Two passenger trains collided head-on in northern India Tuesday, killing at least 27 people and injuring 36, officials said, blaming the accident on communications problems between stations.

At Least 27 Dead, 36 Injured in India Train Crash


SEOUL (Reuters) - eBay Inc. <A HREF=

eBay Bids for the Rest of S.Korean Arm


California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi on Wednesday proposed broad regulations that would require brokers and some agents to disclose all compensation they receive from insurance companies and to recommend to their clients the best available

Insurance probe widens


AFP - Oil prices slid below the psychologically critical 50 dollar a barrel mark as tensions eased in Nigeria's southern oil heartland, where a rebel group fighting for control of the country's key resource said it had surrendered its weapons.

Oil prices dip back below 50 dollars as tensions ease in Nigeria (AFP)


Reuters - An unusually large toxic bloom of\algae, which could poison humans and taint shellfish, has been\detected in the ocean off the northwest coast of Washington\state, oceanographers said on Wednesday.

Toxic Algae Bloom Seen Off Washington State Coast (Reuters)


LOS ANGELES - The Emmy Awards will have a different look Sunday but a familiar matchup as

Emmys to Have New Look, Same Matchups


Agency gives phone companies more leeway in sharing connections. Also: Broadband over power lines gets green light.

FCC eases high-speed network rules


AP - In a fitting end to the PGA Tour season, U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen closed with a 6-under 64 to win the Tour Championship on Sunday by four shots and become only the third player to overtake Tiger Woods in the final round.

Golfer Goosen Wins the Tour Championship (AP)


The used-car dealer produces better-than-expected results for the first quarter.

America's Car-Mart Accelerates


Friends! Romans! Oddball cosmic princes! In our ranking of 2004's\top 10 video games, you will meet them all

Cool Games


InfoWorld - Calling it their most significant release in the last four or five years, IBM's Rational Software on Wednesday formally rolled out its Rational Software Platform, code-named Atlantic, intended to better unify software development across IBM's line of server software.

IBM launches Atlantic (InfoWorld)


Federal officials are trying to prosecute operators of Web sites that recruit terrorists.

Even Near Home, a New Front Is Opening in the Terror Battle


GAO said the department has to work on seven key practices. It #39;s progress so far is a  quot;work in progress, quot; GAO says. By Eric Chabrow.

Homeland Security Still Falling Short With IT Work


Berti Vogts has admitted that he had little option but to quit as Scotland coach, blaming what he called  quot;disgraceful abuse quot;.

Vogts resigns


LOS ANGELES: Amelie Mauresmo and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova qualified for the semi-finals in the WTA Championship, keeping alive Mauresmos bid to take away the number 1 ranking from Lindsay Davenport in season finale.

Mauresmo and Sharapova storm into WTA Championship semi-finals


Reuters - Video games are so last\Christmas. This year, kids want wheels.

Honda's Minimoto Maxii Tops Kids' Wish Lists-Yahoo (Reuters)


Wimbledon rivals Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova reached the quarter-finals of the 585,000-dollar China Open on Wednesday, with top seed Williams scraping past a tough challenge from a teenage Russian.

Williams, Sharapova win opening Beijing matches


India and Pakistan on Monday agreed to jointly fight the war against narcotic and psychedelic substances quot;We have to fight the war against narcotic drugs together.

India, Pak agree to fight narco-terrorism jointly


First Reserve Corp., the largest private buyout firm specializing in energy-industry investments, agreed to buy an oil and gas equipment business of Ingersoll-Rand Co.

First Reserve to Buy Ingersoll-Rand Unit for \$1.2 Bln (Update2)


A major change is coming to the global steel industry and a galvanized mill in Lackawanna that formerly belonged to Bethlehem Steel Corp.

New steel giant includes Lackawanna site


BESLAN, Russia - President Vladimir Putin ordered the borders of North Ossetia closed Saturday as security forces searched the southern region for militants who escaped the Russian storming of a school where they had held hundreds of people hostage, many who fled the building under fire. A news agency reported 322 bodies were pulled from the rubble...

Borders Shut After Russia School Standoff


NEW YORK - Crude oil futures gained more than \$2 US a barrel Friday as slumping inventories and frigid forecasts pushed oil to its highest level of the month.

Oil jumps again as cold weather lingers


TEHRAN, Iran - Iran said yesterday it is prepared to suspend some nuclear activities but would not surrender its right to enrich uranium.

Iran prepared to suspend some nuclear activities


AFP - Maverick US Republican Senator John McCain, who ran against President George W. Bush four years ago, indicated he might be considering another presidential bid in 2008, despite the fact he will be 72 when the next election rolls around.

McCain to consider possible 2008 presidential run (AFP)


The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded an \$8.9 million contract to three vendors last week to build a prototype for low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles that can work with Army ground combat vehicles to scout ahead of American forces.

DARPA Awards Contract For Special Air Vehicles


Ellis Johnson #39;s career with the Falcons took another odd - and final -wist on Monday when the team traded the disgruntled defensive tackle to the Denver Broncos.

Johnson traded to Broncos


The company extends a deal with open-source Java software maker JBoss in an effort to compete with IBM.

Hewlett-Packard takes a new approach to software


BHP Billiton, the world #39;s biggest mining company, agreed to sell an extra \$3.2 billion of iron ore to four Chinese steelmakers, helping underpin expansion of its mines in Western Australia.

BHP Wins Extra \$3.2 Bln of Chinese Iron Ore Sales (Update3)


Microsoft has launched a do-it-yourself kit to help IT professionals assess their software #39;s compatibility with Windows XP Service Pack 2. Fears among system administrators and IT managers that XP SP2 may

Microsoft offers SP2 compatibility guide


Beginning Sunday, Brazil's air force may shoot down small planes suspected of carrying drugs under a law meant to stem the flow of cocaine pouring into the country at clandestine landing strips in the vast Amazon rainforest.

Brazil Ready to Implement Shoot-Down Law


Adult publisher Perfect 10 has sued Google for allegedly making available 800,000 unauthorized links to images of Perfect 10 #39;s nude models, advertising revenue and stealing membership fees.

Google Sued For Unauthorized Links To Proprietary Adult Images


AP - For 12-year-old Anju Sharma, hope for a better life arrives in her poor farming village three days a week on a bicycle rickshaw that carries a computer with a high-speed, wireless Internet connection.

Bikes Bring Internet to Indian Villagers (AP)


Richard Green, 33, won golf #39;s Australian Masters at the first extra hole in a three-way playoff with fellow Australians David McKenzie and Greg Chalmers.

Green Wins Australian Masters; Randhawa Victory: Golf Roundup


If the government required deeper cuts in air pollution from power plants, at least 3,000 lives would be saved and 140,000 children would avoid asthma and other respiratory ailments, an environmental group said Tuesday.

Group urges EPA to cut pollution


DAMASCUS, Syria - A car bomb killed a leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Damascus on Sunday, and Israeli security officials acknowledged that the Jewish state was involved.    Police at the scene were seen retrieving pieces of the body of Izz Eldine Subhi Sheik Khalil...

Car Bomb Kills Top Hamas Leader in Syria


AP - Six people were injured by stray bullets shot into the air by revelers during celebrations for the Boston Red Sox winning the American League pennant, police said Thursday.

Six Dominicans Hurt in BoSox Celebrations (AP)


It was an important win for Real Madrid in Rome as they progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League. They were in third position with just eight points when the match started leveled with Bayer Leverkusen.

Real Madrid advances in Champions League


SPACE.com - A nearby star thought to harbor comets and asteroids now appears to be home to planets, too. The presumed worlds are smaller than Jupiter and could be as tiny as Pluto, new observations suggest.

Comets, Asteroids and Planets around a Nearby Star (SPACE.com)


ATHENS -- The defending champ took the blocks as if he were Apollo Creed last night, dressed in a star-spangled robe and trunks and brandishing his clasped hands like a prizefighter. And then Gary Hall Jr. went out and knocked the rest of the swimming world on its backside again, winning the 50-meter freestyle by a hundredth of a second ...

For Hall, a splash and dash to another gold


IF YOURE South African, young and very promising, with an eye on a long and successful career around the world, you would be delighted to win your maiden event in your home country as near as possible to where you were born, which is exactly what Charl

Schwartzel delights the home supporters with maiden victory


Fulham boss Chris Coleman on Monday backed neighbours Chelsea to be crowned Barclays Premiership champions after Manchester United slipped up at Craven Cottage.

COLEMAN TIPS CHELSEA FOR TITLE


LOCK HAVEN, Pa. Oct. 14, 2004 - A former college football player was convicted of murder Thursday in the beating death of the brother of Olympic wrestler Sara McMann.

Man Guilty in Death of Olympian #39;s Brother


A STUDY has confirmed what football fans have suspected for years - referees get offside decisions wrong because they cannot see whats happening on the park.

Revealed: why refs get it wrong


AP - The five cities looking to host the 2012 Summer Games submitted bids to the International Olympic Committee on Monday, entering the final stage of a long process in hopes of landing one of the biggest prizes in sports.

Paris Favored to Win 2012 Olympics Bid (AP)


If Ernie Els is to contend for major championships and remain one of the world #39;s elite golfers, he had to put the events of this summer behind him.

AmEx win small redemption for Els


Scientists warn that the Malaysian populations of several species of sea turtles are on the brink of collapse and could disappear without urgent action to eliminate poaching and other dangers.

Scientists Fear Malaysian Sea Turtles Threatened


Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez, whose team #39;s injury problems worsened before last night #39;s Champions League game against Deportivo La Coruna, praised the squad #39;s occasional players after a 1-0 win in Spain.

Liverpool #39;s Benitez Lauds Understudies After Beating Deportivo


After trying for three years to escape catcher Jason Kendall #39;s contract, the Pirates finally have succeeded. The passing of physicals is all that stands in the way of the Pirates sending Kendall to the Oakland

Bucs on verge of finally dealing Kendall


Ferrari #39;s Rubens Barrichello expects team-mate Michael Schumacher to challenge him for victory in the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix, even though the world champion will start from the back of the grid.

Schumacher crashes out


IBM, seeking to exit an industry it helped pioneer two decades ago, hired Merrill Lynch to find a buyer for its personal-computer unit.

IBM mulls sale of PC business


NEW YORK Oil prices have dropped again, going down to the lowest level in four months. In New York, crude for January delivery fell one dollar and 52 cents to settle at 41 dollars, 46 cents a barrel.

Oil prices fall to four-month low


KINSHASA (Reuters) - When a guest at a plush dinner in  Geneva asked where Kinshasa was, she set off a chain of events  that led to one of the world's great sporting showdowns.

Dinner in Geneva Led to Rumble in the Jungle


The United Nations Staff Union, in response to David Malone #39;s  quot;Nobody said it would be safe, quot; (Views, Oct. 1), would like to point out that around 30 UN staff members have already been deployed to Iraq - a

UN staff in Iraq; The nuclear imbalance; Policing the world


Justin Gatlin shoveled the snow off his track in North Carolina, braving the cold to keep practicing, keep working, keep chasing Olympic gold.

Fastest man rises from obscurity


The city of Philadelphia plans to invest in a new wireless mesh network based on the Wi-Fi 802.11b standard, and officials hope to turn the 135-square-mile city into the world's largest wireless Internet hot spot.

Philly's citywide mesh Wi-Fi net will be challenge


Importance of Keywords in URLs and Search Engine Ranking\\One of the most debated topics in the SEO community (besides for the black hat versus white hat topics) is the question; do keywords in the URL improve a page's rankings? It is funny, some top notch SEOs claim they do, while ...


LOS ANGELES - Online search company Ask Jeeves Inc. Wednesday launched an application that lets people search files and documents on their computers, joining a number of competitors who have released similar applications recently.

Ask Jeeves launches desktop search tool


AP - A robotic airplane called ScanEagle has done more than 1,000 hours of intelligence and reconnaissance work for the Marines in Iraq, its developers said.

Marines Aided by Robotic Airplane in Iraq (AP)


An idea to make it easier to purchase a house, and another idea to make it easier to pay rent.

Ideas for Buyers and Renters


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

New York Hopes to Win Olympics by Dividing Votes


WASHINGTON Trying to break a deadlock on energy policy, a diverse group of environmentalists, academics and former government officials were to publish a report on Wednesday that presents strategies for making the United States cleaner, more competitive

US is urged to adopt new, diverse energy policy


(Sports Network) - The Detroit Pistons try to get back on the winning track this evening when they start a brief two-game road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.

Detroit Pistons Team Report - December 11


Double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes has sprinted to an emphatic victory in the women #39;s 1,500 metres on the opening day of the two-day world athletics final.

Holmes wins world athletics final


HOUSTON An attorney for former Enron chief executive Jeffrey Skilling filed a motion today seeking to have his trial moved from Houston.

Skilling seeking to move trial out of Texas


NewsFactor - A routine software upgrade of Microsoft-based desktop computers led to the crash of around 40,000 machines at the UK government's Department for Work and Pensions last week.

Major I.T. Crash Hits UK Government Department (NewsFactor)


Sun Microsystems is going to unveil its newest version of Solaris operating system. In. Sun Microsystems is going to unveil its newest version of Solaris operating system.

Sun to unveil much-awaited version of Solaris


Challenge/response e-mails accidentally marked as spam by AOL and EarthLink.

Mailblocks Finds Its Messages Blocked


Michael Jackson's lawyers fail in their attempt to have evidence seized in a raid on his ranch thrown out.

Michael Jackson in legal setback


Hostile environment prompts root and branch review. Exanta unlikely to win US approval in near future. By Stephen Foley. AstraZeneca, the UK #39;s number two pharmaceuticals company, has launched a  quot;root and branch

AstraZeneca in drive to slash costs


Mervyns announced Thursday it is lifting its ban on Salvation Army bell ringers and is making an exception to its no solicitation policy for the Armys annual Christmas Kettle Drive.

Mervyn #39;s Welcomes Back Salvation Army Bell Ringers


This should give pause to anyone who thought the Red Sox might be interested in toning down their image as idiots: They've signed David Wells to a two-year contract late last night.

Not exactly an idiotic signing


With its music-download service iTunes Apple was not unlawfully exploiting its market dominance, an opinion by France #39;s competition watchdogs, its Anti-Trust Office, concluded, thereby rejecting a suit initiated by the French daughter company of the

Frances competition watchdogs do not consider iTunes a problem


AP - A disparate group made up of dozens of state attorneys general, labor unions, retailers, professional sports leagues and others urged the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to hear a claim brought by the recording and film industries against two Internet file-sharing firms.

Court Urged to Hear File-Sharing Case (AP)


Shares of Priceline.com Inc., a seller of discounted travel on the Internet, fell 6.8 percent in extended trading after the company reported third-quarter sales that were lower than analysts #39; estimates.

Priceline.com Shares Drop After Third-Qtr Sales Miss Forecast


AP - The head of a little-known city commission that granted an early jail release to an influential state senator has resigned under fire.

Head of New York City Commission Resigns (AP)


AdWeek.com - No one in advertising can doubt the power of juvenile humor. Now, Marvin Waldman wants to put it to good use. The former executive creative director at Young   Rubicam in New York, who left in 1999 to focus on social-marketing projects, has come up with a bumper sticker and Web site introducing a phrase he says can bring Democrats and Republicans together:

SHOPTLAK: A Phrase That Heals All Wounds (AdWeek.com)


Grieving relatives scuffled with guards Friday at the scene of China's worst mining accident this year as rescue workers pulled more bodies out of a mine shaft choked with poison gas.

China Mine Blast Death Toll Rises to 66


Persistent and alarming lapses in security at Manchester airport have been exposed by an undercover BBC film, which shows planes left unlocked overnight and falsification of x-ray search records.

BBC finds security lapses at airport


DEARBORN, Mich.Ford Motor Co. is resurrecting Steve McQueen in an effort to bring its slumping sales back to life. The auto maker yesterday presented new ads to go with new vehicles in the Ford brand, including

Ford uses Bullitt actor to sell Mustang


DALLAS ConAgra Foods will get 194 (M) million dollars for selling its minority interest in Swift Foods to Dallas-based Hicks, Muse, Tate and Furst.

Hicks Muse pays \$194 million for ConAgra unit


Myanmar #39;s military ruler, Senior General Than Shwe, arrives in India on Sunday on a landmark visit to strengthen economic and political ties with one of the few friends his junta has in the world.

Myanmar Strongman Begins Historic India Visit


A Mozilla Foundation spokesman told silicon.com sister site ZDNet UK that he expects the browser #39;s market share to reach 10 percent by the end of 2005.

Firefox in the hunt for 10 per cent of the browser market


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Applications for home mortgages in the  U.S. fell last week even as mortgage rates edged down, an  industry group said on Wednesday.

Mortgage Applications Fell Last Week -MBA


Val Ackerman, the president of the Women's National Basketball Association since its inception, has decided to step down beginning next year.

W.N.B.A. President to Step Down


AP - Daniel Horton's three-point play with 20.7 seconds to go lifted Michigan to a 61-60 win over No. 20 Notre Dame on Saturday.

Michigan Nips No. 20 Notre Dame 61-60 (AP)


Is the Federal Reserve less sanguine about the effect the oil-price spike will have on the economy? Given the run-up in crude prices -- and rising fears that growth could be slowed measurably -- the markets

Will Oil Light a Fire Under Inflation?


Jerry Rice, 42, whose NFL-record 274 consecutive games catch streak ended earlier this season, was traded to Seattle late Monday night.

JERRY RICE


SINGAPORE : Crude oil prices were higher in Asian trading hours on Monday after oil workers in Nigeria announced over the weekend they would launch an indefinite general strike later this month, dealers said.

Oil prices higher in Asian trading on strike threat in Nigeria


VAL GARDENA, Italy (Reuters) - The Empire struck back in  the men's Ski World Cup on Friday with Michael Walchhofer  winning the super-G as a trio of Austrians pushed overall  leader Bode Miller off the Val Gardena podium.

Walchhofer Leads Austrian Super-G Sweep


While people out here debate the importance of Saturday #39;s Cal-USC game -- Biggest West Coast game in a decade? Biggest Cal game in school history?

The game Mack Brown can #39;t win


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - European powers will offer Iran a  deal next week in a final bid to persuade the Islamic republic  to end its suspected arms-related nuclear programs or face  possible sanctions, the United States said on Friday.

Europeans to Offer Iran Nuclear Deal Next Week -US


AP - Philadelphia defensive tackle Hollis Thomas could miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season, this time with a dislocated elbow.

Eagles Defensive Tackle Thomas Injured (AP)


UNITED NATIONS -- India #39;s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called for a sustained war on terrorism and reaffirmed his willingness to continue peace talks with nuclear neighbor Pakistan.

India, Pakistan ready to talk


quot;Our achievement of limited production status for our 90-nm Efficeon TM8800 is a key milestone for Transmeta. We set aggressive goals for our 90-nm program, and we have realized impressive

Transmeta Begins Production of 90-Nanometer Efficeon Processor


Vodaphone, the biggest cell phone company in the world, has launched a music download service for mobile phones. Broadband Blog

The phone-y music business


Following heavy losses, South African Airways asks the public to send in 'great ideas' on how to turn the business around.

SAA asks public for 'great ideas'


washingtonpost.com - The Supreme Court yesterday agreed to consider whether the federal government should require cable television operators to open their cable lines to Internet service providers offering competing services.

High Court To Decide  Cable Case (washingtonpost.com)


or the first time in his career, Vijay Singh will enter a golf tournament as the No. 1 player in the world. That status will not change his approach, however.

Singh Makes It to Top And Is Hoping to Stay


With India pulling out a large number of troops from Kashmir, the guns may have fallen silent but the verbal dual between India and Pakistan is nowhere near an end.

India-Pakistan spat ahead of Kashmir talks


The 70th Heisman Trophy went to quarterback Matt Leinart, and it went to illustrate the comprehensive heyday in progress in the Southern California football program.

USC #39;s Leinart wins Heisman


Orders for big-ticket manufactured goods from US factories eked out a tepid gain in September, according to a report Wednesday, offering a mixed view of the nation #39;s recovering economy.

US durable goods orders weaker than expected


Police surround a bus in Athens on which about two dozen people are being held by at least one gunman.

Greek passengers in armed hijack


E-mailing your best pal in Thailand or family in Toledo is cheaper than running up a long-distance phone bill. But even brimming with smiley emoticons, text messages lack a certain personal touch.

How To Make Phone Calls Online


The two brewpubs were brimming with Saturday night drinkers when rebels tossed hand grenades, killing one person and wounding 72.

Colombians Still Thirsty for Brewpubs


Oil prices rose on Friday as a sabotage attack on Iraqi oil infrastructure reignited concern about the reliability of crude exports from the country despite a peace deal to end an uprising in Najaf.

Oil Rebounds After Iraq Pipeline Attack


Burma has been ruled by a repressive military junta for the last decade and a half, prompting economic stagnation and international condemnation.

Burma #39;s hardline generals


American Airlines #39; parent AMR Corp. (AMR.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday said record-high fuel costs pushed it to a hefty third-quarter loss and warned

UPDATE 2-American Air #39;s AMR posts loss, plans job cuts


Microsoft Corp. asked a judge to suspend the European Commission's antitrust ruling against it on Thursday, arguing that secrets revealed now cannot be retracted.

Microsoft asks EU court to suspend remedies


Bombs killed 35 children and wounded scores of others as US troops handed out candy Thursday. It was the largest death toll of children in any insurgent attack since the start of the war.

Children slaughtered


PC World - Developers get early code for new operating system 'skin' still being crafted.

Sun's Looking Glass Provides 3D View (PC World)


European regulators testified in Luxembourg yesterday that before settlement talks with Microsoft broke down last spring, the company had agreed to antitrust sanctions it now

Microsoft had agreed to sanctions, EU official says


A pair of new add-ons for Nintendo Co.'s Game Boy Advance turn the handheld into something considerably more than a gaming machine - a video phone and a video player. As long as you bear in mind that you're dealing with a toy, you might not be too bothered by the less than stellar quality.

Game Boy Add-On Video Is Limiting


Management keeps growing and buying back shares even as the retailer struggles.

Banking on Christopher   Banks?


McLEAN, Va. - With three of its top four scorers returning for their senior seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks figure to be in the mix for the NCAA championship.

Jayhawks No. 1 in preseason coaches poll


AP - Scientists who have peered through space to a time when light first filled the universe urged NASA on Thursday to ensure a Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission includes a next generation infrared camera.

NASA Urged for Infrared Camera in Hubble (AP)


MIAMI - A decade-old grilled cheese sandwich bearing what could be the image of the Virgin Mary is garnering intense interest on an internet auction site.

Bidding war for  #39;Virgin Mary sandwich #39;


November 23, 2004 -- BAGHDAD - Gunmen assassinated two influential Sunni clerics who called for a boycott of national elections, soon after Iraqi officials announced the balloting would be held Jan. 30 in spite of rising violence in the country.

TWO ANTI-VOTE SHEIKS SLAIN


By JENNIFER C. KERR    WASHINGTON (AP) -- What would it take to get someone to turn in one of those spammers who send millions of unwanted e-mails? At least \$100,000, the Federal Trade Commission figures...

Report Recommends Bounty for Spammers


Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi says his settlement with San Diego-based Universal Life Resources is just the beginning of a deepening investigation.

Garamendi settles with San Diego broker in exchange for <b>...</b>


The firm behind Kazaa is being sued by the record industry in the latest round of a fight over copyright. Lawyers in Australia branded the online software network  quot;an engine of copyright piracy

Kazaa Trial Opens Down Under


China #39;s first ever novel transmitted to readers through SMS is all set to be made into a film. According to the Straits Times, the film will also be transmitted to audiences in 30 to 40 segments enabling viewers

Watch China #39;s first SMS novel as a film on ur mobile


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

Britain #39;s Straw to Keep World Pressure on Sudan


Iraqi Airways is reportedly planning to restart international flights after a 14-year break on Saturday.

Iraq Airways heads past borders


AP - The Sudanese government and rebel representatives signed accords Tuesday aimed at ending hostilities in the troubled western region of Darfur and guaranteeing aid groups access to 1.6 million civilians uprooted by the conflict.

Sudan, Rebels to Sign Partial Peace Pact (AP)


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Shares of Biolase Technology Inc. took a dive to a 20-month low Thursday after the maker of lasers used in dental procedures warned that it would report a third-quarter loss and lower-than-anticipated revenue.

Biolase hits 20-mo. low on Q3 warning


Ethiopia's government reverses its opposition to an international ruling on its border with Eritrea.

Ethiopia backs down over border


Reuters - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged to\reunify the mainland with the island of Taiwan, vowing to\contain forces intent on independence for the island to ensure\the sacred goal of national unity.

Chinese Premier Pledges Reunification with Taiwan (Reuters)


Liverpool and France striker Djibril Cisse has been ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg in Saturday #39;s 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers.

Liverpool confirm Cisse out for season


The Decatur area employment outlook is one of the weakest in the nation, according to results from the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

Decatur job outlook is weak


Users of Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition are scheduled to begin receiving Service Pack 2 via automatic update starting today. But delivery of the Professional Edition has been delayed at least a week while Microsoft and its users grapple ...

Is Upgrading to Windows XP SP2 Worthwhile?


Netsky-P, an email computer worm allegedly written by a German teenager, was the hardest-hitting virus of 2004, disrupting tens of thousands of businesses and homes worldwide, Web security firm Sophos says.

2004 Was Year of Netsky Worm, Web Firm Sophos Says


AP - Marwan Barghouti, a leader of the Palestinian uprising jailed by Israel but perhaps the strongest candidate to oust Yasser Arafat's old guard of politicians, plans to run in upcoming presidential elections, a person close to Barghouti said Saturday.

Barghouti to Run for Palestinian Leader (AP)


Chicago - Motorola will cut 1 000 jobs and take a charge of \$50 million (R320.5 million) for severance benefits as it moves to complete a spinoff of its money-losing semiconductor unit, the company said.

Motorla to cut jobs worldwide


Australia on Thursday backed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan against calls for his resignation over the world body #39;s scandal-plagued oil-for-food program for Iraq.

Australia backs Annan against calls for his resignation as UN <b>...</b>


The US economy created 337,000 new jobs in October, the government reported Friday, snapping a prolonged jobs slump and sparking renewed hopes that, after years

Economy added 337,000 jobs in October, US reports


AP - The Italian Foreign Ministry has notified the family of a kidnapped Iraqi businessman who was a longtime resident of Italy that the man has been killed in Iraq, the businessman's brother said Monday.

Family: Kidnapped Iraqi Businessman Killed (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Attorney General Eliot  Spitzer will announce on Tuesday he will run for governor of  the state in 2006, a spokeswoman said.

NY Atty General Spitzer to Run for Gov.


They're coming to mobile phones -- those nasty viruses, worms, and Trojan Horses that have, on more than one occasion, crippled PCs. No doubt about that. The question is: Will they be as bad?

Mobile phones: An ear full of worms


AP - Yahoo Inc. appeared to move a step closer to challenging Google Inc. in searchable Web mail, acquiring the startup behind the powerful e-mail application Bloomba.

Yahoo Acquires Another E-Mail Startup (AP)


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar regained some ground against  the yen on Friday, moving away from four-month lows hit the  previous day as the market proved reluctant to push the U.S.  currency below the 107 yen mark.

Dollar Regains Ground on Yen


Sendo sued Microsoft in December 2002, alleging that it had stolen proprietary technology and trade secrets and used them to move into the mobile phone market. Microsoft denied the charges and had filed a countersuit.

Sendo, Microsoft settle smart phone lawsuit


(New York-AP) Oct. 28, 2004 - Don #39;t write a check you can #39;t cover now. A new check processing system went into effect Thursday that speeds the time it takes for a check to clear.

New national check processing law takes effect Thurs.


Rafael Benitez would not have imagined a more troubled introduction to his debut Premiership season following Michael Owen #39;s shock transfer. NANTHA KUMAR examines the tough transition period at Liverpool.LIVERPOOL Football Club were not the only party ...

Reds with a Spanish spine


NEW YORK -- Tracing the tracks of their tears back to the ballpark in the Bronx where all the horrible things happened last October, the Red Sox returned to the American League Championship Series last night, fell behind, 8-0, then rallied mightily before again succumbing to the Yankees, 10-7.

An opening night shortfall


The Paris Club of creditor nations on Saturday discussed a plan to write off about 80 percent of Iraq #39;s debts. According to The AP, US Treasury Secretary John Snow and German Finance Minister Hans Eichel concluded

Paris Club moves to write off Iraq #39;s debts


AP - Philip Rivers just got a lot closer to taking his first snap with the woeful San Diego Chargers.

Chargers Name Rivers No. 2 Quarterback (AP)


Archaeologists say they have unearthed jewels dating back 5,000 years, possible proof of Europe's earliest civilisation.

Bulgaria dig suggests rich past


Iraqi insurgents beheaded three Iraqi guards Wednesday in the latest blow to US efforts to reconstitute the war-ravaged nation. Al-Jazeera aired a video showing the beheadings, the BBC reported.

Iraqi guards beheaded, others abducted


In football, just as in many other aspects of life, it is the bottom line that counts. In that respect, this game was a huge success.

One Man #39;s Opinion - Cal review


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue chips were lower on Tuesday,  as a drop in phone company Verizon Communications Inc. <A HREF=

U.S. Blue Chips Near Flat; Verizon Weighs


US stock-index futures rose before an Institute for Supply Management report that may show growth in the services industry accelerated last month.

US Stock-Futures Rise; American Express, IBM Climb in Europe


NEW DELHI: India #39;s parliament passed the annual budget yesterday as opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote, accusing the country #39;s premier of insulting them after they refused to debate the spending bill.

India approves \$104bn budget


Petroleum services firm Baker Hughes Inc. said Monday that it named Chad C. Deaton as chairman and chief executive to succeed Michael E. Wiley, who plans to retire effective Oct. 25.

Baker Hughes Names Deaton As Chairman


The world #39;s largest insurer by market value is the target of a criminal investigation by the US Justice Department. American International (AIG) is accused of helping a banking client commit fraud and keep

Giant insurer under investigation


com September 20, 2004, 12:05 PM PT. Most IT Managers won #39;t question the importance of security, but this priority has been sliding between the third and fourth most important focus for companies.

Broadcom buys into cell phone graphics


British police have confirmed a scuffle involving British royal Prince Harry was reported to them early this morning. The third-in-line for the UK throne was involved in a scuffle outside a London nightclub today which left a photographer with a cut lip.

UK police confirm report of Prince Harry scuffle


AP - The Connecticut assistant men's basketball coach who resigned after being arrested in a prostitution sting agreed Monday to perform 10 days of community service and undergo counseling.

Former UConn Aide Pleads in Sex Case (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks and bonds fell on Tuesday  as a jump in producer prices sparked worries about inflation  and aggressive interest-rate hikes.

U.S. Stocks Fall on Inflation Fears


Reuters - Iran admitted on Tuesday that poor\enforcement of building regulations had added to the death toll\from the country's regular devastating earthquakes.

Iran Admits Mismanagement Behind Huge Quake Tolls (Reuters)


ARLINGTON, Va. - The union for 5,800 US Airways Group Inc. customer-service and reservation agents said it reached agreement on pay and benefit cuts the airline had sought to help emerge from bankruptcy.

US Air agents agree to pay, benefits cuts


10:12 pm: This is it. If the Red Sox are ever going to do something, it #39;s got to be now. It #39;s the bottom of the fifth inning in Game 4. Two outs.

Ortiz keeps Red Sox alive with timely home run in Game 4


A FATHER who scaled the walls of a Cardiff court dressed as superhero Robin said the Buckingham Palace protester posed no threat. Fathers 4 Justice activist Jim Gibson, who earlier this year staged an eye-catching

#39;Batman dad is no threat #39;


A date has been announced for the inclusion of Rupert Murdoch #39;s News Corporation in a key share market index in the United States.

News Corp marked in for S amp;P move


BARELY holding back the tears, Paul Casey began a damage limitation exercise in an attempt last night to win back the minds, if not the hearts, of the American public.

Repentant Casey fears reaction on US return


Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday new vehicle sales in October fell 5 percent from October 2003, the eighth time this year monthly sales have been below year-ago results.

Ford sales off again in October, but company bullish on new <b>...</b>


AP - Negotiators worked through the final day of a two-week U.N. conference Friday in search of a way to bring the United States back into long-term talks on controlling global warming. A key European official saw a

U.S., Europe at Odds on Emissions Controls (AP)


The first example of a working program designed to exploit a bug in Microsoft #39;s GDI librarywhich allows malicious code to be run simply by viewing a JPEG imagehas been found in the wild.

Windows JPEG Exploit Ventures into the Wild


Australia set a world record in the women #39;s 400-meter medley relay at the Olympics, as Giaan Rooney, Leisel Jones, Petria Thomas and Jodie Henry covered the distance in 3 minutes, 57.

Australia Sets World Record in Women #39;s 400-Meter Medley Relay


The movie version of the popular children #39;s book, The Polar Express, steamed into theaters earlier this month, and kids are once again becoming entranced by the magic of the Arctic.

Don #39;t let life fade to black


SanDisk at CTIA introduced the world #39;s largest capacities of Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD cards with 4-gigabyte (GB), 1GB and 2GB capacities respectively.

SanDisk Bumps Up SD and MS Pro Capacities


Sure, things could change, but the typical year-end  quot;timing is everything quot; maneuvers won #39;t hurt. BY PAMELA YIP. DALLAS -  quot;Some who were worried about a Kerry victory and a rollback of capital gains now don #39;t

Stick with the proven year-end tax strategies


US Airways Group Inc. said Friday it has reached agreement with General Electric Co. on aircraft leasing and financing terms that will help the airline lower costs and reduce debt as it seeks to avoid liquidation. The airline will also have to do more cost cutting on its own.

US Airways Reaches Deal on Aircraft Financing


Insisting that Hurriyat Conference is the real representative of Kashmiris, Pakistan has claimed that India is not ready to accept ground realities in Kashmir.

Pak insists Hurriyat real representative of Kashmiris


The Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium (NCOIC) formally introduced itself this week at a Tuesday (Sept. 28) press conference in Washington, DC The new group, consisting initially of 28 companies

Consortium Forms to Set Network Centric Communications Standards


A Chicago outplacement firm says planned job cuts announced by employers hit an eight-month high of 107,863 in September. Challenger, Gray  amp; Christmas, in a report released Tuesday

US job cuts reach 8-month high


TWO veteran code-breakers from Yorkshire have received a worldwide response to their request for solutions to an enigmatic message on a monument in Staffordshire reputed to say where the Holy Grail is hidden.

Cracking start to quest, but no sign of Holy Grail


Microsoft has set 2006 for the official launch of its Longhorn operating system, which will debut without several of the features originally planned.

Longhorn Due in 2006 - It #39;s Official


The decision by Marwan Barghouti, an imprisoned Palestinian leader, to run for president of the Palestinian Authority should be welcomed by all who want to see real democracy emerge in Palestine ( quot;Barghouti faces Fatah opposition, quot; Dec. 3).

Letters: Palestinian leadership


The hundreds of pages of new rules redefine the criteria for which administrative, professional and managerial workers qualify for overtime.

Controversial Overtime Rules Take Effect


India #39;s ruling Congress party, flush with an election win in the state that is the heart of finance and film, will now be better armed to deal with demanding communist allies, newspapers and analysts said on Sunday.

India #39;s Congress win in state helps national clout


A federal judge Friday tossed out Hollinger International Inc.'s \$1.25 billion suit against embattled press tycoon Conrad M. Black and other top corporate officials, ruling that the company could not use racketeering laws to recover money it claims Black and the others stole.

Hollinger International's Suit  Against Black Is Dismissed


Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi met Iraqi Sunni tribal leaders in neighboring Jordan, trying to drum up support for the election, seen as vital for building a democratic government in Iraq.

Iraq #39;s Sunni president backs election


The San Jose Earthquakes, winners of two of the last three MLS Cups, could be leaving the Bay Area after this season.

Footing shaky in San Jose


Coach: Kathy Delaney-Smith (23d year, 335-240). Last year: 16-11, 9-5 (tied for second in Ivy League).

Harvard at a glance


THE online search giant Yahoo wants to make a debut on the small screens of handphone users soon. Yahoo has acquired WUF Networks, a small start-up with technology which aims to let consumers move their songs

Say hello to Yahoo on your handphone real soon


TOKYO : Sony has launched a frontal assault on Nintendo #39;s domination in the portable game console market by kicking off Japan sales of its new PlayStation Portable (PSP), drawing huge lines in Tokyo.

Sony takes on Nintendo in portable game console market with PSP


Italy's leader Berlusconi heads for Libya to discuss how to stem the flow of migrants trying to reach Italy.

Italy seeks Libya migrant deal


Dwight Yorkes former international team-mate Stern John has questioned Birmingham chief David Sullivans place in the game after his comments on footballs latest race row.

Sullivan Response Angers Players


Stocks edged up for the week, continuing a month-long rally in the face of mediocre economic news and more-positive developments from technology firms and energy markets.

Mixed Signals Sustain Rally


Virus writers have unleashed a second version of the morbid-looking Symbian Trojan  #39;Skulls #39; and packaged it with one of the first mobile phone viruses, dubbed Cabir.

Skulls Trojan teams up with Cabir worm


Empty seats in Athens offer a bizarre television backdrop for the Olympics - one that cannot be avoided by NBC.

Must-See TV Lacks Must-Have Buzz


LOS ANGELES - Pop singer Britney Spears married her fiance, dancer Kevin Federline, in a surprise ceremony, her record label said Sunday.

Spears Weds Fiance in Surprise Ceremony


In the most dramatic development yet in Harmony #39;s all-out fight for Gold Fields, Harmony yesterday accused Gold Fields of having tried to buy bid secrets from a Harmony employee

Harmony accuses Gold Fields of spying


Indications show that Afghanistan #39;s Interim President Hamid Karzai has won the first presidential elections in the country #39;s history.

Karzai is President After the First Round


ROME, Aug. 27 -- By all accounts here, Enzo Baldoni, the latest victim in Iraq of a videotaped killing at unknown hands, was a kind, light-hearted man.

Killing of Hostage Confounds Self-Image of Italians


A record 17 home-opener sellouts brought NBA attendance to 95 percent capacity for the first week of the season.

NBA Sets First-Week Attendance Record


Russia has now become the fourth country to join Microsoft #39;s Windows XP Starter Edition Pilot Program. The Windows XP Starter Edition Pilot Program was first announced back in August and included Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Russia, India get Windows XP Starter Edition


Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said Sunday a controversial arms deal was part of the government #39;s attempts to deter any attempt by rival China to invade the island.

Chen defends Taiwan #39;s controversial arms package


South Korea #39;s industrial output growth plunged to a nine-month low with 5.7 percent growth rate in October due to cooling exports and protracted weak consumer spending, the National Statistics Office (NSO) said Monday.

S.Korean industrial output growth slides to nine-month low


ISLAMABAD: The Senate opposition rejected the two-offices bill on Monday, arguing that it violated the Constitution and deprived parliament of its powers.

Opp rejects two-offices bill


Pakistan #39;s president says he is not happy with all of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh #39;s comments this week about the disputed territory of Kashmir.

Pakistan Adopts Wait And See Approach to Kashmir Peace Process


AP - One of Earth's rarest birds might have gone into extinction following the death of one of the last known po'ouli.

Future Uncertain for Rare Hawaiian Bird (AP)


AP - Kobe Bryant is shrugging off criticism of him by former Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

Bryant Shrugs Off Criticism From Ex-Coach (AP)


Levels of the main greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, have risen alarmingly over the past two years,. Experts fear this will lead to catastrophic changes in the climate far sooner than previously predicted.

THE BIG HEAT


NEW DELHI -- The Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers ended two days of peace talks yesterday with promises of more negotiations on trust-building measures but no sign of progress toward resolving their pivotal dispute over the divided Himalayan region

No Kashmir solutions in India-Pakistan talks


Two Michigan men were sentenced to serve time in federal prison for conspiring to hack into the IT systems of Lowe's Companies Inc. and stealing customer credit card information.

Hacker in Lowe's case sentenced to nine years


KOSICE, Slovakia -- When Ivan Hriczko strode casually into the Twelve Apostles, a fashionable restaurant in this steel city, diners idled their forks and turned their heads.

In Slovakia, the Roma stir change


This holiday the hottest new products for kids have one thing in common: They all interact with the tube, whether by means of sensors, radio-wave technology or the regular old TV remote control.

Playing With TV


LONDON : World oil prices sprinted up to new one-month high points as traders showed alarm at a steep fall in US crude oil inventories in the wake of Hurricane Ivan.

Oil prices rocket to new one-month highs after stocks plunge


Floods and landslides have killed 55 people in southwest China in the past four days, washing away homes and roads, knocking down power lines and leaving at least one city cut off, state media said on Monday.

Floods Kill 55 in China, No Let-Up in Sight


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - No more passing the buck.

U.S. Army Aims to Halt Paperwork with IBM System


Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell unexpectedly to 323,000 last week, down 12,000 from a week earlier, the US Labour Department said today.

US jobless claims fall again


Nortel Networks Corp., North America #39;s largest telephone-equipment maker, said third-quarter revenue will fall from the second quarter #39;s \$2.

Nortel Says 3rd-Qtr Revenue Will Fall From 2nd Qtr (Update4)


Windows XP Service Pack 2 gets a 'hotfix' for VPNs, part the never-ending process of software development.

Microsoft Patches the Patch


S. Korea #39;s secret tests reveal its ability to develop nuclear arms in a region where other nations may have similar ambitions.

Seoul #39;s uranium bombshell stokes regional nuke fears


Sprint Corp. and RadioShack Corp. reported a multi-year agreement to develop, deploy and operate Sprint-branded kiosks in approximately 500 shopping malls across the country following a 10-month test program involving 10 Sprint kiosks.

Best Buy adds Verizon to wireless line-up


THE US economy braked harder than first thought in the second quarter, skidding to a 2.8 per cent annual growth rate as consumers gripped their purses, new figures showed overnight.

Economic growth stalls in US


Crisis talks to keep the European hub of international shipper DHL and thousands of jobs in Belgium have been thrown into chaos after Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt suffered injuries in a car crash.

Belgium row over night flights


Citigroup Inc. (CN: Quote, Profile, Research) the world #39;s largest financial services company, said on Tuesday it will acquire First American Bank in the quickly-growing Texas market.

UPDATE 1-Citigroup to acquire First American Bank of Texas


AP - A new report on ecological damage from greenhouse gases dominated the sidelines of a U.N. conference on global warming Saturday as delegates from nearly 200 nations assembled to prepare for the launch next year of the Kyoto Protocol.

Summit Addresses Greenhouses Gases' Impact (AP)


The Redskins, facing their first critical test against a division rival, know they must do well in the NFC East to make the playoffs.

A Long Division Test


down unless the government began talks on autonomy and revenue for the oil-producing Niger Delta region. Militia leader Mujahid Dokubo-Asari agreed to a truce on Wednesday to allow talks to proceed.

Nigerian rebels in talks


CHICAGO  In July of 2002, community activist Derrick Mosley blasted State Sen. James Meeks, who had been named successor to the president of the Rainbow/PUSH coalition, for offering spiritual counseling to prominent people accused of sexual offenses.

FBI nabs  #39;activist #39; on extortion charges


Reuters - Former Yugoslav President Slobodan\Milosevic's war crimes trial resumed in The Hague on Tuesday\after a month-long break with two court-assigned lawyers\running his defense and calling the latest witness.

Milosevic Trial Resumes After Month-Long Break (Reuters)


On a storm-tossed night at Old Trafford, lightning in the form of Mikael Silvestre struck twice for a reinvigorated Manchester United.

Silvestre #39;s double outshines Ferdinand


A federal judge has temporarily frozen more than \$500 million in assets owned by thousands of doctors and dentists who bought abusive tax shelters run by a San Diego investment company, the Justice Department announced yesterday.

\$500 Million Frozen in IRS Crackdown in Doctors #39; Tax Case


A new faster version  #39;strained silicon #39; has been developed by IBM and AMD. The companies are claiming that the resulting transistors are up to 24 per cent faster than existing processes.

AMD and IBM claim 24 per cent chip speed breakthrough


Ford #39;s recent success in the World Rally Championship seems to have tipped the Detroit company into staying in the WRC for four more years.

Ford decides to stay in rallying


The next time you're inclined to dismiss baseball's Rule 5 draft in December as an exercise of little consequence, remember that Johan Santana, the pitcher Pedro Martinez said reminded him of a younger version of himself, only with better stuff, was a Rule 5 pick five years ago.

Santana exception to rule


THE HAGUE Netherlands -- Flames engulfed a mosque in southeastern Netherlands early Saturday, the latest in a string of fires at Muslim institutions since the killing of a Dutch filmmaker who was critical of Islam.

Flames engulf mosque in Netherlands


By RACHEL KONRAD    SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Yahoo Inc...

Tough for Courts to Intervene in Offensive Internet Auctions


The door has been opened for a possible return to national politics for former French Prime Minister Alain Juppe. A French appeals court has cut the initial sentence handed down to Juppe for his role in a party financing scandal.

FRANCE REDUCES POLITICS BAN ON EX-PM


The Securities and Exchange Commission is closing in on the last of a series of reforms to protect mutual fund investors. One involves the fee charged to investors to pay for marketing and distribution of fund shares, called a 12b-1 fee.

SEC shouldn #39;t let fees go too far


Maoist rebels have opened fire on the security forces and bombed a government building in the heart of Kathmandu amidst a blockade they have enforced on the Nepalese capital.

Nepal rebels attack blockaded capital


AP - President Bush on Thursday marked the opening of the new American Indian National Museum, saying it will serve as a powerful reminder of the spirit and vitality of peoples native to the nation.

Bush Marks Opening of Indian Museum (AP)


Sales of existing US homes surged an unanticipated 3.1 percent in September on low mortgage rates, and sales would have been even brisker had hurricanes not hit the south, a trade association said on Monday.

Existing Home Sales Surge in September


Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and it cost them the top spot in South America.

Loss Costs Brazil Top Cup Qualifying Spot


U.S. and Iraqi forces launched a major assault Friday to regain control of the insurgent stronghold of Samarra, and hospital officials said at least 80 people were killed.

Dozens Killed in U.S. Offensive in Iraq


China #39;s first manned spaceship, the Shenzhou V, was launched in October last year with one Chinese astronaut aboard for a one-day flight.

China to launch Shenzhou VI


Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- WPP Group Plc, the world #39;s second- largest advertising and marketing company, said first-half profit rose 11 percent as demand increased in the US and Asia, and reiterated it #39;s looking into buying Grey Global Inc.

WPP Profit Rises; Company Ponders Bid for Grey Global (Update5)


THE Thai military turned to the power of origami yesterday in its attempt to bring peace to the countrys restive south. Air force planes dropped 100 million paper birds over the area, where fighting between

Thais look to sky for hope


AP - Microsoft Corp. introduced on Tuesday a new version of its Internet TV service, seeking to broaden its appeal beyond a relatively small base of older, computer-phobic users.

Microsoft Unveils News Version of MSN TV (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and the European  Union took their fight over billions of dollars in subsidies  for Airbus and Boeing to the World Trade Organization on  Wednesday.

U.S., EU Spar Over Airbus, Boeing Aid


One of the guys behind Microsoft's

Former Microsoft exec joins open-source project


TORONTO - Revenue at Canadian Tire topped the \$2 billion mark in the third quarter and profits rose 17 per cent, the retail giant reported Thursday.

Canadian Tire Q3 revenue tops \$2 billion


Chipmaker's multiprocessing technology makes its stage debut, and Intel looks to its next take on Centrino.

Intel demos dual core, uncorks Napa


SKOPJE (Reuters) - Macedonians showed the West they would  not slide back toward ethnic division, largely ignoring a  nationalist referendum that would have reversed a law giving  the Albanian minority more rights.

Majority Backs Macedonia's Multi-Ethnic Future


David Blunkett #39;s emergency anti-terrorism laws came under fire last night after he ruled a suspect interned without trial for nearly three years no longer posed a national threat.

Suspect held at  #39;mini-Guantanamo #39; for three years released by <b>...</b>


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Crude futures closed under \$46 a barrel Wednesday for the first time since late September and heating-oil and unleaded gasoline prices dropped more than 6 percent following an across-the-board climb in US petroleum inventories.

Reports show jump in distillates, including heating oil


For China, the country #39;s biggest computer supplier buying out a unit of IBM is more than just a business deal. Lenovo Group #39;s decision to purchase IBM #39;s PC group for \$1.75 billion could be

IBM-Lenovo Deal Shows China #39;s Growing Might


Google, which implemented an internal Web log system behind its firewall about 18 months ago, has seen tremendous benefits from it and may in the future consider providing tools and expertise for this purpose to interested clients, a Google executive said.

Google sees benefits in corporate blogging


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - After suffering two straight defeats at the World Cup of Hockey, US coach Ron Wilson overhauled his lineup Friday with hopes of getting his team a victory.

Revamped US squad dumps Slovakia


Seventeen De Havilland Dash-8 Q300 turbo-prop aircraft will take over from the Saab 340A planes which currently form the backbone of the airline #39;s provincial network.

Ageing Saab aircraft replaced by Dash-8s


America Online, the internet division of Time Warner, will be charged with criminal securities fraud but is likely to avoid prosecution under a settlement

AOL reaches agreement on securities fraud


AP - Dwain Chambers will be studying pass patterns and playbooks instead of competing against the world's top sprinters in the Olympics this weekend.

Banned Sprinter Chambers Trys Football (AP)


Ken Caminiti, a former Houston Astros third baseman and National League Most Valuable Player whose career came crashing down under the burden of drug and legal problems, died of a massive heart

Former Astro Ken Caminiti dead at 41 of apparent heart attack


Australian police are investigating an incendiary device discovered on board an airliner at Sydney airport. A baggage handler found the device on Monday in the cargo hold of a Virgin Blue Boeing 737 that was

Device found on Australian plane


Real Madrid #39;s all-star soccer team will play its sixth and final Champions League group game in an empty Rome stadium next month facing the prospect of first-round elimination for the first time in eight seasons.

Real Madrid Faces Champions League Decider in Empty Stadium


AP - Barbara Zemann is a banker by trade. Now she's the first female to play for an Austrian men's hockey team.

Austrian Men's Team Gets Female Goalie (AP)


Arsene Wenger says Arsenal #39;s loss of form adds up to a crisis at Highbury but believes the feeling inside the club remains optimistic.

Arsenal loss of form is a crisis, says Wenger


WASHINGTON - The US trade deficit, propelled by a record foreign oil bill, surged to \$54 billion in August, second highest level in history.

US Trade Deficit Surges to \$54B


A NASA climate expert planned to say in a lecture that a Bush administration official told him not to discuss the consequences of global warming.

NASA Expert Criticizes Bush on Global Warming Policy


After a three-month trial a US Federal Court judge has ruled that Oracle Corp. #39;s hostile pursuit of bitter rival PeopleSoft Inc.

US judge gives Oracle greenlight to pursue PeopleSoft


SAN FRANCISCO - Three prominent open source software developers, including Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, have issued a statement urging the European Union Council to reject proposed legislation that would codify the practice of granting software patents in the E.U.

Torvalds comes out against EU patent directive


International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge announced December 7, 2004 he had set up a disciplinary commission to investigate allegations made against US sprinter Marion Jones by BALCO chief Victor Conte.

IOC Sets Up Probe Into Marion Jones Allegations


Nintendo Co. has permanently slashed prices on its Game Boy Advance SP portable video game system as the company tries to entrench its No. 1 position in the handheld game market.

Nintendo Cuts Price on Game Boy Advance


Cash'n'Carrion Essential kit for the marauding sysdamin

Introducing the big, bad BOFH polo shirt


Reuters - The hills of Mars yielded more\tantalizing clues about how water shaped the Red Planet in\tests by NASA's robotic geologist, Spirit, while its twin,\Opportunity, observed the deep crater it climbed into two\months ago, scientists said on Wednesday.

Mars Hills, Crater Yield Evidence of Flowing Water (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wearing a plastic mask to protect a  fractured cheekbone, LeBron James poured in a game-high 26  points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Charlotte  Bobcats 94-83 on Monday.

NBA Wrap: James Leads Cavs Past Bobcats


THE TWO ASTRONAUTS aboard the international space station have been asked to cut calories because, with the space shuttle out of commission, food supplies are running low.

Questions for NASA


THE UAE and Kuwait plan to increase oil production capacity by nearly 3,00,000 bpd and 2,00,000 bpd respectively in the short term in a bid to stabilise the market, which has been rocked by high oil prices touching \$53 per barrel prior to the week end.

UAE, Kuwait to hike oil production capacity


EU COMPETITION commissioner Mario Monti has backed Banco Santander Centrale Hispanos 8.75 billion bid for Abbey National. Monti suggested support for a Spanish bid, saying:  quot;At first glance, it is a contribution

Monti backs bid for Abbey


Corpses and weeping relatives filled morgues in Haiti after Tropical Storm Jeanne left more than 600 people dead, another tragedy for the Caribbean country in a year marked by revolts, military interventions and deadly floods.

More than 600 dead in Haiti


View the first in a series of photo galleries from the Denver Broncos game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons won 41-28. Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer (16) sets to throw a 80-yard touchdown

Broncos v. Falcons Photo Gallery Part 1


Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne said Thursday a new proposal on bowling deliveries in cricket - brought about by the  quot;chucking quot; controversy involving Sri Lanka #39;s Muttiah Muralitharan - could cause confusion for umpires.

Warne says new ICC rules on chucking could cause confusion


Fifty new areas which will get special help in fighting anti-social behaviour are being named on Wednesday.

New 'yob' targets to be unveiled


Amid the torrent of jabber in Internet chat rooms - flirting by QTpie and BoogieBoy, arguments about politics and horror flicks - are terrorists plotting their next move? The government certainly isn't discounting the possibility.

U.S. Funds Chat-Room Surveillance Study


Reuters - U.S. Treasury yields hovered near\five-month lows on Wednesday as weaker stocks and higher oil\prices helped drive 10-year yields down to 4 percent.

10-Year Treasury Yield Flirts with 4 Pct (Reuters)


On Tuesday night everyone was talking about one Wayne Rooney, after the young prodigy inscribed a magnificent hat-trick on his Manchester Utd and Champions League debut.

Group F: Wenger:  #39;Reyes is our Rooney #39;


HOUSTON -- With two World Series rings and plenty of postseason experience over his 21-year career, Roger Clemens knows a lot about winning.

Astros #39; streak hits 12


Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger intimated on Tuesday that he would be signing a contact extension  quot;within days quot;. According to This is London, the Frenchman,said:  quot;I #39;ve said many times I am committed to Arsenal

Wenger  #39;to sign in days #39;?


SEATTLE: A San Francisco judge ordered Microsoft Corp to pay lawyers involved in its \$1.1 billion class action settlement \$100 million in legal fees, less than half of the original fees they requested, company officials said.

Judge cuts Microsoft fees to \$100 m


UC Berkeley officials issued a statement of regret about a computer hacking that may have exposed the names and social security numbers of about 600,000 people.

Hacker Exposes UC Private Information


Reuters - Halliburton Co. , once run by\Vice President Dick Cheney, said an internal probe found\information suggesting that members of a consortium it helps\lead considered bribing Nigerian officials to win business.

Halliburton Finds Talk of Nigerian Bribes (Reuters)


Sony Corp. will begin selling a computer and home server system that makes a midget of TiVo. With 1,000 gigabytes of hard-drive storage, it can record six TV channels for nearly a week straight.

Sony Rolling Out Powerful DVR


BEIJING - Lenovo Group has agreed to pay US\$1.25 billion (\$1.75 billion) for IBM #39;s personal computer business, lifting China #39;s largest PC maker to third in global rankings and giving it a globally recognised brand.

IBM sells PC business to China


Chris Sutton has echoed the words of Martin O #39;Neill by saying Celtic will be going all out to win tonight #39;s Champions League meeting against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Celts Chris out to Shak up the points


NEW YORK The holiday season is an especially busy time for global travelers intent on delivering gifts to friends and relatives from faraway places.

The joys of traveling with a heavy suitcase


Today, both Apple and Paypal have announced that the iTunes music store in the US will now accept Paypal purchases for anything on iTunes.

iTunes now accepting Paypal payment


Last May, he fought for the Presidency and just recently, he fought for his life. Fernando Poe, Jr. lost both fights but the ironies of ironies is that he has never been more alive now than any time in the hearts of the Filipino people.

The FPJ chronicles


LONDON (Reuters) - New U.S. economic data on Friday did  little to answer questions about the sustainability of global  economic growth, offering a mixed picture that left markets in  a generally bearish pattern.

Global Markets: Worries Grip Investors


Reuters - SBC Communications  may shed\more than 10,000 jobs from its workforce through the end of\2005 using attrition and involuntary cuts, the company said in\a filing with U.S. market regulators on Friday.

SBC May Cut More Than 10,000 Jobs (Reuters)


The Patriots start preparation for Thursday's season opener today, treating practice as they would a Wednesday session during a week leading up to a Sunday game. Led by head coach Bill Belichick , they move on to the regular season with little reflection of the five weeks of training camp.

Lined up for an early start


Fifty-seven nations and international organizations have concluded a two-day meeting in Japan devoted to raising funds for rebuilding Iraq.

Trickle of Funds Frustrates Iraqi Ministers


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


NEW YORK/SEATTLE, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) shares made their long-awaited stock market debut on Thursday, rising sharply to \$100 after an initial public offering marked by ...

Google rises in market debut after bumpy IPO


The Oakland Raiders became the latest team to appear in a Super Bowl and collapse the following season. After a nightmarish 2003 campaign, the Raiders once again have high hopes as they meet the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener for both teams.

OAKLAND AIM TO BOUNCE BACK


Violations appears to be commonplace, even though professionals agree it is risky.

Almost One in Four Businesses Pirate Software


America Online Inc. is releasing a new version of its software today that focuses on increasing online safety and security, which the company hopes will help it hold on to more subscribers.

AOL Concentrates On Security Issues With New Software


Taquan Dean scored 21 points and the Cardinals bounced back from an opening-round loss to beat Chaminade, 93-63, yesterday in the consolation bracket of the Maui Invitational in Lahaina, Hawaii.

No. 12 Louisville Routs Chaminade in Hawaii


AP - Russian authorities believe that two Chechen women suspected of blowing up Russian passenger jets last month got on the planes by paying bribes, media reports said.

Report: Bribes Got Bomb Suspects on Planes (AP)


Security will be tightened at a Berlin art show which is alleged to have been funded by Nazi  quot;blood money quot; after a woman protester overwhelmed wardens and vandalised two works at the exhibition yesterday.

Protester attacks Berlin exhibition of art  #39;bought with Nazi blood <b>...</b>


The software maker releases an upgraded version of its small-business management applications with new features for coordinating factory work.

SAP spiffs up small business programs


Washington - Nasa administrator Sean O #39;Keefe is expected to resign his job at the helm of the US space agency this week, according to news reports on Sunday.

Nasa head to quit - reports


Arbitrators ruled Monday against the former limited partners of the Montreal Expos in their case against former controlling owner Jeffrey Loria, clearing Major League Baseball to move the franchise to Washington.

Expos Suit Tossed Out


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Fierce fighting broke out around a  shrine in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf Monday, and pieces of  shrapnel landed in the courtyard of the mosque held by  followers of a radical Shi'ite cleric, Reuters witnesses said.

Fighting Erupts Round Rebel-Held Najaf Shrine


REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. plans a Dec. 1 release for the latest version of its server software that aims to give companies more secure instant messaging and other corporate communications tools.

Microsoft to release communication server


Reuters - Sprint Corp. said Wednesday\it would buy mobile telephone company Nextel Communications\Inc. for about  #36;36 billion, creating a U.S. wireless carrier\with nearly 40 million subscribers.

Sprint to Buy Nextel in  #36;36 Billion Deal (Reuters)


CAMP ZAMA, Japan (AFP) - US Sergeant Charles Jenkins, 64, tearfully told a military court that he walked into North Korea scared of dying on patrol and stayed in the Stalinist state for 39 years through beatings and fear.

US soldier says fear, beatings kept him in North Korea for four <b>...</b>


Celtic manager Martin O #39;Neill said last night he would be speaking to the agents of several players this week to get them to sign new contracts.

Dunfermline 0, Celtic 2


LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar rose against the yen but  eased from three-week highs against the euro on Monday as  investors waited for key economic data this week to shed light  on the health of the U.S. recovery.

Dollar Mixed Ahead of U.S. Data Deluge


The Westfield Group, Multiplex group and Aldersgate Investments Ltd have entered an agreement to pursue a joint cash offer for Duelguide plc, the company which owns UK developer Chelsfield plc.

Westfield, Multiplex target Duelguide


Carlos Ruiz led Guatemala to a 1-0 win over Bolivia in an international exhibition at RFK Stadium on Saturday night.

Guatemala Shuts Out Bolivia 1-0


A9.com is designed to compete with existing search sites, including Google.

Amazon Unveils Its Search Engine


The Cassini spacecraft #39;s cameras revealed sharp but puzzling pictures of Saturn #39;s moon Titan that captivated planetary scientists Tuesday night as the first-ever close-ups

Cassini tantalizes scientists with images of Saturn moon


The ink is barely dry on the four-year, \$53 million contract that lured star pitcher Pedro Martinez to the Mets and excited fans of the woebegone franchise are wishing the frigid December

Fans are thinking spring after Mets #39; coup de grass


Lower sales, bigger losses, and a sneaky-looking accounting change mean investors should watch their wallets.

Martha Stewart: Scarier on Halloween


Some question whether it will be enough to quell the violence and worry about the impact of prolonged tours. Amid a spike in violence in Iraqi cities coinciding with the Fallujah offensive, the US military

US expected to boost troop levels in Iraq


Russia have been hit by injury and illness as the departure of left winger Andrei Karyaka on Tuesday left the squad only 17 fit players for Wednesday #39;s World Cup qualifier away to Portugal.

Only 17 players fit for Russia #39;s qualifier against Portugal


The Justice Department announced yesterday that it would defer bringing criminal securities fraud charges against the America Online unit of Time Warner as long as Time Warner adopted

Time Warner Settles 2 Cases Over AOL Unit


AT amp;T Corp. is trimming the price of its new Internet-based telephone service for the second time in six months, prompting a top rival to follow suit.

AT amp;T Cuts Internet Phone Service Prices


com November 2, 2004, 11:06 AM PT. Wired  amp; Wireless continues its reign as the top IT priority among IT managers due to widespread IP telephony deployment and other network infrastructure upgrades.

Nokia makes Good on business phones


OXFORD, Miss. - A press conference to announce the hiring of a new head football coach at The University of Mississippi has been scheduled for Thursday morning, December 16, at 10:00 am, in the new Indoor Practice Facility.

Football Press Conference Set For Thursday Morning


The firm has rated the flaw as moderately critical. It demonstrated the flaw on its site, with options for both users who use pop-up blockers and those who don #39;t.

Pop-ups Spoof Into Your Money


AP - Jason Kendall has been one of baseball's steadiest offensive players since his rookie season in 1996, a player who rarely takes an at-bat or a day off. His uniform is always the dirtiest in the clubhouse after a game.

Pirates Near Shedding Kendall's Contract (AP)


The new Band Aid version of  Do They Know It's Christmas? looks set to go straight to the top of the UK singles chart.

Band Aid single poised for No 1


Arm Holdings shares slumped 18pc yesterday after the semiconductor designer unveiled a surprise cash and shares deal to buy US technology firm Artisan Components.

Arm shares fall 18pc after US acquisition


The lighter side of Ichiro Suzuki emerged Tuesday night after he moved into a tie for second place on the Major League all-time single-season hit list.

Four more hits! Four more hits!


China finished one-two through Guo Jingjing and Wu Minxia in the women #39;s 3m springboard diving final at the Olympic Games on Thursday.

Guo wins gold in 3m springborad diving


Police in Auburn Hills, Michigan, have interviewed the man who threw a beverage at Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest, triggering a brawl between players and fans during a Nov. 19 National Basketball Association game in Detroit.

Police Interview Fan Who Threw Beverage at Pacers #39; Ron Artest


AFP - Prosecutors here are expected to file charges Wednesday against National Basketball Association players and spectators who took part in a November 19 brawl.

Charges expected Wednesday from NBA brawl (AFP)


With a year under his belt as Microsoft Corp.'s chief Linux strategist, Martin Taylor has a lot to say about where he sees Linux going and how Microsoft plans to compete with the open-source operating system.

Q A: Microsoft's Linux strategist Martin Taylor


According to a story on CNN #39;s Web site, the software giant #39;s recent acquisition of anti-spyware company GIANT might mean users have to pay in order to benefit from the added security to Microsoft applications.

Microsoft dodges anti-spyware charge accusations


NEW YORK (Reuters) - MGI Pharma Inc. <A HREF=

MGI Pharma-SuperGen in Cancer-Drug Deal


Tokyo #39;s Nikkei average rose for the first time in three sessions to close 0.62 percent higher on Wednesday after investors found positive signs in revised Japanese economic growth figures that were sluggish overall.

Nikkei Rises for 1st Time in 3 Sessions


Amateur stargazers who stayed up into the early hours today were rewarded with fleeting glimpses of a total eclipse of the moon. Bad weather had threatened to obscure

Stargazers enjoy eclipse


DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. <A HREF=

Ford to Check 740,000 SUVs for Glitch


Microsoft, a company long known for waking up to a market after its competitors only to dominate that same market, has finally woken up to the digital music market.

Microsoft Takes Aim at Apples iPod


A man convicted of murdering eight children in a frenzied knife attack at a primary school three years ago was hanged in Osaka yesterday, in Japan #39;s first execution for a year.

Japan executes child killer


BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Reuters) - The worst U.S.  defeat in Ryder Cup history was dumped at the feet of the  team's leading three players, who buckled under the weight of  expectation and the force of a European juggernaut.

Big Three Take Blame for U.S. Ryder Cup Debacle


A couple of years ago Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al-Nahyan, the emir of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) patronized the translation and publication of an old Islamic text about the ideal prince.

Editorial: The Ideal Prince


Israel is maintaining its silence over an alleged spy scandal as it prepares to receive two men deported from New Zealand for passport fraud.

Israel stays silent as  #39;spy #39; pair leave NZ


Reuters - The husband of Margaret Hassan, a\British-Iraqi aid worker snatched by kidnappers on her way to\work in Baghdad this week, appealed for her release on\Thursday.

Husband of Aid Worker Seized in Iraq Pleads for Release (Reuters)


Reuters - The New York Jets and\quarterback Chad Pennington are close to a deal that would make\the quarterback the highest- paid player in franchise history.

Report: Pennington Set to Sign Extension with Jets (Reuters)


A key food source for Antarctic seals, whales and penguins has declined about 80 percent since the 1970s in waters near the Antarctic Peninsula, researchers report.

Key Antarctic food source is declining, study says


Phil Mickelson is finishing off a record season for himself this week at The Tour Championship, but mentally he #39;s been through for a while.

Mickelson goes back to Augusta to tune up


Davie, FL (Sports Network) - The Miami Dolphins may be without linebacker Junior Seau for the remainder of the season, depending on the severity of his pectoral injury.

Seau may be done for season


NEW YORK - Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s warning of disappointing sales sent stocks fluctuating Monday as investors' concerns about a slowing economy offset their relief over a drop in oil prices.    October contracts for a barrel of light crude were quoted at \$46.48, down 24 cents, on the New York Mercantile Exchange...

Stocks Fluctuate on Wal-Mart Sales News


New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin announced the news in his typically stern manner. Eli Manning is the future of his team, Coughlin said during his Monday afternoon press conference, and the future is starting now.

Coughlin picked the wrong time to replace Warner with Manning at <b>...</b>


Optware Corp. has received funding that will enable it to complete development of its holographic storage technology, and is on course to release commercial samples of read/write drives in the final three months of 2005, the company said Tuesday.

Optware finds funding for holographic storage


Reuters - Online DVD rental company Netflix\Inc.  on Wednesday raised its subscriber and revenue\forecasts for the fourth quarter, saying a price cut had helped\draw new customers.

Netflix Raises Subscriber Forecast After Price Cut (Reuters)


Senior quarterback David Greene is quietly having an outstanding season. In last Saturday #39;s rout of Kentucky, Greene earned his 40th career victory, passing Peyton Manning for the most in Division IA history.

SI.com #39;s BJ Schecter breaks down a key SEC showdown


The European Commission is investigating the proposed acquisition of DRM software maker ContentGuard by Microsoft and Time Warner.

EU Probes DRM Deal


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A delegation of Iraqi political and  religious leaders flew out of Baghdad on U.S. military  helicopters Tuesday, heading for Najaf in a bid to end a bloody  Shi'ite uprising, delegates said.

Iraqi Delegation Flies to Najaf in Peace Bid


\\Engadget  has a great post  from Wendy about the induce act:\\

Wendy on Induce


Microsoft Corp., the world #39;s largest software maker, will tell a European Union judge the EU #39;s antitrust ruling forcing the company to offer a version of Windows without a video and music

Microsoft to Argue EU Antitrust Order Damages Its Trademarks


Firefox has emerged as the first browser in years to seriously challenge Internet Explorerwith good reason. Firefox has superior security and anti-scumware features, it works on Windows, Linux, MacOS X and other operating systems, and it #39;s free.

Mozilla Firefox: The Searcher #39;s Browser


Cyclical weather patterns have driven more than 150 whales and dolphins to become stranded on Australian and New Zealand beaches since the weekend, scientists say.

Weather blamed for whale beachings


Engineering director Pat Symonds was philosophical after a disappointing result at Suzuka  and is looking forward to Brazil with renewed determination.

Symonds philosophical after tough race in Japan


Two OPEC members are pledging to increase supply or boost reserves as oil prices spiral higher, according to media reports Sunday.

Kuwaitis, Saudis pledge oil help


At least seven people were killed and 31 injured today when a bomb exploded at the gate to one of Shia Islams holiest shrines in Iraq, hospital officials said.

Seven killed in Karbala mosque explosion


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Monday following a  pickup in merger activity in the software and telecom sectors  and better-than-expected retail sales in November, which  signaled an uptick in consumer spending.

Stocks Higher on Retail Data, Mergers


Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss was in the starting lineup during Sunday #39;s 20-3 victory over the Tennessee Titans despite having a hamstring injury, but the All-Pro was removed from the game after the team #39;s

Vikings #39; Moss starts, exits early


Internet giant Yahoo! extended its reach in Net #39;s growing multimedia market today when it announced the deal to acquire media player software house MusicMatch.

Yahoo! buys MusicMatch for \$160M


Google Enhances Google Local Service\\Google has announced enhancements to its newish Google Local service at http://local.google.com . When you go to the page you'll see a space for what you're looking for and another space for where you'll looking. The results pages is where you'll see the real difference.\\I decided ...

Google Enhances Google Local Service


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

Comcast High-Speed Customers Up Strongly


South African President Thabo Mbeki concluded four-day talks with all parties in the Ivory Coast conflict on Monday, announcing that agreement on a four-point plan had been reached.

Mbeki deal holds out new hope for Ivory Coast


China recorded more than 320 million subscribers to mobile phone services as of the end of October this year, equivalent to a penetration rate of 24.8 users per 100 persons, according to statistics released by Chinas Ministry of Information Industry.

Chinas mobile phone users go over the 320-million mark


China pledged to invest \$10 billion in Brazil over the next two years as the two countries strengthen economic and trade ties. China agreed to invest in railroads, ports, steel mills

China to Invest \$10 Bln Over Two Years in Brazil (Update2)


Two Palestinian teenagers are dead and three others wounded after an Israeli strike in northern Gaza. The Israeli military says the incident began when an unmanned drone aircraft spotted a flash from two suspicious

Israel strikes refugee camp, killing two teens


AP - In the months before the invasion of Iraq, the United States groomed exiled opposition groups as the nucleus of a future government to replace Saddam Hussein. Now with elections approaching, the parties still enjoy little support among ordinary Iraqis who view them as corrupt puppets of Washington.

Iraq Parties Join Forces to Avert Defeat (AP)


AP - Right now, things are going Jeff Gordon's way  #151; and that should enhance his chances of winning a fifth NASCAR championship. Thanks to a rainout of qualifying Friday at New Hampshire International Speedway, points leader Gordon will start from the pole in the first event of the new 10-race playoff for the Nextel Cup championship.

Rain Puts 10 Title Contenders Up Front (AP)


NEW YORK, November 26 (newratings.com) - The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) expects global semiconductor sales to remain sequentially flat in the current quarter, while reiterating its forecasts of at least 28 y/y growth in worldwide chip

Global chip sales to remain flat this quarter


Reuters - It's not for the squeamish but Britons\with a strong constitution will get a rare opportunity to view\brain surgery as it happens, in an operating room 4,000 miles\away in the United States.

Transatlantic Live Brain Surgery to Be Beamed to UK (Reuters)


The European Union will not open membership talks with Turkey unless the country passes a human-rights reform package, EU enlargement commissioner Guenter Verheugen said today, his strongest remarks on the issue so far.

Human Rights Reform Is Key to Turkey EU Membership


AP - The Arab news network Al-Jazeera on Wednesday broadcast footage of British hostage Kenneth Bigley pleading to British Prime Minister Tony Blair to work for his release.

British Hostage in Iraq Begs for Release (AP)


Staff Sgt. Johnny Horne, Jr., and Staff Sgt. Cardenas Alban have been charged with murder in the death of an Iraqi, the 1st Cavalry Division announced Monday.

Two Soldiers Attached To 1st Cav Charged With Murder


The Wall Street Journal #39;s Personal Technology columnist Walter S. Mossberg often muses on the Macintosh, iPod and Apple #39;s latest doings -- recently he declared the iMac G5  quot;the most elegant

Mac Night Owl interviews Mossberg


The Kobe Bryant rape case was dismissed after the prosecution said the woman who had accused Mr. Bryant of sexual assault would no longer cooperate.

Prosecutors Drop Kobe Bryant Rape Case


The new formula one team rose from the ashes of Jaguar Racing when the energy drink maker announced yesterday its long-awaited takeover of the British team, which was put up for sale by Ford two months ago.

Red Bull saves 300 British jobs - and Coulthard may make 301


Top seed Roger Federer and two-time champion Andre Agassi hope to meet in the showpiece match at the US Open on Wednesday, but only if Mother Nature co-operates.

RAIN DELAYS START IN NEW YORK


Reuters - General Motors Corp.  and Ford\Motor Co.  launched new U.S. sales incentives on Friday as\both automakers struggle with falling market share and high\inventories of unsold vehicles.

GM, Ford Raise U.S. Sales Incentives (Reuters)


FOR this, the Boston Red Sox spent all that time, energy and money last winter? They built the team for this series? This is the best they could do?

Red Sox Are Yet Again Barking Up Wrong Tree


Managers with outdated notions about controlling workers are misusing technology to monitor and micromanage employees, according to a new report.

Managers misuse tech to control workers, study says


Australians have been reminded of the dangers of travelling to Indonesia after US authorities warned their citizens to avoid western hotels because of the risk of terrorist attacks.

Indonesian travel warning renewed


Microsoft is in a throw-it-off-the-train state of mind these days in regard to its Windows operating system features. It #39;s announced that Longhorn will ship by 2006 -- but without its much-ballyhooed WinFS subsystem.

Can Microsoft Change Its DNA?


With heavy skies weighing over the Ardennes forest, action was the order of the day on track, with Davidson then Raikkonen going fastest. Renault is also optimistic.

Spa, Free Practice 1  2: F1 ducks the shower


Working women spend about twice as much time as working men on household chores and the care of children, a Labor Department study showed.

Survey Confirms It: Women Outjuggle Men


PINAR DEL RIO, Cuba - Hurricane Ivan slammed into Cuba's sparsely populated western tip with the worst of its 160-mph eyewall, growing to a storm of catastrophic strength after it smashed giant waves onto Grand Cayman island and readied to strike the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. oil interests...

Hurricane Ivan Drenches Western Cuba


GotDotNet? Depends on who you talk to. Microsoft #39;s answer to SourceForge has been as trouble-free as a baby. Who #39;s been dropped.

MS Fights SourceForge, Loses, and Gives Gift


ARLINGTON, Va. - US Airways Group Inc., the nation's seventh largest airline, filed for bankruptcy protection Sunday for the second time in two years...

US Airways Files for Bankruptcy Protection


SAN JOSE, Calif. Knight Ridder Incorporated has tapped amed Steve Rossi -- the current president of its newspaper division -- to become chief financial officer and senior vice president of the company.

Knight Ridder names financial chief


Global chip equipment sales are expected to fall 5.15 percent in 2005, an industry group said on Wednesday in a sharp reversal from its July forecast of growth of 23.98 percent.

Global Chip Gear Sales Seen Down 5.15 Pct in 2005


CHAPEL HILL - It took less than three minutes for the goalposts to come down and on the eve of Halloween, the Tar Heels served a special brew to the Miami Hurricanes.

Heels shock Miami


Nuclear trafficking charges against the owner of a South African engineering plant are dropped.

SA drops WMD violations charges


AP - The IOC recommended Friday that Bulgaria's top Olympic official be expelled from the organization for unethical conduct.

IOC Wants to Expel Bulgarian Official (AP)


Fifa president Sepp Blatter meets the FA to discuss David Beckham's deliberate booking.

Football: Fifa slams Beckham


Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel\Sharon's right-wing Likud party voted Wednesday to bar a\coalition with center-left Labor that he seeks to advance his\Gaza withdrawal plan, according to early returns.

Sharon's Likud Rejects Coalition Bid--First Returns (Reuters)


I was questioned today by a developer who was watching a particular IP address scan his site. The IP was 65.54.188.86 and is registered to Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft Crawling Google Results For New Search Engine?


Malcolm Glazer today increased his stake in Manchester United for the third time in as many days - and moved a step closer to launching a takeover bid.

Glazer Closer to United Takeover


A man has been arrested for selling portions of the Windows 2000 and Windows NT 4.0 source code on-line after the software was illegally leaked onto the internet in February, according to reports.

Man arrested for selling Windows source code


When trainer Donald Chatlos brought Singletary to Bay Meadows to win the San Francisco Breeders #39; Cup Mile on April 24, it was part of a much bigger plan.

Singletary executes Chatlos #39; plan, wins Cup race as 16-to-1 <b>...</b>


An attempt to bring back the American Basketball Association hasn't succeeded, as the league loses teams and changes cities weekly.

ABA Not Catching On


Kill Bill director Quentin Tarantino is to appear in a Muppets film based on The Wizard of Oz.

Tarantino to star in Muppets film


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. marines and Shi'ite militiamen  fought fierce battles around a shrine in the Iraqi city of  Najaf on Monday in some of the heaviest fighting since the  20-day-old rebellion erupted.

Fighting Erupts Around Rebel-Held Iraqi Shrine


NewsFactor - Commercial open source CRM providers have established their presence in the CRM market in relatively short order, with at least four companies -- Sugar CRM, Ohioedge Anteil, Compiere -- setting up shop over the last year.

Analyst: Open-Source CRM Not Yet a Contender (NewsFactor)


PARIS : French striker Thierry Henry, Brazilian Ronaldinho and Andriy Shevchenko of Ukraine were nominated for FIFA #39;s world player of the year award for 2004.

Soccer: Henry, Ronaldinho and Shevchenko nominated for FIFA #39;s <b>...</b>


A luxury cruise ship in the Caribbean is the unlikely setting for tests of biometric ID cards for seafarers.

Seamen sail into biometric future


Microsoft has told the European Court of First Instance that it should not have to share information with its competitors, arguing that revealing its secret would harm it irreparably.

MS EC appeal kicks off


AP - President Vladimir Putin said Friday the Kremlin was preparing to take preventive action against terrorists, even as a Chechen rebel leader purportedly claimed responsibility for a series of attacks that killed hundreds of people and threatened more violence.

Putin Threatens Preventive Terror Actions (AP)


NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who is probing bid-rigging in the insurance industry, expects to file suit against health insurance consultant Universal Life Resources as early as Friday, a spokesman for his office said.

Spitzer seen suing Universal Life Resources


Oil prices headed higher after Nigerian locals seized oil pumping stations, with news of an attack on the US consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, also pushing prices higher, dealers said.

Oil rises on Jeddah, Nigeria attacks


JAKARTA A militant Muslim cleric was charged Wednesday under a tough antiterrorism law in the bombing of a Jakarta hotel and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Militant cleric charged in 2003 hotel bombing


AP - Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair will stay in the hospital Monday night with a bruised sternum and will be listed as questionable on the NFL injury report.

McNair Hospitalized With Bruised Sternum (AP)


Krispy Kreme Doughnuts said yesterday that the Securities and Exchange Commission had upgraded its inquiry of the company #39;s financial reporting practices into a formal investigation.

SEC steps up probe of Krispy Kreme


MARK HUGHES last night revealed he turned down a cushy number with Manchester United because he wanted to be his own man - and his own manager.

HUGHES: I SAID NO TO UNITED


Three Kenyan drivers held hostage by militants in Iraq for 42 days return to Nairobi to an emotional welcome.

Welcome for freed Kenyan truckers


Yankee Group senior analyst Zeus Kerravala told the E-Commerce Times that CleanMachines is a good fit for Cisco #39;s Network Admission Control (NAC) architecture.

Cisco To Pay \$74 Million for Security Vendor Perfigo


Cendant #39;s (NYSE: CD) got many revenue streams, and apparently they all lead home. So perhaps it #39;s understandable to see the multifaceted company pull back from the pending sale of its mortgage business. Last month Cendant revealed that it was in talks to ...

Cendant Steals Home


LONDON (Reuters) - European shares opened firmer on  Thursday led by ABN AMRO as investors applauded the savings the  Dutch broker will make from cutting jobs.

ABN AMRO Leads European Shares Higher


Reuters - Most senior executives at large U.S.\companies plan to increase hiring and investments over the next\12 months amid growing optimism about the economy, according to\a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers released on Thursday.

U.S. Execs Plan More Hiring - Survey (Reuters)


Nokia announced that its 9500 Communicator has been granted IEEE 802.11b and WPA certifications by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The company also plans to provide the phone with Smartner #39;s Duality Always-On push e-mail solution.

Nokia 9500 Communicator Receives Wi-Fi Certification


Five shells exploded in Baghdad on Thursday, with several landing in the fortified Green Zone area. Clouds of black smoke were seen rising from the Green Zone area on the west bank of the Tigris river after

Central Baghdad hit by mortar attacks


AP - Gaza strongman Mohammed Dahlan, once seen as a possible successor to Yasser Arafat, said Tuesday he will not run in the Jan. 9 elections and instead endorsed the interim Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas.

Dahlan Bows Out of Palestinian Elections (AP)


roundup Plus: HP rakes in .Net dough...Escend raises \$3 million...Hitachi cuts 10 percent of U.S. work force...Evite goes local with invitations.

Briefly: Nortel pushes back Flextronics deal


NEW YORK : US insurance giant Marsh and McLellan Co., facing a lawsuit for allegedly rigging bids, announced it is cutting about 3,000 jobs, five percent of the global staff.

Embattled US insurer Marsh and McLellan axes 3,000 jobs


Presenter Hearings on the Yukos case are to resume in a Houston court in a couple of hours. The court is expected to look today at the possibility of temporary suspension of all transactions involving the

Russian officials, business disagree on relevance of US hearings <b>...</b>


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. officials have arrested two men  whom they accuse of funneling money to the Palestinian militant  group Hamas for the past 15 years, the Justice Department said  on Friday.

U.S. Arrests Two in Hamas Financing Case


Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), the No. 1 US retailer, on Tuesday signaled it will cut prices in the weeks before Christmas after a strategy against deep discounts backfired on the first weekend of the holiday shopping season.

Wal-Mart to Cut Prices After Poor Sales


The number of cars on China's roads is set to rise sevenfold to 140 million by 2020, according to government forecasts.

China set for surge in car sales


The US president says he plans far-reaching reforms to the Social Security system which funds pensions.

Bush vows pension fund shake-up


After finishing at the bottom of the AL West and winding up last in the league in runs and homers, the Mariners reached agreement with Beltre on a \$64 million, five-year deal Thursday, The Associated Press learned.

Mariners sign Beltre


US consumer spending climbed 0.6 percent as expected in September and inflation remained benign, government data showed on Monday, as shoppers splashed out after showing restraint the previous month.

US Spending Up in Sept., Inflation Tame


Using video cameras to record films in movie theaters would become a federal crime punishable by up to six years in prison under a bill passed Tuesday by the House.

Video Cameras at Movies Would Be Crime


AP - Tadashi Saito imagines his son leaving the office and trudging home to a lonely bachelor's apartment  #151; with all the lights out and no hot food on the table  #151; after a long day at work.

Gatherings Tap Into Japan Marriage Market (AP)


USA Today -- More than eight years ago, a new space race began with the announcement of the X Prize Competition. Based on prizes that inspired the development of aviation in the early 20th century, the X Prize was started to encourage private space travel through a competition to build the first reusable spacecraft...

A Space Race to Change the World