SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) - Teenage rookie Rafael Nadal  blunted the world's fastest serve on Friday to stun Andy  Roddick and give Spain a 2-0 lead over the United States in the  Davis Cup final.

Nadal Nails Roddick to Give Spain 2-0 Lead


David Beckham has escaped a Football Association (FA) charge for deliberately getting himself booked against Wales. The England captain faced being suspended from international duty for his foul on Ben Thatcher.

BECKHAM ESCAPES FA CHARGE OVER BOOKING


Cingular, the largest mobile phone operator in the US, is to launch a high-speed third generation (3G) network from next year. Mobile phone firms have been seeking new areas to boost revenue - and Cingular #39;s

Cingular to launch US 3G network


UNITED NATIONS Sept. 21, 2004 - President Bush, defending his decision to invade Iraq, urged a vast assembly of world leaders Tuesday to stand united with the country #39;s struggling government and said the

Bush Urges World to Unite With Iraq


a \$21 million, three-year contract, but there may be a hitch in the deal. New. hasn #39;t determined whether he passed it or failed it.

Pavano picks Yankees; holdup on Wright deal


Decrying  #39; #39;ethical breaches of an unprecedented nature, #39; #39; California #39;s insurance commissioner announced regulations Wednesday to bar brokers from steering customers to certain policies in exchange for hidden commissions.

Insurance commissioner targets hidden fees


Nov. 4 (BCN) - San Francisco Giants player Barry Bonds has been voted player of the year by his peers in Major League Baseball, the Giants announced today.

Bonds Named Player Of The Year By MLB Players


FedEx Corp. (FDX.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said quarterly profit nearly quadrupled on in its international, ground and freight businesses, but the stock slipped on disappointment over the margins.

FedEx Profit, Outlook Up, Stock Down


Oil prices reached \$53 a barrel yesterday and have advanced more than 20 percent in a month, in large part because output in the Gulf of Mexico was hobbled by a hurricane and has not been restored as quickly as expected.

Output worries drive up oil prices


The last time the Jacksonville Jaguars were facing a goal-to-go situation at Nashville Coliseum with time winding down, they went away disappointed.

Jaguars #39; late TD beats Titans 15-12


Australian journalist John Martinkus has been released unharmed after being detained by an unknown group in Iraq, SBS television says.

SBS journo released by captors in Iraq


The hunt for teenage geeks who illegally download music has moved across the pond, blokes. Only this time, the culprits are a wee bit older.

Europe Spanks File Swappers


com November 29, 2004, 4:35 PM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been enterprise directories for several months, but for many IT managers, ERP (enterprise resource planning

IBM opens on-demand lab


WASHINGTON - Coming to cash registers near you: Colorful new \$50 bills sporting splashes of red, blue and yellow. Next up for a makeover, the government said Tuesday: \$10 bills...

New \$50 Bill Begins Circulating


Smarty Jones has been retired to stud in Kentucky, but his presence is felt among the other top 3-year-old thoroughbreds still racing.

Supporting Birdstone


AFP - Japan's Canon Inc. said it posted a record profit for the three months to September due to strong overseas demand for digital cameras, especially in Europe, and revised up its full-year earnings forecast.

Canon posts record profit as digital camera boom continues (AFP)


Ziff Davis - Opinion: To keep Linux on the right path to the enterpise, the new standard base is essential.

Linux Standard Base Is Exactly What Platform Needs (Ziff Davis)


Celtic manager Martin ONeill has faith in his side to come away from the Ukraine with all three points after tonights Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.

ONeill not giving up hope


Entering an area of pollution regulation that had been solely the federal government #39;s job, California regulators Thursday set fuel standards for watercraft and locomotives

California sets tougher fuel standards


Lawnmower manufacturer Toro Co. on Wednesday said its profit grew 23 percent in the fourth quarter, helped by higher sales across all of its product segments and a surge in overseas demand.

Update 1: Toro 4Q Profit Soars 23 Percent


Efforts by Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and the PC industry to expand into to the living room will get a boost next week as they show off technologies that try to balance Hollywood's piracy fears with the appeal of digital media.

Microsoft Looks to Expand Windows Brand at Home


Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc.  fired\three executives and four managers from its Bentonville,\Arkansas headquarters for violating company rules, the company\said on Wednesday.

Wal-Mart Fires 7 Execs, Managers (Reuters)


The unbeaten Golden Gophers led Michigan by three touchdowns with a quarter left, yet lost 38-35.  quot;Do you really think that I have to remind them we blew a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter against Michigan last year?

Minnesota seeks win, not revenge vs. Mich.


Two students are suspended by Oxford University after admitting infiltrating its computer systems.

Students suspended for hacking


Enron Corp. (ENRNQ.PK: Quote, Profile, Research) will pay \$321 million from the proceeds of its sale of its pipeline arm to fund pension plans for thousands of former

Enron to pay \$321 million in pensions


Colorado Rockies manager Clint Hurdle would like to see San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds swing the bat.  quot;For me, he #39;s the most phenomenal offensive player I #39;ve ever seen,.

He #39;s Barry close


Hollywood #39;s movie studios will announce today that hundreds of copyright infringement lawsuits will be filed against people they allege are illegally distributing feature films online, a

Piracy suits to be filed


It's fall and the leaves aren't the only things starting to drop -- so are more executives who are falling from grace as swashbuckling accounting methods of the 1990s continue to come under the microscope of Uncle Sam. <FONT face=

Hammer Time for Computer Associates


InfoWorld - Sun Microsystems on Tuesday unveiled Version 7 of the company #8217;s enterprise development tool suite, Sun Java Studio Enterprise, and previewed a JVM that will support 64-bit AMD Opteron processors.

Sun is upgrading enterprise development tool suite (InfoWorld)


PRINCE Harry, the third in line to the British throne, followed royal family tradition yesterday by announcing he was about to join the army.

Prince follows family into armed services


Cisco Systems on Wednesday said it plans to acquire Jahi Networks, a privately held network management appliance vendor, in a \$16 million deal.

Cisco To Acquire Network Management Vendor


Crystal Palace continued their hot streak on Saturday when a breakaway goal by striker Andrew Johnson against his former club gave them a 1-0 victory at Birmingham City.

Johnson strike earns Palace 1-0 win at Birmingham


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. benchmark Treasuries yields broke  beneath 4.0 percent on Wednesday for the first time in  five-months, driven in part by a jump in oil prices and a slide  in equities.

Treasury Yields Hit 5-Month Lows


Deja View's pricey miniature video camera lets you play back the highlights of your life.

First Look: Wearable Camera Debuts


His torment lasted only 30 years, much less than most Red Sox fans', but unlike most, Theo Epstein actually did something about it.

For Epstein, actions speak just as loud as words


Washington shrugged off harsh verbal attacks from North Korea against US President George W. Bush, saying that the insults would not hinder efforts to end nuclear crisis on the peninsula.

Washington ignores North #39;s verbal attacks


We have managed to keep the major pieces of our fabled Boston healthcare institutions more or less intact so far, but the relentless market keeps testing the system, looking for the weakest link.

In serious condition


About 200,000 of the sleek black devices, able to play movies, music and games, went on sale early Sunday morning as part of a drive by Sony to loosen rival Nintendo #39;s iron grip on the market for handheld game machines.

Sony #39;s PSP draws queues on 1st day


Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - Vancouver residents took to the polls in record numbers Saturday and voted not to adopt a ward system used by every other major Canadian city to elect its municipal politicians.

Vancouver votes in record numbers, rejects ward-based electoral system (Canadian Press)


Tripoli, Nov. 25 (NNN) : In a historic development, President Jacques Chirac of France has made the first visit to Libya by a French leader since 1951.

Chirac Makes Rare Trip To Libya


THE billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch has offered to buy a three-storey penthouse in Manhattan for a record \$44 million (21.6 million).

Murdoch bids \$44m for flat


Intel Corp. #39;s upcoming mid-quarter report will be closely watched for signs of weak back-to-school computer sales, though recent market share gains in memory chips could help offset any softness in computer microprocessor demand.

Intel Clouded by Back-To-School Fears


Consumer products company Jarden Corp. (JAH.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said it would buy American Household Inc. for \$745.

Jarden Buying Mr. Coffee #39;s Maker


Militants in Pakistan who kidnapped two Chinese engineers have threatened to kill them unless Pakistan releases detained Al Qaeda suspects, a security official said.

Kidnappers threaten to kill Chinese engineers


In the never-ending and rarely successful quest to neutralize Barry Bonds, conventional baseball wisdom is about as useful as a fastball down the middle.

Gagne is shaky in ninth


The Russian president's announcement came as questions multiplied about the events in which more than 300 people died in Beslan.

In Shift, Putin Vows Public Inquiry Into School Slaughter


KOREAN giant Samsung Electronics said it had developed the world #39;s first handphone equipped with a state of the art five-megapixel camera.

World #39;s first five-megapixel camera phone


Veritas has released a new version of its OpForce provisioning software. The application enables administrators to discover, provision, configure and track multiple brands of servers and applications across data centers.

Veritas Upgrades OpForce


ATHENS Hamish Carter won the gold in the men #39;s triathlon on Thursday, outkicking the world champion and fellow New Zealander, Bevan Docherty, over the final 500 meters.

Triathlon: Kiwi gets the last kick


Reuters - Soldiers patrolled the largest city in India's volatile northeast and frisked bus passengers on Wednesday after a series of grenade attacks blamed on a powerful underground group killed a man and wounded 50.

Assam on high alert after serial blasts (Reuters)


The World Trade Organization has authorized punitive sanctions against US exports ranging from lobsters to crane trucks because Washington has failed to repeal the so-called Byrd amendment.

Byrd call: WTO approves sanctions against US over antidumping law


IN THE annals of aviation, it will undoubtedly rank alongside such momentous events as the Wright brothers first powered flight in 1903 and Charles Lindberghs transatlantic crossing in 1927.

SpaceShipOne rockets to 5.6m prize


Discs offering high-definition images using blue lasers likely will rule the market starting in 2005. By Jonathan Sidener. A pessimist might say that right about the time the last person on the planet buys

Next generation of DVDs on track to replace today #39;s version


The National Cyber Security Alliance is talking to us in a language we can understand. The NCSA polled American computer users and found that 90 could remember when Janet Jackson flashed the country, but

Americans = security idiots


CORDOVA - Collegiate loyalties run deep, and there #39;s no school rivalry any more intense than the one between the Clemson University Tigers and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, whose fans are even willing to bleed for their teams.

Carolina, Clemson fans square off in annual gift of life #39; <b>...</b>


Reuters - Fancy an airplane trip that takes you\nowhere, costs about  #36;3,000, and may make you vomit?

Weightless Trip to Nowhere Yields Thrills, Nausea (Reuters)


A new study released by the United Nations Children #39;s Fund (UNICEF) indicates the West African nation of Sierra Leone has the world #39;s highest rate of child mortality.

UNICEF -- Child Mortality Worst in Sierra Leone


Ginter batted .262 with 19 home runs and 60 RBIs in 113 games for Milwaukee last season. He posted career highs in batting, at-bats (386), hits (101), doubles (23), home runs, RBIs and slugging (.479).

Seeking second base help, A #39;s land Ginter


ATHENS, Ohio - A group of anarchists is taking an unusual step to make its political voice heard - going to the polls.    Anarchists generally pride themselves on their rejection of government and its authority...

Anarchists' Convention Debates Voting


Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. on Monday reported third-quarter profit rose 30 percent as sales increased at its PacSun and demo apparel chains.

Pacific Sunwear 3Q Profit Up 30 Percent


After Ron Zook was fired Monday as the University of Florida #39;s football coach, he agreed to stay on until the end of the season.

Gators, Zook Never Quit


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sears, Roebuck   Co. and Kmart Holding  Corp. on Wednesday said they would merge in an \$11 billion deal  to form the third-largest U.S. retailer.

Sears, KMart to Merge in \$11 Billion Deal


MANILA, 4 December 2004 - With floods receding, rescuers raced to deliver food to famished survivors in northeastern Philippine villages isolated by back-to-back storms that left more than 650 people dead and almost 400 missing.

Scramble to Reach Philippine Survivors


AP - Presidential and congressional candidates can raise unlimited donations to finance recounts as President Bush and Al Gore did for their high-stakes Florida dispute in 2000.

FEC OKs Unlimited Donations for Recounts (AP)


International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday, September 29, that it raised its outlook for Russias economy, forecasting 6.6 percent GDP growth in 2005.

IMF Raises Outlook on Russia Economy


SAN FRANCISCO - Google Inc. has fixed a security flaw in its Gmail Web-based e-mail service that allowed attackers to hijack users' e-mail accounts.

Google plugs hole exposing Gmail mail-boxes


NEW YORKJust three outs from getting swept out of the American League championship series three nights earlier, the Red Sox finally humbled the dreaded Yankees, winning Game Seven in a 10-3 shocker on Wednesday night to become the first major league

Red Sox stages baseball #39;s greatest comeback


After an extensive review, NASA is planning its Return to Flight Space Shuttle mission, designated STS-114, for a launch window that opens in May 2005.

NASA Sets New Space Shuttle Launch Planning Window


AFP - The top Democrat on the House intelligence committee urged fellow lawmakers not to allow confirmation hearings on a new CIA director to derail efforts to overhaul US spy agencies.

Bush should have tackled reform before naming CIA boss: lawmaker (AFP)


Caesars Entertainment Inc.(CZR.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday posted a rise in third-quarter profit as Las Vegas hotels filled up and Atlantic City properties squeaked out a profit that was unexpected by the company.

Caesars Profit Rises, But Outlook Lags


Automotive parts supplier ArvinMeritor Inc. (ARM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said it plans to sell two businesses that account for about \$1

UPDATE 3-ArvinMeritor to divest \$1 bln in operations


The intruder who entered British Queen Elizabeth II #39;s official Scottish residence and caused a security scare was a reporter from the London-based Sunday Times newspaper, local media reported Friday.

Man intruding Queen #39;s Scottish residence identified as journalist


The dollar weakened broadly on Thursday, reversing a short-lived rally on news that China had raised interest rates as the market decided Beijing #39;s move did not radically change dollar-bearish market fundamentals.

The Dollar Weakens Broadly


Beloit area employers expect to hire at a healthy pace during the first quarter of 2005, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

Survey: Employers looking to hire in 2005


MIAMI -- Four hurricanes in just six weeks are likely going to force Florida #39;s top two insurers to raise rates or reduce their business in the state.

Hurricanes Likely To Cause Insurers #39; Rates To Rise


Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest maker of equipment to direct traffic on the Internet, on Monday said it will buy privately held software developer

Cisco to Buy P-Cube for About \$200 Million


AP - The signs say

Activists: Chernobyl Radiation Lingers (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chinadotcom <A HREF=

China Mobile Suspends Chinadotcom Mobile Services


AP - As of Tuesday, Aug. 17, 943 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq in March 2003, according to the Defense Department. Of those, 703 died as a result of hostile action and 240 died of non-hostile causes.

A Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq (AP)


WASHINGTON/CHICAGO (Reuters) - An animal suspected of  having mad cow disease was given a clean bill of health in a  second round of sophisticated testing, the U.S. Agriculture  Department said on Tuesday after cattle prices soared in  expectation of the news.

Tests Show No Mad Cow, Cattle Prices Rise


AP - NATO foreign ministers pledged Thursday to speed the expansion of alliance peacekeeping in Afghanistan and boost military training for Iraq, but failed to come up immediately with the troops for both operations.

NATO Struggles to Find Troops for Missions (AP)


Hollywood dealmaker Michael Ovitz spun his own drama of his ouster from Walt Disney - he was knifed in the back, carved  quot;out like a cancer quot; and pushed from a headquarters window.

THEY CUT ME OUT


Shares of Odyssey Healthcare, which provides hospice care for people nearing death, plunged yesterday after the company reduced its profit forecasts and announced that the Justice Department

Shares in Hospice Company Plunge


Horse racing may have gotten off to a rocky start in Texas, but the state that made cowboys famous will prove its worth by hosting the Breeders #39; Cup World Thoroughbred Championships at Lone Star Park on Oct. 30.

HORSE RACING A Breeders #39; Cup draw in Texas


The Indianapolis Colts keep Peyton Manning's favorite target for six more season as Marvin Harrison signs a six-year, \$66-million contract on Wednesday.

Colts Extend Harrison


Away from the ocean, in the Florida Panhandle's interior, the imprint of Hurricane Ivan not only was visible on Friday but also hung pungently in the air.

Inland, Too, Are the Sights and Scents of a Disaster


NEW DELHI (Reuters) - An express train ran into a jeep in  southern India on Wednesday, killing five people, a day after  two passenger trains collided head-on in the north of the  country.

At Least Five Dead in Another India Train Accident


SPACE.com - If NASA's Hubble Space Telescope (HST) fireballs into Earth's atmosphere on its own, the reentry of that massive orbiting observatory violates the space agency's own safety standard.

Experts Calculate Risk of Uncontrolled Hubble Re-entry (SPACE.com)


Cuban President Fidel Castro tripped on a step and tumbled to the ground after leaving the stage at a graduation ceremony, fracturing a knee and arm but quickly returning to say that he was  quot;all in one piece.

Fidel Castro falls after speech, breaking knee and causing <b>...</b>


Gavin Reynolds (Rochester, NY) 10/20/04 - Satellite radio was launched just two years go and already 2.5 million people subscribe.

Why Satellite Radio?


Reuters - Sudan's government resumed\talks with rebels in the oil-producing south on Thursday while\the United Nations set up a panel to investigate charges of\genocide in the west of Africa's largest country.

Sudan Peace Talks Resume for South as Tensions Brew (Reuters)


ATHENS, Aug. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- World championships third-placers Japan took a sweet revenge on Monday to claim the men #39;s gymnasticsteam title at the Athens Olympics with a total score of 173.821 points.

Japan lifts men #39;s gymnastics team gold (updated)


Microsoft has confirmed that a pirated copy of Halo 2 for Xbox in the PAL video format and French language started circulating on the Internet late Wednesday night.

Microsoft loses its Halo 2


Jets players were already thinking ahead to their showdown in New England next weekend before theyd toweled off from their showers after dodging a major disaster Sunday.

Uncharted territory


DIMAPUR / GUWAHATI: In a sudden outburst of violence in Northeast, 41 people were killed and about 140 injured in a series of blasts and firing by militants in Nagaland and neighbouring Assam on Sunday.

Blasts, gun attacks claim 41 in Assam


Six British soldiers have been killed in a helicopter crash in the Czech Republic, a Czech Defence Ministry spokesman says. Andrej Cirtek said the soldiers had been participating in a Czech

Six British soldiers killed in chopper crash


Roger Federer believes he is now capable of winning any tournament in the world.

Tennis: Federer warns rivals


Google started a new sensation with its launch of Desktop Search tool for windows platform. It has its share of bugs and limitations at this moment, but analysts around the world have praised it and have high hopes for the future.

Google Desktop Search for Mac under development?


AP - Police said Monday they were questioning two men in connection with a suicide attack at a Shiite mosque in eastern Pakistan that killed three people plus the bomber  #151; the latest violence in what appears to be rising strife between Shiite and Sunni Muslims.

Two Men Questioned in Pakistan Bombing (AP)


Russia #39;s embattled Yukos oil giant raised the stakes in its bitter standoff with the Kremlin as the company slashed supplies to China in a move analysts said was designed to cause maximum embarrassment in Moscow.

China supply cutback raises stakes in Yukos standoff


NEW YORK Stocks bounced between gains and losses Wednesday as investors overlooked rising oil prices to focus on strong results from Lehman Brothers and Sprint #39;s much-rumored acquisition of Nextel Communications.

Stocks: Wall Street mixed as focus returns to profit


BISSAU : Heavily-armed Guinea Bissau troops took to the streets of the capital of the former Portuguese colony, killing two officers, in a protest to demand payment for their tours of duty as UN peacekeepers.

Unruly Guinea-Bissau troops return to barracks, two officers <b>...</b>


AP - Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer grew up in the small town of Winchester, a short drive from the Alabama border, and seriously considered playing for Crimson Tide coach Bear Bryant before choosing the rival Volunteers.

Tennessee Coach Concentrating on Alabama (AP)


AP - While most teams will rest their starting quarterback as much as possible in the final exhibition game this week, the San Diego Chargers are still trying to figure out who theirs is.

Chargers Quarterback Situation Unsettled (AP)


\\Right now if I want to show you a resource local to my desktop I'd have to copy\it to an HTTP server and then provide you with the updated URL.\\While most geeks can do this easily enough its pretty hard for most users.  Its\also very confusing.\\I guess IM is moving in this directly.  If you want to give them a file just\drag it into your IM session.\\URLs might be overkill because you'd never want to put a local URL into an HTML\document or blog post.\\Then again it would be cool to have my own burtonator: URI scheme!\\

Local URLs


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were little changed on  Friday as a disappointing jobs report was offset by strength in  tech stocks, after bellwether Intel Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks Flat as Jobs Number Offsets Intel


LAS VEGAS, Nevada: American Bernard Hopkins connected with a left hook to the body to knock out compatriot Oscar de la Hoya in the ninth round and retain the undisputed world middleweight title.

Boxing: Hopkins knocks out De la Hoya to keep undisputed <b>...</b>


AstraZeneca PLC #39;s shares plunged 7.7 percent Friday after a study found that its new lung-cancer drug Iressa failed to improve survival rates among patients.

Iressa more trouble for AstraZeneca


Airbus sought to clarify its stance in Microsoft #39;s European antitrust case yesterday, saying it #39;s not taking the software company #39;s side.

Airbus says bid to join EU case doesn #39;t mean it backs Microsoft


Update fixes crashes caused by incompatibility with hidden advertising app.

Microsoft Issues Patch for SP2


TORONTO (CP) - The Ontario Securities Commission #39;s days may be numbered as both police officer and judge in cases of financial-market wrongdoing.

Ontario to look at splitting OSC while pushing for single national <b>...</b>


SEATTLE (Reuters) - Halo 2, the sequel to Microsoft Corp.'s  <A HREF=

Microsoft's Halo 2 Video Game Leaked on Internet


BEIJING - North Korea is planning to carry out further explosions as part of a hydroelectric power plant project after two major blasts last week that prompted worries of accidents and nuclear tests, the German ambassador to Pyongyang, who visited the

N Korea plans more blasts


Sun Microsystems on Monday disclosed plans to acquire SevenSpace Inc., an Ashburn, Va.-based provider of IT outsourcing and managed services.

Sun Acquiring Outsourcing Vendor SevenSpace


HONG KONG, Sept. 9, 2004The human rights situation in Hong Kong has taken a turn for the worse this year, a human rights group said Thursday, citing Beijing-sponsored political intimidation as the former

Hong Kong in Climate of Fear as elections near: report


Pakistan has vowed to track down the leader of a kidnap group in South Waziristan after one of two Chinese hostages died in a rescue attempt.

Pakistan hunts kidnappers #39; leader


Voting starts in Namibia's presidential poll, which will elect a successor to veteran leader Sam Nujoma.

Namibia votes to elect new leader


The Office of Fair Trading is investigating  UK supermarkets' online shops over alleged unfair pricing policies.

OFT probes online grocers bills


Microsoft Corp. and other Internet access providers filed three new lawsuits on Thursday to stop the spread of unsolicited e-mail messages touting everything from home refinancing to miracle health cures.

Microsoft, Others File More Anti-Spam Lawsuits


Europe and the US kept up a war of words over the sliding US dollar at a G20 meeting of rich and developing nations over the weekend, blaming each other for the currency #39;s fall and avoiding new steps or rhetoric to halt it.

US and Europe play blame game over dollar


Israel charged on Thursday that Iran had replaced Saddam Hussein as the world #39;s primary exporter of  quot;terror, hate and instability.

Israel Charges Iran Replaces Saddam as Terror Exporter


Is it possible to win a playoff spot, in this era of aerial supremacy, without a single wide receiver posting 40 catches for the season?

Vick more comfortable with Crumpler


The blue-chip Dow average ended slightly higher on Monday and the tech-driven Nasdaq also gained as declining crude-oil prices made equities aside from energy names attractive.

Dow, Nasdaq Rise as Crude Falls


By DIEDTRA HENDERSON    WASHINGTON (AP) -- Researchers have found high concentrations of platinum in women who got silicone breast implants and in the children they bore and breast-fed afterward.    The type of platinum found in the women's blood and urine was different than the traces of regular platinum not uncommon in people's bodies...

More Platinum Found in Women With Breast Implants


The Connecticut Sun clinched a playoff spot for the second straight year behind Nykesha Sales's 28 points in an 81-67 win over the Sting last night at Charlotte, N.C.

Sun get back into playoffs


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar rebounded for a second session  on Thursday as traders and investors took profits on bets  against the U.S. currency before the year draws to a close.

Dollar Extends Recovery Against Euro, Yen


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks sank on Thursday as crude oil  climbed to a record \$53 a barrel and major drug makers' shares  slid on the possibility they will face more stringent scrutiny  from regulators.

Stocks Fall on \$53 Oil, Drug Sector Woes


The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia #39;s gauge of manufacturing in the region rose to 28.5 in October from 13.4 the month before.

Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index Rises to 28.5 in October


Oil prices eased on Monday as top world exporter Saudi Arabia slashed prices for its crude sales to the United States and Europe in an effort to shift the large volumes it is offering to cool world markets.

Oil Eases as Saudi Offers Crude Discounts


Reuters - Even non-Americans can cast a vote in\the upcoming U.S. presidential election thanks to a Web site\tracking world opinion on the race for the White House.

Virtual Vote Lets Non-Americans Pick President (Reuters)


Manchester United will be without key duo Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane for their Champions League tie away to Sparta Prague. Sir Alex Ferguson #39;s side travel to the Czech capital looking to put their inconsistent

United Missing Key Duo


Americans Venus Williams and Jennifer Capriati both crashed out of the Advanta Championships in Philadelphia on Friday. Sixth seed Vera Zvonareva of Russia upset Capriati

Venus, Capriati fall in Philadelphia


LAGOS (Reuters) - The Nigerian rebel group fighting  government troops in the oil-rich Niger delta said on Monday it  will launch

Nigerian Oil Delta Rebels Say 'War' to Start Oct 1


IBM and several of the world #39;s leading scientific and philanthropic groups Tuesday launched a project that would put millions of PCs to work on research problems ranging from Alzheimer #39;s to disaster forecasting.

Grid Project Puts Unused PCs To Good Works


Cambodia #39;s King Norodom Sihanouk #39;s abdication statement last week stunned the nation and left politicians scrambling to figure out how to choose a new king.

Cambodia Scrambles to Name New King


NTT DoCoMo reported today that its profit fell 6 percent for the most recent six-month period from a year earlier as price-cutting rivals lured customers away from the company, Japan #39;s top provider of mobile phone service.

NTT DoCoMo Says Profit Declined 6 in First Half


Nearly two dozen dead sea turtles have washed up on Maryland and Delaware beaches in the past 10 days. At least nine of the animals, which are among six endangered

Dead sea turtles wash up on beaches


Australia hoped to finalise negotiations with East Timor over oil and gas reserves by the end of the year, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.

East Timor gas talks to end soon


SEPTEMBER 09, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - The Oracle Application User Group (OAUG) plans to hold its Connection Point 2004 annual user conference next week in Orlando, with an emphasis on educating members about the 10g database and 11i.

OAUG pushes on collaboration with Oracle, other users groups


TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei share average rose 1.36  percent by mid-morning trade on Thursday, as the market took  weak output data in its stride and buyers flocked to recently  battered stocks after a steep fall in oil prices boosted U.S.  shares.

Nikkei Up Despite Weak Output Data


US employers added just 96,000 jobs in September, far fewer than analysts expected and a sign that the economic recovery remains weak.

September job growth weaker than expected


Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has rejected a Hamas ceasfire offer asserting that the army will continue operations in Gaza to insure the safety of Israeli citizens even as five Palestinians, including a Hamas militant, were killed in two

Sharon rejects Hamas ceasefire offer


The chairman of the newspaper industry #39;s circulation-auditing body said Thursday that the organization would work to repair its image, tarnished by circulation scandals over the past year at four large US newspapers.

Circulation Fraud Contained, Audit Group Says


As Notre Dame and Navy prepare to face one another Oct. 16, both squads reach the season #39;s midpoint in much better condition than they were one year ago.

A look at Notre Dame, Navy


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Microsoft co-founder Paul G...

Paul Allen to Help Open N.M. Computer Exhibit


Singapore's economy grows by 8.1 in 2004,  as a surge in manufacturing demand drove its best performance since 2000.

Singapore growth set to contract


Commission expected to resume probe over proposed deal after suspending it in April, source says. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission is expected to resume its probe of software group Oracle Corp.

EU to look into Oracle bid -- again


Wal-Mart Stores Incorporate vice chairman Tom Coughlin is retiring from the Bentonville-based retailer. Coughlin #39;s responsibilities include overseeing Wal-Mart and Sam #39;s Club warehouse stores.

Wal-Mart Exec Tom Coughlin to Retire


AP - Dozens of Rwandan soldiers flew into Sudan's troubled Darfur region Sunday, the first foreign armed force deployed in the area since Arab militiamen began a rampage against black African farmers, killing thousands.

Rwandan Troops Arrive in Darfur (AP)


Ashburn, VA (Sports Network) - Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs said Monday that Patrick Ramsey will start at quarterback this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ramsey to start for Redskins in Philly


(09/23/04)-- A mass grave in Haiti now holds more than 100 bodies -- and there may have to be many more such graves before the recovery from Tropical Storm Jeanne is complete.

More than 1,000 dead in Haiti


The US retail giant Wal-Mart investedone million US dollars to establish China #39;s first retail research center at Beijing #39;s prestigious Tsinghua University.

Wal-Mart improves image by donating new research center in China


To the roar of an adoring home crowd, Fani Halkia completed her unexpected romp through the Olympics on Wednesday with a victory in the women #39;s 400-meter hurdles.

Greek comes from nowhere to win women #39;s hurdles


ATHENS (Reuters) - Iraq's fairytale Olympic run continued  on Sunday when they beat Costa Rica 2-0 to reach the  quarter-finals of the Athens Games.

Iraq Reaches Olympic Soccer Quarterfinals


MOSCOW, Idaho -- A University of Idaho football player was shot to death and police arrested two brothers from Seattle following a chase that extended halfway across Washington state.

Seattle men arrested; no motive available


If you take Isiah Thomas at his word and believe he #39;s not trading Allan Houston before the February deadline, then the Knicks have to hope that Houston-Jamal Crawford-Stephon Marbury isn #39;t the second coming of Houston-Latrell Sprewell-Glen Rice.

Knicks count on new math


KPMG LLP yesterday agreed to pay \$10 million to settle Securities and Exchange Commission charges that the firm and four accountants engaged in improper professional conduct, leading to repeated audit failures at client Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc.

KPMG to Pay \$10 Million to Settle Charges Over Gemstar Audits


Cisco Systems has added two products to its award-winning Cisco MDS 9000 Family of Multilayer Intelligent directors and fabric switches optimized for transporting storage area network (SAN) traffic outside of the data center, which make them ideally

Cisco fabric switches optimized for SAN extension


The billionaire investor is on the cusp of becoming a major presence in Washington with ambitious plans for D.C. United and new ownership of Journal Newspapers Inc.

Elusive Anschutz Leaves Wide Footprint


Yasser Arafat spent Sunday talking to colleagues in the West Bank, reading telegrams from well-wishing world leaders and sipping tea.

Tests Continue on Arafat


LONDON : Cable and Wireless, the British telecoms group, said it had agreed to sell its Japanese unit to Internet service provider Softbank Corp for about 133 million dollars (104 million euros) including debt.

Cable and Wireless to sell Japanese unit to Softbank


SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea appealed to refugees who have  sought asylum in the South to return to the impoverished state,  avoiding for once labeling them

North Korea Urges Refugees to Return to 'Warm Home'


The 27-year-old ran a personal best of 9.85 seconds - one hundredth of a second outside the Olympic record - to strike gold as five men ran under 10 seconds.

Gatlin guns way to 100m crown with blazing run


In the endless war of words and numbers between Windows and The Rest, Gartner has chipped in with a paradoxical observation. Forty percent of PCs sold with Linux installed are subsequently hosed clean and

Windows piracy must not harm Linux


Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - The Air India bombing trial concluded Friday, leaving only a judge to decide the verdict of two men accused of plotting Canada's worst mass murder and one of the world's worst acts of terrorism.

Air India trial ends after 19 months, judge to decide verdict March 16, 2005 (Canadian Press)


#39;You suck! You #39;re a piece of  amp;\$#*! You can #39;t play worth *\$#! you loser, so SIT DOWN!!! quot; That #39;s what a guy was yelling at a visiting player during a White Sox-Angels game earlier this summer.

Ballpark scuffle says more about fans than players


Cash-strapped US Airways of Virginia got a short-term fix from its lenders that could keep it airborne until January, the Wall Street Journal said Tuesday.

US Airways gets lifeline from lenders


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices eased on Monday as top world  exporter Saudi Arabia slashed prices for its crude sales to the  United States and Europe in an effort to shift the large  volumes it is offering to cool world markets.

Oil Eases as Saudi Offers Big Discounts


Jason Kidd performed a few of the old dance steps last night at the Meadowlands, but his new partners kept stepping on his feet, and on their own toes.

This Jersey wears on star


The US jobless rate dropped in November, but analysts are surprise and disappointed by the weak job creation numbers reported by the US Labour Department.

US job creation disappoints


LONDON, Dec. 11. - Monkeys use tools to dig up roots, crack seeds and dig insects from holes in trees, scientists have found, contradicting the traditional idea that humans are natures only toolmakers.

Monkeys ape human enterprise


NASA will test its latest jet-powered aircraft for the final time next week, aiming to set a world record by flying at 10 times the speed of sound.

NASA Tries to Break Speed Record With Last Plane Test (Update1)


SESTRIERE, Italy - World Cup leader Bode Miller won a slalom Monday to join Marc Girardelli as the only men to win races in all four disciplines in a season.

Miller claims sixth win in 10 races


Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted the Gunners are in the middle of a  quot;crisis quot;, but backed his players to battle out of their mediocre form.

Wenger hopes for end to  quot;crisis quot;


AP - Speaking to hundreds of top leaders and ordinary citizens, China's President Hu Jintao hailed Deng Xiaoping as the architect of China's economic reforms on Sunday, the 100-year anniversary of the late supreme leader's birth.

China's President Hails Deng Xiaoping (AP)


PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - The Philadelphia Eagles showed their confidence in Sheldon Brown on Thursday, signing the cornerback to a six-year contract extension.

Eagles ink Brown to six year deal


The new measures are due to AT T's retreat from selling services to consumers, the company said today.

AT T to Cut 7,000 Jobs and Reduce Assets by \$11.4 Billion


BOSTON It was as if David Ortiz wanted to give a gift to every fan at Fenway Park. They had made him a folk hero. His legend was about to grow.

Baseball: Boston marathon halts Yankee sprint


Anthony Elgindy, the San Diego stock adviser accused of gaining confidential government information from an FBI agent in a stock manipulation scheme, looked attentively at the jury yesterday as

Stock Adviser, on Trial for Fraud, Is Portrayed as a Crusader


ATHENS - Ukrainian rower Olena Olefirenko has failed a drugs test at the Olympics and has been stripped of a bronze medal, the International Olympic Committee has announced.

Ukranian rower fails drugs test


It #39;s safe to say Justine Henin-Hardenne is back on top of her game. She #39;s healthy for the first time in months - and has a gold medal to prove it.

Chilean Beats Dent for Tennis Bronze


AP - Missouri's attorney general sued the federal environmental agency on Friday, saying it is behind on testing the state's air for lead as required by law.

Missouri Attorney General Sues EPA (AP)


Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to build new nuclear weapons, which he said other nuclear powers did not yet have and were unlikely to develop.

Russia Says It Will Build Nukes That No One Else Has


MOSCOW (Reuters) - ConocoPhillips said on Wednesday it was  seeking 20 percent of Russia's LUKOIL in a far-reaching  alliance which opens the way for the oil majors to tap vast  reserves in northern Russia and Iraq.

Conoco Wins \$2 Billion LUKOIL Stake


AP - When he resigned as coach of the New York Jets to take over his alma mater nearly four years ago, Al Groh made it clear very quickly that he planned to change the culture of Virginia football.

Cavs 4-0 Heading Into Meat of Schedule (AP)


Some of the Wall Street brokerages on tap to report earnings next month might see better-than-expected results as a rebound in the stock market is expected to fuel performance within their equities businesses.

Investors Eye Brokerages 4Q Reports


BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarian hammer thrower Adrian Annus  is refusing to give back his Olympic gold medal after being  stripped of his title for failing to take a drugs test.

Hungarian Hammer Thrower Annus Will Not Return Gold


RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Yasser Arafat underwent a  minor diagnostic procedure on Monday and doctors found no major  ailment after a week of concerns over the Palestinian  president's health, officials said.

Arafat Has Diagnostic Procedure, No Major Ailment Found


Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON  #8212; The U.S. Supreme Court can ignore the usual liberal-versus-conservative divide in the next two weeks when it takes up California-centric cases on medical marijuana and the direct shipping of wine to consumers. Instead, the justices will be forced to decide between competing versions of conservatism.

High Court Cases Show 2 Sides of Conservatism (Los Angeles Times)


Germany #39;s interior minister said it was time to put aside differences with the United States over Iraq and look to the future as President Bush won a second term, but another

German Leader Seeks New Start From Bush


NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on  Monday rejected appeals by Visa and MasterCard of a ruling that  the two credit card associations violated antitrust law by  barring banks from issuing credit cards for rival networks.

Court Rejects Visa, MasterCard Appeals


LucidBeast writes  quot;We all remember Voyager, the first plane to fly around the world in 1986 on one tank of gas. Now Voyager pilot Steve Fossett plans to do it solo with a jet powered GlobalFlyer.

GlobalFlyer Aims To Go Voyager One Better


Tainted hot springs in at least 20 resort towns in Japan include several whose waters had been celebrated for centuries. The disclosures of fraud at the springs have stained one of the most precious rituals of Japanese culture -- group bathing.

Exposed, Japan's Hot Springs Come Clean


Despite the best efforts of the Wi-Fi industry to assure companies wireless networking is safe in the workplace, a new survey of executives finds security remains the leading barrier to WLAN adoption.

Security Fears Still Blocking WLAN Adoption


Chandra X-Ray Observatory -- A NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory image has revealed a complex of several intergalactic hot gas clouds in the process of merging.     The superb Chandra spatial resolution made it possible to distinguish individual galaxies from the massive clouds of hot gas...

Chandra Catches Early Phase of Cosmic Assembly


Lahore, Nov 21 (UNI) Dismayed by India #39;s outright rejection of his recent dramatic proposals, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said vibes coming from the neighbouring country are not encouraging but expressed Islamabad #39;s readiness to leave its

We will meet India half way, vibes not encouraging: Musharraf


Reuters - Federal prosecutors are investigating\whether the wife of former Enron Corp.  Chairman Ken\Lay illegally sold shares in the company just before it went\bankrupt, a lawyer for Lay said on Wednesday.

Wife of Ex-Enron Chief Stock Sale Probed (Reuters)


SAN DIEGO -- You don #39;t have to be the Man of Steel to open a Kryptonite bike lock. A video circulating on the Internet shows how to pick a Kryptonite lock with a ballpoint pen.

Widely Used Bike Lock Can Be Picked With Pen


Minnesota Vikings receiver Randy Moss will sit out Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts with a strained right hamstring.

Moss to Miss First Game of N.F.L. Career


Spansion LLC, the flash memory joint venture between Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) and Fujitsu Ltd., unveiled two products that introduce a new design into Spansion #39;s lineup and expand the density of its current products, the company said Tuesday.

AMD #39;s Spansion unveils new flash memory products


Got a traffic ticket? Can't beat 'em? Join 'em by investing in the company that processes those tickets.

Profit From That Traffic Ticket


Advances in medical science should lead to improvements in birth control methods -- but current debates remain hung up on teenagers' sex lives. Adult women and men looking for better options shouldn't be left out in the cold. Commentary by Gina Lynn.

Contraception Controversy


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

Namibia Votes for New President


TOKYO, Japan -- Tokyo stocks slipped for a second straight day Friday as tech issues such as Fujitsu, NEC and Kyocera lost ground.

Techs, banks weigh on Nikkei


Playing their only preseason game at MCI Center, the Washington Wizards used a balanced attack to defeat the Charlotte Bobcats 97-85 last night before an announced crowd of 11,024.

Sloppy Wizards get past Bobcats


Trucking stocks offer extremely attractive long-term valuations. What about SCS Transportation?

Trucking Firm Takes a Tumble


Salaried workers who have been getting overtime pay should take notice: The rules are about to change. Under new federal regulations that go into effect tomorrow, some white-collar workers

Workers face new overtime rules


Colombia's main rebel group asked followers to mount an assassination attempt against President Bush during his visit to Colombia last week, Defense Minister Jorge Uribe said. There was no evidence Saturday that rebels even tried to organize such an attack.

Colombian Rebels Sought Bush Assassination


The Chicago Cubs made a pair of trades yesterday, getting outfielder Ben Grieve from the Milwaukee Brewers for cash and a player to be named and backup catcher Mike DiFelice from the Detroit Tigers for a player to be named. Grieve, 28, hit .261 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs in 108 games for Milwaukee. He is a career ...

Cubs trade for Grieve and DiFelice


Shaun Wright-Phillips has set his sights on being picked for England #39;s World Cup qualifiers after scoring on a scintillating debut for his country.

Wright-Phillips left wanting more


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger gets a penalty. The Frenchman received a record fine and a  quot;severe reprimand quot; from the English Football Association for his comments about Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Wenger fined for his wicked tongue; will not appeal


ROBERT MUGABES Government is pushing through legislation designed to prevent human rights organisations from operating in Zimbabwe.

Immoral, unjust, oppressive dictatorship. . . and then there #39;s <b>...</b>


QUEBEC - The Quebec government will spend a billion dollars over the next eight years to create a series of private wind-powered electrical plants, Premier Jean Charest announced today.

Quebec to invest \$1B in wind power


AP - Government scientists raised the alert level Saturday for Mount St. Helens after its second steam eruption in two days was followed by a powerful tremor. They said the next eruption was imminent or in progress, and could threaten life and property in the remote area near the volcano.

U.S. Warns of Big Mount St. Helens Blast (AP)


A single molecule may be partly to blame for nicotine #39;s addictive allure, a finding that researchers say could lead to potential therapies to help millions of smokers quit a life-threatening habit.

Study ties molecule, nicotine addiction


Their character questioned and commitment belittled, the United States men #39;s team responded to their critics by taking the bronze with a gold-medal effort.

Basketball: US coach right behind team


SOLO, Indonesia (Reuters) - Rescue teams searched areas  around an airfield in central Indonesia on Wednesday for  survivors from a plane crash that police said killed at least  31 people and left 47 unaccounted for.

Teams Scour Indonesia Plane Crash Site for Survivors


Mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac last year met the government-set goals for making home ownership affordable, but only because three unusual multibillion-dollar deals were counted toward the targets, officials said Thursday.

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Met 2003 Goals


ATHENS (Reuters) - A doping probe that has dogged the host  country's Olympic Games staggered toward farce on Monday when a  hearing involving Greece's two top sprinters was postponed  again.

Doping Probe of Greeks Staggers Toward Farce


Constellation Brands Inc., the world #39;s largest winemaker, offered \$1.3 billion in cash to acquire Robert Mondavi Corp., saying it #39;s a better deal

Constellation Brands Offers \$1.3 Billion for Mondavi (Correct)


Company launched the biggest electronic auction of stock in Wall Street history Friday but warned that it could face legal liability from a Playboy magazine interview in which some aspects of the Internet search engine's performance were overstated. <FONT face=

Google Starts Auction


AFP - Support for Prime Minister Tony Blair's policy of keeping British troops in Iraq until a  quot;stable democracy quot; is ensured has increased over the past three months, according to an opinion poll published.

Support grows for Blair to keep British troops in Iraq: poll (AFP)


AP - The owners of file-swapping giant Kazaa claimed Tuesday their software, which allows users to exchange copyrighted music and movies online, doesn't differ from video recorders, as they launched their defense in a landmark music piracy case in Australia.

Kazaa Launches Defense in Copyright Case (AP)


International cricket is set to revise the most controversial of the 42 laws that govern the playing of the game, based a report from an expert committee.

Cricket: A new twist on bowling


China has created a  quot;toxic political climate quot; in Hong Kong through threats and intimidation designed to skew this week #39;s elections in favour of pro-Beijing candidates, according to a global rights watchdog.

Hong Kong political climate toxic: HRW


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Retailers may be in for a blue  Christmas this year as worries about soaring energy prices,  consumers' cost-consciousness and a warmer December than last  year make for lackluster holiday sales, retail analysts said.

Dull Holiday Shopping Season Predicted


Reuters - Blockbuster Inc.  on Tuesday\said it would eliminate late fees on movies and games in the\latest attempt to jump-start a rental business being hammered\by competition ranging from online companies to discount\retailer Wal-Mart.

Blockbuster Ends Late Fees, Sees Flat '05 (Reuters)


Saddam Hussein was obsessed with his status in the Arab world, dreaming of weapons of mass destruction to pump up his prestige. And even as the United States fixated on him, he was fixated on his neighboring enemy, Iran.

An arms-hungry Saddam feared Iran, says report


SEPTEMBER 14, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Sun Microsystems Inc. and Microsoft Corp. next month plan to provide more details on the work they are doing to make their products interoperable, a Sun executive said yesterday.

Sun, Microsoft to detail interoperability next month


Boudewijn Zenden scored twice as Middlesbrough defeated two-time Italian champion Lazio 2-0 to post its second straight victory in the group stage of European soccer #39;s UEFA Cup.

Middlesbrough Beats Lazio in UEFA Cup Soccer Match (Update1)


Electronic Data Systems plans to cut 15,000 to 20,000 jobs over the next two years, as the struggling technology services giant tries to slash costs and regain its footing.

EDS to cut up to 20,000 jobs over two years


SAN FRANCISCO An assistant store manager at Costco filed a federal civil rights suit today in San Francisco. Shirley  quot;Rae quot; Ellis alleges she was passed over for a promotion because the retail chain #39;s policies discriminate against women.

Woman claims Costco discriminates against female managers


Bremen, Germany (Sports Network) - Bayern Munich exacted some revenge Saturday afternoon with a 2-1 win over defending Bundesliga champions Werder Bremen.

Bayern gets redemption


It has been announced that a temporary restraining order by the US District Court for the Western District of Washington has been placed on two companies that have been importing products into the US containing dozens of inbuilt NES games.

Piracy Clampdown By Nintendo


An unspectacular afternoon of football provided the finishing touches on one of pro football #39;s more remarkable achievements. And in a strange way, yesterday #39;s rather mundane 24-10

Patriots ride defense to 19th straight victory


Britain #39;s Foreign Secretary Jack Straw pledged full support for the Palestinian election to find a successor to Yasser Arafat after paying homage to the veteran leader at his graveside.

Yasser Arafats life-work must be continued


Microsoft says it has distributed about 106 million copies of its major security update for the Windows XP operating system. Microsoft completed work on the update, called Service Pack 2, more than two months ago.

106 million Windows XP SP2 #39;s distributed


Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Daunte Culpepper #39;s fifth touchdown pass of the game -- a 50-yard strike to Marcus Robinson in overtime -- lifted the Minnesota Vikings to a 34-28 win over the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.

Culpepper #39;s fifth TD pass lassos Texans in OT


AP - Bragging rights are at best the second-most important thing on the line for No. 12 Michigan when it plays rival Michigan State on Saturday.

Michigan to Face Rival Michigan State (AP)


IBM Global Services has agreed to sell its Electronic Data Interchange and Business Exchange Services businesses to Francisco Partners, the majority owner of electronic data transmission vendor Global eXchange Services Inc.

Two IBM services units acquired by GXS owners


TORONTO (CP) - The CFL has conducted two field tests of instant replay this season but the league #39;s director of officiating doesn #39;t believe it would have resolved the controversial ending to Friday night #39;s BC Lions-Calgary Stampeders game.

CFL has staged two testing sessions of instant replay, league boss <b>...</b>


MIAMI (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of people on  Florida's east coast were told to leave their homes once again  on Friday as deadly Hurricane Jeanne approached for what could  be a record fourth hurricane hit in a year on the storm-weary  state.

Hurricane Jeanne Targets Storm-Weary Florida


The fossil of an ancient species of ape, discovered at a construction site in western Spain, has revealed that great apes went through more evolutionary stages than previously thought.

Not all great apes were swingers


There is no end in sight for the lockout, which enters Day 89 today with 414 games gone. The NHL lockout continues with no sign of it ending.

NHL: Impasse continues as league, union pass on proposals


Hundreds of Iraqi troops backed by US forces stormed a Sunni Muslim mosque in Baghdad after Friday prayers, killing four people and wounding at least nine, witnesses and an influential group of Sunni clerics said.

Iraqi Troops Raid Baghdad Mosque, 17 Detained


The oil producers' group is set to meet, with some members pressing for a reduction oil output.

Opec states to press for oil cuts


By the families' own count, there are 122 victims of the school siege in Beslan, Russia, not yet identified or found.

For Some Beslan Families, Hope Itself Dies Agonizingly


com October 19, 2004, 9:40 AM PT. Although IT Management is firmly anchored at number six, its importance is high as its relevance spans across all IT projects.

Customers cool on subscription software


Controversy and outrage are bound to result from a video game that includes cop killing, virtual sex, drive-by shootings and enough expletives to make a trucker blush.

Grand-scale uproar


TURKEYS parliament met in emergency session yesterday to approve an urgent package of reforms expected to boost the countrys chances of starting membership talks with the European Union.

Turkey passes penal code aimed at clearing way for EU


You can archive old home movies onto DVD without ever touching a PC. We explore your options and offer some tips on doing it right.

Video to DVD, Sans PC


The US unemployment rate fell slightly and 144,000 more people found work in August, providing both the Bush and Kerry campaigns ammunition in their battle for the presidency.

August jobless rate dips


Since its IPO back in August, the search engine Google has seen its shares rise over 70 in a little over two months. Google shares closed Tuesday at \$147.

Google continues to grow


Reuters - As Google Inc.   nears\the end of its first quarter as a public company, industry\watchers say one of its emerging challenges is how to keep\soon-to-be wealthy workers from cashing out and moving on.

Google Challenge: Keeping Wealthy Workers (Reuters)


SBC Communicationswill design, implement and manage an IP (Internet Protocol) telephony system for more than 50,000 employees at Ford Motor's world headquarters and other facilities, the carrier said Tuesday.

SBC readies 50,000-node IP phone system at Ford


The fans of the St. Louis Cardinals are considered the best in baseball, or at least the most polite and supportive. They embrace their team with the fervor of a college

Cardinals Are Down and Seek Lift From Fans


Cambodia #39;s economy will slow down significantly next year due to losses in the garment sector - the country #39;s main economic engine - although gains in tourism may help offset the downward tumble, the World Bank said Tuesday.

World Bank: Cambodia Economy to Slow Down


Microsoft (Quote, Chart) announced another entry in its line of .NET development tools, adding Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition to the mix.

Microsoft Extends Visual Studio Line


Allstate Corp. and Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which reported the biggest losses from last month #39;s Hurricane Charley, may face the largest claims from Hurricane Frances

Insurance nightmare Damage from multiple hurricanes leave a mess <b>...</b>


TOKYO Arnold Schwarzenegger is using his trademark body-building metaphors to make friends in Japan, saying he flexed his muscles for California by meeting with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (joon-ee-chee-roh koh-ee-zoo-mee).

Schwarzenegger meets Koizumi during Japan publicity tour


The new PlayStation 2 game makes ingenious use of the gimmicky EyeToy controller, but glitches and repetition keep it from taking off. By Chris Kohler.

AntiGrav Not Exactly Uplifting


The dedicated tower network to be built by Qualcomm #39;s MediaFLO USA subsidiary should give US carriers a smooth road for rolling out mobile multimedia services, though it may be some time before they embrace the idea.

Qualcomm media network to boost mobile services


AP - John Wasdin pitched six strong innings in his return from the minors, and the Texas Rangers handed Baltimore its 11th consecutive loss by beating the Orioles 6-4 Friday night.

Rangers Beat Staggering Orioles 6-4 (AP)


AP - Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and their pals are starring in their own Web site  #151; the first in a series of new creative efforts launched by The Walt Disney Co. since buying the Muppets in April.

Disney Relaunches Muppets on Web Site (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened little changed on  Wednesday, dampened by another rise in oil prices, but a deal  between wireless carriers Sprint Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks Open Flat, Oil Up, Nextel Eyed


RHP Pedro Astacio was suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount for intentionally throwing at a batter against the Yankees.

Around the AL


The two newly spotted, faint moons are about 3 miles and 4 miles across, and roughly 200,000 kilometres from Saturn #39;s centre.

Cassini finds two little Saturn moons


THE Australian Government might help plead for the release of kidnapped CARE Australia worker Margaret Hassan, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said today.

Negotiation offer on Iraq hostage


Carlos Gutierrez #39;s life story is the kind that President Bush admires: The son of a Cuban political refugee, he worked his way from delivering Frosted Flakes in the toughest

Gutierrez brought new flavor to cereal company


Reuters - Israeli rockets killed two gunmen in the\Gaza Strip's biggest refugee camp Sunday, taking the death toll\to 49 on the fourth day of a massive offensive to stop rocket\firing into Israel, witnesses said.

Israeli Rockets Kill Two in Gaza Strip Camp (Reuters)


Reuters - The International Monetary Fund on\Wednesday approved  #36;436 million in emergency lending to Iraq\and said it hoped its backing would generate additional\international economic support, including debt relief.

IMF Approves Aid for Iraq, Pushes for Debt Relief (Reuters)


Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) suffered a setback this week when a committee of creditors scotched one of the company #39;s early debt renegotiation

Delta Suffers Setback with Debt Committee


The company #39;s CEO says an aircraft to compete with the 7E7 Dreamliner could be offered by the end of the year. Airbus SAS plans to challenge Boeing Co.

Airbus confirms Boeing assault


Crude-oil futures sank for a fourth straight day yesterday, settling beneath \$43 a barrel for the first time in nearly three months and capping a 14 percent decline for the week.

Fall in price of oil reflects rising supply


A California jury recommends that Scott Peterson should be executed for murdering his wife and their unborn son.

Jury says wife killer should die


The Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler AG was the only domestic car company that gained ground during November, marking its eighth straight month of US vehicle sales increases.

GM, Ford Sales Sagged in November


AP - Two explosions echoed across the Iraqi capital Sunday. It was not immediately clear what caused the late afternoon blasts.

Two Explosions Echo Across Baghdad (AP)


The protracted legal battle over Russian oil giant Yukos appeared to enter its final phase Friday when the government set a date to auction off a majority stake in the company's richest energy fields and demanded another \$6 billion in back taxes from a business already facing a crippling \$14 billion bill for outstanding taxes and fines.

Russia Sets Date for Yukos Auction


AP - Technologies that let people record satellite and Internet radio broadcasts digitally are opening a new front in the recording industry's war on music piracy.

Digital Radio a New Front in Piracy War (AP)


SAN JOSE, Calif. (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. rolled out  on Tuesday a new iPod that allows users to view and share  photos, a dramatic expansion that takes the most popular  digital music player squarely into the multimedia realm, while  spurring its rivalry with Microsoft Corp. and others.

Apple Rolls Out iPod Photo, Rocks with U2


Northern Irish drug maker Warner Chilcott Plc has received a bid approach worth 837 pence per share which values the company at 1.53 billion pounds (\$2.

Warner Chilcott gets 1.5 bln stg bid approach


The Genesis space capsule and its precious cargo -- billions of particles from the sun -- crashed into the Utah desert Wednesday in a last-minute bungling of a near-flawless, three-year scientific odyssey.

Space capsule crashes Genesis, payload of solar particles slam <b>...</b>


BAGHDAD: US-led forces swept hotspots in the  quot;triangle of death quot; yesterday in a push to reclaim rebel enclaves ahead of January polls.

Troops close in on  #39;death triangle #39;


Investor's Business Daily - Verizon Wireless has agreed to buy NextWave Telecom's spectrum licenses in 23 markets for  #36;3 billion in cash as the nation's two regional Bell-owned wireless firms -- Verizon and Cingular -- gobble up the airwaves.

Verizon And Cingular Gobble Up Spectrum; Stay Ahead Of Pack (Investor's Business Daily)


October 18, 2004 - Much as it did to promote the PlayStation 2 as more than just a kids #39; game machine, Sony Computer Entertainment is again with PSP courting the major press to bring its message of gaming being the future of entertainment to folks who #39;ve

Newsweek Headlines PSP


BAGHDAD -- A Paris newspaper editor said there had been positive movement in the effort to free two captive French journalists yesterday, while a separate militant group said it had killed three Turkish captives.

Three Turkish hostages believed killed


AFP - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reappointed a minister dismissed four months ago for alleged involvement in the killing of 10 villagers three decades ago, officials said.

Indian PM rehires minister dismissed over mob killings (AFP)


Reuters - Democratic challenger John Kerry\turned President Bush's own words into a weapon on Thursday and\said it was the Republican incumbent who had jumped to\conclusions in Iraq, disqualifying him from being commander in\chief.

Kerry Uses Bush's Own Words to Call Him Unfit (Reuters)


The family name alone, Al Maktoum, offered more than a scintilla of suspicion that we could expect something special. Never mind that victory normally materialises in the form of blue-blooded bloodstock rather from the barrel of ...

Faulds folds as Al Maktoum triumphs


Magic forward Grant Hill is enjoying his health and his comeback year, pouring in 32 points in Orlando's 107-92 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.

Hill Flashes Old Form


GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian police have tracked down the  Gaza kidnappers of a CNN television producer and expect him to  be freed soon, an Israeli Arab legislator close to the  Palestinian leadership said on Tuesday.

CNN Producer to Be Released in Gaza Soon-Officials


Insurance giant Zurich Financial Services said Tuesday it had reached a US\$47.5 million (euro35.8 million) settlement in the United States to end litigation over the bankruptcy of a nursing home chain.

Zurich Financial Services, US Settle


The Suns move their league-leading record to 26-4 behind 50 points from Amare Stoudemire to blow by the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday night, 117-98.

Stoudemire Soars


OTTAWA -- Tired of rushing to a ringing phone only to hear telemarketers pitching insurance products, exciting new job opportunities or cable TV packages?

Legislation expected today to set up do-not-call registry


As predicted by Luchtzak Latest News one week ago, DHL will not expand its Brussels base. The refusal by the Belgian government to accept an increase in the number of night flights operated by MD-11 for intercontinental

DHL will not expand in Brussels. Many jobs lost by 2008


With smartphones gaining in popularity, Nokia has committed to beef up the capabilities of its Series 60 platform to embrace more multimedia features.

Nokia Extends Series 60 Capabilities


NEW YORK : The world #39;s biggest toy maker, Mattel Inc., reported a drop in profits and sales as girls spurned Barbie, the most popular doll ever created.

Mattel suffers as Barbie bombs


Reuters - Coca-Cola Co.  on Thursday\reported a 24 percent drop in third-quarter net income due to\weak sales of its soft drinks, juices and bottled waters in\Germany and other key markets.

Coke Quarterly Profit Down 24 Percent (Reuters)


The Red Sox are offering arbitration to pitcher Pedro Martinez and seven other free agents, General Manager Theo Epstein said Tuesday, meaning the club would receive draft choices if they sign with another team.

Red Sox offer arbitration to Martinez, Varitek, six others


Europe and the United States reached an 11th-hour compromise late last night at the UN climate change conference in Buenos Aires. The two sides were locked in disagreement on future efforts to reduce harmful

Europe and US reach Kyoto compromise


YOU have read about the alternative Internet browser that is known as Firefox. Here #39;s an easy guide to it. Nothing. Firefox is the collective product of volunteer programmers in what is known as the open-source community.

Here #39;s looking at you, babe!


Jacques Villeneuve has explained away his bottom of the times performance at yesterday #39;s Silverstone test as merely the process of his re-acclimatisation to Formula One, and of the Renault team learning to work with him.

Villeneuve: Our aim was to learn.


Passage of the \$3 billion stem cell research initiative, Proposition 71, could help California repeat one of the most celebrated chapters in its business history if one of its most eminent supporters is right.

Stem cell initiative aids state


There was a time when winning the Davis Cup wasn #39;ta goal for the United States -- it was an expectation. After recording a 3-2 win over Russia in the 1995 finals, the US was well

Roddick will play Davis Cup


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell sharply on Friday as  investors were jolted by a more than \$2 increase in oil prices,  while Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan gave a stark  reminder that interest rates were bound to go higher and warned  the appetite for the dollar would dwindle.

Stocks Tumble, Greenspan Jolts Investors


quot;You Got Served quot; is the title of one movie a New York-area person is accused of making available for download over the Internet.

11 local Net file sharers targeted


Oil prices fell sharply yesterday in what traders described as a wave of profit-taking after futures hit a new high above \$55 a barrel and after gasoline futures fell sharply on indications of declining demand.

Profit-taking pushes oil prices downward


Georgian Defense Minister Georgi Baramidze said in Tbilsi that a Russian aircraft crossed into the Georgian region of Shatili on 19 September, near the border with Chechnya.

Georgia Accuses Russia Of Air Space Violation


Tabcorp Holdings Ltd. #39;s second-half net profit rose 28 percent on increased betting on horse races and slot machines, and after extracting more savings from last year #39;s A\$1.

Tabcorp Second-Half Profit Rises 28 on Jupiters Acquisition


Long considered beyond the reach of mainland mores, the Florida city is trying to limit blatant displays of sexual behavior.

Key West, Suddenly Shy, Puts Pasties on Its Party


PARIS (AFP) - The United States and the European Union agreed to allow more time for talks to settle a row over government help to aircraft makers Boeing and Airbus but said arbitration by the WTO remained an option.

US, EU to give negotiations on Boeing-Airbus subsidy row more time


PC World - New service offers spam, virus filtering for small and mid-sized businesses.

McAfee Adds Managed E-Mail Protection (PC World)


The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team and Jarno Trulli today announced that the Italian driver has been released with immediate effect.

Mild Seven Renault F1 Team and Jarno Trulli announce early separation


Microsoft agreed to settle antitrust lawsuits with Novell and an industry trade group, marking the end of a decade-long antitrust battle.

Microsoft Settles With Novell and a Trade Group


Officials at Computer Associates (Quote, Chart) announced the availability of an application aimed at simplifying and strengthening Wi-Fi networks.

CA Airs Wireless Manager


BOSTONSome fans with shockingly short memories made the mistake of chanting  quot;Who #39;s Your Papi? #39; #39; last night when it looked like David Ortiz and his Boston Red Sox would run their opponents all the way back to Missouri.

Bosox outslug Cardinals


Right around the time that the Prince, dressed in studded leather and wielding blood-soaked scabbards, takes on a buxom undead vixen wearing a metal bikini, it becomes clear that this is most certainly not your father #39;s Prince of Persia .

New Attitude: Prince of Persia


KABUL (Reuters) - The two main rivals in Afghanistan's  first presidential election threw themselves into campaigning  Tuesday, drawing crowds of supporters four days before a vote  that many hope could be a turning point for the war-torn  nation.

Afghan President, Rival Campaign Despite Threats


World oil prices have shot to record highs as concern grows about even more expensive fuel at the petrol pumps. In London, Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in November surpassed \$50 a barrel for the first time in the contract #39;s 16-year history.

Global Oil Prices Soar To Record Highs


Auburn #39;s bludgeoning of the Vols was a painful reminder that growing pains are part of the SEC schedule. As talented as Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer may be, neither was prepared for the kind of reality check that Auburn cashed last night.

Auburn helps freshman QBs act their age


Ata security checkpoint recently at the Fort Lauderdale airport, Patti LuPone, the singer and actress, recalled, she was instructed to remove articles of clothing.

Many Women Say Airport Pat-Downs Are a Humiliation


England have won the WGC-World Cup for the second time in 50 years, thanks to the heroics of former Walker Cup and current Ryder Cup stars Paul Casey and Luke Donald.

England win World Cup


AUSTIN Shares in Allied Waste Industries fell today after the waste hauler cut its 2004 profit outlook for the second time in as many months.

Allied Waste shares fall as company again lowers outlook


India successfully test fired a long-range nuclear-capable Agni II missile off its eastern coast of Orissa Sunday, a defense ministry spokesman said.

India Test Fires Nuclear-Capable Missile


Much of Italy has been shut down Tuesday by a general strike called by unions to protest Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi #39;s economic policy.

Italy #39;s General Strike Underway


How Much Page Does Yahoo Search Index?\\One of the lesser-discussed facets of Web searching is the spidering limits of search engines. Even if a search engine is a full-text engine, it may not search the entirety of a given page if it's too large. In Google's case the limit is ...

How Much Page Does Yahoo Search Index?


Justin Gatlin became the fastest man in the world after winning the men #39;s 100 meters dash at the 28th Olympic Games Sunday evening.

Gatlin becomes world #39;s fastest man


AP - University of Arizona researchers are trying to determine how much rain to expect based on how often lightning strikes.

Researchers Work on Predicting Rainfall (AP)


Colin Montgomerie believes Europe #39;s team spirit can defeat USA - and their partisan fans - when the Ryder Cup starts this week in Oakland Hills, Michigan.

TEAM SPIRIT GIVES US THE ADVANTAGE - MONTY


AFP - US President George W. Bush has urged Northern Ireland's leaders to accept an Anglo-Irish proposal aimed at ending political deadlock between Protestants and Roman Catholics, the White House said.

Bush urges N. Ireland leaders to accept Anglo-Irish proposal (AFP)


AP - Melting glaciers caused by climate change are posing an urgent threat to Mount Everest's unique environment, activists said Wednesday, launching a campaign to protect the Himalayan mountain range and the world's highest peak.

Glaciers Said Threatening Mount Everest (AP)


The Boston Red Sox will be the first World Series winner featured on a Wheaties box since the 1999 New York Yankees. The special edition package will picture David Ortiz on the front of the box, along with

Red Sox will appear on Wheaties box


Moritz Volz will escape punishment for accidently kicking a pensioner in the head during Fulham #39;s 4-3 defeat at Portsmouth last night.

Volz escapes charges as Fulham get shakes


Mark Hughes will pick Graeme Souness brains about his new job as boss of Blackburn - but the Welshman insists he will bring his own brand of management to Ewood Park.

HUGHES TO PICK SOUNESS BRAIN


NEW YORK, November 26 (newratings.com) - Alltel Corporation (AT.NYS) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets from Cingular Wireless for \$170 million in cash, while the two companies have agreed to swap partnership interests in

Alltel buys assets from Cingular; swaps market interests


Blade servers are the future, HP says, rolling out new services targeted at users.

Hewlett-Packard packages services for blades


NEW YORK (Reuters) - US stocks fell at the open on Wednesday after crude oil pushed to a fresh high and Google Inc. slashed its initial public offering price, which appeared to dampen investor sentiment.

Stocks Open Lower


The software company reports a 12 percent surge in sales fed by a jump in maintenance revenue.

PeopleSoft exceeds earnings targets


Friday's St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports on a controversial decision by Missouri's Secretary of State: the state of Missouri will be allowing soldiers stationed overseas to cast ballots via e-mail. Their absentee ballots will be scanned and converted to PDF files, which will be emailed to the Defense Department, printed out, and then faxed to Missouri.  I'm in favor of helping soldiers vote; this is a democracy, everyone should be able to vote. Yet I'm deeply skeptical of this proposal, for two reasons:  The plan depends on e-mailed ballots being printed out and faxed by the Defense Department but does not provide any safeguards against soldiers being sanctioned for how they have voted;  The transmission method is inherently technically insecure

Insecure elections marching ever closer


Jennifer Canada knew she was entering a boy's club when she enrolled in Southern Methodist University's Guildhall school of video-game making.

Women encouraged to become players in video game industry


BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romanian Prime Minister Adrian  Nastase and popular Bucharest Mayor Traian Basescu face off in  a presidential election runoff on Sunday seen as key for the  Balkan country's European Union accession path.

Romania PM, Bucharest Mayor Face Off for Presidency


Gambro, the world #39;s second-largest dialysis group, agreed to sell its MacGregor marine cargo company and will settle a US compliance case, the Swedish company said on Thursday, sending its shares 2 percent higher.

UPDATE 2-Gambro sells marine unit, settles US probe


Our gratitude goes to you for the interest and enthusiasm you have shown in visiting the AsiaNews.it website. AsiaNews is also a monthly magazine (only in Italian).

Avian flu claimed its 9th victim in Thailand


LONDON - Two of the suspects allegedly had surveillance plans of the Prudential Building in Newark, N.J., mentioned in the Aug. 1 U.S...

Eight Terror Suspects Face British Charges


President Vladimir Putin makes a speech as he hosts Russia #39;s Olympic athletes at a Kremlin banquet in Moscow, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004.

Putin Signs Bill to Ratify Kyoto Protocol


David Beckham #39;s goal against Primera Liga newcomer Numancia was the highlight of Real Madrid #39;s first league outing in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this season, according to the country #39;s sports press Sunday.

Beckham praised for lifting listless Real Madrid


VENEZUELA CARACAS -- President Hugo Chavez vowed yesterday that Venezuela's intelligence services would identify the assassins of a state attorney who intended to prosecute backers of Venezuela's 2002 coup. Danilo Anderson, known to many Venezuelans as the  quot;super prosecutor, quot; was killed Thursday night by two explosions that ripped through his vehicle in the capital. The assassination renewed the specter of ...

Chavez vows to find prosecutor's killers


AP - From LSU at No. 1 to Ohio State at No. 10, The AP women's basketball poll had no changes Monday.

Top 10 in AP Women's Poll Stays Same (AP)


A BMW executive currently in charge of the company #39;s extensive South African operations is to become the third chairman and chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars within a year.

Rolls Royce hot seat to be filled by BMW SA chief


Fourteen people have been injured in one of two bomb blasts to strike Thailand #39;s restive Muslim-majority south, police said, while a Buddhist teacher was shot dead in another attack.

Fourteen hurt as two bombs rock Thailand


Key to the announcement is the fact that the systems share microcode, said Dianne McAdam, senior analyst at Data Mobility Group.  quot;That means that if I want to make a copy of a volume on the DS6000 I use the same commands as the DS8000.

IBM Gets Flexible with Small Storage Systems


Two separate official investigations are under way into the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old girl in Gaza by the Israeli Army after soldiers testified that their company commander

Army chief  #39;emptied his magazine #39; at girl in Gaza


For 250 years, the cryptic inscription has exercised the minds of Britain #39;s finest theologians, historians and scientists, including Charles Darwin, Josiah Wedgwood

Codebreaker scores success in search for the Holy Grail


D.C. United beats the MetroStars, 3-2, Sunday night in a tuneup for their first-round playoff series.

United Win in Season Finale


The security threats against business-technology systems continue to multiply. Not only do malicious worms and viruses such as Blaster and Bagle continue to wreak havoc, but security pros

Q1 Labs Enhances Security Monitoring System


A federal jury in New York has dealt a legal blow to Sun Microsystems Inc., ruling that Sun violated several patents held by Eastman Kodak Co.

Kodak wins patent lawsuit against Sun


C #39;mon dawg, not in court. That #39;s all I could say when I saw big ol #39; Jamal Lewis standing on the courthouse steps in Atlanta with a huge diamond in each earlobe after being sentenced on drug conspiracy charges.

Dress for success, especially at your sentencing


CHRIS CLARK: Amnesty International has called for an arms embargo to pressure the Sudanese Government to stop the violence against the people of Darfur.

Amnesty calls for Sudan weapons embargo


The move comes as the company tries to win back choosy high street customers amid fierce competition from the likes of Next and supermarket chain Asda.

M amp;S buys Per Una for UK125m


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs Group Inc. on Thursday  said fourth-quarter profit rose 23 percent on strong  fixed-income and commodities trading results and investment  banking gains, but shares fell as revenue missed expectations.

Goldman Profit Rises; Revenue Disappoints


Japanese consumer goods prices fell again in October, as some analysts predict deflation will continue until 2006

Japanese prices continue to fall


Jiri Welsch may vent his frustrations in Czech on the court, but his body language during games and unusually short answers to questions after practice yesterday need no translation. Although a team player, Welsch has been frustrated with his second-unit duties. In a system suited to his abilities and basketball intelligence, Welsch has struggled to make meaningful contributions, ...

Keeping frustrations in reserve


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tim Wakefield tossed a three-hitter  over eight innings to inspire the Boston Red Sox to their sixth  straight victory, a 6-1 defeat of the Detroit Tigers in the  American League Sunday.

AL Wrap: Wakefield Three-Hitter Helps Red Sox Tame Tigers


Wednesday, judges adjourned the trial for one month to give Milosevic #39;s lawyers more time to call reluctant witnesses. By Peter Ford  Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor.

Milosevic puts war court on trial


The Bush administration responded calmly yesterday to North Korean statements it has turned the plutonium from 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods into nuclear weapons.

US downplays N. Korea announcement


Corel has acquired Jasc Software, developer of the Windows-only Paint Shop family of products. Discussing the move, Corel calls the acquisition:  quot;A crucial part of its ongoing growth strategy.

Jasc acquisitionm - Corel #39;s come-back sign


The story of how the Boston Red Sox managed to beat the New York Yankees to make it to the 2004 World Series began in early 2002, when billionaire currency trader and former Yankees #39; limited partner John Henry, along with Tom Werner (producer of Roseanne

Remaking The Red Sox


ANAHEIM, Calif. Manny Ramirez collected two RBI #39;s and sparked a four-run ninth as the Boston Red Sox beat Anaheim 5-to-3 to take a two-games-to-none lead in the AL Division Series.

Sports: Red Sox 8 Angels 3 (Red Sox lead series 2-0)


Trump Hotels  amp; Casino Resorts Inc. reached an agreement with bondholders that will reduce the company #39;s debt through a bankruptcy and leave Chairman Donald Trump, best known as the billionaire tycoon of NBC #39;s  quot;The Apprentice, quot; in charge.

Trump Hotels to seek bankruptcy in agreement with bondholders


Traffic, a Scottish firm, has announced a release of JFK game, codenamed JFK Reloaded today. The firm plans to launch the game on the 41st anniversary of Kennedys death.

People angry at JFK game


Research In Motion (RIMM ) posted second-quarter earnings per share of 36 cents, vs. 1 cent one year earlier, on a sharp revenue rise.

Research in Motion Boosts Guidance


LONDON (Reuters) - The brother of a British hostage in Iraq  said Saturday intelligence officers had raided his Dutch home,  copied data from his computer and forced him to make a  five-page statement about his activities.

UK Hostage's Brother Says Police Raided Dutch Home


The participating libraries include those at the University of Michigan, Google co-founder Larry Page #39;s alma mater; Stanford University, where Page and Google co-founder Sergey Brin met as doctoral students and dreamed up the idea of the search engine

University of Michigan


Cott Corp., the world #39;s biggest maker of store-brand soft drinks, will supply a major mass merchandiser #39; #39; in the US under a new contract, Chief Executive John Sheppard said.

Cott Signs Major #39; Customer; Analyst Says It #39;s Target (Update2)


OIL giant Royal Dutch Shell, to be formed from the merger of Netherlands-based Royal Dutch and London-based Shell Transport  amp; Trading, is understood to be considering sharply-increased performance-related bonus packages for leading directors such as new

Shell coy on bosses #39; performance-related pay


The joys of fatherhood have been put aside for Paul Broadhurst this week, and the West Midlander #39;s one-month-old son, Aaron, will have to wait at least two more days before getting a cuddle.

Battling Broadhurst back in vintage form


An opponent could have a bat in his hands, and Johan Santana would nevertheless overpower him. Opponents could be fellow pitchers bringing impressive statistics to an award election, and Santana would whip them, too.

Twins left-hander had 13-0 record after all-star break


One of the most popular politicians in the Netherlands said yesterday his country #39;s democracy is under threat and called for rejecting immigration from non-Western nations in

Dutch pol flays Muslim  #39;threat #39;


No frothy champagne showers. No celebratory sprints to the Baseball Tavern. No grateful hugs from principal owner John W. Henry.

Recovery mode


AP - Roger Clemens can relax. For now, Pete Munro is the Houston Astros' pick to pitch them into the World Series.

Astros Pick Munro to Pitch Game 6 of NLCS (AP)


WHETHER hes playing golf or not, Tiger Woods is always big news, so its no surprise to hear that the former world No1 is the talk of the Caribbean at the moment.

Woods can #39;t quell marriage rumour


Tatyana Lebedeva led a Russian 1-2-3 in the Olympic women #39;s long jump final as Marion Jones of the United States missed out on a medal.

Lebedeva makes amends in long jump


Reuters - Wall Street was expected to edge higher\at Thursday's opening as oil prices receded from record highs,\easing fears spiraling costs will crimp firms' profits.

Wall Street to Edge Up as Oil Price Slips (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Wal-Mart to Cut Prices After Poor Sales


Airline passengers may soon be able to wile away the air miles with in-flight gambling if low-cost carrier Ryanair #39;s latest cash-generation scheme becomes reality.

In-Flight Gambling Next On Ryanair #39;s Wish List


AP - What's clear about radical Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is that he wants power, U.S. officials say. What's less certain is what he wants to do with that power or how far he'll go to get it.

Al-Sadr's Unclear Motives Muddle Efforts (AP)


The wreckage of a Detroit case about a

The Unraveling of a Terror Case Spun From Thinnest Threads


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks should stay firm next week  if the Federal Reserve says the economy is recovering and if  corporations entering the heart of the so-called confession  season go slow on profit warnings.

Fed, Corporate Forecasts to Set Tone


SINGAPORE - Crude oil futures hovered around the US\$55-a-barrel mark Wednesday on fears of a heating oil shortage ahead of the northern winter, and oil cartel OPEC urged Washington to release more oil from its strategic reserve to calm the market.

Crude Futures Hover Around \$55 a Barrel


On a cold December night in Denver, a storm was brewing. The sky was clear, the stars visible to most even through the haze of the downtown lamp lights. But on the sidewalks, on the TV, and on the static of talk radio you knew a battle was about to be waged.

The religious revival in the US


The divisional playoff games for determining the Super Bowl participants will be played on Tuesday, Nov. 30. All games will be played on artifical turf. The exact matchups and sites will be announced the day after Thanksgiving. The EMass Super Bowls will be held on Dec. 3-4.

EMass playoff schedule


AP - Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards promised Monday to deliver high-speed Internet access and more money for people to start businesses in rural areas.

Edwards Vows Economic Aid for Heartland (AP)


E-mail is a victim of its own success. That's the conclusion of IBM Corp. researchers in Cambridge, who have spent nearly a decade conducting field tests at IBM and other companies about how employees work and use electronic mail. It's clear to them that e-mail has become the Internet's killer application.

Researchers seek to untangle the e-mail thread


Students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are testing a cellphone system that turns your ordinary phone into a true companion/advisor.

It #39;s not just a cellphone, it #39;s an advisor


VIENNA, Austria - American Robby Ginepri advanced to the quarterfinals of the CA Trophy with a 6-2, 6-1 win Thursday over fifth-seeded Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand.

Ginepri Ousts Srichaphan at CA Trophy


GABORONE - Out-going Mozambican President Joachim Chissano is expected to arrive in Gaborone today to bid fare well to President Festus Mogae before he leaves office after the December 1 to 2 general election.

Chissano coming


VIENNA: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) praised Libya on Monday for cooperation in reporting on its dismantled nuclear programme but said critical questions remained as to whether Tripoli had given copies of nuclear weapons designs to

Dr Qadeer-linked nuclear market: IAEA seeks Libyas help


COLUMBUS, Ohio --(Business Wire)-- Oct. 15, 2004 -- please replace the release dated October 14, 2004 with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions.

CORRECTING and REPLACING SYNORAN, Oracle and HP Demonstrate World <b>...</b>


Sprint, others hope to hear more ka-ching with

Hip-hop rings put 'bling' in cell phones


Technology industry bellwether IBM has reported a healthy rise in net income in the third quarter, but its overall results were hampered by a \$320m legal settlement related to its employee pension plan.

IBM profits hit by \$320m pensions settlement


Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen listens to a reporter #39;s questions at Phnom Penh airport Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. Hun Sen said Sunday that Cambodian lawmakers must work day and night to complete the process

Cambodia PM Urges Fast Search for New King


SPORTS NETWORK - Chicago Bears Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher is sidelined 4-6 weeks because of a lower left leg injury. Urlacher, 26, hurt the leg during Sunday #39;s 19-17 overtime win at Tennessee and underwent

Bears lose Urlacher for 4-6 weeks


Sometimes, when we think we #39;re changing 4 quarters for a dollar, we actually get short-changed. This is the case with the death of Yasser Arafat.

Arafat #39;s willing executioners


WASHINGTON -- No war or other national emergency would overwhelm the military's medical care system and require a draft of civilian health care workers, a senior Pentagon official said yesterday.

No scenario seen for draft of health care workers


FedEx Corp. (FDX.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday raised its earnings forecast for the fiscal first quarter and full year, citing strong demand for its international express, ground and less-than-truckload services.

FedEx Hikes Profit Forecast, Cites Demand


Russia outhustles the American squad and deals Team USA its second consecutive loss, 3-1, Thursday night.

0-for-2 in World Cup


Growth in US factory activity slowed in August as new orders shrank and manufactures were forced to pay higher prices for supplies, a report on Wednesday showed.

Pace of US Factory Growth Slows


AFP - A senior Chinese central bank official has warned the United States not to blame other countries for its own economic difficulties, a report said.

China's central bank tells US not to blame others for economic woes (AFP)


SANDY LANE BEACH, Barbados - Tiger Woods married Swedish model Elin Nordegren at an exclusive resort in Barbados, according to witnesses. The sunset ceremony reportedly cost \$1.5 million...

Woods Marries Swedish Model in Barbados


NEWYORK - President George W. Bush called on Israel yesterday to enforce a freeze in the settlements and to end the  quot;daily humiliation quot; of the Palestinians, and told the Palestinians that a  quot;commitment to democratic reform is essential to resolving the

Bush calls on Israel to freeze settlements


NEW YORK - A U.S. citizen and a Pakistani national were arrested in an alleged plot to bomb a subway station in midtown Manhattan, and possibly other locations around the city, police said Saturday...

2 Arrested in Alleged NYC Subway Bomb Plot


U.S. presidential hopefuls are the target of endless satirical barbs on the web as a host of cybercynics offer comic relief from election politics. Opponents Bush and Kerry appear in fake news reports, multimedia presentations and artwork.

Satirists Skewer U.S. Candidates


SPACE.com - Not content to simply stand in one place, NASA's mechanical astronaut has found not one, but two new bodies that will allow it nbsp;to move across land and space.

NASA Engineers Free Robonaut with Wheels, Leg (SPACE.com)


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese shares reversed opening gains to  fall 0.69 percent by midsession on Wednesday after early buying  of exporters, inspired by a rise on Wall Street after an  increase in U.S. interest rates, ran out of steam.

Japan Stocks Shed Early Gains


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Internet media company Yahoo Inc.  <A HREF=

Yahoo Unveils Mobile Search, Google Rivalry Rages


Top execs quicker to throw money at tech solutions than to properly train employees--who could be the real problem.

Study: Security measures often overlook human factor


Constitutional amendment drafted will allow Lahoud to stand for re-election despite opposition at home, abroad. BEIRUT - Lebanese MPs will vote Friday on a constitutional amendment drafted under pressure from

Lebanese MPs to vote Friday on law amendment


Carlos Ramos, assistant secretary at the California Health and Human Services Agency, said:  quot;The investigation is continuing but we have no idea if the personal information has been compromised.

Hacker hits California university


Hearts have appointed John Robertson as their new manager to succeed Craig Levein at the Scottish Premiership club where he became a goalscoring legend during his playing career.

Old flame Robertson back to rekindle Hearts


Big Blue plans to acquire Venetica to fill out its lineup of software for accessing business documents.

IBM grabs content management company


The two new names reflect a bit of a shift in the naming structure, since they are designed for specific business or interest groups.

ICANN Moves To Approve  #39;.travel #39; and  #39;.post #39;


Yasir Arafat personally controlled several billion dollars for the Palestinian movement, and no one else knows where it all is.

Mystery Lingers: Whereabouts of His Hidden Fortune


Enron Corp. former Chief Financial Officer Andrew Fastow helped cook up a bogus deal with Merrill Lynch to sell and buy back Nigerian power barges to inflate Enron #39;s earnings

Fastow Helped Craft Merrill Barge Deal-Former Aide


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Youth-oriented retailer Abercrombie    Fitch Co. <A HREF=

Abercrombie Warns of Profit Shortfall


Inspectors find weak passwords, buffer overflows and mystery modems at the Department of Homeland Security.

News: Report: DHS cyber security lagging


Watertown's Mary Rogers, a two-time high school field hockey All-American who led Bentley College in scoring as a freshman last season, has maintained her offensive touch in the early going this season.

Rogers in quick start for Bentley offense


Bernard Hopkins crushed Oscar De La Hoya with a paralyzing left hook to his liver, sending him to the mat with 1 minute 38 seconds left in the ninth round.

Hopkins Is the First to Knock Out De La Hoya


Telecommunications equipment maker Motorola Inc. said Tuesday that it would cut 1,000 jobs and take charges of about \$50 million for severance benefits as part of a drive to increase productivity.

Motorola to cut 1,000 jobs