NewsFactor - Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) was outraged when RealNetworks (Nasdaq: RNWK) first announced its intentions to go after its iTunes and iPod market share. It should not have been: Its customers, apparently, are more than willing to go to bat for Apple.

RealNetworks Riles Apple Diehards (NewsFactor)


London - Michael Owen, whose summer move to Real Madrid is rapidly turning into a nightmare, has been warned by national coach Sven Goran Eriksson that his England place could be under threat.

Owen #39;s Real benchtime has Eriksson worried


Advancements in nanotechnology are increasingly being applied in the water-purification industry, where keeping harmful microbes out of drinking water requires nano-scale innovation. By Michael Bradbury.

Water Filters Rely on Nanotech


The World Trade Organisation gave approval on Monday for Iraq and Afghanistan to begin negotiations to join the 148-member body - but the US again blocked the opening of accession talks with Iran.

Baghdad and Kabul approved for WTO talks


The first European spacecraft sent to the moon has entered lunar orbit, the European Space Agency (ESA) said on November 16, 2004.

European Satellite Enters Lunar Orbit


Marwan Barghouti, a leader of the late Yasser Arafat #39;s Fatah faction who is serving a life sentence in an Israeli jail, is registering to run for president of the Palestinian Authority.

Barghouti Registers to Run for Palestinian President (Update1)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - When corporate guests ask for  something, smart hotel managers get it.

When Executives Speak, Hotels Listen


As an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens, Donnie Henderson watched running back Jamal Lewis use his speed to devour chunks of yardage and his size to overpower tacklers.

Jets Defense Bracing for Encounter With  #39;Nightmare Train #39;


Flushing Meadows, NY (Sports Network) - World No. 1 Roger Federer struggled in his second-round match against little-known Marcos Baghdatis, but pulled out a four-set win Wednesday.

Federer struggles at Open; Hewitt eases into second round


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A rally in semiconductor-related  stocks, including Advantest Corp., propelled Asian shares  higher on Monday as investors added to a U.S. buying spree and  turned optimistic on earnings prospects.

Asian Tech Stocks Rally, Dollar Edges Up


PARIS (Reuters) - Yasser Arafat's senior deputies were to  fly to France on Monday hoping to visit the critically ill  Palestinian president after approving a plan for maintaining  law and order in the West Bank and Gaza.

Arafat's Lieutenants to Fly to Paris to See Him


The agency plans to prove that the 40-year-old dream of

NASA Shoots for Mach 10


AP - Apple Computer Inc.'s fourth quarter earnings soared on strong sales of laptop computers and its popular iPod music players, helping the company notch its highest revenue for the quarter in nine years.

Apple Profits Surge on IPod, Laptop Sales (AP)


So much for making a fresh start in the second half of the season. Instead of new beginnings, the Cowboys battled the same old problems, this time getting slapped around by the Philadelphia

Eagles, Owens embarrass Cowboys


A majority of US home Internet users now have broadband, according to a survey by NetRatings. While the total number of home Internet users has reached a plateau in the US, those who do use the Internet are adopting broadband at a rapid pace, according to ...

Web Surfers Hit Higher Speeds


Sabre Holdings Corp., operator of the Travelocity Web site, reported Monday its board named Sam Gilliland to serve as chairman in addition to being the company #39;s chief executive.

Sabre Holdings Names Gilliland Chairman


Who would have thought that stardust, the stuff of fairy tales and popular songs, could actually be collected on metal plates. It sounds funny, but this is no laughing matter.

Stardust memories


About 3,400 union workers at three BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing plants in Indiana and Alabama have approved a new contract after working about 15 months without one.

Update 1: United Steelworkers OK BF Goodrich Pact


ISLAMABAD : Pakistan has busted an Al-Qaeda linked plot to kill high profile civil and military officials and attack key sites including the US embassy and the military headquarters, officials said.

Pakistan foils Al-Qaeda linked plot for assassinations, attacks


In a revelation that should give late-night comedians two or three days #39; worth of snark fodder, the headlines this morning startled us with the news that the world #39;s

Bill Gates to Upgrade Fun


Intel Corp. #39;s (INTC.O: Quote, Profile, Research) upcoming mid-quarter report will be closely watched for signs of weak back-to-school computer sales, though recent

Intel Clouded by Back-To-School Fears


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Business activity in the U.S. Midwest  expanded in August for a 16th straight month but at a slower  pace than expected, as pricing pressures mounted, a report  showed on Tuesday.

Midwest Business Growth at Slower Pace


With the Republican National Convention kicking off on Monday and a slew of economic reports due out in the week ahead, investors could be in for some rough sledding.

The Coming Week: Street Fight


The New York Yankees will do just about anything to hold off the surging Boston Red Sox.    They even tried asking the commissioner's office to award them a forfeit victory...

AL East Race Tight As Yanks, Bosox Win


Scientist at CERN have successfully achieved a new land-speed record on the new internet2. The researchers were able to send 859GB of data in less than 17 minutes at a rate of 6.63 gigabits per second, a speed

Scientists achieve new speed record on Internet2


A television grab shows a soldier helping a girl away from the scene at a school in the town of Beslan in the province of North Ossetia near Chechnya, September 1, 2004.

Gunmen seize Russian school, taking 400 hostages


A former executive at the Gaithersburg biotechnology firm MedImmune Inc. is scheduled to plead guilty today to criminal charges related to his allegedly improper stock trades, according to court papers.

Plea Due in MedImmune Stock Case


AP - Restricting access to scientific information about dangerous germs is more likely to hamper legitimate researchers than to prevent terrorists from using the data for attacks, a leading scientist warned.

Report Seeks Open Access Research Policy (AP)


Kansas is on top right now, ranked first in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll. In the past, such an honor would be regarded with some trepidation since the list of teams that started and ended the season No. 1 is a short one. North Carolina made the run in 1994, Duke in 1992 and UNLV a year before ...

Taking it from the top


U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker said sales documents detailing highly confidential information, such as which companies receive discounts on Oracle products and the size of the discounts, are likely to be made public.

Confidential Oracle sales data likely to be released


AP - After starting 5-1, the Minnesota Vikings have lost two straight, a scary portent for a team that won its first six a year ago, then lost seven of its last 10.

Vikings' Losses Echo Last Season's Woes (AP)


FOXBORO, Mass. -- In a game only a mudder could love, leave it to Corey Dillon to be the workhorse the Patriots needed on a down and dirty type of afternoon in rainy New England.

In case you were worried


Comcast Corp. tried to break into the entertainment business as a star. But it #39;s looking as if its best role for now may be a cameo.

Comcast wins in Sony deal for MGM


Steve Finnans recall to the Liverpool starting line-up for Tuesday nights Premiership clash with Portsmouth at Anfield was one of six changes made by displeased manager Rafa Benitez, but the Reds were hit by an injury time equaliser from Pompey

Finnan recalled to Pool side


EAGLE, Colo. (Reuters) - Attorneys for basketball star Kobe  Bryant asked a judge to dismiss a rape charge against their  client, arguing prosecutors did not disclose that one of their  expert witnesses had information that could help Bryant.

Kobe Bryant's Defense Wants Rape Charge Dismissed


In a closely watched case involving the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a federal court has ruled that a small North Carolina company can continue selling a chip that makes it possible to use refilled toner cartridges in Lexmark printers.

Court ruling on refilled printer cartridges touches DMCA


Bond investors are less inclined to buy the benchmark 10-year US Treasury note after the security had its biggest weekly rally since September and before the Federal Reserve #39;s expected interest-rate increase this week.

Treasury Investors More Bearish After Drop in Yields (Update1)


New York - Manhattan is braced for an outbreak of  quot;Maria Mania quot; this week as 17-year-old Maria Sharapova leads a Russian assault on the US Open.

#39;Maria Mania #39; grips Big Apple


In an advance that could lead to lighter spacecraft and smarter cars, researchers have developed a new technique for producing a high-quality semiconductor that #39;s much more resistant to extreme conditions than the silicon found in most of today #39;s

New Technique to Advance Semiconductors


The annual meeting of World Bank and IMF failed to arrive at a consensus in giving more powers to developing countries in decision-making besides increasing aid flow for reducing poverty.

Consensus eludes in Fund-Bank meet


AP - A fund-raising e-mail from a Democratic congressional candidate contained a hidden expletive directed at his opponent, a newspaper reported Saturday.

Paper: Expletive Hidden in Campaign E-Mail (AP)


Peptides are chains of amino acids. They form the proteins that are the basis of living cells. Scientists have had little success in demonstrating a plausible chemical reaction that could have formed peptides

Volcanoes May Have Sparked Life on Earth, Study Says


SunTrust Banks (NYSE: STI) will close about 60 branches after the completion of its acquisition of Memphis, Tenn.-based National Commerce Financial Corp.

SunTrust reportedly will close 60 branches after merger


By its very nature, open-source software would appear to run counter to the goals of venture capitalists. Not only is it distributed and developed for free by a loose-knit group of techies from around the

Venture Capital: Investors see open-source software potential


BAGSHOT, ENGLAND - Jason Robinson #39;s appointment as the first former rugby league player to captain England #39;s rugby side amply proves how the previously insurmountable gulf between the codes has been bridged.

Robinson #39;s captaincy completes cross-code revolution


Company becomes last of the four major server sellers to fully support Novell's SuSE Linux.

Dell plays price card with Novell Linux


Andre Agassi won #39;t have to pay British taxes on endorsement money earned while playing in England. A three-judge panel upheld the American tennis star #39;s appeal Friday, overturning a High Court ruling in March.

Tennis star Andre Agassi wins appeal, will avoid British taxman


Calpine Corp. added more high-yield bonds to its debt load Tuesday after pricing a \$785 million deal into the market. The company - which has been criticized by market analysts in the past because of its frequency

Calpine Prices Senior Secured Notes


Secretary of State Colin Powell will visit Brazil Oct. 6-8 for talks with officials on Latin American issues and other topics.

Powell to Visit Brazil, Talk With Leaders


Frightened foreigners, many of them longtime residents of this country, piled into buses, boats and planes Saturday as a French-run evacuation widened, despite

Foreigners Pour Out of Ivory Coast


Financier Carl Icahn on Friday offered to buy the shares of generic drugmaker Mylan Laboratories that he does not already own for \$4.9 billion, or \$20 a share, according to a government filing.

Icahn Offers Nearly \$5 Billion for Mylan


SRINAGAR: One militant and a jawan were killed and three security personnel injured when terrorists made an abortive bid to storm a BSF camp at Sopore in Baramullah district of Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours on Saturday.

attack on BSF camp in JK; 1 jawan killed


The popular online auction site rolls out a new approach in tackling account hackers: cut bait.

eBay Goes Phishing


In a major shake-up of its West Coast programing operations, media giant Viacom Inc. on Tuesday promoted several CBS executives to new roles at the broadcaster and a newly merged television studio.

Executive Shake-Up Unveiled at CBS, Paramount TV


AP - Manny Ramirez owns a treasured spot in Red Sox lore  #151; the floppy-haired slugger is their first World Series MVP.

Manny Ramirez Wins World Series MVP (AP)


OPEC #39;s president has taken the unprecedented step of urging the United States to tap its emergency crude reserves to bring down world oil prices.

US Urged to Use Emergency Oil Reserves


The decision was made today after the rebel cleric Moktada al-Sadr refused to meet with its first peace team on Tuesday.

Iraqis Decline to Send 2nd Peace Mission to Najaf


PC World - Anti-phishing applications, smart cards, and new authentication technologies are vying for your support.

Online Identity Theft: Many Medicines, No Cure (PC World)


F5 Networks is making over its flagship Big-IP traffic management platform this week with the launch of new software and hardware aimed at securing and improving the performance of Web and legacy applications.

F5 #39;s Integrated Approach To Web Traffic Management


Oracle announced the creation of Oracle Collaboration Suite, a real-time toolkit enabling enterprises to collaborate and manage content in whole new ways.

Oracle Expands Beyond Databases


If you want to get a rise out of a small-market general manager, ask him about the Red Sox being limited by their budget. Already this weekend at the winter meetings, we #39;ve

Sky #39;s the limit when it comes to Sox spending


Celtic sent out a chilling winter message to rivals Rangers by responding to their European failure with one of their best performances of the season to return to the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League table with a comfortable 2-0 win at East End

Dunfermline v Celtic


The Russian government abruptly shifted gears Friday and concluded that at least one of the two planes that fell out of the sky almost simultaneously this week was blown up by terrorists.

Terror Suspected in Crash


KIEV, Ukraine -- Facing a relentless tide of opposition protests, embattled President Leonid Kuchma said Monday that a new election might be the only way out of a spiraling crisis that threatens to break up this former Soviet republic between the pro

Ukraine president wants new election


Irina Lashko has put Australia in a strong medal position going into the finals of the Olympic 3m springboard competition in Athens.

Lashko in gold pole position


Oil futures were little changed after touching a record \$50.47 a barrel on concern Nigerian rebels will follow through on threats to cut shipments from the fifth-largest supplier to the US.

Oil Is Steady After Reaching Record \$50.47 on Supply Concern


Plus, Pixar

Did Dell Excel?


Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Garret Anderson delivered an RBI single for the lead during a three-run eighth inning, and Anaheim clinched its first division title in 18 years with a 5-4 victory over Oakland at the Coliseum.

Angels clinch AL West title with win over Oakland


Scientists at the University of Warwick have designed a hi-tech solution to an old-technology problem: a cellphone case made of biodegradable polymer.

Let a thousand mobiles bloom


Harmony Gold Mining Co, South African gold firm, has made a \$8.2 billion bid to acquire its much bigger rival -- Gold Fields. If the acquisition or the merger goes through, it would create the world #39;s largest gold producing company.

Bid to be the world #39;s biggest gold firm


India's former foreign minister has denounced Secretary of State Colin L. Powell in unusually strong terms, saying that Powell's account of how he helped facilitate a dialogue between the Indian and Pakistani prime ministers was

India's Ex-Foreign Minister Assails Powell


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Newark, New Jersey's City Council has  approved plans for a \$310 million hockey arena for the New  Jersey Devils, local newspapers said on Thursday.

Newark, NJ OKs Arena for Devils Hockey Team -- Paper


KIGALI,Rawanda, Aug 18, 2004 (RNA)-- The African Union has pledged to send more troops to Darfur, Sudan, to protect civilians in case militias resume attacks on them, official sources told RNA.  quot;This is essential in order to give ourselves sufficient ...

African Union pledges to send more troops to Darfur


Sure, the device can record movies and anything else broadcast on TV. But apparently sex is what pushes the rewind button the most.

Janet Jackson still holds TiVo title


Groups representing torture victims of Chile's former military government reject a proposed compensation deal.

Torture victims slam Chile payout


KANSAS CITY -- The Kansas City Chiefs were supposed to have enough weapons to beat the New England Patriots, but the defending champs proved they have a healthy arsenal of their own on Monday night.

Brady, Dillon provide touchdowns


BOISE, Idaho - Boise State coach Dan Hawkins signed a five-year, \$2.6 million contract extension on Tuesday that could keep him with the Broncos through the 2009 season.

Boise State Coach Hawkins Signs Extension


ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Ivory Coast warplanes killed nine  French soldiers on Saturday in a bombing raid during the  fiercest clashes with rebels for 18 months and France hit back  by destroying most of the West African country's small  airforce.

Ivory Coast Warplanes Kill 9 French Soldiers


WASHINGTON - Mary Cheney typically works quietly behind the scenes on her father's vice presidential campaign, but she was dragged front-and-center after John Kerry noted that she is a lesbian during his debate with President Bush.    Her parents were furious at Kerry...

Cheneys Mad After Kerry Mentions Daughter


Reuters - Caesars Entertainment Inc.\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 (Reuters)


Clovis West High was hoping to end De La Salle #39;s football winning streak at 152 games when the teams play this weekend in Concord.

De La Salle streak ends at 151 wins


By The Associated Press. Baltimore left tackle Jonathan Ogden, who has a pulled hamstring, will probably miss the Ravens #39; game against the unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

NFL ROUNDUP Ogden Is Likely to Join Roll of Missing Ravens


TORONTO -- Canada #39;s big banks raised long-term mortgage rates by more than one-tenth of a point yesterday, reflecting the higher cost of borrowing in the bond market.

Banks boosting mortgage rates


The US military in Afghanistan dismissed a new videotape featuring Osama bin Laden as  quot;propaganda, quot; and insisted that bin Laden would be caught, but it acknowledged having no fix on the Al-Qaeda leader #39;s whereabouts.

US Military in Afghanistan Dismisses Bin Laden Tape


A former soldier, rebel and warlord was sworn in Thursday as the new president of Somalia in the latest attempt to unite the nation under a central government for the first time since 1991.

Ex-soldier, warlord becomes Somali leader


The Commerce Department said that stocks of unsold goods increased by 0.9 percent in July, down from a 1.1 percent rise in June. Sales, meanwhile, rose by 0.6 percent in July - three times the 0.2 percent increase registered in the previous month.

Businesses #39; Inventories, July Sales Up


SBC Communications plans to announce that it will pay \$400 million to Microsoft for software used to deliver TV programming over high-speed data lines.

SBC in Deal With Microsoft to Provide TV on High-Speed Lines


Labor leaders at US Airways expect management to soon seek bankruptcy court permission to cut wages for members of some of its five unions.

US Airways may ask for OK to cut wages


China #39;s victorious Olympic athletes have arrived in Hong Kong for a celebration of their record-breaking achievements. China picked up 32 gold medals at the Athens games, and came second only to the USA in the overall medals table.

China #39;s Olympians welcomed in HK


NEW YORK - In a widely expected move, the Federal Reserve (search) Tuesday raised its target for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 1.75 percent, its third rate increase in a row.

Fed Raises Interest Rates by 1/4 Point


AP - David Greene struggled early but finished with 213 yards passing and two touchdown passes, to lead No. 3 Georgia to a 20-16 victory over South Carolina on Saturday.

Georgia Rallies Past S. Carolina, 20-16 (AP)


The US Secretary of State warns of more violence in Iraq as elections approach, after a new suicide attack.

Powell warns of more Iraq attacks


HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Hong Kong #39;s economy began a widely anticipated slowdown in the third quarter of 2004, according to official figures issued Friday, as consumers started to cut back on spending in the face of growing uncertainties.

DATA VIEW:Hong Kong Economy Began To Slow In 3rd Quarter


Also, insurgents kidnapped three relatives of the Iraqi prime minister, Ayad Allawi, from their home in Baghdad.

Assault Slows, but G.I.'s Take Half of Falluja


AP - When Oakland Hills was selected as the site of the 35th Ryder Cup matches, the PGA of America chose more than one of America's golfing jewels. They selected the one-time home of the man who helped usher the competition into its present-day prominence.

Detroit 'Royalty' Helped Establish Ryder (AP)


Pope John Paul II has spoken out against attacks on Iraq #39;s Christian community after the bombing of two churches in the northern city of Mosul.

Pope condemns Iraq church attacks


Few video games have outraged anti-violence advocates like  quot;Mortal Kombat, quot; which debuted in the arcades more than a decade ago.

Review:  #39;Mortal Kombat #39; Adds New Modes


AP - The Montreal Expos will always remember Blue Monday. One win from the World Series, the Expos were tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning. Ace pitcher Steve Rogers was on the mound. Olympic Stadium was buzzing. And then, Rick Monday ruined it all.

Expos Will Always Remember Blue Monday (AP)


BETHESDA, Md. (Reuters) - All nine antidepressants studied  by regulators raise concerns about a higher risk of suicidal  behavior in children and teens who take the drugs, a U.S.  advisory panel said on Tuesday.

Nine Antidepressants Raise Suicide Concern -Panel


OFFSHORE gains drove the share market to record levels today, albeit on lower than average volume because of little trade in three states which are having public holidays today.

Market ends at record


AP - Brent Schaeffer became the first Southeastern Conference freshman quarterback to start an opener in 59 years, running for one touchdown and throwing for another score in No. 14 Tennessee's 42-17 win over UNLV on Sunday night.

No. 14 Tennessee Defeats UNLV 42-17 (AP)


As the court met on whether the election results should be nullified, there were two other significant developments.

Ukraine Supreme Court Opens Hearing Into Vote Fraud Charges


San Diego, Calif. (Sports Network) - The San Diego Chargers  Monday named Drew Brees as the team's starting quarterback for  their regular-season opener on September 12 against Houston.

Chargers Name Brees Starting QB


FRANKFURT (Reuters) - General Motors' <A HREF=

GM Unit Opel to Cut 9,500 German Jobs


quot;Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas quot; is an epic homage to the West Coast gang culture of the early 1990s. Yes, parents, there #39;s way too much violence and profanity here for the kids.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas


You may have seen Patriots owner Robert Kraft sitting with Red Sox owner John Henry at Fenway Park last season, and the two sat together at a playoff game in New York. They were together again Nov. 14 when the Patriots honored the Red Sox with a ceremony at Gillette Stadium.

They have bond


AFP -  quot;I wanted to jump out of the plane because the headache was so unbearable, quot; said Champa Devi Shukla, still in pain after inhaling toxic fumes in the world's largest industrial disaster in India 20 years ago.

20 years later, the pain from Bhopal lingers on (AFP)


A mid the clamor and confusion of the US elections, it is easy to forget that ballots are being held elsewhere in the world. This week Ukraine held a presidential election, and while the outcome will not shape

Ukraine makes a crucial choice


The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is calling on the Government to introduce electoral reform. The MDC says it will not take part in Zimbabwe #39;s 2005 general election because the poll will not be free and fair.

Zimbabwean Opposition to boycott election


BearingPoint won a \$229 million contract to build an ERP-like system to manage the Department of Homeland Security's financial resources and assets, which were inherited from 22 different agencies.

BearingPoint wins \$229M DHS contract


In an effort to include storage within its empire of security products, Symantec Corp. announced Tuesday that it is going after the backup market with live state recovery

Symantec attacks backup with live state recovery


Reuters - China's security chief has urged\officials to heed the grievances of their communities, state\media reported Friday, following a series of violent protests\that undermine efforts to maintain stability.

China Crime Chief Urges End to 'Social Conflicts' (Reuters)


AP - A federal judge has sided with Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, in his six-year-old lawsuit against Rep. James McDermott, D-Wash., over an illegally recorded phone call.

Boehner Favored in Taped Phone Call Case (AP)


Sony #39;s anticipated PlayStation Portable (PSP) has virtually sold out on its debut day in Japan - the launch outside Japan will follow next year.

Sony #39;s PlayStation Portable sold out on its first day!


Digital video recorder maker TiVo on Thursday reported a wider quarterly net loss as it increased spending to accelerate subscriber growth.

TiVo loss widens, subscribers grow


NEW YORK: The brutalities of a Sudan-backed religious group have left northern Uganda in a shambles, uprooting 1.8 million people who have little faith in the Kampala Government to protect them, according to a UN official.

Children targets in war zone


KABUL (Reuters) - Three U.N. workers abducted almost three  weeks ago in Afghanistan are probably being held by criminals  and not by a Taliban splinter group that has threatened to kill  them, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.

Afghans Say Don't Think Militants Hold UN Hostages


NewsFactor - Apple Computer (Nasdaq: AAPL) announced Tuesday the expansion of its well-received iTunes Music Store to nine additional European Union countries. The European version of the online store has been available in the UK, France and Germany since June.

iTunes Music Store Blankets EU (NewsFactor)


BERKELEY, Calif. - Aaron Rodgers believes in his coach. He believes in his coach #39;s word. His coach #39;s commitment. So a couple of years ago, when California football coach Jeff Tedford was recruiting Rodgers

This is why the Huskies need to go after Tedford


Microsoft Corp. has appointed a new leader for its Worldwide Public Sector group, which plays a key role in its efforts to counter competition from open source software in government and education markets.

Microsoft appoints new public sector head


Subscribers to Moveon.org #39;s mailing lists may have found their interest in the anti-Bush political site a matter of public record.

Moveon.org subscriber-data leaked through search


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Huffy Corp. <A HREF=

Bicycle Maker Huffy Files for Chapter 11


NEW YORK Justine Henin-Hardenne (EH #39;-nen ahr-DEN #39;) has failed to successfully defend her US Open title, and she #39;s losing her number-one ranking to boot.

Sports: Petrova upsets top seed Henin-Hardenne


PITTSBURGH (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Steelers  defense suffered a major blow on Wednesday when the team placed  Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton and safety Mike Logan on the  reserved/injured list, effectively ending the season for both  players.

Steelers Defense Takes a Hit; Two Placed on IR


Iran says it has halted all work on potentially weapons-related parts of its nuclear program, honoring a deal with European powers.

IAEA Supervises Iran #39;s Nuclear Suspension


McAfee CEO George Samenuk looks beyond PCs to stave off marauding viruses in new areas, including 3G phones.

Wired for security


AP - Nicolas Massu was fined  #36;1,000 at the U.S. Open on Friday for throwing his racket during a loss to Sargis Sargsian in which the double Olympic gold medalist forfeited the opening game of the fifth set.

Massu Fined  #36;1,000 for Throwing Racket (AP)


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

Oracle to Issue Tender Results Saturday


The use of evergreens as a symbol and celebration of life during Winter Solstice celebrations started in ancient Roman and Egyptian times.

Christmas Tree Farms in Fairfield County - Choose or Cut Your Own!


NEW YORK -

'Sex and the City' Star Switches Roles


Physicists have successfully teleported particles of light over a distance of 600m across the River Danube in Austria, the journal Nature reports.

Teleportation goes long distance


BOSTON - They have outpitched them, outhit them, beaten them early and run away from them late. Saturday night, the New York Yankees went after Boston with the truncheon.

Mercy! Longest night at Fenway


Venezuela #39;s 5-2 home defeat by Brazil in their World Cup qualifier has sent a clear message to any other teams who might be tempted to attack the world champions and play them as equals - don #39;t even think about it.

Venezuela pay price for daring to attack


BANGKOK, Thailand - With a clash of mallets and the stomping of jumbo feet that shook the earth, the game was under way. Tense commands were shouted by pith helmeted players tied firmly to their two-ton mounts...

Whacky Version of Polo Produces Jumbo Fun


Mac gaming in Japan is in a slump: There are no Mac games. But a very unlikely savior has just stepped in to rescue gaming on the Mac. Nobuyuki Hayashi reports from Tokyo.

Mac Games: (Not) Big in Japan


BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Ben Roethlisbergers college coach is moving on to the Big Ten Conference. Terry Hoeppner, who spent the last 19 years at Miami (Ohio), was named as the new football coach at Indiana on Friday.

Indiana hires Roethlisbergers ex-coach


Reuters - U.S. stocks gained on Monday, getting\a boost from lower oil prices after news the Venezuelan\president survived a recall eased fears about the country's oil\exports.

Stocks Higher on Oil Price Relief (Reuters)


Second-year running back Quentin Griffin, who began the season in the Denver Broncos #39; starting lineup, will finish it on injured reserve.

Hearst, Bell move up the depth chart


EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- On an afternoon when the New England Patriots set an NFL record with their 19th straight win, the New York Jets tied a franchise mark with their fourth straight victory to open the season.

Jets not stylish, but look pretty enough at 4-0 as Pats loom


The cluster of 20 computers working as one will be used to speed up spacecraft design, environmental prediction and other research.

NASA Claims New Supercomputer Is World's Fastest


The Saks Fifth Avenue store in the Carmel Plaza in Carmel is being closed as the upscale fashion retailer adjusts its portfolio. It #39;s one of eight Saks stores and three Off 5th stores being shut down by Saks

Saks to close Carmel store, ten others


Marion C. Blakey, administrator of commercial space transportation for the Federal Aviation Administration, speaks with reporters following a briefing at the XCOR hangar at Mojave, Calif.

Space Tourism Faces Safety Regulations


NEW YORK: Peace possibly has a chance, but it can only come if violence on innocents is stopped. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here on Saturday that a full stop to cross-border terrorism was a necessary precondition for peace with Pakistan.

All options open, but end terror first: PM


Eight months after it emerged from bankruptcy, Redback Networks is racking up new contracts.

Redback on the comeback trail


AFP - Britain's Cable and Wireless is in talks to quit Japan by selling its money-losing Japanese unit to Softbank or an investment firm in Tokyo.

Britain's Cable and Wireless to exit Japan (AFP)


On the eve of the arrival of Equatorial Guinea investigators in South Africa, authorities in Malabo have said that the trial of eight South African alleged mercenaries could drag on for a considerable time.

E Guinea investigators to arrive soon


WASHINGTON - Windows XP Service Pack 2 is the first major upgrade to the world #39;s most popular operating system in well over a year.

Windows XP service pack 2: Major upgrade is not for everyone


Google has launched a new Google Scholar search service, providing the ability to search for scholarly literature located from across the web.\

Google Scholar Offers Access To Academic Information


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were higher on Tuesday,  boosted by strong earnings from Home Depot Inc. <A HREF=

Stocks Up on Earnings, Data; Oil Weighs


Sharmba Mitchell knew he shouldn't have been going into a boxing ring two years ago. He should have been going into an operating room.

Mitchell has leg up on rematch


Microsoft is investigating a security flaw in the Windows Internet Name Service that could allow an attacker to gain control over systems running the software.

Microsoft investigates Windows server flaw


Nearly 4 billion-year-old rocks from Greenland could hold the earliest evidence of life on Earth, University of Chicago and Field Museum scientists say.

Rocks could hold early secrets of life


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Tech stocks rallied anew Monday, with the Nasdaq closing just shy of its session high, as investors sought bargains in the beaten-up sector for the second straight session.

Techs build on Friday #39;s gains


China's president, Hu Jintao, replaced Jiang Zemin as the country's military chief to complete the first orderly transfer of power in Communist Party history.

Hu Takes Full Power in China as He Gains Control of Military


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Avon Products Inc. <A HREF=

Avon Profit Rises on International Sales


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasuries faltered on Tuesday  after a blistering two-session rally ran out of steam, though  analysts still saw room to the upside given the large  short-base in the market.

Treasury Prices Falter Before Auctions


Iraqi militants holding two French journalists have reportedly set a 48-hour deadline for their new demands to be met, including payment of a five-million-dollar ransom.

Iraqis Holding French Journalists Set 48-Hour Deadline


In Oct 1 story headlined  quot;PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Amid Oracle Battle, quot; please read in paragraph 16 ... originally offering \$16 a share ... instead of ... originally offering \$19.50 a share ... By Michael Kahn and Martha Graybow.

PeopleSoft Ousts CEO in Oracle Battle


Donovan McNabb sets a career high with five touchdown passes and an Eagles' team-record 464 yards as Philadelphia outclasses the Packers, 47-17.

Eagles Clobber Packers


BRIGHTON, England - Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wednesday denied leading Britain into war on a false prospectus, despite intelligence on the threat posed by Iraq being wrong.    In his speech to the Labour Party's annual conference Tuesday, Blair acknowledged that intelligence that Saddam Hussein had stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons was wrong...

Blair Denies Going to War Erroneously


Microsoft's decision to pare back features of the upcoming OS is not bad news, some say.

Will Longhorn's Loss Be Your Gain?


TOKYO, Japan -- World champion Petter Solberg dominated the second day of the Rally of Japan, winning six of Saturday #39;s nine special stages and opening up a one minute and eight second lead.

Solberg quickest at Rally of Japan


Truck maker Navistar International Corp. said late Thursday US securities regulators are seeking information related to its pension accounting practices.

SEC wants Navistar pension info


Chief information officers in the United States are still taking a  quot;measured approach to hiring, quot; according to a report released Thursday by staffing company Robert Half Technology.

CIOs expect moderate hiring, study says


Mayoral first lady Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom says way too much is being made of her sexually playful comments at a recent gay rights dinner, and that for the record she was not -- we repeat not -- pantomiming eating a banana when talking about her

Newsom #39;s wife says sex joke has been exaggerated


washingtonpost.com - The land of Internet calling may not be free of regulation for much longer.

Figuring Out the Rules for VoIP (washingtonpost.com)


The board of the country #39;s largest flight attendants union authorized a national strike Tuesday after its president said the airline industry is using the bankruptcy process to threaten workers #39; livelihoods.

Flight attendants union OKs strike


The US music industry is strengthening its embrace of music download services, with a unique Grammy Award/iTunes tie-up. The organisers of the Grammy Awards have reached a deal with Apple to

Apple iTunes in Grammy Award link-up


A SMALL but loud chorus of conservative voices is calling for the resignation of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. They say he is tainted by the UN oil-for-food scandal and should step down.

North Jersey Media Group


AID organisation CARE suspended its operations in Iraq today following the kidnapping of an Irish-Iraqi woman who had been delivering aid to the  quot;poorest of the poor quot; in the country for more than 25 years.

CARE suspends aid operations


Reuters - European stock markets hit their highest\levels in nearly 2-1/2 years on Friday, pumped up by chipmakers\Infineon and ASML after industry bellwether Intel boosted its\quarterly revenue outlook.

Chipmakers Pump Up European Stocks (Reuters)


BOGOTA -- Colombia's government backpedaled yesterday on a sensational claim made by the defense minister that Marxist rebels wanted to assassinate President Bush during a recent state visit.

Colombia backs off claim Bush was targeted


At least eighteen people were injured today in two separate bomb blasts in quick succession at places of worship of minority community in Jalna and Poorna towns in Maharashtra, prompting the authorities to clamp curfew in Jalna.

Eighteen hurt in twin blasts in Maharashtra


AMERICAN Bode Miller won a men #39;s World Cup super-G here today, capturing his second race in as many days and his third in three starts so far this season.

American wins super-G


Boston Red Sox owner John Henry #39;s bet on baseball has paid off big with the team #39;s first World Series championship since 1918, but his calls in the financial markets haven #39;t played out as well.

Red Sox hot, but owner #39;s funds cold


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks were set to open slightly lower  on Monday as Microsoft Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks Set for Soft Open, Focus on Techs


Reuters - The world wants President Bush out\of the White House, according to a poll released on Wednesday\that shows in 30 of 35 countries people preferred Democrat\candidate John Kerry.

World Wants Bush Out of the White House: Poll (Reuters)


WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- With 29 days to go before the presidential election, a group of Democrats on Capitol Hill is pressing John Snow to do more to raise the federal government #39;s mandatory debt ceiling, which is poised to be reached as soon as this week.

Limit expected to be reached as early as this week


Two Japanese companies said Tuesday they have developed a DVD that can play on both existing machines and the upcoming high-definition players, raising hopes for a smooth transition as more people dump old TV sets for better screens.

Update 1: Toshiba, Memory-Tech Develop New DVD


The withdrawal of painkiller Vioxx means Merck  amp; Co. will miss the already diminished expectations of Wall Street analysts for 2005, the drug maker said yesterday.

Merck slashes '05 forecast, citing Vioxx


Formula one was thrown into crisis yesterday when the Jaguar team were put up for sale by their owner Ford along with Cosworth Racing, the Northampton-based specialist which also supplies engines to Jordan and Minardi.

Jaguar exit puts other teams on the brink


AP - The last time Nintendo Co. tried two screens, the result was a head-splitting virtual reality goggle called Virtual Boy that quickly flopped in the mid-1990s.

REVIEW: Nintendo DS a Sleek Powerhouse (AP)


Iraq is prepared to cooperate with Russia and to sign contracts, Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said in an exclusive interview with the Itar-Tass news agency on Wednesday, Dec. 8. Allawi said that on Tuesday, Dec.

Iraqi PM Calls on Russian Companies to Take Part in Reconstruction


Last week, members of the Motion Picture Association of America filed 11 lawsuits against hundreds of people they accused of using file-sharing networks to share copies of movies.

Judge Blocks RIAA Mass Suits


Google has acknowledged two vulnerabilities in its Web site that could allow phishers to alter the appearance of its pages in order to dupe visitors -- and possibly lure them into giving away credit-card information.

Google Phishing Holes Found


GameStop Corp. (GME.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , a video game and entertainment software retailer, said Monday it bought 6,107,338 shares of its Class B Common Stock held by book store chain Barnes  amp; Noble Inc.

UPDATE 1 - Barnes  amp; Noble selling GameStop stake


A two-day meeting of Iraq #39;s donors has wound up in Tokyo with all those involved indentifying the ongoing insurgency as the biggest obstacle to the country #39;s reconstruction.

Iraq donors conference winds up in Japan


There has been so little heartbreak from baseball for Mariano Rivera, the greatest postseason player the Yankees have ever had, which means the greatest any team has ever had.

Tragedy touches a life near-perfect


So enough about why the United States can #39;t win the Ryder Cup. Considering their complete mastery of their American counterparts last week at Oakland Hills, the real question is, why can #39;t the Europeans win major championships?

Time for Euros to have fun in majors


After falling on the landing of his vault, Paul Hamm put on two of the most spectacular routines of his career to win Olympic gold, the first ever by a U.S. man.

Paul Hamm Wins All-Around Event


The European Union #39;s head office took Germany to court Wednesday to challenge a German law that effectively protects Volkswagen AG, one of the country #39;s biggest employers, from hostile takeovers.

Update 3: EU Head Office Challenges German Law


Three Lebanese nationals who worked for a food company in Baghdad were shot dead in one of the victim #39;s homes on Friday and a fourth person

Three Lebanese employees of food company shot dead in a Baghdad <b>...</b>


In what could be a step toward an affordable source of clean energy, Australian scientists have announced a breakthrough in using sunlight to create hydrogen from water.

New Process Could Help Make Hydrogen Fuel Affordable


Keeping the faith, Susan Forbes called the Red Sox a month ago to book Fenway Park for a postseason party.

Red Sox owners fielding more nongame revenue


The DVD Forum has approved the physical disc specifications for the rewritable version of HD-DVDs (High Definition/High Density-DVDs), taking the format an important step nearer to mass production.

HD-DVD Standard Earns Approval


American and Iraqi military commanders said yesterday that troops had found at least one house in Fallujah that appeared to be the base of some of the hostage-takers

Troops find kidnapper sites


It has become a monthly ritual. The government issues its jobs report, the numbers are disappointing, and the excuses begin. Employers are not hiring because of the high price of oil, fear of terrorism, uncertainty about the election, and because the dog ate their homework. (I made that last one up.)

For labor markets, definition of 'normal' is changing


AP - Entertainment groups and consumer organizations were unable Thursday to reach a compromise over a Senate proposal aimed at manufacturers of file-sharing software commonly used to steal electronic copies of music, movies and computer programs.

Senate Talks Fail on File-Sharing Software (AP)


Earlier this week, the online community/portal company started distributing a screensaver that conducted the attacks by making requests from servers  quot;verified to be spam-advertising sites, quot; Lycos said.

Lycos Europe Appears To Have Canned Its Spam War


New Williams-BMW lead driver Mark Webber of Australia isn #39;t excited about the prospect of reuniting with former Jaguar team-mate Antonio Pizzonia of Brazil in Formula 1. Webber was hoping to be Williams #39; second

Webber not excited about rejoining Pizzonia


TUI, Europe's largest travel firm, is cutting 800 jobs at its UK businesses - Thomson Holidays, Lunn Poly and Brittania Airways.

UK travel firms to shed 800 jobs


Reuters - Floridians began mopping up on Tuesday\and counting the cost of Hurricane Frances' long, destructive\path through the state, and thousands of people joined long\lines for ice, water and fuel.

Battered Florida Counts the Cost After Frances (Reuters)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. jobless claims unexpectedly  rose again last week in more worrying news for the labor  market, government data showed on Thursday, while other data  offered some positive signals for America's economy.

Jobless Claims Up, Import Prices Gain


The war on terror has made the world a more dangerous place, Pakistan #39;s president has said. General Pervez Musharraf said the world was  quot;absolutely quot; less safe, because the war was not addressing the causes of terrorism.

#39;The world is more dangerous #39;


When Reggie Wong was growing up in Boston's Chinatown, ''We had one kind of soy sauce, quot; he says.

Emerging Asian markets


\

 AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - A new computer worm emerged on\Tuesday which broke the speed record from the announcement of a\security vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer to a\full-blown virus that spreads in the wild.

Worm Breaks Speed Record from Discovery to Life


South Korea-based Hynix said it would respond to the actions and take appropriate  quot;countermeasures quot; after reviewing the lawsuits more closely.

Toshiba Suits Accuse Hynix of Patent Infringement


AFP - Already scrambling to make up ground lost after last week's debate, US President George W. Bush's campaign was forced further on the defensive by a report that the White House knew before invading Iraq that key intelligence on the country's alleged nuclear weapons program was questionable.

Bush campaign on defensive amid new questions on prewar Iraq intelligence (AFP)


ARMED police commandos stormed a Jerusalem church compound yesterday and arrested Mordechai Vanunu, the nuclear whistle blower, drawing condemnation from the Anglican Church for violating the holy site.

Israeli nuclear spy seized in church


After returning from the hospital at around midnight, WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko met with the press to discuss his eighth-round knockout victory over Danny Williams Saturday night on HBO Pay-Per-View at Mandalay Bay Resort  amp; Casino, his

Klitschko visits hospital but no bones broken


Online tricksters looking to dupe consumers out of credit card numbers and other personal information have netted about \$500 million from their hapless victims in the US, a national study released Wednesday showed.

Phishing Cost Consumers \$500 Million


A CALIFORNIAN company announced two different versions of cluster workstations which, it claims, will give supercomputer abilities for professionals who need to number crunch in a non-trivial way.

Orion belts out desktop cluster workstations


NEW YORK, Oct. 27 (XinhuaNET) -- Wall Street stocks extended theirrally Wednesday as investors expressed relief over falling oil prices and a strong economic report.

Wall Street stocks rise on hopeful crude and economic reports


Charles Clarke is set to start work as Home Secretary after David Blunkett's shock resignation in a visa row.

Clarke steps into Blunkett's role


I #39;ve always been mixed about the Open Source movement because while my feelings suggest that this is surely a great innovation in software development scene, there are other (many) things that I don #39;t agree with.

Opinion: Regarding Stallman #39;s Vision


The headline on Friday #39;s edition of the Boston Herald read  quot;Go Yanks!, quot; indicative of how badly the Red Sox faithful yearn for a rematch of last year #39;s ALCS...Prior to the game, Scioscia announced that suspended outfielder Jose Guillen would not be

American League Playoff Game Summary - Anaheim at Boston


ATHENS, Greece - Michael Phelps took care of qualifying for the Olympic 200-meter freestyle semifinals Sunday, and then found out he had been added to the American team for the evening's 400 freestyle relay final.    Phelps' rivals Ian Thorpe and Pieter van den Hoogenband and teammate Klete Keller were faster than the teenager in the 200 free preliminaries...

Phelps, Thorpe Advance in 200 Freestyle


The Yankees will try to negotiate a new contract with Jon Lieber, but declined his option and let him become a free agent.

Yankees Want Lieber, but They'll Wait and See


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Guerrillas bombed a Baghdad shopping street full of police recruits and fired on a police van north of the capital Tuesday in attacks that killed at least 59 people and struck at the heart of the U.S. strategy for fighting Iraq's escalating insurgency...

Insurgents Target Iraqi Police; 59 Dead


Argentina, with almost the same roster that made history in 2002 by becoming the first team to defeat a US squad of NBA players, will compete for the gold medal against Italy, which defeated Lithuania 100-91.

Disappointing US loses to Argentina


A member of the federal Farm Credit system said Thursday it ended its agreement to merge with a privately held Dutch bank, citing delays and criticism of the deal.

Update 1: Farm Credit Services #39; Board Ends Deal


Farewell, at last, to tallyho. After seven years of angry debate, frustrated motions and legislative maneuvering, Britain #39;s Parliament finally approved a ban on fox hunting

A Regal Pursuit Is Run Down


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission dragged  Germany to court on Wednesday over a law that shields carmaking  icon Volkswagen AG from hostile takeovers, the culmination of a  long battle to break down barriers to foreign investment.

EU Sues Germany Over Volkswagen Law


Pilots at US Airways have voted in favor of giving \$300 million in annual wage and benefit concessions to the struggling airline, becoming the first major labor group to accept permanent

US Air Pilots Vote to Take 18 Pay Cuts


BERLIN - A German finance official urged the United States to tackle its twin deficits during President Bush #39;s second term to counter concerns weighing on financial markets, a magazine reported Saturday.

German Official Criticizes US Deficit


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Defending champion Andy Roddick  unleashed the fastest serve in U.S. Open history on his way to  a 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Scoville Jenkins Tuesday as Maria  Sharapova's tournament was almost ended at the first stage.

Roddick Blasts Through, Sharapova Struggles


IRAN is expected to thwart American attempts to send its nuclear dossier to the United Nations Security Council this week, despite a fresh flurry of concerns about its apparent ambitions to make a bomb.

Iran wriggles to block nuclear sanctions bid


_ Former star investment banker Frank Quattrone asked a federal appeals court Wednesday to let him stay out of prison while he appeals his conviction on obstruction-of-justice charges.

Quattrone asks to stay out of prison pending appeal


Web users can vote for the best and worst of the net in the Future UK Internet awards.

Voting opens for web's villains


The Countryside Alliance prepares a legal challenge to the Parliament Act - used to force the hunt ban into law.

Legal challenge to ban on hunting


Feedster Hosts Develoment Contest and Launches Blog Search\\Feedster, the RSS and blog search engine today announced the launch of its developer network and contest for best new applications and uses for its technology. iPods will be awarded to the winners for the best use of Feedster in the following categories: ...


By Donovan Slack and Shelley Murphy, Globe Staff  October 27, 2004. Two officers who fired pepper-pellet guns near where a 21-year-old college student was fatally shot last week were not trained to use the

2 shooters said to be untrained


AP - The twin Mars rovers have found a wonderland of weird rocks and enticing dunes along with more evidence the Red Planet once had water, NASA scientists said Wednesday.

Mars Rovers Find More Evidence of Water (AP)


Earlier, federal Transport Minister Jean Lapierre said the sudden resignation of Bombardier #39;s chief executive, Paul Tellier, on Monday would have no impact on the subsidies negotiations.

Business ; Canada Government Says Won #39;t Let Bombardier Die


SPACE.com - The leader of a Canadian team preparing to launch a piloted rocket into suborbital space is committed to making the spaceflight, even as hopes to win an international private space race appear to be slipping away.

As X Prize Slips Away, Canadian Still Vows to Launch (SPACE.com)


USATODAY.com - Retailer Kmart Holding (KMRT) has appointed Aylwin Lewis, formerly an executive at restaurant operator Yum Brands (YUM), as its chief executive and president.

Kmart hires fast-food exec as CEO 'and agent of change' (USATODAY.com)


InfoWorld - Microsoft and Sun Microsystems on Wednesday provided a progress report on their interoperability efforts, touting ongoing cooperation on Web services standardization, deployment of Windows on Sun boxes, and other areas.

Microsoft, Sun tout progress on interoperability (InfoWorld)


MICROSOFT Corps recent release of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP saw the company dealing head-on with the security issues that have plagued the operating system since its release.

Making IE safer and more  #39;trustworthy #39;


The Houston Astros and free-agent outfielder Orlando Palmeiro agreed to an \$800,000, one-year contract Tuesday. The Astros also signed right-handed reliever Russ Springer to a minor league contract.

Astros re-sign Palmeiro


This is the last big weekend for prep races before the Breeders' Cup at Lone Star Park Oct. 30, and the 2-year-olds will take center stage.

Time for 2-year-olds to be in the spotlight


Marat Safin played his best tennis in quite some time, beating Andre Agassi 6-3, 7-6 (4) Saturday to advance to the final of the Madrid Masters.

Nalbandian and Safin reach Madrid final


Unocal Corp. and the Royal Dutch/Shell Group are withdrawing from a project to exploit oil and gas in the East China Sea, the companies said Wednesday, citing  quot;commercial reasons.

Update 1: Unocal, Royal Dutch Leave China Project


POLITICAL heavyweights have intervened in a bid to end the West Indies contracts dispute which threatens the one-day series in Australia.

Windies tour in hands of pollies


RAVENS 27 BROWNS 13 Burned for a touchdown on the game #39;s first play, it was hard to imagine the Baltimore Ravens would win on the strength of their special teams.

Quick Hits column


Yesterday we noted that more and more companies are heading to the courts to sue other companies in intellectual property disputes involving software, because they believe they can get away with it -- whether they #39;re in the right or not.

News and Trends


SAN FRANCISCO - John Walker Lindh asked President Bush on Tuesday to commute his 20-year prison sentence for aiding the Taliban. His lawyer, James Brosnahan, said that Lindh was fighting alongside the Taliban in a civil war against the Northern Alliance, that he is not a terrorist and that he never fought against U.S...

'American Taliban' Seeks Commuted Sentence


Phnom Penh, Oct. 12 (VNA) - Cambodias acting Head of State Chea Sim on Monday signed a Throne Council bill, paving the way for the appointment of a successor to King Norodom Sihanouk, who announced his retirement on Oct. 7. Earlier on Oct.

Cambodias Throne Council bill enforced


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar slipped against the euro on  Thursday after European Central Bank President Jean-Claude  Trichet reiterated that recent moves in currency markets were  unwelcome, but did not use strong enough rhetoric to deter the  euro from strengthening, currency traders said.

Dollar Off; Trichet Leaves Euro Unfazed


Iran #39;s intelligence ministry has announced the arrest of a  quot;spy quot; accused of setting up a fake nuclear company as part of a bizarre international plot to damage the Islamic republic #39;s reputation, press reports said Thursday.

Iran nabs another nuclear  #39;spy #39;: reports


Eleven companies in Greater Cincinnati have been singled out for exporting jobs out of the country by Working America, an organization affiliated with the AFL-CIO labor organization.

11 firms sent jobs overseas, group says


Rich Rodriguez expects a tough, physical game -- as usual -- from Boston College, a team the West Virginia coach says has a defensive line with no weaknesses.

Eagles, Mountaineers in a summit meeting


The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced 33 new projects from its \$30 million Cyber Trust program, including two new cybersecurity research centers that will focus on eliminating plagues of Internet worms and viruses and on building better

NSF Announces Two Cybersecurity Centers To Study Internet <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Electric companies may soon join the fray of providing Internet services after regulators cleared the way for utility companies to offer broadband services through electrical outlets, according to a report published Friday.

Web coming to electrical outlets


American International Group Inc., one of the world #39;s largest insurance firms, said Monday that the Securities and Exchange Commission may bring a civil action against

SEC mulls civil action against AIG


With an unparalleled history of success, vast resources, an exorbitant payroll and a smug, quick-tempered owner, the New York Yankees have long been a  quot;love-hate quot; franchise.

Kindred: Forfeit request from Yankees  #39;ill #39; conceived


The roster of the dead in Iraq is a portrait of a military in transition, with ever-widening roles and costs for the country's part-time soldiers, women and Hispanics.

For 1,000 Troops, There Is No Going Home


Scientists sifting through the wreckage from Wednesday's space capsule crash say some of the experiments can be salvaged, but it won't be easy. By Amit Asaravala.

NASA Has Hope for Genesis Samples


ChevronTexaco Corp., the second- biggest US oil company, said third-quarter profit rose 62 percent on higher oil and natural-gas prices.

ChevronTexaco Profit Rises 62 on Higher Oil Prices (Update2)


Woody Austin birdied the first hole of a sudden-death playoff against Tim Herron to win the Buick Championship on Sunday. Both Austin and Herron completed 72 holes

UPDATE 1-Austin wins Buick Championship in sudden death


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. aircraft launched a fresh  assault on Shi'ite rebels in the embattled Iraqi city of Najaf  early Sunday after talks on transferring control of the mosque  at the center of a two-week siege ran into trouble.

U.S. Aircraft Make New Attack on Rebels in Najaf


US manufacturers cranked out more goods in recent weeks, while auto dealers moved more vehicles off their lots and trucking companies tried to find enough drivers to keep up with growing demand.

Energy Costs Crimp Economy


Don #39;t talk to the Patriots stats, news about making statements. Don #39;t talk to them about their playoff seeding, winning percentage or schedule down the stretch.

Pats school Ravens in sloppy drubbing: Stay on roll as defense <b>...</b>


NEW YORK - The NASD urges investors to do their homework before buying a 529 College Savings Plan. Fees, expenses, tax incentives and returns vary from state to state, and investors therefore should look for

NASD Says Do Your Homework On 529 Plans


JACK Straw, the Foreign Secretary, visited the grave of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat yesterday at the end of a two-day trip to Israel and the West Bank to help revive the Middle East peace process.

Straw hopeful as he visits Arafat #39;s grave


The AFL-CIO and a Boston-based consumer advocacy group sued AstraZeneca yesterday, accusing the drug manufacturer of deceptively selling doctors and patients

Hub consumer group joins AFL-CIO in AstraZeneca suit


Humanoid devices will be used to encourage interest in science and technology.

Sony Sends Its Robots to School


Ex-Malaysian deputy PM Anwar Ibrahim attacks Bangkok's handling of Muslim unrest in southern Thailand.

Anwar chides Thailand over deaths


Reuters - Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL.O) has\agreed to recall about 28,000 batteries used in its 15-inch\PowerBook G4 laptop computers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety\Commission said on Thursday.

Apple to Recall 28,000 Laptop Batteries (Reuters)


LONDON (Reuters) - Cazenove and J.P. Morgan Chase   Co.  unveiled a joint venture that effectively ends 181 years of  independence for the UK stockbroker and gives a big boost to  the U.S. investment bank's UK presence.

Cazenove, JP Morgan Unveil Joint Venture


Vicky Burress was 47 when she realized her family needed a second income to put two children through college. Despite a thin rsum a high school

Huge risk of building US factories paid off for both Honda, Ohio


Robert Reich, former secretary of labor in the Clinton administration, is the author of  quot;Reason: Why Liberals Will Win the Battle for America.

This Fannie needs a serious spanking


Frustrated by the failure of e-mail solicitations, admission directors are looking for new ways to incorporate the Internet into their marketing plans.

College Recruiters Lure Students With New Online Tools


ITS TIME to take stock. Those were Martin ONeills words late on Tuesday night as he tried to quantify the effect upon Celtic of watching their European season plunge into darkness.

Time for Celtic #39;s money men to fund O #39;Neill #39;s ambition


AP - Tokyo stocks opened higher Monday as investors welcomed the U.S. dollar's strength against the Japanese yen.

Tokyo Stocks Higher; Dollar Up Vs. Yen (AP)


Reuters -

'Madden' Week No. 1 Game Sales Top 1.3 Million (Reuters)


LAS VEGAS: Ronald Winky Wright used an effective right jab to retain his WBA and WBC junior middleweight titles, posting a majority decision over former champion Shane Mosley on Saturday.

Wright defends title by beating Mosely in rematch


Artisan Components (ARTI:Nasdaq - news - research) shot up in Monday #39;s premarket session after the UK #39;s ARM Holdings (ARMHY:Nasdaq - news - research) announced it would buy the company for cash and stock that was worth nearly \$34 a share at Friday #39;s close

Artisan Rallies on Buyout


AP - The government gave more than  #36;1 billion in 2003 to organizations it considers

U.S. Gave  #36;1B in Faith-Based Funds in 2003 (AP)


Tech industry political action committees and employees from computer and Internet companies have contributed just over \$1.6 million to President George Bush, and almost the same amount to Democratic challenger Sen. John Kerry.

Tech industry split in its political donations


The European Commission takes Greece to court for failing to change a law could ban people playing computer games at home.

EU pursues Greece over games law


An independent Palestinian state could be established within four years, President George W Bush says.

Leaders hail Mid-East peace hope


AP - Officials from Japan, South Korea and Major League Baseball made significant progress Friday in talks aimed at setting up a World Cup tournament in 2006.

Baseball World Cup Talks Progress (AP)


AP - Alge Crumpler and Peerless Price joined an injury list that already included Warrick Dunn and Keith Brooking for the Atlanta Falcons.

Falcons' Crumpler, Price Miss Practice (AP)


San Francisco developer/publisher lands coveted Paramount sci-fi license, \$6.5 million in funding on same day. Although it is less than two years old, Perpetual Entertainment has acquired one of the most coveted sci-fi licenses on the market.

Perpetual Entertainment to beam up Star Trek MMORPG


AP - The Green Bay Packers only led for two seconds Sunday, and that was enough to keep their stranglehold over the Detroit Lions, who haven't won in Wisconsin since 1991.

Packers Edge Lions, 16-13 (AP)


From big-screen TVs to big-time DVD players, here's what we'd like to receive this year.

PC World's Holiday Wish List


This month, the overseer of the Internet's addressing system will begin deciding what company will run the .net domain. The stakes are high, and so is the responsibility. <FONT face=

Key Internet Domain Up For Grabs


UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw says he supports Russia #39;s call for the United Nations Security Council to compose a list of wanted terrorists, in a resolution that would ease the extradition

UK #39;s Straw Backs Russia #39;s Call for UN Terrorism Resolution


Sharp and the Japanese division of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications will jointly develop mobile phone handsets based on the Symbian operating system (for NTT DoCoMo #39;s third-generation (3G) Foma service in Japan and software for Foma phones.

Sharp and Sony Ericsson work together on 3G handsets


The Power5-based system is part of Big Blue's push to oust Hewlett-Packard from the top spot in high-performance set-ups.

IBM previews new supercomputing server


Rap star Jay-Z, who has little corporate experience, will become the chief executive for one of Universal's biggest divisions.

Jay-Z to Head Def Jam Recordings Label, Executives Say


Google is invading Amazon.com turf with its latest Internet service, it was reported Thursday. Google, the search-engine kingpin, is introducing a program called Google Print for book publishers who want to

Google invades Amazon turf


Four Infineon (Quote, Chart) executives agreed to plead guilty to charges they conspired to fix prices in the computer memory sector, officials said Thursday.

Infineon Execs Plead Guilty to Price-Fixing


NHL commissioner Gary Bettman had lunch Friday with NHL Players #39; Association executive director Bob Goodenow in New York, and the league will listen to a new proposal from the union Thursday in Toronto.

Bettman, Union Meet


AUGUST 17, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - This can #39;t be an easy time for Ann Livermore. When Hewlett-Packard Co. missed Wall Street #39;s earnings expectations late last week, the blame was placed squarely on the shoulders of the Enterprise Servers and Storage Group, ...

Q amp;A: HP #39;s Livermore sees no need for HP-UX on x86


The Dollar hit fresh lows against the euro and the pound yesterday after European finance ministers launched a direct challenge to the US to tackle its financial deficits.

Europe piles pressure on US as the greenback dips to new low


China appears poised to issue rules about the extent to which government departments must favour local software, raising concerns that some overseas vendors could be cut out of the large state procurement market.

China eyes foreign software curbs


Japanese mobile network operator NTT DoCoMo announced on Thursday that it has developed a prototype micro fuel cell that will recharge a third-generation mobile phone.

Fuel cell #39;s got the power for 3G handsets


MADRID : A row erupted in Spain as members of the parliamentary inquiry into the March 11 Madrid train bombings voted to call former Spanish prime minister Jose Maria Aznar as a witness.

Row erupts as Spain #39;s Aznar to appear before March 11 inquiry


Shareholders in stricken Italian food group Parmalat sue the firm's former managers, banks and auditors.

Parmalat investors head for court


Vivendi (NYSE: V) is one of those complex behemoths of a firm that normally doesn #39;t make it onto my radar since, as a lazy Fool, I prefer my companies small and simple.

Vivendi Flashes V for Victory


Middlebury has had a stranglehold on the NESCAC men's hockey championship since its inception five years ago. Last year, the Panthers won their fourth NESCAC title en route to their sixth NCAA Division 3 championship. Prolific scorer and national player of the year Kevin Cooper was the catalyst in Middlebury's 27-win season, a school record.

Middlebury poised to continue Division 3 dominance


Health Management Associates Inc., which operates acute care hospitals in rural areas, lowered profit guidance Friday for the fourth-quarter and fiscal year, citing outages and service disruptions related to Hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne.

Health Management Cuts 4Q Outlook


Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett has accused Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel and his staff of giving him cars, cash and improper benefits while he was enrolled at the University.

Ohio State denies Clarett accusations


The Saints forced four turnovers and came up with a pair of late stops to preserve a 27-20 victory over the struggling Kansas City Chiefs.

SAINTS SUCCESS


IBM on Tuesday announced two new storage products  upper midrange and high-end disk arrays designed for ease of use and lower cost. The DS6000 and DS8000 feature higher physical storage capacities, a modular architecture, and additional visualization technology, all in systems considerably smaller than previous versions.

IBM brings high-end storage functions to midrange


Reuters - India could use its record-high foreign exchange reserves to fund infrastructure even if it breached fiscal targets set out by law, a senior government official said on Tuesday.

India reserves plan can breach fiscal law - official (Reuters)


Reuters - Hip-hip duo OutKast took top honors\on Wednesday as the recording industry handed out its first\awards for music sold through Internet-music services like\Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes.

OutKast Tops First Digital-Music Sales Awards (Reuters)


Brazilian striker Cristiano de Lima Jr died yesterday after collapsing on the field during a domestic club tournament in the southern Indian city of Bangalore.

Brazilian striker dies during Indian club match


With security experts predicting a large-scale worm attack is only a matter of days away, Microsoft (Quote, Chart) has released a scanning tool to help users identify vulnerable versions of the GDI libraries that handle JPEG processing.

Scanner Tool Released To Thwart JPEG Attack


A firefighter walks past a large section of a Boeing 747cargo plane owned by MK Airlines of Britain at the Halifax International Airport on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 in Canada.

Cargo Plane Crashes in Eastern Canada


AP - Declaring that high oil prices are a threat to the global economy, the world's industrialized countries urged producers Friday to provide price relief by boosting supplies.

G7 Countries: Oil Prices Threat to Economy (AP)


Canon has unveiled its latest digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, the semi-professional EOS 20D, claiming that it gives better picture quality than traditional film-based cameras.

Canon launches 8.2megapixel SLR digital camera


(Clint Willis is a freelance writer who covers mutual funds  for Reuters. Any opinions in the column are solely those of Mr.  Willis.)

Funds: Are Bond Funds Hazardous?


Osama bin Laden delivered a new videotaped message in which he told Americans their security does not depend on the president they elect, but on US policy.

Bin Laden: US security depends on policy


The Philadelphia Phillies Friday picked up the options on two pitchers, including closer Billy Wagner. Under the terms of his contract, Wagner, 33, will be paid \$9,000,000 next season.

Phillies to keep Wagner, Rodriguez


AP - He was going to be in the neighborhood anyway for a debate, so President Bush slipped another tour of hurricane damage onto his schedule Thursday, this time of the Treasure Coast area north of Miami.

Bush to Tour Damage Again Before Debate (AP)


Shell agreed today to finalized settlements with U.S. and UK regulators over its mis-statement of proven oil reserves.

Shell Settles Oil Reserve Fraud Case for \$150.7 Million


Iraq's economy is set to grow by more than half in 2004 but security challenges remain fierce, the International Monetary Fund says.

Iraq 'set for 50 growth' in 2004


The commander of a British regiment that lost three soldiers in a suicide attack near Baghdad had expressed security concerns before his unit was redeployed to aid US forces, a newspaper reported Saturday.

Report: British regiment #39;s commander warned against Iraq <b>...</b>


There is more violence in Nepal #39;s capital, Kathmandu, on the sixth day of an economic blockade imposed by Maoist rebels on the city.

Nepal: More Violence on Day Six of Rebel Blockade of Capital


The Tri-Nations Championship has not been going that long, but when its champions come calling on Europe, the aura of the southern hemisphere in all its rugby majesty tends to come with them.

Ireland 17 - 12 South Africa


ROME (Reuters) - Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi  defied Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's government on  Thursday and vetoed a bill aimed at reforming the legal system,  the president's office said in a statement.

Italian President Vetoes Contested Justice Bill


RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian leaders  prepared on Thursday to transfer President Yasser Arafat's  powers to three key figures who will take on the most important  roles he held, officials said.

Palestinian Leaders to Transfer Arafat Powers


A US army deserter seeks refugee status to stay in Canada, arguing the US-led war in Iraq is illegal.

US soldier seeks Canada asylum


Yahoo! and Adobe announced an agreement that will make HTML and PDF seem a more similar browsing experience. In the process, it should drive more traffic to Yahoo!

Adobe, Yahoo! join forces


Canadian Press - DASS, Nigeria (AP) - An Islamic court in northern Nigeria heard the appeal of a woman challenging a death by stoning sentence for allegedly committing adultery, and the judge said he would issue a verdict in two weeks.

Nigerian woman facing death for adultery to know appeal verdict in two weeks (Canadian Press)


Pittsburgh quarterback Tyler Palko struggled all night through the air, but fortunately for the Panthers, he came through on the ground.

Backyard Fall: Pitt Bests WVU, 16-13


Scientists have discovered that the sweetness of revenge may have a neurological basis. A Swiss brain imaging study shows that punishing people when they behave unfairly

Sweet Revenge May be a Hard-Wired Reward


Reuters - Israel pulled most of its\forces out of the northern Gaza Strip Saturday after a four-day\incursion it said was staged to halt Palestinian rocket attacks\on southern Israeli towns.

Israel Pulls Back Forces in Northern Gaza (Reuters)


The Louisville Cardinals drew a flag for excessive celebration in the second quarter, and another in the third. Against Miami, the displays of jubilation were premature.

Hurricanes whip up a win


Second-seeded Jiri Novak reached the Shanghai Open quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 victory Thursday over Melle Van Gemerden.

Canas, Novak advance; Nieminen loses


The goal is a  quot;single, coordinated solution quot; that enables network administrators to control both Windows installations and Cisco network architecture, the two tech giants said.

Microsoft, Cisco To Share Network Security Technologies


Cambodia needs international help in erecting defences against terrorism or it could become a safe haven for al Qaeda and similar groups, Chile #39;s UN ambassador has warned.

Cambodia seen as potential terror haven


Lawyers for Australia's recording industry branded the popular Kazaa file-swapping network

Australia Music Industry Decries Kazaa


INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Peyton Manning gears up for another track meet in prime time. But Daunte Culpepper will not have his dance partner available when the Minnesota Vikings visit the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night.

Another shootout?


AP - A bomb attack in an eastern Afghan province killed at least three children and a policeman on the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the government said Saturday.

Policeman, Three Afghan Children Killed (AP)


There have been some rumors floating around lately about an RNC ad that is being sent to people living in the Bible Belt about how 'liberals' want to

Banning the Bible to Get Out the Vote


MINNEAPOLIS Cleveland Indians pitcher Kyle Denney says the go-go boots he was wearing may have prevented a bullet from seriously injuring his leg.

Sports: Denney says says go-go boots helped prevent serious injury


Intel Corp. INTC.O cut prices on its chips for mobile computers by as much as 34 percent this week, a move that could lower PC prices from the likes of Dell Inc.

Intel Cuts Prices on Laptop Computer Chips


Biological and genetic weapons should take cue from online viruses and worms, British doctors say.

Internet threats a bleak picture of human future


If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, where does that leave NHL officials and members of the NHL Players #39; Association?

NHL owners, players are so far apart, some fear lockout could last <b>...</b>


HOUSTON (Reuters) - The ATP, organizers of the men's tour,  will unveil a partnership deal with a pharmaceutical giant  Tuesday to provide approved nutritional supplements to players  next season.

ATP Players to Get Approved Nutritional Supplements


High-flying oil prices held above \$54 a barrel on Tuesday as concern lingered over the thin state of heating oil supplies ahead of the northern winter.

LATEST FUTURES NEWS


When you want to switch from one open application to another, you don #146;t have to move your cursor down to the Dock. Your hands don #146;t even have to leave the keyboard. Read this week #146;s tip to learn how you can use simple keystrokes to switch quickly between open apps. Dec 07

Mac OS X Tip of the Week: Application Switching


Reuters - Fatal attacks in Israel cause a\direct increase in the number of deadly traffic accidents --\but not until three days later, researchers said on Monday.

Terror Attacks Spur Israel Road Deaths Spike-Study (Reuters)


Bank of America Corp. will move its Wealth and Investment Management division to its Boston offices. Of 10 senior executives that will be based in Boston, only two will come from Charlotte.

BofA to move Wealth Division to Boston


The Bush administration on Thursday rejected a call from labor, textile and steel groups for an investigation into the value of China #39;s currency that could lead

UPDATE 3-Bush team rejects call for China currency probe


KUALA LUMPUR: British security software specialist Sophos Plc said it has identified a new trojan which attempts to send spam messages to mobile phone users.

Trojans begin spam assault on cellphones


A hormone patch that works to restore a woman's sex drive should not be approved until additional studies to determine its risk, federal health advisers said today.

F.D.A. Panel Says Sex Patch Needs More Testing


Omnipod, which provides hosted instant message (IM) services to companies of all sizes, is preparing several enhancements to its platform, including the additions of a Web-based client, a telephony component and a persistent-chat feature, Omnipod's chief executive officer said.

Update: Omnipod beefs up instant messaging service


AP - Washington's super-close governor's race may be hell on the candidates, but it's a special sort of heaven for political bloggers.

Bloggers Still Tracking Votes in Wash. (AP)


WENTWORTH: European Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer #39;s exploits in the World Match Play Championship finally came to an end here yesterday when he lost 2 and 1 to Miguel Angel Jimenez in their quarter-final clash.

Jimenez ends Langers run


A former in-house Enron Corp. accountant said he was convinced that the energy giant #39;s unofficial promise to buy back several barges sold to Merrill Lynch  amp; Co.

Update 3: Enron Barge Dealmaker Regrets Deal


HILLSBOROUGH, Northern Ireland (Reuters) - Northern Ireland  Protestant hard-liner Ian Paisley said on Wednesday the IRA may  be about to disarm but he would not share power with its  political ally Sinn Fein without photographic proof of the act.

Don't Disarm Without Photos: N.Irish Paisley to IRA


Microsoft on Wednesday unveiled new and reworked business-intelligence tools that provide capabilities ranging from self-service report building for non-techs to mining information from data flows outside of a database.

Microsoft Readies Business-Intelligence Charge


Andy Roddick the defending US Open tennis champion has moved on to the third round by defeating Rafael Nadal 6-0 6-3 6-4 on Friday.

Roddick Through To Third Round Of US Open


Life doesn #39;t get much better than being a successful quarterback in the NFL. Tom Brady dates actresses. Brett Favre has a best-selling book.

ON FOOTBALL A Giant task awaits New York #39;s Manning


Smarting from their defeat to Slovenia, Italy face Belarus on Wednesday in Parma knowing they can ill-afford to let their World Cup qualifying campaign get further off track.

PREVIEW-Italy cannot afford another World Cup slip-up


Simply making the choice to buy organic food can induce a sense of well-being, according to research.

Buying organic 'gives you boost'


US oil giant Unocal Corp has agreed in principle to settle a lawsuit brought by Myanmar villagers who accused it of complicity in human rights abuses, including slave labour, during the building of a pipeline, a company spokesman said today.

Oil giant makes peace in Myanmar


The Anaheim Angels agreed to trade troubled outfielder Jose Guillen to the Washington-bound Expos for outfielder Juan Rivera and a prospect, The Associated Press learned Friday.

AP NewsBreak: Angels trade Guillen to Expos for Juan Rivera and a <b>...</b>


Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has become the latest big name title to fall victim to the determined efforts of the piracy scene as the PS2 Rockstar opus leaked onto illegal download channels today.

Now piracy curse strikes GTA: San Andreas


WELSHMAN Stephen Dodd began the new European tour season by ending a 15-year wait for his first title. The 38-year-old from Cardiff, who turned professional after becoming

Dodd has the last laugh after marathon wait


UNITED NATIONS: The director of the UN nuclear watchdog agency said on Monday that North Korea posed a serious challenge to attempts to limit nuclear weapons in the world and Iran should suspend uranium enrichment activities.

REGION: UN presses Iran and N Korea on N-threat


Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and BAE Systems PLC (BA.L: Quote, Profile, Research) were tapped by the Bush administration on Wednesday to develop

US Awards Airliner Antimissile Contracts


The music industry on Monday launched a test case against Kazaa, one of the world #39;s largest file-sharing websites, in a bid to stem rampant internet piracy.

Music groups launch test case against website


Europeans were right. It was a world election. They favored Kerry, roughly 6-1. Now they must live with the result. Europeans opposed Bush largely because they believe his

How Europe Sees It


Origin Energy Ltd., Australia #39;s second-largest energy retailer, probably won #39;t increase its stake in Contact Energy Ltd. much above the 51 percent it has already agreed to buy after

Origin #39;s NZ\$3.2 Billion Offer for Contact Too Low (Update2)


An eight-member team of Iraqi political and religious leaders flew to Najaf to talk with Sadr on Tuesday.(Xinhua/AFP) ...

Iraqi delegation flies to Najaf for peace talks


Chile's Inland Revenue files tax evasion charges  against the former military ruler Augusto Pinochet.

Pinochet faces tax evasion charge


LONDON (Reuters) - BP Plc, the world's second largest oil  company, reported bumper third-quarter profits on Tuesday on  the back of high oil prices and stronger than expected refining  and chemicals margins.

BP Posts Bumper Q3 Profits on Oil Price


For spammers, it #39;s been a summer of love. Two newly issued reports tracking the circulation of unsolicited e-mails say pornographic spam dominated this summer, nearly all of it originating from Internet addresses in North America.

Summer of spam surges


In the latest squabble over patents between Japanese and South Korean electronics giants, Toshiba has sued Hynix Semiconductor #39;s Japan and US units, alleging patent infringement in flash-memory

Toshiba Sues Hynix for Patent Infringement


Shares of Motorola (MOT:NYSE - news - research) rose Tuesday after Geoffrey Frost, senior vice president of Motorola #39;s mobile phone division, told Reuters that the company feels  quot;very good quot; about sales growth during the second half of the year.

Stocks in Motion: Motorola


Hurricane Frances ripped hundreds of panels from NASA #39;s huge space shuttle assembly hangar and officials feared Monday that another powerful tropical storm heading toward Florida could slow down the return of manned space flights.

Hurricane Frances imperils space flight #39;s scheduled return


If the idea of eating unlimited amounts of food without counting calories or grams of anything sounds appealing, listen up. Carefully.

Shrinking the Universe


Deep rumblings many kilometers (miles) below the San Andreas fault in California could offer a way to predict earthquakes, according to US scientists.

Rumblings far beneath Earths crust may predict quakes


WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2004 - Two American soldiers were killed and four were wounded in an attack in Mosul, Iraq, Dec. 4, US officials in Iraq said.

Two US Soldiers Killed in Mosul Attack


headisdead writes  quot;This BBC report has details of the IOSN #39;s (International Open Source Network) role in yesterday #39;s Software Freedom Day.

UN Supports OSS/Free Software In Developing World


A reclusive Russian may have solved one of the world #39;s toughest mathematics problems and stands to win \$1 million -- but he doesn #39;t appear to care.

Reclusive Russian May Have Made Maths Breakthrough


KABUL (Reuters) - Independent observers described  Afghanistan's historic presidential election as mostly fair on  Sunday despite turmoil over possible multiple voting that led  most of the candidates to call for a general boycott.

Afghan Polls Fair Despite Ink Fiasco -Monitors


Crude oil futures rose to a record in New York for a third day on speculation US demand for heating oil will deplete inventories this winter.

Crude Oil Rises Above \$55 to Record on US Supply Concern


A Russian court overturns the acquittal of four army officers accused of murdering six civilians in Chechnya.

Court rejects Chechnya acquittal


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States was justified in  terminating an aircraft pact with the European Union because  the EU gave Airbus production subsidies that violated the pact,  a U.S. trade official said on Friday.

US: Termination of EU Aircraft Pact Legal


As of Thursday, when you write a check you #39;d better have the funds in the bank to cover it. The reason? New rules on check-processing will result in checks clearing more quickly than in the past.

Check is in the mail? But different on arrival


The relief agency CARE International has shut down all operations in Iraq and urged insurgents to release its director in Bagdhad, Margaret Hassan, who was kidnapped more than a week ago.

CARE shuts down Iraq operations


AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Global handset sales rose to record  levels in the second quarter, putting the industry on track to  ship 650 million cell phones in 2004 as market leader Nokia  halted its decline, a survey said on Thursday.

Global Handset Sales Reached Record in 2nd Quarter - Survey


Two former MCI honchos to introduce unlimited domestic calling to any number, plus some international dialing, for about \$16 a month.

SunRocket fires off new low for Net phone rates


Police detained 21 suspects, including an ETA leader, and seized a large arms cache on Sunday in a sweep against the Basque guerrilla group in France and Spain, officials said.

ETA Suspects Held in France, Spain


CHICAGO United Airlines says it will need even more labor cuts than anticipated to get out of bankruptcy. United told a bankruptcy court judge in Chicago today that it intends to start talks with unions next month on a new round of cost savings.

United to seek more cuts from labor, elsewhere


LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea reclaimed the top spot in the Premiership with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Fulham as champions Arsenal edged a 5-4 thriller against Tottenham.

Four star Chelsea reclaim top spot from Arsenal


After spending part of his 42nd birthday Wednesday reiterating his dissatisfaction with his shrinking role with the Raiders and expressing his desire to play somewhere else, Jerry Rice scheduled an evening meeting with owner Al Davis to discuss the state

Rice wants more action, here or somewhere else


Memory-Tech and Toshiba today announced that they have jointly developed a dual-layer ROM (read-only) disc that can store content in both the HD DVD and DVD formats.

Toshiba Develops Dual-Format DVD


AFP - The number of Japanese corporate bankruptcies in August fell 18.2 percent from a year earlier to 1,080 cases, marking the 20th consecutive monthly decline,  according to a research firm.

Japanese corporate bankruptcies in August fall for 20th month in row (AFP)


US consumer confidence sank in August while Chicago-area business activity slowed, according to reports on Tuesday that added to worries the economy #39;s patch of sluggish growth may last beyond the summer.

Consumers Anxious About Lack of Hiring


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks to watch on Monday:  MARINEMAX INC <A HREF=

Stocks to Watch on Nov. 22


The Catholic Church and the Colombian Congress termed as positive the proposal of President Alvaro Uribe to negotiate the liberation of individuals kept as hostages by the FARC

Colombian church, congress support humanitarian exchange with FARC


Reuters - Manny Ramirez completed a perfect day\Wednesday by being named the Most Valuable Player of the 2004\World Series.

Ramirez MVP of Red Sox Team Full of Valuable Players (Reuters)


Every now and then a book comes along that's a must-read for every serious searcher, and Tara Calishain's Web Search Garage falls squarely into that category.

Tuning up your Skills in the Web Search Garage


1738: Stand-in Porto goalkeeper Nuno makes a superb reflex save from Yuri Zhirkov to stop Moscow going ahead. 1730: The first of Wednesday #39;s eight Champions League games kicks off with CSKA hosting current

Live: Champions League


Industry groups are looking for a way around controversial copyright proposal.

Alternative Copy Controls Bill Pitched


VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran says it is determined an  international standoff over its nuclear programe should be  brought to a head in November, confident it can rebut U.S.  accusations of a secret bomb-making agenda.

Iran Says Will Bring Nuclear Standoff to a Head


AFP - With only five days left before the election, Democrat John Kerry tried to fire up voters in the hope a higher turnout will give him the keys to the White House, as President George W. Bush insisted his challenger lacks the mettle of a commander in chief.

Kerry, Bush scramble for votes (AFP)


AFP - Europe's leaders gather in Rome on Friday to sign a historic constitution for the European Union (EU), but a crisis over the bloc's new executive Commission will only add to clouds over the ceremony.

Brussels crisis to cloud EU constitution ceremony (AFP)


Aid workers struggled to deliver food and supplies to survivors as the death toll in Haiti caused by Tropical Storm Jeanne reached at least 1,013, with 1,200 people missing, according to the United Nations.

Haiti Copes With Storm Devastation; Deaths Pass 1,000 (Update1)


SBC Communications says it may cut about 10,000 jobs by the end of next year, which would equal, 6 of its workforce. The cuts are a result of customers switching from regular phone lines to cellular and voice-over internet services.

SBC Communications to cut jobs


CAIRO - Sudans president, threatened with UN sanctions over the Darfur crisis, is due to meet Sunday in Libya with leaders of neighbouring powers to lay down the basis for direct talks with the rebels a few days later.

Mini-summit in Libya to seek progress on Darfur crisis


BOSTON (CBS.MW) -- Merck  amp; Co. said late Tuesday that it is establishing a committee to review its handling of the controversial withdrawal of its popular painkiller Vioxx from the market.

Merck sets up Vioxx review committee


Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described media baron Ram Nath Goenka as  quot;one of the pillars of the freedom movement quot;.

Manmohan pays tributes to RN Goenka


America's factories saw orders for big-ticket goods drop in October after brisk activity in the previous month, highlighting the sometimes bumpy recovery experienced by the nation's manufacturers.

Durable Goods Orders Fall in October


Reuters - U.S. retailers are expected to post\modest November sales this week, with No. 1 retailer Wal-Mart\Stores Inc.  already cutting its holiday outlook on high\oil prices and warmer weather.

Retailers Seen Posting Modest Nov. Sales (Reuters)


SAN DIEGO ---- Byron Leftwich, welcome to the Left Coast. The quarterback who leads the Jacksonville Jaguars into Sunday #39;s game at Qualcomm Stadium is no stranger to the Chargers, however.

Will Leftwich coast on Left Coast?


GREEN BAY, Wis.  Brett Favre threw three touchdown passes in his 200th consecutive start, leading the Green Bay Packers to a 45-17 win over the St.

Favre sets record in Packers #39; rout


The Internal Revenue Service is gearing up for tax season. And while it may be a kinder, gentler IRS these days, the agency is still coming after you - especially if you make a lot of money.

IRS widens target for tax return audits


BRUSSELS -- The European Union moved to lift hundreds of millions of dollars in trade sanctions against US exporters, responding to sweeping new US corporate-tax legislation that closes tax breaks ruled illegal by the World Trade Organization.

EU Moves to Lift Trade Sanctions On US Exporters


AP - The warning left in the garage of Omar Hameed, Iraqi National Guardsman, showed two bloody swords and a message:

Insurgents Target Iraqi Security Forces (AP)


The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has rejected a proposed offer for the company from Deutsche Boerse valued at 530 pence per share in cash.

London Exchange rejects German bid


Attempts to keep the Mississippi contained have often had the opposite effect, but now the Army is counting on huge mats of concrete to do the job. Michelle Delio reports from Natchez, Mississippi.

Taming the Wild River


The local issue of Playboy remained on newsstands Friday, after a judge rejected a request for a temporary injunction filed by Athens Games #39; organizers over the magazine #39;s use of Olympic symbols in a photo spread.

Judge rejects injunction by organizers over use of Olympic symbols


BOSTON (Reuters) - General Electric Co. expects earnings  per share to grow between 10 percent and 15 percent in 2005,  boosted by strong energy and financial businesses, the  diversified manufacturing and services company said on Tuesday.

GE Sees 2005 EPS Growth of 10-15 Percent


Xaverian coach Charlie Stevenson approached yesterday's game against No. 3 Brockton as a sort of litmus test for his team.  quot;This was really a measuring game for us, quot; he said after a 35-21 victory for his No. 6 Hawks.  quot;As a team, we weren't really sure where we were at after the first two games. quot;

Xaverian masters Brockton


South African mining giant Gold Fields on Friday said it has filed a complaint in a New York court against rival Harmony to try and stop it from continuing with a hostile takeover to create the world #39;s largest gold producer.

Mining giant goes to court to avert hostile takeover


Iceland has agreed to offer asylum to Bobby Fischer, the former chess champion who is being held in a Japanese jail while fighting extradition to the United States.

Iceland Offers Asylum to Jailed Fischer


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi  said Wednesday he would not withdraw troops from Iraq despite a  threat by a militant group to behead a Japanese hostage within  48 hours unless Tokyo pulled its forces out.

Japan to Keep Troops in Iraq Despite Hostage Case


Oil prices continued to fall on Thursday after an unexpectedly large increase in crude stocks in the US. A barrel of US light crude was down 96 cents to \$51.

Oil prices fall after US report


Responding to a national push to make whole-grain consumption a public-health priority, General Mills Inc. announced it will make all of its Big G breakfast cereals with whole grain.

General Mills cereals to go whole grain


Olympic gymnastics champion Paul Hamm has appeared before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne in a bid to retain the gold medal he won in the mens all-round competition in Athens.

Hamm Defends Gold Medal in Court


Voting is under way in the German state of Saarland, with polls predicting another  defeat for the Social Democrats.

Schroeder faces new poll defeat


Physicians constitute a significant audience for online medical services, according to a survey done in June and July of 1,013 practicing doctors:

Doctors online


ISLAMABAD : Pakistan and India have agreed to restore a second rail link between the countries which was severed nearly 40 years ago.

India and Pakistan agree to reopen second rail link


NEW YORK - Optimism that the embattled technology sector was due for a recovery sent stocks modestly higher Monday despite a new revenue warning from semiconductor company Broadcom Inc.    While Broadcom, which makes chips for television set-top boxes and other electronics, said high inventories resulted in delayed shipments, investors were encouraged as it said future quarters looked brighter...

Stocks Edge Up on Tech-Sector Optimism


Microsoft will not demand the withdrawal of evidence submitted against it in a European antitrust case by two parties that have since dropped their support for the case, a spokesman said Wednesday.

Microsoft Says 2 Former Foes Don #39;t Have to Retract Evidence