DENVER (Reuters) - A Colorado prisoner obtained sensitive  information on a county sheriff and nearly 1,000 other  local-government employees after he got a password into the  county's computer system, authorities said on Friday.

Colorado Prisoner Gets Access to Sensitive Data


Rome- The world is losing the battle against hunger, with the number of malnourished people in developing nations growing to more than 800 million and rising, according to a UN report Wednesday.

Nations losing world hunger fight, report says


Eidur Gudjohnsen hit his first ever hat-trick as Chelsea overcame their striker problems to crush Blackburn Rovers 4-0 and keep hot on the tails of leaders Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.

UPDATE 2-Gudjohnsen hits hat-trick in Chelsea #39;s 4-0 win


SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun was  leaving for a two-day official visit to Japan on Friday for  summit talks that will focus on the North Korean nuclear  problem and Japan's deteriorating ties with the communist  state.

S.Korea and Japan Keep Up Summit Shuttle on North


Five firefighters are injured dealing with an incident on a London-to-Boston BA flight at a US airport.

Firefighters hurt by BA jet fumes


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Toronto Raptors shoot for a second-straight road victory when they visit the Orlando Magic Wednesday night.

Raptors continue Florida road swing


Synopsys Inc., which makes software used in the design of microchips, on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter sales slumped 27 percent, triggering a loss for the period.

Synopsys Loses \$28.4M on 4Q Sales Drop


THE compassionate streak Prince Harry has inherited from his mother will make him a good army officer, a friend of the Royal family said last night, as it was announced the 20-year-old had achieved his dream of joining the army.

Harry snubs senior service and sticks with the Army


Millions of Muslims across the world begin observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Muslim world celebrates Ramadan


Forbes magazine, which once adapted the old Marxist taunt  quot;capitalist tool quot; as a slogan, has compiled a list of the 400 richest Americans that, in a curious way, is an encouragement to the rest of us.

Why hope springs eternal


Some head lice infesting people today were probably spread to us thousands of years ago by an extinct species of early human, a genetics study reveals.

Extinct humans left louse legacy


Firefighters are seen on the roof of a destroyed house after powerful earthquakes at Ojiya, northwestern Japan, Saturday, October 23, 2004.

Japan Earthquakes Kill 7, Injure 700


Boosted by strong sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and with continued growth in the U.S., SAP AG, the world's largest maker of business management software, posted a third-quarter rise in revenue and net income.

SAP reports jump in Q3 revenue and profit


Microsoft Corp. is fighting a rejection by U.S. patent authorities of a patent for its FAT (file allocation table) file system, the company said Thursday. Meanwhile, it's celebrating a jury decision clearing it of patent infringement charges related to a feature in its Office software.

Microsoft loses FAT patent, wins Smart Tag case


AFP - Anxious Democrats in Congress were counting on their presidential challenger John Kerry to stage a comeback in his debate against President George W. Bush, as they nervously prepare for a vote in November on their own future.

Nervous Democrats link Kerry's debate fortunes with their own (AFP)


Shares of Broadcom Corp. (BRCM.O: Quote, Profile, Research) rose 9 percent on Monday after the communications chipmaker said the effects of an inventory glut on its revenues should be short-lived.

Broadcom downplays inventory glut, shares rise


The U.S. government's weather data is now available in a more friendly XML format, so everyone can make use of it. By Daniel Terdiman.

Weather Data for the Masses


Well, when you #39;re running a space program with mostly volunteers, you have to expect some hiccups. The da Vinci Project, a Canadian effort to launch a civilian space flight, has pushed back test flights because of the looming holiday season.

Holidays Push Back Da Vinci Tests


Afghanistan #39;s former king honored Thursday UN workers held hostage for nearly a month after helping run the country #39;s first free elections, while the United Nations urged a full investigation of the kidnapping.

Hostages Honored by Afghans as UN Urges Full Probe


SPACE.com - A Canadian team of rocketeers has moved one step closer to\launching its own manned spacecraft with the successful parachute drop test of a\crew capsule today.\\ nbsp;\\The backers of Canadian Arrow, a rocket entry in the  #36;10 million\Ansari X Prize competition, watched happily as their crew compartment drifted\down into Lake Ontario.\\ nbsp;\\Today totally proves our Canadian Arrow design, said\Geoff Sheerin, leader of the London, Ontario-based Arrows bid for the X Prize.\It went really well and everything worked as it should. ...

Canadian Ansari X Prize Entrant Takes the Plunge in Test (SPACE.com)


Does Your Site Need a Custom Search Engine Toolbar?\\Today's surfers aren't always too comfortable installing software on their computers. Especially free software that they don't necessarily understand. With all the horror stories of viruses, spyware, and adware that make the front page these days, it's no wonder. So is there ...


The two-day decline in oil prices, with crude futures briefly dipping below \$53 a barrel yesterday, is a temporary trend that is likely to reverse itself before too long, analysts and traders said.

Crude futures decline for 2d consecutive day


Three years after the fall of the Taliban, women remain subject to many legal, religious and cultural restrictions and domestic violence is endemic.

A Leap at Freedom for Afghan Wives


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bayer AG may have known its withdrawn  cholesterol-lowering drug Baycol caused a high rate of a  serious muscle condition more than a year before it added a  warning to its label, according to a prominent medical journal.

Report: Bayer Delayed Warning on Cholesterol Drug


The Revolution have overcome long odds to reach the Major League Soccer playoffs the last two seasons. But, after their 3-2 loss to the MetroStars Saturday night, their chances of continuing that trend seem to be fading.

Revolution need late charge


BrianWCarver writes  quot;Reuters reports that IBM and top scientific research organizations are joining forces in a humanitarian effort to tap the unused power of millions of computers and help solve complex social problems.

IBM Sponsors Humanitarian Grid Computing Project


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s largest coalition partner threatened to quit Thursday, raising the possibility of early elections that could endanger his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip next year.

Israeli coalition partner #39;s threat raises possibility of early <b>...</b>


AP - Roger Federer's dominant win over Lleyton Hewitt was the lowest-rated U.S. Open men's final ever.

Ratings Lowest Ever for Open Men's Final (AP)


The US Postal Service has awarded SAP a \$35 million contract to supply a new human-resources system. SAP has benefited from a series of big customer wins this year, showing strong revenue growth

SAP To Build New Human Resources System for US Postal Service


AP - Employers stepped up hiring in August, expanding payrolls by 144,000 and lowering the unemployment rate marginally to 5.4 percent. While the figures didn't amount to a national job fair, analysts said, they did hold out the promise of stronger growth following the summer lull.

Unemployment Drops to 5.4 Percent (AP)


AP - Wall Street was abuzz Friday over a potential merger between Sprint and Nextel, though the companies declined to comment on a slew of news reports that they are negotiating to combine to create a celluar provider that would almost rival Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless in size.

Sprint, Nextel Stocks Up on Merger Reports (AP)


Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC), China's largest chip maker and also one of the world's biggest contract chip makers, Saturday formally began commercial production at a 300-millimeter semiconductor fabrication plant (fab) in Beijing called Fab 4, the first such facility to open in China.

China's first 300mm chip plant starts production


Motorsport.com. Rubens Barrichello finally got the win he has been waiting for when he led Michael Schumacher across the line to take a Ferrari one-two at the Italian Grand Prix.

Barrichello heads Ferrari victory at


The grandson and former son-in-law of Florida State coach Bobby Bowden were killed late Sunday when their car was hit by a utility truck traveling from Texas to Florida to help restore power outages caused by Hurricane Frances.

Frances-related accident claims Bowden relatives


HEWLETT-PACKARD unveiled its own version of the iPod portable music player, showing the fruits of a groundbreaking partnership it had previously announced with Apple Computer.

The Apple iPod - now from Hewlett-Packard


Smoothly and ahead of schedule, Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Mike Fincke completed the fourth and final spacewalk of their six-month mission today.

International Space Station Status Report: SS04-029


Peer-to-peer technology has been used to create an e-mail network said to be free of spam, viruses and snoopers.

E-mail turns to P2P technology


(Sports Network) - The Golden State Warriors lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 99-88, on Monday at Gund Arena. Jason Richardson scored 27 points to lead the Warriors, who have dropped seven of their first eight games.

Golden State Warriors Team Report - November 16


Ziff Davis - Its next test center will be in Scotland, the company said at EPGglobal, where it also announced its first RFID toolkit and an RFID warehouse management solution.

Sun Expands RFID Testing, Tools (Ziff Davis)


Microsoft Corp. led the market in the third quarter for operating systems used in personal digital assistants, surpassing for the first time the Palm OS that dominated the handheld-computer segment for years.

Microsoft Snatches PDA Market Lead From PalmSource


Reuters - The U.S. Justice Department has agreed\to defer prosecution of Computer Associates International Inc.\ in its long-running investigation of accounting fraud at\the software maker, the Wall Street Journal said on Wednesday,\citing people familiar with the matter.

Report: Prosecutors, CA Reach Accord (Reuters)


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission is still in  talks with Oracle Corp <A HREF=

EU Still in Talks with Oracle


The Colorado Rockies dumped vice chairman Jerry McMorris on Tuesday, ending a relationship with one of the team #39;s founding figures.

Rockies dump vice chairman McMorris


Australia take control of the first Test, reducing India to 150-6 after posting 474.

Cricket: Aussies watch India tumble


 By Bob Tourtellotte

 LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Sundance Film Festival, thepremier U.S. showcase for independent cinema, named the filmson Monday that will compete at its 2005 festival in January,including documentaries energy company Enron and Peru'sfugitive president, Alberto Fujimori.

Sundance Opens Competition to Foreign Films


Nextel Communications to supply U.S.-based U.S. Navy personnel with cell phones, voice minutes and wireless data plans.

Nextel to assist U.S. Navy


WASHINGTON - The 108th Congress soon will be history, a tumultuous two years that, depending on party affiliation, was the best of times or the worst of times.    Of course Republicans, who control both the House and the Senate, expressed pride in a Congress that passed a major Medicare prescription drug bill, gave President Bush the money he needed for Iraq and substantially increased spending for defense and homeland security...

Congress Wraps Up Work With Much Rancor


The Nets announced that Coach Lawrence Frank had signed a long-term contract extension that one league official said was guaranteed for three years.

Unshaken by Loss, Nets Extend Frank


It is a tribute to his fighting spirit that Evening Attire, at the relatively advanced age of 6, is still a serious factor in a \$1 million race.

Runner for the ages


The price boom that #39;s pushing home purchases beyond the reach of middle-wage households in San Diego County will continue in 2005, according to a forecast released yesterday by the California Association of Realtors.

Housing prices expected to keep rising in  #39;05


HEMPSTEAD, NY (AP-CP) - Quarterback Ricky Ray, who guided the Edmonton Eskimos to a Grey Cup title last year, has been signed to the New York Jets active roster.

Ricky Ray to be Jets third QB


TORONTO - Jay Triano was fired as coach of the Canadian national team Tuesday, a move Triano said was due to his inability to give enough time to the job.

Canada Fires Coach of National Hoops Team


AP - Insisting that Tehran's nuclear program is peaceful, Iran's foreign minister reiterated Tuesday that Iran would retaliate to any Israeli strike against its nuclear facilities.

Iran Again Warns Israel Against Attack (AP)


Cendant Corp., the world #39;s largest hotel franchisor, said Thursday it agreed to acquire London-based Gullivers Travel Associates and Octopus Travel Group Ltd.

Cendant to Buy London Travel Firms


US captain Claudio Reyna, who has been suffering with a thigh injury, was missing from Bruce Arena #39;s 23-man squad named Friday for this month #39;s World Cup qualifiers against El Salvador and Panama.

US Captain Reyna Left Out of World Cup Squad


As more and more people get keyed into technology, computer experts are struggling for ways to fight internet traffic jams, computer worms and improve video webcasting, and a new report by Technology giants Intel has suggested that overlaying new

New network layer could reduce Internet jams and improve security


The skull of Homo floresiensis, a newly discovered species of human, next to a modern human skull (right). Fully adult, H. floresiensis was barely three-feet-tall and had a skull the size of a grapefruit.

Ancient, Tiny Humans Shed New Light on Evolution


AFP - Indonesian police said they have arrested four key Muslim extremists for the deadly bombing of Australia's Jakarta embassy in what was hailed as a breakthrough in the hunt for militants behind a series of attacks in the country.

Indonesian police confirm four arrested over Australian embassy bombing (AFP)


The world's No. 2 soft drink company said on Thursday  quarterly profit rose due to tax benefits.

Stocks to Watch Thursday


NEW YORK, September 27 (newratings.com) - Ingram Micro Inc (IM.NYS) has reached a definitive agreement to buy Tech Pacific, an Australian IT product distributor, for about \$493 million in cash, including debt assumptions.

Ingram Micro agrees to buy Tech Pacific for \$493 mn


Reuters - Oil prices stayed close to  #36;49 a\barrel on Thursday, supported by a forecast for an early cold\snap in the United States that could put a strain on a thin\supply cushion of winter heating fuel.

Oil Below  #36;49, Fears of U.S. Cold Snap (Reuters)


NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - Jamal Mashburn, a former All-Star forward whose National Basketball Association career has been dimmed by injuries, will miss all of the upcoming season with a right knee injury.

Career-threatening injury ejects Mashburn


AFP - The EU's executive arm warned that Europe would go ahead and build a revolutionary nuclear fusion project in France without Japan if an agreement with Tokyo is not reached  quot;as soon as possible. quot;

EU warns Japan again over nuclear project (AFP)


At least three bombs exploded near a US convoy in western Baghdad on Thursday, killing 34 children and three adults, a hospital official said.

34 children among 37 killed in Baghdad bombing; new hostages <b>...</b>


US president George W Bush had repealed an internationally disputed export tax subsidy but lavished \$140 billion (R868 billion) in new tax breaks on corporations.

Bush hands firms \$140bn in tax breaks


AP - The NHL rejected last week's proposal by the players' association and then had its own counteroffer turned down Tuesday during a 3 1/2-hour negotiating session.

NHL, Players' Union Reject New Proposals (AP)


AP - Texas Rangers star Alfonso Soriano left Thursday's game against Oakland in the eighth inning after injuring his left leg on a headfirst slide, putting the rest of his season in doubt.

Soriano Hurts Leg in Headfirst Slide (AP)


AP - Dirk Nowitzki scored 39 points and Josh Howard scored 11 of his 25 in the fourth quarter in the Dallas Mavericks' 123-104 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.

Mavericks Defeat Bucks 123-104 (AP)


Hugo Sanchez is nicknamed  quot;Hu-gol quot; and  quot;Pentapichichi, quot; referring to his five successive scoring titles in Spain's Primera Liga while playing for Real Madrid. Now Sanchez, who also performed for the San Diego Sockers in the North American Soccer League and Dallas Burn in Major League Soccer, is having similar success as a coach.

Achieving his goals


Oil-rich Brunei is gearing up for a royal wedding which will see a guest list of Asian leaders and Middle East royalty but decidedly less bling than previous events.

Brunei reins in the bling for royal wedding


The Jacksonville Jaguars #39; starting quarterback may miss only two games, coach Jack Del Rio announced Monday. Leftwich injured his left knee in an October 31 game at Houston.

Jags #39; Leftwich could miss two games


EEVL

An Exceptionally


AP - Julius Hodge led a balanced attack with 21 points, and No. 19 North Carolina State jumped on New Orleans early in a 92-58 victory Wednesday night in the first round of the BCA Invitational.

No. 19 N.C. State Rips New Orleans 92-58 (AP)


Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins have come to terms with veteran pitcher Terry Mulholland on a minor league contract.

Twins sign veteran Mulholland to minor league deal


Foster #39;s Group Ltd., Australia #39;s biggest beer and winemaker, probably turned to a loss in the second-half after taking charges to restructure its Beringer Blass wine business, analysts said.

Foster #39;s Group Probably Turned to Second-Half Loss on Charges


NEW YORK, October 27 (newratings.com) - Analysts at First Albany reiterate their  quot;buy quot; rating on Apple Computer (AAPL.NAS).

Apple Computer  quot;buy, quot; target price raised


S amp;P Equity Research maintained ratings for PeopleSoft (nasdaq: PSFT - news - people ) and Oracle (nasdaq: ORCL - news - people ). On Saturday, 61 of PeopleSoft shareholders tendered their stock in favor of Oracle #39;s offer of \$24 a share for the company.

Valuations Seen Intact For Oracle, PeopleSoft


Summer games are over for the Heat. Coach Stan Van Gundy has the players now, and there will be no more freelancing offense and optional defense.

Heat have 1 practice down, but long way to go


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Semiconductor stocks rose Thursday as a chip trade group announced global August sales that showed an expected slowing of growth.

Industry group says inventory is being managed better


SOFTWARE giant Oracle #39;s stalled \$7.7bn (4.2bn) bid to take over competitor PeopleSoft has received a huge boost after a US judge threw out an anti-trust lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice to block the acquisition.

Oracle #39;s 4bn PeopleSoft bid gets OK


After being left out of the Orange Bowl, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville hopes a Sugar Bowl win over Virginia Tech can earn his Tigers a share of the national title.

Auburn Keeps Faith


PeopleSoft's former chief says he called Larry Ellison

In court, Ellison gets 'Genghis Khan' hearing


Three former Washington Senators attended Monday #39;s press conference in which city and team officials announced that Washington, DC #39;s new baseball team would be named the Nationals.

Former Senator glad MLB is back


France coach Raymond Domenech has insisted Nicolas Anelka remain in his plans, but not in the near future. Along with Arsenal #39;s Robert Pires, Anelka was left out of the national squad to face Poland in a friendly at the Stade de France on November 17.

France coach offers hope to Anelka


The FBI seized computers and software as part of an investigation into illegal sharing of copyrighted materials over peer-to-peer networks, Attorney General John Ashcroft announced.

Justice Department Cracks Down On SHaring


ReliaQuote can bring you the peace of mind of term life insurance. Compare rates from top-rated life insurance companies online in minutes. Save up to 70 #37;. It couldn #39;t be easier!

ADV: Term Life Insurance - For Peace of Mind


ST. PAUL -- The United States went into last night favored over Finland to advance to the championship game of the World Cup of Hockey. The Americans were rested, having beaten the Russians here in the quarterfinals Tuesday, while the Finns had to travel from Helsinki after knocking off Germany Monday.

Koivu finishes off Americans


Forbes.com - When Robert Poor looks at the world, he sees 50 billion embedded microcontrollers, the workhorse chips inside cars, traffic lights and air conditioners, doing their jobs in splendid isolation. Then he imagines what will happen when they all can talk to one another.

Giving Voice to A Billion Things (Forbes.com)


Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer #39;s usage share continues to fall in the United States. Between November 5 and December 3, Internet Explorer #39;s share dropped 1.09 percentage points to 91.80 percent, according to WebSideStory.

Firefox Grows Browser Share 34 Percent in One Month


Ivory Coast's leader vows not to block peace moves in the divided nation as the UN imposes an arms embargo.

Ivorean head won't 'hinder' peace


Intel Corp.'s chief executive on Tuesday decried the lack of attention by the presidential nominees to how the United States is losing its competitive edge over other nations on education, technological infrastructure and research and development.

Intel CEO: Candidates Ignore Tech Debate


Celtics point guard Gary Payton missed Wednesday #39;s preseason game against Detroit because of a broken right thumb. Payton, acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in an offseason trade, was injured

Payton out with broken thumb, expected back for opener


Home furnishings retailer Pier 1 Imports Inc. (PIR.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday posted a sharp fall in third-quarter earnings, but its share price jumped as analysts had feared worse news.

Pier 1 Shares Up


MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Kobe Bryant had his worst shooting night of the season Wednesday in the Lakers #39; 110-87 loss to the Grizzlies, and worse yet, he needed nearly 45 minutes of postgame treatment for plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

Foot ailment in early stages


AT least 64 people were killed and 65 missing in torrential storms lashing south-west China, disaster relief officials and state media said today.

Dozens dead and missing in storms


Enron's ex-head of investor relations pleads guilty to fraud, pays a penalty of \$1.49m and agrees to testify against his ex-bosses.

Top Enron official pleads guilty


Much of the country has seemed riveted by the American League Championship Series matchup of the Boston Red Sox versus the New York Yankees.

SquawkBack Poll: Is the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry overrated?


From one billionaire to the next: Two members of the Forbes list of the world #39;s richest people are players in deal surrounding Russian Aluminum, the world #39;s third largest producer of what #39;s known on the periodic table as  quot;Al quot;.

Abramovich: Sells Stake To Countryman


SEOUL (Reuters) - The chairman of South Korea's ruling Uri  Party resigned Thursday, an unexpected first casualty of  President Roh Moo-hyun's call for an inquiry into who benefited  from working with Korea's Japanese colonial rulers.

S.Korea's Ruling Party Head Resigns on Father's Past


The economy grew at a solid annual rate of 3.7 percent in July, August and September, driven by swelling demand for automobiles and other big-ticket items

Economic Growth Chugs On


The devil dancing in the Middle East is dead. After Arafat used his life to deny Palestinians a national state, Palestinians will now have the chance to use Arafat #39;s death to usher in a new era of compromise.

Arafat #39;s death may bring peace to Mid East


Donovan McNabb passed for two touchdowns and ran for a third to give the Philadelphia Eagles a 30-13 victory over the Detroit Lions and their first 3-0 start since 1993.

McNabb Helps Eagles Beat Lions, Reach 3-0: NFL Week 3 (Update1)


THE first public trial of third-generation or 3G mobile phones will start in Singapore tomorrow, ahead of a nationwide rollout due by year #39;s end.

SingTel kicks off first 3G trial


AP - Playboy is taking a chance on silicon instead of silicone. The October issue of the men's magazine features several video game characters posing in the nude  #151; images created by the game companies through detailed computer illustration.

Playboy to Feature Video Game Characters (AP)


NEW YORK : New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer sued Thursday a major US insurance brokerage firm, Marsh and McLennan Co, for steering clients to insurers with whom it had lucrative payoff agreements.

US insurers sued for rigging bids


ATHENS (Reuters) - China grabbed its first-ever men's  Olympic gold in track and field on Friday, but it was a night  of misery for Americans, who saw any chance of a fourth  consecutive gold in basketball crushed.

Olympics Wrap: China Grabs 1st Men's Gold in Track


The last time Apple Computer Inc. introduced an all-new iMac computer, back in January 2002, Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs was featured smiling with the desktop on the cover of Time magazine.

Apple #39;s iMac is no longer flagship product


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


Cellphone subscribers around the globe totalled nearly 1.5 billion by the middle of this year, about 25 percent of the world #39;s population, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) said yesterday.

World has 1.5bn cellphone subscribers


A former president and former foreign minister of Bangladesh are attacked in the north of the country.

Bangladeshi politicians attacked


U.S. oil companies and a Texas oil investor received lucrative vouchers that enabled them to buy Iraqi oil under the U.N. oil-for-food program.

Report Cites Profit by Americans in Sale of Iraqi Oil


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Thursday as data  showing inflation slowed last month boosted investors' hopes  that the Federal Reserve will keep to its course of measured  interest rate hikes.

Stocks Rise on Mild Inflation


The Motley Fool - Are you overthinking your investments? We'd never advise you to make money decisions without some careful consideration. But according to the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII), even the most well-adjusted investors fall victim to mind games.

Get Your Head Out of the Game (The Motley Fool)


AP - Deron Williams scored 20 points to lead No. 5 Illinois to a 89-72 win over No. 24 Gonzaga on Saturday in the John Wooden Tradition at Conseco Fieldhouse.

No. 5 Illinois Beats No. 24 Gonzaga 89-72 (AP)


No devalued currency here. No plastic parts. In a time when action is stopped every other night in every sport to celebrate another  quot;milestone quot; with the presentation of a new SUV and a lifetime pass to immortality, Ichiro #39;s work stands pretty much alone.

What they #39;re saying about Ichiro


The Linux seller plans to release the Netscape Enterprise Suite as open-source software in a bid to expand beyond its core product.

Red Hat acquires AOL's Netscape server software


Depending on how investors behave, the dollar's downward drift could cast anything from a benign breeze to a hurricane.

A Field Guide to the Falling Dollar


Canadian Press - KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) - In a goodwill gesture on the eve of peace talks in Nigeria, Sudan said Sunday it will cut the number of paramilitary forces operating in Darfur by 30 per cent in a bid to ease tensions in the troubled region, where an 18-month conflict has claimed the lives of an estimated 30,000 people.

Sudan says it will cut number of paramilitary forces operating in Darfur (Canadian Press)


Links to this week's topics from search engine forums across the web: How Do I Spot Cloaked Sites? - Geico Takes Aim at Google for Selling Ads Linked to Trademarks - Overture Match Type Changes - SEO: How Do You Separate Truth from Speculation? - How to Emergency Pause your AdWords Campaign

Search Engine Forums Spotlight


In his keynote speech at PeopleSoft's Connect 2004 user conference, CEO Craig Conway acknowledged that the company made what he called well-intentioned errors in its efforts to assimilate the J.D. Edwards user base.

PeopleSoft not perfect on J.D. Edwards deal, CEO says


Poland will withdraw its troops from Iraq by the end of 2005, Polish Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski said on Monday.  quot;In my opinion, the deadline (for Poland #39;s mission) should

Poland to withdraw troops from Iraq by end-2005


Capping a season filled with suspicion and success, the San Francisco Giants left fielder became the oldest player to become the MVP of a major North American professional league.

Bonds wins record seventh MVP in a walk


A private rocket ship shot into space on Monday morning and won a coveted \$10 million aviation prize for its creators.

Rocket Ship Wins \$10 Million Prize as Private Venture for Commercial Space Flights


SEATTLE (Ticker) -- Mike Holmgren and Bill Parcells oppose each other for the first time since Super Bowl XXXI on Monday night when the Seattle Seahawks host the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas vs. Seattle


From the introduction of its first PC in 1981 to this week #39;s sale of its PC business to Lenovo of China for about \$1.75 billion in cash, IBM has had a quite a few milestones in the PC industry.

A Time Line Of The IBM PC Business Dec. 8, 2004


Kidnappers holding two Indonesian women hostages in Iraq are demanding the release of a militant cleric accused of leading a terrorist group in Southeast Asia.

Iraqi Kidnappers Demand Release of Militant Indonesian Cleric


France sends plutonium from scrapped US nuclear warheads south under heavy guard to be reprocessed.

France moves US plutonium south


In the past 12 months, the number of people actively surfing the web from home each month in Europe has grown by 12 per cent to 10m, according to numbers from internet research firm Nielsen NetRatings.

European broadband access up 60 on 2003


It didn #39;t take Ryan Newman long to figure out he had an awesome race car Sunday - one that would be capable of winning the MBNA America 400 race at Dover International Speedway.

Nascar: Newman cruises at Dover


Australia joined the world yesterday in mourning the apparent murder of Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan. British-born Mrs Hassan, 59, headed CARE International #39;s work in Iraq, a position funded by CARE Australia

World mourns murder of Hassan


The Boston Redevelopment Authority approved projects that could add nearly 400 residences in the city, including an expansion in Charles River Park. The BRA gave the green light to developer Equity Residential to move forward with the West End Residences at Emerson Place. The residences plan 306 rental apartments, 15 percent of which will be affordable. Equity said the project ...

BRA gives go-ahead for three projects


Mr Accuracy Henrik Stenson played some of the best golf of the season to run away with The Heritage at Woburn #39;s treacherous Duke #39;s Course.

European Tour stats attack


Teenager Maria Sharapova defeated an injured Serena Williams 4-6 6-2 6-4 in the final of the season-ending WTA Tour Championships on Monday, moving the worlds first Russian champ to a career-high number four and winnings of \$1 million.

Russian Champ Sharapova Defeats Injured Serena at WTA Final


AP - Gap Inc.'s third-quarter profit improved slightly even as the clothing retailer's sales began to sag.

Gap 3Q Earnings Meet Analysts' Estimates (AP)


Reggie Merriweather ran for a career-high 114 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday night, including a 2-yard score in overtime for Clemson, as it sent Miami to its second loss of the season, 24-17.

Hurricanes fall to Clemson, 24-17


WASHINGTON - Federal Reserve policymakers suggested that  quot;significant quot; increases in short-term interest rates probably would be needed to keep inflation from becoming a problem, according to minutes released Thursday of their August meeting.

Interest hikes to fight inflation, the Fed says


The US Securities and Exchange Commission accused Black and Radler of milking the US-based media group of at least \$85m in a complaint filed in US district court in Illinois.

SEC charges Black with fraud


Google won a major legal victory when a federal judge ruled that the search engines advertising policy does not violate federal trademark laws.

Google wins in trademark lawsuit


Symantec, McAfee hope raising virus-definition fees will move users to suites.

The Cost of Virus Protection Rises


The Prince of Wales is to defend himself publicly after being accused of being  quot;old fashioned quot; over modern teaching methods.

Prince denies he is out of step


The world is awash in awards (say that three times fast, I dare you). Companies, media outlets, professional associations, even internal departments  everyones got a little slice of recognition to parcel out. With this wanton proliferation of prizes, many awards start to feel like marketing-driven publicity stunts with little beef behind them.

Recognizing the best


Patrick Vieira declared Arsenal have grown up in European terms after coming of age in their hard-fought Champions League victory against PSV Eindhoven.

Vieira:  #39;We #39;ve learned a lot #39;


A FIERY backroom altercation with an athletics official just before the Olympic 100m final spurred Justin Gatlin to win gold out of anger in one of the fastest races in history.

Gatlin gun fires in a rage


Six Clemson players and six South Carolina players were suspended one game by their conferences on Monday for participating in a brawl during a game between the in-state rivals on Nov. 20.

Clemson, South Carolina players suspended for fight


Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beslan on Saturday, one day after the violent end of a hostage drama at a school in the North Caucasus town claimed the lives of at least 250 adults and children and terrorized the community.

Russian hostage tragedy: Putin takes stock of massacre at school


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The average U.S. retail price of  gasoline rose more than 5 cents in the past two weeks to more  than \$2 a gallon, its highest level since June, a leading  industry analyst said on Sunday.

Gas Average Tops \$2 Per Gallon -Survey


Andrew Flintoff added another chapter to his growing reputation as the world #39;s best all-rounder as England posted a challenging 251 for 7 against Sri Lanka in the crucial Group D league match of the ICC Champions Trophy in Southampton on Saturday.

Flintoff puts England in command


A third insurance company executive pleaded guilty yesterday to criminal charges in connection with New York state Attorney General Eliot L. Spitzer #39;s investigation of payoffs and bid-rigging in the insurance industry.

Guilty Plea in Insurance Inquiry as Stocks Fall


SALT LAKE CITY - Police found what appeared to be human remains Friday at a landfill where investigators have been searching for the body of Lori Hacking, the Utah woman allegedly murdered by her husband.

Remains Found in Search for Hacking Body


NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) --Darrell Armstrong came off the bench to score 17 points and lead the New Orleans Hornets to a 92-89 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, who lost for the first time this preseason.

15-4 run puts New Orleans ahead to stay


AP - Trembling, haggard and weeping into a tissue, Margaret Hassan, the kidnapped British aid worker who has spent nearly half her life delivering food and medicine in Iraq, begged Britain on Friday to help save her by withdrawing its troops, saying these

Abducted Aid Worker in Iraq Begs for Life (AP)


Senior Hindu cleric Jayendra Saraswathi, facing charges of  murdering a temple worker, is denied bail.

Murder-charge cleric denied bail


Fidelity Investments charges two-tenths of 1 percent to manage a \$484 million stock portfolio for the Massachusetts state pension fund. It charges investors in its flagship Magellan fund seven-tenths -- more than three times as much.

Lawsuits challenge unequal fund fees


The German contingent in the 74,000-strong crowd that packed out the new look Olympic Stadium in Berlin on Wednesday night were pleasantly surprised to see a positive, attacking Germany team draw 1-1 with Brazil.

Confident Germany Hold Brazil in Friendly Draw


Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has thrown his weight behind a South African bid to join the Formula One grand prix racing circuit.

Ecclestone backs Cape Town Formula One bid


Athens, Greece (Sports Network) - The first official track event took place this morning and Italy #39;s Ivano Brugnetti won the men #39;s 20km walk at the Summer Olympics in Athens.

Brugnetti upsets the field to win 20km walk


Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera put on another battle for the ages Saturday night, with Barrera barely coming out on top.

Barrera Edges Morales


Shares in AstraZeneca tumbled today after a key drug it has developed in the fight against strokes was provisionally rejected by US regulators.

US blow for AstraZeneca


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tribune Co. <A HREF=

Tribune Revises Circulation Figures


LeBron James scored 27 points and assisted on Lucious Harris #39; clinching 3-pointer with 6 seconds left as the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers won their eighth straight at home, 103-97 over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night.

Cavaliers 103, Nets 97


Aug. 19 (Bloomberg) -- UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has changed his holiday plans following Wednesday #39;s discovery of two explosive devices near Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi #39;s Sardinian villa, where he had been staying, Il Corriere della Sera ...

UK #39;s Blair Alters Holiday After Sardinian Bombs, Corriere Says


The drive covered just over three minutes, but in that brief amount of time USC #39;s football team yesterday discovered the kind of resolve that often produces a champion.

Defensive stand lets USC stay unbeaten


OJIYA, Japan -- Strong aftershocks rocked northern Japan today after a barrage of powerful quakes jolted the region yesterday, killing at least 14 people and toppling buildings.

Japan still shaking from earthquakes


Network attacks are increasing  quot; and at an alarming pace, according to IBM #39;s Global Security Intelligence Services. A report released this week found there were 997 Internet attacks in September

Tighten Security Now


AP - Israel has violated international law by systematically destroying Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip town of Rafah in a bid to create a buffer zone along the border with Egypt, according to a human rights report released Monday.

Group: Israel Violating International Law (AP)


Newspaper reports this morning suggest Sir Alex Ferguson has added Dennis Bergkamp to his infamous dossier of evidence he hopes will condemn arch-rivals Arsenal, claiming the

Ferguson Adds Bergkamp to FA  #39;Hit-List #39;


Reuters - Blu-ray on Wednesday said Microsoft\Corp.  has won the DVD technology group's backing of a\video compression standard for new high-definition discs,\marking an advance for the software maker in an emerging\consumer electronics arena.

Microsoft Wins a High-Definition DVD Battle (Reuters)


REBELS launched two major attacks on police stations in Baghdad today, killing 30 people including at least 16 police officers. The attacks took place in the western Amil district and in the Sunni Muslim stronghold

30 killed in attacks on Iraq police


In the instant it took for the baseball to reach the right hand of Javier Vazquez, even someone with an outlook as rosy as Joe Torre #39;s had time to gasp and initiate worry.

Leading the way


Natural Resources Minister Yury Trutnev said Saturday that Yukos #39; main production unit, Yuganskneftegaz, could lose its licenses over what he termed  quot;rather serious quot; technical violations.

New Threat to Yukos Licenses Issued


It took three 1,000-pound satellites to launch Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. #39;s subscription radio service two years ago. Now the company is betting that one man - shock jock Howard Stern

Can Howard Stern bring subscribers to satellite radio?


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Tuesday as giant  retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Retailers, Banks Lower Stocks


Tom Scheffler gets the same reaction whenever he takes consumers to an Internet cafe to show them a different kind of phone service.

Technology is seen as revolutionary step in telecommunications


Backpedaling from a recent expansion, Charles Schwab Corp. is selling an institutional investment and research division to Swiss banking giant UBS AG for \$265 million, another step in the struggling stock brokerage #39;s push to regain its Main Street appeal.

Update 5: Schwab Sells Division to UBS for \$265M


Phil Mickelson tapped in a birdie on the final hole at Kauai to become only the fifth player in golf history to go round in a 59 as he charged to victory at the PGA Grand Slam in Hawaii.

Mickelson: Magic round was a fluke


AP - The NHL suffered less than half the losses it has claimed for the past two years, according to a report in Forbes Magazine.

Forbes: NHL Didn't Lose As Much As Stated (AP)


A rebel leader who had threatened to attack multinational oil interests in Nigeria says he and President Olusegun Obasanjo have agreed that rebel and government troops will stop firing on each other immediately.

Nigeria rebel leader cites deal


Network computer maker Sun Microsystems Inc. (SUNW.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday posted a narrower quarterly loss as revenue rose year over year for the

Sun Micro Posts Narrower Quarterly Loss


Reuters - Online DVD renter Netflix Inc.\ and television recorder maker TiVo Inc.  are\close to a deal to allow Netflix subscribers to download movies\over the Internet to their TiVo devices, according to the\latest issue of Newsweek magazine.

TiVo, Netflix Close to Internet Movie Deal-Report (Reuters)


Newsday columnist Stephen Williams has penned an editorial/review that questions the focus of Apple #39;s new iPod Photo. Acknowledging the quality of the display

Newsday Columnist Questions iPod Photo #39;s Focus


STOCKHOLM - Andre Agassi did just enough to beat Germany #39;s Tommy Haas 7-6, 7-6 and reach his first Stockholm Open final on Saturday.

Agassi reaches first Stockholm final


Reuters - The tides of mud carved a random trail of\destruction through Philippine towns, robbing already\impoverished residents of children, houses and hope.

Philippine Flood Victims Lose Hope as Storm Nears (Reuters)


Carl Krauser scores all but two of his 17 points at the free throw line to lead No. 11 Pittsburgh to a 70-51 victory over Memphis.

Pittsburgh Pounds Memphis


WASHINGTON -- New rules approved this week by the Federal Communications Commission are aimed at making high-speed Internet available to more Americans.

FCC rule may lead to broadband expansion


Reuters - A volcano in central Japan spewed smoke\into the sky as it erupted for a second straight day on\Wednesday, but there were no immediate signs to suggest a major\eruption was coming.

Japan Volcano Erupts for Second Straight Day (Reuters)


GEORGE Galloway yesterday scored another major libel victory, winning 150,000 damages over a newspaper #39;s claims that he was in the pay of Saddam Hussein.

An angry Galloway wins 150,000 damages from the Telegraph


EBay Inc. (EBAY.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said it will soon launch a tender offer to buy the remaining outstanding shares of South Korea #39;s Internet Auction Co.

EBay to Tender for South Korea #39;s Internet Auction


AFP - Snap polls taken after the second US presidential election debate said Senator John Kerry narrowly beat President George W. Bush.

Polls say Kerry narrowly won US election debate (AFP)


Canadian Press - JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Retired general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was sworn in as Indonesia's sixth president Wednesday after winning the country's first-ever direct election for head of state last month.

U.S.-trained former general sworn in as new Indonesian president (Canadian Press)


Rogers Communications Inc. #39;s Toronto Blue Jays agreed to buy the SkyDome from Chicago, Illinois-based Sportsco International LP for C\$25 million (\$21.1 million), the team said in a press release.

Rogers Communications Agrees to Buy SkyDome for C\$25 Million


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices slipped on Monday but held  above \$49 a barrel as easing concerns about a winter supply  crunch pulled the market further away from record highs set two  weeks ago.

Oil Heads Down, Holds Above \$49


Napster has claimed a first with the development of a subscription portable music service that delivers legal audio content to next-generation mobile phones.

Napster claims first with downloads for mobiles


WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, trying to recover from a brass-knuckles campaign against his character, is attempting to steer the election to a referendum on President Bush's leadership.    Kerry has less than seven weeks to take over the lead in the presidential race...

Kerry Tries to Turn Campaign Against Bush


U.N. troops fired smoke grenades Friday as crowds tried to break into a food distribution site, demonstrating growing desperation at the slow pace of relief since Tropical Storm Jeanne.

Panic Strikes Haiti's Storm Survivors


While this town still believes in its Red Sox -quot;Keep the Faith quot; read a billboard overlooking the Green Monster  -t of it has to be bracing for the same ending it has seen every year since 1918.

Back to work


Treasury Secretary John Snow said on Thursday that future revisions to the US tax code would likely feature more write-offs to capital purchases by businesses.

Snow says US tax reforms likely to focus on capital


Back in the go-go days of the tech boom, there was a lot of talk about fast Internet connections enabling consumers to do all manner of useful and fun things, from online banking to viewing movies online. Well, guess what? Despite the following tech bust, ...

High-Speed Internet Shouldn #39;t Be Delayed


PalmOne #39;s long-awaited update to the Treo 600 will come with a new processor, sharper display and flash memory, as the company continues to improve its flagship product.

PalmOne updates the Treo smartphone


SEPANG, Malaysia (AFP) - Valentino Rossi of Italy won the Malaysian motorcycling Grand Prix to extend his overall lead in the world championship here.

Rossi brings Yamaha closer to title with Malaysian Grand Prix <b>...</b>


A row over intellectual property claims from Microsoft Corp. has dealt a fatal blow to an ambitious effort by Internet engineers to create a technical standard for curbing junk e-mail.

Anti-Spam Effort Killed Amid Patent Row


AP - A founder of a Colombian drug cartel that became the world's chief supplier of cocaine in the 1990s was transported to a Florida jail Saturday after being extradited from Colombia.

Colombian Drug Kingpin Transported to U.S. (AP)


Crystal Palace notched their first Premier League win of the soccer season with a 2-0 victory yesterday over London rivals Fulham, who played for all but the first six minutes with 10 men.

Soccer: Palace notches first League win


A colleague testifies against the woman pictured in photos from Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison, Pte Lynndie England.

US guard 'stomped' on Iraqis


German business confidence is tumbling amid mounting fears about the impact of the euro #39;s rise against the dollar, according to the closely-watched Ifo economic institute survey.

German business gloom increases pressure on ECB


Intel Corp. has signed a cross-licensing agreement with Nvidia Corp. that would allow the 3-D graphics chipmaker to start selling chipsets for PCs that use Intel #39;s microprocessors, the companies said Friday.

Nvidia to create chipset for Intel


The 30-year-old British Lion and former rugby league international replaces Jonny Wilkinson who is nursing an upper-arm injury. The main surprise in the England squad was the decision to leave centre Will

Robinson confirmed as England rugby captain


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. trade gap widened nearly 9  percent in October to a record \$55.5 billion as sky-high oil  prices helped propel imports into new territory, while  industrial output rose as expected in November.

Trade Gap Widens, White House Blames Oil


If the Rolling Stones were hired to write the theme song for this year's Red Sox, the group might overhaul one of their classics. Instead of  quot;Satisfaction, quot; they could go with  quot;Separation. quot; That's because no matter how hard they try, the Sox can't get no separation in their quest for the top spot in the wild-card race.

Paint it bleak


AP - Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday said it is launching a desktop application that aims to seamlessly integrate e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, traditional phone service and Internet-based calling.

Microsoft Announces New Client Application (AP)


The icy wastelands of Siachen thawed a little last week. President Musharraf assured India that his forces would not seize Siachen if Indian troops vacated it.

Forget Kashmir for now, let #39;s do business


MOSCOW ConocoPhillips has upped its stake in the Russian oil giant Lukoil to ten percent. That #39;s according to a Lukoil official.

ConocoPhillips hikes stake in Lukoil to 10 percent


Almost half of the IT execs responding to a new Meta survey expect offshoring to increase if George Bush wins reelection as president. Offshoring Blog

New Meta survey: Bush good for outsourcing


I want to thank The Post for the Sept. 17 editorial  quot;More Straight Talk quot; about the critical events that will take place next month in Ukraine and Belarus.

How to Aid Democracy in Ukraine


Reuters - CNN News Group on Monday said it has\tapped an online media CEO as its new president overseeing U.S.\news, just a little over a year after it hired a former local\TV newsman to run its domestic operations.

CNN Hires New President for Its U.S. News Group (Reuters)


The European Commission on Tuesday cleared Oracle #39;s (ORCL) hostile \$7.7 billion bid for rival business-software maker PeopleSoft (PSFT), lowering the last antitrust hurdle to the contested deal.

Oracle gets Europe #39;s approval to buy PeopleSoft


TORONTO (Reuters) - The Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York  Yankees 4-2 on Saturday but are losing money, losing fans and  at the conclusion of the Major League season on Sunday could be  losing first baseman Carlos Delgado.

Delgado Looks Ready to Fly Blue Jays Nest


NewsFactor - A federal appeals court has ruled that two peer-to-peer online music-sharing networks, Grokster and StreamCast, are not liable for the illegal swapping of copyrighted music and other entertainment files on their networks.

Federal Court Rules for P2P Networks (NewsFactor)


AP - National Semiconductor Corp. said Monday it agreed to sell its imaging business, which makes chips used in small cameras and cell phones, to camera giant Eastman Kodak Co., as it focuses on its main business of making analog chips.

National Semiconductor to Sell Unit (AP)


NEW YORK - As the photography trade show Photokina kicks off this week in Cologne, Germany, graphics software giant Adobe continues to set the agenda in both the professional and consumer markets.

Adobe Sets the Agenda


Grace Park, her caddie - and fans - were poking around in the desert brush alongside the 18th fairway desperately looking for her ball.

Park continues to lead at Samsung World Championship


Jamal Crawford scored 30 points, Stephon Marbury had 15 assists and Tim Thomas scored 17 to lead New York past Toronto on Saturday.

Can't Bury Raptors, but Knicks Hold Them Off


Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer is taking painful punches from competition it #39;s never before bothered to acknowledge as competition, and now Intel, having abandoned its quest for speed, has Advanced Micro Devices breathing down its neck.

AMD vs Intel


10 October 2004 -- (NCA) -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said today that Afghan candidates #39; demands to nullify yesterday #39;s presidential election and hold a re-vote are not justified.

OSCE Dismisses Calls For New Afghan Vote


OAKVILLE, Ont. (CP) - If Mike Weir #39;s putter was any better on Saturday, his final round at the Bell Canadian Open would be more of a coronation than a competition.

Mike Weir plods along and hangs onto lead at Bell Canadian Open


Rookie Josh Smith replaced Kenny Anderson at point guard and had career highs of 12 points and four blocks in his first NBA start as the Atlanta Hawks stunned the Detroit Pistons 88-72 Friday night.

Hawks 88, Pistons 72


Forbes.com - Faced with a choice between quality and quantity, FAMILY DOLLAR (27, FDO) chose the latter. The decision isn't paying off. A fast-growing, 5,500-store retailer that sells most of its wares (food, housewares, toys) for less than  #36;10, Family Dollar suffers from  understocked and disheveled outlets.

Penny-Pinched (Forbes.com)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Federated Department Stores Inc.  <A HREF=

Federated Department Stores Posts Profit


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Ouch. There really is no other way to describe the New York Yankees trouncing of the Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday night.

Yankees rout Red Sox; take 3-0 series lead


a mark on the court. The point was replayed, and Llodra wound up holding serve. play dropped. Llodra broke him at love in the fourth game and then held for.

Angry Safin upset by call, Llodra at St. Petersburg Open


A Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up in the middle of Tel Aviv #39;s Shuk HaCarmel yesterday, killing three Israelis and wounding more than

Palestinian suicide bomber kills 3 Israelis


World News, GAZA - Israeli air strikes killed five Palestinians in Gaza Thursday as the Palestinian death toll rose to 100 in a 16-day-old army offensive aimed at crushing militants behind rocket salvoes into Israel.

World ; Death Toll from Israel #39;s Gaza Offensive Rises to 100


MOBILE phone operator Maxis Communications Bhd expects to roll out its third generation (3G) technology in the local market from the first quarter of next year.

Maxis set to roll out 3G in 2005


Demand for a 2.3-billion-pound share buyback by Marks  amp; Spencer has been strong, the retailer says after pricing the move above market expectations at 362 pence per share.

M amp;S says buyback demand strong


SiliconValley.com - Maybe you were out of town last week, or maybe you just weren't paying attention. That's OK. Here's a quick rundown of what you missed, culled from reports by our staff and wire services.

Movie studios take sides in fight over DVD formats (SiliconValley.com)


Online payment service PayPal continued to suffer outages Tuesday. Company officials insisted the problems were  quot;intermittent, quot; but many consumers complained they hadn #39;t been able to log on

PayPal outages, complaints continue


JERUSALEM - France yesterday insisted Yasser Arafat did not die of poisoning as it tried to control a wave of conspiracy theories sweeping the Mideast in the wake of the Palestinian leader #39;s death.

FRANCE STRUGGLES TO DENY  #39;POISONOUS #39; ARAFAT RUMOR


AP - Playing their fifth game in eight days, 11th-ranked North Carolina got 23 points from Jawad Williams and another 17 from Sean May to beat Southern California 97-65 Sunday night.

No. 11 N.C. Trounces Southern Cal, 97-65 (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO - A California man who once tested positive for HIV has learned the diagnosis made eight years ago was mistaken and he never had the virus that causes AIDS.    Jim Malone spent years battling depression and losing weight, expecting to die at any time...

Man's HIV Diagnosis Reversed 8 Years Later


A POLISH-Iraqi woman has been kidnapped in Baghdad, the Iraqi interior ministry confirmed after Arab television station Al-Jazeera broadcast a videotape of the hostage.

Another woman kidnapped in Iraq


Viagra, the impotence pill that is copied and counterfeited around the world, is one of the first drugs to get a radio tracking device under a new FDA initiative announced Monday.

Drug Bottles to Carry Tracking Chips


Officials at Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International airports said they are considering the replacement of federal airport screeners at security checkpoints with workers employed by private contractors.

Dulles, BWI Consider Security Shift


SINGAPORE : StarHub, Singapore #39;s second largest phone company, has priced its shares at 95 cents apiece, at the lower end of its forecast price range.

StarHub sets IPO price at 95 cents, at lower end of range


KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai vowed on  Thursday that a historic presidential election would go ahead  in two days' time and reflect the people's wishes despite  inevitable attempts by Taliban fighters to derail the vote.

Afghans Say Trouble Inevitable But Won't Stop Vote


National Australia Bank, the country #39;s biggest lender, has seen its profits slump following a trading scandal. Increased competition and rising costs have also taken their toll, producing what boss John Stewart called a  quot;poor and unacceptable result quot;.

NAB profits tumble after scandal


With its new Ogo mobile device, AT amp;T Wireless says goodbye to voice traffic and embraces the IM-savvy youth market. For AT amp;T Wireless, talk clearly is overrated - which is why the wireless provider launched a device that doesnt make calls.

AT amp;T reaches out to data-driven profits


GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Tim Couch #39;s troubles grasping the West Coast offense gave rookie punter BJ Sander plenty of opportunities to make a good first impression with the Green Bay Packers.

Packers #39; rookie punter struggling


A bomb tore through a government office in the Nepali capital on Tuesday, wounding at least 38 people in an attack police suspect was carried out by Maoist rebels.

Bomb Explosion in Nepal #39;s Capital Wounds 38


The majority of viruses intercepted by MessageLabs since January have the potential for spam distribution, according to a report by the e-mail security firm. It suggests that the virus authors are now making money by collaborating with spammers.

Spammers in bed with virus carriers


New York: Lleyton Hewitt is getting frustrated meeting Roger Federer in the major events. For the third time in four Grand Slams this year, the Swiss got the better of Hewitt.

Roger setting the standard, says Hewitt


A prominent Cuban doctor who was denied permission to travel to Buenos Aires to visit relatives was staying at the Argentine Embassy on Thursday, but her son said she does plan to seek asylum in a case that has raised tensions between the two nations.

Cuban M.D. Staying at Argentine Embassy


The National Hockey League will lock out its players Thursday, threatening to keep the sport off the ice for the entire 2004-05 season.

N.H.L. to Lock Out Players on Thursday


27 August 2004 - Despite international efforts, the threat from al-Qaeda-related terrorism remains as great as ever but the nature of that threat has changed, according to the first report from the monitoring team dealing with United Nations sanctions

Al-Qaeda-related terrorism still poses as great a threat as ever


Attorneys for former Enron chief executive cite a toxic atmosphere in which respondents to a recent poll they commissioned called Skilling a

Skilling Lawyers Seek Change of Venue


If Chicago defeats Columbus at Soldier Field Wednesday, the Fire will lead the Revolution by six points for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth. But the Revolution could be in position to earn the tiebreaker advantage when they meet the Fire at Gillette Stadium Oct. 16.

Happy returns for Revolution


PC World - Suspect accused of stealing and distributing source code over the Internet.

Arrest Made in Cisco Source Code Theft (PC World)


US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had  quot;enthusiastically quot; accepted President George W Bush #39;s suggestion to stay on in the post.

Rumsfeld to continue as defence secretary


The delayed arrival of Windows Update Services is giving VARs and patch management vendors a chance to cash in.

VARs, Vendors Seize Patch Management Opportunity


Reuters - Hurricane Frances barreled toward the\Bahamas islands with 140 mph winds on Wednesday, a growing\threat that put millions of people on alert along Florida's\heavily populated east coast.

Strong Hurricane Approaches Bahamas, Florida (Reuters)


NEW YORK - You could almost hear the sighs of relief when the US Federal Communications Commission ruled on Tuesday that Internet-based phone services should be regulated by the federal government, not by the states.

FCC Gives Internet Calls Half A Push


BEIRUT: Three Lebanese citizens were murdered early Friday morning, and a fourth critically injured, in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

3 Lebanese murdered in Baghdad heist


TORONTO (CP) - Canadian adults will spend an estimated average of \$991 this holiday season on gifts, clothing, travel, beauty services, food, drink and entertainment, an Ipsos-Reid survey suggests.

Canadian retail survey suggests average holiday spending \$991 a <b>...</b>


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Vijay Singh officially supplanted Tiger Woods as the world #39;s finest golfer, earning PGA player of the year honours on Monday.

Singh voted PGA player of year by peers


Dense fog delayed the start of the third day #39;s play in the first test between India and South Africa on Monday. The visibility was improving but the groundsmen were busy mopping

Fog delays start of play in Kanpur test


SRINAGAR - Militants early Wednesday launched an attack near a stadium in Kashmir where Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is due to address a rally later, police said.

Militants launch attack in Kashmir ahead of Indian PMs visit


WASHINGTON: Greenhouse gases have contributed to a gradual warming of the ecologically-fragile Arctic region, causing massive climate changes, including melting glaciers and sea ice, according to a soon-to-be-released environmental study.

Arctic endangered by greenhouse gases: report


Militant nationalists have claimed responsibility for a bomb blast in southwestern Pakistan that killed at least 11 people Friday.

Militants Claim Responsibility for Bomb Blast in Pakistan


Oracle yesterday raised its hostile takeover offer for rival software company PeopleSoft by 14, to \$8.8bn (4.37bn), and for the first time set a deadline for acceptance of the bid.

Oracle sets PeopleSoft deadline


Faced with a growing clamor for better disclosure, drug manufacturers said yesterday that they will begin a voluntary system of publicly posting the

Firms to post drug data


Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi warned yesterday that efforts to resolve the standoff in Fallujah peacefully have entered their  quot;final phase

Allawi warns Fallujah assault is near


OPEC nations agreed to revise their oil production quota, boosting it by 1 million barrels per day in an effort to talk down crude oil prices.

OPEC nations agree to boost daily oil quota


AP - Carl Pavano pitched six solid innings, hit a home run and drove in two runs to lead the Florida Marlins to an 8-3 win over the San Diego Padres on Sunday.

Pavano Homers As Marlins Beat Padres 8-3 (AP)


The first criminal trial involving former Enron Corp. executives  quot;is a case about cheating and lying quot; with Wall Street #39;s help, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

Update 5: Prosecutor Says Enron Cheated, Lied


AP - President Bush aims to highlight the benefits of American drug-fighting aid in Colombia and boost a conservative Latin American leader with a brief, security-laden stop in the Andean nation.

Bush Touts U.S.-Backed Anti-Drug Efforts (AP)


A top Red Hat executive has attacked the open-source credentials of its sometime business partner Sun Microsystems. In a Web log posting Thursday, Michael Tiemann, Red Hat #39;s vice president of open-source affairs

Red Hat exec takes Sun to task on open source


SiliconValley.com - San Francisco Internet search company LookSmart has bought Furl.net, a small Massachusetts Web site that allows users to save and share bookmarks and copies of Web pages.

S.F.'s LookSmart acquires bookmark storage service (SiliconValley.com)


AP - Sam Cassell scored eight of his season-high 30 points in overtime and Kevin Garnett added 22 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107-100 Saturday night for their fifth straight victory.

Timberwolves Topple Clippers 107-100, OT (AP)


The Red Sox are halfway to capturing something that #39;s slipped just out of reach since 1918 -- the World Series trophy. Boston is gearing up for Game Three Tuesday night when they send Pedro Martinez to the mound against St.

Sox travel to St. Louis


Starting September 1, 2004, Microsoft will make available Host Integration Server (HIS) 2004 for companies that have been wanting to open their mainframe assets up to deeper integration with Windows-based servers, software and the promise of ...

MS Host Integration Server 2004 Is Weeks Away


NAIROBI, 16 Nov 2004 (IRIN) - The United Nations Security Council meeting that is due to take place on Thursday and Friday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, will focus on the situation in Sudan and on the peace process in Somalia,a UN official said.

KENYA: Security Council meeting to focus on Sudan, Somalia


AP - The managing editor of France's Le Figaro newspaper told a radio station Thursday that two French journalists held hostage in Iraq were still believed alive, even after militants' deadline passed for Paris to overturn a law banning Islamic head scarves or see the pair killed.

Kidnapped French Journalists' Fate Unknown (AP)


Drug maker GlaxoSmithKline, which has co-US headquarters in Philadelphia and Research Triangle Park, has acquired exclusive rights to a potential diabetes treatment in a deal that could be worth more than \$180 million.

Glaxo buys rights to experimental diabetes drug


AP - Auburn and LSU have played several nickname games in recent years: The Fire Game. The Interception Game. The Cigar Game.

LSU-Auburn Rivalry Could Get New Chapter (AP)


KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Reuters) - An envelope containing  suspicious white powder and threats against Americans was  delivered to the U.S. embassy in Malaysia, prompting health  checks on three staff, the embassy and police said Monday.

Suspicious Powder Found at U.S. Embassy in Malaysia


GLASGOW - A new downloadable video game allows gamers to assume the role of Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin who killed US president John F. Kennedy.

Video game recreates JFK killing


The Indianapolis Star reported Friday that All-Star forward Jermaine O #39;Neal likely will be placed on the injured list due to a strained ligament in his left foot.

Pacers #39; O #39;Neal might head to injured list


CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices rose on Monday in  subdued trading, extending Friday's rally as dealers  anticipated slower official rate hikes in 2005 following slack  November payrolls growth.

Treasuries Creep Up on Rate Prospects


Description: NPR #39;s Lourdes Garcia-Navarro reports on gruesome violence in the Haitian capital of Port-Au-Prince. UN peacekeepers are attempting to restore calm in the city, where armed bands of gangsters are

Peacekeepers Battle Gangs in a Ravaged Haiti


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's David Coulthard says he will  be back in Formula One next year and hinted Saturday that a  move to the Red Bull Racing Formula One team was imminent.

Coulthard Hints at Red Bull Move


(CP) - Veteran NHL player Sergei Zholtok died Wednesday of an apparent heart ailment. He was 31. Zholtok was playing hockey fsor the club team in his home city of Riga, the Latvian capital, when he became ill near the end of a game.

NHL veteran Sergei Zholtok collapses and dies at end of hockey <b>...</b>


Forget the standings and all the preseason chatter. Matt Hasselbeck and his Seattle teammates know the St. Louis Rams are still the team to beat in the NFC West.

Rams 33, Seahawks 27, OT


SARAJEVO : Bosnia #39;s ruling Croat, Muslim and Serb nationalists, who led the Balkans country throughout its 1992-95 inter-ethnic war, confirmed their dominance in local elections over the weekend, first partial results showed.

Nationalists ahead in Bosnia #39;s local elections


Plus: AT #38;T posts \$7.1 billion loss...Lucent sees first profitable year since 2000...EMC issues sunny report...IBM net income inches higher, despite legal bill.

Earnings alert: EarthLink trims outlook


The Chicago Cubs found a good way to make up for their poor hitting -- a shutdown pitching performance by Kerry Wood. Wood #39;s eight shutout innings made up for another listless performance by the Cubs #39; offense

Astros, Marlins keep pressure on Cubs


DSSELDORF, GERMANY - Siemens AG has received the green light from operators to offer a patch for a software defect in some of its 65 series mobile phones that could cause hearing damage, the Munich-based manufacturer said Tuesday in a statement.

Siemens releases patch for series 65 phones


Cricket-Kiwis cling on as Aussies go for the jugular 11-29-2004, 09:02 ADELAIDE, Australia, Nov 29 (AFP) - New Zealand kept an eye on the weather to save them as they frustrated Australia #39;s efforts to wrap up another fast-tracked victory in the second

Cricket-ICC anti-corruption team to probe Nairobi tournament


AFP - South Korea's nuclear research is not linked to any manufacture of atomic weapons, the United States said.

South Korea's nuclear research not linked to weapons: US (AFP)


Linux reseller Red Hat said Thursday it was buying some Netscape assets from America Online for \$20.5 million in cash. The Raleigh-based company said it would acquire Netscape Directory Server and Netscape

Red Hat to pay \$20 million for Netscape assets


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Air Force on Friday sent  three cargo planes to carry Rwandan forces and equipment to  Darfur to assist an African Union peacekeeping effort in the  violent region of western Sudan.

U.S. Sends 3 Planes to Aid Darfur Peace Force


Police probing the alleged theft of source code at Jolly Technologies' development center in Mumbai are questioning aspects of the security incursion and said the company's president hasn't cooperated with their investigation.

Police question report of India code theft


Wondering what your shiny new Nintendo DS looks like on the inside? Lik Sang saves you the voided warranty with a new photo gallery showing a detailed dissection of the new handheld game machine. Missing Links

Nintendo's innards


NEW YORK, September 15 (New Ratings) - Oracle Corporation (ORCL.NAS) reported its 1Q FY05 earnings ahead of expectations, despite a 36 year-over-year decline in the company #39;s enterprise application software sales during the quarter.

Oracle exceeds August quarter earnings forecasts


NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. unit of Dutch financial  services group ING Groep NV said on Wednesday a review of  improper trading in its mutual funds showed only isolated  incidents of impropriety.

ING Reveals Improper Trading Case Details


He had his chances. Oh, did Adam Scott have his chances for a repeat victory in the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston yesterday. After igniting the inbound nine of his final-round 65 with birdies on Nos. 10 through 13, Scott narrowly missed opportunities on his next four holes.

Scott's birdie string runs out


University of Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said last week that he #39;s not about to stop and consider the rapid climb his team has made on the college football landscape this season.

Cards enter AP top 10 for first time


The widow of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has picked up his medical records from the Paris hospital where he died November 11, and was reviewing the information, her lawyers said.

Arafat #39;s widow given medical files


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Star pitcher Pedro Martinez confirmed on Tuesday that he #39;s leaving the Boston Red Sox to join the New York Mets.

Martinez says he #39;s heading to Mets


Militants holding two French journalists hostage in Iraq gave France another 24 hours on Monday to revoke its ban on Muslim headscarves in schools, Al Jazeera reported.

Kidnappers Extend Deadline for French Hostages


Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi told Congress on Thursday Iraq would hold elections in January despite the flaring insurgency, and urged the US-led coalition not to bow to terrorist forces.

Allawi Says Democratic Forces Succeeding in Iraq


WASHINGTON The Supreme Court is taking up the issue of whether cable-based broadband is a telecommunications service that makes it subject to the same FCC rules that apply to phone companies.

High court agrees to hear dispute over cable Internet access


Allen Iverson hit the tying jumper with 7.2 seconds left in regulation, and Corliss Williamson scored 7 of his 15 points in overtime to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 108-100 victory Wednesday night over the visiting New Jersey Nets.

Sixers, Cavaliers win in overtime


Zinedine Zidane is expected to be out of action for three weeks after dislocating his right shoulder during Real Madrid #39;s 3-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen, the Spanish team said Thursday.

Zidane sidelined for three weeks after dislocating shoulder


Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Joey Harrington threw for a touchdown and Artose Pinner ran for another score, as the Detroit Lions handed Atlanta its first loss of the season with a 17-10 victory over the Falcons at the Georgia Dome.

Lions hand Falcons first loss


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue-chip stocks changed course  and rose late Tuesday afternoon as a drop in oil prices helped  steady the market, although investors remained cautious before  tech bellwether Intel Corp.'s <A HREF=

Blue-Chip Stocks Recover, Oil Retreats


Dirk Nowitzki scored 34 points as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-87 in National Basketball Association play Tuesday night.

NBA Wrap: Nowitzki Leads Dallas Past Minnesota


A free trade deal with China would mean billions of dollars of economic benefits for Australia, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said. In an interview with The Australian newspaper, Mr Vaile has predicted for the

Vaile hopeful of trade deal with China


Reuters - Oil exports by Venezuela\have not been disturbed by the referendum on the rule of\President Hugo Chavez, shipping sources said late Sunday.

Shippers: Venezuela Oil Unfazed by Poll (Reuters)


Paula Radcliffe is to have another medical check-up as a row brews over the marathon's scheduling.

More tests for exhausted Radcliffe


ATHENS, Greece -- Erin Mirabella of the United States predicted a fast track for the opening day of track cycling competition at the Olympic Velodrome on Friday.

Cyclists find fast track as competition begins


Carlos Beltran got off to a fast start in the free agent market, too. After hitting eight home runs for the Houston Astros to tie the postseason record, the speedy center fielder was among 65 players who filed for free agency yesterday on the first possible day.

Fast start to free agency for Beltran


Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) is buying online jukebox provider Musicmatch Inc. for \$160 million in a deal designed to broaden the Internet giant's appeal with the growing audience of consumers who buy songs off the Web.

Yahoo Buying Musicmatch


a hostile Muslim state develops nuclear weapons, throwing the Middle East and the world into turmoil. American officials warn that fear could soon turn into reality with Iran.

Iran  a nightmare scenario for the West


Taiwanese PC maker Acer on Wednesday laid out its new executive structure, appointing a European executive as president as it prepares for the retirement of founder Stan Shih.

Acer reshuffles execs amid growth


Reuters - U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow said\on Wednesday that cutting a record budget deficit was a top\priority for the second-term Bush administration and challenged\Europe to play its part in helping trim the U.S. trade gap by\boosting its own economic growth.

Snow: Cutting Budget Deficit Top Priority (Reuters)


PC World - Service Pack 1 fixes security flaws, updates individual applications.

Microsoft Refreshes Mac Office (PC World)


WASHINGTON - Astronomers have used a network of small telescopes to discover a planet circling a far-off star.  quot;This discovery demonstrates that even humble telescopes can make huge contributions to planet

Tiny telescope spots new Jupiter-sized planet


Taller than the Eiffel Tower and longer than the Champs Elysee, the Millau viaduct was today opened by President Jacques Chirac to acclaim as marvel of art and architecture.

France unveils its motorway in the clouds


Bangkok (VNA) - The Vietnamese Government has shown its determination in the fight against the illegal trade in wild animals and plants as well as its goodwill in the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) by

Viet Nam determined to fight illegal trade in wild animals and <b>...</b>


as usual, but was able to burn St. Louis for deep TD passes to wideout Chris. receptions, 78 yards, 1 TD). Chambers and McMichael have combined for 60 of.

Jets welcome the Dolphins to the Meadowlands


For all the focus on foreign policy in this campaign, neither presidential candidate has spent much time explaining what may loom as the largest new challenge after Tuesday:  what to do about Iran.

Showdown Over Nuclear Plans Awaits Election Winner


Electronic Arts Inc., the top US video-game maker, aims to be the biggest supplier for Sony Corp. #39;s handheld console, expanding its share of the \$2 billion global market for handheld games.

EA guns to become No. 1 Sony supplier


The Palestinian Authority condemned the Israeli operations against the Palestinians and called on the international community to pressure Israel.

Europe calls on Israel to maintain self control, AL describes <b>...</b>


Star sophomore linebacker Ahmad Brooks is back with the first string after a curious demotion prior to the season-opening win over Temple last Saturday.

Brooks Returns


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The blue-chip Dow Jones average was  knocked lower on Thursday after drug maker Merck   Co.<A HREF=

US Blue Chips Fall After Merck Recall


Jerome Bettis, subbing for an injured Duce Staley, grinds out 149 of the Steelers' 252 rushing yards in Pittsburgh's 27-3 pounding of the previously unbeaten Eagles.

Steelers Pummel Eagles


Spansion, the flash memory joint venture between AMD and Fujitsu has laid out its plans to develop 8Gbit memory parts based on 65nm lithography.

Spansion maps out future for 8Gbit memory parts


MUCH as Ruud van Nistelrooy (left) enjoys playing in the Champions League, Sir Alex Ferguson enjoys seeing his star striker perform like he did against Sparta Prague.

Ruud and Roy Special


In the stock #39;s first day trading, investors bought, sold and flipped shares at a furious pace, with the price ending just above \$100 -- 18 percent higher than where it started.

Google shares soar 18 percent on first day


KABUL (Reuters) - An Afghan vice-president survived an  assassination attempt Monday in the north and two soldiers from  U.S.-led forces were killed in a gunbattle in the southeast, as  violence escalated ahead of an Oct. 9 election.

Afghan Vice President Survives Attack, Troops Killed


ASTRONOMERS manning a radio telescope in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, believe they may have found proof that extra-terrestrials exist. The astronomers reported in the New Scientist magazine this week that they have

There may be life out there after all


The number of housing units on which builders began work plunged 13.1 percent in November from the previous month, the biggest monthly drop in nearly 11 years, according to the Commerce Department.

Housing Starts Took Plunge in November


AP - Russia agreed Thursday to send warships to help NATO naval patrols that monitor suspicious vessels in the Mediterranean, part of a push for closer counterterrorism cooperation between Moscow and the western alliance.

Russia to Join NATO Anti-Terror Patrols (AP)


Every once in a while an Oscar winner gets up there and wings an acceptance speech because  quot;I never thought I'd win, so I didn't prepare anything. quot;

Story is too good for words


Business leaders are applauding the DC Council #39;s revised plan to build a stadium for the soon-to-be Washington Nationals. They say Council Chairman Linda Cropp #39;s amendments Tuesday will help

Business Community Applauds Baseball Plan


Carl Pavano has made his long-awaited decision, instructing his agent to strike a deal with the New York Yankees. Scott Shapiro, who represents the free agent right-hander

Free agent Pavano chooses Yanks


Carrier has locked up the hot new PalmOne smart phone until some time after the new year.

Want a Treo 650? Better Sprint


MUMBAI: Even as Walt Disney is working overtime to have everything in place for what now looks increasingly like a year-end coming out party for its three channels in India, the going is not quite so smooth in neighbouring China.

Disney revs for India, China may take time: Iger


ST. PETERSBURG - The fastball was directed at Manny Ramirez #39;s left knee. Make no mistake about it. The pitch didn #39;t get away from Scott Kazmir.

Kazmir #39;s a kid with plenty of moxie


The International Monetary Fund has lowered its 2004 economic growth forecast for Korea to 4.6 percent, citing weak domestic consumer spending amid rising household and corporate debt.

IMF Lowers Korea #39;s 2004 Economic Growth Forecast


On Sunday, the Anaheim Angels took time out from their playoff chase with the Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers to suspend left fielder Jose Guillen without pay for the

Cook: Angels make right decision


Beware the web, beware even of known and trusted web sites that you have been visiting for years. For even the most trustworthy of organisations, operating the most trustworthy of web sites

The Internet Column


ATHENS (Reuters) - Michael Phelps, his first gold medal  safely gathered in, eased through the next phase of his  monumental Olympic challenge in the heats of the 200 meters  freestyle Sunday but the immensity of the task ahead was clear.

Tough Race Ahead for Swimmer Phelps


Stocks are posting some early gains this morning. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 10 points in today #39;s early going. Advancing issues on the New York Stock Exchange hold a 4-3 lead over decliners.

Stocks Post Early Gains As Oil Is Steady


A suicide car bomber killed seven people when he struck a checkpoint at Baghdad #39;s Green Zone early Tuesday, the second attack in two days at the district that houses Iraq #39;s interim government and foreign embassies, officials said.

Seven killed, 13 wounded in Baghdad suicide attack


No contract has been signed and no announcement is expected for at least a week, but Dean Goldfine appears to be tennis star Andy Roddick #39;s first choice to replace Brad Gilbert as his coach.

Match for Roddick?


AP - An

Iraq Chaos Raises Last-Minute Issues (AP)


The Utah Jazz activated point guard Carlos Arroyo from the injured list Tuesday and placed rookie Kris Humphries on it because of tendinitis in his knee.

Utah activates Arroyo


Juventus and Olympique Lyon joined Chelsea and Inter Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League after both scored late goals to seal their places on Wednesday.

WRAPUP1-Juventus and Lyon qualify for knockout phase


A shutout victim in its meeting last year with Harvard, which put up 27 points, Cornell yesterday was determined to stop the Crimson's explosive tailback, sophomore Clifton Dawson, and his streak of nine games with 100 or more rushing yards.

Victory makes balanced Crimson beam


PARIS: Monaco moved top of Ligue 1 after a late winner by striker Emmanuel Adebayor on Sunday sealed troubled Paris St Germains second consecutive home defeat.

Monaco down troubled PSG to go top


Nintendo Co., the world #39;s biggest maker of portable game consoles, begins selling its newest hand- held player today, accompanied by a \$40 million advertising push aimed at taking customers away from Sony Corp.

Nintendo Bets on New Hand-Held Console to Leap Ahead of Sony


Beginning a season of high expectations, No. 3 Georgia Tech clamped down on Alabama State and pulled away in the second half for a 74-37 victory Friday night.

No. 3 Georgia Tech 74, Alabama St. 37


Forbes.com - As the second employee of InfoSpace, Jean-Remy Facq saw the value of his stock inflate and then collapse. Now he's suing in federal court in Seattle for a  #36;4.5 million refund of 1999 federal income tax. He's just one of 200 tech workers who have hired Seattle tax lawyer/CPA Brian G. Isaacson in the hope his novel theories will help them slash old (and sometimes unpaid) tax bills from their exercise of stock options for shares that later tanked.

Advocate Or Promoter? (Forbes.com)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks looked set for little  change at the open on Friday as losses in previous sessions  were seen leveling off, but high oil prices and their possible  effect on corporate profits and consumer spending remain a  worry for investors.

U.S. Stocks Set for Steady Open


AFP - Hopes are fading for 58 fishermen missing at sea after a powerful storm that slammed into the Philippines, left eight people dead and tens of thousands homeless.

Hopes fade for 58 missing after Philippines storm toll rises to eight (AFP)


AP - The Seattle Mariners added power to one of the weakest lineups in baseball Wednesday, agreeing to a  #36;50 million, four-year contract with free agent first baseman Richie Sexson.

Sexson Agrees to  #36;50M Deal With Mariners (AP)


The two Greek sprinters who missed drug tests prior to the start of the Athens Olympics today withdrew from the games.

Greek duo quit Olympics


Norwegian browser developer Opera Software ASA has developed a product to run on Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Mobile operating system, with plans to ship demonstration versions to mobile phone operators and manufacturers in the coming weeks.

Opera to launch browser for Windows Mobile


European Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer named Colin Montgomerie and Luke Donald as his wildcard picks for the side to face the USA in September.

Monty, Donald in Ryder Cup


Bethany Donaphin hit a turnaround jumper with .5 seconds remaining to lift the New York Liberty a 66-64 victory over the defending WNBA champion Detroit Shock on Tuesday night and into the Eastern Conference finals.

Roundup: Shock defeated in bid to defend title


Technologies that let people record satellite and Internet radio broadcasts digitally are opening a new front in the recording industry's war on music piracy. This has given the music industry a new problem to worry about.

New Tech Front: Recording of Digital Broadcasts


RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK - Cisco Systems is targeting a so-called triple play of the move strategy as part of its strategy to drive sales to service providers.

Cisco Targets Triple Play on the Move Capabilities With <b>...</b>


TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average fell 0.14 percent  by midday on Thursday with losses in shippers, steel makers and  several technology shares overshadowing gains in select  small-cap stocks and firms with bright earnings outlooks.

Tokyo Stocks Lower


AP - Mexico and a U.S. environmental group agreed on a plan to protect 370,000 acres of tropical forest on the Yucatan Peninsula in what officials said Friday was the largest conservation project in the country's history.

Mexico Plans to Preserve Tropical Forest (AP)


Federal regulators took issue Friday with consumer groups that contend that allowing cable television subscribers to pay only for channels they want would lower consumers #39; cable bills.

Dispute Over  la Carte Cable Pricing


AFP - Myanmar's military strongman Than Shwe wrapped up a visit to India with a pledge to bring democracy to his secretive state and said the junta will not let rebels against Indian rule operate from its soil.

Myanmar strongman vows to bring democracy, crush anti-Indian rebels (AFP)


European nations led by France were evacuating their nationals from Ivory Coast on Thursday, where an explosion of anti-French violence has made even long-time residents rush to pack their bags.

Europeans evacuated from I Coast


TORONTO Former Toronto pitcher John Cerutti (seh-ROO #39;-tee) was found dead in his hotel room today, according to the team. He was 44.

Sports: Blue Jays announcer found dead in hotel room


Shares of DreamWorks Animation Inc. soared nearly 38 percent on the first day of trading Thursday as investors anticipated Shrek-sized profits from the computer animation film studio.

DreamWorks Spinoff Sees Shares Rise 38 1st Day


The carrier will give its broadband subscribers access to 3,900 hot spots for \$1.99 a month.

SBC opens up Wi-Fi roaming


THE battle between John Fletcher and Roger Corbett has nothing to do with their personal egos. As I detail below, Coles Myer realises that if Woolworths gains control of Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality it

ALH battle demands far-sighted analysis


LONDON - A military policewoman has become the first British female soldier to die in Iraq since last year #39;s US-led invasion but her death was believed to have been caused by a non-hostile incident, officials said on Tuesday.

First female British soldier dies in Iraq


A former high school football star who helped abduct a man from the parking lot of a gay nightclub, then robbed and killed him, was executed on Tuesday in the 21st lethal injection in Texas this year.

Texas Performs 21st Execution This Year


Round Rock-based computer giant Dell Inc. (Nasdaq: DELL) is revamping customer service -- going so far as to make house calls. The reforms offer customers new avenues for help and a new stream of revenue for Dell.

Dell #39;s tech docs now making house calls


NEW YORK/PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Toys R Us Inc. <A HREF=

Ex-CEO, Buyout Firms Eye Toys R Us


A consortium led by Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group agreed Thursday to pay 1.27 billion British pounds (US\$2.5 billion; euro1.8 billion) for NTL Inc.

Consortium Invests \$2.5B in NTL Assets


SunGard Data Systems will spin-off its data recovery business as a separate company. The company #39;s software and services unit handles most trades on the Nasdaq stock exchange.

SunGard Spins Off Data-Availability Unit


Danny Green Jr. stood anxiously on the steps of St. Mary #39;s Friday night, watching a game that would not end. A festival atmosphere filled the Manhasset night as the 6-6, 205-pound basketball

Green picks Tar Heels


The challenge Kenny Lofton posed to Bernie Williams a year ago turned out to be a bug versus windshield. However, if the Yankees ink free agent Carlos Beltran he will be

BERNIE LEAVING CF HOT OFFSEASON TOPIC


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain charged eight men on Tuesday  with conspiracy to murder and other terrorism charges, some  relating to plans for U.S. buildings such as the New York Stock  Exchange that were the subject of terrorism alerts this month.

Britain Charges Suspects in U.S.-Linked Terror Case


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

Amgen Net Down, Adjusted Earnings Rise


Bruce Nelson, chairman and chief executive of Office Depot Inc. of Delray Beach, Fla., Monday resigned by mutual agreement with the board.

Office Depot chairman resigns


AP - Johan Santana had an early lead and was well on his way to his 10th straight win when the rain started to fall.

Twins' Johan Santana Wins 10th Straight (AP)


AP - Notre Dame used an unlikely hero to earn another surprising victory over Michigan. Freshman Darius Walker had two fourth-quarter touchdowns and the Fighting Irish renewed hope for a turnaround season by upsetting the eighth-ranked Wolverines 28-20 on Saturday.

Notre Dame Upsets No. 8 Michigan 28-20 (AP)


Former Olympic boxer Brian Viloria of Wiapahu, Hawaii, knocked out Angel Priolo of Colombia in the seventh round of a scheduled 12-round flyweight bout Thursday night at the Grand Olympic Auditorium.

Viloria knocks out Priolo in flyweight bout


BEIRUT: Tens of thousands of people flocked to Baabda Presidential Palace Sunday, in a huge and popular show of support for President Emile Lahoud over his three-year mandate extension that was decided by Parliament on Friday.

Thousands congratulate Lahoud


Former Toronto Raptor Kevin Willis joined his original NBA team Wednesday after a 10-year absence, looking to give the Atlanta Hawks inside depth at age 42.

Former Raptor Kevin Willis, 42, returns to Atlanta Hawks


Alonso thirteenth and Villeneuve fifteenth following a busy opening day at the Shanghai cirucit.

Chinese GP, Friday


Floating free above Earth and carrying out an experiment in space has long been the preserve of orbiting travelers, but at taxpayers expense.

Zero G Flights Could Bolster Space Tourism, Research Industries


A fan who pursued singer Sheryl Crow for 15 months is found not guilty of burglary and stalking charges.

Crow fan not guilty of stalking


Reuters - Web search leader Google Inc.\said on Wednesday it will soon make it possible for users of\its Gmail service to check their e-mail via Microsoft Outlook\or on certain handheld devices such as mobile phones.

Gmail Users Soon Able to Check E-Mail Via Outlook (Reuters)


Prime Minister John Howard said a former public servant had not backed the claims by former adviser Mike Scrafton about the children overboard affair.

McKenry doesn #39;t back Scrafton: PM


Germany #39;s finance minister said Saturday that he and his US counterpart have reached an agreement under which Iraq #39;s creditors would write off up to 80 per cent of the country #39;s debt.

Creditors to forgive up to 80 per cent of Iraq #39;s debt, German <b>...</b>


The ability to get SAT scores on the Web has been celebrated by many teenagers and their parents; but when the site crashes, as it did Thursday, modern life suddenly seems maddeningly inconvenient.

SAT Site Crashes


SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s (AMD's) dual-core Opteron processor will fit into the same area occupied by its single-core product, helping to hold down manufacturing costs, AMD said Tuesday at the Fall Processor Forum.

AMD further details dual-core Opterons


AT least 250 people died in massive floods across northern Haiti after Tropical Storm Jeanne hit the crushingly poor Caribbean nation over the weekend, a UN spokesman said today.

Jeanne claims 250 lives in Haiti


As a lifelong resident of Louisiana, the U.S. state that gave us  Huey Long and  David Duke, I have always  taken comfort in the fact that my home state is an island  of insanity in a country that mostly gets it right.    But lately I recognize some disturbingly familiar trends on  the national scene.  Listen if you will to the tale of two  elections, and decide for yourself if the USA as a whole is  turning into Louisiana.

Two Episodes of Banana Republicanism


Brocade Communications (BRCD:Nasdaq - news - research) increased fourth-quarter revenue by 13 and beat Wall Street #39;s earnings expectations by a penny, the maker of storage networking gear reported after the close Monday.

Brocade #39;s Profit Rises


Computer Giants Apple are facing the biggest legal payout in history as they once again battle their courtroom nemesis, also named Apple.

The Beatles Sue Apple


Standard  amp; Poor's raised its outlook on Boston Scientific Corp. to positive from stable, citing its recovery of market share for its drug-coated Taxus cardiac stent after recalls that began in July. The debt rating agency said the upgrade reflects the Natick company's  quot;surprisingly rapid recovery quot; of market share for Taxus, and its diverse product line. Last week, Boston Scientific ...

Stent maker's rating is raised


UEFA have received no reports of racist chanting by Porto fans during the Champions League game against Chelsea in Portugal on Tuesday night.

UEFA not informed of racist chanting


The University of Florida on Monday fired its head football coach, Ron Zook, opening one of the nation #39;s premier college football coaching jobs.

Upset Loss Costs Zook His Job at Florida


US Treasury note investors became more bearish last week on speculation a government report will show November employment improved enough to keep the Federal Reserve from slowing the pace of interest rate increases.

Investors in Treasuries Grow More Bearish Before Jobs Report


Currently, the UAE is  quot;producing almost our full capacity quot; of 2.5 million bpd, Oil Minister Obeid bin Saif al-Nassiri said, commenting on measures to ease the surge in world oil prices.

UAE Oil Minister Says OPEC Working to Keep Prices in Check


Science News, Kazakhstan - A Russian-US crew blasted off bound for the International Space Station where they will spend six months conducting experiments including work on the search for an AIDS vaccine.

Science ; Russian-US crew goes to space, AIDS experiments planned


ORLANDO, Fl. (Sports Network) - Hedo Turkoglu came off the  bench to contribute 19 points and Dwight Howard netted 15  points with 11 rebounds, leading the Orlando Magic over the  Dallas Mavericks, 94-84, at TD WaterHouse Center. Steve Francis  fell just shy of a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 10  boards and nine assists while Grant Hill collected 17 points  with nine rebounds for Orlando, which handed the Mavericks  their first loss of the 2004 season.

NBA Wrap: Magic Beat Mavericks, Lakers Defeat Hornets


Organizations are replacing aging servers with newer more-powerful boxes, often Linux--based, and theyre also investing in storage.

Dell to spend \$115 million on new plant


LONDON -- British authorities charged extremist cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri yesterday with possessing Al Qaeda literature and inciting the killing of Jews and other non-Muslims, delaying his possible extradition to the United States, where he is wanted on terrorism charges.

Radical cleric accused of inciting followers