Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., the world #39;s largest bottler of Coke products, on Thursday said profits fell in the third quarter as the company wrestled with a soft retail environment and a decline in soft drink consumption.

Coca-Cola Enterprises 3Q Falls


By H. JOSEF HEBERT    WASHINGTON (AP) -- For the first time, scientists have created a genetic map of a cow, providing researchers a new tool to reduce animal disease and improve the nutrition of beef and dairy products, the Agriculture Department announced Wednesday...

Scientists Map the Cow Genome


PITTSBURGH (Sports Network) - Pittsburgh Steelers running  back Duce Staley is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at  Cincinnati with a hamstring injury.

Staley Questionable, Bettis Probable for Steelers


At least 50 Islamic militants, most of them foreigners, were killed by Pakistani forces on Thursday in the South Waziristan tribal region near the Afghan border, a military spokesman said.

At Least 50 Militants Killed in Pakistan Raids


TEMPE, Ariz., (Sports Network) - Arizona Cardinals running  back Emmitt Smith left Sunday's 13-3 loss to the New York Jets  in the first half with a sprained ankle.

Injury Forces Emmitt Out of Arizona Game


Reuters - A trio of powerful explosions\emanating from three different regions in space could mean\astronomers might see stars blowing up within days, scientists\said on Friday.

Three Cosmic Explosions Could Precede Supernovae (Reuters)


INVESTORS stocked up on Woolworths shares today on renewed faith that the supermarket leader could withstand heavy competition from rival Coles Myer.

Investors buy up Woolies


Determined to finish second in the 2004 Constructors #39; Championship, the French team replaced Jarno Trulli with Villeneuve prior to the Chinese GP.

Faure:  #39;Jacques was a mistake #39;


AFP - Prodded by political logic, Democratic White House hope John Kerry is shedding an inbred reluctance to showcase his faith, and using scripture to malign President George W. Bush, a born-again Methodist.

Match faith with deeds: Kerry turns the Scriptures on Bush (AFP)


Hoping to keep more Internet users in its branded universe, Microsoft Corp. has become the latest company to offer blogging to the masses.

Microsoft debuts MSN Spaces for bloggers


A Moscow court has barred the embattled Russian oil giant Yukos from holding an emergency shareholders meeting next week, a Russian oil company official said Thursday.

Update 1: Moscow Court Bars Yukos Meeting


Senior deputies to the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, who is critically ill in France, are due to fly to Paris today to get first-hand information on his condition.

Palestinian deputy en route to Paris


AP - The government's cybersecurity chief has abruptly resigned after one year with the Department of Homeland Security, confiding to industry colleagues his frustration over what he considers a lack of attention paid to computer security issues within the agency.

U.S. Cybersecurity Chief Abruptly Resigns (AP)


Not long ago, a Saga holiday seemed synonymous with a coachload of ancient aunts with Thermos flasks heading for the coast. Now the company that has made a fortune out of the  quot;grey pound quot; is

Little hotel venture now takes care of millions


ATLANTA - Showing they can circle the wagons with the best of them, the Braves fought off enemies real and imagined Friday night on the heels of shortstop Rafael Furcal #39;s DUI arrest.

Braves end three-game losing streak


PALESTINIAN security forces are unable to stop the spreading chaos in the West Bank and Gaza, Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie said today, a day after a failed attempt to kill a Gaza security commander.

Security forces  #39;can #39;t stop chaos #39;


Bracy Walker got one of the game balls and rightfully so. Needing intravenous fluids to fight off dehydration, Walker rescued the Detroit Lions from the NFL #39;s longest road losing streak Sunday.

Lions end record 24-game road losing streak vs. Bears


Andre Agassi advanced to the quarter-finals of the Stockholm Open with a comfortable 6-3 6-4 victory over 1997 champion Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden.

AGASSI ADVANCES


Five months ago, Danny Williams beat a shadow. Tonight, he'll try to beat a mountain. Don't bet against the mountain.

Williams a timid challenger?


Oil prices dropped sharply Monday, falling below \$42 US per barrel, as last week #39;s selloff continued despite sabotage of Iraqi oil infrastructure that curbed exports.

Oil prices drop sharply to \$42US per barrel in spite of Iraqi <b>...</b>


AP - The Supreme Court, which settled the last presidential election, may be drawn into this one even before Election Day.

Provisional Vote Fight Nears High Court (AP)


As eager Macintosh developers waited for Steve Jobs to speak, the familiar strains of  quot;Magical Mystery Tour quot; filled the darkened hall at an Apple Computer conference in June.

Apple v. Apple: Perfect harmony?


Australia batsman Darren Lehmann sustained a hamstring tear on the first day of the third test against India on Tuesday which could sideline him for the rest of the match.

Lehmann suffers hamstring injury in Nagpur test


AP - The Inter-American Press Association criticized the U.S. government on Sunday for placing restrictions on foreign journalists' travels and for recent court rulings ordering reporters to reveal secret sources.

Press Association Faults U.S. Restrictions (AP)


Get some earplugs:  quot;Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas quot; hit stores Tuesday, and the sound from cash registers ringing up copies of the video game could be deafening.

Watch out:  #39;Grand Theft Auto #39; back on streets


New Zealand #39;s biggest appliance maker Fisher and Paykel Appliances said today it acquired United States manufacturer and distributor of premium cooking appliances, Dynamic Cooking Systems.

Fisher  amp; Paykel buys US company


IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 2 -- Computer maker Gateway Inc. said Tuesday that it had agreed to repurchase stock held by America Online Inc.

Gateway Will Buy Back Stock From America Online


At least one big-city police department has suspended use of pepper-spray pellet guns blamed for the death of a 21-year-old college student who was shot by police trying to break up a rowdy crowd of Red Sox fans last week.

Seattle Suspends Use of Controversial Gun


Virgin Mobile added 647,000 new users in the last half-year with turnover up by 18, the firm says, but profits fell due to rising costs.

Virgin Mobile adds more customers


AP - In the latest squabble over patents between Japanese and South Korean electronics giants, Toshiba has sued Hynix Semiconductor's Japan and U.S. units, alleging patent infringement in flash-memory chips, key components in digital cameras and cell phones.

Toshiba Sues Over Patent Infringement (AP)


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Sales of video games rose about 11  percent in the United States in November, analysts said on  Friday, with two key titles responsible for almost 30 percent  of all games sold in the month.

U.S. Video Games Sales Up 11 Pct in Nov.-Analysts


Friday #39;s Commerce Department report says orders for most durable goods jumped 2.3 percent in the month. These figures exclude a decline in orders for civilian aircraft.

Report: US Manufacturing Regains Some Strength


FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank will cut  its euro zone economic growth forecasts for the next two years  when official projections are released on Thursday, a monetary  source told Reuters.

ECB Trims Growth Forecasts for 2004, 2005


quot;Take Me Out, quot; which opens Wednesday at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, is about baseball. Playwright Richard Greenberg is a baseball fan.

Gay playwright #39;s a natural for writing about baseball


Federal regulators imposed a \$10 million penalty against an Alabama bank for alleged violations of rules barring money laundering.

Ala. Bank AmSouth to Pay \$10M Penalty


A Japanese man accused of using file-sharing software to release movies over the Internet received a suspended prison sentence Tuesday.

Japanese copyright violator is sentenced


Two Israelis who were jailed for two months for trying to obtain a New Zealand passport were released from prison and deported Wednesday, Prime Minister Helen Clark said.

New Zealand releases Israeli spies


on Friday sought a recall of many U-shaped locks after word spread that an ordinary pen could pick what had been thought to be some of the toughest locks.

Pen Trick on Bike Locks Could Cost Firms Millions


Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade has quietly risen to the elite level of future superstars that includes fellow 2003 draft classmates LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

Wade Impresses All


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Militants bombed Iraq's northern oil  pipeline to Turkey on Thursday, halting exports, and killed  three Turkish hostages in a campaign to wreck reconstruction  efforts and undermine the interim government.

Iraq Militants Kill Three Turks, Bomb Oil Pipeline


Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s cabinet passed a bill on the nuts and bolts of pulling out of occupied Gaza Sunday, a day before he seeks approval from Israel #39;s parliament for his withdrawal plan.

Israeli Cabinet Passes Gaza Bill Before Key Vote


Microsoft is again pledging to improve the security of its software by beginning to notify customers of upcoming patches. However, the promise came just as experts warned that attack code exploiting

New Warning Issued for Internet Explorer


AFP - French pharmaceutical group Sanofi-Synthelabo formally announced the birth of Sanofi-Aventis, the world's third-largest pharmaceutical company, ranking number one in Europe.

Sanofi-Aventis becomes world's third-largest pharmaceutical company (AFP)


HOUSTON - Roger Clemens was scratched from Houston's critical regular-season finale against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday after coming down with a stomach virus, missing a chance to help the Astros clinch the NL's wild-card spot.    With a victory over the Rockies or a San Francisco loss at Los Angeles, Houston would clinch the final playoff spot...

Clemens to Miss Start With Virus


Napster founder Shawn Fanning is back in the music-downloading game, this time with a legal service that has the blessing of at least some significant members of the music industry.

Napster #39;s Shawn Fanning Back With New Music Service


On the occasion of its 30th anniversary in the semiconductor business, Samsung announced plans to invest \$24 billion into semiconductor production over the next six years, an expansion that will create 10,000 new jobs.

Samsung To Pour \$24B into Semi Production


World number one Roger Federer says his title defence at the ATP Masters Cup in Houston will be the stepping stone to his 2005 campaign.

Federer focused on Masters Cup success


By MATTI HUUHTANEN    HELSINKI, Finland (AP) -- Nokia said Thursday its third-quarter revenue and profits would be better than expected, citing an increase in mobile phone sales. The news pushed its shares up nearly 6.5 percent in trading...

Nokia Raises Outlook on Global Phone Sales


Chicago Cubs: A groundskeeper found a rusted, hollowed-out shell of a grenade in the right field turf of Chicago #39;s Wrigley Field.

Bomb and arson investigators call device a  #39;dud #39;


Google and Mozilla Firefox Working Together\\Google have hosted a customized Internet Explorer search page for many years now specially designed to act as sidebar search. And with the launch of the first final release of the very popular Mozilla Firefox browser, we now have a custom page specially designed for ...


History the New England Patriots were finally able to acknowledge, despite the fact they didnt look perhaps as crisp offensively as theyve been, in a 24-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.

Patriots finish off 19th straight team with 24-10 victory


US-LED forces attacked two Iraqi rebel strongholds yesterday, killing nearly two dozen insurgents in a town near the Syrian border and bombing targets in Fallujah for a third day.

Insurgents hunted down to border stronghold in US-led fightback


LONDON, Nov. 15. - Britains middle distance great Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London 2012 bid committee, insisted that the English capital has closed ground on leading rivals Paris and Madrid in its bid to host the Olympic Games.

Londons chances improve


For the nearly 71 percent of the UK who still use dial-up Internet connections, XP SP2 will soon be at hand without a long download.

Microsoft readies CD launch of SP2


Production staff - now standing at 1000 - will be cut by two-thirds as News International, the UK newspaper unit of News Corp, moves its London printing facilities from Wapping to Enfield.

UK paper moves to Enfield


Peyton Manning won a shootout with opposite number Daunte Culpepper as the Indianapolis Colts claimed a last-minute 31-28 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

Four-TD Manning masters Minnesota


Home Depot, the US home improvement store chain, has agreed to pay \$5.5m (3m) to settle a discrimination case. Home Depot denied any wrongdoing, saying it has  quot;a zero tolerance policy quot; towards discrimination

DIY firm settles sex bias lawsuit


Homeowners unfortunate enough to get slammed by multiple hurricanes in the past seven weeks have had to face the risk of another less deadly but more expensive disaster.

Michael Peltier: Some insurers waiving mulitple deductibles


MOSCOW (CP) - Russia mourned 89 victims of a double air disaster today as debate intensified over whether the two passenger liners could have plunged almost simultaneously from the sky by accident.

Russian jets #39; crashes still mysterious


Chinese officials Monday rebuffed Secretary of State Colin L. Powell's suggestion they use a possibly conciliatory speech by Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian to restart cross-straits discussions, telling him in strong terms that they are not impressed by Chen's words and are worried about his actions.

China Rebuffs Powell's Suggestions on Taiwan


It won #39;t be long before the Red Sox #39;s historic World Series win is immortalized in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

World Series items head to Cooperstown


They #39;ve won three in a row and nine of the last 10 to improve to 9-4 overall. The Cavaliers are now 6-1 at the Gund. Only San Antonio, Seattle and Sacramento, who are undefeated at home, have better records in their home arenas.

Things looking up for Cavs


LONDON : Oil prices slid for a third day running as speculators banked profits ahead of next week #39;s US presidential election amid easing supply fears and China #39;s move to hike interest rates, analysts said.

World oil prices fall on profit-taking ahead of US election


Red Hat has appointed its CFO to replace the sudden departure of Kevin Thompson two months ago. Charlie Peters is the new head of finance at the leading Linux distributor and takes the title Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Red Hat appoints new CFO


Using a new

Radisson Hotels unveils online check-in service


AP - In the highest-scoring regulation game in Division I-A history, Brian Nunez returned an interception 28 yards with 2:18 left for the last of 19 touchdowns and San Jose State beat Rice 70-63 on Saturday night.

San Jose State, Rice Set Scoring Record (AP)


Points leader Kurt Busch spun out and ran out of fuel, and his misfortune was one of the reasons crew chief Jimmy Fennig elected not to pit with 20 laps to go.

Busch stays on top as the Chase turns at Phoenix


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Colin Powell is  leaning toward a determination that the violence in the western  Sudan region of Darfur constitutes genocide, Bush  administration officials said on Wednesday.

Powell Leans Toward Genocide Finding in Darfur


A senior figure in the Burmese military has been appointed to replace the prime minister, Khin Nyunt, Burmese state media has reported.

General appointed new Burmese PM


Britain #39;s Stephen Dodd coped admirably with icy winds and rain to produce a two-under-par 70 and take a three-stroke lead at the midway point of the China Open on Friday.

Welshman Dodd midway leader in China


Australian cyclist Katie Mactier has won silver behind New Zealand world champion Sarah Ulmer in the women #39;s 3000 metre individual pursuit at the Athens Olympics.

Mactier collects pursuit silver


Reuters - A suspected suicide car bomb detonated\near a police station beside the protected Green Zone in\Baghdad on Saturday, the latest strike in a guerrilla campaign\to undermine Iraq's inexperienced security forces.

Car Bomber Attacks Near Baghdad Green Zone (Reuters)


AP - Bush administration persistence in using diplomacy to solve a nuclear weapons crisis with North Korea is coming up short as the insular regime bobs and weaves away from resuming negotiations.

American Diplomatic Drive Comes Up Short (AP)


Novell has claimed the future of software development is not to be found in either the open-source or proprietary models but one that combines the best of both worlds --  quot;both source quot;.

Novell: The future is  #39;both-source #39;


Security personnel carry a victim of one of two bomb attacks in Baghdad. Photograph: Akram Saleh/Reuters. At least eight people were killed and 50 wounded today in two car bomb attacks in central Baghdad.

Eight killed in Baghdad blasts


Thomson Corp., owner of the Westlaw legal-research and First Call financial data services, is selling 54 business publications including the Bond Buyer and American Banker for \$350 million to buyout firm Investcorp SA.

Thomson to Sell Media Unit to Investcorp for \$350 Mln (Update3)


AFP - The United States presented a draft UN resolution that steps up the pressure on Sudan over the crisis in Darfur, including possible international sanctions against its oil sector.

US drafts new UN resolution on Sudan over Darfur (AFP)


Reuters - The leaders of India and Pakistan on\Friday hailed a new era in often-fraught relations between the\two nuclear rivals and agreed to study a joint pipeline project\and pursue solutions to the Kashmir conflict.

India, Pakistan Leaders Hail New Chapter in Ties (Reuters)


Delta Air Lines unveiled changes yesterday that will remake its business, but officials warned that soaring costs still could land the nation #39;s third-largest carrier carrier in bankruptcy court.

Delta to slash up to 7,000 jobs


Dual-core chips that AMD and Intel plan to bring to market next year won't be sharing their memories.

Dual-core chips bring dual caches


OCTOBER 14, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - IBM and Cisco Systems Inc. unveiled product updates that will tie technology from the two companies more closely together in an effort to secure customer networks from worms and viruses.

IBM, Cisco forge enterprise security tie


Many US businesses are already introducing greenhouse gas reduction programs despite their government #39;s failure to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

US firms prove green credentials


HARRY Kewell and John Aloisi did not travel with the Socceroos to the Solomon Islands yesterday, adding a touch of uncertainty to tomorrow #39;s Confederations Cup qualifying tie regarded as a foregone conclusion a week ago.

Kewell, Aloisi and Viduka on sidelines


Professional video-game players are converging on San Francisco for a world championship event, and while none of their faces have yet wound up on a Wheaties box, some make tens of thousands of dollars a year in winnings.

Taking Their Game to the Next Level


Russia #39;s permanent representative to the United Nations, Andrey Denisov, left, shakes hands with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan while Kenyan Nobel Peace prize winner Wangari Maathai, right, look on after they signed the Kyoto Protocol on global warming.

Global Warming Treaty Gets Russia #39;s OK


There were a lot of  quot;firsts quot; Friday at the ATP stop in Delray Beach, with more to come. Top-seeded Vince Spadea (d. (Q) Armando in three) reached his first Delray Beach semifinal in seven attempts.

Spadea, Ancic Into Semifinals at Delray Beach


The college football season enters its final weekend on Saturday, but the suspense surrounding the Heisman Trophy is already gone.

The Process of Picking a Winner Poses Issues


IBM is tweaking its semiconductor technology to help extend the performance of its servers and enterprise PCs, the company said Monday.

IBM Perks Up Memory, Transistors


Reuters - Strippers and pole dancers should be banned from performing in stretch limousines, according to a\British report.

Welsh to ban strippers in limousines (Reuters)


Reuters - When Michelle Brown, a corporate\banker outside of Los Angeles, filled out paperwork for an\apartment rental, little did she realize that financial details\offered to a landlord would lead to identity theft that plagued\five years of her life.

Identity Theft Woes Grow for Consumers (Reuters)


It wasn't the eighth inning of a Game 7 in Yankee Stadium with the Sox clinging to a lead, but it was close.

Martinez gets chance to help


Lawyers fighting a court challenge of evolution disclaimers on textbooks told a federal judge in final arguments Friday that the goal was tolerance.

Evolution trial lawyers make final pleas


A Soyuz capsule made a soft landing in complete darkness in the steppes of Kazakhstan early on Sunday, bringing a US-Russian space trio back to Earth from the International Space Station.

US-Russian ISS Trio Lands Softly in Pitch-Dark


Pakistans decision to refuse the International Atomic Energy Agency to have direct access to Dr AQ Khan is correct on both legal and political counts.

EDITORIAL: IAEA cannot request access to Dr AQ Khan


GARDEZ, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai had to abort a rare campaign rally Thursday in this town southeast of the capital when a rocket was fired over his helicopter as it began to land.

Rocket fire thwarts rally for Karzai


Two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen grabbed the first-round lead in the BMW Open at 6-under-par 66, and Colin Montgomerie boosted his Ryder Cup chances by finishing a stroke back on Thursday.

Montgomerie makes case for Ryder Cup with 67


One of the toughest problems in maths may have been solved by the Russian scientist Dr Grigori Perelman, of the Steklov Institute of Mathematics.

Big maths solution  #39;looks good #39;


BEIJING - China said yesterday that its close ally North Korea will not be pulling out of six-party talks, despite Pyongyang hinting that Washington #39;s hardline policy made the negotiations unworkable.

North Korea  #39;won #39;t pull out of 6-way talks #39;


UNITED NATIONS : The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution presented by France and the United States calling for respect for Lebanon #39;s sovereignty, the US ambassador here said.

US-French resolution on Lebanese sovereignty to go to vote <b>...</b>


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Roger Federer, the world #39;s No. 1 tennis player, pulled out of the Swiss Indoors tournament Tuesday after injuring his left thigh in warm-up.

Injured Federer pulls out of Swiss event


At least one person was killed and 15 bystanders were injured in a bomb blast in a busy market in Pakistan #39;s southwestern Balochistan province on Thursday, a local official said.

Bomb blast kills one, injures 15 in southwestern Pakistan


By staff writers and wires. THE track where a passenger train was derailed in Queensland today, injuring more than 100 people, was inspected just hours before the crash, it has emerged.

Crash line had regular checks


The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is preparing to meet in Vienna on Wednesday in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable mood: helplessness.

OPEC Finds Few Options to Put a Lid On Oil Prices


Reuters - Hollywood's major movie studios\said they won a  #36;23.8 million judgment against a California\company and its Malaysian owner for operating a Web site that\charged customers to download illegally copied movies.

Film Studios Win  #36;24 Million Against Web Site (Reuters)


AP - Israel gave Yasser Arafat permission Monday to briefly leave his compound to receive medical treatment in the West Bank city of Ramallah, heightening concerns the Palestinian leader is seriously ill.

Arafat Gets OK to Seek Medical Treatment (AP)


Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou have been charged with avoiding a drug test on the eve of the Athens Olympics and then faking a motorcycle accident.

Greek sprinting pair are charged


ATHENS, Greece - Paul Hamm's gold medal just lost its luster. A scoring mistake at the all-around gymnastics final cost South Korea's Yang Tae-young the gold that ended up going to Hamm, the International Gymnastics Federation ruled Saturday...

Judging Error Led to Paul Hamm's Gold


With the presidential election less than six weeks away, activists and security experts are ratcheting up concern over the use of touch-screen machines to cast votes.  <FONT face=

A Touchy Debate Over Voting


Philips Electronics, Europe #39;s largest maker of CD players, said Thursday that it had sold its 3 percent stake in Vivendi Universal, owner of the world #39;s biggest music company.

Philips sells stake in Vivendi


Reuters - What are the words used by indigenous\peoples in the Arctic for

As Ice Thaws, Arctic Peoples at Loss for Words (Reuters)


AFP - Ugly scenes of crowd violence returned to mar English football as Liverpool fans became incensed during their side's 3-0 win at Millwall's The Den.

Trouble back on England's terraces (AFP)


AP - Japan lodged a formal complaint with North Korea on Wednesday after tests showed that human remains which Pyongyang claimed belonged to a Japanese citizen abducted decades ago by communist agents are those of someone else.

N. Korea Remains Are Not of Japan Citizen (AP)


BRUSSELS, Belgium Aug. 25, 2004 - Risking another trans-Atlantic tussle over Microsoft Corp., European Union antitrust regulators said Wednesday they were investigating whether the software giant #39;s deal with media conglomerate Time Warner Inc.

EU Probes Microsoft-Time Warner Deal


IBM is expected to disclose on Wednesday features of the forthcoming version of its WebSphere application server, which will center on improving performance and administration.

IBM tightens up WebSphere


MATCH-winning midfielder Josip Skoko yesterday revealed the multi-millionaire Socceroos have made a pact to sacrifice all creature comforts in pursuit of a World Cup spot.

Skoko tells of Roos #39; resolve


UN Security Council ambassadors were still quibbling over how best to pressure Sudan and rebels to end two different wars in the country even as they left for Kenya on Tuesday for a meeting on the crisis.

UN Council Heads to Kenya in Search of Sudan Peace


Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Intel Corp. (INTC.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday ended their 10-year partnership

HP, Intel End Itanium Partnership


This season Clemson and West Virginia installed goal posts that can be lowered to the ground in a matter of seconds, thus preventing injuries to fans who storm the field after big football victories.

Protective goal posts come into play at Clemson, W. Virginia


Loudon, NH (Sports Network) - Kurt Busch led the most laps (155) and captured the Sylvania 300 Nextel Cup race at the New Hampshire International Speedway.

Busch wins, shares lead with Earnhardt Jr.


The man charged with making US computer networks safer has quit after only a year in the job.

US cyber security chief resigns


The story of modern humans final interactions with the extinct Homo erectus may have been revealed by research into the evolution of lice.

Lice may reveal early human interaction


RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Yasser  Arafat, weakened by what doctors think may be leukemia, flew  for treatment in France on Friday from the besieged West Bank  headquarters where he had been pinned for over 2-1/2 years.

Weakened Arafat Heads for France, Cancer Suspected


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a plan Tuesday to merge state oil company Rosneft into Gazprom, a move that would end restrictions on foreign ownership in the giant gas company, according to published reports.

Deal key to opening energy sector to foreign investment


Five new satellites - and one candidate moon - have been discovered orbiting the giant planet Neptune, bringing its tally of moons to 13.

Five new moons for planet Neptune


Reuters - A Canadian team's\bid to launch the country's first manned spaceship is on hold,\although the aspiring astronauts have not given up their\attempt to win a  #36;10 million prize.

Private Canadian Spacecraft Launch on Hold (Reuters)


Microsoft Corp. on Friday said it is partnering with Automatic Data Processing Inc. Small Business Services to offer integrated payroll services as part of the new Office release scheduled to make its United States debt in late 2005.

Microsoft To Add LInks To Payroll Services In Next Version Of <b>...</b>


It has been quiet sometime since we heard news related to domain name issues. Microsoft recently had some with a kid named Mike Rowe who opened up a site MikeRoweSoft.

Apple having problems getting iTunes.co.uk


President Bush and Sen. John Kerry aren #39;t the only ones whose futures are riding on Tuesday #39;s election. Also at stake: the reputation of Diebold, the largest maker of electronic voting machines.

Voting machine has trial by fire


NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Signs of discord emerged between  India and Pakistan as foreign ministers from the nuclear-armed  rivals met on Sunday to review and advance a peace process that  has faltered recently over Kashmir.

Signs of Discord as Indo-Pakistan Ministers Meet


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - Nextel Communications said Monday that it has purchased shares of its own stock and Nextel Partners from Motorola.

Nextel buys shares from Motorola


After registering music and copyright information in Snocap #39;s database, labels and artists can manage online distribution through Snocap #39;s copyright management system, which lets them set rules for each track on a global basis.

Technology ; Napster creator unveils online music technology


COLUMBUS, Ohio - Mired in a three-game losing streak, Ohio State will be without senior running back Lydell Ross for Saturdays game against Indiana.

Ohio St. RB suspended for Indiana game


Serbs went to the polls in local elections on Sunday in the first test of voter opinion since they chose pro-Western President Boris Tadic in June.

Serbs Vote for Councils and Belgrade Super-Mayor


Oakland Athletics pitcher Tim Hudson smiles during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles, Aug. 23, 2004, in Oakland, Calif.

A #39;s Trade Pitcher Tim Hudson to Braves


BARCELONA - A fossilized ape that was adept at climbing trees and stood upright was the last probable ancestor to great apes, including humans, researchers said Thursday.

Paleontologists say fossil may be ancestor to great apes


Boeing (BA :NYSE - news - research) shares slipped Monday after the plane maker and AMR (AMR :NYSE - news - research) agreed on a deal allowing the parent of American Airlines to defer 54 of 56 aircraft originally scheduled for delivery between 2006 and

Boeing, AMR Agree on Order Delay


Retief Goosen was the only player to book his place in the quarter-finals of the HSBC World Match Play here yesterday but it took a record margin of victory for the South African to be in such a luxurious overnight position.

Goosen skims through rain to secure record victory


Ernie Els isnt sure that being No. 2 in the World Golf rankings is much different just because the player at No. 1 has changed.

Els climb could be first of several changes in 2005


Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has urged European football #39;s governing body, UEFA, not to punish star striker Didier Drogba for taunting Paris Saint-Germain fans on Tuesday.

Drogba faces UEFA punishment


AP - The Bush administration is backing off plans to require hospitals to ask emergency room patients their immigration status, after hospitals and advocates for immigrants protested.

ER Patients Won't Have to Give U.S. Status (AP)


SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea is likely to return to talks on its nuclear weapons development now that the US election is over, South Korea #39;s foreign minister said today.

North Korea may talk nukes


AUSTRALIA #39;s elite cricketers can relax because the game #39;s suspect bowlers, including Muttiah Muralitharan, may be exposed rather than cleared by proposed new laws that have stunned the sport.

Chuck stops here


The Free Standards Group will announce on Tuesday the availability of the Linux Standard Base (LSB) 2.0, and that this standard has the support of almost all global Linux distribution vendors.

Open-Source Developers Cheer New Linux Base Standard


SeaDour writes  quot;CNET News has an interesting perspective on the changing face of technology on campus. These days, students are showing more interest in the tech perks that campuses have to offer, and universities are taking notice.

The Changing Face Of Campus Tech


Reuters - Dutch Finance Minister Gerrit Zalm\says his

Dutch Minister's World Revealed in 'Blog' (Reuters)


Guidant Corp. said yesterday that the Cypher cardiac stent regained some market share after rival Boston Scientific Corp. conducted three recalls of its competing device.

Cypher market share climbs


Shares of Merck  amp; Co. (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) fell on Thursday after a US study suggested that patients taking its Vioxx arthritis drug had a 50 percent greater risk

Merck falls after FDA trial casts cloud on Vioxx


It was standing room only at Le Palais des Congr #232;s in Paris as Phil Schiller kicked off Apple Expo 2004 with a rousing keynote introducing the iMac G5. Read a report and view a photo gallery. Aug 31

Apple Expo 2004 Paris


The Broken  Window Fallacy is a parable about a shopkeeper's window that gets  broken by a naughty little boy and the economical shenanigans that  ensue.  Initially, the townsfolk sympathize with the shopkeeper,  condemning the lad as a vandalism prone vagabond, yet eventually more  specious reasoning prevails.

The Broken Window Fallacy


California is enacting environmental legislation that could shape the U.S. auto market.

California Calls the Shots


A lightning storm has delayed the start of the Davis Cup World Group qualifying playoff between Austria and Great Britain in Portschach, Austria on clay.

Britain, Austrian Davis Cup Tie Plagued by Rain


Rick Ankiel walked off the mound after throwing a scoreless inning and was met with a rousing reception of high-fives and slaps on the back.    After more than three years away, the St...

Ankiel Throws Scoreless Inning for Cards


AP - More than  #36;1 billion in federal aid to help schools and libraries connect to the Internet is being delayed by a bookkeeping change that has tied up the money.

#36;1B in Federal Aid to Schools Delayed (AP)


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices surged to record highs above  \$54 on Tuesday as supply hitches hindered efforts to build  winter heating fuel inventories.

Oil Vaults Over \$54 on Winter Worries


By MICHAEL LIEDTKE    SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Online search engine upstart Vivisimo Inc. is setting out to persuade the masses that Google Inc...

Search Upstart Launches New Web Site


Englishman Dan Wheldon claimed an historic Indy Racing League victory in the Indy 225 at Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Wheldon, from Emberton, got his title challenge back on track with his win in the 100th IRL race, his third victory of a superb season.

WHELDON WINS INDY RACE


(Nov. 22, 2004) -- If you go back to September before the season started and looked at the Monday Night Football schedule, this game between New England and Kansas City stood out as one of the premiere matchups.

Patriots and Chiefs must score wisely


IBM is in talks to sell its personal computer manufacturing business which, if successful, would mark the end of an era in the brief history of the PC, a machine the company helped to invent.

IBM in talks to sell its PC business


Whether its money, the roar of the crowd or just to improve ones place in history, there are more boxers who later regret the decision to return to the ring rather than those who stay home.

Boxing Comebacks a Mixed Bag; 82 of Media Say Trinidad-Mayorga <b>...</b>


AFP - Russia said it wants to emulate India's success in information technology as it wooed Indian firms for joint projects and called on both nations to team up to tap global markets.

Russia woos Indian IT firms, call to jointly tap global markets (AFP)


New York (Dow Jones) -- Readers of Martha Stewart #39;s flagship magazine are renewing their subscriptions at a pace well ahead of industry norms.

Martha Stewart subscribers renewing at brisk pace


The action should come fast and furious, with retail sales figures kicking off Monday morning and a Federal Reserve event grabbing traders #39; attention Tuesday.

The Coming Week: Fed Focus


With tomorrow's deadline approaching, Oracle today made another plea to PeopleSoft stockholders to tender their shares, telling them,

Oracle: PeopleSoft investors should tender shares


LONDON, England -- Newcastle achieved their first European success in France as a 4-0 win over Sochaux took the Premier League team to the top of UEFA Group D. A first half goal from Lee Bowyer and strikes

Impressive Newcastle rout Sochaux


DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi Islamist group beheaded an Iraqi  contractor it said was working for U.S. forces, a video on an  Islamist Web site showed Saturday.

Internet Video Shows Militant Beheading Iraqi


Nov 1st 2004 06:30. In a press release, Capcom announced that the latest entry in the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 4, will be ported to the Playstation 2. Thought to be an exclusive game

News: Resident Evil 4 For PS2


Financially troubled Delta Air Lines said Friday that it is burning through cash much faster than expected and its third-quarter loss will be far greater than expected.

Delta at bankruptcy  #39;finish line #39;


In a new survey by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), about 30 of all respondents, and 40 of those under 25 years-old, underestimate their chances of facing a cyber threat.

Judging Your Chances Against Cyber Threats


Two Pakistani prisoners were holed up in Kabul's main prison Friday after a bloody breakout attempt that left at least six dead and eight wounded, officials said.

Six Killed in Afghan Jail Break


SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--Oracle, Dell, Intel, and EMC are joining forces on a project aimed at combining their core technologies and technical resources to develop an enterprise grid computing

Oracle, Dell, Intel, and EMC join to develop Megagrid


America should be an overwhelming favorite in the Ryder Cup golf matches that begin Friday on Detroit #39;s Oakland Hills course that Ben Hogan once called a monster.

Americans impassive entering Ryder Cup


WMC Resources, the Australian mining group fighting a hostile A\$7.4bn takeover bid from Xstrata, is to return up to A\$1bn (US\$1.3bn) to shareholders after yesterday upgrading its profit forecast for 2004.

WMC to return A\$1bn of capital


A 42-year-old man is charged with killing a former miner who was found on his Nottinghamshire doorstep.

Man charged with killing ex-miner


Randy Hymes has been the Ravens' most productive wide receiver and will start in place of the injured Travis Taylor for the third consecutive game on Monday.

Hymes Catching On


LONDON: Some 2,000 people crammed into London #39;s Westminster Cathedral yesterday for a mass in memory of British aid worker Margaret Hassan, who was taken hostage and is believed slain by her abductors.

Memorial for UK hostage


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Spending in Eastern Europe and Asia  is expected to lead a recovery in the global technology market  over the next three years, according to an industry report  released Tuesday.

Tech Spending Looks Up in Asia, E.Europe


Automakers including General Motors Corp. said US sales fell in August as gasoline prices near records hurt demand. General Motors and Ford Motor Co.

General Motors, Ford Say Aug. US Auto Sales Fell (Update5)


There was nothing much to choose between the top four of world silver medallist Helm, Canada #39;s double Commonwealth champion Despatie and 2000 Olympic gold and silver medallists Tian and Hu after Saturday #39;s semi-final round.

Final plunge for 10m platform


The Geminid meteor shower is one of the annual meteor showers that pull professional and amateur astronomers alike out into the cold night air.

Meteor shower peaks tonight


Customers that use the dual-core processors that Intel Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) are expected to begin shipping next year will not need to buy extra licenses for Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft: No extra licenses needed for multicore chips


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar rose on Monday in a  retracement from last week's steep losses, but dealers said the  bias toward a weaker greenback remained intact.

Dollar Firms, Bearish Sentiment Lingers


Puerto Rico upsets the United States, 92-73, at the men's basketball preliminaries on Sunday, the first loss at the Games for the three-time defending gold medalists since 1988.

Puerto Rico Stuns U.S. in Opening Round


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed higher on Monday  after a drop in oil prices eased worries about high energy  costs, although disappointing earnings from diversified  manufacturer 3M Co.<A HREF=

U.S. Stocks Gain as Oil Falls


Oil prices bounced back on Friday, ending this week #39;s 8 percent slide on renewed winter supply fears and jitters ahead of next week #39;s US presidential election.

Oil Up on Supply Woes, Election Jitters


A Russian Soyuz spacecraft brought a new crew to the International Space Station Saturday morning, the Interfax news agency reported.

Soyuz docks with space station


The union representing US Airways baggage handlers hopes to find cost cuts without losing 4,000 jobs to outsourcing, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

IAM wants to save US Airways baggage jobs


AP - Growth in China's main indicator for inflation slowed to 4.3 percent in October, significantly lower than the 5.2 percent annual increase the month before, the government reported Friday.

China's Key Inflation Index Slows (AP)


Colombo - Five people fought for their lives on Sunday a day after a grenade attack killed two concertgoers and wounded 17 at a controversial show featuring top Indian film stars in the Sri Lankan capital, police said.

Concert bomb: 5 still critical


Do Search Engine Spiders Pick Up Url's in a Javascript Menu?\\This subject has been discussed before in length, but solutions have remained personal opinion. A thread over at Highrankings addresses some interesting issues regarding whether or not a search engine spider can extract links from a javascript menu. If the ...

Do Search Engine Spiders Pick Up Urls in a Javascript Menu?


ALDERSON, W.Va. (Reuters) - Trendsetter Martha Stewart  reported to a minimum-security prison known as

Martha Stewart Reports to Prison


Experts at Sophos report that the virus is currently accounting for 75 of all virus reports at Sophos #39;s global network of monitoring stations in the last 24 hours.

1 in 10 emails infected with Christmas virus


Under-pressure England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson insists he does not fear the sack even if his team lose in Poland tonight. Speculation is mounting that the Swede will lose his job if England

Sven is cool


Agent Scott Boras represents 11 free agents this off-season, and much of his list reads like an All-Star Game lineup.

Mets Can't Escape Dealing With Boras This Winter


AP - Geoff McArthur caught two of Aaron Rodgers' career-high four touchdown passes, and eighth-ranked California racked up 550 total yards in a 45-28 victory over UCLA on Saturday.

No. 8 California Runs Over UCLA 45-28 (AP)


Bowstreet this week launched its Enterprise Portal Solutions, a set of portal-based composite applications designed to bolster employee, partner, and customer productivity.

In Brief: Bowstreet unveils pre-packaged portal offerings


Software maker SCO Group has been targeted by hackers once again. This time, the company #39;s Web site was defaced. The attacks began during the long holiday weekend and were first noticed

SCO Group Web Site Attacked Again


Insurers are counting the cost of Hurricane Charley in Florida, with early damage estimates reaching as high as \$14bn (7.6; 11bn euros).

Insurers face massive storm bill


THOMASTOWN, Ireland (Reuters) - A maiden World Golf  Championship victory at the WGC-American Express Championship  on Sunday proved to Ernie Els that he is firmly on track after  a disappointing year.

Els Enjoys New Lease of Life with Mount Juliet Win


New Livingston manager Richard Gough insists he has already made his best-ever signing for the club by convincing former Rangers and Manchester United coach Archie Knox to be his number two at Almondvale.

Gough: Knox Is Key Livi Signing


Lanny Thorndike, whose Century Shares Trust mutual fund has about one-third of its assets in insurance stocks, is keeping his investments in Marsh  amp; McLennan and American International Group

Insurance probe doesn #39;t frighten Century Shares


Tony Azevedo whizzed a last-second shot past Croatian goalkeeper Frano Vican to give the American water polo team a 7-6 victory in its tournament opener yesterday.

Azevedo shot does trick


Their supposed new pitching staff ace is on the disabled list and their late-inning bullpen situation has the potential to be a mess, but those problems were easy to ignore Tuesday night, thanks in part to Steve Finley.

Finley pays dividends in victory


Reuters - Saboteurs blew up Iraq's northern\export pipeline for the second week in a row on Saturday,\halting oil flows to Turkey's Ceyhan port, oil officials said.

Sabotage Stops Iraq's North Oil Exports (Reuters)


BAGHDAD - Iraqi colleagues of kidnapped aid worker Margaret Hassan say they are deeply worried that Tony Blair #39;s repeated pledge to  #39;save #39; her is, in fact, putting her life in increased danger.

Blair #39;s pledge on Hassan worries her colleagues


There's a new media king, only he isn't on the radio or in the movies. His name? Master Chief. His role: Interstellar soldier and star of

Fans Flock to Buy Sci-Fi Epic 'Halo 2'


RENO, Nev. Nov 22, 2004 - Kickoff for the regular-season finale between No. 10 Boise State and Nevada has been moved back to 4:45 pm PST Saturday to accommodate a national television audience.

Boise State-Nevada Game on ESPN


NewsFactor - Yahoo's Overture (Nasdaq: OVER) Services division announced that it extended its deal to provide Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) Web portal, MSN, with sponsored search results.

MSN, Yahoo Deal Extended (NewsFactor)


Little fallout reported from service pack, but maybe it's because everyone's being cautious.

Win XP Update: A Quiet Start


San Francisco, CA (Sports Network) - Olympic track and field star Marion Jones filed a defamation lawsuit against BALCO chief Victor Conte on Wednesday.

Marion Jones sues Victor Conte


To celebrate the upcoming release, Microsoft has launched a new MechAssault 2 mini-site where visitors will find tons of information on the upcoming Xbox action title, such as trailers, wallpapers, and plenty of screenshots.

MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf Goes Gold


Backers of a Philadelphia Wi-Fi project are worried that a bill going through the state legislature would spike a plan to blanket the city with free or inexpensive wireless access. Broadband Blog

State bill could kill city Wi-Fi


Sun Microsystems Inc. (SUNW.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and the University of Texas at Austin are set to flip the switch on Friday on a unique supercomputer that will vastly speed

Sun Micro, UT Austin, Team Up on Supercomputer


Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi escaped conviction in a major corruption trial on Friday after a court invoked a statute of limitations that meant time had run out to sentence him for bribery.

Berlusconi Saved in Graft Trial by Time Ruling


AS THE grim images of parents weeping inconsolably over their children #39;s graves were beamed into drawing-rooms the world over, few eyes would have been dry or hearts un-enraged at the fiends who target children.

Terror in Beslan  Not justified by any cause


The Cassini probe got the first close-up photos of Saturn #39;s murky moon Titan on Tuesday and began sending them back to Earth. This image is one of the closest ever taken of Saturn #39;s hazy moon Titan.

Cassini snapshots murky moon Titan


Despite heading to Duke to play basketball, Greg Paulus of Christian Brothers Academy is the 2004 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year.

Greg Paulus named Gatorade National Player of the Year


The British Embassy in Istanbul, which was damaged in the terrorist attacks killing 16 people on November 20, 2003 was re-opened for service by Crown Prince Charles yesterday.

Prince Charles: Terrorism Has Unified Us


AP - San Francisco cornerback Ahmed Plummer, who hasn't played since Oct. 17, was placed on injured reserve Tuesday because of bulging disc in his neck.

49ers Place Plummer on Injured Reserve (AP)


British Airways has cancelled four domestic flights but says other services have returned to normal at Heathrow Airport after severe disruptions earlier this week.

BA cancels four more flights


Reuters - Veritas Software Corp. , the\leading storage software provider, said on Tuesday it agreed to\acquire email backup company KVault Software Ltd. for  #36;225\million in cash.

Veritas Buys Email Backup Company KVault (Reuters)


Halo 2, Microsoft #39;s most prized Xbox asset and its biggest hope for success this Christmas, has been leaked onto the Internet just days after developer Bungie officially completed work on the game and announced that it had shipped it off to manufacturing

Halo 2 leaked, Microsoft reacts angrily


NEW YORK, Oct. 1 -- Stocks kicked off the fourth quarter with a solid rally on Friday as investors bet the market would shake off continued uncertainty about the election, the war in Iraq and high energy prices to stage its traditional fourth-quarter surge.

Stocks Begin Quarter With Solid Gains


ATLANTA - Gerald Williams and Eric Valent hit solo home runs to give the New York Mets a 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday.    Williams broke a scoreless tie in the third with his fourth home run, a deep drive to center off Paul Byrd...

Mets Beat Braves 2-1 to Open Twinbill


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hurricanes Bonnie and Charley slowed  U.S. chain store sales growth in the latest week, a report said  on Tuesday.

Chain Store Sales Growth Slows


Texas coach Mack Brown thinks this Oklahoma squad might just be better than the one that dominated his team a year ago. The reason wasn #39;t the score -- the second-ranked Sooners beat the Longhorns 12-0 on Saturday

No. 2 Oklahoma uses Texas game to show improvement


Company announces an extension of its customer assurance program, a contract clause offered to firms concerned about Oracle's hostile takeover bid.

PeopleSoft extends customer assurance


South Gwinnett grad David Greene needs just one more win to become the winningest quarterback in Georgia history. ATHENS - David Greene isnt much of a stats guy, but heres one he can embrace.

Greene within sight of two big marks


Crude oil in New York rose for a fifth session as a gas leak closed two North Sea oil platforms, causing the shutdown of 205,000 barrels a day of production.

Oil Rises After Norwegian Platforms Shut Because of Gas Leak


Michael Jackson is in court in California to hear testimony from the mother of the boy accusing him of sexual abuse.

Jackson faces abuse boy's mother


European Commission is set to announce whether it will block the database giant's hostile takeover bid for PeopleSoft.

EU set to decide on Oracle next week


AP - Guatemalan academics will create a university dedicated to rescuing and developing the ancient knowledge of the country's majority Mayan cultures, the nation's president said Friday.

Guatemala to Create Mayan University (AP)


Aramis Ramirez hit a three-run homer as the Chicago Cubs survived the ejection of starting pitcher Kerry Wood to defeat the Astros 11-6 in National League play in Houston on Sunday.

NL Wrap: Ramirez Lifts Cubs Over Astros After Wood Exit


TORONTO (CP) - Stock markets were stuck in the red Monday morning as a boost of almost \$1 US a barrel in the price of oil over renewed militancy in the Mideast and the possible outcome of an OPEC meeting later in the week pushed buyers to the sidelines.

Stock markets pressured by rising oil prices, broker downgrades


GUT LARCHENOF, Germany : Europe #39;s Ryder Cup hopes received another boost when Padraig Harrington hit a six under par 66 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the German Masters.

Golf: Harrington leads while wet Woosie walks away


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Two bombs apparently carried in by insurgents exploded at an outdoor market and a popular cafe in Baghdad's heavily guarded Green Zone on Thursday, killing eight civilians and wounding a number of others, a U.S. military spokesman said...

Explosions in Baghdad's Green Zone Kill 8


DAVID MOYES will attempt to rid Everton of Wayne Rooney hysteria and focus on keeping the momentum going after last weekend #39;s win at promoted Crystal Palace.

Moyes rallying call to Everton faithful


SCE #39;s outspoken president speaks out on the PSP for the first time since the price announcement this week. TOKYO--Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi revealed a great deal of additional information

Kutaragi comments on PSP pricing, prospects


AP - First-base umpire Ed Montague was treated and released at an Arlington hospital after leaving Sunday's game between the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers before the start of the fifth inning because of elevated blood pressure.

Umpire Leaves Mariners-Rangers Game (AP)


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The three foreign men kidnapped from  their house in central Baghdad on Thursday were two Americans  and one Briton, Iraq's Interior Ministry said.

Men Seized in Baghdad Were Americans, British - Police


Goldcorp Inc. Chief Executive Robert McEwen says he was always reluctant to expand by acquiring other gold producers. That #39;s why McEwen is making one last purchase before he steps down and handing the reins to Ian Telfer.

Goldcorp #39;s McEwen, Seeking Growth, Buys Wheaton to Get Telfer


The federal government is accusing six companies in the tobacco industry of a conspiracy to mislead the public, including the marketing of cigarettes to youth.

Extra is not responsible for the content of external Internet <b>...</b>


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Security forces bungled the handling of  Russia's worst hostage drama because nobody was in charge and  special forces were not ready when the shooting started,  security analysts said on Monday.

Command Failure Seen at Fault in Beslan Massacre


The Thomson Corp. of Stamford, Conn., will acquire KnowledgeNet Inc., a privately held live e-learning company, and merge it with its enterprise learning business, Thomson NETg.

Thomson Corp. to buy e-learning company KnowledgeNet


Four-time champion Jeff Gordon has the best chance of winning his fifth title at the end of NASCAR #39;s playoff-style 10-race Chase for the Nextel Cup based on past performances, USA TODAY database research shows.

Final 10 tracks in title chase favor Gordon


The UK government launches a 10m multi-media advertising campaign to encourage the British public to recycle their waste.

UK launches 10m recycling effort


A huge wall collapsed at an unfinished terminal at Dubai airport yesterday, killing at least eight workers and injuring more. Workers saw up to 40 casualties being taken away.

Airport wall collapse kills eight workers


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Orders for chip-equipment placed with North American manufacturers declined in August and could decline further in coming months, an industry trade group said late Thursday.

Chip tool orders fall in August


GAZA CITY, Nov 5 (AFP) - Palestinian officials and leaders from armed factions closed ranks Friday in a bid to ensure security and keep a lid on any instability should Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat die in a French hospital.

Palestinian factions determined to keep unity, order if Arafat <b>...</b>


The PC industry is about to go through a major change in the way computers are designed, built and marketed, Intel President and COO Paul Otellini said today at the Fall Intel Developer Forum.

Parallel processing: Coming to a desktop near you


VIENNA - Europes three main states were Thursday to give Iran a last chance to reassure the world it is not secretly developing atomic weapons, offering valuable nuclear technology as a carrot and possible UN sanctions as the stick.

Europes big three gives Iran last chance to come clean on <b>...</b>


The death toll in a mortar attack on tribesmen in Pakistan's South Waziristan region rises to 11, officials say.

Pakistan tribal deaths rise to 11


The US must cut its budget deficit to finance the investments it needs to prepare for the retirement of the baby boom generation without borrowing from abroad, Federal Reserve Governor Edward Gramlich said.

Fed #39;s Gramlich Says US Must Cut Deficit to Boost Savings


Spyware problems continue to rise. Congress is stepping up to the plate--but will its efforts be more effective than CAN-SPAM?

Tech.gov: Can Anything Stem the Spyware Tide?


A fresh round of talks is due to begin in NI in an effort to unblock the political impasse and restore devolution.

Fresh effort to break NI impasse


Kevin Brown was picked over Orlando Hernandez to start for the New York Yankees in Friday #39;s Game 3 of their first-round AL playoff series against Minnesota.

Brown to start Game 3 for Yankees


AP - American troops face sporadic but cunning resistance from insurgents as they sweep the city of Fallujah more than a month after U.S. and Iraqi forces invaded the militants' stronghold, U.S. officials said Friday.

Marines Face More Cunning Foe in Fallujah (AP)


Measures to curb the surreptitious tracking of people's online movements through

Anti-Spyware Legislation Could Pass This Year


Jason Robinson has said that he turned to his faith after he was asked to be England captain by coach Andy Robinson. Robinson, who is a devout Christian, will lead England against Canada at Twickenham on Saturday.

Robinson  #39;blessed #39; by captaincy


WTA rankings, which is released on Monday, will see Lindsay Davenport taking over the top spot from France #39;s Amelie Mauresmo after the American reaching the Kremlin Cup quarter

Davenport takes WTA top ranking


A previously unknown group calling itself the  quot;Islamic Unity Brigades quot; has claimed responsibility for a series of bombings in Egypt #39;s Sinai peninsula targeting Israeli tourists.

Unknown group claims responsibility for Egypt bombings


AP - Sergio Garcia can afford to look relaxed at the BMW International Open. The Spaniard is one of six players to have sealed berths on the 12-man European Ryder Cup team that faces the United States at Oakland Hills in Michigan on Sept. 15-17.

Europeans on Ryder Cup Scramble at BMW (AP)


The Redskins have placed linebacker Mike Barrow on the injured reserve list, which means he will not play a down for them this season.

Barrow Placed on IR


Tim Duncan scores a season-high 34 points and grabs 13 rebounds to lead the Spurs to their fifth straight victory, 88-80, over the 76ers.

Spurs Hold Off Sixers


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad  Allawi said on Monday he had given U.S. and Iraqi forces the  go-ahead to clear the rebel-held city of Falluja of

Iraq's Allawi Imposes Falluja Curfew


On a night when a disqualification was posted, protested, counterprotested twice and ultimately tossed out, the American swimmers claimed their largest medal haul of the meet so far.

Turnabout fair play for Peirsol


Athens, GA (Sports Network) - Michael Cooper ran for the only touchdown of the game, as third-ranked Georgia rode its defense to a 13-3 victory over Marshall at Sanford Stadium.

NCAA Game Summary - Marshall at Georgia


AP - Two organizations representing more than 60,000 United Nations staff members urged Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday to pull all U.N. staff out of Iraq because of the

Annan Urged to Pull U.N. Staff From Iraq (AP)


PHILADELPHIA (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Eagles  announced Saturday that cornerback Lito Sheppard and defensive  tackle Sam Rayburn each signed contract extensions that will  keep both players in the fold through the 2011 season.

Eagles Extend Sheppard and Rayburn


Several analysts gave Delta Air Lines slim chances of averting bankruptcy after Cincinnati #39;s dominant airline reported a whopping \$646 million loss and an alarmingly low \$1.

Delta bankruptcy appears certain


HELSINKI (Reuters) - Nokia <A HREF=

Nokia Profit Drops But Sees Strong Sales


The Football Association will not take disciplinary action against England captain David Beckham for intentionally getting a yellow card in a World Cup qualifying game.

Beckham escapes FA sanctions over yellow card ploy


AP - The Army Corps of Engineers will in two weeks begin building a permanent electric barrier to keep the invasive Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, officials announced Wednesday.

Great Lakes to Get Asian Carp Barrier (AP)


Militants threatening to kill three foreign hostages in Afghanistan on Monday allowed four days for negotiations on their demand that the United Nations withdraw from the country.

Militants holding UN hostages set Friday deadline


IT #39;S that time of year for beautiful autumn foliage, crisp air and violent carjackings. Don #39;t adjust your PS2 or Xbox for the next few months, because video games are giving a whole new meaning to the word  quot;fall.

NOT PLAYING GAMES


LUXEMBOURG (AFP) - Australia #39;s Alicia Molik, the second seed, stormed to her second title in a week with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Russian Dinara Safina at the 225,000-dollar (175,000 euro) WTA tournament here.

In-form Molik storms to second title in a week


The authorities in Singapore voice concern about a tropical disease that has killed 23 people this year.

Singapore warns of deadly illness


Israel on Saturday denied entry to Egypt to a first batch of 85 Palestinian security personnel due to receive training in readiness for a planned Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip, Egyptian border police told the French AFP news agency.

Israel bars entry Palestinian trainees to Egypt


AP - Under pressure from military voters and Republicans, Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell said Friday that he will ask a federal judge to extend the deadline for counting overseas ballots by one week.

GOP Seeks More Time for Military Ballots (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Business software maker Siebel  Systems Inc. <A HREF=

Siebel Systems Posts Profit


BHP Billiton, the world #39;s biggest miner, will buy back as much as A\$1.5 billion (\$1.6 billion) of its Australian stock as part of a plan to return profit from soaring commodity prices to investors.

Miner shares the wealth


By JENNIFER C. KERR    WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal regulators approved new rules Thursday aimed at making high-speed Internet available to more Americans...

New FCC Rule Will Bring High-Speed Internet to More Americans


President Hugo Chavez vowed Friday that Venezuela's intelligence services would identify the assassins of a state attorney who intended to prosecute backers of Venezuela's 2002 coup.

Chavez Vows to Find Prosecutor's Killers


GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba -- Two new cases of detainee abuse have surfaced at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp, including one in which a US military commander failed to properly investigate a prison guard who threw cleaning solvent on a terror suspect.

Two cases of abuse alleged at base


AP - The scientist who discovered genetic

Scientist Has Concerns About Uses of DNA (AP)


Shares of Pulte Homes Inc.(PHM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the No. 2 US home builder, fell more than 8 percent Tuesday morning, the day after the company warned that weak sales

Pulte shares fall after Las Vegas warning


Benazir Bhutto has demanded the right to return to Pakistan, a day after her husband #39;s release on bail after eight years in jail, the BBC reported Tuesday.

Bhutto wants to return to Pakistan


Reuters - Mid-priced clothing retailer and maker\Jones Apparel Group Inc.  said on Thursday it was buying\Barneys New York Inc.  in a deal worth  #36;400 million as\a move to expand into luxury apparel retailing.

Jones to Buy Barneys in  #36;400 Mln Deal (Reuters)


A new version of the infamous Bagle worm series is spreading widely across the net.

News: Ha, ha you're infected


(Sports Network) - A possible National League Division Series preview will take center stage this evening in St. Louis, as the MLB-best Cardinals host the Los Angeles Dodgers for the opener of a their three-game set at Busch Stadium.

St. Louis Cardinals Team Report - September 3


Dell reported that earlier this year, an average of 12 percent of all customer support calls to its help desk were for spyware-related trouble.

Dell Spyware Decision Spurs New Trend


Hit the super-rich with a 50 inheritance tax and allow cuts for the middle class, says a leading think tank.

'Tax super-rich at 50' proposal


In summarizing the swap of rejected proposals that led to the latest and gloomiest freeze of negotiations in the National Hockey League #39;s ongoing lockout, league commissioner Gary Bettman detailed how close he thinks the two sides actually are to a deal.

Analysis: Philosophies keep union, NHL at odds


Athens -- If there is a more obscure Olympic 100-meter champion than Yuliya Nesterenko, let her step forward and identify herself.

Unheralded Nesterenko captures 100m gold glory


Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has warned that violence in the country #39;s south could get worse. Mr Thaksin said suspected Muslim separatists wanted to provoke the government into over-reacting.

Thai PM warns of more violence


They #39;re tearing around the bases with a World Series sheen until they cross home plate and walk to the dugout and the blur subsides and you recognize that clothing.

Who are you guys and what have you done with Sox?


Within the next few weeks, Overture will make a major switch to matching terms on a broad basis, rather than the traditional exact match default it has followed since the company's launch.

Overture Shifting To Default Broad Match


Chipmaker Broadcom said Monday that has released new technology that increases the range of 802.11g chipsets by as much as 50 percent.

Chipmaker Claims 50 Greater Wi-Fi Range


England captain David Beckham has apologised to the Football Association (FA), his team mates and supporters after deliberately getting booked against Wales.

UPDATE 4-Beckham apologises over deliberate booking


The inexorable march of outsourcing took an abrupt about face Wednesday, when JPMorgan Chase bank canceled its \$5-billion outsourcing deal with IBM and said it would take back the 4,000 employees working at IBM on the bank #39;s IT programs.

JPMorgan Chase Cancels \$5-Billion Outsourcing Deal With IBM


Seville, Spain - The United States, led by Andy Roddick, should be the favourite going into the Davis Cup final against Spain - except for a few small details.

Spain have homeground advantage against US


With only the remnants of Hurricane Frances still around, the relief has begun in Palm Beach County. Officials began setting up five

Palm Beach: Relief underway


AP - Legendary music mogul Clive Davis has some advice for music retailers looking to persuade music fans to return to traditional record shops: Make shopping more fun.

Music Mogul Davis Challenges Retailers (AP)


No. 7 seed Elena Bovina and No. 8 seed Nathalie Dechy advance to today #39;s final following their respective semifinal wins Friday on Stadium Court at the Connecticut Tennis Center.

Unlikely duo advances to Pilot Pen championship


Texas Instruments reported Thursday that it is developing a single chip for digital TV that will bring broadcast signals to cell phones.

TI Goes  #39;Hollywood #39; With TV Chip For Cell Phones


The distinction between what politicians say on the campaign trail and what they really believe is well illustrated by the current Kerry-Bush skirmishing on Iraq: If either man really believes some of the things he #39;s saying, we #39;re in worse shape than we

An Early Exit from Iraq?


Reuters - About 100,000 South Koreans staged an\anti-communist rally on Monday, burning North Korean flags to\press their calls for the downfall of the Pyongyang government\and an end of its suspected nuclear weapons programs.

S.Korean Conservatives Stage Big Anti-North Rally (Reuters)


CANBERRA, Australia (Dow Jones): The Australian government said Friday it anticipates closer cooperation with Indonesia #39;s new president on combatting terrorism in the region.

Australian govt eyes closer cooperation with RI


The Nokia Remote Camera works by combining a digital camera, GSM transceiver and MMS technology. All it needs is a regular main power supply and access to a GSM network, so it does not require

Nokia Breaks into Home Security Market


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Worldwide research and  development spending in the emerging field of nanotechnology  should rise about 10 percent this year to \$8.6 billion, a  research firm said on Monday.

Nanotech Research Spending Seen Reaching \$8.6 Bln


AP - The Pentagon has restored access to a Web site that assists soldiers and other Americans living overseas in voting, after receiving complaints that its security measures were preventing legitimate voters from using it.

Pentagon Restores Voting Web Site Access (AP)


Office Depot teams with HP to recycle your old electronics gear for free.

Where to Dump Your Dead Technology


BANGALORE: India #39;s Anil Kumble became the third spin bowler to take 400 wickets on the opening day of the first cricket test against Australia last night.

India #39;s Kumble claims 400th test scalp against Aussies


Microsoft is expanding its indemnification program for Windows and other software products in order to shield users from legal claims and patent disputes.

Microsoft Has Your Back


Crude oil closed above 50 dollars per barrel Friday for the first time as traders worry below-normal US crude inventories could not meet the soaring demand in the upcoming months.

Oil price closes above \$50 per barrel in New York


Ketchup maker HJ Heinz Co. (HNZ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday said quarterly profit rose 7.8 percent, excluding a year-earlier tax benefit, as demand for new products

Heinz Profit Rises, Shares Higher


At a United Nations General Assembly meeting on Wednesday, China National Space Administration chief Sun Laiyan urged peaceful use of outer space and closer international space co-operation.

Peacefully pushing back the final frontiers


Maurice Clarett #39;s charges against Ohio State are so unsettling that the NCAA may do more than round up the usual suspects this time.

Clarett may leave shiners on Buckeyes


The saddest thing about the American election of George Bush is that in the long run it will make the United States irrelevant in all matters save that we have the power to blow the

Bush Folly, Campaign 2004 and the Middle East


CALCUTTA, India (AFP) - Rahul Dravid #39;s patient knock of 80 helped India take a useful first innings lead against South Africa in the second and final Test at Eden Gardens.

Dravid labours hard to get India valuable lead against South <b>...</b>


SEOUL (Reuters) - The chairman of South Korea #39;s ruling Uri Party resigned on Thursday after saying his father had served as a military police officer during Japan #39;s 1910-1945 colonial rule on the peninsula.

S.Korea #39;s Ruling Party Head Resigns on Father #39;s Past


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell in extremely thin  volume on Monday as security concerns surrounding the  Republican convention in New York and worries about an update  from technology bellwether Intel Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks Fall on Security, Earnings Worries


Hollywood studios said yesterday they will file lawsuits this month against hundreds of people who swap pirated copies of movies over the Internet.

Studios launch legal offensive against online movie swappers


Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba makes an official call to Maoists rebels to join peace talks.

Nepal's PM calls for peace talks


Intel raised its revenue forecast for the fourth quarter, citing surprisingly strong demand across its line of chips for personal computers.

Intel Forecasts Greater Revenue for 4th Quarter


AP - In a testament to the independent streak of Western voters, Washington and California are considering dumping political party primaries.

Voters May Change Calif., Wash. Primaries (AP)


With a US-led offensive on Falluja apparently imminent, rebels hit back with attacks in Samarra, Baghdad and Ramadi, another rebel-held city.

Iraq ; Rebels fight back as US bombs Fallujah


American Bryan Clay took the lead through the first three events of the Olympic decathlon Monday. Allyson Felix of the United States also posted the fastest time in the opening round of the 200-meter dash, a 22.

American leads early in decathlon


LeBron James scored 12 of his 25 points in less than three minutes of the third quarter and Ira Newble added a season-high 18 as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their ninth straight at home, 112-88 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

Cavaliers 112, Trail Blazers 88


Businesses should delay switching to Linux until IT managers can give a better business case for adoption, says research. And although Linux is still seeing double figure growth, following support by IBM, HP

Delay Linux migration, advises experts


Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer browser continues to lose users to rivals such as Firefox and Opera, a Web analytics firm said Thursday.

Microsoft Internet Explorer loses market share


Indonesia #39;s next president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, moved swiftly up the military ranks during the authoritarian rule of Gen.

A Cautious Reformer as Indonesia #39;s Next President


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Baghdad international airport will  reopen on Monday after a week of closure under emergency rule,  Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said on Sunday.

Baghdad Airport to Reopen on Monday -Prime Minister


Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle benches Ron Artest on Tuesday night and for Wednesday's game against the Clippers for an unspecified reason.

Pacers Bench Artest


FARMINGTON, Pennsylvania (Reuters) - World number one Vijay  Singh remained on course for his fifth win in six starts when  he shot a four-under-par 68 in the second round of the \$4.2  million Pennsylvania Classic Friday.

Singh Stays on Track for Fifth Win in Six Starts


It #39;s not just because I #39;m tired of the bovine references and the  quot;shorthorn quot; jokes. No, the problem is that the future version of Windows formerly known as Longhorn in many ways won #39;t resemble the Longhorn

The long march to Longhorn


European stocks were slightly lower by mid-day in holiday-hit trading on Monday, with crude oil rises weighing on shares, though Sanofi-Aventis gained on the result of trials of an anti-obesity drug.

European Shares Drift Down in Thin Trade


The outer reaches of our solar system may have been shaped long ago by a close encounter with another star that tore up both nascent planetary systems like colliding buzz saws, astronomers said on Tuesday.

Close encounter may have shaped solar system


Police investigators have questioned a woman claiming to be the wife of Noordin Moh. Top, one of two Malaysian fugitives believed to have masterminded a series of bomb attacks across the country.

Police question wife of Noordin, declare new bombing suspect


In his first month of retirement, Edgar Martinez today will be where he was unable to go in 17 years as a player - the World Series.

Edgar Martinez earns Clemente Award


STEVEN GERRARD will be handed the chance to play in his preferred central midfield for England after Nicky Butt was ruled out of this week-end #39;s opening 2006 World Cup qualifier in Austria.

Three-way England battle for Gerrard role


As the internet caf celebrates its 10th birthday, what future does it face as net access at home becomes an everyday reality for more and more people?

Will internet cafs survive 10 more years?


Chennai, Oct. 19 (PTI): The killing of forest brigand Veerappan, and three of his accomplices in a gunbattle with STF personnel in Dharmapuri district last night has evoked mixed reactions from leaders of various political parties in Tamil Nadu.

Mixed reaction to killing of Veerappan


LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, lowered its sales forecast for August, citing slow back-to-school sales and the effects of Hurricane Charley...

Wal-Mart Lowers Sales Forecast for August


MONTREAL (Reuters) - Paul Tellier stepped down as president  and chief executive of Bombardier Inc. <A HREF=

Bombardier Shares Dive as CEO Quits


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury debt prices were stuck  in neutral on Tuesday as momentum from a red-hot two-day rally  waned ahead of a pair of debt auctions this week.

Treasuries Take Breather from Big Rally


ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- Miscues and poor clutch hitting led to the Texas Rangers  #39; seventh loss in eight games. Chan Ho Park committed two of a season-high five throwing errors for the Rangers while the

SI.com


Reuters - A gaping hole in the ozone layer\over Antarctica appears to have shrunk by about 20 percent from\last year's record-breaking size, New Zealand scientists said\on Friday.

Antarctic Ozone Hole Smaller This Year -Scientists (Reuters)


Oracle today announced Oracle(r) Collaboration Suite 10g with new real-time collaboration tools and enterprise content management capabilities.

Oracle Rolls Out Collaboration Suite 10g


Email users inundated with unsolicited  quot;spam quot; messages have reason to hope Microsoft will develop better tools for tackling the problem: Bill Gates is suffering more than anyone.

Microsoft boss the world #39;s most  #39;spammed #39; person


Sometimes George Steinbrenner does his own negotiating, and on Tuesday, ESPN has learned, he met face-to-face with the most prominent free agent pitcher on the market -- Pedro Martinez, who

Boss, Pedro talk shop


NEW YORK -- About 3,000 shoppers were evacuated from a Toys  quot;R quot; Us store in Times Square yesterday after pepper spray was set off inside, fire officials said.

Pepper spray spurs toy store evacuation


Santa Clara, CA; November 22, 2004 -- Sun Microsystems and AMD are celebrating the one-year anniversary of their strategic partnership.

Solaris 10 Supports High-Volume 64-Bit Computing


Indian officials say at least 26 people have drowned in flooding in the northeastern state of Assam. The officials say the deaths occurred in the state #39;s western Goalpara district near the border with Bangladesh.

Flash Floods in Northeastern India Kill at Least 26


Nearing a third straight division title, Johan Santana and the Minnesota Twins aren #39;t short on motivation. Their rivals, the fading Chicago White Sox, gave them a little more.

MLB Notes: Twins top Chisox, open 11 1/2 game lead


The EU cannot force Iran to give up its right to enrich uranium, Iran #39;s foreign minister says, apparently slamming the door on European Union efforts to halt the process

Iran digs heels in on uranium enrichment


Extended collaboration could result in chips built on 32-nanometer technology.

IBM, AMD Work to Shrink Chips


New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya appears intent on making a splash by pursuing free agent pitcher Pedro Martinez.

Mets, Martinez Talk


In a move designed to hone in on its wireless business and reduce operating costs, Motorola is handing out 1,000 pink slips and will take a charge of \$50 million.

Motorola Makes Cuts, Focuses On Wireless


THE KIDNAPPING and murder of foreigners in Iraq is continuing. Many of those kidnapped have been engineers or other support workers for the coalition forces.

Time for US Moderation


A supposedly disorganized and uninspired Russian team that arrived for the World Cup of Hockey without some of its top stars suddenly looks like a contender.

Russia dominant in win over US


BRUANDWO has bowed to the inevitable and drastically raised its bid for Victorian pubs group Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality.

Bruandwo raises stakes


AFP - Writer Kitty Kelley has accused the White House of putting pressure on her and the US media over the new biography on the family of President George W. Bush

Bush author says White House applying pressure over book (AFP)


US troops today pushed further towards the centre of Falluja after a night of artillery and aerial bombardment of the city. The Associated Press reported heavy street fighting in the northern districts from

US troops meet fierce resistance in Falluja


sharing, which record companies blame for playing a part in a \$2 billion dollar decline in yearly CD sales since 2000. The House Judiciary Committee.

House Panel Moves to Criminalize Spyware, Net Piracy


The rate of obesity in China has increased by 97 in 10 years, according to a government report.

Chinese concern at obesity surge


NEW YORK (Reuters) - When Hewlett-Packard Co. <A HREF=

HP's Software Woe Has Bigger Industry Implication


BAGHDAD, Iraq Oct. 7, 2004 - Rockets struck a Baghdad hotel housing foreign contractors and journalists late Thursday, drawing return fire and underscoring the precarious security in the heart of the Iraqi capital.

Rockets Hit Downtown Baghdad Sheraton


A British soldier was believed to have been killed and another seriously injured last night after clashes with Shia fighters in the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

British soldier killed in Basra


HOUSTON (Reuters) - Oilfield services company HalliburtonCo. <HAL.N> on Wednesday said its KBR unit had settled alloutstanding issues with state-owned Brazilian oil companyPetrobras over the Barracuda-Caratinga project, which has beenplagued by delays and cost overruns.

Halliburton Settles Brazil Oil Project


AP - China's parliament on Saturday passed a law legalizing electronic signatures in an effort to boost its small but growing online commerce industry.

China OKs Measure to Boost Online Commerce (AP)


BRANDON, Manitoba - Torrie Wheat scored twice as the Everett Silvertips beat the Brandon Wheat Kings 2-1 yesterday in Western Hockey League action before 4,046 fans at the Keystone Centre.

Silvertips edge Brandon, 2-1


Opec, the oil producers #39; cartel, has taken the surprise step of urging the US to release stocks held in emergency reserves to calm the frantic crude market.

Opec begs US help to calm oil market


The board of Russia #39;s embattled oil giant Yukos will halt crude supplies to Baltic refinery Mazeikiu Nafta until the end of the year, the Interfax agency reported Monday - just hours after Yukos confirmed a similar move involving a Chinese company.

Update 1: Report: Yukos to Halt Refinery Supplies


HERAT, Afghanistan (Reuters) - The western Afghan city of  Herat was calm Monday following bloody clashes between  supporters of the powerful ousted governor and U.S. and Afghan  forces sent to keep the peace.

Afghan City Calm After Bloody Governor Protests


AP - Hu Jintao became the undisputed leader of China as the country completed its first orderly transfer of power in the communist era on Sunday with the departure of former President Jiang Zemin from his top military post  #151; giving a new generation a freer hand to run the world's most populous nation.

China Completes 1st Orderly Power Transfer (AP)


Yesterday, a biotech company in Australia announced they would be sharing their line of embryonic stem cells to an  quot;open source quot; research community -- for the good of mankind, at no cost.

IBM Introduces  #39;World Community Grid #39;; Public Invited to Donate <b>...</b>


Manchester City chairman John Wardle says they will only sell winger Shaun Wright-Phillips for  quot;silly money quot;. He said:  quot;I have no intention of selling Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Arsenal need  quot;silly money quot; to land Man City #39;s SWP


Zimbabwe #39;s security went on high alert Friday ahead of a verdict in the treason trial of popular opposition leader Morgan Tsavangirai.

Zimbabwe security put on alert


VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Reuters) - Stelco Inc.  <A HREF=

Stelco Loses Contract to Supply GM Steel


California insurance broker Universal Life Resources was sued by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer for taking kickbacks from MetLife, Prudential and UnumProvident.

Spitzer sues insurance broker


Reuters - The company behind the Atkins Diet\on Friday shrugged off a recent decline in interest in low-carb\diets as a seasonal blip, and its marketing chief said\consumers would cut out starchy foods again after picking up\pounds over the holidays.

Atkins Sees Diet Pickup After New Year (Reuters)


George W Bush says his rival for the presidency, John Kerry, was the

Bush says Kerry was 'more heroic'


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The euro hit a fresh record high  against the dollar above \$1.3329 on Tuesday following the  release of weaker-than-expected U.S. consumer confidence data.

Euro Rises to Record High Above \$1.3329


OAKVILLE, Ontario (Reuters) - Mike Weir, seeking to become  the first home winner of the Canadian Open for 50 years, hit a  one-under-par 70 to take a three-shot lead after the third  round of the 100th version of the event on Saturday.

Weir on Verge of Ending 50-Year Canadian Wait


Extending an olive branch to China, President Chen Shui-bian () used his National Day address yesterday to call for the reopening of cross-strait talks on the basis of the September 1992 meeting in Hong Kong between unofficial representatives of

Chen calls for cross-strait dialogue


For  relatives and friends of Kirk Bosselmann, few things the Marine Corps corporal did surprised them.

Md. Marine's Love of Outdoors and Adventure Remembered


Now buyers can use technology and databases to get a more complete view of a house without driving 30 miles to see it.

This house has everything.


A prominent researcher at Columbia University has pulled his name from a controversial study of prayer's effect on fertility, the university says.

Researcher Pulls His Name From Paper on Prayer and Fertility


com December 1, 2004, 10:19 AM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been enterprise directories for several months, but for many IT managers, ERP (enterprise resource planning

Cisco adds video to conferencing suite


Oil prices have continued their record-breaking run on Wednesday, busting through the \$47-mark amid concerns that demand will outstrip supply.

Supply worries push oil to record


America #39;s leading retailers filed a lawsuit yesterday to stop the Bush administration from imposing curbs on imports of popular Chinese-made apparel and textiles.

Suit seeks to bar curb on China textiles


Park won the CJ Nine Bridges Classic at Jeju, South Korea, on Sunday, shooting a 7-under-par 65 for a 5-stroke victory and giving her game a big boost after a collapse in the final round two weeks ago.

Park wins before home fans


With an outpouring of joy, pride and some relief, Athens marked the completion of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games with a closing ceremony full of spectacle, fireworks and music.

Song, spectacle bring 2004 Olympics to a close


Indian police said investigations are under way into attacks that left at least 49 people dead yesterday in two northeastern frontier states that have been troubled by insurgencies.

Indian Police Probe Northeast Bombings That Killed 49 People


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Within the next few weeks, workers  are likely to find a little something extra in their paychecks.  No, sorry ... it's not money. Those fat envelopes will be  stuffed with the paperwork that goes with new benefit plans.

Employees Face More Benefit Choices


The scientists who discovered how cells mark proteins for destruction receive the 2004 Nobel Prize for chemistry.

Protein death process earns Nobel


AT T is expected to announce as soon as next week details about how it plans to offer mobile phone service using Sprint's cellular network.

Coming in '05: AT T Mobile (via Sprint)


The Oracle-PeopleSoft takeover battle may have finally entered its endgame, with Oracle Corp upping its bid and for the first time imposing a deadline for PeopleSoft Inc shareholders to accept it.

Oracle makes \$9.2 billion take-it-or-leave-it PeopleSoft offer


AP - Against a backdrop of war and squalor, Chechens voted Sunday for a replacement for their assassinated president, in a vote the Kremlin hopes will bring some stability to a region wracked by a decade of violence.

Chechens Vote to Replace President (AP)


AFP - Tony Parker sparked a game-opening 17-2 run and the San Antonio Spurs routed Chicago 91-75 here, extending their best start in club history to a National Basketball Association-leading 16-3 record.

Parker spurs San Antonio to superb NBA start (AFP)


Many of them had heard the lectures from authority figures before: Don't illegally download songs and games from the Internet because people make their livings selling those products, stealing is a crime, every crime has unseen consequences, and so on.

Getting the Word on Intellectual Law From the Top


Photography company Eastman Kodak Co. (EK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday raised its growth forecast on digital products and services, such as cameras and medical imaging, key

Kodak: Digital Imaging Growing Faster


With the release of the new iMac G5, some educational technology departments might want to check Apple's online education store, where they'll find an additional model available only to education institutions. Cheaper eMacs are there, too.

For schools, Apple offers special iMac G5, eMac


Michael Vick lead Atlanta over the visiting St. Louis Rams at the Georgia Dome to a 34-17 win. The Falcons are now 2-0...and feeling good about both sides of the both.

Vick leads Falcons Over Rams


Canadian Press - PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) - A bomb exploded in a cinema during a screening early Wednesday in northwestern Pakistan, killing two people and injuring 29 others, police said.

Man arrested after 2 killed, 29 hurt in bombing of Pakistani cinema (Canadian Press)


London - British pigeon fanciers are developing methods to make their birds taste so awful that peregrine falcons in the wild are put off preying on them, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

Pigeon fanciers use taste to ward off falcons


Britain #39;s best-known soccer player, David Beckham, has signed up for a small part in a Hollywood movie, Sky News reported Monday.

David Beckham breaks into Hollywood


Pity that Fannie's management decided to test the limits of an implied Federal guarantee.

Fannie Mae's Institutional Arrogance


Uh, actually Rodgers was talking about the prospect of ESPN #39;s  quot;GameDay quot; coming to Los Angeles for the Cal-USC game Saturday.

Pac-10 notebook: All eyes on USC-Cal showdown


After the launch of Google #39;s new desktop search tool, it was only a matter of time before other search engines followed suit. Yahoo!

Yahoo! to get its own desktop search tool


Belo Corporation has set aside \$23 million to compensate advertisers for exaggerated circulation figures at The Dallas Morning News.

After Circulation Scandal, a Move to Build Trust


AP - Over three decades, Bob Klein amassed a fortune by building and financing low-income housing. After his 14-year-old son was diagnosed with diabetes in 2001, however, he redirected his considerable political clout and business savvy. The longtime Democrat has since become one of the biggest private patrons of human embryonic stem cell research  #151; medical technology that many scientists believe can someday cure a wide range of ailments, including diabetes.

Democrat Emerges As Major Stem Cell Patron (AP)


GERMANTOWN, Md. -- The world #39;s largest private DNA testing firm has fired an analyst for allegedly falsifying test data. Officials with Orchid Cellmark - with labs in Maryland, Texas, Tennessee and Britain

Md. DNA lab fires analyst


SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp's. newly launched MSN  Music download service has a long way to go to catch up with  iTunes and other online services, competitors said on Thursday.

Rivals Say Microsoft Online Music Store Falls Short


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  vowed on Thursday to press ahead with his Gaza pullout plan  despite his own party's humiliating rebuff of his bid to forge  a coalition with the pro-withdrawal Labour Party.

Rebuffed by Party, Sharon Presses on with Gaza Plan


The cleric's followers began handing in weapons Monday, but some plan to continue fighting US forces in Baghdad.

Sadr fighters disarm, again


NEW YORK - Time Warner Inc. said Wednesday it had created a \$500 million legal reserve to deal with ongoing federal probes of its America Online division.

Probes: \$500 million fund is set up for legal problems


BEIJING (Reuters) - Envoys of Tibet's spiritual leader, the  Dalai Lama, have been allowed to pay a secretive visit to China  that analysts say could lead to progress in resolving his  decades-old exile.

Dalai Lama Aides Make Secretive Visit to China


London's High Court imposes an injunction against 12 defendants accused of bootlegging copies of Shrek 2.

Court stops Shrek 2 bootlegs


The US-led attack on insurgents in Fallujah, now in its second week, has broken the back of the insurgency, #39; #39; according to documents uncovered in house-to-house raids in the city, said Lt.

Fallujah Strike Breaking Insurgency, General Says (Update1)


The Governing Council of the European Central Bank decided to keep the interest rates at 2  on Thursday. The same day, the Bank of England also announced the decision to keep its key rate unchanged at 4.75.

ECB keeps the rates at 2 percent


The Web glitterati came out for the Web 2.0 conference at San Francisco #39;s swanky Nikko hotel this week. In attendance were Amazon #39;s Jeff Bezos, Netscape cofounder Marc Andreessen, Bill

Web Snap(s) Search and Rebounds


LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Britain ruled out  negotiations with the abductors of a British hostage in Iraq on  Thursday after a desperate plea for help from the hostage.

Britain Rules Out Talks with Iraq Kidnappers


Mahmoud Abbas, Abu Mazin, has escaped a failed assassination attempt on Sunday evening after three gunmen broke into the tent where condolences are offered for the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in Gaza and chanted slogans deploring Abbas and

Abu Mazin escapes assassination attempt in Gaza


The preliminary diagnosis on Gerut is a right knee injury, pending an MRI...DeJesus also stole a base, his eighth of the season...The Royals won for only the second time in seven meetings at Jacobs Field this year.

American League Game Summary - Kansas City at Cleveland


NEW YORK - PepsiCo (PEP), the world #39;s No. 2 soft drink company, said Thursday that quarterly profit rose because of tax benefits and strong performances from its key Frito-Lay snack and North American beverage

PepsiCo earnings rise; job cuts planned


Network Appliance has brought out the latest version of its Data Ontap software, which imposes a grid storage architecture on NetApp devices by creating an abstraction layer between application servers, storage controllers and disc arrays.

Data Ontap 7G abolishes preallocation tyranny


London sent off its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today, calling it a  quot;winning formula quot; towards snaring the world #39;s biggest sporting event.

London submits 2012 Olympic bid


Broadcaster has agreed to pay a record \$3.5M to erase a number of proposed radio indecency fines, including one against the

Viacom Settles Outstanding FCC Fines


Hawaiian scientists provide hard evidence to support the theory that sharks navigate with a biological compass.

Sharks respond to magnetic lines


The political crisis in Ukraine has touched off a fresh debate inside the White House and foreign policy offices over how President Bush should handle Russian President Vladimir Putin #39;s increasingly

Russian President Turns on Washington Over Ukraine


MADRAS, India : Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh grabbed two wickets in three balls to lead India #39;s fightback in the second cricket Test against Australia here.

Cricket: Harbhajan #39;s dual strike halts Australia in second Test


Foreign Office minister Bill Rammell is travelling to North Korea - the first visit to the country by a British minister.

Foreign minister visits N Korea


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt  was being treated in hospital late on Tuesday after an accident  in which his car overturned, but his life was not in danger,  Belga news agency reported.

Belgian PM in Hospital After Car Overturns -Agency


SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 (REUTERS) - Nortel Networks Corp. said today that its cost-cutting plan will save \$500 million in 2005, and even more in future years, as it cuts fewer jobs than forecast but plans to eliminate some of its real estate space.

Nortel to cut fewer jobs, trim real estate space


After much fanfare last week over Tiger Woods's decision to play in this week's 84 Lumber Classic, his agent said Tuesday that he was worn out from the Ryder Cup.

No Lumber for Woods


AP - Experts from Europe and Asia surveyed 1,400-year-old relics of an ancient citadel in Hanoi Tuesday and said they were concerned the priceless antiquities were at risk from exposure to the elements.

Vietnam's Citadel Vulnerable to Weather (AP)


Lastminute.com Plc, the UK #39;s largest Internet travel company, said its fourth-quarter loss more than doubled as costs for closing offices and cutting jobs exceeded forecasts.

Lastminute.com Loss Doubles on Costs; Shares Slump (Update4)


Jeff Tedford would have been a slam dunk hire for Washington, but California made like Shaq yesterday and swatted away the Huskies #39; hopes.

UW search goes on as Tedford chooses to stay put


INDIANAPOLIS (Sports Network) - The Indianapolis Colts have  signed kicker Martin Gramatica to handle kickoffs.

Colts Sign Gramatica for Kickoffs


The last chance to see a total lunar eclipse for more than two years comes Wednesday evening for most residents of North America and Western Europe.

Get Ready for Wednesday: Top 10 Lunar Eclipse Facts


Fijian-born Vijay Singh became golf #39;s \$10 million man on Sunday when he won his ninth 2004 PGA Tour victory of the year at the Chrysler Championship.

World #39;s Greatest Golfer, Vijay Singh is The PGA #39;s \$10 Million Man <b>...</b>