Francoise Sagan, the rebellious French writer who won world fame as a teenager with Bonjour Tristesse, her 1954 bestseller about infidelity among the idle rich, has died of heart and lung failure at 69.

Sagan dies at 69


Wall Street was set to start softer on Thursday with the insurance sector in the spotlight again after American International Group (AIG.

NY to Ease; Spotlight on Insurers


An election lawyer for President Bush also has been advising a veterans group running TV ads against John Kerry.

Bush Campaign's Top Outside Lawyer Resigns


Alpharma Inc. said Friday that a federal court dropped an order preventing the generic drug maker from launching its version of Pfizer Inc.

Alpharma Gets Court OK for Gabapentin


Even in the most one-sided Formula One season in years, champions Ferrari still have the ability to astonish. Their eighth one-two finish in 15 races was met

Ferrari still able to astonish


CAPE CANAVERAL -- Weather and technical conflicts scrapped three planned attempts this weekend to launch the first Delta 4 Heavy from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, according to a report.

Delta 4 Liftoff Delayed For At Least Week


Reuters - Tiki Barber rushed for 182 yards and\ran half the length of the field for a touchdown as the New\York Giants used a stifling defense to upset the Packers 14-7\in Green Bay on Sunday.

NFL Wrap: Barber Runs Over Packers as Giants Win (Reuters)


AFP - British Airways cancelled four more flights due to what it called lingering problems from a staff shortage at London's Heathrow Airport which delayed thousands of travellers earlier in the week.

More delays for British Airways passengers in London (AFP)


The mayor of Pitcairn Island was the first of seven men accused of sex abuse to stand trial yesterday as the historic case got under way in the Pacific outpost.

Mayor among accused in Pitcairn rape trial


Planetary scientists expect to be  quot;pleasantly bewildered quot; tonight when the first close-up pictures of Saturn #39;s haze-shrouded moon Titan are beamed back to Earth from NASA #39;s Cassini spacecraft.

Spacecraft aims for titanic discovery


AP - Forward Andrew Peters re-signed with the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday.

Sabres Re-Sign Forward Andrew Peters (AP)


Reuters - British police said on Sunday they had\arrested a man after a hoaxer posing as a government official\emailed relatives of people missing since the Asian tsunami,\saying their loved ones had been confirmed dead.

Man Arrested in UK Tsunami Death Email Probe (Reuters)


Chip Eberhart writes in Post magazine,  #147;DVD Studio Pro Version 3.0 is truly a world-class DVD authoring application. This outstanding version of DVD Studio Pro adds enough bells, whistles and real-world functionality to make even a seasoned DVD author take notice and say,  #145;Wow! #146; #148; Sep 16

World-Class DVD Authoring


Eindhoven, the Netherlands (Sports Network) - PSV Eindhoven will be without striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink for up to six weeks due to a shoulder injury.

PSV #39;s Hesselink suffers shoulder injury


Researchers are studying the spinal cord of the eel-like sea lamprey in hopes that a machine based on its structure could someday enable paralyzed people to regain control of their legs. By Karen Lurie.

Lamprey May Offer Paralysis Cure


PARIS : French President Jacques Chirac said Wednesday that Turkey #39;s EU membership bid was  quot;not a done deal, quot; although he believed it was in Europe #39;s best interests, a government spokesman reported after a cabinet meeting.

Chirac says Turkey #39;s EU bid  #39;not a done deal #39;


SEOUL, South KoreaSamsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced plans to launch the SPH-V5400, a mobile phone that includes a tiny hard disc drive to expand available memory capacity.

Samsung announces phone with hard disc drive


They were greeted at Beijing airport by a senior party leader, a brass band and a traditional drum and cymbal troop, as well as crowds of well-wishers.

China Olympians return as heroes


AFP - Pakistan has welcomed the first withdrawal of Indian troops from disputed Kashmir, as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hinted at further reductions.

Pakistan hails Indian troop pullout from Kashmir (AFP)


The soldiers were taken from three buses at a fake checkpoint northeast of Baghdad and killed mostly with bullets to their heads.

Ambush Kills 50 Iraq Soldiers Execution Style


HONG KONG, China -- Hong Kong #39;s main pro-democracy parties have made disappointing gains in legislative elections, adding just three seats to their tally.

Election blow for HK Democrats


AP - The Boston Red Sox are replacing team physician Bill Morgan, who helped stitch together a World Series title by suturing Curt Schilling's ankle and allowing him to stay in the postseason rotation.

Red Sox Replacing Team Physician Morgan (AP)


AP - Kansas City outfielder Matt Stairs signed a one-year contract extension Wednesday that will keep him under contract with the Royals through 2005.

Royals' Stairs Signs Contract Extension (AP)


The joint lawsuit was filed yesterday in federal court in Seattle against Gold Disk Canada and its principals -- Barry, Eric and Matthew Head -- and accuses them of misusing Microsoft #39;s Hotmail

Amazon and Microsoft Join in Lawsuit Against Spammers


After 18 months of leaks, slurs and broken reputations the biggest doping scandal in sports history took its most dramatic twist yesterday when the man at the centre of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative investigation claimed he had devised and

Conte blows the whistle on Jones


This is Part 2 of a five-part series covering the experiences of key participants in the Mars Exploration Rover mission. JPL and NASA have developed a structured way of doing business over the years. When you have a schedule crunch like we had, it puts a lot of pressure on that approach and it's almost impossible to do.

Mission Fantastic to Mars (Part 2)


US stocks rallied on Monday after software maker PeopleSoft Inc. (PSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) accepted rival Oracle Corp. #39;s (ORCL.

Stocks End Up as Deals Spark Optimism


High-flying oil prices could set new records this week if rebels disrupt the flow of crude from Nigeria, and are unlikely to fall far even if tensions there ease given global supply strains, according to analysts.

Nigeria centre stage as oil traders eye new highs


November 29, 2004  Seoul said yesterday it would be cautious about levying retaliatory tariffs on US products, after the World Trade Organization on Friday gave Korea and six other economies the green light to enact such tariffs in response to a US

Seoul cautious about anti-US tariffs


Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, the company that invented and heavily promoted Bluetooth wireless technology, has decided to discontinue its design and development of new Bluetooth systems for the semiconductor industry.

Ericsson ends Bluetooth hardware development


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Village Roadshow Ltd. (VRL.AU) said Friday that results for its movie Catwoman were below expectations and will hurt film profits for the 2005 financial year.

Australia Village: Weak Catwoman Results To Hurt Pft -2-


A European Union judge has summoned all sides for a closed meeting today to consider how to handle the decision by two major opponents of Microsoft to drop out of an antitrust case against the company.

EU judge considers impact of Microsoft dropouts


Glasgow band Franz Ferdinand win this year's Mercury Music Prize for their self-titled debut album.

Ferdinand win Mercury Music Prize


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar was mostly lower on  Tuesday, weighed down by a report showing the U.S. current  account deficit ballooned to a new record in the second  quarter.

Dollar Weaker; Current Account Gap Weighs


Texas Rangers pitcher Frank Francisco allegedly hurled a chair at some fans heckling the Ranger bullpen after the Rangers hit a ninth inning game tying homer in Oakland.

Baseball Roundup: Brawl Hurts Fans


Didier Drogba struck nine minutes from time to give Chelsea a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough that took them to provisional top spot in the Premier League on Saturday.

Late Drogba strike gives Chelsea 1-0 win at Middlesbrough


Change is coming for AT T Wireless's 21.7 million customers -- although they wouldn't know it from watching the company's commercials or shopping in its stores. The cell phone provider is expected to complete its \$41 billion merger with Cingular Wireless within weeks.\\<FONT face=

Cingular's Quiet Takeover


Threatened by the Taliban, surrounded by security forces and watched by the second tier of the Bush administration, Hamid Karzai is due to be inaugurated as Afghanistan #39;s first democratically elected president this morning.

Security blanket for Karzai #39;s swearing in


GLASGOW: Scotland manager Berti Vogts, right, has resigned because of  quot;disgraceful abuse quot; including being spat upon, he said in a Scottish Football Association statement last night.

#39;Spat upon #39; Vogts quits Scottish job


Voided warranty, electrocution, the wrath of Hollywood--so what? Nothing seems to hinder the TiVo hacker.

TiVo hacks flourish


Before spaceprobes could photograph Venus up close, the second planet from the Sun was often compared to a sister world, much like the Earth. Planetary scientist, David Grinspoon, discusses with Astrobiology Magazine how that view evolved to consider the extremes encountered on the Venusian surface.

Exploring Venus: The Hothouse Planet


Reuters - Apple Computer Inc. \shares fell about 4 percent on Friday after a Needham   Co.\analyst lowered his investment rating on the stock to

Apple Falls After Analyst Cuts Rating (Reuters)


France coach Raymond Domenech called up Juventus defender Jonathan Zebina for the first time to his squad for next month #39;s World Cup Group Four qualifiers against Ireland and Cyprus.

UPDATE 1-Domenech calls Zebina to France squad


he Wall Street Journal announced yesterday that it would begin publishing a Saturday issue starting in the fall of 2005. By following its business readers home for the weekend, the newspaper

Wall Street Journal to Start Saturday Issue


The highest ranking soldier charged in the Abu Ghraib scandal pleads guilty to five charges of abusing Iraqi detainees at the prison.

Frederick Pleads Guilty


Lucent Technologies Inc. said Monday that three of its former employees have been notified by the Securities and Exchange Commission that regulators are considering recommending civil action against them.

SEC may act against Ex-Lucent CEO


They are curious about the growing number of open source database products on the market, but some SQL Server DBAs say they remain doubtful that companies will adopt it for the long haul.

SQL Server pros aren #39;t charmed by open source


THE clan Macdonald are in line for a 150m windfall following the sale of the world-renowned Scotch whisky maker to Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy.

Millions galore in Glenmorangie sale


Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has laid a wreath at Yasser Arafat #39;s grave during a West Bank visit for talks on how to revive peacemaking with Israel after the Palestinian leader #39;s death.

Straw lays wreath at Arafat #39;s grave


Dell and Microsoft are working together to integrate their systems management applications to allow customers to update server hardware and software with a single tool.

Dell and Microsoft integrate patch management apps


Reuters - PeopleSoft Inc. will push ahead\with a new marketing alliance and other initiatives in the face\of a court ruling that raises the chance that Oracle Corp.'s\ #36;7.7-billion hostile takeover bid could succeed, PeopleSoft's\chief executive said on Tuesday.

PeopleSoft Defies Oracle Ties Up with IBM (Reuters)


An orchid dealer was sentenced Wednesday to a year and five months in federal prison for scheming to smuggle prized tropical lady slipper orchids into the United States.

Flower Dealer Gets 17 Months for Smuggling


SYDNEY Vanuatu #39;s new diplomatic ties with Taiwan remain in place, a spokesman for Prime Minister Serge Vohor said on Friday, contradicting a claim by China that his South Pacific island government had renounced links with Taipei.

Vanuatu affirms Taipei link


SAN DIEGO -- So what if it #39;s only the Chargers following the Bengals, one perennial NFL nonentity after another? So what if the Chargers are mostly a one-man show?

A September to remember


ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cell phone calls made in Central Florida using T-Mobile have the fewest dropped calls and the clearest calls, according to the latest JD Power ratings.

Cell Phone Call Quality Ranked In Central Florida


The United States and its military allies on Thursday challenged UN Secretary General Kofi Annan #39;s statement that last year #39;s invasion of Iraq was an illegal act that violated

Annan: Iraq invasion violated UN charter


The three days of festivities marking the end of the month of Ramadan, Id al-Fitr, which began yesterday in the Palestinian Authority, give the leadership something of a brief time-out

Focus / Filling Arafat #39;s shoes


The search giant Google is rumoured to be working on its own web browser.

Rumours over Google 'browser'


Dow Jones  amp; Co. (DJ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday cut its earnings forecast for the current quarter, citing weakness this month in key advertising categories

Dow Jones Sees Shortfall on Weak Ads


ABUJA (Reuters) - The Sudanese government is ready to sign  agreements with Darfur rebels on Tuesday covering aid and  disarmament in the war-torn region, a junior government  minister said, marking a major breakthrough after two weeks of  talks.

Sudanese Govt. Ready to Sign Darfur Deals-Minister


Of course, he conceded that it was his fault, but Bill Belichick couldn't get much work done the other day. Not with the line he had outside his office. Practice was over, the guys were free to go where they wanted, but many of them remained at Gillette Stadium. They wanted a word with Belichick, whose coaching decisions in last ...

Coach's position is clear, isn't it?


The Australian sharemarket remained weaker at noon, extending its morning losses after a disappointing performance on Wall Street on Friday and a nervous opening on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Stocks noon: Tokyo adds to pressure


Another good start by Kim Sun-woo went to waste as the Montreal Expos frittered away a two-run lead in the seventh inning before finally beating the Chicago Cubs 7-6 in 12 innings in Tuesdays MLB game in Chicago.

Expo #39;s Kim Can #39;t End Win Drought


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Margaret Hassan, a British aid worker  kidnapped in Baghdad a month ago, has probably been killed, her  Iraqi husband and British diplomats said on Tuesday after  viewing a video apparently showing her being shot.

Video May Show Iraq Aid Worker Killed -Husband


It #39;s not often, recently, that the editor of Groklaw.net, Pamela Jones - aka  quot;PJ quot; - has expressed much sympathy for Sun.

Java Patents:  quot;Software and Patents Don #39;t Belong Together quot;


BEIJING - US Secretary of State Colin Powell, on a mission to restart talks on North Korea #39;s nuclear program, on Sunday branded North Korea a  quot;terrorist state quot; that shows  quot;no respect whatsoever for human rights.

Powell declares North Korea a  #39;terrorist state #39;


Prime Minister Helen Clark believes the legality of the US-led invasion of Iraq is unclear, a spokesman for her office said on Friday.

Legality of invasion  quot;unclear quot;


Mount St. Helens's small explosion, predicted for several days and posing no imminent danger to people in the region, was greeted with jaw-dropping delight by many.

Buzz Was Big, but Mount St. Helens Eruption Wasn't


Inverness Caledonian Thistle appointed Craig Brewster as its new manager-player Thursday although he #39;s unable to play for the team until January.

Brewster appointed manager of Inverness


US jets bombed Falluja Sunday and troops fought rebels accused of shielding foreign fighters led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, America #39;s top foe in Iraq.

Seven Iraqis Die in Falluja Battles, Baghdad Attack


Security forces fired shots in the air and used water cannons and tear gas to disperse about 2,000 angry Muslim youths rioting in Thailand #39;s troubled south Monday, leaving

Forces move to stop Thailand rioters


WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved a cancer drug made by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Co. to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer in patients who have undergone chemotherapy.

FDA approves lung cancer drug


BALTIMORE, Maryland (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Ravens  Saturday placed linebacker Peter Boulware on the physically  unable to perform list and the veteran will miss at least the  first six games of the upcoming season.

Ravens LB Boulware to Miss at Least First Six Games


ROCHESTER, NY Kodak and IBM have agreed to develop and make image sensors for digital cameras and camera phones. Jeff Couture of IBM says the information-technology giant is pursuing the partnership due to

Kodak, IBM to make sensors for digital cameras


Loudon, NH -- As the rain began falling late Friday afternoon at New Hampshire International Speedway, the rich in the Nextel Cup garage got richer.

Rain hands prime spots to top 10


Members of Microsoft #39;s Developer Network got a sneak peek at Microsoft #39;s Avalon windowing elements technology last week. Avalon, which will make the user interface much more than just a

Microsoft #39;s Avalon Will Make Networked Applications Smarter


AP - The NBA informed the players' union Sunday it will not seek a temporary restraining order in federal court, clearing the way for a grievance hearing over suspensions for the Pacers-Pistons brawl.

Hearing Over Brawl Suspensions to Proceed (AP)


THENS, Aug. 19 - It was nearly 3 am, and Paul Hamm was alone on his porch at the Olympic Village, sky dark, grounds quiet, gold medal hanging around his neck just hours after he had won it.

Hamm Faces Future and Savors Moment


US mobile network operator AT amp;T Wireless today launched Ogo, its first non-voice messaging device, pitched at the  #39;yoof #39; market - in particular those who only like to communicate by text.

AT amp;T Wireless ships mobile IM gadget


Firefox 1.0 Available Today\\Firefox 1.0 (Preview Release) is now available. If you've never tried this wonderful browser it's MORE THAN worthy of your attention. What's new in this release?\\- Improved pop-up blocker: new pop-up blocker blocks even more pop-ups while making it easy to view pop-ups when necessary.\\- Security improvements: ...

Firefox 1.0 Available Today


Jason Richardson and Troy Murphy will stay with the Golden State Warriors for the long term after agreeing to six-year contract extensions with the team a day before the start of the season.

Warriors sign two players to extensions


Business at factories across New York state improved at an accelerated pace in the past month according to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey posted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Buffalo.

Empire manufacturing up sharply in September


In the hours before many would die, the children and adults of Beslan #39;s School No. 1 were forced to sit and watch their masked hostage-takers wire up the floor and walls around them with bombs.

Chilling video shows plight of hostages


Web metrics suggest that the software giant #39;s Internet Explorer has been losing a significant number of users in the past nine months to open-source browser Mozilla and its offspring, Firefox.

Firefox on the hunt


Kellogg Co. (KN: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest cereal maker, on Monday reported a quarterly profit that exceeded Wall Street estimates and raised its full-year earnings

Kellogg Quarterly Earnings Top Estimates


CHICAGO (Sports Network) - Peyton Manning threw four  touchdown passes and Edgerrin James ran for 204 yards with a  score, as the Indianapolis Colts rolled to a 41-10 victory over  the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

Manning and James Lead Colts to Another Rout


Those of you who try to follow the Bundesliga by checking the German media will come off a confusing week, as there was very little talk of football.

Cloak and dagger Dortmund


The outgoing Indonesian President's unwillingness to accept defeat has held up a peaceful transition

Megawati Loses Out


Junk e-mail, more commonly know as spam, clogs inboxes world wide, and wastes millions in thus far vain attempt to curb nuisance. It is likely that no one

Bill Gates Gets 4 Million Spams A Day


Eli Manning, the No. 1 pick in this year's N.F.L. draft, will make his first professional start on Thursday when the Giants take on Carolina.

Manning Gets Early Go-Ahead to Start


There is a mixed reaction to a call from 100 ex-Cameroon footballers, including Roger Milla, to stand for re-election.

Cameroon players back president


Italy #39;s loss-making Alitalia has reached a deal with its unions to split the state-controlled airline in two, helping secure the company #39;s immediate future and opening the way for partial privatization.

Alitalia reaches deal with unions to split firm


A senior Greek prosecutor has postponed announcing the results of a two-month investigation into disgraced Greek sprinters Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou.

Prosecutor postpones results of probe into disgraced Greek <b>...</b>


THE Australian share market finished slightly weaker today, as investors continued to engage in some profit taking after last week #39;s record highs.

Market closes weaker


Moreover, these will be things which do not exist and are unlikely to exist in other nuclear powers, he added. Putin failed to specify what type of systems he was referring to but Russia has been seeking

Europe ; Russia to acquire new nuclear weapons systems: Putin


Jerome Williams gave the San Francisco Giants just the jolt they needed last night. Pitching for the first time in two months, the 22-year-old Waipahu High graduate from Hawai

Williams gives Giants hope


HUMANS may have as few as 20,000 genes, just a fraction of previous estimates, an international consortium of scientists say in a report to be released on Thursday.

Mouse may be mightier than man


KATHMANDU : Maoist rebels who have cut off Nepal #39;s capital for four days pledged to expand their blockade to the Tibetan border as fresh violence left six people dead.

Six dead as Nepal rebels vow to step up blockade


Lee Westwood recovered from a nightmare start to his third round and reached the turn just one shot off the lead in the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

BATTLING WESTWOOD BACK IN CONTENTION


AFP - Athens police said they had arrested a Greek citizen who pirated and sold a computer software program, costing the multinational company that owned its copyright hundreds of million of dollars (euros).

Internet pirates 'cost software firm hundreds of millions' of dollars (AFP)


The nation #39;s top arthritis painkiller, Celebrex, raises the risk of major heart problems when taken at high doses, the drug #39;s maker said Friday.

Pfizer leaves the arthritis drug on the market despite problems <b>...</b>


DETROIT - Jeremy Bonderman struck out a career-high 14 and scattered eight hits in his first career shutout, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 7-0 victory over the slumping Chicago White Sox on Monday night.    Bonderman (7-10) threw his first career complete game to win for the first time since July 7...

Bonderman Ks 14 As Tigers Maul White Sox


The number of jobs advertised in major Australian newspapers rose in October to the highest level since January 2001 as employers face difficulties finding workers as the economy expands.

Australian Job Advertisements Rose 5 Last Month (Update2)


TOKYOFrom submarines to soccer and sex, everything seems to bedevil Japan-China relations these days. And with growing perceptions in Tokyo and Beijing of a military threat from

Historical enmity behind worsening Japan-China ties


Spyware, an amorphous class of software that mostly gets onto computers without their users knowledge, has become epidemic in the past year as people spend more time online and spyware developers get more aggressive.

Sneaky spyware becomes scourge of Internet


A San Francisco law firm filed an antitrust lawsuit Thursday in state court against 15 of the biggest drugmakers, alleging they have conspired to charge  quot;artificially higher prices

US drugmakers accused of violating antitrust law


Citigroup Inc. led shares of financial services stocks lower Monday after Japanese regulators ordered the company to close down its private-banking operations, a move that triggered a downgrade from a major Wall Street brokerage.

Citigroup Scandal Leads Banks Lower


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. current account deficit  grew to a record \$164.71 billion in the third quarter, less  than had been forecast, the Commerce Department said on  Thursday.

U.S. Current Account Deficit Hits Record


Unemployment in Germany rises for the tenth straight month as growth remains sluggish despite a revival in domestic demand.

Sluggish economy hits German jobs


31 October 2004 -- The United Nations has again appealed for the kidnappers of three UN workers in Afghanistan to release them unharmed.

UN Repeats Appeal For Hostages #39; Release


Nasa engineers are making a second bid today to launch an unmanned hypersonic jet designed to reach a record speed of Mach 10, or 7,000mph.

NASA Makes Second Attempt at Jet Record


Description: News mogul Rupert Murdoch pays a record-setting \$44 million for a three-story Fifth Avenue penthouse in Manhattan formerly inhabited by the late Laurance Rockefeller.

Murdoch Offers Record Amount for Triplex


Reuters - Climate experts at NASA believe they\have found a way of forecasting droughts and floods months in\advance, the New Scientist magazine reported on Wednesday.

NASA Experts Report Drought Forecast Breakthrough (Reuters)


At 6:30 tonight, Poplar Bluff High (Mo.) forward Tyler Hansbrough will announce where he will go to college next fall. If Hansbrough picks the University of Kentucky, the Wildcats #39; coaching

UK has Plan B for power forward


Reuters - Pittsburgh Steelers running\back Duce Staley is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at\Cincinnati with a hamstring injury.

Staley Questionable, Bettis Probable for Steelers (Reuters)


Hank Blalock #39;s solo homer and David Dellucci #39;s two-run double rallied Texas in the ninth inning yesterday, and the Rangers beat visiting Oakland, 5-4, to complete a three-game sweep

BASEBALL ROUNDUP Rangers Pull Within Two Of the A #39;s


To extend 10GbE support to the network edge, the revamped 6500 Supervisor Engine 32 ships with a choice of two 10GbE XENPAK-based or eight one GbE Small Form Factor Pluggable based uplinks.

Cisco Revamps Catalyst Switch Range


Reuters - Former Australia captain Steve Waugh says India skipper Saurav Ganguly is suspect against the short ball.

Ganguly is suspect against short ball, says Waugh (Reuters)


Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson sees Rio Ferdinand as a future captain of his club. Fergusons endorsement of his star defender comes a day after England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson hailed him as a future leader of his country.

Rio is captaincy material: Ferguson


A Paris court is set to deliver its verdict on Congolese pop star Papa Wemba, accused of people-smuggling.

Africa music star awaits verdict


One week ago, Rye resident Dan Kressler was surfing the Internet at work when he and a colleague came across an absolute gold mine.

Yanks fans desperate for tickets


A deeply divided Securities and Exchange Commission is expected on Tuesday to approve rules requiring all but the smallest hedge funds to register with the SEC and make their records available for examination.

Divided SEC Likely to Ask Hedge Funds for More Data


JENIN, West Bank (Reuters) - An Israeli aircraft fired a  missile at a West Bank car Monday killing a leader of a  militant group linked to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's  Fatah faction and two comrades, witnesses said.

Israeli Strike Kills 3 W.Bank Militants


Former Tottenham skipper Gary Mabbutt believes the appointment of Martin Jol will mean a return to attacking football at White Hart Lane this season.

Mabbutt Backs  quot;Adventurous quot; Jol


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Global semiconductor sales are expected to be flat in 2005, below previous forecasts, and growth won #39;t reach double digits again until 2007, a trade group said late Wednesday.

Consumers seen as drivers of longer-term semi growth


Playing from behind finally doomed the US women's volleyball team. After struggling just to get out of the preliminary round, the Americans were eliminated from the Olympics yesterday in Athens when a late rally fizzled against Brazil in a quarterfinal defeat, 25-22, 25-20, 22-25, 25-27, 15-6.

After comeback, comedown for US


SASKATOON -- Transport Canada approved yesterday an application for a suborbital space launch by a Canadian team competing in an international race to put civilians into space.

Space launch gets Transport Canada go-ahead


One of the world #39;s top thinkers on climate change, Eileen Claussen, says more than just the Kyoto Protocol is needed to tackle the issue.

Kyoto can #39;t do the job alone says expert


AP - At his worst, Allen Iverson has been seen as selfish and sullen; contentious and contradictory, a magnet for trouble away from the court.

Iverson's Career at a Crossroads (AP)


AP - The New Mexico Museum of Space History will be shipping names to the stars with the first X-Prize launch into space.

N.M. Museum to Launch Names Into Space (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Computer-security experts, including  former government officials, urged the George W. Bush  administration on Tuesday to devote more effort to  strengthening defenses against viruses, hackers and other  online threats.

Experts Push for More U.S. Computer Security Efforts


Eleven African countries have signed a UN-backed peace deal for the Great Lakes region, pledging an end to the genocide, war, hunger and disease that has killed 3 million over more than a decade.

Great Lakes peace pact signed


Arsenal could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Norwegian champions Rosenborg in the Champions League. While the Gunners have been unbeatable in the Premiership, they have struggled to make their mark in Europe and last night was another worrying evening.

Gunners misfire in Norway


LONDON - The world faces a surge in extreme weather events because of global warming and governments must act immediately to avert disaster, Britain #39;s chief scientist said yesterday.

Chief British Scientist Says Act Now on CO2


Oracle, the American corporate software giant, has admitted it is feeling the pressure of its protracted takeover battle for PeopleSoft, saying that it was worried that valuable staff were starting to leave its acquisition target.

Oracle concern at  #39;brain drain #39;


NAJAF, Iraq - U.S. tanks rolled into the Old City of Najaf toward a holy Shiite shrine where militants were hiding Monday as participants at a national conference voted to send a delegation here to try to negotiate an end to the fighting...

Delegates Urge Al-Sadr to Leave Shrine


DALLAS -- Two games in two days in a pair of sold-out arenas and the Sonics are now two-for-Texas after they beat the Dallas Mavericks 107-102 last night at American Airlines Center.

Sonics dance in Dallas


Its getting easier and more practical to take your photos without lm. In the second of our ve-part series on high-tech objects of desire, David Derbyshire looks at some of the best options for photographers

Choice rich, time poor


BERLIN: Footballs world governing body FIFA will finance an extravagant, 22-million-euro, pre-World Cup party in Berlin in 2006, it was confirmed on Thursday.

FIFA to finance lavish 2006 World Cup party


To the Nike nation, the joggers in dogged pursuit of fitness or the finish line, the news will come as no surprise: The human body was built to run.

Report follows humans #39; penchant for running


PHILADELPHIA - Two of the biggest forces in rock music over the last 20 years were plugging in their amplifiers Friday to kick off a high-volume effort to oust President Bush on Nov. 2...

Springsteen to Kick Off 'Vote for Change'


Dick Jauron is going back to Chicago and if there is any bitterness in his heart, he #39;s not showing it. Jauron was fired as head coach by the Bears last year after the team finished

Jauron treating return to Chicago as he would any other game


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- With LNR Property #39;s acquisition by Cerberus Capital Management on Sunday marking the third billion-dollar buyout deal in as many months, investor appetite for the sector has sent Morgan Stanley #39;s index of real estate investment trusts

LNR Property buyout marks third billion-dollar deal


The owner of a Randburg engineering company and one of his engineers appeared in the Vanderbijlpark regional court on Thursday on charges under the Nuclear Energy Act and Weapons of Mass Destruction Act.

WMD suspect vows to fight  #39;tooth and nail #39;


FRANKFURT, Germany Aug. 23, 2004 - Automaker Volkswagen said Monday there is  quot;no room quot; for wage increases this year as it prepares for pay talks with Germany #39;s largest industrial union.

Volkswagen Says  #39;No Room #39; for Wage Hikes


Los Angeles Sparks center Lisa Leslie was selected the WNBA's Most Valuable Player for the second time in her career.

Leslie Named MVP


More than 50,000 people in Addis Ababa demonstrate against government plans to renew border talks with Eritrea.

Ethiopians denounce border talks


Reuters - Suspected tribal rebels stormed\a remote village in India's northeast on Monday and shot dead\six people, police said, raising to 62 the death toll in a new\wave of violence that erupted in the region at the weekend.

Six Shot Dead in New Northeast India Violence (Reuters)


Reuters - Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian\gunman and wounded three early on Wednesday in a raid on\militant strongholds in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian\medics and witnesses said.

Israeli Army Kills Gunman in Gaza Raid-Medics (Reuters)


GENEVA/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Swiss-based banking giant UBS  AG has agreed to buy Charles Schwab Corp.'s capital markets  unit for \$265 million in cash, making UBS a leading player on  the U.S. Nasdaq exchange, the companies said on Tuesday.

UBS Buys Schwab Unit for \$265 Mln


Microsoft's CEO in Europe said the company still hopes to settle with the European Commission over the sanctions imposed against it to correct its anticompetitive behavior.

Microsoft still hopes to settle with EC, exec says


INDIANAPOLIS (CP) - Rick Say of Victoria ensured there would be no Canadian medal drought at the world short course championships, picking up a silver medal in the men #39;s 200-metre freestyle Thursday night.

Rick Say wins silver medal behind Phelps at short course world <b>...</b>


JERUSALEM -- Israeli Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday took back his threat to withdraw from the governing Likud party, but a minority religious party quit Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's coalition, protesting the plan to remove Israeli settlers and troops from the Gaza Strip and a portion of the West Bank.

Netanyahu backs off threat to quit


Yahoo Inc. in November will close PayDirect, its online payments service that aimed to compete with eBay Inc. #39;s PayPal, the company said on Friday.

Yahoo to Close PayDirect Online Payments Service


Pakistan plans to invite foreign investors to operate its new port of Gwadar, an unusual step for a country that has attracted little foreign capital.

Pakistan seeks investors for port


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Research In Motion shares slipped early Friday, but bounced off their lows, after the maker of the popular handheld device said sales in the current quarter would just match Wall Street #39;s expectations.

Shares pare losses as analysts remain upbeat


Sri Lanka were 361 for seven in their second innings, a lead of 91, at close of play on the fourth day of the second Test against Pakistan at Karachi on Sunday.

Kaneria gives Pakistan the edge


LISBON (Reuters) - Twenty-five TAP-Air Portugal passengers and crew were slightly injured when the plane made a hasty maneuver to avoid a mid-air collision just before landing on an island in The Azores on Friday, TAP said.

Twenty-Five Hurt as Azores Plane Avoids Collision


LONDON (Reuters) - Golf, rugby and squash are on a  shortlist of five sports to be assessed for possible inclusion  in the 2012 Olympics.

Five Sports on Shortlist for Possible Olympic Games Inclusion


New York Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi sued Merck  amp; Co. on Tuesday, seeking to recoup value lost in the state #39;s pension fund after the drug manufacturer pulled its top painkiller Vioxx off the market in September.

New York Comptroller Sues Merck


Top Hindu nationalist politician Uma Bharti is remanded in an Indian jail over charges of inciting religious violence 10 years ago.

Indian politician sent to prison


Chelsea maintained its five-point lead Arsenal with a big win against Newcastle, while the Gunners sank Birmingham in the English Premier League.

Chelsea keeps advantage


An audio recording purportedly by Osama bin Laden, praising gunmen who carried out a Dec. 6 attack in Saudi Arabia, was posted on the Internet on Thursday, suggesting the al Qaeda leader is still alive.

Bin Laden Alive, Releases Audio Tape -- Web Site


The Atlanta Falcons (7-2) maintain a three-game lead in the NFC South by stuffing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-14, on Sunday.

Falcons Stay On Top


New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - New Orleans Hornets forward Jamal Mashburn will sit out the 2004-05 season due to a patella femoral irritation of his right knee.

=== Mashburn to sit out 2004-05 campaign ===


GAUHATI, India - A spate of bombings and gun attacks in crowded public places killed 44 people Saturday in markets and a railroad station across two states in India's northeast, police said.    In all, nine attacks took place through the day in Nagaland and Assam states, both of which have faced campaigns by separatist rebels, police officials in the two states told The Associated Press...

Bombings, Gun Attacks in India Kill 44


LONDON : The dollar slumped against the pound as softer-than-expected US producer price data diminished expectations of a quick interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve.

Dollar slumps against the pound on soft inflation numbers


THE HAGUE, Netherlands - It's not easy being Slobodan Milosevic's lawyer.    Appointed two weeks ago to defend the former Yugoslav president against war crimes charges, British attorney Steven Kay's practiced poise and calm legal demeanor has, at times, given way to sheer frustration...

Milosevic Lawyer Faces Trial Obstacles


The British and Iraqi governments said on Thursday they would not bow to the demands of militants threatening to kill a British captive, despite a video message from the hostage pleading for his life.

Britain Stands Firm as Hostage Pleads


The mayor of the Pacific Ocean island of Pitcairn and his son were among five men found guilty Monday of a series of rapes and sexual assaults against girls on the island stretching back over four decades.

5 convicted of rapes on island founded by Bounty mutineers


Lastminute.com Plc, an unprofitable UK travel company, expects profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to be at the lower end of its forecast in fiscal 2005 as the company struggles to cut costs.

Lastminute.com Says Profit to Be at Low End of Range (Update1)


TONY Blair threw his weight behind Kofi Annan yesterday amid a growing clamour in the US for the UN Secretary-General to resign over the Iraq oil-for-food scandal.

Let UN chief get on with job: Blair


AP - The swearing-in of New Jersey's next governor caps a tumultuous transition period that began with Gov. James E. McGreevey's stunning disclosure that he would resign because of a gay sex scandal.

N.J. to Swear in Governor Replacement (AP)


Two US aerospace giants, Boeing and Northrop Grumman, say they will form a partnership to compete for the contract to build NASA  #39;s next manned spaceship, China Radio International reported Thursday.

Boeing, Northrop Grumman to team up on spaceship


A FAKE security advisory is being circulated that suggests that Red Hat #39;s Linux distribution users should download and install malicious code.

Red Hat users urged to patch with Trojan


Source says travel and real estate giant is close to reaching agreement to acquire travel Web site. PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Travel and real estate company Cendant Corp.

Cendant near \$1.2B deal to buy Orbitz


Blackguard: Merriam-Webster defines this archaic noun as  quot;scoundrel. quot; Now the US Securities and Exchange Commission might be placing just such a label on Hollinger International #39;s (nyse: HLR - news - people ) former chief executive, Conrad Black, and his

Black: SEC In Suit Vs. Hollinger International Ex-CEO


Reuters - Rwanda has threatened to attack a\Rwandan rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of\Congo, the United Nations mission in Congo said on Wednesday.

Rwanda Threatens to Attack Rebels in Congo -UN (Reuters)


General Electric Co. said Monday it will sell a majority stake in its global outsourcing business to two US-based equity firms for \$500 million.

Update 3: GE to Sell Stake in Global Outsourcing Unit


A Malaysian state near the border with Thailand faces a quarantine to stop the spread of potentially deadly bird flu, which has spread inexorably since first being discovered in this country a month ago, a news report said

Bird flu jumps outside quarantine zone in Malaysia for 1st time


Sales of major store chains rose just 1.7 percent in November from a year ago, said a survey sponsored by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), after a year-earlier gain of 3.7 percent.

US holiday sales launch flops


Travel sites want to help you find a cheap trip. But is cost the only factor to consider?

A Hitch in Offering Online Prices


BAGHDAD: Hundreds of British soldiers left southern Iraq on a risky mission closer to Baghdad on Wednesday to free up US forces for a possible assault on rebel-held Fallujah, as Tokyo stood firm after militants threatened to behead a Japanese hostage.

British troops start perilous Iraq mission


Net earnings at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. rose 23 percent in the fourth quarter as increased transaction volume and a rise in mergers and acquisitions, the brokerage announced Thursday.

Update 2: Goldman Sachs Earnings Soar in 4Q


PC World - Desktops, servers affected, but no vulnerabilities deemed critical.

Microsoft Issues Five Bulletins on Windows Flaws (PC World)


In a push to regain some of its lost luster, Sun Microsystems (SUNW:Nasdaq - news - research) will take the wraps off Solaris 10, an updated version of its operating system, at an event in San Jose, Calif.

A New Solaris Dawns for Sun


Symbian downplayed current reports of a new malware developed specifically for smartphone devices based on Series 60, a platform developed by Nokia and based on the Symbian OS.

Skulls: is it a malware for Symbian based devices or not?


A volley of lawsuits was launched against alleged spammers on Thursday by the four major US Internet service providers. This includes a case brought by AOL against twenty individuals accused of spimming, or

More  #39;Spammers #39; in court


England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has declared his intention of recalling Rio Ferdinand to his squad for the two imminent World Cup qualifiers - but issued a warning to Michael Owen.

Eriksson Backs Rio, Warns Owen


Late last night, THQ Inc. and Jakks Pacific, Inc. issued separate responses to the lawsuit filed in district court by World Wrestling Entertainment against the two companies, among others.

THQ, Jakks comment on WWE suit


Iogear today announced a rechargeable mini mouse with bluetooth interface. The mouse can be opoerated up to 66 feet away from the computer, making it a practical tool fro presentations, the company said.

Iogear launches Bluetooth mini mouse


How a residence for formerly substance-abusing students helps them stay sober

Goodbye to the Binge: The Recovery House


A new fund is the first exchange-traded fund listed in the United States to focus exclusively on mainland Chinese companies.

A New Highway to China's Boom (but Drive Carefully)


AP - After five days of discussion, debate and a final South Beach birthday bash, the baseball general managers meetings broke up. Now the real business begins  #151; starting Friday, teams could talk money with any free agent.

GMs Ready to Wheel, Deal for Free Agents (AP)


Competition in the market for voice services is prompting telecom providers to find new ways to attract and keep customers. RNKVoIP, a division of RNK Telecom, unveiled on Monday a plan to offer

A Phone Number For Life


NEW YORK : The dollar swung lower after a disappointing report from the Philadelphia Federal Reserve that prompted fears of weaker US industrial activity than economists had been expecting.

Dollar falls after Philly Fed disappoints


International Business Machines Corp., seeking to exit an industry it helped pioneer two decades ago, hired Merrill Lynch  amp; Co.

IBM Hires Merrill Lynch to Find Buyer for PC Unit, Person Says


DALLAS - What do you get for that special someone who has just about everything? How about a personal zeppelin? The 12-seater could be yours for a mere \$10 million from the 2004 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.    Other gifts in the book include a \$1.7 million winged submarine, jeweled Mr...

Neiman Marcus Selling Zeppelin for \$10M


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended lower on Tuesday, as  a lackluster sales report from world's largest retailer  Wal-Mart Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Stocks End Lower on Retail, Price Data


Redmond software company Microsoft Corp. said it will add the source code of its Office 2003 flagship software suite to its program for sharing the details of its products with government entities.

Microsoft releases Office source code to governments


AUBURN HILLS, Mich. The Detroit Pistons opened their NBA title defense with an 87-to-79 win over the Houston Rockets. Rasheed Wallace scored 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting to lead five Pistons in double-figures.

Pistons 87 Rockets 79


President Thabo Mbeki is to visit the Ivory Coast today, the presidency and department of foreign affairs said in a joint statement.

Mbeki to go-ahead with Ivory Coast visit


The United States and its major economic allies struggled yesterday to resolve deep differences over how best to relieve the heavy debt burden for Iraq and the world #39;s poorest countries.

US, economic allies disagree on debt relief for poorest countries


FASLANE, Scotland (CP) - The stricken Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutimi finally arrived safely to port Sunday, its weary crew heralded as heroes by a British commander five days after a devastating fire killed one of their crewmates and left their vessel

Stricken Canadian submarine arrives in Scotland, five days after <b>...</b>


It is easy to feel disappointed by the outcome, or the lack thereof, of the first meeting of the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan after the signing of the historic Islamabad declaration in January.

Nobody Blinked


The company that makes the drug, Merck, said the company recalled the drug voluntarily after it received new research results. The results showed people taking the drug for several years have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Company Recalls Vioxx Arthritis Drug


On Friday, PeopleSoft announced the Board of Directors #39; decision to terminate Craig Conway as President and CEO of the Company, effective immediately.

PeopleSoft cans CEO Conway, appoints founder Duffield


Jets running back Curtis Martin needs just 16 yards on Sunday to become the second player to reach 1,000 yards in 10 consecutive seasons.

Touchdowns and Milestones Pile Up for Martin


NewsFactor - Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL), the world's second-largest software vendor, has beaten Wall Street analysts' expectations with its first-quarter results, due to strong sales of its \database software.

Oracle Earnings Beat Analyst Forecasts (NewsFactor)


Dozens of demobilized soldiers have taken over the home of ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in a Port-au-Prince suburb.

Demobilized Soldiers Take Over Aristide #39;s Home Near Port-au-Prince


SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) - Separatist militants detonated  a powerful land mine in Indian Kashmir killing eleven people,  including nine soldiers in one of the biggest attacks in recent  weeks, police said on Sunday.

Rebels Set Off Land mine in Indian Kashmir, 11 Dead


A period of relative calm in the Gaza Strip was broken by a nearly hour-long battle between Palestinian militants and Israeli troops that left at least one Israeli soldier and one militant dead.

Militants, Israeli Troops Battle in Gaza


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon walks through the halls of his Jerusalem office to attend the weekly cabinet meeting, Sunday Oct. 24, 2004.

Egypt Arrests Alleged Sinai Bombers


Reuters - Ten percent of all bird species are\set to disappear by the end of this century -- and with them\the services they provide such as cleaning up carcasses and\spreading seeds, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

Ten Percent of Bird Species to Disappear - U.S. Study (Reuters)


CNET News.com's Mike Ricciuti says Microsoft has no choice but to get the Windows XP update on solid footing--and soon.

Stumbling over SP2


Radical 1970s leftist Cesare Battisti - wanted in Italy for murder - goes missing in France.

Wanted Italian leftist on the run


New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Saturday #39;s Conference USA game between No. 24 Louisville and Tulane has been postponed due to the possible threat of Hurricane Ivan.

=== Louisville-Tulane game postponed due to Hurricane Ivan ===


MALELANE, South Africa (Sports Network) -- Unheralded Bruce McDonald, a 23-year-old from Zimbabwe, posted a 6-under-par 66 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead over tournament favorite Ernie Els after the opening round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

Unheralded McDonald one up on favorite Els in the Alfred Dunhill


WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS Event: NEC Invitational Site: Firestone Country Club, South Course (7,230 yards, par 70), Akron, Ohio. Schedule: Today-Sunday. Purse: \$7 million. Winner's share: \$1.2 million. Television: ESPN (today-tomorrow, 3-7 p.m.) and Channel 4 (Saturday, 2-6 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30-6:30 p.m.). Last year: Darren Clarke won his second WGC title, beating Jonathan Kaye by four strokes. Last week: Vijay Singh ...

Pro tours: The stops and the talk


OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- The Oakland Athletics made sure that Miguel Tejada  #39;s return was an unhappy one. Oakland rallied for three runs in the sixth inning and Tim Hudson allowed one earned run in

SI.com


The firm elects Bill Gates's wife to its board, adding her to a 10-member board that already includes the world's second-richest person, Warren E. Buffett. <FONT face=

Melinda Gates Joins Washington Post Co. as Director


Palestinian legislators voted yesterday to back an anti-corruption reform package, but feared nothing would come of it as President Yasser Arafat was withholding his stamp of approval.

Palestinians vote for reforms; fear Arafat inaction


The silence of Prime Minister Tony Blair is the kiss of death for British hostage Ken Bigley, his brother claimed tonight. Paul Bigley, who dramatically

Blair #39;s Silence Is  #39;Kiss of Death #39; for Hostage


Reuters - If President Bush defeats Democrat\John Kerry on Nov. 2, Republicans expect many new faces in a\second-term Bush Cabinet.

Big Changes Likely in Bush Cabinet if He Wins (Reuters)


New York, NY (Sports Network) - Bobby Cox, who has guided the Atlanta Braves to a record 13 straight division titles, has been named the 2004 National League Manager of the Year.

Cox, Showalter honored as top managers


Australian Lleyton Hewitt posted a straight-set win over Peruvian Luis Horna on Sunday to capture the title at the TD Waterhouse Cup.

Hewitt wins Waterhouse Cup


Labor #39;s health spokeswoman, Julia Gillard, says she will not be standing for the position of shadow treasurer. Ms Gillard says it #39;s her own decision and not a response to weekend newspaper reports that Opposition

GILLARD DROPS OUT OF TREASURER CONTENTION


The dollar firmed slightly against the euro on Monday, recovering from last week #39;s record low and a 4-1/2-year trough against the yen as traders turned their sights to economic data due later in the week.

Dollar Firms as Focus Turns to US Data


AP - Breaking a monthslong deadlock, key congressional negotiators reported agreement Saturday on legislation to overhaul the nation's intelligence agencies along lines recommended by the Sept. 11 commission.

Congress Ends Deadlock on Intel Overhaul (AP)


But their decision to buy out Lucious Harris cost them for at least one night. Harris, one of the significant pieces the Nets discarded for financial reasons, drilled a baseline three-pointer

Harris three helps


KISANGANI, DRCongo : President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began a historic visit to the unstable and war-weary east of his country with a warning that the nation would not accept any further  quot;aggression quot;.

DRCongo president makes first trip to east: warns against <b>...</b>


BOSTON -- Curt was the subject on everyone #39;s lips, Curse was the subject on everyone #39;s mind. Two games into their showdown with the hated Yankees, the poor, bedeviled and favored Red Sox have suffered no less

With Curt limping, swagger disappears


For years, the Baltimore Ravens have done things the hard way. With a lack of offensive firepower, Baltimore has been forced to look towards its defense and special teams to pick up the slack.

Ravens find another way to win


The major motion picture studios launched an international offensive against online piracy on Tuesday as the MPAA announced scores of lawsuits on four continents and criminal

MPAA taking aim at server operators in war on piracy


Reuters - A Bulgarian archaeologist has\unearthed an ancient gold mask and a ring featuring an\

Ancient Mask, 'Olympic' Ring Found in Thracian Tomb (Reuters)


Open-source geeks are devout in their belief that software should be free to all, and hold as their icon the Linux alternative to the Microsoft commercial empire.

An Unlikely Champion


KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Reuters) -  Former rebels and loyalists now in Congo's transitional  government headed to South Africa on Friday for talks on  reviving the country's shaky peace process and improving  regional security, officials said.

Congo Former Foes Head to S.Africa for Talks


AP - The defending champion United States defeated South Korea 3-0 at the FIFA Under-19 Women's World Championship on Thursday behind goals from Angie Woznuk, Amy Rodriguez and Sheree Gray.

U.S. Beats South Korea in Under-19 Soccer (AP)


Description: Scientists exploring Mars via the rover  #39;Opportunity #39; published 11 papers detailing the progress of the research being done in an area called Meridiani Planum.

Looking for Water on the Red Planet


The boss of the American advertising group which was taken over last week by Sir Martin Sorrell #39;s WPP will receive almost \$30m (18m)  quot;compensation quot; for keeping his job.

Ad boss keeps his job and earns \$30m  #39;compensation #39;


AFP - Britain is ready to listen to the Islamic extremists who are holding Kenneth Bigley hostage in Iraq, but not to negotiate with them, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said in a television interview.

Gov't will listen to hostage-takers, but not negotiate: Straw (AFP)


In spite of the reports in media that selling music online is not as profitable a deal, as it looks like, there is no shortage of the new entrants.

Virgin enters online music selling business


John Lucas III and Joey Graham combined to outscore Washington State and No. 6 Oklahoma State beat the Cougars to move Eddie Sutton into eighth place on the career coaching wins list.

UNDATED: 14 points a game.


WASHINGTON - Vice President Dick Cheney, who has called Iran

Cheney Once Pushed to Lift Iran Sanctions


The journalist was released after Moktada al-Sadr intervened, even as his Shiite militia engaged in heavy fighting in Najaf.

Reporter Freed as Rebel Cleric Brokers a Deal


Users of the four major consumer IM networks will be able to chat with each other?with some restrictions.

VoiceGlo Offers IM Interoperability


San Francisco, CA (Sports Network) - Seattle Seahawks cornerback Ken Lucas will spend the night in a San Francisco hospital after suffering a chest contusion in Sunday #39;s 42-27 victory over the 49ers.

Seahawks lose CB Lucas in win


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices rose for the second day in  a row on Thursday with an Arctic blast forecast to hit the  United States next week, ramping up demand for heating fuels.

Oil Prices Rise for Second Day in a Row


NEW YORK -- Martha Stewart, trying to clear her tarnished name even as she serves a prison term, claims in her appeal that her trial was tainted by  quot;a barrage quot; of unfair suggestions that she was charged with insider trading.

Stewart, from prison, seeks to have conviction overturned


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's national conference sent a delegation bearing a peace proposal to Najaf on Tuesday, hoping to end the standoff with radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, which has marred the gathering meant to be a landmark step toward democracy.    As the National Conference in Baghdad put together the mission, a mortar round exploded several miles from the gathering's venue, killing seven people and wounding wounding 35, according to the Health Ministry...

Iraqis on Mission to End Najaf Insurgency


BUCHAREST, Romania (Reuters) - Romania's centrist  opposition Tuesday demanded a rerun of Sunday's general  elections, claiming fraud in the electronic vote counting had  helped the ruling ex-communists win a slim lead.

Romania Opposition Sees Fraud, Demands Poll Rerun


Rising energy and transport costs helped push inflation higher last month, raising the prospect that interest rates may increase next year.

Inflation hike sends sterling higher


SYDNEY -- Six men were convicted of a string of sex attacks on the remote Pacific island of Pitcairn, media there reported yesterday, following trials that exposed a culture of sexual abuse on the island home of descendants of the 18th century Bounty mutineers. Among those convicted was the island's mayor, Steve Christian, who claims to be a direct descendant ...

6 reported convicted in Pitcairn rape cases


ATLANTA - A judge has waived the arraignment for Atlanta Thrashers forward Dany Heatley, who has been charged with vehicular homicide and five other counts in the 2003 wreck that killed a teammate.

Judge waives arraignment for Heatley


On Sept. 9, as it must frequently do, the US government turned to Wall Street to raise a little cash, and Paul Calvetti bet that demand for \$9 billion worth of long-term Treasury bonds would be  quot;huge.

Bond Sales Feed Worries


NEW YORK - Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s warning of disappointing sales sent stocks lower Monday, as investors' concerns about a slowing economy offset their relief over a drop in oil prices.    October contracts for a barrel of light crude were quoted at \$46.58, down 14 cents, on the New York Mercantile Exchange...

Wal-Mart Sales Slump Sends Stocks Sliding


Two prominent players and widely held stocks in the group, Merck (nyse: MRK - news - people ) and Pfizer (nyse: PFE - news - people ), have been especially battered of late.

Handicapping The Drug Stocks


The record industry #39;s anti-piracy czar has given a thumbs-up to the Department of Justice #39;s Operation Digital Gridlock. The program is the federal government #39;s attempt

Biz Supports Federal Anti-Piracy Program


By The Associated Press. Ricky Williams wants to rejoin the Miami Dolphins and has asked the National Football League how soon he can return, his agent said yesterday.

Ricky Williams Wants to Rejoin the Dolphins


Crude oil futures continued to retreat from record levels of more than \$54 US a barrel Wednesday as traders nervously monitored developments in strike-hit Nigeria and recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.

Crude oil prices retreat but nagging supply concerns linger


AFP - A 50-year-old British man arrested while driving his lawnmower in a state of intoxication had his automobile license revoked for one year by a British court.

British man loses driver's license for drunk driving on a lawn mower (AFP)


AP - Referees at the 2006 World Cup will begin a training program next year in what FIFA hopes will assure top officiating during the showcase event in Germany.

World Cup Refs to Get More Training (AP)


Nagpur - Simon Katich fell one run short of his century on Thursday as Australia moved toward a third Test win and their first series triumph on Indian soil in 35 years.

Australia press for crucial win


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Mike Mussina pitched three-hit baseball for eight innings and struck out a season-high 11, leading the New York Yankees past the Kansas City Royals, 4-0, Tuesday night.

Mussina pitches Yanks by Royals


THE image of soldiers dressed as the Ku Klux Klan betrayed the Australian Army #39;s commitment to a  quot;fair go quot; and destroyed the memory of black and white soldiers who fought together in war, the Department of Defence said yesterday.

Chief of Army to investigate KKK scandal


TEHRAN : Iran said it was still committed to suspending its sensitive uranium enrichment activities as of Monday and that alarm over its ongoing nuclear activities is merely  quot;propaganda quot;.

Iran says will go ahead with nuclear suspension Monday


A US firm gets the go-ahead to sue the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund for 16m in a row over souvenirs.

US firm allowed to sue Diana fund


American and Afghan forces searching for three kidnapped UN workers smashed their way into a number of Kabul houses today. About 10 people were detained in the pre-dawn operation, but there was no indication the three foreigners had been found.

Troops Raid Homes in Search for UN Hostages


It's called the US Open, and though fewer than a fifth of the competitors this year are US-born, it's not because the US Tennis Association hasn't tried to get more Americans. All 16 of the wild cards in men's and women's singles were awarded to Americans, even at the expense of the men's NCAA champion, Benjamin Becker ...

'Cards' stacked for US


Washington Post business columnist Steven Pearlstein will be online to talk about his latest column, which looks at the possibility that the

Business: Legacy Costs


Two separate reports indicate that Dell has continued to hold--and even extended--its lead in the PC market, defined as desktops, mobile computers (not PDAs), and x86 servers.

Dell still #1 PC maker


Middlesbrough rarely found their rhythm, but still ran out 1-0 winners in an uninspiring encounter against Egaleo in the UEFA Cup group stages.

Egaleo 0 Middlesbrough 1


A video posted Monday on a Web site showed the beheading of a man identified as American construction contractor Eugene Armstrong.

Video on Web Site Shows Beheading of Man


Reuters - Google Inc.  on\Thursday rolled out a preliminary version of its new desktop\search tool, making the first move against its major\competitors in the race to provide tools for finding\information buried in computer hard drives.

Google Unveils Desktop Search, Takes on Microsoft (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar eked out marginal gains  against the euro on Tuesday as the market digested a  slew of  U.S. economic data that failed to substantially alter the  outlook for gradual increases in U.S. interest rates.

Dollar Up Slightly Vs. Euro


Michael Brightman is reminded daily that workers in New Delhi do the same job he does. His Indian counterparts routinely direct AT amp;T customers to him for long-distance billing problems that the New Delhi workers can't answer.

Offshoring accelerating


In a perfect racing world, Suffolk Downs management would like to see the return of a thoroughbred circuit between the East Boston oval and Rockingham Park in Salem, N.H., only on a smaller scale. However, current realities would appear to make that impossible.

Split seasons a matter of making accommodation


A Martin County man is suing the maker of the prescription drug Vioxx and the Walgreens Corporation. Mark Tomlin alleges he had a heart attack after taking the drug to relieve pain from arthritis.

Florida Man Files Vioxx Suit


After discovering that the magic number formula had played tricks on them, the Red Sox stats, schedule went out last night and defeated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays stats

Sox go wild, clinch date with playoffs: Rout of Devil Rays kicks <b>...</b>


Atari has appointed entertainment industry veteran James Caparro President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, it was announced today by Bruno Bonnell, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of the Company.

Atari Appoints James Caparro President and Chief Executive Officer


Underdogs Port Adelaide won their first Australian rules football title, beating Brisbane Lions by 40 points in the Grand Final at the MCG.

Adelaide win Grand Final


AP - Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Paul DePodesta believes several options will be available if star third baseman Adrian Beltre decides to play elsewhere.

Dodgers: We Have Options if Beltre Exits (AP)


Martha Stewart is urging an appeals court to overturn her conviction because she was  quot;tarred quot; by prosecutors #39; implications she committed the uncharged crime of insider

Martha Stewart Appeals, Says Tarred by US


Hong Kong media and a rights group accused Beijing on Thursday of meddling in a weekend election, saying its publicity about a pro-democracy candidate jailed for hiring a prostitute was timed to influence the result.

Beijing Accused of Meddling in HK Elections


Although earnings met expectations, the restaurant's comps and Q4 outlook are lacking.

Not Hungry for Applebee's


If the Major League single-season hit record falls, it will happen at Safeco Field. That became a reality Thursday afternoon at Network Associates Coliseum, where Mariners

Ichiro one hit away; Mariners fall


ABIDJAN (Reuters) - The United Nations and France demanded  on Sunday that President Laurent Gbagbo end fighting in Ivory  Coast after his forces killed nine French peacekeepers in a  bombing raid on a rebel-held town.

UN, France Demand Gbabgo End Ivory Coast Violence


Voters in Romania are going to the polls in the final round of a presidential runoff which will determine who will lead the former Communist nation into the European Union in 2007.

Romanians Vote in Tense Runoff Ballot


Soldiers declared  quot;mission accomplished quot; as the battle group convoy of more than 200 vehicles arrived at the relative safety of Shaibah Logistics Base.

Iraq ; Black Watch look to Christmas


For Hollywood Reporter, Sheigh Crabtree writes that Oscar-winning editor Walter Murch  #147;will reteam his key editing crew from  #145;Cold Mountain #146; and again use Apple #146;s Final Cut Pro system, but in high definition #148; for the editing of Universal Pictures #146; upcoming Gulf War drama  #147;Jarhead. #148; Oct 06

Murch Using Final Cut Pro HD for  #147;Jarhead #148;


Reuters - Tokyo's Nikkei average fell 0.4 percent\to a six-week closing low on Tuesday, marking an eight-day\losing streak, after oil prices topped  #36;50 a barrel, fanning\concern over the business outlook for Japanese companies.

Nikkei Falls to 6-Week Low (Reuters)


LOS GATOS, Calif. - Netflix Inc. and TiVo Inc. made official Thursday their deal to create a service that will use high-speed Internet connections to pipe DVD-quality movies into the homes of their mutual subscribers.

Netflix, TiVo Make Deal Official


Reuters - Iran's top security official suggested\on Monday Tehran may agree to extend its freeze on uranium\enrichment but warned it could not be forced to scrap its\nuclear technology for good.

Iran Hints at Agreeing to Enrichment Freeze (Reuters)


When general manager Theo Epstein was putting the pieces of this Red Sox team together last winter, he asked then-managerial candidate Terry Francona about Keith Foulke, one of the prized relievers on the free agent market.

Foulke's closing act deserving of ovation


NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe is a top candidate for Louisiana State University chancellor after nearly three years leading the

NASA chief applies for job as chancellor of Louisiana State <b>...</b>


NewsFactor - Oracle's (Nasdaq: ORCL) promise to step away from its pursuit of PeopleSoft (Nasdaq: PSFT) if less than 50 percent of the company's shares are tendered by Friday may not be the last word in the deal.

If Oracle Backs Off, PeopleSoft Could Rebound (NewsFactor)


com. XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. on Wednesday said it has signed an 11-year, \$650 million deal to broadcast Major League Baseball games beginning with the 2005 season.

XM Satellite Radio Signs Baseball Deal


<a href=

SD in the cards for Nokia


Reuters - The theft follows a simple pattern. A\little girl asks a customer in a shop for help reaching\something on a shelf, and while he or she is distracted another\child steals a wallet or cash from their pocket or bag.

In Western Europe, Poor Children Kept as Thieves (Reuters)


Spansion and Fujitsu today announced an entirely new Flash memory family designed to reduce costs and dramatically simplify system design of Flash-enabled consumer electronics, PC peripherals, and in-cabin automotive electronics.

Spansion Enters Serial Flash Memory Market


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

Manmohan, Musharraf hail new chapter in ties (Reuters)


NAJAF, Iraq - Thousands of pilgrims streamed into the Imam Ali Shrine on Friday, and militants who had been holed up in the site left it, handing the keys to Shiite religious authorities after Iraq's top Shiite cleric brokered a peace deal to end three weeks of fighting in this holy city.    Dozens of militants piled Kalashnikov rifles in front of the offices of their leader, radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr...

Militants Turn Over Keys to Najaf Shrine


THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Dutch police stormed a flat after a  14-hour stand-off in which four officers were wounded,  arresting two people, and detained five more elsewhere -- all  suspected of links with a network of radical Muslims.

Seven Held in Dutch Anti-Terror Raids, Police Hurt


Prime Minister Helen Clark last night warned New Zealanders to stay away from Indonesia, saying Westerners there remained terrorist targets.

Don #39;t go, PM tells travellers


MOSCOW -- Thousands of Russian children are adopted by foreigners every year -- but few go to such high-profile homes as the leader of Germany.

German leader adopts Russian child


Miyazaki, Japan (Sports Network) - Tiger Woods shot a three-under 67 on Sunday to easily win the Dunlop Phoenix by eight strokes. Woods completed the tournament at 16-under-par 264.

Woods doubles up field to end drought


The National Archives puts the official records of some of Britain's most famous immigrants on its website.

UK's famous immigrants go online


The Polish parliament has passed a resolution declaring Germany had not compensated Poland for World War Two losses, a move reflecting renewed tensions between the two neighbours over the war #39;s legacy.

Poles says Germany owes Poland for WW2


KOROLYOV, Russia - The Soyuz spacecraft closed in on the international space station at dangerously high speed Saturday, forcing the U.S.-Russian crew to put on the brakes, abandon autopilot and manually dock the Soviet-era capsule in an unplanned and tricky maneuver.    It was a last-minute wrinkle for a crew that had never piloted a Soyuz before...

Soyuz Capsule Docks in Tricky Maneuver


With each game Paul Peterson plays, and each game he wins, the comparisons to another playmaking Boston College quarterback -- some guy named Flutie -- seem inevitable.

Creating some enthusiasm


NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Call centers and agent positions in the US, a hot-button sector in the jobs outsourcing debate, will continue to migrate in the next few years

US Call Centers To Continue Migration Overseas - Report


Eurozone economy is still unable to outperform the US as the reports of its headliners - France and Germany -how decline for the whole zone of 12 nations that share the euro.

The decline of the West: eurozone


Gov. Gary Locke is putting on his salesman #39;s hat one last time, heading to China next month and hoping to crack the growing Vietnam market.

Locke plans one last China trade mission, eyes Vietnam market


New research indicates that sport fishermen are taking an unexpectedly big toll on saltwater fish populations, in some cases landing more fish than their commercial counterparts.

Sport fishing a threat to saltwater species?


A clinical trial of the blockbuster arthritis drug Celebrex was shut down Friday after researchers found an increase in the risk of serious heart disease and strokes in those taking the drug.

Celebrex Trial Halted


The St. Louis Rams' offense, led by receiver Torry Holt and rookie running back Steven Jackson, riddled the Redskins from all sides and gained a 28-3 victory on Friday.

Rams Stomp Redskins


LONDON (Reuters) - Wall Street was headed for a flat start  on Friday as the slowing earnings season and tamer crude oil  prices allow investors to turn their attention to economic  growth figures for the third quarter.

NY Heads for Flat Start; Oil Supportive


THE US Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the recording industry seeking to force internet service providers to turn over the names of subscribers suspected of music piracy.

US court refuses piracy appeal


AP - The Cassini spacecraft is sending back evidence that Saturn's planet-size moon Titan is geologically alive, possibly with liquids moving on its surface, scientists said Thursday.

Cassini Evidence Shows Saturn Moon Alive (AP)


Microsoft (Quote, Chart) will swap out phony copies of Windows XP for the real thing, but only in the UK, the company said on Wednesday.

Brits Get Replacements for Phony XP


DETROIT (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp. <A HREF=

Toyota Doubles Prius Hybrid Cars for U.S.


LONDON (AFP) - Oil prices see-sawed, failing to sustain a brief rally on news of a surprise fall in US distillate stockpiles, including heating fuel, and an unexpectedly small increase in crude inventories.

Oil prices flounder after US inventory data


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Scott McNealy is looking forward  to making an early sales call on Lenovo's new CEO as soon as  the company's \$1.25 billion deal to buy IBM's PC business  closes, the Sun Microsystems CEO said on Wednesday.

Sun Plans to Call on Lenovo After IBM Deal-CEO


HAVEN, Wis. - Whistling Straits is suddenly the least of anyone's worries...

Singh, Leonard in Final Pairing at PGA


Els sealed the order of merit a few weeks ago and, just like last year when he became number one in Europe for the first time, could not be persuaded to play for love nor money.

Volvo Masters lacking former pedigree


RealNetworks Inc., which sells songs over the Web, said Apple Computer Inc. has altered the software for some of its market-leading iPod digital music players so that songs purchased from RealNetworks won #39;t play.

RealNetworks says Apple blocks its music


David Beckham was dropped for the first time in his Real Madrid career as his club completed a demoralising week with a 1-0 defeat at Espanyol in which two Real players were sent off and three penalties missed.

Beckham dropped as Real flop again


AP - German authorities on Saturday said they were awaiting a formal request from Spain to extradite a Syrian-German businessman suspected of being a key al-Qaida figure.

Germany Awaits Spain Extradition Request (AP)


Crude for October delivery closed at \$46.35 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up 76 cents for the session. It hasn #39;t closed above \$46 since Aug. 20.

RPT - Crude closes at a one-month high above \$46 a barrel -


Visitors line a sidewalk with chairs and cameras as they watch a small steam emission from Mount St. Helens, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, at the Coldwater Ridge Visitors Center at Mount St.

Lava Gases May Give Clues to Eruptions


Robbie Williams #39; Greatest Hits album is to be sold in memory card format for mobile phones and hand-held computers. It is believed to be the first time a major artist has sold music on the small, portable format.

Robbie album sold on memory card


Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is facing threats from inside and outside his largest coalition partner that may bring down the Israeli government, which would force the country to hold early elections and suspend his Gaza withdrawal plan.

Budget flap jeopardizes Sharons pullout plan


AP - Mexico City legislators from the leftist Democratic Revolution Party, the PRD, stormed into the lower house of congress and seized the speaker's podium Tuesday to prevent discussion of proposed funding changes for local education.

Mexico Lawmakers Protest Education Funding (AP)


com September 20, 2004, 2:46 PM PT. Most IT Managers won #39;t question the importance of security, but this priority has been sliding between the third and fourth most important focus for companies.

Security firms TruSecure and Betrusted to merge


AP - After taking the fall in Green Bay, Ed Donatell has gotten right back up with the Atlanta Falcons.

Falcons Coordinator Donatell Bounces Back (AP)


AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Sports Network) - Ron Artest scored 24  points, as Indiana defeated Detroit 97-82 in a game that was  stopped late in the fourth quarter due to a fight on the court  that spilled into the stands and included the fans.

Pacers Fight with Pistons' Fans


Reuters - Curt Schilling allowed four hits over\seven innings and Mark Bellhorn smacked a three-run homer to\lead the Boston Red Sox to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees\Tuesday, tying the American League Championship Series at three\games apiece.

Schilling Leads Red Sox Past Yankees, Forces Game Seven (Reuters)


The two tech giants bring corporate-level customer management software to mom-and-pop shops.

Cisco, Microsoft step up small-business push


AP - A lot has changed for the San Diego Chargers since the mid-September afternoon when Drew Brees threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and sustained a concussion in a home loss to the New York Jets.

Chargers Confident Going Into Jets Rematch (AP)


The Arena Football League Board of Directors approved Salt Lake City #39;s expansion bid on Monday and realigned divisions for 2005 after dropping three teams.

Salt Lake gets expansion team; divisions realigned for 2005


Looking for a comeback on Wall Street, Sun Microsystems is trying to lure financial services companies back to the fold with promotional bundles of hardware and software for companies

Sun looks for Wall Street comeback


Swollen trade deficits eventually could threaten the economy by souring foreign appetites to invest in the United States, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan warned Friday.

Greenspan Warns of Trade Deficit Risk


McNealy stressed that Linux wasn #39;t the enemy. He noted that Sun Microsystems is one of the leading contributors of free software to open-source projects, that Sun sells computers equipped

Sun #39;s McNealy Declares  #39;No Love for Red Hat #39;


SOFIA, Bulgaria -- With just a few weeks left in office, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell is planning visits to three European countries this week in hopes of healing divisions stemming from the Iraq war and stressing a renewed US commitment to multilateral solutions to global hot spots.

Powell to visit Europe, Africa on healing mission


HOUSTON - Two doctors and a hospital offered a free gastric bypass to a 420-pound teenager after another medical center canceled the procedure because his insurance would not pay for it.    Doctors at Obesity Surgery Specialists said 16-year-old Brandon Bennett needs the operation for a chance at a healthy life...

420-Pound Teen to Get Free Gastric Bypass


The outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks talks about the future of high-definition TV.

Three Minutes With Mark Cuban


Prince George's County officials Tuesday renewed their push to persuade retailers to locate in the county by releasing a 70-page report that said it is home to more high-income households than Anne Arundel, Howard counties.

County Refocuses on Retail


KINGSTON, Jamaica - Hurricane Ivan's deadly winds and monstrous waves bore down on Jamaica on Friday, threatening a direct hit on its densely populated capital after ravaging Grenada and killing at least 33 people.    The Jamaican government ordered the evacuation of half a million people from coastal areas, where rains on Ivan's outer edges were already flooding roads...

Jamaicans Flee As Ivan Approaches; 33 Dead


AT LEAST 21 people were killed in the latest in a renewed spree of attacks to hit Iraq, as a top UN official issued a stark warning that elections could not be held in the current climate of violence.

Iraq carnage kills 21


A database of badger DNA is being created to help catch people who illegally bait the animals and dig their setts.

DNA bank to catch badger killers


Most IT Managers won #39;t question the importance of security, but this priority has been sliding between the third and fourth most important focus for companies.

AOL to offer service to fight hackers


In a harbinger of security threats to come, hackers have exploited a newly announced flaw in Microsoft Corp. programs and begun circulating malicious code hidden in images that use the popular JPEG format.

Hackers Target Microsoft's JPEG Flaw


: The OPEC price band for crude oil should be raised to reflect inflation since 2001 and the falling US dollar, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Indonesia #39;s oil minister and secretary general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

OPEC should raise crude oil price band, Purnomo says


October 21, 2004 - Tapwave and Mobile Digital Media (MDM) announced today that MDM #39;s officially licensed Palm OS version of Madden NFL 2005, Electronic Arts #39; well-known and critically acclaimed sports video game, will be made available for the Tapwave

Madden Comes to the Tapwave Zodiac


The International Atomic Energy Agency warns of the possibility of system sabotage by intruders and corrupt insiders.\

News: U.N. warns of nuclear cyber terror risks


The drive to pass a \$136 billion corporate tax bill hit a roadblock in the Senate on Friday when lawmakers upset about tobacco regulation, new overtime rules and combat pay employed delaying tactics to keep the measure from coming up for a vote.

Update 2: Senate Delays Approving Tax Law Overhaul


Seventy suspected mercenaries standing trial in Harare escaped a possible death sentence yesterday when Zimbabwe announced that they will not be extradited to Equatorial Guinea.

Captured mercenaries escape mass execution


This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half. NEW YORK--Former Computer Associates International Chief Executive Sanjay Kumar pleaded

Ex-CA chief pleads not guilty to fraud


The new HDS storage platform and software enables extensive virtualization, heterogeneous management and universal storage-agnostic replication, Hitachi said.

Hitachi Ups High-End Storage Ante


LONDON (Reuters) - British Airways Plc, Europe's  second-biggest airline, is to cancel almost 1,000 flights out  of London's Heathrow airport in the next three months to ease  the congestion that led to travel disruptions.

BA to Axe Almost 1,000 Heathrow Flights


San Francisco 49ers Coach Dennis Erickson withdrew his name from consideration yesterday for the head coaching vacancy at the University of Mississippi, the day after interviewing for the job.

He Won #39;t Coach Mississippi; Saban Talks to Dolphins


There are times to go with the strong -- and there are times to go against the weak. In this case, Buffalo, Houston, and Miami. Each looked miserable last week and the hunch is this week will be more of the same.

But seriously, folks


Four companies are planning to hire more than 10,000 workers for new homeland security-related jobs in Virginia over the next five years, Gov. Mark R. Warner is to announce today.

Four Companies Plan Expansion in Virginia


AP - Three major recording companies have agreed to make their music available to be shared and sold over a new online file-swapping service that aims to lure music fans away from rival services where trading of music and movies remains unfettered.

3 Giants Create New Online Music Service (AP)


The former Soviet leader tells BBC's Newsnight terrorism can only be tackled by political means, just weeks after the Beslan school seige tragedy.

Gorbachev calls for terror talks


eBay (Quote, Chart) has acquired a popular online classifieds Web site in the Netherlands, the company said Wednesday. The San Jose, Calif.

Sold to eBay: Dutch Classified Site


MacCentral - In late August Aspyr Media Inc. and Wideload Games first announced plans to collaborate on a new game release. On Thursday Aspyr and Wideload Games offered the first details about the game, including platform information and a release schedule.

Aspyr, Wideload offer Rebel Without a Pulse details (MacCentral)


FROM CHARLES Darwin #39;s journeys to the Galapagos Islands until now, islands have been the petri dishes of evolution. When species are marooned within the confines of an ocean outpost, their generations #39; responses

Distant cousins


Baseball #39;s plan to move the Expos to Washington might come apart after the District of Columbia Council voted Tuesday night to require private financing for at least half the cost of a new ballpark.

Expos #39; move to Washington could be in jeopardy


Opinion Microsoft has begun to try and win over the hearts, minds and hardware of mobile phone vendors in a bid to dominate the emerging market for music downloads on handsets.

MS, Apple pitch music at mobile phone makers


A high profile celebrity may serve her prison sentence right here in North Central Florida. Martha Stewart could be coming to the small town of Coleman, Florida.

Celebrity Might End Up In Florida


TORONTO (CP) - The ever-superstitious Wayne Gretzky hopes Team Canada can wear white jerseys for Tuesday night #39;s World Cup final against Finland.

Team Canada hopes to wear white jerseys in World Cup of Hockey <b>...</b>


KABUL, Afghanistan -- More than half the votes have been counted in Afghanistan #39;s landmark election, and President Hamid Karzai is said to be running well ahead of his rivals.

Karzai on course for presidency


A Malaysian veterinarian and her three children have received a clean bill of health after tests for bird flu, leaving no suspected human cases of the deadly

Malaysia says clear of human bird flu cases


Jean-Pierre Garnier, the chief executive of GlaxoSmithKline, the world #39;s second-biggest pharmaceutical company, has called for stronger powers to be given to America #39;s

Garnier wants stronger FDA


Reuters - India's Saurav Ganguly will captain Asia against the world eleven in next week's one-day international to raise funds for the victims of the Indian Ocean earthquake disaster.

Ganguly to captain Asia in tsunami fundraising match (Reuters)


MOSCOW: Us oil major ConocoPhillips is seeking to buy up to 25 in Russian oil giant Lukoil to add billions of barrels of reserves to its books, an industry source familiar with the matter said on Friday.

Conoco leads race for 25 in Lukoil


BUOYANT New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was relieved to have enlivened a dormant summer after his Black Caps conjured a stunning four-wicket win against Australia in the opening

Australia red-faced


Once again, Ravens Insider staffer Dev Panchwagh breaks down the upcoming Ravens game. Thos week: how to defeat the Chiefs on Monday night.

Ravens #39; Battle Plans for Chiefs


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Cancel the limo. Put down the dining  guides and leave your overcoat in the closet. A power breakfast  or lavish business dinner is just an elevator ride away.

Away on Business: Recipe for Success


The Australian dollar headed for its sixth weekly gain, the longest winning streak in more than a year, on optimism raw-material exports to China will increase after a report showed economic growth there.

Australian Dollar Heads for Weekly Gain; China #39;s Economy Grows


A federal jury awarded \$400 million in punitive damages Wednesday to a doctor who accused a medical technology company of infringing on his patents for a surgical device to treat spinal injuries.

Jury tells Medtronic to pay \$400 million


Reuters - Boys and girls as young as nine years\old are in the front line of wars across the world, and even\when the fighting has finished they are largely neglected in\the peace process, a report said Wednesday.

Child Soldiers in Front Line of Wars Across World (Reuters)


AP - International Business Machines Corp.'s possible exit from the personal computer business would be the latest move in what amounts to a long goodbye from a field it pioneered and revolutionized.

IBM Focuses on Services, Outsourcing Units (AP)


S. SRINIVASAN    BANGALORE, India (AP) -- India's space agency said Thursday its removal from a U.S...

India Expects Jump in High-Tech Imports


Computer Associates has announced a deal with the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission that will solve the software vendor #39;s accounting scandal.

CA settles as former CEO indicted


Airlines worldwide may make a combined profit of \$1.2 billion next year, their first since 2000, as fuel prices fall from record highs and passenger traffic increases, the International Air Transport Association said.

Airlines may return to profit in  #39;05


Big guns Liverpool and Manchester United reached the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday with 2-0 wins over holders Middlesbrough and an under-strength Crystal Palace

Liverpool, Man United reach League Cup quarter-finals


BRENT PELHAM, England -- The morning chill was broken with sherry, served on silver platters to riders in smartly tailored red coats, leather crops tucked neatly under their arms. With the shrill blast of a bugle, the chattering was over and the Puckeridge Hunt -- a tradition since 1725 -- was on.

Ban on hunting with dogs pits British townies vs. rural folks


Bank of America Corp. this week announced plans for a corporate-wide IP telephony rollout that will eventually put an IP phone on every BoA employees desktop -- about 180,000 phones total.

Bank of America to deploy 180,000 IP phones


Hurricane Ivan is threatening to wash out one of the highlights in the biggest weekend of college football so far. Southeastern Conference officials are mulling whether to postpone No.

SEC teams hope to beat Ivan to punch


Last year a chunk of the foam damaged a wing of the Columbia, leading to the breakup of the shuttle high over Texas. NASA is aiming for three shuttle flights in 2005.

NASA: Space Shuttle Fixed


The judge in the Abu Ghraib prison abuse case said Tuesday that he might award immunity from prosecution in exchange for the testimony of several senior military

COURT HEARING Abuse Judge May Give Immunity for Testimony by <b>...</b>


THE CAL BEARS may have been a victim of their good sportsmanship. That #39;s the way it goes in big-time college football. No one knows for certain why Cal sank from fourth to fifth in the mysterious mix of computer

Unhappy Holiday for Cal


Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said Monday that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will not consider any suggestion on constitutional

Tung rules out HKSAR  quot;referendum quot;


Modest mission accomplished against Zimbabwe, England are through to what is in effect a quarter-final against Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl on Friday.

Sri Lanka should be easy pickings


AP - California voters love their governor but do not want to see Arnold Schwarzenegger as president and do not like the idea of amending the U.S. Constitution to let him run.

Poll: Voters Like Schwarzenegger As Gov. (AP)


Environmentalists in China are fighting plans for a hydropower project that they say would endanger one of the world's deepest gorges.

Chinese Groups Seek to Halt a Dam and Save a Treasured Place


Poles signed waiting lists Sunday for a chance to buy shares in their largest bank, using a signup system from communist times to impose order on the crush of interested investors.

Update 2: Poles Line Up for Shares in Bank


KIGALI/KINSHASA (Reuters) - Rwanda denied on Thursday it  had pushed troops into Democratic Republic of Congo even as  United Nations peacekeepers said they had found compelling  evidence of an infiltration into the vast country.

Rwanda Denies Army in Congo, Threatens Only Rebels


WASHINGTON Sept. 23, 2004 - The number of new people signing up for jobless benefits rose last week, mostly reflecting the impact of hurricanes that recently ripped through Florida.

Hurricanes Lead to Spike in Jobless Claims


For more than a year and a half, Rep. John Lewis has endured lengthy delays at the ticket counter, intense questioning by airline employees and suspicious glances by fellow passengers.

Hundreds Report Watch-List Trials


Some 80 Kenyan MPs storm out of parliament in the latest twist in a row over a new constitution.

Kenya MPs rebel over constitution


Reuters - Google Inc.  plans to\release a version of its desktop search tool for computers\running on the Mac operating system from Apple Computer Inc.\, Google chief executive Eric Schmidt said on Friday.

Google Plans Desktop Search Tool for Apple PCs (Reuters)


CHICAGO (Sports Network) - Chicago White Sox slugger Frank  Thomas will remain with the team for 2005 after he exercised an  \$8 million option in his contract.

Big Hurt Remaining with White Sox for 2005


During the Astros-Cardinals playoff series last week, I wrote a column about the meaning of baseball for my 7-year-old son and children in general.

For many, story of love for baseball hits home


PalmOne #39;s new Tungsten T5 ships with 256 MB of flash memory, which is retained even if the device loses its battery charge. PalmOne says the new PDA, which sells for a suggested list price of

Palm Tungsten T5 Features 256 MB of Memory


One vagrant died and three were badly beaten in overnight attacks in Brazil #39;s biggest city of Sao Paulo, raising the number of victims of a suspected death squad to 14 in four days.

Tramps victim to suspected Brazil death squad


The Giants might as well let Eli Manning start again next Saturday because they are not going anywhere anyway.

Firsthand Experience Not Ideal for Quarterback


Securities regulators are suing the management team behind the rapid rise and fall of online credit lender NextCard Inc., alleging the company #39;s top executives cooked the books and then scrambled to sell their stock before the ruse unraveled into

SEC Accuses Former NextCard Executives


For a franchise that drafted 7-foot-7 Gheorghe Muresan and 7-6 Manute Bol, 7-3 center Peter John Ramos isn't close to being the tallest player the Wizards have ever chosen.

No Laughing Matter


Growing up near Camp Pendleton as the son of a Marine gunnery sergeant, Dave Roberts learned all about baseball in Southern California. He played for UCLA before he wound up across town as the center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, keenly aware that losing a Freeway Series to the Angels was tantamount to a Hollywood star turning an acting ...

Sox preying upon Angels


United Airlines (UA) on Thursday launched the first daily flight service to Vietnam from the United States since 1975. The flight represents the first such service by an American air carrier since the end

US-Vietnam flight launched


Six days ago Jay McKee buoyantly strolled into his living room and proudly informed his wife there would be an NHL this season. The Buffalo Sabres #39; union representative had just finished

Hockey talks go nowhere fast


Half the world #39;s 2.8bn workers are trapped in jobs that leave them and their families struggling to survive on less than \$2 a day, with little prospect of escape from grinding

Half the world #39;s workers earn less than \$2 a day


SUN #39;S NEW number two, Jonathan Schwartz, has seen a 56 percent boost in his salary over the last year and is getting paid nearly seven times more than his boss Chief Executive Scott McNealy.

Sun man gets 56 per cent pay hike


WINNIPEGThree federal cabinet ministers have assured the Canadian Wheat Board that they support its monopoly selling powers debated at recent world trade talks, the board #39;s chairman said yesterday.

Ministers support wheat board #39;s role


CANBERRA will excuse Iraq \$1.1 billion that it owes Australia as the war-torn nation attempts to get back on its feet financially.

Canberra forgives Iraq #39;s \$1.1bn debt


TOKYO The Japanese government has convened an emergency session. This, after a report that a body believed to be Asian was discovered in Iraq.

Japanese government convenes emergency session after body <b>...</b>


WASHINGTON -- In a case that could yield a bonanza for Washington state #39;s expanding wine industry, the Supreme Court yesterday was asked to dismantle Depression-era laws that prohibit consumers from buying wine directly from out-of-state producers.

State wineries are hoping to toast a major windfall


The Rouse Company, the mall developer that has reshaped the nation's landscape, agreed to be acquired by General Growth Properties for \$7.2 billion in cash.

Reshaping a Reshaper of Landscapes


Generic drug maker Mylan Laboratories Inc. reaffirmed on Wednesday its planned \$3.37 billion purchase of King Pharmaceuticals Inc.

UPDATE 2-Mylan defends King deal amid investor concerns


An Italian judge has included some of Parmalat #39;s debts owed to banks on an official list of creditors but excluded some others, court documents showed on Friday.

Some bank credits included on Parmalat list


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Major cigarette makers go on trial  on Tuesday in the U.S. government's \$280 billion racketeering  case that charges the tobacco industry with deliberately  deceiving the public about the risks of smoking since the  1950s.

U.S. Suit Against Tobacco Makers Goes to Trial


Drugmaker Cephalon Inc. said Tuesday it received a subpoena from the US Attorney #39;s office in Philadelphia concerning the company #39;s marketing practices.

Cephalon subpoenaed by US attorney