more Prius sales in US


Vivendi Universal increases its stake in Morocco's national telecoms business, days before it is partially floated.

Vivendi ups Moroccan phone stake


EAST RUTHERFORD -- It #39;s no secret that Jason Kidd will see his return as a chance to present himself to interested suitors. But the Nets presented another point of view in their 109-88 rout over the Atlanta Hawks last night.

Unselfish Nets dominate Hawks


Jeremy Shockey yesterday reiterated his comments from Wednesday about his frustration with his role but denied he was insinuating that he is unhappy with how Giants coach Tom Coughlin is using him.

Shockey unhappy with himself, not coach


Reuters - A sell-off in tech stocks following\Intel Corp.'s disappointing outlook pushed Asian shares lower\on Friday, overpowering pockets of strength in some financial,\consumer and industrial issues.

Intel Drives Tech Sell-Off as Data Looms (Reuters)


RealNetworks Inc. recommends users download updates it released to patch multiple security holes in RealOne Player, RealPlayer and Helix Player.

#39;Highly critical #39; flaws fixed in RealPlayer


Financial markets and economic policymakers around the globe all were focused last week on the shrinking value of the dollar. The greenback fell to its lowest level in years against both the yen and the euro

Grumbling Over the Greenback


LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Advertising spending will climb  faster than the global economy in 2005, two leading forecasters  said on Monday, driven by marketing battles in competitive  sectors and increases in online and interactive ads.

Healthy Forecast for 2005 Ad Spending


By ALLISON LINN    SEATTLE (AP) -- The U.S. information tech sector lost 403,300 jobs between March 2001 and this past April, and the market for tech workers remains bleak, according to a new report...

High-Tech Industry Has Lost 400,000 Jobs


Princeton was in unfamiliar territory as the first Ivy League team to reach the Final Four of the NCAA women #39;s soccer tournament.

Princeton women taken down by UCLA


The Ohio Supreme Court rejects former Indians outfielder Milton Bradley's appeal of a three-day jail sentence he received after driving away from police who were trying to give him a speeding ticket.

Bradley's Appeal Rejected


SUN CITY, South Africa (AFP) - Lee Westwood recovered from three bogeys in the first four holes to post a one-under-par 71 and take the lead after the third round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Westwood grabs lead in Nedbank Golf Challenge


Two car bombs shook the capital in quick succession yesterday, killing at least 11 people, including a US soldier, and wounding 16, US and Iraqi officials said.

Eleven killed in car bombs as Rumsfeld visits troops in Iraq


AP - Radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his fighters Thursday to hand control of a revered Najaf shrine to top Shiite religious authorities, hours after U.S. forces bombed militant positions and Iraq's prime minister made a

Al-Sadr Tells Militia to Turn Over Shrine (AP)


If there is a poster boy for promoter Don King #39;s heavyweight carnival at Madison Square Garden tomorrow night, it is Kali Meehan.

Meehan up from Down Under


LONDON (Reuters) - A late equalizer from Pape Bouba Diop  gave Fulham a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United on Monday  and prevented Alex Ferguson's team from moving back into to the  thick of the Premier League title race.

Late Bouba Diop Strike Denies United


OBAN, Scotland -- Retired nurse Carolyn Rowe carries vivid memories of cancer patients she treated and says their suffering drives her strong support for Scotland's plan to ban smoking in all enclosed public places.

Scotland leans toward approving smoke ban


The Palestinian Authority #39;s representative in France says a diagnosis of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat #39;s illness will not be available until he undergoes a series of tests that could take several days.

Diagnosis on Arafat Expected in a Few Days


Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS) is beginning to implement a new vendor-relationship strategy emphasizing deeper alliances with fewer vendors.

EDS picks Siebel as its preferred CRM vendor


Beijing #39;s city government has cancelled a controversial purchase of Rmb29m (\$3.5m, 2.6m, 1.8m) of software from Microsoft after local rivals complained about the way the deal was handled.

Setback for Microsoft as Beijing scraps deal


Three armed Palestinians infiltrated the Jewish settlement of Morag in southern Gaza on Thursday morning, killing three Israelis and injuring another, according to Israeli military sources.

Palestinian gunmen kill 3 Israelis in Gaza


Paul Otellini, the chip maker #39;s president and chief operating officer served notice at the company #39;s recent developer conference that the megahertz era was coming to a close, and the decision last week to remove the 4-GHz Pentium 4 processor from its road

Intel Sets Cruise Control on Pentium 4


Garret Anderson hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the eighth inning and Vladimir Guerrero had a three-run homer, leading the Anaheim Angels to a 7-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.

Angels 7, White Sox 5


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Challenger Financial Services Group Ltd. (CGF.AU) on Monday reported a net loss of A\$235.4 million for the period Nov. 6 to June 30.

Australia #39;s Challenger Reports Loss Of A\$235.4M -2-


What was the last sound your computer made? It may have emitted a chime when e-mail arrived, or a heraldic swish when you started up Windows.

Eyes tired? Musical alerts ease computer user #146;s day


BAGHDAD -- Al Qaeda's arm in Iraq released a video yesterday showing its militants lining up five captured Iraqi security officers and executing them in the street, the latest move in a campaign to intimidate Iraqis and target those who collaborate with US-led forces.

Al Qaeda video shows execution of Iraqi officers


Software maker says Big Blue kept hold of key evidence to delay a resolution to a long-running legal spat over copyrighted code.

Compuware asks court to punish IBM


Nintendo's new DS handheld gamer is not supposed to replace the Game Boy Advance; the idea is to carve out a whole new market.
<FONT face=

Dual Screens Give Gamers New Options


Phil Mickelson #39;s 59 Wednesday at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf may not have come in an official 72-hole event, but it certainly put him in some elite company.

PGA TOUR #39;s 59 Club


HP (Quote, Chart) is doing a lot of explaining after it revealed this weekend that it will no longer put Itanium processors in its high-performance workstations.

HP Dumps 64-bit Interests


If you think the country is divided and rancorous about the presidential contest, try polling a few experts about the accuracy and security of electronic voting.

Voting methods under close watch


ARLINGTON -- A labor dispute may sideline professional hockey for the season, but recreational players are lacing up their skates and hitting the ice -- eager to slap-shoot their way through another New England winter.

Buying hockey gear with Cam Neely


The universe looked a little more familiar and friendlier. The roll call of planets beyond the solar system swelled significantly with the announcement of a trio of newly-discovered worlds much smaller than any previously discovered around other stars.

Small planets breathe life into old quest


Beijing this weekend urged Washington, DC, not to limit imports of Chinese cotton slacks. The Ministry of Commerce said such a restriction would violate World Trade Organization principles and hurt trade relations.

Worldwide pants: trade flap between US and China


AP - Discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp. reported Monday that the company swung to a profit in the second quarter, but same-store sales were still in decline.

Kmart Swings to Second-Quarter Profit (AP)


SUPREME COURT The Supreme Court is refusing to hear a challenge to the federal do-not-call telephone registry. Telemarketers have been trying to invoke free-speech rights to do away with the ban on unwanted phone solicitations.

Supreme Court declines to hear free speech challenge to do not <b>...</b>


Bordeaux, France - Seven people were killed and 40 injured in a pileup involving a Spanish coach and 10 cars early on Sunday. The accident took place on the Bayonne-Bordeaux highway in southwest France, the Gironde prefect #39;s office said.

40 injured in French motorway pileup


TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran reiterated Tuesday it was only  prepared to freeze its uranium enrichment activities for a few  months and would not, as the EU and Washington want,  permanently mothball facilities which could make atomic bombs.

Iran Says Nuclear Freeze Won't Last Long


AP - First it was a one-two punch of Tropical Storm Bonnie and the devastating Hurricane Charley. Then came Hurricane Frances just three weeks later.

Unusual Number of Storms Hit Land in Fla. (AP)


The Real Madrid soccer stadium was evacuated during a match on Sunday night after a bomb threat was delivered through the Basque newspaper Gara, which is often used

Bomb Threat in Madrid


Indian software companies, which have been busy conquering the world and neglecting their backyard, should not continue doing so. This is because the domestic market is going to grow into a huge opportunity

Pay heed to domestic market, IT firms told


AP - President Ricardo Lagos on Sunday said he planned to compensate thousands of people who were imprisoned and tortured under the regime of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.

Chile May Compensate Pinochet Victims (AP)


Reuters - International Paper Co. , the\world's largest forest products company, on Tuesday reported a\third-quarter loss after taking a charge to write down Canadian\assets.

International Paper Posts Quarterly Loss (Reuters)


Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he must take his share of the blame for Manchester United #39;s stuttering start to the season, saying  #39;maybe at the moment I #39;m making too many changes to the team.

Fergie: I #39;ve been getting it all wrong


Seldom has someone insisted on privacy more while behaving in ways that guaranteed him less. There are places we #39;re not supposed to go, but we #39;re continually being dragged

Controversy continues to follow Bryant


Spain coach Luis Aragones was criticized Wednesday by the country #39;s leading sports daily for his outburst against the English on the eve of his team #39;s soccer friendly with England.

Aragones scolded for outburst against English


Two US marines were killed on Thursday in the flashpoint city of Fallujah, where US marines are fighting pockets of insurgents, a US military spokesman said in a statement Saturday.

Two US marines killed in Iraq #39;s Fallujah


FONTANA ---- Brian Vickers #39; qualifying lap for Sunday #39;s Nextel Cup Pop Secret 500 felt almost too good to the rookie.  quot;When you cross the line after a lap like that and everything feels awesome, you #39;re waiting

Stunned rookie lands pole


Microsoft Corp. on Friday said it will sacrifice some key advances it had planned for Longhorn so it can deliver the successor to Windows XP in 2006.

Microsoft cuts advances for 2006 Longhorn release


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Suicide attackers exploded a pair of car bombs outside an Iraqi National Guard compound west of the capital Sunday, wounding American and Iraqi forces, and the U.S. military announced the arrest of a senior Iraqi commander for alleged ties to the insurgency...

Attackers Detonate Car Bombs in Baghdad


Symbol Technologies follows Cisco, which also recently joined the WiMax Forum.

Symbol joins WiMax wireless broadband group


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Outback Steakhouse Inc. <A HREF=

Hurricane Charley Tears Into Outback


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Merck   Co. Inc., reeling from the  recent withdrawal of its Vioxx arthritis drug, on Wednesday  said 2005 earnings will decline to levels below Wall Street  expectations, the third straight year of lower results.

Merck Sees Less Profit in '05, Shares Up


The United States and 13 other countries signed an agreement on Tuesday to explore ways to capture methane gas emissions. Methane, a heat-trapping gas, is the primary component of natural gas.

US and 13 Other States Agree on Push to Gather Methane Gas


Taiwan votes on Saturday to choose a new parliament in a ballot that could shape its future relations with China.

Taiwan poll to shape China ties


MANNHEIM, Germany Aug. 23, 2004 - An Army reservist charged with abusing Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison said Monday he will plead guilty to some offenses, acknowledging he broke the law and saying he accepts responsibility for his actions.

Judge Urges US to Speed Abu Ghraib Case


London - The No 10 shirt worn by Pele during the 1958 World Cup final was sold for 70 050 (about R808 000) to a private buyer, auction house Christie #39;s said on Tuesday.

Top dollar for Pele #39;s shirt


CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt, where Yasser Arafat began his  political life and where biographers say he was born, on  Thursday prepared a funeral for the Palestinian president, who  was declared dead in Paris in the early morning.

Egypt to Host Military Funeral for Arafat


International mobile-phone vendors Motorola, Nokia and Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications totaled 48 of the Taiwan handset market in September, holding the top three positions, according to statistics compiled by Taiwan mobile-phone distributors.

Taiwan market: Top-three mobile-phone vendors grab 48 of the <b>...</b>


Professional and recreational players are unlikely to see major developments in racket string technology any time soon.

With Few Exceptions, the String Remains the Same


The governor #39;s plan to move up county tax collections next year could unravel what was supposed to be a smooth, noncombative wrap-up of a new state budget.

EYE ON POLITICS: Granholm #39;s bid to collect taxes earlier could get <b>...</b>


WASHINGTON - New immigration barriers and expanded police powers, as well as making more of the public airwaves available for emergency services, are some of the issues trying to find a home in a bill to overhaul U.S. spy agencies...

GOP Accused of Padding Intelligence Bill


quot;The system has forsaken us, quot; moans local contractor  quot;Tiny Tim quot; Thompson, standing in the parking lot of a strip mall less than a mile from Auburn University.

Unbeaten Auburn looks like a loser


(Sports Network) - The Houston Rockets fell to the Dallas Mavericks in overtime, 113-106, at AmericanAirlines Center on Thursday. Tracy McGrady also had an excellent game, scoring a season-high 48 points on

Houston Rockets Team Report - December 3


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The recent federal and state investigations aimed at global insurer American International Group are leading investors to wonder if Chairman Maurice  quot;Hank quot; Greenberg may soon retire due to so-called regulatory fatigue.

Is AIG #39;s Hank Greenberg next?


AP - A new test could help scientists determine more quickly whether chinook salmon in the Klamath River are infected with a potentially deadly parasite.

Researchers Develop Salmon Parasite Test (AP)


WASHINGTON : American Paul Hamm was celebrating what he hailed as a  quot;third victory quot; after being told by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that he could keep the Olympic gold medal he won in the men #39;s all-around gymnastics event in Athens.

Olympics: Hamm salutes triple victory from gymnastics controversy


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

From SANs to SATAs, storage vendors continue product march


A blast tore through a crowded Baghdad market close to a police station yesterday and witnesses said at least 39 people were killed.

Mystery blast in Baghdad


MANCHESTER: Michael Owen insists he has been unaffected by the fierce criticism that has dogged his short career at Real Madrid and is desperate to use England #39;s World Cup qualifier against Wales to restore his flagging reputation.

England striker Owen believes he can make it in Madrid side


SAN FRANCISCO - For someone who rarely appears before large gatherings, Craig McCaw has spent a lot of time in the spotlight this week at a wireless industry trade show.

Craig McCaw describes a global wireless world


Ha Noi (VNA) - The 10th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN 10) - an important event marking one year of operation of the regional grouping - kicked off in Vientiane , Laos , on Monday.

ASEAN 10 - a peak of cooperation and consensus construction


By MAY WONG     SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Hoping to spur a 3-D revolution, Sharp Systems of America introduced Monday a new flat-panel computer display designed to deliver eye-popping images without the need for special glasses...

Sharp Introduces 3-Dimensional Computer Display


AP - Cedric Benson rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns and No. 9 Texas shook off a post-Oklahoma hangover Saturday with a 28-20 win over Missouri.

No. 9 Texas Holds Off Missouri 28-20 (AP)


ALEXANDRIA, Va. A federal bankruptcy judge is weighing whether to grant US Airways #39; request to impose 23-percent pay cuts on its workers to shore up its financial position while it reorganizes.

Judge weighs airline #39;s request for 23-percent pay cut


US Airways Group (otc: UAIRQ - news - people ) on Thursday said it #39;ll seek a court injunction to prohibit a strike by disaffected unions.

Bronner: US Airways To Seek Injunction If Unions Walk; UAL Flight <b>...</b>


The NHL yesterday canceled the 2005 All-Star Game in Atlanta, an aggressive step toward canceling the 2004-05 season. The move was made 49 days into this year #39;s lockout, which is a bit of a surprise.

All-Star Game canceled


The euro zone #39;s inflation rate fell in September to an annual rate of 2.1 percent but remained above the European Central Bank #39;s target for the sixth straight month, the European Union statistics agency said Monday.

Europe Inflation Dip Not Expected to Last


CAIRO : Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi revealed he had escaped four attempts on his life since his interim government took over from the US-led occupation forces almost three months ago.

Iraqi PM says he has escaped four assassination bids


The Metropolitan Museum's show is a sumptuous assemblage of animal products used to keep humans warm, make them look good and ratchet up their social status.

That Certain Look: Animal Magnetism


Linebacker LaVar Arrington participated in his first practice Wednesday since undergoing knee surgery on Sept. 21, and says he expects the Redskins to allow him to play Sunday against Chicago.

Redskins Report


Noble Energy Inc. Thursday said it agreed to acquire Patina Oil  amp; Gas Corp. for about \$2.76 billion, plus debt. Denver-based Patina owns oil and gas fields in mainly in Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Noble Energy to Buy Patina for \$2.76 B


Description: In a closely watched trial in Delaware, former Hollywood agent Michael Ovitz took the stand yesterday to defend his tenure as president of the Walt Disney Company in the mid- #39;90s.

Agent Ovitz Defends Tenure at Disney


EURO DISNEY, the financially crippled French theme park operator, has admitted that its annual losses more than doubled last financial year as it was hit by a surge in costs.

Euro Disney rides to new low with a 145m loss


The 35th Ryder Cup begins Friday, when the United States faces Europe at Oakland Hills Country Club.

It May Not Be Red Sox-Yankees, but Ryder Cup Rivalry Is Real


The BBC News website looks at the key questions arising from the death of Yasser Arafat, the leader of the Palestinian cause for more than 40 years.

Q A: What follows Arafat?


Sun Microsystems Inc. on Monday unveiled an upgrade of its thin-client platform, which enables access to corporate applications and data through broadband-enabled home and satellite offices.

Sun Unveils Upgrade Of Thin-Client Platform


AP - Catcher Jason LaRue and the Cincinnati Reds agreed Friday to a  #36;3 million, one-year contract, a  #36;400,000 raise.

Cincinnati Reds Re-Sign Catcher LaRue (AP)


East Rutherford, NJ (Sports Network) - Retired NBA center and seven-time All- Star Alonzo Mourning is going to give his playing career one more shot.

Zo seeks another comeback with Nets


Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Clippers Monday exercised the contract option for the 2005-06 season on forward Chris Wilcox.

Clippers exercise option on Wilcox


BOSTON (Reuters) - Millions of bleary-eyed New Englanders  on Thursday savored a feeling lost generations ago: the joy of  a Red Sox World Series victory that ended an 86-year drought  and, some say, lifted a legendary curse.

Giddy Red Sox Fans Savor Lifting of 'Curse'


WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Sports Network) - Chris Paul scored 16 points to lead No. 2 Wake Forest over Virginia Commonwealth, 81-67, in the quarterfinal round of the Preseason NIT.

Second-Ranked Wake Forest Beats Virginia Commonwealth


As soon as next year, Mexico plans to break ground on a 15-square-mile science park in Mexicali just south of the U.S. border, Mexican officials said.<FONT face=

Mexican Officials Promote 'Silicon Border'


CACI International Inc. said increased demand for its homeland security and intelligence services helped boost fourth-quarter profit by 56 percent over the same period a year earlier.

Demand Helps CACI Profit Increase 56


Even if indicted BALCO chief Victor Conte has the doping goods on sprinter Marion Jones, it's unclear whether the International Olympic Committee can revoke the five medals she won in Sydney in 2000. The IOC charter says that decisions can be changed only within three years after the closing ceremonies. The question is whether awarding a medal constitutes a decision.

Time on Jones's side


NEW DELHI (India): Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Sunday said India and Pakistan were working towards achieving  quot;credible and mutually acceptable quot; solution of all outstanding problems including Kashmir issue.

India-Pakistan working for  #39;acceptable #39; solution of Kashmir


DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Iranian President Mohammad Khatami  said on Thursday Syria and Iran had to cooperate for the sake  of peace in the Middle East and in the face of pressure from  the United States.

Iran Wants Syria Cooperation in Face of U.S. Pressure


Apple Computer is the undisputed champion of the hard-drive music market, but competitors are gearing up for a shot at the title. The various versions of the iPod account for 92.

Week in review: All eyes on iPod


AFP - A Hong Kong rights group has boycotted a meeting with a visiting British official, accusing London of failing to speak up in support of pro-democracy politicians in the territory.

Hong Kong rights group snubs British official over free speech row (AFP)


CNET News.com's Charles Cooper explains why the company remains wildly successful despite a string of mediocre product launches.

Microsoft: The reality behind the image


HAGERSTOWN, Md. - The highest-ranking Army reservist charged with abusing Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison said Monday he will plead guilty to some offenses because

Abu Ghraib Soldier Admits to Some Charges


The Board of Directors of Reliance Energy Ltd. would meet this week to consider the resignations of 6 of its 14 directors, a statement from the country #39;s second-largest power utility said.

Reliance Energy Board to meet tomorrow


Times Online tried Microsoft #39;s new search engine, and it broke. Here #39;s a selection of reader experiences with the new service.

Have your say - Microsoft v Google


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--James Hardie Industries NV (JHX) said Monday it is willing to help the medical fund it established to pay victims of asbestos-related illnesses avert a liquidity crisis.

UPDATE: James Hardie Willing To Help Compensation Fund


While in Sydney last week for a sales conference and to visit local customers, Sun Microsystems #39; president and COO Jonathan Schwartz made a number of statements (Computerworld Online October 13, CW October 18, p4) regarding the strategies of its

HP #39;s Hall responds to Schwartz #39;s claims


AFP - Northern Afghan warlord General Abdul Rashid Dostam held the biggest rally of Afghanistan's presidential campaign with a gathering of thousands in his northern home town.

Northern Afghan warlord gathers thousands for presidential rally (AFP)


The new iPod Photo is surely cool, but it's Apple's new music deal with U2 that might set off big waves in the e-music business. <FONT face=

Apple's Photo Finish


Well, it #39;s  quot;Patch Day Tuesday quot; again, and Microsoft just released another raft of security bulletins. We got ten bulletins this time, but that amounts to something upwind of 20 separate vulnerabilities

Inputs are dangerous


Looking for a search toolbar, an RSS reader, online bookmark manager or web research manager?  Look no further: Pluck incorporates all of these features into a single, elegant search tool.

Swiss Army Knife Meets the Kitchen Sink


Administration officials said President Bush might name Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state as early as Tuesday.

From Behind the Scenes, Rice on Stage


And then are the nights like this, when life with Shaquille O #39;Neal and Dwyane Wade isn #39;t such a carefree joy ride. Caught in the fast lane that is the Dallas Mavericks #39; offense, the Heat crashed and burned

Setback cools off Heat #39;s spicy start


Google #39;s eleventh hour price adjustment might have saved it some red-faces when it finally floated last week, but it #39;s back to earth with a bump this week.

Google slammed for corporate sleaze


Joe Nemechek is 24th in the Nextel Cup standings, his championship chances long sunk. He realizes there #39;s only one way to get any recognition for his team and his sponsor, US Army: the old-fashioned way.

Non-Chase drivers tops at Talladega


A senior royal aide jumped to the defence of Prince Harry today and insisted he would not apologise for a scuffle outside a nightclub with a paparazzi photographer.

Prince Harry  #39;Won #39;t Apologise #39; for Fracas with Photographer


Robots are playing a growing role in family life and industry, and winning over skeptics who doubt their ability. GENEVA - The use of robots around the home to mow lawns, vacuum floors, pull guard duty and

At your service


ALGIERS (Reuters) - One of North Africa's most wanted  Islamic militant leaders, accused in the kidnapping of 32  European tourists last year, has been taken into custody in  Algeria, authorities said on Thursday.

Algeria's Most-Wanted Militant Taken Into Custody


Johan Santana and Jacque Jones were a dynamic duo Tuesday night as they led the Minnesota Twins to a 2-0 win over the New York Yankees.

MLB: Minnesota 2, NY Yankees 0


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's government approved the Kyoto  Protocol on Thursday and sent the climate change pact to the  State Duma, the lower house of parliament, for ratification.

Russian Government Approves Kyoto, Sends to Parliament


NATIONAL Australia Bank yesterday announced it had hired the investment bank Lazards to gauge buying interest for its Irish banks, signalling it was prepared to leave part of its European market.

NAB tests the water for sale of its Irish banks


UNITED STATES NEW YORK -- The leaders of India and Pakistan yesterday hailed a new era in often-fraught relations between the two nuclear rivals and agreed to study a joint pipeline project and pursue solutions to the Kashmir conflict. The one-hour private meeting between President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India on the fringes of ...

India, Pakistan discuss joint project, Kashmir


The number of Americans living in poverty increased by 1.3 million last year, while the ranks of the uninsured swelled by 1.4 million, the Census Bureau reported Thursday.

Ranks of Poverty-Stricken, Uninsured Rise


AP - The Boston Red Sox call themselves idiots  #151; too stupid to realize that they aren't supposed be doing this.

Red Sox Have Some History to Be Proud Of (AP)


JERUSALEM -- Palestinian militants yesterday detonated an explosives-packed tunnel under an Israeli army base in the Gaza Strip and ambushed Israeli reinforcements, killing five soldiers and complicating efforts underway since Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's death last month to halt more than four years of fighting.

5 Israelis killed in tunnel attack


AP - Carlos Beltran was a star long before he joined the Houston Astros. He was smacking homers and scoring runs for awful teams in Kansas City for years. His glove dazzled minor league scouts in Wilmington and Wichita before that. And his speed was evident even as a schoolboy in Puerto Rico. Still, this postseason has provided a showcase for Beltran unlike any other.

Astros' Beltran Gets Chance to Shine (AP)


defenders got a piece of Bledsoe, and the Raiders offense did just enough -- as in a 43-yard touchdown pass from Rich Gannon to Ronald Curry and two Sebastian Janikowski field

Sack-happy  #39;D #39; bags Bills


THE DEAL: Symantec Corp., best known for its Norton-branded software that fights computer viruses, is heading in a new direction with a \$13.5 billion acquisition of data storage and backup specialist Veritas Software Corp.

Summary Box: Symantec Snaps Up Veritas


Reuters - With hundreds of lawyers mobilizing next\month to monitor the presidential election, what are the\chances of a remake of the Florida 2000 fiasco? Probably quite\high, election watchers say.

Despite Reforms, Florida Vote May Face Challenge (Reuters)


Ubisoft has announced that its sequel to the amazing Prince of Persia, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within has shipped and is now available at retailers.

Prince of Persia: Warrior Within Ships


Reuters - Thousands of cyclists snarled traffic\in New York on Friday night and police said they arrested more\than 250 people and confiscated their bicycles in the first\significant protest against President Bush before the\Republican convention.

Hundreds Held in New York Anti-Bush Bike Protest (Reuters)


He sat out the entire frustrating 5-7 season because of what he describes as his own stupidity. He broke his left collarbone in the Gator Bowl to end the 2002 season, then broke it again several months later

Notre Dame #39;s Goolsby eager to return after missing season


After spending a rotten weekend in the Big Apple, one that left them with frayed nerves and short tempers, the Cubs were in dire need of a laugher upon their return to Wrigley Field.

Fun for one, fun for all


USATODAY.com - Companies that have spent billions on cyberdefenses to thwart intruders are now addressing an even bigger threat: employees. Many are investing in software that monitors sensitive content inside corporate networks, say security analysts and venture capitalists.

Companies step up monitoring of internal networks (USATODAY.com)


San Francisco based developer Perpetual Entertainment has announced that it has secured the rights to create a massively multiplayer game based on Viacom #39;s Star Trek franchise, which it plans to release in 2007.

Star Trek to boldly go massively multiplayer in 2007


KABUL - Taleban-linked militants threatening to kill three UN hostages are accusing the United States of hampering their release, although an Afghan official says a ransom demand is the main stumbling block.

Militants claim US official slowed UN hostage deal; official <b>...</b>


Psychotic mice that flee other mice may offer insights into diseases such as schizophrenia, US researchers say. The genetically engineered mice have mutations in two key genes that make them suffer from psychosis

Genes unravel mystery of schizophrenia


Winning the NBA title in dominating fashion apparently earns you the respect of one-third of your peers. The results of the league #39;s annual survey of its 30 general managers was released last week, and 33 of

Wanna know who #39;ll win the title?


Before last Saturday #39;s games were even played, some had written off Oklahoma (8-0, 5-0 in the Big 12) and Texas A amp;M #39;s respective opponents and looked ahead to today #39;s clash in College Station, Texas.

A amp;M, OU battle in Big 12 rivalry


INGRAM MICRO INC. <A HREF=

Stocks to Watch Monday


LONDON : Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Jens Lehmann can replace Oliver Khan and become Germany #39;s first-choice goalkeeper in the 2006 World Cup.

Soccer: Wenger backs Lehmann to become Germany No 1


Reuters - Britain's Tony Blair pledged on Tuesday\to force international action on global warming, despite the\reluctance of big powers like the United States.

Blair Fears Climate Change Disaster, Challenges U.S. (Reuters)


The US economy accelerated in the third quarter as consumers rediscovered a penchant to spend, economists forecast the government to report this week.

Growth May Slow After Third-Qtr. Rebound: US Economy Preview


NEW YORK (Ticker) - It appears Joe Torre will not have Mel Stottlemyre at his side in 2005. The New York Times is reporting that Stottlemyre, who has served as the pitching coach of the New York Yankees under Torre since 1996, has decided not to return.

Report: Stottlemyre not returning to NY


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Computer Associates International Ltd.  <A HREF=

Computer Associates Posts Wider Loss


Armed with tagging devices and satellite tracking, marine scientists follow hundreds of sea animals around the Pacific Ocean, monitoring everything from location and depth to speed and water temperature. By Randy Dotinga.

Finding Nemo by Microchip


Roy Oswalt wasn #39;t surprised to hear the Astros were flying Sunday night through the remnants of a tropical depression that dumped several inches of rain in Louisiana and could bring showers today in Atlanta.

Taking mound on short rest no big deal to Oswalt


India #39;s foreign minister says modest progress was made in two days of peace talks with his Pakistani counterpart in New Delhi.

India, Pakistan Note Modest Progress in Peace Talks


New deal between the two companies is another sign of the wireless industry's focus on the W-CDMA standard.

Qualcomm chips in Siemens 3G phones


USATODAY.com - Republicans were the clear winners Tuesday as President Bush won re-election and the party expanded its majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Democrats emerged from the polls with a bad case of the

Winners and losers (USATODAY.com)


Ask Kevin Simon which is the worst home loss he has seen since arriving at the University of Tennessee and the answer is very clear.

Definitely Florida: Vols remember home losses, ready for revenge


Wolves chairman Rick Hayward today performed a remarkable about-turn and hinted that he could be ready to defy Molineux fans by bringing in former West Brom boss Gary Megson as the club #39;s new manager.

Wolves door still open for Megson


Security software maker has released updated versions of its offerings for home computer users.\

McAfee unveils 2005 security suite


Jacksonville, Fla. (Sports Network) - The Jacksonville  Jaguars cut another defensive end, this time releasing veteran  Hugh Douglas on Monday.

Jaguars Sever Ties with Hugh Douglas


Off spinner Nathan Hauritz grabbed three wickets on his debut after Jason Gillespie had ripped the heart out of the top order as Australia skittled out India for

Debutant Hauritz, Gillespie skittle out India for 104


(AGI) - Rome, Oct. 6 - The agreement on the provisions for more than 3 thousand workers, which closes the Alitalia dispute, was reached during the night at the Prime Minister #39;s Office after a marathon no-stop.

ALITALIA: YES TO PROVISION AGREEMENT, CTWU DOES NOT SIGN


Enterprises that in the past may have been leery of open source alternatives to commercial software have opened up to the concept, panelists said on Tuesday at an SDForum conference entitled  quot;Open Source - Entering the Mainstream.

SDForum: Open source becoming first option


Reuters - Dell Inc., the world's largest\personal computer maker,  on Thursday posted a higher quarterly\profit, helped by market share gains and lower component costs\despite slowing demand for corporate PCs.

Dell Profit Rises (Reuters)


France's popular Finance Minister is leaving government to make a bid for president of his party. But that's just for starters. In an exclusive interview, Nicolas Sarkozy tells TIME why his next stop will be the Elys eacute;e

President Sarkozy?


BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. warplanes, tanks and artillery repeatedly hit at Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's terror network in the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah on Saturday, while two British Muslim leaders came to Baghdad to try to convince his followers to release a British hostage...

U.S. Strikes Zarqawi Network, Killing 15


AMD has proved time and time again that its processors offer better performance than the competitions - and better value for money too.

Review: AMD Athlon 64 FX55


BHP Billiton, the world #39;s biggest mining company, has doubled its profits in the second half of the year on the back of booming global commodity prices.

China #39;s appetite boosts BHP


Were so young, Trojans coach Pete Carroll said. Half our team has only been here for two semesters.. Of the 48 players on Techs two-deep roster, 17 are freshmen or sophomores.

Tech faces talented So. Cal as an 18-point underdog


Delphi Corp. (DPH.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday warned that its third-quarter loss would be far wider than expected, the latest auto parts supplier to say

UPDATE 3-Delphi sees wider loss partly on materials costs


That #39;s the early forecast from the National Retail Federation, which sees sales escalating at a  quot;moderate quot; 4.5 percent clip over last year #39;s robust results.

Retailers expect moderate 2004 holiday sales growth


AP - John Edwards has a theory about what was hidden underneath an unusual wrinkle that appeared on the back of President Bush's suit jacket during his first debate with John Kerry.

Edwards Tells Leno Theory on Bush 'Lump' (AP)


US regulators the Food and Drug Administration have released guidance for the attachment of RFID tags to drug packaging in order to  quot;insure that the drugs available in the United States are among the safest in the world.

RFID tags on medication introduced in US


TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei fell 0.67 percent by  mid-morning on Monday, extending losses into a seventh session  as worries about higher oil prices hit airlines while banks and  retailers wilted on concerns about the domestic economic  outlook.

Tokyo Stocks Extend Losses


national security with an unusual plan for an Asia-Pacific spy school to counter terrorist threats. George W. Bush, has moved to tighten the nation #39;s defences and intelligence after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Australia #39;s Howard targets national security


33-year-old British Formula One pilot David Coulthard will stay in tournament next year as a driver for Red Bull Racing, the team has just confirmed.

Red Bull Racing bet big on Coulthard


KHARTOUM (Reuters) - African monitors should deploy in  camps to help protect the almost 1.5 million people displaced  by the conflict in Darfur and should also monitor police to  help build trust with the local community, the United Nations  said on Wednesday.

U.N. Wants African Monitors in Darfur Camps


Verizon Communications ran thousands of miles of cable to build a VoIP network in Madison Square Garden, while Cisco supplied the networking equipment, IBM donated PCs and servers, and Microsoft provided desktop and systems software.

Organizers shun wireless for GOP convention network


AP - Intervening for the second time in three days, President Bush on Sunday telephoned Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams in an effort to advance negotiations toward a power-sharing agreement between Northern Ireland's Catholics and Protestants.

Bush Urges Northern Ireland Peace Efforts (AP)


The Prime Minister has waded into the pensions crisis by calling for people not to be  quot;written off quot; at the age of 65. He was speaking ahead of a long-awaited official report which is expected to show a multi

Blair: Don #39;t write people off at 65


Former world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne has decided to quit tennis for the rest of the yearin a bid to recover from exhaustion.

Henin to quit tennis for rest of the season


ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Discount retailing giant Costco Wholesale Corp. said Thursday that profits grew 21 percent in its fiscal first quarter, thanks to higher sales and more revenue from membership fees.

Costco profits rise, but stock falls in early trading


NEW YORK (Dow Jones/AP) _ The stock of Star Gas Partners LP plunged 80 percent Monday after the distributor of heating oil and propane said its inability to pass on the full impact of high heating oil prices to customers may lead to bankruptcy.

Star Gas down on Pacific Exchange; warns of bankruptcy


More than 60 were wounded in a rash of suicide bombings and attacks, as U.S. forces prepared for a possible assault on Fallujah.

30 Killed in Spate of Attacks in Iraq


NEW YORK (Reuters) - General Mills Inc. <A HREF=

General Mills Cereals Going Whole Grain


New advertising for Viagra that depicts men who take it as devilish drew criticism from the Food and Drug Administration, leading its maker, Pfizer, to say yesterday that it would discontinue the campaign.

FDA Criticizes Viagra Ads, Prompting Pfizer to Halt Them


Economy: With consumer confidence down and spending up, shoppers wrestle with  #39;stop-and-go #39; mixed signals. By Andrea K. Walker.

Shoppers deal with mixed signals


There are a few more souvenir stands, quite a few more merchandise stands and a little different feeling among the fans at the Metrodome.

Frenzied fans pack Dome to see Twins


(Baghdad, Iraq-AP) Nov. 1, 2004 - US Embassy officials are confirming that an American is among four foreigners abducted during a bloody assault at their office in Baghdad.

American, 3 others kidnapped Mon. in Baghdad


An Israeli attack on Hamas activists training near Gaza City killed at least 13 people early today. The raid came a week after Hamas murdered 16 Israelis in twin suicide bombings on buses in Be #39;er Sheva.

Israeli attack on Hamas activists in Gaza kills 13 Hamas <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Sprint and Nextel announced plans to merge Wednesday, creating a new wireless phone power with about 35 million customers, enough to make it No.

Sprint, Nextel to merge


Mental breakdowns and warped childhoods add to the fun in

Controlling 'The Sims'


Somewhere in the pine bluffs of Washington, a Microsoft (MSFT) exec or two had to have been chuckling. On Oct. 1, a Rochester (NY) jury found that computer giant Sun Microsystems (SUNW), the company that extracted

Sun Dodges A \$2 Billion Bullet


DUBLIN : An Olympic Airlines plane diverted to Ireland following a bomb alert, the second faced by the Greek carrier in four days, resumed its journey to New York after no device was found on board, airport officials said.

Diverted Greek plane leaves Ireland for New York after bomb alert


Seattle SuperSonics, who lost their opener by 30 points to the Clippers, took a second straight victory at home Sunday night after downing the San Antonio Spurs 113-94.

Supersonics surprise Spurs


The co-chairman of the state Transportation Committee, which will hold hearings this month on problems with the Big Dig, said Gov.

Romney criticized for blaming Amor


GENEVA (Ticker) - Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton has been dumped by his pro cycling team after he failed blood doping tests, the sport #39;s world governing body announced on Tuesday.

UCI says Tyler Hamilton dumped by Phonak


Crushed by her failure to finish the women #39;s Olympic marathon Sunday, Paula Radcliffe broke down twice yesterday as she struggled to explain how her dreams were shattered.

WOMEN #39;S MARATHON The Pain of Defeat Is Still Fresh


Lagos - Nigeria #39;s President Olusegun Obasanjo will continue talks with rebels of the oil-rich Niger Delta in order to restore peace in the region, the presidential office said Sunday.

Nigeria: Rebel talks continue


ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - Rookie Ryan Palmer fired a  final-round 10-under-par 62 to seal his first PGA Tour victory  in the Funai Classic on Sunday.

Rookie Palmer Wins Funai Classic with Closing 62


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Tony Blair pledged on Tuesday  to force international action on global warming, despite the  reluctance of big powers like the United States.

Blair Fears Climate Change Disaster, Challenges U.S.


AFP - Women activists urged Sri Lankan authorities to step up protection for tsunami survivors amid unconfirmed reports some had been molested or even gang raped at refugee shelters.

Activists warn of possible rape of tsunami survivors (AFP)


Doctors and their patients in many countries are facing increasing problems receiving lifesaving isotopes for treating a range of illnesses.

Doctors, patients caught in global security web


Makers of The Passion of the Christ are tempting US churches with bulk orders, says  The New York Times.

Churches 'snap up Passion DVDs'


AP - Hurricane Frances is still messing up the major league baseball schedule.

Weather Washes Out Tampa Bay-Yankees Games (AP)


Progress Software produces results in a tough market, but investors really don't care.

Progress Software Avoids Crash and Burn


Car bombers struck twice in rapid succession in the Iraqi capital today, killing at least 11 people including an American soldier and wounding at least 16.

Eleven Killed in Baghdad Bombings


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Blockbuster Inc. <A HREF=

Blockbuster Posts Loss. Shares Plunge


Israel, Egypt, and the United States signed a trade agreement that a senior US official called the most significant trade pact between Egypt and Israel in the past 20 years.

Egypt, Israel Ink Trade Deal with US


Allowing dozens of casinos to be built in the UK would bring investment and thousands of jobs, Tony Blair says.

Blair: 'Casinos will bring jobs'


The looming political battle over how to reform the tangled US income tax code could get ugly. But one option, a tax aimed at boosting savings, holds promise.

New tax aimed at savings


Bombs exploded near a US convoy in western Baghdad on Thursday, killing 35 children and seven adults, a hospital official said. Hours

Baghdad bombings kill 35 children; new hostages seized


Archeologists found a small container with a whitish medicinal or cosmetic cream made up of animal fat, starch and tin oxide. Researchers writing in the November edition of the British magazine Nature say

Beauty creams then and now - the same


SAN FRANCISCO Constellation Brands, a big player in the beer, wine and liquor business, says it has bid 970 (m) million dollars for California-based winemaker Robert Mondavi.

Liquor giant makes move for Mondavi


Insurgents attacked eight oil pipelines in southern Iraq late Wednesday, temporarily slowing production of the country #39;s most important export on Thursday, according to

Pipeline Attack Slows Iraq #39;s Oil Production


Sydney - Much-missed New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming arrived on Saturday to be greeted with news of a batting collapse that has his team staring at defeat to New South Wales just days from the first Test against Australia.

Fleming flies in to bolster faultering Kiwi #39;s


AP - A summer-long effort targeting Internet crime has resulted in dozens of arrests and convictions on charges including use of

Dozens of Internet Crime Suspects Nabbed (AP)


Computer Associates agreed Wednesday to pay \$225 million to avoid criminal prosecution in a multibillion-dollar accounting scandal that has brought down several of its top executives.

Update 1: CA to Pay \$225M to Avoid Prosecution


DUBAIAn Islamist group claimed yesterday to have killed two Italian women taken hostage in Iraq, as a separate militant group released a video apparently showing the beheading of a captive American man.

Group claims the deaths of Italian hostages in Iraq


Cingular Wireless have announced plans to begin deploying a fast high-speed mobile wireless data network. The company expects to offer wireless data speeds between 400-700 Kbps (kilobits per second) and bursts

Cingular to deliver 3G services based on UMTS and HSDPA


SHANGHAI, China - Micron Technology Inc., the leading US based memory maker, is planning to build a test and assembly facility in China, according to an Associated Press report Monday (Oct. 18), which cited a company executive in Shanghai as its source.

Micron plans to build Chinese plant in 2005, says report


Indian industrial group Tata agrees to invest \$2bn in Bangladesh, the biggest single deal agreed by a firm in the south Asian country.

Tata to invest \$2bn in Bangladesh


Reuters - Pfizer Inc.  on Wednesday said\third-quarter earnings rose on higher sales of cholesterol and\arthritis drugs, but the company cautioned that 2005 results\will likely be hurt by generic competition for four other\popular medicines.

Pfizer Profit Up, Warns of Patent Lapses (Reuters)


Great digital cameras are in danger of becoming commodity items. After testing five high-end devices, it was hard to recommend just one -- they could all do the job fine.
<FONT face=

Digital Contenders All Hotshots


Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - San Diego Padres shortstop Khalil Greene is expected to miss the rest of the season with a broken bone in his right index finger.

Greene expected to miss rest of season


Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel and the school #39;s athletics director, Andy Geiger, defended the besieged program Tuesday -eiger delivering a vigorous

Ohio State knocks Clarett #39;s allegations


Testimony in the sexual abuse trial of former Houston Rockets star Calvin Murphy ended this morning. Jurors will hear closing arguments and begin deliberations Monday, state District Judge Michael McSpadden said.

Murphy trial testimony ends; jurors to return


Dr. David Graham, the Food and Drug Administration scientist who publicly criticized the agency #39;s approach to drug safety during a congressional hearing last week, said

Safety critic says he faces FDA transfer in  quot;reprisal quot;


Russian President Vladimir Putin defended his stance on Chechnya during talks with Germany #39;s Gerhard Schrder and France #39;s Jacques Chirac on Tuesday after both questioned him on the matter.

Putin Defends Chechnya Policy at Talks


Jim Pinder lost his job to India before most people had ever heard of ''offshoring. quot;

Middle-class, white-collar jobs leaving, too, not just 'grunt' work


European Ryder Cup player Luke Donald shot a 5-under-par 66 Sunday to win the European Masters by five strokes for his second European tour victory.

Donald wins European Masters


Ziff Davis - Fresh out of its  #36;20 million settlement with Microsoft, the company says it

Lindows Backs Out of IPO (Ziff Davis)


JOHOR BARU: The Singapore authorities have been invited to check chicken farms in Johor for avian influenza if the republic wants to import poultry from here.

Singapore invited to check farms in Johor


Reuters - U.S. regulators have decided against\filing civil charges against Global Crossing Ltd. \founder Gary Winnick following a probe of its accounting\practices, his attorney said on Monday.

SEC Won't Punish Global Crossing Founder (Reuters)


Are we ever sick of talking on the phone. (Sorry, Mom!) After trying out six VoIP services on both cable and DSL lines, on workdays and weekends, while surfing the Web or staring at the

Let #39;s Talk About VoIP


* Winning Action Investments Inc., real estate investment corporation that filed for bankruptcy in February 2003. Guy Houston signed loan papers as company vice president and was cited with the company by

Here #39;s a look at Houston #39;s family #39;s companies, lawsuits


Starbucks is expanding its digital music service to coffee shops in Seattle and Austin, Texas, this month. The service, called the Hear Media music bar, will be available at 15 Starbucks stores in Seattle starting on Monday.

Starbucks serves burnt CDs with its coffee


Take-Two follows up bad news with a mediocre earnings report and uninspiring guidance.

Take-Two Sacked on Fourth Down


Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Hollywood's last major independent, is set to accept a Sony offer worth \$5bn.

MGM studios to be bought by Sony


WASHINGTON - Two Army divisions will return to the United States from Germany as part of a global military restructuring that President Bush says will bring up to 70,000 American troops home in the next decade.    Pentagon officials said Monday the 1st Armored Division and 1st Infantry Division probably won't start leaving their bases in Germany until 2006 at the earliest...

Bush Announces Plan for Troop Realignment


Tottenham continued their unbeaten run to the season after being held to a goalless draw by Norwich at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Spurs had a number of chances to break the deadlock, but City goalkeeper Robert

Tottenham 0 Norwich 0


An Internal Revenue Service system designed to protect the agency's modernized systems from hacking isn't working properly, according to a report by the Treasury inspector general for tax administration.

Report casts doubt on IRS hacking-detection system


Sven-Goran Eriksson says that he will select either the three-pronged strikeforce or Shaun Wright-Phillips on Wednesday night, but not both.

Sven:  #39;It #39;s three strikers or Wright-Phillips #39;


Jerusalem, Sept. 2 (PTI): Claiming to have  quot;concrete evidence quot; of Syria #39;s involvement in the double suicide attack in the southern city of Beersheva in which 16 people were killed and more than 80 injured, Israel

Israel threatens to launch military action against Syria


On a ridiculous night of achievement for the Angels #39; offense, Jeff DaVanon somehow managed to stand out. The outfielder doubled in the third inning of Wednesday night #39;s

DaVanon hits for cycle


Reuters - An Israeli helicopter gunship fired a\missile into the Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza\Strip on Friday, wounding at least three Palestinians,\witnesses and medics said.

Israeli Missile Strike in Gaza Wounds at Least 3 (Reuters)


Cingular Wireless is under attack from its biggest rival, Verizon Wireless, which is trying to recapture the top spot in the cellphone industry.

Verizon Wireless Makes an Appeal to Rival's Subscribers


GRAPELAND, Texas -- At least one player is badly injured and others are hospitalized after lightning struck an East Texas high school football team.

Lighting Strikes High School Football Team, 40 Injured


Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has made courting Linux users and those considering the open-source option a top priority and said the sheer volume of innovation that Longhorn development efforts

Ballmer: Microsoft Courting Linux Users, Longhorn Worth Wait


Reuters - The U.S. cattle industry anxiously\awaited government test results, expected as early as Monday,\that will determine if the United States has a second case of\the deadly mad cow disease, industry officials said.

Cattle Industry Awaits Mad Cow Results (Reuters)


The US Securities and Exchange Commission said on Wednesday the accounting practices of housing finance group Fannie Mae (FNM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) from 2001 to mid-2004  quot;did not comply in material respects quot; with

SEC says Fannie did not meet accounting standards


Alaska Airlines closed its Oakland maintenance base Thursday and fired the facility #39;s 340 employees, as the troubled carrier announced cost- cutting moves to save up to \$35 million per year.

Alaska Air shuts Oakland base


Microsoft is looking into reports this week of a serious buffer overflow vulnerability in its Internet Explorer Web browser, but has not yet seen malicious code that exploits the reported flaw.

Microsoft investigating reports of new IE hole


The future of hypersonic flight is uncertain, but next week a tiny unmanned NASA jet will try to hurtle into that unknown on a one-way trip at 10 times the speed of sound.

NASA experimental  #39;scramjet #39; prepares for Mach 10 attempt


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Militants fired rockets at a hotel housing foreigners in the heart of Baghdad on Thursday night, causing minor damage, while U.S. officials said two American soldiers were killed by roadside bombs outside the capital and authorities arrested 20 Iraqis suspected of planting homemade explosives...

Rockets Hit Downtown Baghdad Sheraton


The Government of the Ivory Coast is planning to take legal action against French troops accused of shooting civilians. The Ivorian Government is taking its case to the International Court of Justice.

Ivory Coast accuses France of shooting civilians


A spate of bombings which killed six people and injured scores in the past two days is aimed at triggering panic in the revolt-hit Indian state of Assam, an official said yesterday.

#39;Assam blasts aimed at sparking panic #39;


The Palestinian elections committee said Saturday that Israel #39;s arresting of a Palestinian presidential candidate is unconcealed interference.

Palestinian elections committee accuses Israel of interference


Olympic swimming sensation Michael Phelps was drowning in criticism from his coach and fans last night after being busted for drunken driving in Maryland.

Swim phenom sinking on DWI


NAIROBI, Nov 18 (AFP) -- The deteriorating situation in Sudan #39;s troubled Darfur region received secondary attention during a meeting Thursday of the United Nations Security Council in Nairobi as emphasis focused on the search for peace in southern Sudan.

UN Security Council discusses Darfur, shuns rebels


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Boston Scientific Corp <A HREF=

Boston Scientific Recalls Ear Implant


Top-seeded Roger Federer made it to the U.S. Open quarterfinals when Andrei Pavel pulled out with a herniated disc in his lower back. Tim Henman also advanced today.

Federer and Henman Advance at U.S. Open


Singapore Airlines Ltd, Asia #39;s most profitable carrier, may use new Boeing Co planes to try to win long-haul passengers from Emirates and Cathay Pacific Airways

Singapore Air plans to buy 18 Boeing 777s


Volkswagen workers staged a new round of brief stoppages early Monday, keeping up pressure on the automaker ahead of wage talks in which the company is sticking to a demand for a two-year pay freeze.

Volkswagen Workers Stage New Stoppages


PC World - Software maintains security on laptops when they're outside the network.

AirDefense Locks Up Wi-Fi (PC World)


The top cosmonaut of Russias space defense troops lieutenant colonel Yuri Shargin has proposed sending politicians to space to discipline them.

Russian Cosmonaut Shargin Wants to Send Politicians to Space


Chinese parents pick up their children at the gate of the Korean School in Beijing Friday Oct. 22, 2004. As many as 29 North Korean asylum seekers entered the school earlier Friday, and told school authorities

N. Koreans Seek Asylum in Beijing School


BEIJING (China): Body of the slain Chinese engineer, Wang Peng who lost his life during operation against the al-Qaeda linked captors in the tribal belt of Pakistan reached here on Saturday by a special plane, which was arranged by Islamabad as an

Slain Captive Engineer: Pakistan repatriates Body to China


The micro flyer is the next version of the robot by the Japanese technology firm that wowed crowds with last year.

Bluetooth flying bot creates buzz


The 802.11a offshoot will allow TVs and other non-PC devices to receive video files more easily.

Toshiba tinkers with Wi-Fi for TV


A new batch of phone numbers will be assigned in Britain to accommodate the emerging market for cheap phone calls over the Internet, the UK #39;s media and telecoms regulator said on Monday.

UK creates new numbers for Internet phone users


PepsiCo Inc. will close four Frito-Lay factories by the end of the year, as it moves to streamline production, the company said Thursday.

Update 1: PepsiCo to Close Four Frito-Lay Plants


Hewlett-Packard Chairman and CEO Carly Fiorina said Tuesday that the company is finally where it wants to be in terms of its organizational model.

Fiorina: HP #39;s Future All About Execution


SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Birdstone did it once, winning the Belmont Stakes, but he had to do it again to prove his class, and he accomplished the mission by capturing the 135th running of the \$1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga yesterday. Now, the retired Smarty Jones, defeated by Birdstone in the Belmont, has company atop the 3-year-old division.

Birdstone reigns during storm at the Travers


Shares of Pfizer (PFE:NYSE - news - research) dropped Thursday after a Canadian newspaper reported that the arthritis drug Celebrex is  quot;suspected of contributing to at least 14 deaths.

Celebrex Report Hits Pfizer Shares


The European Union says it is not yet ready to lift a 15-year-old ban on selling arms to China, but is working toward that goal. The arms embargo dominated a one-day EU-China summit in the

EU Not Yet Ready to Lift China Arms Embargo


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices struck another record high  on Thursday and remained supported above \$47 by a fall in U.S.  crude stockpiles and threats by insurgents in Iraq against oil  facilities.

Oil Above \$47 After New Record