South African gold producer Gold Fields has rejected a \$8.2bn (4.5bn) bid by rival Harmony which would have created the world #39;s largest gold company.

Gold Fields rejects takeover bid


Forward Miroslav Klose scored twice as Germany put on another spirited display Wednesday to beat Cameroon 3-0 in a friendly and remain unbeaten under new coach Juergen Klinsmann.

With new  #39;aggressive #39; red jerseys, Germany beats Cameroon 3-0


New observations of dust around young stars suggest collisions of large asteroid-like objects and fledgling planets are frequent. But that doesn #39;t likely stop the formation

Planets form like  #39;dust bunnies #39;


Boston police will almost certainly face a brutality lawsuit seeking millions of dollars in damages in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Victoria Snelgrove

Brutality suit seen likely in pepper-pellet death


An identity-stealing e-mail Trojan horse that disguises itself as the Lycos Europe antispam screensaver is being distributed around the Internet, an antivirus company has warned.

Trojan poses as Lycos Europe screensaver


Openly defying the United Nations nuclear watchdog, Iran announced yesterday that it has begun converting large quantities of raw uranium

Tehran preparing uranium for enrichment


Electronics giant Sony has reversed its position on the formats playable by its range of digital music players. The company has announced its new devices will now be able to play music tracks in the MP3 format

Sony players to be compatible with MP3s


The former Argentine football star, Diego Armando Maradona, traveled on Monday to Cuba to continue his treatment against his addiction to drugs.

Maradona goes to Cuba


Hydro-Quebec awarded C\$1.9 billion (\$1.5 billion) in wind-power projects to two groups on Monday in a massive push to position itself as Canada #39;s biggest buyer of the renewable energy source.

UPDATE 2-Quebec launches C\$1.9 bln in wind power projects


Vijay Singh leads the PGA Tour #39;s money list by an ever-widening margin. He is running away with the player of the year award. And on Sunday he moved within 18 holes of another big prize.

Singh holds onto lead in Boston


After completing their purchase of mobile phone company China MobileSoft, PalmSource indicated a Linux version of their software would soon be available.

PalmSource To Release Linux Version Of Palm OS


AP - The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to put independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader on the ballot in the battleground state of Ohio.

Court Won't Put Nader on Ballot in Ohio (AP)


AP - Kasey Keller plays only in World Cup qualifiers these days. After starting nearly every game for Tottenham Hotspur for two years, he hasn't appeared once this season. Yet, he's been in goal for all three World Cup qualifiers for the United States, which plays El Salvador on Saturday at Foxboro, Mass., then goes to Panama for a Wednesday game in a pair of semifinal-round matchups.

Keller Plays for U.S. but Not for Club (AP)


Stuart McIrvine, IBM's new director of corporate security strategy, said he's working to better align the company's various IT security offerings to help users cope with regulatory compliance requirements, cyberattacks and other issues.

Q A: IBM security chief puts focus on compliance, cyberattacks


USATODAY.com - Weeks don't get much better if you are William Jefferson Clinton. For the third time in 12 eventful years, this proud Southern city is bedecked with bunting and banners to welcome the world, this time for today's opening of Clinton's  #36;165 million presidential library.

For Democrats, library a place to raise voices (USATODAY.com)


The steady decline in output from the North Sea pushed Britain to a deficit in oil trade for the first time in 13 years in July, and widened the overall trade deficit to its worst since January.

North Sea oil decline widens trade gap


Brokers required to provide competing bids to customers have been taking payoffs from insurance companies resulting in widespread corruption in the industry, New York's Attorney General charged today.

Spitzer Accuses Insurance Industry of Rigging Bids


For the BJP, the repeal of POTA is a brazen attempt at practising votebank politics at the cost of national interest. The party has decided to highlight the  quot;dangerous quot; consequences that could entail the UPA

POTA repeal smacks of votebank politics: BJP


Macau #39;s leader Edmund Ho has won the approval of the Chinese enclave #39;s elite to rule for a second five-year term. Mr Ho won 296 out of 300 possible votes from the Beijing-approved committee of politicians and businessmen.

Macau #39;s leader wins second term


Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel criticised referee Alan Wiley after he granted Manchester United a controversial late Alan Smith equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park.

FRIEDEL: SAHA HANDLED FOR GOAL


Devon Energy Corp. (DVN.A: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said it set a two-for-one stock split and would buy back up to 10 percent of its shares, as the company #39;s cash levels

Devon sets 2 for 1 stock split, to buyback shares


Manchester United Football Club boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes both Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry should be investigated by the FA for incidents in the game at Old Trafford last Sunday.

Manchester United Football Club manager wants Bergkamp charged


Yasser Arafat #39;s condition has suddenly worsened and he is in intensive care undergoing a new round of tests, Palestinian officials in France said today.

Arafat in intensive care


PORTSMOUTH striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu fired a stunning hat-trick in a seven-goal thriller at Fratton Park last night. Pompey claimed their first Premiership win of the season - but they didn #39;t half make it difficult for themselves.

FOOTBALL: YAK DOES TRICK FOR POMPEY


AMD has introduced its latest Mobile AMD Sempron processor 3000, which is designed for thin notebooks. Built to compete with Intel #39;s Centrino, the AMD processor offers Enhanced Virus Protection

AMD #39;s Sempron Set for Holiday Showdown with Centrino


TAMPA, Fla. - Frances wound up a two-prong assault on Florida that pounded both the central part of the state and the Panhandle, leaving storm-weary residents Tuesday with flooding, frayed nerves and shortages of everyday items such as gas, ice and water...

14 Deaths Blamed on Hurricane Frances


Linux supplier Lindows has announced it has called a halt to the initial public offering of its common stock after filing for registration in April.

Lindows halts stock release


Ten or more years of mobile phone use increases the risk of developing acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor on the auditory nerve, according to a study released on Wednesday by Sweden #39;s Karolinska Institute.

Mobile Phones Increase Tumor Risk, Study Says


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures gained on Monday as  oil prices slid lower -- pointing to an upbeat start to 2005  when Wall Street opens.

Stocks Set to Start '05 on Upbeat Note


Turning point: Austin Kearns slugged a two-run homer in the 12th to win it for the Reds. CHICAGO -- Big names come to town. The payroll increases.

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Thursday, September 30, 2004 12 <b>...</b>


A defiant David Coulthard says he has no plans to retire from Formula One after the season-ending race in Brazil. The Briton will leave McLaren after the

I won #39;t quit says defiant Coulthard


Reuters - Tokyo's key Nikkei average opened up 0.78\percent on Thursday as gains on Wall Street encouraged\investors to scoop up bargains including key technology stocks\following the market's nine days of losses.

Tokyo Stocks Bounce Up at Opening (Reuters)


Five explosions hit Madrid at Friday evening rush hour -- three of them at gas stations -- after a warning from the Basque separatist group ETA, police said.

Madrid blasts after ETA warning


Mylan Laboratories Inc. (MYL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , a maker of generic drugs, and King Pharmaceutical (KG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment

UPDATE 4-Mylan says committed to King deal despite Icahn


MONTREAL (CP) - Josh Beckett scattered four hits over seven solid innings and Miguel Cabrera homered Monday as the Florida Marlins snapped a six-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Montreal Expos.

Cabrera homers and Beckett shuts down Expos bats in 4-1 Marlins <b>...</b>


NHLPA Senior Director Ted Saskin had a lot of issues to address on Thursday as he participated in a lockout edition off TSN #39;s Off The Record with player agent Gord Kirke, sports business writer Lou Schizas and NHL on TSN analyst Brian Burke.

NHLPA #39;s Saskin addresses issues on OTR


DECEMBER 03, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Hewlett-Packard Co. said yesterday that it has abandoned plans to integrate a number of advanced technologies it acquired in its 2002 purchase of Compaq Computer Corp.

HP drops plans to put Compaq technology into HP-UX


Yousuf Youhana top-scored with an unbeaten 107 to guide Pakistan to an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka and into the final of a three-nation one-day tournament on Wednesday.

UPDATE 1-Centurion Youhana sets up Pakistan victory


The Schaumburg, Ill., tech giant set final plans in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Monday to distribute to shareholders its remaining stake in the Austin, Texas, chip company.

Motorola Finalizes Freescale Split


NBA referees have entered into a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the league, removing the possibility of having replacement officials work the upcoming season.

NBA Ratifies Referees Five-Year Contract


roundup Plus: .Mac customers suffer e-mail glitches...IBM launches business research group...Verbatim to make discs with HP labeling feature.

Briefly: Alvarion expands wireless broadband in China


The biggest attraction for customers, said IDC analyst Alex Slawsby, is that RIM has provided QWERTY text-input capabilities in the Blackberry 7100t device.

RIM Unveils New BlackBerry QWERTY Smartphone


WELLESLEY -- For the sixth year in a row, Andover claimed the MIAA State Swimming  amp; Diving Championships.

Six straight for Andover


The gross domestic product is up, but jobs are down. Economists say yes, that is possible. MIAMI - It seems, at first blush, to be a baffling contradiction.

Contrasts mark economy under Bush


UNITED NATIONS, Sept 19: As the UN General Assembly began its 59th session, calls for the reform and expansion of the UN Security Council have gained new momentum with more nations staking

Call to expand UN council gains momentum: Assembly split over <b>...</b>


Charlton boss Alan Curbishley praised his defence for keeping a resilient Southampton team to a 0-0 draw at The Valley on Monday evening.

Curbishley: Our defence saved us


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Insurers are braced to pay out about  \$7 billion in claims for devastation caused by Hurricane  Charley, making the storm the second most costly after  Hurricane Andrew, industry and government officials said on  Monday.

Insurers: Charley Claims at About \$7 Bln


After helping Novell Inc. reinvigorate itself last year through the endorsement of Linux and the acquisition of vendor SUSE Linux AG, Vice Chairman Chris Stone has left the company.

Novell Vice Chairman Chris Stone leaves company


It was Greg Maddux's day on Thursday as the Cubs starter won his 15th game, logged his 200th inning and rapped a two-run single to help Chicago sweep the Pirates, 6-3.

Maddux Wins 15th


North American retailers first to receive Sony #39;s PC MMORPG; Standard and Collectors Editions should start arriving in stores tomorrow.

EverQuest II begins its retail sojourn


PalmOne (nasdaq: PLMO - news - people ) report fiscal first-quarter results well above analysts #39; estimates. The maker of handheld computers reported revenue of \$273 million and earnings of 43 cents per share

#39;); //-- gt; Eye On Stocks


NEW YORK - The countdown to the No. 1 sexiest male newscaster ends with .....

Playgirl: Olbermann Sexiest Newscaster


European footballs governing body today brought disciplinary charges against Hungarian champions Ferencvaros after crowd trouble and racist abuse during their UEFA Cup tie against Millwall.

UEFA Charge Ferencvaros after Ugly Scenes


Authorities in Sydney said today they would kill the shark that tore apart a young surfer near a popular beach as his friends desperately tried to save him by beating the animal with oars.

Surfer  #39;torn to pieces #39; by shark


The Federal Reserve is likely to announce a quarter-point rise in the federal funds target rate from 1.75 percent to 2.0 percent, economists and traders agree.

Interest Rates Expected To Rise


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures were little changed  on Friday, pointing to a flat market open, after third-quarter  gross domestic product data showed the U.S. economy grew at a  slower-than-expected pace.

Stock Futures Signal a Flat Open Today


BASEBALL Baltimore (AL): Named Jim Richardson, Mark Ralston and James Keller scouts. Cleveland (AL): Signed Ps Kenny Rayborn and Jake Robbins and OF Ernie Young to minor league contracts. Los Angeles (NL): Purchased contracts of INF Brian Myrow and OF Jason Repko from Las Vegas (PCL), Ps Franquelis Osoria, Ryan Ketchner, and Derek Thompson from Jacksonville (SL), and C Russell ...

Transactions


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - In the latest coup for the  fledgling satellite radio industry, Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.  <A HREF=

Sirius Names Mel Karmazin as Its CEO


America has not changed its strong dollar policy and still expects China to make its own currency more flexible, a Treasury official said on Monday, shrugging off comments from Beijing that had jolted markets.

UPDATE 1-US backs strong dollar, expects Chinese FX reform


\Burma's ruling junta frees about 500 more prisoners, and says it will release veteran dissident Win Tin.

Burma releases more prisoners


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Best Buy Co. Inc. <A HREF=

Best Buy Quarterly Profit Jumps 21 Pct.


Microsoft is making a major push into the entertainment world with the launch this week of its Portable Media Center platform. The software, which will be available first on a device from Creative, allows

Microsoft Lets the Digital Media Play


LAHORE: General Pervez Musharraf has said he will stay army chief and president until 2007, as the law now permits him to do so, the first time he has clearly stated his intention to keep both offices.

I will stay army chief until 2007: Musharraf


London - Birmingham City defeated Aston Villa 2-1 on Sunday to claim the second city derby, taking the match on first-half goals from Clinton Morrison and David Dunn.

Derby win for Birmingham


WASHINGTON -- The nations top cyber-security official has resigned unexpectedly, raising new questions about the progress of efforts to protect the nations vast computer networks from terror attacks, electronic viruses and other threats, government

Top US cyber-security official resigns


BANGALORE: Australia have crushed India by 217 runs in the first cricket test to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. Australia dismissed India for 239 in their second innings 40 minutes after lunch, having

Australia crush India despite late resistance


AP - A French Finance ministry spokesman said the Paris Club of creditor nations had reached deal Sunday to write off 80 percent of the debts Iraq owes them.

Paris Club Agrees on Iraq Debt Reduction (AP)


A bug in Microsoft #39;s Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 and Proxy Server 2.0 can let hackers spoof Web content, such as a trusted site, with their own fake content, the Redmond

Microsoft Fixes ISA Server Spoofing Flaw


The United Nations nuclear agency warned yesterday that nearly 400 tons of missing explosives could be in the hands of insurgents who have been targeting US-led forces in Iraq for months.

Tons of explosives missing at Iraq site


Harrah #39;s Entertainment Inc. and Caesars Entertainment Inc. will sell an East Chicago riverboat casino and three other gambling resorts for \$1.

Harrah #39;s will sell E. Chicago riverboat


Gramatica replaces Jason Baker, whose locker was empty Wednesday. The Colts have not yet officially announced how they made room on the roster for Gramatica.

Colts bring in Gramatica as kickoff specialist


China #39;s Commerce Minister Bo Xilai (  ) urged the US and other countries to live up to World Trade Organization agreements and refrain from seeking limits on Chinese textile exports when global quotas expire next year.

China urges US not to seek a limit to its textile exports


ZIGGY Switkowski was in his sick bed when Telstra #39;s board announced he had agreed to step down #39; #39; but got up to clear the air.

Ziggy clears air


Osama bin Laden directly admitted for the first time that he carried out the Sept. 11 attacks and promised to outline

Al-Jazeera Airs Video Said to Be of Osama bin Laden


International Business Machines Corp. (IBM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday posted a flat quarterly net profit, weighed down by the partial settlement of an employee pension lawsuit

IBM Third-Quarter Net Flat After Charge


LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) -- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical stocks fell Thursday, with Merck helping drag down the sector on word its Vioxx drug could increase the risk of cardiovascular trouble.

BIOTECH STOCKS


A US researcher on Sunday claimed he had found the lost civilization of Atlantis in the watery deep off Cyprus -- adding his theory to a mystery which has baffled explorers for centuries.

US Researcher Says Finds Atlantis Off Cyprus


Wireless phone service can't be purchased on price alone -- first, you need to decide which carrier to go with, since not all offer the same service. <FONT face=

How to Make the Right Call on Cell Plans


LOS ANGELES - The family of John Ritter has sued a Burbank hospital, accusing it of negligence in the death of the 54-year-old actor.    Ritter's wife Amy Yasbeck and his four children, including actor Jason Ritter, filed the wrongful death suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Sept...

Ritter Family Files Wrongful Death Suit


A judge is ordering Microsoft Corp. to pay \$112.5 million to attorneys who successfully sued the software maker for monopolizing a segment of California's market.

Judge Orders Microsoft to Pay \$112 Million


Reuters - The stationary life of\acclaimed British sitcom

'Office' Promo Takes Wing with United (Reuters)


Worried about a vast and still growing heroin industry in Afghanistan, the Bush administration has devised a more aggressive counternarcotics strategy aimed at greater eradication of poppy fields, promotion of alternative crops and prosecution of traffickers.

U.S. Plans Assault On Afghan Heroin


Looking back at the major events that took place in the Middle East in 2004, the death of veteran Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is undoubtedly a world-shaker.

Yearender: Mideast peace roadmap reaches dead-end in 2004


Beijing, Oct 27 (PTI) The death toll in the coal mine tragedy in central China #39;s Henan Province has reached 129 but chances of finding the 19 missing miners alive are very slim, the state media reported today.

Toll in China #39;s coal mine explosion reaches 129


US STOCKS were narrowly mixed yesterday as investors digested a jump in second-quarter gross domestic product, while keeping a close eye on falling oil prices.

Wall Street treads water as traders await fresh direction


Cisco Systems and Fujitsu will partner to develop high-end routers and switches for use in advanced IP networks. Initally, Fujitsu will offer co-branded products running Cisco #39;s IOS-XR operating

Cisco and Fujitsu Team on High-End Routers


AdWeek.com - The business is growing, and the numbers are strong. So why is wireless-telecommunications provider Alltel talking to shops after just 18 months with Omnicom Group's DDB in Chicago?

Alltel Seeks Shop To Help Battle The Big Boys (AdWeek.com)


NEW YORK, December 1 (newratings.com) - Anthem Inc (ATH.NYS) has successfully completed its \$20 billion acquisition of WellPoint Health Networks (WLP) to form the biggest health insurance company in the US, with more than 28 million members.

Anthem, WellPoint merger complete, share prices appreciate


The European Union must embrace economic reform, trade commissioner-designate Peter Mandelson warns at the CBI's annual conference.

Mandelson calls on EU to reform


Baseball's winter meeting will run through the weekend and could lead to any number of trades and free-agent signings.

Buy Now, Buy Often, but Make a Good Deal


Spains midweek international friendly victory over England was marred by some disgraceful scenes of racism directed at Englands black players, but further sad events which have been so far largely unreported occurred in Madrid on Wednesday evening.

More Pain In Spain


The Arizona Diamondbacks moved quickly to get a righthanded power hitter with their first free agent signing in what they promise will be a busy offseason.

Glaus goes to Diamondbacks


The Boeing Airborne Laser (ABL) team fired a laser beam for the first time using the flight laser modules in the ABL System Integration Lab at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

Boeing Tests Megawatt Airborne Laser


Reuters - OPEC took the unprecedented step of\urging the United States to tap its emergency crude reserves to\bring down world oil prices.

OPEC to U.S. - Use Emergency Oil Reserves (Reuters)


Rafael Nadal upset Andy Roddick 6-7 (8-6), 6-2, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 to give Spain a 2-0 lead over the United States in the Davis Cup final in Seville, Spain, on Friday.

Spain lead United State 2-0 in Davis Cup final


FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq's interim government  declared martial law on Sunday after insurgents killed 23 Iraqi  policemen and set off blasts in Baghdad in a fresh show of  force before a planned U.S. offensive on Falluja and Ramadi.

Iraq Declares Martial Law, 23 Police Killed


Davis Love, the man with the elegant swing and demeanor to match, is the most experienced member of the US Ryder Cup team. Love, 40, has been a mainstay for the Americans

Cup veteran Love sure to be future US captain


Australia #39;s dreams of an historic fourth successive three-day eventing gold medal ended in disappointment but there was still joy for the team when Andrew Hoy #39;s wife won dual gold medals.

Aussie equestrian hopes end in sixth


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks shot higher on Thursday as  oil prices resumed their retreat, while technology shares sped  ahead, helped by Microsoft Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks Rally as Oil Drops; Techs Strong


Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony looks on during his team #39;s 90-88 victory over the New Jersey Nets in Denver on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004.

3 Arrested for Trying to Extort NBA Player


BAGHDAD: The number of US soldiers killed in combat in Iraq neared 1,000 after a spike in violence, as Prime Minister Iyad Allawi prepared on Tuesday for talks in Moscow aimed at reviving business ties despite Russias opposition to the US-led war.

Allawi meets Putin to boost trade ties


The big Swede delivered in Q3, but its outlook dashes upside hope.

Will Ericsson's Future Match Its Past?


A late goal by Mikko Eloranta helped Finland scrape past Germany 2-1 Monday in their World Cup Ice hockey quarter-final, sending the Finns to the semi-finals in North America later this week.

Hockey: Finland Squeeze by Spirited Germany 2-1


It #39;s official: The lunatic fringe has clearly gotten loose. There really is no other way to explain what #39;s going on with shares at online travel company Travelzoo (Nasdaq: TZOO).

Inmates in Charge of Travelzoo


As any experienced gamer would know, current PC games demand more and more graphics power to run. The PowerColor XPRESS 200 fulfils the needs of high graphics performance and limited budget for users.

Tul Introduces Its latest PowerColor XPRESS 200 PCI-E Mainboard on <b>...</b>


Taser International says that a study endorses the safety of its electrical guns, but the laboratory that conducted the research disagrees.

Claims Over Tasers' Safety Are Challenged


AP - Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Jets after missing practice with a sore hamstring Thursday, a day after he felt confident he was close to returning.

Steelers' Burress to Miss Game With Jets (AP)


As violence worsens in Iraq on Jordan's eastern border and in the West Bank in the opposite direction, the kingdom's traditionally moderate Islamic activists have intensified their rhetoric denouncing the government.

Jordan Acts to Curb a Rising Chorus of Critics


Remember that economic downturn? 9/11? The war in Iraq? Spiking oil prices, and airline fuel surcharges?

Despite travel slump, online firms flourish


Cingular becomes the nation's largest wireless carrier.

Cingular Completes Acquisition of AT T Wireless


Canadian Press - KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) - Sudan agrees to a joint withdrawal of government and rebel forces in Darfur and will accept a big increase in international ceasefire monitors, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday after talks with the country's president.

British prime minister to press Sudanese government on Darfur conflict (Canadian Press)


BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - For the first time in three days at the Ryder Cup, there was plenty of red on the scoreboard - as in American red, white and blue...

Europeans Try to Nail Down Ryder Cup Win


A director of PeopleSoft said that Craig A. Conway, the company's chief, was fired in part because he made false statements at an analysts' conference in September 2003.

PeopleSoft Chief's Remarks Cited as Cause of Dismissal


Minnesota coach Glen Mason will get a firsthand look Saturday at the guy who got away. John Stocco, the starting quarterback for No.

No. 5 Badgers out to retrieve Paul Bunyan Axe from Gophers


Immersion Corp., a small California firm that develops and licenses touch-related technologies, has been awarded \$82 million after winning a patent infringement lawsuit against PlayStation maker Sony Corp.

Immersion Corp. shakes \$82M from Sony in  #39;vibro-tactile #39; game <b>...</b>


CHICAGO (Reuters) - The chief executive of US Airways said Thursday that a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing is still a possibility for the ailing carrier but that talk of an impending liquidation was unfounded.

US Air CEO denies liquidation talk


British mobile phone network O2 will launch an i-mode service next year after licensing the technology from Japanese telco NTT DoCoMo, newspaper reports have claimed.

NTT DoCoMo, mmO2 to  #39;partner #39; on UK i-mode


Acer Inc, the world #39;s fifth largest PC vendor, yesterday formally unveiled its new management team, whose goal it will be to make the company one of the top three players in the industry over the next three years.

Acer unveils new management team


James Cracknell confirmed yesterday that he will be taking a year out from his rowing career, a day before his fellow gold medallist from the Olympic fours at this year #39;s Olympics, Matthew

Rowing: Cracknell takes year out to seek new challenges


KABUL - Interim leader Hamid Karzai holds about 70 per cent of the votes counted so far after Afghanistan #39;s landmark presidential election.

Karzai leads in Afghanistan vote count


Delta #39;s pilots union said today that it has tentatively agreed to the full \$1 billion in wage and benefit reductions the airline said it needs to help it avoid bankruptcy.

Delta, pilots agree to full \$1B reductions


A Canadian programmer who subscribes to satellite radio writes a little piece of software allowing him to record shows directly onto his PC. Then he sells the program to others. Now the RIAA and XM Radio are busy figuring out how to bust him for it.

Homemade Sat Radio Software Bump


LONDON (AFP) - Britain was due to announce Monday that it had received a US request to redeploy some of its troops in Iraq into restive, US-held areas, a move critics warned could be seen as a pre-election ploy to assist President George W. Bush.

Britain seen moving Iraq troops further into harm #39;s way


The Nigerian government has signed a cease-fire with three rebel groups that had been targeting foreign oil companies and their workers in the Niger Delta region, government officials said Friday.

Nigeria reaches cease-fire with rebels


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks ended barely higher  on Tuesday  as oil prices rose and investors tried to anticipate the  economic fallout from Hurricane Ivan as it moved through the  Gulf of Mexico toward a possible landfall in the United States.

Stocks End Barely Higher


AP - The bright green rocks jutting through the prairie soil were hard to miss, but Tom Charlton still couldn't believe his eyes. It was kimberlite, the molten rock in which diamonds are found, and preliminary tests had yielded a microscopic diamond.

Microscopic Diamond Found in Montana (AP)


Disgraced Greek sprinters Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou have been charged with obstructing a dope test on the eve of August #39;s Athens Olympics and providing authorities

Greek sprinters charged over missed drugs test


Vice President Dick Cheney said that the nation's fundamental security was at stake in the presidential election.

Cheney and G.O.P. Mount Vigorous Assault on Kerry


ENGLAND captain Michael Vaughan said today that he expects an evenly matched series with South Africa but suggests his bowlers hold the key.

Vaughan banks on attack


BEIJING (Reuters) - The NBA is considering playing some of  its regular season games in China, commissioner David Stern  said Friday.

NBA Considering Taking Games to China


Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said here Thursday that four Chinese company staff were injured in a car bomb explosion which happened outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta Thursday morning.

Four Chinese injured in explosion outside Australian embassy in <b>...</b>


PENSACOLA, Fla. - The storm that was Hurricane Ivan extended its deadly march across the South on Friday, destroying homes, swamping streets and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power from the Gulf Coast to the Carolinas...

Ivan Rattles Gulf Coast, Leaves 33 Dead


Record-setting natural gas and oil prices are teaming up to create a winter of discontent for many households. With crude oil breaking \$50 a barrel and continuing to climb, it is time to consider how to offset

Investing: Cutting your  #39;energy tax #39;


FRANKFURT : The number of jobless in Germany rose in October, data showed, complicating the government #39;s already tough task of trying to draft a budget that will respect European Union guidelines.

German unemployment rises again threatening budget deficit


Reuters - Rookie John Van Benschoten pitched\eight strong innings to seize his first major league victory,\powering the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Houston Astros 6-1 in\the National League (NL) Friday.

NL Wrap: Rookie Helps Pirates Hand Astros a Loss (Reuters)


IBM (Quote, Chart) secured the top spot in the rankings for world #39;s fastest supercomputer as Blue Gene/L ran at a sustained speed of 36.

IBM #39;s Blue Gene Wins Fastest Supercomputer Honors


Forbes Medi-Tech Inc. hit a milestone on Friday, winning European approval for the use of its cholesterol-lowering ingredient, Reducol, in milk-based drinks in the European Union.

Forbes Medi-Tech Lifted by EU #39;s Reducol Approval


Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Vincent Lecavalier scored from a sharp angle on a second-chance opportunity 3:45 into overtime, lifting Canada to a 4-3 semifinal victory over the Czech Republic and sending the host country to the World Cup final.

Lecavalier #39;s OT goal sends Canada to World Cup final


Description: We take a trip out to Saturn #39;s moon Titan. The Cassini space probe paid a close call to the moon this week, and sent back some pictures of the mist-covered planet that have scientists puzzled.

Cassini #39;s Titan Photos Stump Scientists


On Friday, just days before the presidential election, the Bush administration agreed to consider a petition from a coalition of embattled textile manufacturers that would limit some imports from China.

Bush Agrees to Consider Textile Limits


Five days after making the putt that won the Ryder Cup, Colin Montgomerie looked set to miss the cut at a European PGA tour event.

Montgomerie likely to miss Heritage cut


AP - Tyrone Willingham never showed a trace of doubt. Not following last season's 5-7 finish by Notre Dame. Not after a deflating season-opening loss to Brigham Young. Not when the Fighting Irish trailed 9-0 at halftime to Michigan on Saturday.

Coach Willingham Never Doubted Notre Dame (AP)


Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom began a joint press conference with visiting German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer today by praising the release of Israeli Azzam Azzam by Egypt.

FM Shalom meets with German FM Fischer


George Steinbrenner met with Pedro Martinez yesterday in Tampa, perhaps setting the stage for the most mind-blowing defection between enemies since Babe Ruth.

- NY Post: Charles Wenzelberg


Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. NEW YORK, New York, United States of America -- Milwaukee Bucks forward Marcus Fizer was suspended one game

NBA #39;s Fizer suspended one game after weapons guilty plea


Comcast swooped in to save Sony Corp. #39;s bid for MGM Corp., but highly-placed people on Wall Street are now wondering what the real price will be.

MGM DEAL FALLOUT MAY MEAN TIME WARNER-COMCAST FEUD


Harrah's,

Marketing Isn't for Problem Gamblers


9. (Guardian News Service):The genetic profiles held by police for criminal investigations are not sophisticated enough to prevent false identifications, according to the father of DNA fingerprinting.

DNA fingerprinting no longer foolproof #39;


Brimming with confidence, former champion Lleyton Hewitt looked every bit the tour #39;s hottest player on Wednesday as kicked off his US Open campaign with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4

Hewitt Shines, Serena Dazzles at US Open


Investment management company Affiliated Managers Group Inc. said Wednesday that third-quarter profit rose 3 percent as expenses and challenges with high-cap funds offset sharp revenue growth.

Affiliated Managers 3Q Profit Edges Up


A drop in investments in the third quarter is a sign that investors are still proceeding with caution, but some VC leaders are spinning it as a summer break. <FONT face=

Venture Capital's Summer Vacation


An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, and a series of aftershocks rocked central Japan on Saturday, killing at least 10 people including four children, officials and reports said.

Japan quake kills 10, injures hundreds


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Although it #39;s been officially announced the Montreal Expos will call Washington, DC home next season, there still are some big road blocks in the way that could derail the franchise #39;s move south.

Expos move still faces obstacles


HAMISH ROBERTSON: First this morning to the sound of gunfire and the roar of more than 100,000 Palestinian mourners. Yasser Arafat has been laid to rest in the grounds of his headquarters in Ramallah.

Arafat laid to rest in Ramallah


Although the FX-55 runs at 2.6 gigahertz, AMD claims its efficiency makes it a rival of the 4 GHz Pentium processor that Intel dropped from development last week.

AMD Offers Gourmet Chip


Airbus SAS, the world #39;s largest maker of commercial aircraft, is poised to supply an unspecified number of A319 planes to the Philippines #39; second-biggest airline Cebu Air Inc.

Airbus May Supply Planes in Cebu Air #39;s \$350 Mln Fleet Renewal


A combined PC, telephone and television is being used in aid projects in India.

Multi-purpose TV aids India


Mayor Anthony A. Williams backs the idea of considering private investors to reduce the city's cost of building a ballpark for the Expos.

Financing Plan Backed


BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Argentina's Supreme  Court ruled for the first time on Thursday that someone who  fled the country fearing political persecution during the 1970s

Argentine Political Exile Wins Claim for Damages


AP - The Israeli parliament gave a symbolic slap to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, voting against a statement defending his Gaza pullout plan, but he survived two no-confidence motions and pledged to bring the withdrawal itself to a vote in two weeks.

Parliament Votes Against Sharon Statement (AP)


NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Tennessee Titans starting left guard Zach Piller will likely be sidelined for the season with a ruptured left biceps.

Ruptured biceps ends year for Titans #39; Piller


Description: As leaders of China #39;s Communist Party meet in Beijing, much of the focus is on the rivalry between President Hu Jintao and former President Jiang Zemin.

China #39;s Hu, Jiang in Struggle for Power


After months of soaring crude oil prices, BP, the world #39;s second-biggest publicly traded oil company, reported a 43 percent rise in third-quarter profit on Tuesday and forecast

Surging Oil Prices Lift BP #39;s Quarterly Profit 43


England are reduced to 95-4 in reply to South Africa's 441 in the third Test in Cape Town.

Cricket: SA rock England


ATHENS - Homeland favorite Fani Halkia of Greece, cheered on by her compatriots in Olympic Stadium, roared to victory in the women #39;s 400 meter hurdles Wednesday night, taking the gold medal in a time of 52.

Greek sprinter rides cheers to victory


update Gateway on Thursday posted a narrower third-quarter loss, helped by cost cuts and an increase in PC unit shipments, that could allow it to climb ever closer to turning a profit.

Gateway trims loss in third quarter


TOKYO (Reuters) - Top Japanese wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo  <A HREF=

DoCoMo to Offer Overseas Roaming-Capable 3G Phones


Tokyo - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova had a long day along with 2002 Wimbledon finalists Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian in their first matches at the Japan Open tennis tournament on Wednesday.

Long day for Sharapova


RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat joined morning prayers for the holy Muslim month of Ramadan on Thursday despite his poor health, Palestinian officials said.

Ailing Arafat joins Ramadan prayers


Liverpool have received confirmation that striker Milan Baros will be out of action for at least three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Reds #39; Baros fears confirmed


Japan Tobacco Inc. #39;s Canadian unit, JTI-Macdonald, filed for bankruptcy protection after the Quebec government sued it for C\$1.

Japan Tobacco #39;s Canadian Unit Files for Bankruptcy Protection


AP - That whaddyacallit that's growing on Mount St. Helens  #151; what DO you call it? Even Shakespeare himself might have trouble figuring out what's in a name.

Naming Mount St. Helens New Dome Confusing (AP)


In Hurricanes Aftermath, Google is a Priority\\It wasnt so much the inability to take a hot shower. It wasnt the inconvenience of having to run to 7-11 for coffee in the morning. It wasnt the fact that we couldnt wash clothes, couldnt watch TV or couldnt get cool (other than ...


Microsoft has won the first round against security researchers digging for flaws in its Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), dismissing claims by German consultants to have identified vulnerabilities.

Microsoft downplays XP SP2 flaw claims


When Michael Eisner took the helm at The Walt Disney Co. in 1984, he was so unschooled in boardroom etiquette that he sought out a copy of  quot;Robert #39;s Rules of Order, quot; the guide to parliamentary procedure.

Behind the scenes at Eisner #39;s Disney


ROYAL Dutch Shells dual structure has been blamed for troubles ranging from poor management to dodgy oil reserve accountancy. So its decision to meet shareholder criticisms by unifying its two holding companies

Shell is doing things by halves in going Dutch


South Africa is progressing with its plans to host a round of the F1 World Championship from 2007 onwards. South Africa last held a F1 grand prix in 1993, which was won by Alain Prost, and is now keen to return to the F1 fold.

South Africa pushes ahead with its bid for a GP


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has dismissed all talk of moving to Real Madrid and says he expects to sign a new deal with the Gunners soon.

Wengers Arsenal Mission


Description: Sprint is about to acquire Nextel in a telecom merger that would create the nation #39;s third-largest wireless company.

Sprint Nears Acquisition of Nextel


BERLIN: Japans Yoko Shibui ran the fourth fastest womens race in history on a chilly, drizzling Sunday and broke the Berlin Marathon record with a time of 2 hours, 19 minutes and 41 seconds.

Shibui breaks Berlin marathon record


Red Hat Inc. , a Linux software distributor that in July said it would restate three years #39; of financial results, on Thursday named Charles Peters as chief financial officer.

Red Hat Names CFO After Restatements


Reuters - So much for the

Red Sox Stumble and Fumble Their Way to Series Lead (Reuters)


Reuters - New York Jets\quarterback Chad Pennington is expected to start Sunday's game\against Houston after missing the last three weeks with a\rotator cuff injury.

Pennington Set to Start Sunday (Reuters)


WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. -- NASA has selected Hamilton Sundstrand to be the prime contractor for a space program that could be worth more than \$800 million over 10 years.

Hamilton Sundstrand wins NASA contract


The software giant quietly raised the curtain for its MSN Music Web site, which offers song downloads for 99 cents. The store also has a home in Windows Media Player 10, which is slated to launch on Thursday.

Can MSN music unseat iTunes?


US stocks to watch: ARTISAN COMPONENTS INC (ARTI) British semiconductor designer ARM Holdings Plc agreed to buy US technology firm Artisan for \$913 million, to boost its product range, but ARM shares slumped on Monday on concerns it

Stocks to Watch on August 23


Justin Rascati completed 19 of 28 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winning 23-yarder to D.D. Boxley with 47 seconds remaining, as James Madison stayed undefeated in the Atlantic 10 with a 24-20 victory over Maine at Orono yesterday.

Last-minute TD stops Maine


AP - Privacy advocates are concerned that an implantable microchip designed to help doctors tap into a patient's medical records could undermine confidentiality or could even be used to track the patient's movements.

FDA Approves Use of Chip in Patients (AP)


Dubai - The al-Qaeda-linked Army of Ansar al-Sunna posted a video on its website on Wednesday showing the beheading of  quot;a senior Iraqi army officer quot; in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

Website shows beheading


Two men have been arrested in Belgium in connection with Australia #39;s biggest seizure of the drug ecstasy. Australia #39;s police commissioner said a major European syndicate was behind the shipment, and more arrests were likely.

More held over Australia drug haul


As a massive Israeli offensive continues in the Gaza Strip, Arab nations at the United Nations have proposed a resolution demanding an end to the assault.

Arab nations demand end to Israeli raids


A day after skipping practice following his arrest on a drunken-driving charge, the Washington Redskins #39; rookie safety Sean Taylor was granted an excused absence yesterday, and the team told him to stay away until Monday.

DUI Case Leaves Hole in Redskins #39; Secondary


With the future of its \$7.7 billion takeover attempt of PeopleSoft Inc. resting in the hands of a federal judge, Oracle Corp. is once again extending its tender offer for investors to tender their shares.

As software world awaits ruling, Oracle extends offer


Empire Electric #39;s 15,000 member-owners may be able to get all or part of their electricity from renewable sources starting in January.

Renewable energy may be offered by Empire


Slashdot is so popular that traffic from its links can cripple small websites, sometimes for days. So a couple of fans have set up a site called Mirrordot to alleviate the problem by hosting copies of sites mentioned on Slashdot. By Daniel Terdiman.

Solution for Slashdot Effect?


IPLocks will help Western Corporate Federal Credit Union meet government security requirements.

Credit union beefs up database security


BLACKSBURG - For the first time in the 86-game history of the Virginia-Virginia Tech football rivalry, chants of  quot;ACC, ACC quot; echoed in the Hokies #39; cheering section Saturday.

Tech gobbles up Virginia


Reuters - Medical experts Friday hailed the birth\of the first baby born to a woman after an ovarian tissue\transplant as a highly significant achievement that could help\thousands of cancer patients become mothers.

Experts Hail Birth of Baby to Ex-Cancer Patient (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chain store retail sales slowed in the  latest week, with discount stores seeing sales soften a bit, a  report said on Tuesday.

Chain Store Sales Slow in Latest Week


MEXICO CITY -- Japan signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mexico on Friday, the first such pact to cover the politically sensitive agricultural sector, officials said.

Mexico FTA paves way for Asian trade agreements


AP - Israel's defense minister decided Thursday to launch a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip to stop Palestinian rocket fire on Israeli border towns, an Israeli radio station reported.

Israel Plans Large-Scale Gaza Operation (AP)


Description: The World Trade Organization tells US trading partners they can retaliate against the United States over the so-called Byrd Amendment.

WTO: Nations Can Retaliate Against US


Despite its best efforts to settle legal action it seems Microsoft just can #39;t stay out of court. Roger Avary, who won an Oscar for writing Pulp Fiction with Quentin Tarantino, is suing the software giant alleging it stole his idea for a yoga game.

Pulp Fiction writer sues Microsoft over virtual yoga


Description: Jury selection in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault trial is underway in Eagle, Colo. The celebrity trial has stirred up a legal and media frenzy that #39;s descended upon the rural county seat located high in the Rocky Mountains.

Rural Colorado Braces for Bryant Trial Media Glare


OAKVILLE, Ont. (CP) - Vijay Singh made history at Glen Abbey on Friday, shooting 28 on the front nine to post the lowest nine-hole score in the 100-year-old history of the Bell Canadian Open.

World No. 1 Vijay Singh tears up front nine, shoots 28 at Bell <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday as gains  in insurance stocks and crude oil prices off recent highs  overshadowed a fall in consumer confidence to a 7-month low.

Stocks Rise as Insurers Lead Gains


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A 15-year tax break that secured  Intel Corp.'s ongoing investment in the state of New Mexico has  rekindled a heated debate over the ability of a poor U.S. state  to regulate the world's largest chip maker.

Intel Brings N.Mexico Jobs, Pollution


AP - Britain staunchly defended the right to use human embryos for medical research while the Vatican backed a complete ban on human cloning as U.N. members Thursday began two days of debate on the highly contentious issue.

U.N. Divided Over Anti-Cloning Treaty (AP)


KABUL (Reuters) - A huge explosion rocked the southern  Afghanistan city of Kandahar on Wednesday and at least three  Afghan soldiers were wounded, the city's police chief said.

Blast in Kandahar Wounds at Least Three Afghans


All eyes are on a Delaware Chancery Court judge now that Oracle #39;s lawsuit against PeopleSoft closed Friday. The two-weeks #39; worth of testimony centered on Oracle #39;s request that PeopleSoft (Quote, Chart) remove its Customer Assurance Program (CAP).

Oracle v. PeopleSoft Trial Closes


American Express (AXP ) wasted no time in capitalizing on a recent government case that successfully found card-association giants Visa USA and MasterCard International guilty of antitrust violations.

AmEx Charges Rivals for Damages


In his new book, Phil Jackson, the former Los Angeles Lakers coach, describes a dysfunctional team hurt by Kobe Bryants petulant anger and his pending rape trial, and feuding between Bryant and Shaquille ONeal, who is now with the Miami Heat.

Bryants Anger Hurt the Lakers, Jackson Says in a New Book


LONDON (Reuters) - The yen held close to the previous  session's four-week high against the dollar on Thursday while  the dollar held steady on the euro as investors awaited U.S.  labor and manufacturing data due later.  The Japanese currency  rose to a high of 109.28 per dollar late on Wednesday, as cross  currents in the market, mainly from a steep sterling fall,  forced yen sellers to buy the Japanese currency back, pushing  it higher against the dollar.

Dollar Awaits Data, Yen Down from Peak


MASOODA Jalal has been clocking up some high mileage on the campaign trail for Afghanistans presidential election. The only woman candidate to stand in the October 9 vote, Jalal

Now Afghanistan needs a mother


WASHINGTON - President Bush on Friday signed executive orders designed to strengthen the CIA director's power over the nation's intelligence agencies and create a national counterterrorism center, responding to election-year pressures to enact changes called for by the Sept. 11 commission...

Bush Signs Orders to Reform Intelligence


AFP - Nintendo, the world's largest maker of portable game consoles, said it returned to profitability in the first half after booking large foreign exchange gains.

Nintendo returns to profit on forex gains, rising software sales (AFP)


It might have taken 63 years, but Bill Parcells seems to have found a happy medium of emotions in coaching the Dallas Cowboys.

Mild 'Tuna'


Islamabad, Oct. 2. (PTI): Consolidating his hold on the military, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today appointed Chief of the country #39;s powerful spy agency, ISI, Gen Ahsanul Haq, as Chairman of the Joint

Musharraf elevates ISI Chief, Karachi Commander to top posts


JAKARTA (Reuters) - A suicide bomber in a Daihatsu minivan  packed with explosives was responsible for an attack at the  Australian embassy in Jakarta on Thursday that killed nine  people, Indonesian police said on Friday.

Suicide Bomber Carried Out Jakarta Attack-Police


Survivors of a fatal fire on a submarine today spoke of their experience as Canadas defence minister said he could not rule out suing the British Government.

Submarine Fire Survivors Tell of Blaze Horror


AOL today announced its Mobile Developer Program designed to formalize the company #39;s three year-old push into the cellular phone instant messaging business.

AOL Formalizes Cellular Phone IM Program


Here #39;s my colleague Denny Arar #39;s report on PalmOne #39;s latest business-oriented PDA, the \$399 Tungsten T5. The T5 has a big screen (320 by 480), scads of memory (256MB), built-in Bluetooth, and other features.

Enter your e-mail:


Banking group HBOS yesterday criticised European Competition Commissioner Mario Monti for appearing to welcome the 8.8 billion takeover of Abbey National

Monti blasted over Abbey comments


The dynamic 24 percent payroll rollback proposed by the NHL Players Association last week was simply another gambit in the NHL #39;s labor dispute.

Union #39;s reply to next league offer holds key


In a global conservation study, scientists are hunting for the world's largest freshwater fish. The current record holder? A 660-pound (300-kilogram) catfish.

Search Is on for World's Biggest Freshwater Fish


While some manufacturers in the Federal Reserve #39;s Eighth District planned to expand and add jobs in the last few months, about the same number planned to close plants and cut jobs, according to the Fed #39;s Beige Book report.

Federal Reserve #39;s Eighth District economy mixed


Mark Grudzielanek hit two of Chicago #39;s six home runs and Glendon Rusch pitched seven strong innings to lift the Chicago Cubs to a 9-2 pasting of the Astros in Houston on Friday.

Cubs Blast Six Homers in Astros Mauling


Could this be an end to broken links? New software replaces and updates links on Web pages.

For Missing Web Pages, a Department of Lost and Found


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The new U.S. ambassador to Iraq wants  to shift \$3.37 billion in aid earmarked for water, sewage and  electricity projects in the country to efforts to improve  Iraq's security and oil output and create more jobs, the Wall  Street Journal reported on Monday.

Negroponte Wants More Funds for Iraqi Security --WSJ


VANCOUVER (CP) - A World Trade Organization ruling gives Canada needed clout to recover more than \$3 billion in duties destined for US lumber producers, a Canadian lumber lobby says.

BC lumber lobby says WTO ruling on Byrd Amendment helps softwood <b>...</b>


A new distribution deal in Russia makes Ipix look better, unless you look closely.

(Hot) Dog of the Day


Shares of Atherogenics Inc. opened down 7.2 percent on the Nasdaq Wednesday following a pre-market report that the drug developer is abandoning further clinical trials of its AGIX-4207 treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Biotech Stocks Open Lower


European champion FC Porto won the Toyota Cup on Sunday, defeating Colombia #39;s Once Caldas 8-7 in a penalty-kick shootout in a game between the top club teams from Europe and South America.

Porto beats Once Caldas to win Toyota Cup


Cleveland Browns offensive guard Paul Zukauskas was arrested and charged with drunken driving after an early-morning traffic stop.

Legal woes for Zukauskas, Terrell


NewsFactor - In the hype of the CRM boom a few years ago, \sales force automation software seemed largely forgotten. Though not quite a dinosaur, it certainly was not a hot topic.

Sales Force Automation Back in the Spotlight (NewsFactor)


Apple Computer Inc. rolled out on Tuesday a new iPod that allows users to view and share photos, a dramatic expansion that takes the popular digital music player into the multimedia

Apple Rolls Out iPod Photo, Rocks with U2


Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Shaun Wright-Phillips scored in his international debut as England beat Ukraine 3-0 in a warm-up for soccer World Cup qualifying, while Italy lost 2-0 to Iceland.

England Beats Ukraine in World Cup Soccer Warm-Up (Update1)


As a retired pilot himself, Roy W. Roush knows a good aviator holds the elevation steady while gliding through the clouds. In the 15 years he was friends with space pioneer Leroy Gordon Cooper, Roush flew

Space pioneer dies at home in Ventura


Ichiro Suzuki broke George Sisler #39;s 84-year-old major league record for hits in a single season with a pair of early singles as the Seattle Mariners beat the Texas Rangers 8-3.

Ichiro Ignites 6-Run Rally with Record-Breaking Hit


AFP - Hungary's central bank again lowered its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points, from 10.5 to 10 percent, the bank said.

Hungarian central bank cuts key interest rate by half a point (AFP)


Ringtones have proved to be such a lucrative side business for cellular phone companies that record labels in the United States have decided they want a piece of that revenue.

The Guy From Green Day Says He Has Your Mother on the Cellphone


If the solution seems complex, the roots of the problem in western Sudan are perhaps more so.

What's behind the Darfur crisis - and what's next?


ANZ reported a record rise in post tax operating profit today, announcing a 20 per cent jump to \$2.8 billion for the year ending September 2004.

McFarlane rewarded for record ANZ profit


Chicago-based Braun Consulting #39;s shares soared Tuesday after news that the professional services firm will be acquired by Minneapolis-based Fair Isaac for \$30 million.

Tech Briefs


AP - Mount St. Helens exhaled a spectacular roiling cloud of steam and ash Tuesday, sprinkling grit on a small town some 25 miles away.

Mount St. Helens Exhales Ash, Steam (AP)


Lying in a hospital bed, gravely ill from leukemia and weakened by chemotherapy, Eric Drew began to get mail thanking him for opening credit accounts he knew nothing about.

First Sentence for Violating Privacy Law


HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Hong Kong shares ended up Monday to close at their highest level in nearly 45 months, led by gains in property counters and blue-chip Hutchison Whampoa.

HK Shares End Near 45-Mo High On Hutchison, Ppty Stks -2-


Orange announced the commercial availability of Talk Now, Europes first advanced Push-To-Talk service. Over the last nine months, Orange has engaged in customer trials across Europe to develop and refine

Orange Launches Talk Now


ANAHEIM, Calif. The Anaheim Angels will be without second baseman Adam Kennedy as they pursue a postseason berth. Kennedy tore up his right knee in the fifth inning of last night #39;s 5-to-2 win over Seattle.

Sports: Kennedy out for season with knee injury


Craig Barrett, Intel Corp. #39;s 6-foot-3- inch chief executive, walked onto a stage during a industry conference in Florida last week, got down on his knees in front of more than 6,000 technology managers, and begged forgiveness.

Intel Chief Begs Forgiveness, Says Company Became Too Relaxed #39;


It's still early, but it's not too hard to anticipate a showdown coming between the Yankees and Red Sox in the next round.

Yankees Look Dashing


LONDON : German Defence Minister Peter Struck appeared in an interview with Britain #39;s Financial Times newspaper to soften his country #39;s stance on Iraq, hinting that Germany might deploy troops if conditions there change.

Germany hints at softer stance on Iraq


In a bid to keep protesters from disrupting the Republican National Convention, the Bloomberg administration is offering

Just Keep It Peaceful, Protesters; New York Is Offering Discounts


AP - The Atlanta Braves made another huge pitch for success, getting Tim Hudson from Oakland. And the Seattle Mariners added another slugger, grabbing Adrian Beltre off the free-agent market.

Hudson Joins Braves, Mariners Sign Beltre (AP)


Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. has agreed to sell its Cooper-Standard Automotive unit for just shy of \$1.7 billion to a partnership between Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and The Cypress Group.

Cooper Tire deals unit for \$1.7B


AP - Islamic militants threw explosives at the gate of the heavily guarded U.S. consulate in Jiddah, then forced their way into the building, prompting a gunbattle in a bold assault that left seven people dead and several injured before the three-hour long crisis was brought under control.

Attackers Strike U.S. Consulate in Jiddah (AP)


MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Fresh from two major acquisitions, Australia #39;s biggest gambling company Tabcorp Ltd. (TAH.AU) Thursday said annual net profit rose 23 to A\$311.

UPDATE: Tabcorp Profit Up, Looks Again At High Rollers


At least 39 people were killed and more than 80 wounded when a suicide car bomb exploded at a rally for an assassinated militant religious leader in central Pakistan early Thursday, police said.

Suicide Car Bomb Kills 39 at Pakistan Religious Rally


Thursday #39;s pro-Oracle Corp. decision on the US Department of Justice #39;s attempt to block Oracle #39;s proposed takeover of PeopleSoft Inc.

PeopleSoft fracas could spark software M amp;A


Intel (nasdaq: INTC - news - people ) released its Pentium 4 Extreme Edition processor on Monday. The hotly awaited--and just as hotly touted--new chip is geared for a  quot;balanced quot; approach to home PCs: By tightening

Barrett: Intel Releases  #39;Extreme #39; Chip To Mixed Reviews


Napster creator Shawn Fanning, who turned the music industry on its head with his file trading technology, has re-emerged with a new company that hopes to facilitate agreements between peer-to-peer services and the record companies, making it easier for

Napster Star Changes His Tune


AP - A Kosovar woman among three U.N. workers kidnapped in Afghanistan has called home to say she is well and expects to be freed soon, a businessman seeking her release said Tuesday.

Two Afghanistan Hostages Call Home (AP)


ROME : Alitalia management and flight attendants struck a crucial deal on job cuts that would allow the struggling airline to keep flying, but management still needs to win government support for its overall strategy.

Alitalia, flight attendants agree accord on job cuts


Disclosures of bid-rigging within the insurance industry may lead Congress to a  #39; #39;Pandora #39;s box quot; of unethical conduct, a top investigator told Congress

Spitzer warns of further insurance industry woes


A delegation from the human rights group Amnesty International expressed concern Thursday about  quot;serious problems quot; in Haiti #39;s police force and justice system as the team ended a visit after more than a month of sporadic

Amnesty expresses concern over Haiti #39;s justice system


AP - Loud explosions echoed through the Iraqi capital Tuesday morning as a number of mortar rounds landed near government offices, the Interior Ministry and witnesses said. There was no immediate word on casualties.

Loud Explosions Echo Through Iraqi Capital (AP)


NASA managers worried Monday about the prospect of Hurricane Ivan after Hurricane Frances ripped about 1,000 4-by-10-foot aluminum panels off one side of its massive Vehicle Assembly Building, Kennedy Space Center director Jim Kennedy said.

Frances tears panels from NASA shuttle hangar


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

PepsiCo Profit Rises on Tax Benefits


The price of the Pentium 4 560 is now priced at \$417 from \$637, while prices of other desktop Pentium 4 chips are cut by 18 percent to 33 percent.

Intel Pentium 4 prices slashed by 35


The preview of MSN Search had a difficult first day, with the site going down in the morning when the hordes went to play with it, and it may be unfair to judge it on its patchy start.

Jack Schofield


India and Pakistan held the first of two days of talks on Tuesday on starting a bus service between the capitals of divided Kashmir, a proposal which could give their peace process a major shot in the arm, officials said.

India, Pakistan hold talks on Kashmir bus link


Over 40 technology companies and organizations send a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee asking it to hold public hearings on the controversial Induce Act before moving forward. By Katie Dean.

Tech Groups Want Induce Hearings


Food and drinks entrepreneur Hugh Osmond has bought four life assurance funds for 1bn (\$1.97bn). Mr Osmond has purchased the brands - Pearl Assurance, NPI, London Life and Provident Life - from financial services group HHG.

Foods tycoon buys assurance funds


ATHENS, Greece - For one game, the United States was its former Olympic basketball self on Monday afternoon. Considering the opponent, winless Angola, that shouldn #39;t be viewed as a strong foundation for optimism as medal play approaches.

Olympic roundup


SAN JUAN IXTAYOPAN, Mexico -- A pair of wooden crosses outside the elementary school are all that mark the macabre site where, just weeks ago, an angry mob captured two federal police officers, beat them unconscious, and set them on fire.

After lynchings, Mexico looks inward


The F.C.C. voted to relax rules that had required the four large Bell telephone companies to give their rivals access to their networks at sharply discounted wholesale prices.

Big Bells Allowed to Charge Rivals More for Line Access


AP - A.J. Feeley was the better quarterback early. Then Drew Bledsoe began to pick apart the Miami Dolphins' defense.

Bills Beat Dolphins, 42-32 (AP)


Nokia #39;s RFID system offers consumers access to browsing and text message services by touching tags that contain service shortcuts.

Nokia Adds RFID to Latest Handsets


Stockholm, Sweden (Sports Network) - Top-seeded Andre Agassi earned a grueling victory against fourth-seeded Tommy Haas in Saturday #39;s semifinals at the Stockholm Open.

Agassi reaches final in Stockholm


The surge of violence in the Middle East spilled across Israel #39;s southern border into Egypt last night as more than 30 holidaymakers were killed and scores more injured in a devastating series of apparently coordinated car bomb attacks in Red Sea resorts.

Dozens killed in bomb blasts at Sinai resorts


AP - There won't be an NHL entry draft before a collective bargaining agreement is reached with the players' association, the director of the league's scouting department said.

NHL Draft Will Wait on New Contract (AP)


JERUSALEM -- A local Hamas leader indicated yesterday the militant group would not attack Israelis during the Palestinian presidential campaign and would consider a formal truce with Israel in the latest signs of hope for renewed peace efforts in the region.

A leader indicates Hamas holding off


Trevor Graham, the coach of Olympic 100 meters champion Justin Gatlin, admitted on Monday he had been the unidentified coach who sent a syringe of the designer steroid THG (tetrahydrogestrinone) to the United States Anti-Doping Agency

Graham Admits Sending THG Syringe to USADA


The number of Americans filing initial claims for jobless benefits rose less than forecast last week and held below the year #39;s average, a government report showed today.

Business briefs, November 11


Iraqis arrive at a destroyed car after a roadside bomb exploded on the highway leading to the airport of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Oct 18, 2004.

2 Macedonian Hostages Said Killed in Iraq


The United States has shattered a 17-year-old world record in the women #39;s Olympic 800-meter freestyle relay.

US Women Shatter Olympic 800-Meter Freestyle Relay Record


Diebold, the much-criticized electronic voting machine company, got another black eye last week. A California district court ruled that it had violated federal law when it falsely charged two college students

More troubles for Diebold


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - U.S. oil prices were steady on  Thursday, holding gains of nearly \$2 from a day earlier after a  U.S. government report showed crude oil stocks falling to their  lowest level in five months.

U.S. Oil Prices Are Steady


Take advantage of cards instead of it being the other way around.

Managing Credit Cards Intelligently


Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , a technology services provider under government investigation, on Wednesday said it might miss its deadline to file third

EDS Might Miss Results Filing Deadline


Yahoo! has acquired privately held Stata Labs, developer of the searchable e-mail client/RSS reader Bloomba and the SAproxy Pro spam filter.

Yahoo! Adds to E-mail, RSS Assets


AP - Soldiers shot and killed a 10-year-old Palestinian girl and three other Palestinians died in missile strikes Friday during Israel's massive offensive into the northern Gaza Strip, witnesses and hospital officials said.

Gaza Violence Kills Four Palestinians (AP)


JAKARTA Indonesian prosecutors will file terror charges against Abu Bakar Bashir, accusing the Muslim cleric of leading the Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah militant network, the attorney general #39;s office said Friday.

Cleric linked to Qaeda to face terror charges


Australian Prime Minister John Howard tried to reassure nervous Asian neighbors on Tuesday after saying he wanted to strike terror threats at the source, a key difference with opposition Labor before an Oct.

Asia terror affects Australia elections


When LeBron James shot two airballs on a single possession in the first quarter, it was a sign of things to come. Richard Hamilton scored 21 and the Pistons almost held

Pistons hold LeBron to 11


Marwan Barghouti #39;s surprise announcement that he plans to run for chairman of the Palestinian Authority sent shock waves throughout the PA leadership.

Analysis / Throwing down the gauntlet


Iraq #39;s elections were thrown into renewed doubt only days after the interim government won international backing for its decision to hold the poll at the end of January.

Iraqi election date thrown into fresh doubt


The board and management of world number six gold miner Harmony are driven by value creation for Harmony shareholders, Harmony Chief Executive Bernard Swanepoel said in a letter released on Wednesday.

Harmony  #39;driven by shareholder value #39;


LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar held more than a cent above  this week's record low on the euro on Thursday and traded near  a two-week high on the yen, with the market wary of protest  comments out of Europe about the euro's recent rise.

Dollar Steady, Off Record Low Vs Euro


AP - Randy Johnson got his 4,137th strikeout Wednesday night, breaking Steve Carlton's major league record for left-handers and moving into third place overall on the career list.

Johnson Breaks Strikeout Record by Lefties (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Media company Belo Corp. <A HREF=

Belo Takes Charge for Advertising Refunds


AFP - Australia, trailing India by 141 runs on the first innings, were 53 for no loss in their second knock at tea on the third day of the second cricket Test here.

Australia 53-0 after conceding 141-run lead against India (AFP)


PORTO ended Chelsea #39;s unbeaten record to earn themselves a place in the knockout stages in dramatic fashion. Benni McCarthy scored the winner for the Portuguese side with just five minutes remaining of a game

FOOTBALL: BENNI-FIT NIGHT AS HOLDERS SURVIVE


NewsFactor - Sony (NYSE: SNE) has announced plans to release a double-layer DVD burner that is compatible with the Macintosh platform.

Sony Announces DVD Burner for Mac (NewsFactor)


AP - Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter and Cleveland Browns running back William Green were ejected before Sunday's game for fighting during warmups.

Two Ejected in Steelers-Browns Fight (AP)


Reuters - Two people were killed and 11 wounded\when a hand grenade was lobbed into the VIP section of the\audience at a concert led by Indian film superstar Shah Rukh\Khan and two other actors, police said.

Grenade Kills Two at Colombo Bollywood Concert (Reuters)


South Koreas financial regulator has found accounting irregularities worth Won1,980 billion (\$1.7 billion) at Hynix Semiconductor, and has warned that the worlds second largest memory chipmaker could be fined for the violations.

Hynix may be fined for accounting violations


David Beckham insists he is ready to play a full 90 minutes for England in the friendly against Spain if Sven-Goran Eriksson asks him to defy his club Real Madrid.

Beckham ready to defy Real


SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea Monday shrugged off North  Korean criticism of the South's experiments with nuclear  materials as familiar posturing that would not rule out the  mercurial communist North's return to atomic arms talks.

N.Korea Seen Using South Atomic Issue to Stall Talks


On Monday, astronaut Gordon Cooper Jr., 77, died at his home in Ventura, Calif. He was one of the original seven Mercury astronauts.

Astronaut Gordon Cooper Dies


FORT PIERCE, Fla. - Floridians scrambled to board their homes and stock up on groceries and gas - again - as Hurricane Jeanne churned westward Friday and threatened to become the fourth hurricane to pound the state in the last six weeks...

Hurricane Jeanne Targets Fla. East Coast


Sony has long been of the mindset that they can develop media formats (ie Betamax) which are superior to ones already in the marketplace.

Sony, jockeying for better MP3 player market position, adds native <b>...</b>


Several starting spots may have been usurped or at least threatened after relatively solid understudy showings Sunday, but few players welcome the kind of shot delivered to Oakland

NFL backups quick to step up


A variant of the Zafi worm, Zafi.d, is doing the rounds disguised as a Christmas message. This worm arrives via email and through peer-to-peer networks bearing the message  quot;Happy Hollydays quot; and the subject

You #39;re Infected. Merry Christmas!


BAGHDAD : A group linked to suspected Al-Qaeda operative Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi claimed to have beheaded a second US hostage in Iraq, as US President George W. Bush defended the war in Iraq and asked for more foreign help in the country.

Second American hostage murder claimed as Bush appeals for help in <b>...</b>


CANNES, FRANCE-- Former Computer Associates International Inc. (CA) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sanjay Kumar made a surprise appearance at the Etre technology conference in Cannes on Monday, three weeks after his indictment for securities fraud and obstruction of justice.

Former CA chief Kumar appears Cannes technology show


NEW YORK -- A proposal for a \$1.4 billion stadium for the New York Jets professional football team inched ahead on Thursday as the Empire State Development Corp.

NY state economic development agency approves proposal


After five double-digit victories in which they never trailed in the second half, the Eagles needed overtime to beat the Cleveland Browns 34-31 on Sunday.

Pro football: Eagles survive toughest test yet


KINDERSLEY, SASK. - People in Kindersley, Sask., hope to get a clearer idea this week about the status of the da Vinci project, which aims to send the first Canadian rocket into space.

Saskatchewan town prepares for launch of Canadian rocket


AP - Norway's capital could not have been further removed from the chaos and bloodshed of the Middle East. Yet it was as a result of top-secret meetings here that two veteran warriors decided it was time to talk peace.

For Arafat, Oslo Remained Symbol of Hope (AP)


Sony had some welcome news for consumers this week, announcing the Japanese price for its new PlayStation Portable system will be a lower-than-expected 19,800 yen (\$228 Cdn).

PSP price drops


France is awarded the gold medal in the three-day equestrian team event after winning an appeal with Britain and the United States against an earlier decision that gave the victory to Germany.

Equestrian Medal Overturned


Nordstrom Inc. #39;s second-quarter profit surged 62 percent on sales of fashions such as tweed jackets and ponchos, but the company missed analyst expectations, sending its shares down in after-hours trading yesterday.

Nordstrom #39;s profits up 62; stock falls


quot;Most of the differences are in the set-ups and in the race cars. As a driver, we just push the limits of the car and try to find a balance the car works well with.

Darlington II: Jeff Gordon - GM rain


Two British soldiers have been killed following an ambush on a convoy near the southern Iraqi city of Basra on Tuesday morning, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.

Two UK troops killed in Iraq ambush


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar barely moved on Tuesday as  most investors were reluctant to take positions ahead of an  address by the Federal Reserve chief that is expected to point  to further rises in U.S. interest rates this year.

Dollar Stalls as Market Awaits Greenspan


BEIJING, Dec. 16 -- Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to have a scan in a bid to try to find the root cause of his calf problem.

Van Nistelrooy set for scan


BEIJING (Reuters) - China and Russia will hold their first  joint military exercises on Chinese territory next year, the  Interfax news agency quoted Russian Defense Minister Sergei  Ivanov as saying in Beijing on Monday.

China, Russia to Hold Military Exercise in 2005


If Roone Arledge invented the modern TV Olympics, Dick Ebersol has imploded it. Everyone wants to watch the Olympics, but they're just too unwatchable -- too much, too fragmented, too staged, too jingoistic, too hyped, too commercialized, too long, too everything. The Olympics no longer feel Olympian. They feel like a sweeps-week sports reality show.

NBC's Five-Ring Circus


There was no mystery ... no secret strategy ... no baited trap that snapped shut and changed the course of history #39;s most lucrative non-heavyweight fight.

Izenberg: Patience pays off for Hopkins


AP - SBC Communications Inc., the second-largest local phone company in the United States, said Wednesday it signed a 10-year,  #36;400 million agreement with Microsoft Corp. to provide next-generation television services using Microsoft's TV Internet protocol television edition software platform.

SBC, Microsoft in  #36;400 Million Deal (AP)


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Six Egyptian engineers working for the mobile telephone company that provides service to central Iraq have been abducted in the past several days, prompting a company official to warn that the phone network would shut down if its remaining

More abductions in Iraq


A set of GameBoy micro-games is named as the most innovative game of the year at a festival in Scotland.

GameBoy mini-games win prize


Under the omnibus bill funding the remaining FY 2005 appropriations (HR 4818), the House and Senate conferees gave NASA a substantial downpayment on the President #39;s Space Exploration Initiative.

AIP FYI #150: NASA Gets Funding Increase for Space Exploration <b>...</b>


WINSTON SALEM, NC - Dell announced today it is adding to its US manufacturing operations with a third location, to be placed in the Triad area of North Carolina.

Dell makes it official, chooses NC for facility


September 13, 2004 Nashua, NH--Xignal Technologies (Munich) is releasing its intellectual property for a 10-Gbit/sec CMOS XFI interface for signal conditioner ICs in XFP transceiver modules.

Xignal releases XFI interface design for 10G XFP modules


The Cassini spacecraft is heading for its first close encounter with Saturn #39;s moon Titan tomorrow. University of Arizona scientists on the mission say Cassini will get its first real glimpse of Titan surface

UA #39;s Cassini Scientists Ready for First Close Titan Flyby


If anyone had questions about Stewart Cink being chosen for the US Ryder Cup team, he answered them with authority yesterday at the NEC Invitational in Akron, Ohio, never letting anyone get closer than two shots and becoming the first wire-to-wire winner this year on the PGA Tour.

It #146;s a choice performance


The nation's largest flight attendants union said yesterday it would hold strike authorization votes at four major airlines, accusing the industry of using the bankruptcy process to cut workers' pay and other benefits.

Flight attendants to hold strike vote


Defensive back Deion Sanders intercepted his first pass in four years, yukking it up all the while with linebacker Ray Lewis and the reinvigorated Baltimore Ravens.

Redskins Are Dealt Another Blow


Schinias, Greece (Sports Network) - Germany and Hungary each claimed a pair of gold medals on the final day of the canoe/kayak program at the 2004 Olympics.

Two golds for Germany and Hungary on final day of canoe/kayak


Two American soldiers are killed by a homemade bomb in central Afghanistan, the US military says.

Afghan bomb kills two US soldiers


AP - President Bush opens the fall campaign with a slight lead over Democratic Sen. John Kerry, an Associated Press poll shows, as voters express growing confidence in the direction of the country and the performance of the incumbent.

AP Poll: Bush Holds Slight Lead on Kerry (AP)


Letters DEC/Compaq hands in pain

HP must open source Tru64 goodies - users


At least three Palestinians were killed and others were wounded early Wednesday as Israeli tanks shelled houses in the northern Gaza Strip.

At least three Palestinians dead as US vetoes UN resolution


AP - Biologists plan to use large nets and traps this week in Chicago's Burnham Harbor to search for the northern snakehead  #151; a type of fish known for its voracious appetite and ability to wreak havoc on freshwater ecosystems.

Biologists Hunt Destructive 'Frankenfish' (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Last season, Roger Federer left  Houston not even the top-ranked player of the year.

Only Injury Can Stop Peerless Federer at Masters Cup


THE Federal Government today played down its reluctance to join a non-aggression pact with Asian neighbours while Prime Minister John Howard prepared for a historic visit with ASEAN leaders.

PM, Downer downplay pact row


ZURICH (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova beat  former world number one Venus Williams 6-3, 6-4 on Friday to  reach the semi-finals of the Zurich Challenge.

Sharapova Downs Venus to Reach Zurich Semifinals


An Internet company has agreed to forgive \$17 million in customers' bills as part of an agreement with the government, the Federal Trade Commission announced Monday.

FTC in Settlement With Company That Promoted Adult Web Sites


British authorities are warning fans of the Apple iPod music player using a companion device called the iTrip is illegal. Made by Griffin Technology and available on eBay for less than \$40, it lets users play

Brits against warned against  #39;iTrip #39;


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The NASD on Monday said it fined  Citigroup Global Markets Inc. \$250,000 for distributing  inappropriate hedge fund sales literature, in the regulator's  largest fine involving hedge fund sales by broker-dealers.

Citigroup Gets Record Fine for Fund Sales


AFP - Hyundai and Kia automotive plants shut down as their workers joined tens of thousands of other labourers in a strike against proposed new labor legislation, company officials said.

SKorean auto plants shut in strike by tens of thousands (AFP)


The 300,000-square-foot facility begins to buzz around 8 a.m. and churns continuously for a 10-hour shift (12 on the weekend).

Photos: Inside Dell's Austin assembly plant


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  said Thursday he opposed peace talks with Syria while it  continued to host Palestinian militant groups in Damascus.

Sharon Rejects Talks with Syria for Now


AP - Japan's economy barely grew during the quarter ending Sept. 30 and in the April-June period it actually shrank instead of squeezing out slight growth, according to revised government data released Wednesday.

Data Revision Shows Japan's Economy Grew (AP)


Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Qwest Communications International Inc. (QN: Quote, Profile, Research) asked a federal appeals court Tuesday to block

Verizon, Qwest Ask Court to Block FCC


Jenson Button has revealed dissatisfaction with the way his management handled a fouled switch to Williams. Not only did the move not come off, his reputation may have been irreparably damaged amid news headline

Button unhappy with  #39;advice


MOSCOW Aug. 28, 2004 - The discovery of traces of explosives in the wreckage of one of two airliners that crashed almost simultaneously this week have confirmed a widely suspected terrorist connection and

Russia Blames Terrorism for Downed Plane


Japanese-Swedish mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson reports a tripling of its third quarter profit, driven by sales of new camera phones.

Sony Ericsson sees profits triple


A committee hears testimony on the possible usefulness of stem cells and current research restrictions, but it's an argument that boils down to when human life begins. By Kristen Philipkoski.

Stem Cell Debate Hits Senate


Mohamed Yousif, Sudans minister of humanitarian affairs, dismissed widespread assertions of government involvement in a vicious militia campaign against civilians in the western region.

Sudanese Hopeful of New Year Peace Deal


\The US is poised to push Japan off the top of the supercomputing charts with an IBM prototype Blue Gene machine.

Supercomputer breaks speed record


After Braves medical personnel failed in their attempts to loosen Mike Hampton #39;s stiff neck, manager Bobby Cox was forced to send Travis Smith to the mound for Monday afternoon #39;s

Hampton scratched with stiff neck


Greek and British police in a joint operation have cracked a multi-million illegal software sales ring, arresting two people and seizing thousands of pirate high-tech software programs, Greek police say.

Police break illegal software ring


US Treasury debt prices swung lower once more on Wednesday as investors bet President George W. Bush was likely to win reelection despite a still contested vote in Ohio.

US Treasuries swing lower as Bush holds the lead


Dell has won a \$700 million hardware and services contract with Philips Electronics. The deal will include the sale of Dell OptiPlex desktop computers, Precision workstations and Latitude

Dell and Philips Ink \$700 Million Deal


The Atlanta Braves rallied from a four-run deficit and handed the Cubs their fifth consecutive loss 8-to-6, knocking Chicago out of the wild-card race.

Sports: Braves 8 Cubs 6


A US-Russian crew had to turn off autopilot yesterday and manually moor its Soyuz spacecraft to the international space station after an unidentified glitch resulted

Soyuz crew docks craft manually with international space station


Reuters - Sparkling sales from luxury goods giant\Richemont helped lift European shares on Thursday, quelling\concerns about advertising firm Havas' plans to issue more\shares and the drag effect of a weaker Wall Street..

Richemont Sparkle Lifts European Stocks (Reuters)


SiliconValley.com - Nobody could blame McAfee Chairman and Chief Executive George Samenuk if he didn't know exactly how to begin his speech to investors Wednesday in Boston.

New twist for McAfee: CFO Richards is retiring (SiliconValley.com)


In a part of the country that is steeped in history, New England #39;s NFL-record, 19-game winning streak might not be recognized with the same reverence as Paul Revere #39;s midnight

New England #39;s win streak hits 19


Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar arrived in New Delhi on Friday night to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Shyam Saran.

Pakistan foreign secretary arrives for talks


Two Palestinian children were killed Friday in the explosion of an apparent roadside bomb near Khan Younis in Gaza, reports said. But Palestinian sources said the children, an 8

2 children killed in Gaza explosion


DAIRY company National Foods expects continuing growth after today reporting a 14 per cent rise in net profit to \$68.66 million for 2003/04.

Dairy giant milks growth


BetaNews: After tackling Spam, AOL is now waging a two front offensive against spammers. America Online has taken the fight to  quot;Spim, quot; which is crossing over the threshold of disruption.

AOL Cans  quot;Spim quot;


CEO tells why the move to multicore chips is a necessary one, and how Intel

Intel's Barrett takes on the 'power challenge'


Books from some of the world #39;s largest academic libraries are to be scanned and made instantly searchable by Google. The internet search engine has revealed plans to scan the whole of Michigan and Stanford

Google borrows books from leading libraries


BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Four out of five is a bit more than a trend, wouldn't you say?

Let's just acknowledge their superiority


A new era in Notre Dame football began at 8:42 pm Sunday as Charlie Weis whisked through the halls of the Joyce Center. Weis exited the dark blue Chevy sport utility vehicle

Notre Dame #39;s new football coach makes debut today.


Reuters - Investors may pack up and leave next\week as the Republican National Convention comes to New York\and many on Wall Street take a vacation, draining U.S. markets\of volume and leaving stocks flopping around with little\direction.

Investors Take a Holiday (Reuters)


Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday as investors welcomed Wall Street #39;s gains. The dollar was up against the Japanese yen. The Nikkei Stock Average of 225 issues was up 14.

Update 5: Tokyo Stocks Open Higher, Dollar Up


Qualcomm Inc. may change the way it recognizes royalties from its licensees, which would reduce fourth-quarter pre-tax income by \$298 million, the company said on Friday.

Qualcomm May Change Royalty Recognition


A nationwide inspection shows Internet users are not as safe online as they believe. The inspections found most consumers have no firewall protection, outdated antivirus software and dozens of spyware programs secretly running on their computers.

How Secure Is Your Computer?


What most adults might consider games for kids are anything but, say video game industry critics and two US senators. BY CHARLES HOMANS.

Video game violence goes to next level


Australia #39;s foreign minister pressed leaders in North Korea yesterday to remain involved in six-nation talks on its nuclear program, amid concerns that the Pyongyang administration might pull out of preparatory meetings for the next round of negotiations.

Keep talking, Downer urges N Korea


BAGHDAD : Hundreds of British troops prepared to move closer to Baghdad to help crush rebel strongholds, as a US soldier was jailed for eight years for his part in Iraq #39;s prisoner abuse scandal.

Britain agrees to Iraq troop-shift as US soldier jailed for prison <b>...</b>


Nepal has appealed to the Iraqi government for help in securing the release of 13 Nepalese hostages.

Nepal seeks help to free hostages


SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft Corp. has pushed back automatic distribution of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) to allow business users more time to instruct their machines to skip the update.

Microsoft delays automatic XP SP2 delivery


AFP - Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh left for visits to Germany and Italy, two of the impoverished country's key development donors, the official SABA news agency reported.

Yemen president starts Europe tour (AFP)


HONG KONG: Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez fired a second-round 64 to grab the lead at the halfway stage of the Hong Kong Open yesterday.

Inspired Jimenez opens up two-shot lead


The US embassy in Kabul is advising Americans in the Afghan capital to restrict their movements after a deadly car bomb late Sunday killed about a dozen people outside the offices of a US security company.

Americans in Kabul Warned after Bombing


AP - Republicans have been trying to suppress voting in states where the presidential race is too close to call, Democratic nominee John Kerry said Sunday at one of the city's largest predominantly black churches.

Kerry Says Republicans Suppressing Voting (AP)


STEVEN GERRARD dug Liverpool out of a hole again on Monday night but you have to question if the skipper is growing tired of the same old routine.

FOOTBALL: REDS FANS MUST FEAR A GERRARD KOP-OUT


Last year #39;s Melbourne Cup runner-up She #39;s Archie is in grave doubt to take her place in this year #39;s field after missing trackwork yesterday morning because of  quot;general soreness quot;.

She #39;s Archie in doubt for cup


WE #39;VE had Robbie Savage #39;s rant and talk of a players #39; mutiny over John Toshack. We #39;ve heard about a north-south split on the FAW.

Right man, right time and only choice


Despite a complicated injury to his back and pelvis that kept him out of action for most of the 2003-2004 campaign, the US National Team defender played well during the final two months of the season for FC Nurnberg and helped his club earn a promotion to

Sanneh: A vital Crew member


US mortgage company Fannie Mae should restate its earnings, a move that is likely to put a billion-dollar dent in its accounts, watchdogs say

Fannie Mae 'should restate books'


Already the Phoenix Coyotes managing partner, The Great One was asked by general manager Mike Barnett if he #39;d be interested in running the team from behind the bench, too.

The Great One weighed owner-coach role


So how did the New York press treat the Yankees after their epic collapse. Some snippets from the pages of New York's newspapers:

Collapse gets New York's goat


PANAMA CITY, Panama -- When the United States gave Panama control over its canal, many observers predicted that the international waterway would be plagued by problems at best and chaos at worst.

With Panama in control, canal runs swimmingly


Besides unleashing Solaris 10, Sun Microsystems on Monday plans to turn the spotlight on new storage hardware and software offerings as part of its quarterly product launch.

Sun Moves Up With NAS, Down With SAN


ATHENS (Reuters) - Iran's world judo champion Arash  Miresmaeili refused to compete against an Israeli Sunday,  triggering a fresh crisis at the Olympic Games where race,  creed or color are barred from interfering in sport.

Iran Defies Olympic Spirit by Shunning Israel


KABUL: Hamid Karzai has steered Afghanistan from the ruins of war to its first elected presidency, using skills honed from plotting to end Soviet occupation and negotiating the minefield of volatile Afghan politics.

Karzai #39;s dangerous road from exile to Afghan presidency


Intel Corp.'s fourth-quarter sales are on track to break a company record as demand for the chips that power computers was stronger than originally expected in the weeks leading up to the holiday buying season.

Intel Raises 4th-Quarter Sales Forecast


Philadelphia may spread the joy of wireless Internet access to its citizens.

City of brotherly love may embrace Wi-Fi


\

 LONDON (Reuters) - NDS, STMicroelectronics and Thomson said\on Friday they will develop new encryption technology to foil\video piracy, a \$3.5 billion problem for broadcasters and movie\studios.

Tech Firms Announce Video Anti-Piracy Technology


AP - A North Carolina man who deserted the U.S. Army for North Korea nearly 40 years ago was greeted by cheering crowds Tuesday in his wife's hometown on a remote island in northern Japan, where he said he plans to live his

Japan Greets U.S. Army Deserter Jenkins (AP)


PC World - New InterConnect 2004 software automatically updates contact info.

Microsoft Sends Digital Business Cards (PC World)


Canadian Press - CHARLOTTETOWN (CP) - Quebec Premier Jean Charest says the fiscal imbalance between Ottawa and the provinces is one of the major impediments to a much-needed renewal of Canada's federal system.

Charest says fiscal imbalance holding back modernization of federal system (Canadian Press)


Renegotiation may provide glimpse into Microsoft's search plans.

Microsoft, Yahoo Extend Contract for Web Ads


ZURICH (Reuters) - Venus Williams avenged her controversial  exit from this year's Wimbledon tournament with a 6-2, 6-2,  victory over Croatia's Karolina Sprem at the Zurich Challenge  Tuesday.

Venus Avenges Wimbledon Defeat


The Singapore government said on Monday it would extend third-party war-risk cover for the operator of Changi Airport and an aviation service provider due to a lack of commercial insurance alternatives.

Singapore Extends War Insurance For Air Sector


New Labor Dept. report shows continued growth in computer-related services jobs, while tech manufacturing positions fell.

Tech services jobs increase


It might cost you \$25 to pick up a wireless access point at Circuit City, but if you want to fool around with some enterprise-level WiFi you normally gotta shell out the big bucks for some commercial-grade ceiling-mounted gear.

The Wi-Jack Wi-Fi Wall Outlet


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Lower oil prices and a dollar staying ahead of \$1.33 versus the euro could lift US stocks at Wednesday #39;s open.

Stocks lookin #39; up


Dambulla, Sri Lanka - Kumar Sangakkara and Avishka Gunawardene slammed impressive half-centuries to help an under-strength Sri Lanka crush South Africa by seven wickets in the fourth one-day international here on Saturday.

It #39;s a nightmare, admits captain Smith


Agreements concerning significant issues, which were reached as a consensus between Ankara and Moscow during the historical visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, will be left until after the December 17 Summit in order to avoid reactions.

Signatures with Russia after December 17


AP - Efharisto! A nervous world learned the Greek word for thank you and repeated it endlessly at an astonishingly successful Athens Olympics that quelled fears, surprised skeptics and greatly honored the birthplace of the games.

Triumphant Olympics End With Pride, Relief (AP)


SEPTEMBER oil prices rose yesterday on US economic data showing that inflationary pressure was held in check in July. However, continued disruption in Iraqi supplies and strong world fuel demand and ongoing trouble at Russian oil giant Yukos underpinned ...

Crude rises on Iraq troubles


Verizon Communications, the nation #39;s largest regional phone company, announced plans yesterday to start introducing fiber-optic connections for residential phone and data services in six Eastern states.

Verizon to Extend Fiber Optics to Parts of Six Eastern States


Reuters - Forget the hi-tech predictions\-- it will be years, if ever, before electors can use the\Internet to vote, many policymakers believe.

Politicians See E-Voting as a Remote Prospect (Reuters)


AP - Trent Green threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jason Dunn, and the Kansas City Chiefs held a 10-3 lead over the Baltimore Ravens after the first quarter Monday night.

Chiefs Lead Ravens After First Quarter (AP)


AP - Call it the law of unintended consequences. A new national backup system meant to ensure that millions of eligible voters are not mistakenly turned away from the polls this year, as happened in 2000, could wind up causing Election Day problems as infamous as Florida's hanging chads.

New Backup Voting System May Pose Problems (AP)


Reuters - Palestinian President\Yasser Arafat, under pressure to enact anti-corruption reforms,\said on Wednesday that some officials had misused their posts\and urged efforts to correct

Arafat Urges Palestinians to 'Correct Mistakes' (Reuters)


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Exporters led a fall in Asian shares  on Monday as oil prices set new highs near \$47 and data showing  the U.S. trade deficit widened to a record raised fresh concern  about the health of the world's largest economy.

Stocks Fall as Oil Hits High


ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals returned to Busch Stadium on a warm, sunny autumn Monday after two straight World Series losses in cold, rainy Boston.

SERIES NOTEBOOK: St. Louis hopes Busch friendlier


Investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. is negotiating to buy GLG Partners, a leading British hedge fund, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.

Lehman in Talks to Buy UK Hedge Fund-WSJ


AP - The Dallas Cowboys put safety Darren Woodson on the physically unable to perform list Friday, meaning he'll miss at least the first five games of the season.

Cowboys Put Darren Woodson on PUP List (AP)


Continuing its steady push to win over the hearts and wallets of midsize companies, IBM on Tuesday is rolling out two lower-priced Unix-based servers that will go head-to-head with offerings from archrivals Sun Microsystems and Hewlett-Packard.

IBM goes after SMBs with Unix servers


Rich Harden pitched seven solid innings, helping the Oakland A's extend their winning streak to eight games with a 7-2 win over the White Sox last night in Chicago.

A great eight for Harden, A's


OTTAWA: The Canadian government signalled its intention on Monday to re-introduce legislation to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Canada renews plan to decriminalise pot possession


THOMASTOWN, Ireland - Tiger Woods looked as if he should have withdrawn with a bad back. He played as if he was capable of winning the American Express Championship for a third straight time...

Injured Woods Two Shots Back at Amex