Reuters - General Electric Co.  on Wednesday\said it would buy Ionics Inc.  for about  #36;1.1 billion to\build out its water treatment and services business.

GE to Buy Ionics for  #36;1.1 Billion (Reuters)


Elton Brown has 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead No. 24 Virginia to a 48-44 victory over Northwestern, capping a 7-2 edge for the ACC in their challenge with the Big Ten.

Brown Lifts Cavaliers


By DIANE SCARPONI     NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) -- Runners over age 50 improve their performance more quickly than younger runners, a Yale study found, reinforcing past research on older athletes and the benefits they get from exercise...

Older Runners Improve Overall Performance Faster


Los Angeles Times - PELLA, Iowa  #8212; In this week's frenzied competition to boost voter turnout, the quiet effort of companies like Vermeer Manufacturing could prove crucial for the Bush campaign.

Workplace Now Terrain of Politics (Los Angeles Times)


New York, NY (Sports Network) - Published reports out of New York indicate the Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks have halted trade talks involving five-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson.

Big Unit Breakdown Between Yankees and D #39;Backs


China #39;s biggest computer maker said it is in acquisition talks with a major international technology company, a disclosure that comes amid reports it might buy IBM #39;s personal computer business.

IBM: Do We Have a Deal?


SEATTLE -- Rookie safety Michael Boulware saved the game for the Seattle Seahawks. Maybe the season, too.

It's Boulware to the rescue


AFP - Anglo-Dutch oil giant Royal Dutch/Shell and China Petroleum and Chemical Corp (Sinopec Group) have launched a 187 million dollar service station joint venture, the companies said.

Shell, Sinopec launch 187 million dollar service station venture (AFP)


The sport #39;s one-time bad boy returns to action in China this weekend after 12 months away with a new attitude and renewed hunger.

KUNG FEUD


Twenty-three tigers have died from bird flu at a private zoo in Thailand after being fed the carcasses of chickens infected with the disease, a government official said Tuesday.

23 tigers die in bird flu outbreak


The Food and Drug Administration says a rocket fuel component contaminates nearly 94 percent of the milk and lettuce samples surveyed. The compound is suspected of having nasty effects in humans. By Amit Asaravala.

Rocket Fuel in Milk, Lettuce


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. business productivity grew more  slowly in the third quarter than first thought, a government  report showed on Tuesday, while chain store sales fell in the  crucial shopping week after Thanksgiving.

Productivity Growth Slows; Store Sales Dip


AP - Left tackle Robert Gallery, the second player taken in the NFL draft, didn't practice Tuesday morning with the Oakland Raiders because of an elbow injury, leaving his status uncertain for Saturday's preseason game against Dallas.

Raiders' Gallery Misses Camp With Injury (AP)


Another game, another postseason classic. It will be news if the Red Sox and Yankees ever play a yawner. Last night certainly does not qualify.

Yankees 10, Red Sox 7: Just a typical chapter in unique rivalry


Clear Channel Radio, the largest US radio station chain, has selected Rupert Murdoch #39;s Fox News Radio as the main news supplier for about 100 of its news/talk stations, the companies said on Monday.

Clear Channel Selects Fox to Supply Radio News


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Drugmaker Pfizer said Friday that its Bextra drug, seen as an alternative to Merck #39;s Vioxx arthritis medication, may raise heart risk in high-risk bypass surgery patients.

Pfizer warns of Bextra heart risk


The scientist who invented DNA fingerprinting two decades ago has warned that the huge expansion of the British national database, which now contains details of 2.5 million criminals, could

Huge DNA database opens door to mistakes: scientist


Clothing company Tommy Hilfiger Corp. said Monday that it agreed to purchase the trademarks of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, including Lagerfeld Galleries and other Lagerfeld collections, for an undisclosed cash amount.

Hilfiger to Buy Lagerfeld Trademarks


Applications for asylum in the UK rose by 9 in the last three months, according to official figures.

Asylum applications rise slightly


Austin-based Metrowerks Corp. has sold one of its development lines to Finland #39;s Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) for an undisclosed amount.

Nokia acquires assets, establishes Austin office


Lawmakers on Tuesday urged the US Securities and Exchange Commission to move to reform the oversight of credit-rating agencies, with one suggesting its power

US lawmakers urge SEC action on credit raters


Sloping off: Nathan Deakes walks with one foot off the ground after his disqualification from the men #39;s 50km walk. Photo: AP Picture:MARK BAKER.

Heartbreak for Deakes


For low-volume users who don't plan to rely on their scanner to do extensive photo restoration work, Visioneer's Xerox 6400 has lots of appeal.

Good Scans Made Slowly


Reuters - British Prime Minister Tony Blair is\trying to involve the United States in a new international\treaty on global warming, The Times newspaper said on Thursday.

Blair Said to Seek New Climate Pact with Bush (Reuters)


I have been talking about this for a month, and I am finally starting to see more stories about the remarkable changes that begin today.

Overtime Rules Change


NEW DELHI: Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri said that although the Kashmir dispute was central to the peace process it could not be resolved overnight.

Pakistan and India to continue dialogue on Kashmir: Kasuri


Two second-half goals from Luis Figo made sure Real Madrid put a recent bad streak behind them and qualified for the UEFA Champions League #39;s last 16 knockout round.

Real Madrid beat Roma


_ Rupert Murdoch, the billionaire CEO of News Corp., has offered to pay \$44 million for a three-story penthouse apartment where Laurance S. Rockefeller once lived, according to a published report.

Report: Murdoch offers \$44 million for Rockefeller apartment


Reuters - The world's chip factories operated at\their fastest rate in almost four years in the April-June\period, boosted by demand for chips for cellphones and digital\appliances such as flat-panel TVs, an industry group said on\Tuesday.

World Chip Plants Run at Fastest Rate in 4 Years (Reuters)


SAN FRANCISCO (Sports Network) - Free-agent shortstop Omar  Vizquel signed a three-year contract with the San Francisco  Giants on Sunday. Per team policy, financial terms were not  disclosed.

Vizquel Signs with San Francisco


Shares in Contact Energy dumped 13c of their value after the firm #39;s independent directors urged minority holders to not accept the takeover offer by Australian firm Origin Energy.

NZ stocks: Contact shares dump 13c in reasonable trade


There's yet another hostile takeover in the tech sector's works.

Shareholders Love a Little Hostility


Pakistani security forces arrested more terrorist suspects yesterday, a day after killing the country #39;s leading al-Qaida figure and most wanted terrorist.

Pakistani forces kill leading al-Qaida militant in shootout


Miller Brewing Co. and Univision Communications Inc. have signed a \$100 million cross-platform advertising and marketing deal. The contract between the US #39;s second-largest brewer and the nation #39;s leading Spanish

Univision, Miller toast \$100M ad deal


If the new grid computer were considered a single supercomputer, it would rank behind supercomputers BlueGene/L and Columbia in the U.S. and the Earth Simulator in Japan.

Europe uses grid to create new megacomputer


SPACE.com - As we approach the holiday \  season, many people may consider the purchase of a telescope. You might already \  have seen telescope ads in newspapers, catalogues or on TV shopping channels. \  A typical ad might say something like this:

Telescope Buying Tips (SPACE.com)


Magna International Inc., Canada #39;s largest auto-parts supplier, will close an Ontario factory that makes polished aluminum and eliminate jobs.

Magna Will Close Decoma #39;s Coating Factory in Ontario (Update1)


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--US cable television mogul John Malone has swooped on a large parcel of News Corp. #39;s (NCP) voting stock, upsetting the balance of power inside the global media company on the eve of its long-awaited incorporation in the US, the Sydney

AUSTRALIA PRESS: Malone Snaps Up Bigger News Corp Stake


The Ravens are focusing on the positives following a 24-3 loss to the Patriots. Baltimore is still in playoff position and faces two losing teams in the next two weeks.

Goals Still in View


A malicious code dubbed  quot;Skulls quot; was launched from Web sites that offered phone users downloads of wallpaper, games and ring tones.

#39;Skulls #39; Virus Disables Smartphone Apps


Analysis After the phoney war of the operators launch of 3G data cards in Europe, the real battle commences for the mass 3G market, with Vodafone leading the charge.

Vodafone leads charge in 3G offensive


New claims for jobless benefits moved higher last week, a possible sign that employers haven't completely let go of their caution and are looking to cut costs.

Weekly Jobless Claims Rise Again


The troubled Russian oil company Yukos has suspended its oil deliveries to China #39;s National Petroleum Company, saying it cannot afford the shipping costs.

Shipping Costs Force Yukos to Suspend Some Oil Deliveries


DARFUR, October 22 (IslamOnline.net  amp; News Agencies) - The African Union announced has it was poised to boost the number of its peacekeepers in Sudans troubled Darfur region as the Sudanese government and the two rebel groups were set to launch a new

African Union Expands Darfur Mission


Just because Target has changed policy on allowing the Salvation Army bell-ringers this year doesn #39;t mean they don #39;t deserve our patronage  quot;Target doesn #39;t care about us, I don #39;t care about it, quot; Dec. 7.

Target made rational choice about Salvation Army


Suspected separatists bombed a crowded market, a tea plantation and other sites today, killing seven people in a second day of explosions and gun attacks that have left at least 57 dead and more than 100 wounded in northeast India.

Seven Killed in New Blasts


AP - New Mexico State coach Tony Samuel was fired Wednesday after leading the Aggies to just two winning seasons in eight years.

New Mexico State Fires Coach Tony Samuel (AP)


SANTIAGO, Chile - Pacific Rim trading nations said today they should pool their influence to breathe new life into talks to free up world trade.

Apec ministers urge new effort on trade talks


UNI New Delhi Sept 22: India is well positioned to benefit from the upswing expected in global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows in 2004, a flagship UNCTAD report released here today said.

India to benefit from FDI flows, says UNCTAD report


By STEVE FORD Courier  amp; Press staff writer 464-7511 or sfordevansville.net. Jeff Overton #39;s run in the 104th US Amateur at Winged Foot Golf Club near New York City ended one day too soon.

Lights-out putting ends Overton run


JASON Giambi had baseball at his feet when he was named the Major Leagues Most Valuable Player in 2000. The exceptional slugger attracted the attention of the New York Yankees, who offered a contract worth

Baseball star used bum and tum jabs


THE longest serving astronaut in history, who flew twice to the moon and commanded the first space shuttle mission, has announced his retirement after 42 years at Nasa.

Mission is over for top astronaut


President Bush says himself there #39;s still work to be done to keep the economy growing. But when the Republicans gather next week in New York for their national convention, much of

Jobs, tax cuts key issues for Bush


England beat Zimbabwe by five wickets in the opening one-day international.

England stutter for Zimbabwe win


PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Shares of Sprint Corp.  <A HREF=

Sprint Up, Nextel Down on Merger Talks


Description: President Bush tours devastation in Florida caused by Hurricane Ivan, which is now blamed for 49 US deaths. Tropical storm Jeanne, meanwhile, is headed out to sea after battering Haiti and the

Bush Tours Florida; New Hurricane Heads to Sea


Reuters - North Korea threatened on Saturday\to double the size of its nuclear deterrent and the United\States rejected its conditions for a resumption of talks,\leaving the two nations in a dangerous stalemate.

N.Korea Vows to Boost Deterrent, U.S. Rejects Demand (Reuters)


He is so young and so good that the mere sight of him hitting a golf ball might be enough to induce an older player to give up, go into a dark room and babble quietly to himself.

Schwartzel has a very bright future


Today the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) announced today that it had filed an unspecified amount of lawsuits against people who trade Movies using p2p (peer-to-peer) programs.

MPAA Starts Suing


The product combines development on the Win32, Delphi and .Net platforms, accommodating legacy Windows and new application development.

Borland looks to take on Visual Studio with Diamondback


Arsenal striker Thierry Henry insisted there must be an end product to the Gunners #39; record-breaking run. As Arsenal equalled Nottingham Forest #39;s 42-game unbeaten League run Henry said:  quot;Even on the pitch we didn #39;t realise what we had done.

Henry wants silverware


LONDON (Reuters) - British junior foreign office minister  Bill Rammell will go to North Korea next month in the  highest-level visit to the isolated Communist state by a UK  official, London said on Tuesday.

UK Sends Senior Minister to North Korea for Talks


Federal authorities conducted six searches Wednesday in an attempt to disrupt a network used to trade copies of movies, software, games, and music.

U.S. Searches Computers, Trying to Disrupt Piracy


The Conservatives have called for the Sports Minister Richard Caborn to make an urgent statement to the Commons on the future of the British Grand Prix.

Conservatives call for statement on British Grand Prix


Electronic publisher ProQuest Co. (PQE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday it would buy privately held Voyager Expanded Learning, a reading curriculum provider, for \$360

UPDATE 2-ProQuest buying education company, stock jumps


n American Paul Hamm, who become the first American to win the Olympics mens all-around gymnastics title, should not have been awarded the gold, the sports governing body ruled on Saturday.

Paul Hamm gold an error


DALLAS Kimberly-Clark today reports its third-quarter earnings rose five percent -- despite tough price competition in its key diaper market.

Kimberly-Clark reports third-quarter results


PESHAWAR, Pakistan -- The Pakistan Army said yesterday it will withdraw hundreds of troops from a tense tribal region near Afghanistan where Osama bin Laden and his top deputy were believed to be hiding.

Pakistan to withdraw troops


Nepal has eased a curfew imposed on the capital to contain widespread rioting sparked by the slaying of 12 Nepalese captives in Iraq.

Nepal relaxes unrest curfew


ATHENS, Greece - US soccer captain Julie Foudy #39;s sprained right ankle showed signs of improvement Wednesday, although she remains a game-time decision for Thursday #39;s gold-medal game against Brazil.

Foudy Improves, Remains Game-Time Decision


AN election plan to overhaul vocational education and provide families with extra relief has been unveiled by John Howard, in a \$6 billion bid to head off Mark Latham #39;s tax, family and schools program.

Howard #39;s \$6bn to wedge Labor


A ceremony to honour those who died in Chile's  military coup ends in violence between protesters and police.

Clashes as Chile remembers coup


Everton has confirmed it has received an improved bid for Wayne Rooney, understood to be worth 25 million (A\$63.7 million). Newcastle has also been chasing the England striker, but is yet to counter the offer.

United raise stakes for Rooney


AP - The two suspected masterminds of the Istanbul suicide bombings are at large a year after the blasts in a scenario that's being played out around the world: police quickly make arrests, but often struggle for years to catch the organizers of terror attacks.

al-Qaida Hunt Achieved Limited Success (AP)


Despite cautionary words from Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge last week about the impact of the rising dollar, Canadian gross domestic product likely grew at a healthy 3.5 clip in the third quarter due to strong consumer spending.

GDP growth likely healthy


The Redskins and Browns have traded field goals and are tied, 3-3, in the first quarter in Cleveland.

Redskins Tied, 3-3


About 20 forestry and wood processing companies in New Zealand have reached an agreement on planning to work together to take on the highly lucrative Chinese market.

New Zealand forestry firms unite to target China market


Electronic devices are starting to come equipped with a short-range, high-speed wireless radio technology known as ultrawideband.

Semiconductors Offer a New Way to Cut the Cord


A new row engulfs European Commission over an undisclosed conviction of one of its members.

New row threatens top EU body


With software tycoon Larry Ellison poised to dismantle PeopleSoft, why are PeopleSoft customers so relaxed?

PeopleSoft devotees in denial?


Reuters - It has only been four months\since Stephanie Herseth became the first woman ever elected to\the House of Representatives from South Dakota, but the\prominence that win gave her may make the difference as she\faces the same opponent again for a full two-year term.

South Dakota Electoral Race Is Rerun Under a Shadow (Reuters)


A9.com is walking a fine line between working with Google and competing against it. By Thomas Claburn. Following an April test, A9.

Amazon Unit Challenges Google, Other Search Sites


Heading down the stretch in the first half, it seemed as though the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames were poised to take a second ACC team to the wire.

Blue Devils Douse Flames, 88-55


AP - President Bush says it's

Dr. Phil Interviews President, First Lady (AP)


AFP - Eurotunnel, the French-British group that operates rail traffic under the Channel linking France and Britain, plans to reduce its freight shuttle service by 15 percent from January 1, the company said in a statement.

Eurotunel plans to reduce its freight shuttle service (AFP)


Just as LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers seemed ready to swipe the game from the Knicks, Jamal Crawford began to sink one shot after another.

Crawford Outshines James With His 24 Points and Long-Distance Shots


AP - If the government required deeper cuts in air pollution from power plants, at least 3,000 lives would be saved and 140,000 children would avoid asthma and other respiratory ailments, an environmental group said Tuesday.

Group Urges EPA for More Pollution Cuts (AP)


a-flied out for Biddle in the 5th. b-flied out for Ayala in the 8th. c-singled for Mercker in the 9th. E--TBatista (13), JRivera (3).

Baker is man of 1,000 wins


The United States and Russia are making contingency plans for an emergency evacuation of the two-man crew aboard the International Space Station .

Officials Consider Space Station Evacuation


Global oil prices should soon fall, partly because of expected supply increases from Iraq, the head of the Opec cartel forecast today.

#39;Oil price set to fall #39;


Foxboro, MA -- Tom Brady threw a pair of touchdown passes and Adam Vinatieri tied a career high with five field goals, leading New England to a 29-6 rout of Buffalo at Gillette Stadium.

NFL Game Summary - Buffalo At New England


FC Barcelona opened a 12-point lead in the Spanish league after Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez scored in a 2-1 win at 17th-placed Albacete on Saturday.

Barcelona beats Albacete, opens nine-point lead


Porter Goss pledged to Congress today that he would conduct business in a nonpartisan way and would cooperate with lawmakers.

Congressman Pledges to Set Aside Partisanship as C.I.A. Chief


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Parliament was set to vote on pair of thorny government expenses late Thursday: the scandal-plagued gun registry and the Governor General's budget.

Clarkson's budget, gun registry among items up for vote late Thursday (Canadian Press)


Among the new challenges: keeping Sarbanes-Oxley expenses under control and

Tech leaders see the CFO's role growing


Oracle CEO says rival company raised the idea, but talks foundered over who'd lead the conjoined company. \<br /> Oracle e-mails urged scare tactics

Ellison: PeopleSoft talked merger in 2000


AP - Sen. John Kerry and running mate John Edwards rarely campaign together, but they talk daily, swapping ideas on everything from policy to strategy to staffing. Kerry insists on it, aides say, even if it puts his campaign behind schedule.

Kerry, Edwards Rarely Campaign Together (AP)


The five cities looking to host the 2012 Summer Games submitted bids to the International Olympic Committee on Monday.

Paris, N.Y. Submit Bids


AP - China urged the Canadian Embassy on Thursday to hand over 44 possible North Korean asylum-seekers, while officials said nine North Koreans who entered an American school in Shanghai had been handed over to Chinese police.

China Asks Canada to Hand Over Intruders (AP)


The teams and drivers have spent two days learning the Chinese circuit, but there are still plenty of questions ahead of tomorrows race

Pat Symonds looks at Shanghai strategy


The Auburn Hills-based Chrysler Group made a profit of \$269 million in the third quarter, even though worldwide sales and revenues declined, contributing to a \$1.

DaimlerChrysler posts \$1.2 billion net profit


NEW YORK/SEATTLE (Reuters) - Google Inc. shares jumped 18 percent in their long-awaited stock market debut on Thursday, after a scaled-down \$1.67 billion IPO marked by missteps and lackluster market conditions.

Google Up in Market Debut After Bumpy IPO


UK regulators said Royal Dutch/Shell Group, Europe #39;s second-largest oil company, was guilty of unprecedented misconduct #39; #39; in overstating reserves that led to fines of \$151.

UK Regulator Calls Shell Misconduct Unprecedented #39; (Update2)


The South Korean military is trying to find out whether North Korean agents might have infiltrated the country after the discovery early Tuesday of a hole cut in a fence on the southern edge of the demilitarized zone separating

DMZ breach raises spy fears


For manufacturing fanatics, a tour of Dell's facility is sort of like visiting Stonehenge. Here's where direct fulfillment took flight.

Inside Dell's manufacturing mecca


The days of writing a check and scrambling to the bank within a few days to cover it with a deposit are coming to an end. The paper check is going high tech.

New check law sinks the  #39;float #39;


MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--France #39;s AXA SA (AXA) faces a six-week delay in its attempt to move to full ownership of its Australian insurance subsidiary, with the Australian

France #39;s AXA Faces Poll Delay In Australian Unit Buyout


A UN committee asks the UK to review its policy of detaining terrorism suspects without trial.

UK urged to review terrorism laws


Reuters - Sorry Florida. This is normal.

Barrage of Hurricanes May Just Be Florida Normality (Reuters)


SAN DIEGO ---- After Sunday #39;s loss to the Falcons in Atlanta, the Chargers faced an emergency situation in their thinned-out receiving corps.

Bolts get hands on McCardell


India's Kerala state to build a technology-friendly city for global investors.  Also: Intel continues its expansion in the Indian city Bangalore   hellip;. Sirius Satellite scores a hard-charging CEO   hellip;. and more.

A City Built Upon Wits


Sudan and Western powers plunged into a war of words over Darfur on Friday, with Khartoum countering US charges of genocide by saying Washington was playing electoral politics with a humanitarian crisis.

Sudan argues charges


AFP - A rocket attack on a German-run peacekeeping team in northeastern Afghanistan has left four people injured, one seriously, a spokesman for the multinational security force in the country said.

Four injured in rocket attack on German base in Afghanistan (AFP)


Beijing - China has executed a university dropout for killing six men - four of whom had raped him, state media reported on Sunday.

China executes man who killed his rapists


NEW DELHI: Despite the standoff with the opposition, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh plans to convene an all-party meeting ahead of Ambassador at Large Khurshid Kasuris visit to New Delhi next week.

Indian PM to convene APC ahead of Kasuris visit


The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution says 30 of UK waters should be closed to commercial fishing.

UK needs 'marine reserve network'


Stocks fell sharply on Wednesday after oil prices jumped more than a dollar and a US government review questioned home finance company Fannie Mae #39;s (FNM.

Stocks Slump on Higher Oil, Fannie Mae


A New York City group creates a kit so that anyone with an old computer can create a wireless access point.

Where Good Wi-Fi Makes Good Neighbors


Hoping to build on the momentum sparked by SpaceShipOne #39;s dash into space, supporters of opening the heavens to civilians are turning the winner-take

Annual Competition for Public Space Flight


The Husky football team can accomplish something Saturday that only two other squads in the school #39;s 115-year football history has done -- lose nine games.

Huskies face history against Cal, Tedford


Sarunas Jasikevicius is just another international nobody who is too slow and too anchored to the floor to play in the NBA. He is not what we want, not our style.

NBA could use this reject


On Tuesday, Advanced Micro Devices introduced its two fastest processors yet, a quiet slap at Intel #39;s latest roadmap revision.

AMD Debuts Athlon FX-55, 4000 Chip


Iran #39;s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened to boycott nuclear negotiations if European states press Tehran to totally suspend the process of uranium enrichment, as a new round of talks ended Wednesday without reaching an agreement.

Iran threatens to boycott nuclear talks


While investigators look for clues in regards to Sundays fatal plane crash, NASCAR fans and Hendrick Motorsports personnel are trying to get back to normalcy.

Hendrick Motorsports Reopens Its Doors


It would be a  quot;longshot quot; that Giambi would be left off, manager Joe Torre said before Friday night #39;s game against Toronto.

Giambi expected to make postseason roster; Brown to start Saturday


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Sunday that he was prepared to start negotiations with a new responsible Palestinian leader after Arafat #39;s departure, the Ha #39;aretz daily reported.

Sharon says ready to negotiate with new Palestinian leader


In the prologue to his just published book, The Last Season, A Team in Search of Its Soul, former Los Angles Lakers coach Phil Jackson tells, very succinctly, why he wrote the tell-all diary of last season #39;s Lakers demise.

Jackson in book: Kobe never wanted to be a sidekick


AP - Presidential appointments to senior science and technology posts should be filled more quickly and without regard to political affiliation, a new report from the nonpartisan National Academies urged Wednesday.

Study: Fill Gov't Science Posts Faster (AP)


US telecoms firm Verizon is reported to have won the backing of mobile partner Vodafone for a bid for US rival Sprint.

Vodafone 'OKs Verizon Sprint bid'


InfoWorld - Novell this week spruced up a version of its Linux desktop aimed squarely at enterprise users.

Novell extols desktop Linux (InfoWorld)


Opinion: Privacy hysterics bring old whine in new bottles to the Internet party. The desktop search beta from this Web search leader doesn #39;t do anything you can #39;t do already.

Google Desktop Search Doesn #39;t Threaten Security


A hearing at Guantanamo Bay for a man accused of being an al-Qaeda paymaster is postponed.

Guantanamo hearing postponed


Oil price easing helps Nikkei snap nine-session slide; Hang Seng advances in pre-holiday trade. TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo #39;s Nikkei average rose 0.4 percent Thursday, snapping a nine-day slide on a technical

Tokyo, Hong Kong show gains


Underrated. That was the word Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia used to describe left fielder Jose Guillen. For a player who has faced more than his share of doubters with more than his share of teams (Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Arizona, Cincinnati, Oakland) during his eight-year career, it was welcome praise. Tough to imagine, but true for a player batting .302 with ...

His play is not out of left field


By 2006 you will be able to watch television on your Nokia phone. Within two years as many as 20 different TV channels will be made available, Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia #39;s general manager of Multimedia, told the

Nokia to bring digital TV to mobile phones


NEW YORK - The lead singer of the rock band Incubus was arrested for a carrying a switchblade in his bag while trying to board a plane on his way to a concert in North Carolina.    Brandon Boyd, 28, was stopped Wednesday at LaGuardia Airport when baggage screeners spotted the knife in his carry-on luggage, said Lou Martinez, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport...

Incubus Singer Arrested at N.Y. Airport


Two relatives of Mariano Rivera's wife were electrocuted while cleaning the pool at the Panama home of the New York Yankees closer.

Rivera Suffers Losses


Novell Thursday posted a quarterly profit as revenue rose, but the company warned that spending on information technology by companies remained weak.

Novell posts 3rd-quarter profit, revenue rises


Bundle of professional video editing applications includes new Motion special-effects software.

Apple puts edit tools in one basket


Fresh off striking a conciliatory tone with Novell, Microsoft is now going on the offensive with a program in the US to woo NetWare users to the Windows platform.

Redmond targets NetWare with migration incentives


A boisterous crowd of at least 50,000 was packed five-deep along Melbourne #39;s Flinders St to catch a glimpse of the Lions and arch rivals Port Adelaide ahead of today #39;s AFL grand final.

March to glory


Beleaguered Russian oil giant Yukos on Monday faces a court-imposed deadline to pay a multi-billion dollar tax bill.

Yukos faces tax payment deadline


The New York Yankees, Arizona and Los Angeles spent yesterday trying to put the finishing touches on the megadeal that would move All-Stars Randy Johnson, Shawn Green and Javier Vazquez.

MLB Notebook: Johnson trade still in the works


Michael Schumacher starts Sunday #39;s first Chinese Grand Prix in an unfamiliar place -- back of the pack. Officially, Schumacher is placed 19th out of 20 cars after spinning off the track in Saturday #39;s qualifying

Schumacher starts first Shanghai Grand Prix in unfamiliar position


RIVAL factions in Congos postwar army fought gun battles on the vast nations eastern border with Rwanda yesterday, killing several people, a top military official said.

Congo factions clash on Rwandan border


Mohamed ElBaradei, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency has voiced hopes for a quick and conclusive settlement of his agency #39;s probe into South Korea #39;s past nuclear experiments.

Elbaradei Expresses Hope for Quick Settlement of S. Korea #39;s <b>...</b>


Reuters - Tyrannosaurus Rex grew incredibly fast\during a teenaged growth spurt that saw the dinosaur expand its\bulk by six times, but the fearsome beasts

T. Rex Had Teen Growth Spurt, Scientists Say (Reuters)


Ireland #39;s Olympic gold medallist, Cian O #39;Connor, has spoken out in the wake of allegations that two of his horses have tested positive for a human drug used to treat schizophrenia.

O #39;Connor disputes positive drug testing


Ariel Sharon #39;s right-wing nationalist coalition in Israel is imploding and Fatah, the core Palestinian nationalist group, is in turmoil now that Marwan Barghouti, the young West Bank leader, is to campaign to succeed the late Yassir Arafat from an Israeli

Mideast upheaval may be welcome


The British and Irish prime ministers unveiled a sweeping new Northern Ireland peace plan Wednesday that offered solutions to issues -articularly Irish

British, Irish leaders unveil Northern Ireland peace package <b>...</b>


Opener Virender Sehwag hit his eighth test century with an unbeaten 108 to guide India to 235 for one in their first innings at lunch on day four of the first test against South Africa on Tuesday.

Sehwag century lifts India towards safety


Although Florida election officials are chastized for being lax in monitoring the company that built a lousy database for tracking felons and dead voters, an internal audit concludes that there was no intent to disenfranchise anyone.

Database Flawed, Not Malevolent


Mumbai, Aug. 22: Ratan Tata rousted industry shoguns out of their Sunday siestas with the announcement that Tata Steel would reduce prices by Rs 2,000 per tonne in a decision that takes immediate effect.

Tata Steel springs surprise price cut


Reuters - The Internet serves more as a town\hall in the United States than an echo chamber as users are\more likely to be exposed to a wide range of political views,\according to a survey released on Wednesday.

Internet Broadens U.S. Political Debate, Survey Says (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rolling the dice at a craps table or  wagering a paycheck playing poker may not be the most rational  use of money, but one casino operator is hoping investors will  find its stock a better bet.

Las Vegas Sands Looks for a Jackpot


AP - Authorities are investigating whether a suspect in the kidnapping of three U.N. workers was tortured before he died in police custody, an official said Sunday.

Afghans Investigate Death of Suspect (AP)


GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba : The father of accused Australian terrorist David Hicks hopes to hold an emotional reunion with his son before he appears before a US war crimes tribunal.

Australian may get family reunion before war crime tribunal


PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Donald Trump's casino operationsfiled for bankruptcy on Sunday in a long-expected move thatwould allow the real estate maverick to restructure thecompany's debt and overhaul its aging casinos.

Trump's Casinos File for Bankruptcy


Initial results from a battery of tests on Palestinian President Yasser Arafat found no signs Saturday of leukemia, Palestinian officials said, but blood doctors are still trying to find the cause of the leader #39;s dramatic

Arafat aides say initial tests have ruled out leukemia as cause of <b>...</b>


Reuters - Rampant illegal logging in Indonesia\and the demands of a rapidly expanding population and economy\in Indonesia are killing many of Asia's most exotic and rare\birds, conservationists said Thursday.

Indonesia's Birds of Paradise Dying Out- Scientist (Reuters)


MONTREAL (Reuters) - A Canadian court approved Air Canada's  <A HREF=

Court OKs Air Canada Restructuring Plan


Counterfeiters who make \$10 bills on printers could find the cops on their trail if tracking techniques pan out.

Forensic experts track printer fingerprints


The Congress on Friday passed legislation reinstituting a ban on state and local taxation of Internet access for another three years following a vote by the House of Representatives.

Congress Prohibits Internet Taxation


The Cricket Board today said it was trying its  quot;level best quot; to arrange for live telecast of the India-Australia series, while blaming both ESPN-Star Sports and Zee Telefilms for creating an impasse which forced the board to cancel the entire tendering

BCCI blames Zee, ESPN-Star sports; will arrange telecast


With the Redskins sputtering through another disappointing season, the area can now enjoy a new diversion: offseason baseball maneuvering.

Hot Stove Warms D.C.


AP - Iran called a European proposal seeking indefinite suspension of its nuclear activities

Iran: Europe Nuke Proposal 'Unbalanced' (AP)


US consumer prices rose by 0.2 last month, a US government report showed this afternoon, but the core inflation rate rose at its fastest pace in five months.

US data don #39;t reflect oil rise


: A suicide car bomber ploughed into a Shia mosque in Baghdad after dawn prayers today, killing 14 people and stoking fears that sectarian divisions over when to hold elections could unleash further bloodshed.

Suicide strike kills 14 in Iraq


The man picked to take over as Hungary's prime minister, Ferenc Gyurcsany, will have to convince voters that joining the euro is worth making sacrifices for.

New Hungarian PM faces popularity test


No preening or chest bumping. No backward baseball cap. No high stepping as he approached the finish line. Shawn Crawford was all business Tuesday, speeding to victory in 20.

Businesslike Crawford, two US teammates, advance in 200


\Levels of a naturally occurring cannabis-like compound rise sharply in a woman's body when she is about to go into labour, research has found.

Hopes of premature labour insight


Nov 03, 2004 -- A Loudoun County Circuit Court jury convicted a brother and sister from North Carolina on three counts each of sending spam and acquitted the third co-defendant in the nations first felony spam trial that ended Wednesday.

Spammer Jailed, Fines Issued In Landmark Case


\The UN and human rights groups express concern over the number of people who disappear in Nepal.

Concern over Nepal disappearances


CANBERRA (Dow Jones)--Renewable energy generator Pacific Hydro Ltd. (PHY.AU) reported Wednesday a 39 jump in net profit, including a one-time tax benefit, to A\$40.7 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, up from A\$29.3 million in the previous year.

Australia #39;s Pacific Hydro FY04 Net A\$40.7M, Up 39


ZURICH, Switzerland (Ticker) - Reigning Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova had a better day than fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva at the Swisscom Challenge on Wednesday.

Another good day for Sharapova in Zurich


Among new products from 3am Labs is a free tool for accessing a PC via any device with a browser.

Software maker launches remote-access tools


Scientists have unearthed the remains of a perfectly preserved 130 million-year-old new species of dinosaur which provide a first-ever look at how the prehistoric creatures slept.

Fossil Hunters Find Sleeping Dinosaur in China


A US-led operation targeting ID fraud crooks has led to the arrest of 28 people across seven countries this week.\

News: US Secret Service busts 28 ID fraudsters


Rashad Baker, a rookie defensive back for the Buffalo Bills, learned a hard lesson Sunday in his third NFL game: you can #39;t give the New England Patriots a second chance.

Patriots Make the Bills Pay and Win Their 18th Game in a Row


SALEM, NH -- Red Sox fans can be superstitious, and students and teachers in one New Hampshire town are using ritual and music to try to bring the team luck.

Sox Fans Hope Team #39;s Magic Continues


NEW YORK - Another jump in oil prices pre-empted a rally on Wall Street Tuesday, though stocks managed to post modest gains on the strength of the latest consumer price report, which put many investors' inflation fears to rest for the near term.    Stocks started the session strong after the government's Consumer Price Index registered a small drop in July, giving consumers a respite from soaring energy prices...

Stocks Climb on Drop in Consumer Prices


BANGALORE, INDIA --India is likely to lose market share in offshore business process outsourcing (BPO), from its current 80 percent to about 55 percent by 2007, according to research firm Gartner Inc.

Gartner: India's BPO market likely to lose market share


Kryptonite's near-indestructible bike locks can be opened in seconds with a cheap plastic pen. This is pretty bad for Kryptonite: The same lock is widely used in vending machines, security panels and vehicle security products. By Leander Kahney.

Twist a Pen, Open a Lock


The Justice Department has opened an investigation into possible accounting fraud by the mortgage giant Fannie Mae. The criminal inquiry, still in a preliminary stage, came

Government opens Fannie Mae inquiry


Reuters - Japanese officials were trying to confirm\Thursday whether a 1,000 yen ( #36;9) bill that was being auctioned\on an Internet site was really a prototype of a new high-tech\banknote that slipped through their fingers.

Japan Officials Check on Auction of New Banknote (Reuters)


IT HAD always threatened to be a fight too far for Amir Khan, and so it proved. Up against the vastly experienced Cuban Mario Kindelan, the 17-year-old from Bolton fought gamely, but in the end lost out by

No gold but Khan shows his mettle


Mahmoud Abbas, the new chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, won a vital vote on Thursday evening from the Palestinians #39; dominant political faction approving

Potential Arafat Successor Gains Approval Amid Talk of a Rival


Rollie Hawk writes  quot;It ain #39;t warp speed, but it #39;s exciting new technology at work! The European Space Agency put an ion-propelled rocket into lunar orbit today.

Ion-Propulsion Craft Reaches The Moon


Boeing's huge Delta 4-Heavy rocket, set for lift-off on Saturday, may play a role in life after the space shuttle.

Giant rocket prepares for lift-off


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Wednesday as  Hurricane Ivan -- one of the fiercest storms on record --  churned toward the southeastern United States, while the dollar  struggled with worrying economic data.

Hurricane Pushes U.S. Oil Toward \$45


US Major League baseball has released to the press the specially marked balls used for when Ichiro Suzuki bats as he closes in on the record for most hits in a season.

Specially marked balls used for Ichiro as he closes in on record


Jason Ellison, Marquis Grissom and Deivi Cruz had two-run homers Sunday to lead the San Francisco Giants to a 10-0 rout of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

MLB: San Francisco 10, Los Angeles 0


GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Oct. 6, 2004 - Israel stepped up airstrikes in its Gaza offensive, killing an Islamic Jihad leader and bringing to 75 the number of Palestinians killed in the operation to end rocket fire on Israeli towns.

Israelis Kill Islamic Jihad Leader


US Airways and its pilots union are close to reaching a \$300 million cost-cutting agreement, a key part of a restructuring plan that the airline says it needs to help it emerge from bankruptcy.

US Airways, Pilots Union Near Cost-Cutting Accord


BOSTON (CBS.MW) - Shares of Merck and rivals Pfizer and Novartis all closed higher Friday, the day after Merck announced that it was abruptly pulling its hugely popular anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx from the market due to safety concerns.

Merck shares rebound slightly


London, Sept. 23 (NNN): Britain has ruled out negotiations with militants holding a British man in Iraq, after the hostage made a video appeal to Prime Minister Tony Blair to help save his life.

No Giving In To Iraq Kidnappers: Britain


French Formula One driver Olivier Panis says that he will retire from the Grand Prix circuit at the end of this season but will stay with the Toyota team as an advisor.

French Formula One Driver Panis to Retire from Grand Prix


THE SOFTWARE giant on which the sun never sets is releasing its Microsoft Windows mega-patch in Post Offices throughout Japan. Microsoft in Tokyo has announced that it will exploit a network of 25,000 post

Microsoft delivers SP2 at Post Office


Cisco, Dell and Microsoft earn raves in a customer loyalty survey. Apple, HP and Sun? Not so much. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Executives at Cisco, Dell, Microsoft and IBM don #39;t need to worry about losing a lot

Who do you love?


Just as people currently use newsreaders to read syndicated text from blogs and news sites, a few hackers are creating applications that let users view syndicated video feeds. Think of it as TiVocasting. By Daniel Terdiman.

Video Feeds Follow Podcasting


Apple announced on Wednesday that its quarterly profit more than doubled because of continued strong sales of iPod music players, beating Wall Street estimates by a wide margin

Apple's 4th-Quarter Profit More Than Doubled


AP - Billy Reay, who played on two Stanley Cup champions with Montreal and became the winningest coach in Chicago Blackhawks' history, died at 86.

Longtime Blackhawks Coach Billy Reay Dies (AP)


Negotiators for 14 major District hotels walked out of contract talks with the union that represents 3,800 employees yesterday afternoon, raising the prospect of a work stoppage as early as today at the city's largest hotels.

Hotels, Union End Talks, Prepare for Strike


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The major stock indexes ended 1  percent lower on Thursday after crude oil rose to a record \$53  a barrel and drug makers like Pfizer Inc. <A HREF=

Stocks Close One Percent Lower


Broadband wireless carrier Clearwire and Intel Corp. said they will join forces to develop and deploy WiMAX wireless broadband networks.

Clearwire Partners With Intel on WiMAX Networks


Reuters - Democratic Sen. John Edwards\wasn't born a millionaire, and he doesn't let voters forget\that.

Edwards' Down-Home Style Fills a Gap for Kerry (Reuters)


PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - Residents left homeless by Hurricane Charley's 145 mph winds dug through their ravaged homes on Sunday, sweeping up shattered glass and rescuing what they could as President Bush promised rapid delivery of disaster aid...

Bush Vows Rapid Aid to Hurricane Victims


ATHENS, Ont. (CP) - David Frost, the agent for jailed former NHL player Mike Danton, has been banned from attending all future games and events of Central Jr.

Junior hockey league bans David Frost from games after incident in <b>...</b>


Reuters - Dwyane Wade poured in 26 points and\dished out nine assists as the Miami Heat scorched the\expansion Charlotte Bobcats 113-90 in NBA action on Saturday,\to extend their franchise record win streak to 14 games.

NBA Wrap: Heat Tame Bobcats to Extend Winning Streak (Reuters)


THE merger of high-profile information security companies Betrusted, TruSecure and Ubizen signals a strategic shift in the market place.

Security trio merge to create one-stop giant


Latest report from the UK, although indicative of serious change, tells us again what we already know. On Thursday, October 28, the press was abuzz with news of the United Kingdom #39;s formal publication of its

Linux in Government: In Spite of Endorsements, Government Linux <b>...</b>


Richard Green holed two chip shots on Saturday to close within one stroke of fellow Australian Rod Pampling going into the final round of the centenary Australian Open golf championship.

Pampling retains Aussie Open lead


Still pushing for its big merger with Mandalay Resort Group (MBG ), casino giant MGM Mirage (MGG ) pulled another card out of its sleeve on Nov. 10 with a giant residential and casino project it claims will

MGM #39;s Mini-Metropolis for Vegas


It bothers Juanita Swedenburg that many of her customers are criminals in the eyes of the law. Swedenburg sells premium handmade wines from grapes that she grows on her 130-acre farm in northern Virginia, and

Freeing the Grapes?


Alleged Southeast Asian extremist chief Abu Bakar Bashir on Thursday accused police of arresting him on orders of President Bush, and dismissed terror charges against him as  quot;laughable.

Bashir appeals for Muslim support


Beleaguered Russian oil giant Yukos on Monday faces a court-imposed deadline to pay a multi-billion dollar tax bill. Yukos has been ordered to pay \$3.

Yukos faces tax payment deadline


I remember the major turning point that took Linux from an OS that Microsoft used to call competition during their anti-trust case to a serious commercial operating system.

Desktop Linux: The Final Hurdles


DaimlerChrysler #39;s (DCXGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) third-quarter operating profit rose 7 percent, just below analyst expectations, as

DaimlerChrysler Operating Profit Rises


The terrorists, whose unspeakably malevolent takeover of a Russian schoolhouse resulted in the deaths of 330 children, teachers and parents, have succeeded in at least one respect.

A Russia less safe and less free


This winter, rising oil prices will translate into higher heating bills for households.

With Oil Prices Up, It Could Be a Long Winter


The march of information technology into the workplace has been greeted with a mix of awe and resistance. For all their promise of productivity gains, computers, business software, and telecommunications gear have disrupted processes at the core of a company's identity.

Coming: IT that adapts to users' requirements


Genzyme Corp. chief executive Henri A. Termeer's salary of \$1.2 million last year was the highest of any in the biotechnology industry, according to a survey released yesterday.

Genzyme CEO's pay was tops in biotech


Reuters - Confidence among chief executives in\the U.S. economy slipped for the second straight quarter,\private research firm The Conference Board said on Wednesday.

U.S. CEOs' Confidence Slips Further (Reuters)


NASA scientists are studying the man who was the basis for Dustin Hoffman #39;s character in the 1988 film  quot;Rain Man, quot; hoping that technology used to study the effects of space travel on the brain will help explain his mental capabilities.

NASA Studies  #39;Rain Man #39;s #39; Brain


The man is suspected of selling high-tech equipment on the nuclear black market and is the third German businessman named as a suspect in the past month in an investigation into the trade in several countries.

3rd German  Arrested in Probe Into Arms Trade


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

Oracle Launches New Real-Time Collaboration Suite


AP - Nearly a month after John Kerry conceded Ohio to President Bush, complaints and challenges about the balloting are mounting as activists including the Rev. Jesse Jackson demand closer scrutiny to ensure the votes are being counted on the up-and-up.

One Month Later, Fight Over Ohio Continues (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar dropped against most major  currencies on Wednesday after mixed data on U.S. durable goods  orders and weaker-than-expected new home sales did little to  brighten the U.S. economic outlook.

Dollar Dips Against Most Major Currencies


ROBERT POLET may not be elaborating on the reasons for Gucci CEO Giacomo Santucci departure from the company yesterday, but he #39;s made his point.

DIFFICULT BUT NECESSARY


The US military closes all roads into the Iraqi city of Falluja, amid speculation a major assault is imminent.

US military 'seals off Falluja'


WASHINGTON: US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said on Thursday Iran was making a lot of mistakes but said any action to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons was a call for President George W Bush and other leaders to make.

REGION: Iran making a lot of mistakes


The economy picked up a little more speed during the summer quarter from July through September, expanding at a 3.7 percent annual rate, the government reported yesterday.

Growth Rate of Economy Edged Higher Over Summer


MORE than any of the rest of the world #39;s best golfers, Phil Mickelson has often tried to do the spectacular because he thinks he will hit a magical shot.

A Puzzling Change for Mickelson


It was to plug one of his many books that Melvyn Bragg was in the ITV building this week when he encountered an old chum who asked him to go on air to do a political interview while he was there.

Melvyn Bragg: Political misadventures of a peer and polymath


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Calgary #39;s Maria Zambrano posted the best Canadian result at the 2004 world half-marathon championships Sunday in New Dehli with a 40th-place showing.

Maria Zambrano top Canadian at half-marathon worlds


TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average rose 0.13 percent  by midday on Tuesday as investors sought bargains among  technology firms, but gains were limited by caution ahead of a  monetary policy meeting in the United States.

Nikkei Up But Caution Looms Before Fed


AP - The prosecutor who brought rape charges against Kobe Bryant has joined news organizations in opposing an attempt by the NBA star's attorney to permanently seal evidence and documents in the case.

Bryant's Request to Seal Evidence Opposed (AP)


Some 30,000 Sudanese refugees might cross into Chad to escape persecution by Arab militia, the UN warns.

UN warns of Sudan refugee exodus


In what should have been the  quot;home stretch quot; of their six-month orbital expedition, the crew of the international space station is struggling with new problems in their critical oxygen production system.

Oxygen problems plague space station


The National Football League on Monday said it will extend broadcast rights for television networks CBS and FOX to air Sunday afternoon football games through 2011 in deals worth a combined \$8 billion.

NFL Extends CBS, Fox Broadcast Rights in \$8 Billion Deal


Amazon.com is trying to out-Google the king of Internet search with a new site that puts a fancy face on Google #39;s plain-Jane search results.

Amazon #39;s A9 Reaches Beyond Google #39;s Basics


EAGLE, Colo. - The Kobe Bryant case collapsed Wednesday as prosecutors said they had no choice but to drop the sexual assault charge against the NBA star because his accuser no longer wanted to participate...

Prosecutors Drop Sex Case Against Bryant


Spaniard Sete Gibernau won a controversial inaugural Qatar MotoGP on Saturday which began with multiple world champions Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi being relegated to the back of the grid.

Gibernau wins Qatar MotoGP after Rossi controversy


Reuters - Former Blue Jays pitcher and television\commentator John Cerutti was found dead in a Toronto hotel room\on Sunday. He was 44.

Former Blue Jays Pitcher Cerutti Found Dead (Reuters)


AFP - Kmart Holding Corporation, parent company of the discount retail chain, said it had finalized the sale of 50 stores to Sears, Roebuck and Co for 575.9 million dollars in cash.

Kmart wraps sale of 50 stores to Sears (AFP)


Optical storage format had been highly anticipated in 2001, but never made it to market.

DataPlay Discs Stage a Comeback


The software maker expands its Visual Studio line of developer tools.\

Microsoft courts mainstream developers


New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was offered 200,000 to join a match-fixing syndicate in 1999.

Match-fixers targeted NZ captain


Well, yes, there are worse things than a lockout. In the midst of the NHL's self-imposed two-hander over the head (now day No. 66 on what appears the fast track to infinity), a couple of Bruins prospects turned their opportunity to play in Providence into their final days in the Boston organization.

Cut, cut: Scene is repeated in Providence


Four American contractors providing security for the US Embassy were among at least 10 people killed in two blasts inside Baghdad #39;s Green Zone, prompting the US-led military coalition

Iraq Blasts Kill 4 US Workers in Breach of Baghdad Compound


The NDP #39;s second annual conference will end today with Gamal Mubarak #39;s Policies Committee having consolidated its leadership of the ruling party.

Change at hand


Without saying so, the Chargers seem to be motoring merrily and without copycat-remorse along Patriots Way. You bring in good football players who aren #39;t wigged out or doped up or charter founders of their own fan clubs and let them play.

GM #39;s deal for McCardell is right move


A 40km stretch of road is being dug up over four months to bring high-speed internet access to Cumbria.

Broadband boost for rural areas


Spanish right sided midfielder Antonio Nunez is still missing with an ankle injury while back-up keeper Chris Kirkland is doubtful with a back problem.

Champions League matches in Group A


WASHINGTON Oct. 7, 2004 - Consumers cut back on their borrowing in August by the largest amount since the end of 1990 as confidence in the economy fell and energy prices surged.

Consumers Tighten Borrowing in August


Reuters - The United States is doing\everything it can to put in place conditions that will allow\Iraqis to conduct elections due by Jan. 30, Secretary of State\Colin Powell said in an interview published on Tuesday.

Powell Tells Paper U.S. Working on Iraq Election (Reuters)


BEIJING (Reuters) - A group of 44 North Korean asylum  seekers used makeshift ladders to scale the fence and leap into  the Canadian embassy in Beijing on Wednesday, officials said.

44 N.Koreans Break Into Canada's Beijing Embassy


THE bid by charismatic Harmony CE Bernard Swanepoel to take over Gold Fields has all the makings of a bitter fight and one that may result, after years of success, in a serious setback for him.

Swanepoel #39;s Gold Fields takeover bid looks as if it was born of <b>...</b>


WASHINGTON - Electronic voting machine problems caused more than 4,500 votes to be lost in one North Carolina county during Tuesday's general election, and gave U.S. President George Bush more than 3,800 extra votes in an Ohio county, according to reports by the Associated Press.

Report: E-voting problems cause loss of votes


The first question posed to Al Groh in his press conference last night, not surprisingly, concerned the Miami Hurricanes #39; big plays.

Storm surge hits U. Va.


AP - Google Inc.'s stock market debut appeared to be on track for later this week after the Internet search company asked regulators to give final approval of the paperwork required for the sale.

Google Stock Offering Remains on Track (AP)


Argentine David Nalbandian entered the Madrid Master final on Saturday, scoring 6-4 and 6-4 victory over Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia.

Nalbandian to vie for Madrid Masters title


The general in charge of UN peacekeepers in Haiti is critical of the slow pace of aid getting to hungry and sick residents, many left homeless by flooding.

Surviving Haitians pray for 1,500 killed by Jeanne; more


Korea will have a lot to gain from closer ties with Singapore #39;s advanced service and financial sectors, while Singapore can capitalize on Korea #39;s efficient logistics system following the inking of the bilateral free-trade agreement, a Singaporean business

South Korea expected to gain from Singapore service sectors


A BANKRUPTCY judge gave US Airways Group Inc permission today to tap a government loan to fund daily operations - a move expected to allow the airline to continue its normal

US Airways cash relief


NewsFactor - With automatic download of Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) enormous SP2 security patch to the Windows XP operating system set to begin, the industry still waits to understand its ramifications. Home users that have their preferences set to receive operating-system updates as they are made available by Microsoft may be surprised to learn that some of the software they already run on their systems could be disabled by SP2 or may run very differently.

Microsoft Lists XP SP2 Problems (NewsFactor)


Reuters - The Xbox version of

'Doom 3' Game Unlikely for Xbox This Year - id CEO (Reuters)


China Power International Development Ltd., a unit of China #39;s fifth-biggest electricity generator, plans to raise as much as HK\$2.

China Power Sets IPO Price Range, May Raise \$330 Mln (Update1)


Tom DeLay of Texas claimed vindication today after it was disclosed that one of his accusers had been found to have stretched the facts.

House G.O.P. Leader Hails Ethics Panel's Rebuke of His Accuser


R. David Martin, the chief financial officer of Action Performance Cos., abruptly resigned Friday, as the Tempe-based company said it wanted to go in a different direction.

Valley  amp; state business briefs


Palestinian leaders will tell Colin Powell, the US secretary of state, who is visiting the occupied territories today, that they want the Bush administration to commit itself to the creation of a Palestinian state by the end of next year.

PLO to press Powell on road map


Plans to integrate two existing alert services in bid to tap compliance market.

Symantec builds double-clad security service


UNITED NATIONS -- The UN Correspondents Association chose the Wall Street Journal, independent filmmaker Theodore Folke, and the British Broadcasting Corporation for its top journalism prizes yesterday.

UN journalists are honored


ISLAMABAD, November 09 (Online): Pakistan on Monday dispelled the assertion of Indian Home Minister that Islamabad is pressurising Kashmiri leaders including All Parties Hurriyet Conference for holding talks with New Delhi.

APHC under no pressure from Pak to hold talks with India: Masood


Iran said Thursday it would launch its first satellite into space by May 2005, state television reported. Mohammad Fathi, head of Iran #39;s Scientific and Industrial Research Center, said the

Iran Plans to Launch Satellite by May 2005


U.S. troops hunted rebels in the battered Iraqi city of Fallujah on Thursday, but rebels hit back with an armed rampage in Mosul and a powerful car bomb that killed 17 people in a crowded Baghdad street.

Baghdad Blast Kills 17


Three-Ring Circus

Mylan's


Zimbabwe cricket #39;s international status was left hanging in the balance yesterday when the first day of the International Cricket Council #39;s investigation into allegations of racism was marred by the sort of intimidation which has, according to the former

Zimbabwe officials halt racism hearing


Reuters - The United States would deal with\Iran as part of a group of Iraq's neighbors that will meet in\Egypt this month, although Washington has no diplomatic\relations with Tehran, Secretary of State Colin Powell said on\Tuesday.

U.S. Will Deal with Iran When Group Meets in Egypt (Reuters)


AP - Following the death of a female student and two off-campus riots, Colorado State University officials on Thursday said alcohol sales for most of its football stadium would be suspended until at least Feb. 1.

Colorado State Limits Alcohol at Stadium (AP)


Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira hit for the cycle and drove in a career-high seven runs in a 16-4 rout of the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.

Teixeira Bats for Cycle


 By Fabian Andres Cambero

 CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - As the setting sun castslong shadows over a Caracas cemetery, crime-weary Venezuelanspray at the tomb of the notorious thief Ismael, believing heand other dead gangsters can protect them against violentattacks and robberies.

Gangster Cult Shields Venezuelans from Crime


Oracle Corp. plans to release the latest version of its CRM (customer relationship management) applications within the next two months, as part of an ongoing update of its E-Business Suite.

Oracle readies CRM updates


India reports success, while Venezuela fears fraud. What can the United States learn?

Global lessons in e-voting


Lazard, the financial advisory boutique, filed for an initial public offering that is expected to command a valuation of around \$3 billion.

Lazard I.P.O. Seeks to Raise \$850 Million


Neumann, the 1988 US Women #39;s Open champion, had come into the week with few expectations. Even her name on caddie Mark Scott #39;s vest was incorrectly spelled,  quot;Newmann.

Hello, Neumann: It #39;s Been Six Years


After years of self-doubt and housecleaning in the wake of Enron, corporate America has gotten a bit of swagger back in its step.

Wall Street's Designs on '05? A Boom in Merger Activity


LAURA GRANVILLE of the United States crushed fifth-seeded Denisa Chladkova of the Czech Republic 6-1 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the WTA event here today.

Granville crushes Czech


TORONTO and CALGARY - Imperial Oil Ltd. will pull up its Toronto roots and move its head office to Calgary within the year, ending a long-term commitment to run its oil and gas operations out of Eastern Canada.

Imperial Oil moving HQ to Calgary


PeopleSoft (PSFT) CEO Craig Conway isn #39;t about to go down without a fight in his company #39;s takeover tussle with rival Oracle (ORCL).

PeopleSoft CEO:  #39;We will not blink #39; in fight against Oracle


The Virginia Tech quarterback connected with Eddie Royal for a 39-yard pass early in the fourth quarter that would provide the winning margin in a 16-10 triumph over Miami, wrapping up the ACC championship

And that #39;s a wrap for Hokiesand QBRandall


ATLANTA - Auburn probably will have to be content with a SEC championship because the Tigers aren #39;t likely to get a shot at the title they want.

SEC title all Tigers get


Site Notice Some rough figures

<cite>Register</cite> restores ad service


Sproles ran for 221 yards and a touchdown to lead Kansas State to a lackluster 27-13 victory over Division I-AA Western Kentucky in the season opener for both teams.

Kansas St. Wildcats


A: If you #39;ve seen the legions of music lovers walking around with white ear buds dangling from their ears: you #39;ve witnessed the iPod revolution.

Ask Matt


Symantec is close to sealing a deal worth about \$13bn to acquire Veritas in one of the largest ever mergers between two software companies.

Symantec near \$13bn deal to buy Veritas


Anglican Church head Rowan Williams has warned church leaders that criticism of gay people could make them vulnerable to persecution or suicide.

Anglican Leader Warns Churches on Gay Hate Message


December 08, 2004 - Memory-Tech Corp. and Toshiba have announced that they have developed a dual-layer disc that can store both standard DVD and HD-DVD formats, on different layers.

DVD/HD-DVD Combo Developed


BMcWilliams writes  quot;Russell McGuire, one of the government lawyers who prosecuted spammer Jeremy Jaynes, has published an article justifying the tough sentence recommended by a Virginia jury.

Defending Harsh Sentences for Spammers


AFP - The speaker of India's parliament has threatened to resign, saying some members' accusations that he was behaving like a

India's parliament speaker threatens to quit (AFP)


Reuters - European shares opened higher on\Thursday, encouraged by Wall Street's powerful performance\overnight on the back of a slump in oil prices, while Swiss\Life  rose after posting solid growth in premium income.

Oil Price Drop Fuels Europe Stocks Gains (Reuters)


England aim to launch a new era under coach Andy Robinson with a handsome victory over Canada in the first of three autumn Tests at Twickenham.

England v Canada (Sat)


Genzyme Corp. of Cambridge, Mass., agreed Thursday to buy back the sales and marketing rights for Synvisc, a pain treatment for people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals of Collegeville, Pa.

Genzyme to buy back rights


Did I just attend one of the greatest events in sports, or was it the Booz Allen Classic? The Europeans #39; dominance was so overwhelming from the very first session that the life was completely sucked out of this Ryder Cup, along with all of the energy.

US team might be better off without Tiger; Sutton #39;s strategy flops


washingtonpost.com - Law enforcement authorities on both sides of the Atlantic have arrested 28 people on suspicion of operating Web sites that were allegedly designed to steal, sell and forge credit cards and identification documents.

28 Identity Theft Suspects Arrested in Transatlantic Sting (washingtonpost.com)


As the largest feature of its kind in the solar system, the martian canyon, Valles Marineris, stretches an equivalent terrestrial distance from New York to Los Angeles. But getting a robotic explorer down into the canyon floor challenges even the most intrepid of navigators.

Postcards from the Grander Canyon


BRUSSELS The incoming European Union trade commissioner, Peter Mandelson, on Monday criticized the United States for failing to stick to bilateral talks to resolve a dispute over government aid to Boeing and Airbus.

Trade chief of EU takes US to task


Bank of America began cutting jobs Wednesday but officials would not confirm how many or where. But a spokeswoman said cuts were occurring, and would eventually reach 12,500, the same number given in spring when the merger became final.

Major bank #39;s layoffs felt in Hudson Valley


Calling the bloody humanitarian crisis in Darfur an  quot;absolute African issue, quot; Sudan #39;s president and four African counterparts rejected all foreign intervention Monday.

African leaders reject foreign intervention in Darfur conflict


LONDON, November 29 (newratings.com) - The board of the Franco-Belgian Bank, Dexia (DXB.ETR), has rejected the companys proposed 37 billion merger with Italys Sanpaolo (PAO), following increasing opposition to the proposal by a group of its key

Dexia shelves proposed merger with Sanpaolo


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California Gov. Arnold  Schwarzenegger signed an anti-spyware bill on Tuesday banning  unauthorized installation of deceptive software that hides in  personal computers and secretly monitors user activity.

Schwarzenegger Signs California Anti-Spyware Bill


MANILA, Philippines - Filipino and British wildlife researchers say they #39;ve stumbled upon what appears to be a new species of flightless bird found only on the tiny forested island of Calayan in the northern ...

Researchers Find New Species of Bird


washingtonpost.com - The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from conducting

Digitizing the Bill of Rights (washingtonpost.com)


Reuters - Eight conservation groups are fighting\the U.S. government over a plan to poison thousands of prairie\dogs in the grasslands of South Dakota, saying wildlife should\not take a backseat to ranching interests.

Groups Fight U.S. Plan to Kill Prairie Dogs (Reuters)


Reuters - Stringent security measures were\being implemented for a parliamentary vote next week on a Gaza\pullout plan expected to spark Jewish settler protests and\heighten death threats against Israeli leader Ariel Sharon.

Israel Battens Down Hatches for Volatile Gaza Vote (Reuters)


Both Taiwan and China should see the issue of cross-strait direct transportation links as the initial step to creating mutual trust between each other, ahead of the concerns for regional peace, local scholars suggested yesterday.

Direct links can be a first step in building trust, say scholars


Last week #39;s Japanese launch of the Nintendo DS was a fairly low-key affair, with short lines, piles of available stock, and boringly high salesover 500,000 units in Japan to date, with

PSP Japanese Launch Impressions


Summary - (Nov 1, 2004) Grounded since the Columbia disaster, the space shuttles are tentatively expected to return to flight as early as May 2005, according to NASA officials.

NASA Announces May 2005 For Shuttle Flight


December 5, 2004 -- THE meetings this week in Toronto be tween the NHL and the NHLPA will mark the beginning of the end, either the beginning of the end of the lockout or the beginning of the end of the NHL in any recognizable form.

DON #39;T KID YOURSELF


FT.com - In theory, advertising agencies should love mobile telephones. What better way to reach consumers on the go?

Ad agencies sound alert over the mobile phone generation (FT.com)


A Chilean court has suspended the order to place former Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet under house arrest for crimes he committed during  quot;Operation Condor quot;, aiming to remove his opponents in Latin America, between 1970 and 1980 at the request of his

Decision to Place Pinochet Under House Arrest Suspended


A division of Primus Telecommunications Group Inc. agreed Tuesday to pay \$400,000 to the federal government to settle allegations that the McLean phone provider made telemarketing calls in violation of the national do-not-call registry. <FONT face=

Primus Unit to Pay \$400,000 in Do-Not-Call Probe


Washington is the nation #39;s eighth largest media market, but for baseball #39;s purposes in 2005, it is Kansas City, Milwaukee or even Montreal.

Small market reality arrives


Microsoft has licensed its ActiveSync technology to OEM partners Motorola and PalmOne to enable a new class of non-Windows smart phones to wirelessly synchronize with Exchange Server 2003.

Microsoft Licenses ActiveSync For Motorola, PalmOne Smart Phones


When arcade games are in the recreation room, no coins are necessary.

Remember When You Wanted Your Own Ms. Pac-Man?


The insurance industry could soon be forced to embrace CRM tools, middleware and straight-through processing technology to cope with insurance regulation reforms that would require greater oversight.

Insurers face new technology reality


THIS WEEK, we #39;ve had snow in the north and of locusts in the south, which seems like a pretty fitting illustration for the extremes that exist in this small sliver of the globe.

Letter from Jerusalem


Holiday shoppers, intent on finding bargains, descended on the region's shopping centers Friday. But, in what could be a worrisome sign for retailers, many consumers vowed to watch their wallets closely.

Buying Holiday Cheer, For Less


A review of Merck's handling of Vioxx suggests that actions the company took - and did not take - may have affected the health of potentially thousands of patients.

In Face of Warnings, Drug Giant Took Long Path to Vioxx Recall


The law licenses of two former Internal Revenue Service lawyers have been suspended after they defrauded the courts so that the I.R.S. could win 1,300 tax shelter cases.

2 Ex-I.R.S. Lawyers' Licenses Suspended for Misconduct


NewsFactor - Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) has updated its Unix-based Mac OS X operating system to version 10.3.6. The software release, issued Friday, is Apple's first incremental update to OS X in almost two months.

Mac OS X Update Fixes Some Problems, Creates Others (NewsFactor)


To get back to what MSN #39;s new search means, start by thinking of ad dollars. As Foolish paid-search fan Rick Munarriz has pointed out many times, this is a big business, with plenty of room to grow.

Can Microsoft Kill Google?


Ford made a four-year commitment to the world rally championship Tuesday, ending fears that they could pull out of that series as well as Formula One.

Ford Makes Four-Year Commitment


KUWAIT (Reuters) - Kuwait plans to spend some \$30 billion  to \$40 billion to upgrade its energy sector, and to increase  oil production capacity 60 percent to four million barrels per  day by 2020, top oil officials said in remarks published in  local newspapers on Sunday.

Kuwait Plans Big Oil Project Spending


After a series of announcements last month JBoss has announced JBoss jBPM, their first step into business process management. They have taken the Java Business Process Management project (jBPM), founded by

JBoss moves up to business processes


Nokia today officially announced the Nokia 9300, a smartphone that had been rumored to exist since CeBIT. The 9300 is part of the same family as its bigger brother, the 9500, and is designed for mobile professionals

Review: Nokia 9300 Communicator


AP - A videotape surfaced on the Internet Tuesday showing what was said to be the confession and beheading of an Arab Shiite Muslim, presumably Iraqi, who was accused of serving the U.S. Army by

Video: Shiite Muslim Purportedly Beheaded (AP)


AGRA - As India Monday prepares to launch celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Taj Mahal, the countrys famed monument to love, historians say the festivities are up to a decade too late.

Historians say Taj Mahals 350th anniversary up to a decade too <b>...</b>


IBM has filed a 100-page motion with a US district court in an attempt to have some of the claims made against it by The SCO Group dismissed.

IBM seeks dismissal of SCO claims


MADRID (Spain): Hard-serving Ivan Ljubicic upset top-seeded but error prone Tim Henman of Britain 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 on Thursday in the 2.

MADRID MASTERS: Ljubicic and Dent first to reach quarters, Henman <b>...</b>


IBM Corp will today announce that it will move its slower 1.5GHz Power5 processors into its eServer p5 520 and 550 servers in an attempt to make the  quot;Squadron quot; servers more appealing to customers using rival Sun Microsystems Inc #39;s Sparc/Solaris boxes and

IBM drops eServer Power5 clock speed to chase Sun


India today conveyed to the US its concern over repercussions of American arms supplies to Pakistan on the ongoing Indo-Pak dialogue and its impact on the positive sentiments for Washington in this country.

Arms to Pak: India conveys concerns to US


AP - Linebacker Mike Goolsby knows better than anyone that Notre Dame's defensive line makes it difficult to run.

Irish Defensive Line Shuts Down Opponents (AP)


Intel Corp. is on track to introduce the world #39;s most advanced chip production technology in its products next year, the largest semiconductor maker said.

Intel: Half-billion on a chip


BASRA, Oct 27: 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 Fallujah , as Tokyo stood firm after militants threatened to behead a Japanese hostage.

UK troops on way to Baghdad: Japan rejects militants #39; threat


Wayne Rooney will begin his Manchester United career, ahead of schedule, on Wednesday when he is named among the substitutes for the Champions League match against Fenerbahce

Rooney counting down to Old Trafford debut


Global warming is threatening travel destinations worldwide. What's more, travelers themselves are contributing to it. Find out what you can do about it.

Travel Column: Offsetting Air Travel's Greenhouse Impact


Graeme Souness maintains his Newcastle players should not get upset if he decides they should be substituted. Craig Bellamy was clearly unhappy when he was replaced by Shola Ameobi

Souness to Investigate Bellamy Outburst


At a special music event featuring Bono and The Edge from U2, Apple yesterday unveiled the iPod Photo with a colour screen, available immediately in 40GB or 60GB versions.

Apple launches 60GB, 40GB iPod Photo


Reuters - U.S. warplanes bombarded hard\core rebel areas of Falluja on Monday as troops hunted\insurgents house-to-house in the city already devastated by the\ferocity of the military's seven-day onslaught.

U.S. Planes Bomb Falluja as Rebels Battle On (Reuters)


The founder of Easyjet has confirmed he is entering the online music market in a partnership with UK-based Wippit. Stelios Haji-Ioannou #39;s move comes as Microsoft and Yahoo revealed challenges to the likes

Stelios enters online music fray


TBILISI : Armed men abducted eight Georgian civilians in Georgia #39;s breakaway region of South Ossetia, an area that last month saw fighting between Tbilisi and Ossetian forces, police said.

Eight Georgians abducted in Georgian breakaway region: police


The French Competition Council will not force Apple to license its FairPlay digital-rights management technology to competitors. The Council rejected an argument by Virgin France, which

French Courts Give Rights Win to Apple


Forbes.com - There is more to corporate performance than what you see in the earnings reports. Could an investor have anticipated the trouble at companies like Enron, Adelphia, WorldCom and Tyco by looking more closely at how they were governed and how they kept their books? Their problems, to be sure, are far more visible in hindsight, but nonetheless each left telltale signs that all was not well. Robust reported earnings growth at both Enron and WorldCom was not supported by hard cash. The Adelphia board was stacked with company insiders who turned a blind eye to self-dealing by company executives. ...

A Matter of Trust (Forbes.com)


ATHENS Top-seeded Roger Federer was eliminated in the second round of the Olympic tennis tournament Tuesday, losing to Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5.

Federer eliminated by the 74th-ranked Berdych


The e-mail offers are coming fast and furious.<br>

The Shipping News? Time's Almost Up


Iraqi PM Iyad Allawi says elections will take place in January as scheduled, despite continuing violence.

Iraq 'on track for January poll'


US retail sales dipped in August and the US gap with its international trade partners widened to a record level in the second quarter of the year, government reports released on Tuesday showed.

Retail Sales Down; Trade Gap Larger


It is just as well that Arsenal do not lose often, for they do not deal with defeat at all well. Sunday #39;s defeat was only their second in their past 55 in the Premiership, but

Arsenal #39;s slide gathering pace


DARLINGTON, SC (SportsTicker) - Jamie McMurray won his second straight NASCAR Busch Series race Saturday and Martin Truex Jr. celebrated the 2004 series title with a fourth-place finish in the Bi-Lo 200 at Darlington Raceway.

Truex wins Busch championship with fourth-place finish


AFP - Iran has become the latest country to edge towards ditching the ubiquitous Microsoft computer operating system in favour of the open-source Linux solution, even if its refusal to abide by copyright laws means that the Islamic republic does not pay a penny to Bill Gates.

Windows may be free in Iran, but security fears spark Linux drive (AFP)


Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said today that U.S. economic growth has picked up since slowing sharply in the late spring.

Greenspan Economic Forecast Upbeat


Iraqi government forces carried out a series of assaults in Saddam Hussein #39;s home region yesterday that were followed by conflicting reports that his former right-hand man was captured.

CONFUSION OVER BUTCHER AIDE #39;S  #39;CAPTURE #39;


Reuters - Microsoft Corp's chief counsel,\briefing reporters in the lead-up to a European Union court\hearing this week, said on Monday he remains hopeful the\software giant's European antitrust case can be settled.

Microsoft Still Wants EU Settlement (Reuters)


NewsFactor - Compuware accused IBM (NYSE: IBM) of improperly introducing 11th hour evidence in \order to delay a ruling in a legal battle between the two firms. \Compuware is suing IBM for allegedly stealing source code and using it \in its own software products.

Compuware Blasts IBM's Legal Tactics (NewsFactor)


HBOS walked away from a possible bid for Abbey National yesterday, shortening the odds sharply on a 8.7 billion recommended offer from Spanish bank Santander Central Hispano being successful.

HBOS walks away from Abbey


STOCKHOLM : Andre Agassi returned to Sweden for the first time in a decade and pronounced himself ready to fight to reach the season-ending final as he plays as top seed at the 632,750-euro Stockholm Open.

Tennis: Stockholm could hold Masters Cup key for Agassi


TORONTO - Imperial Oil is moving its corporate headquarters to Calgary from Toronto, a shift that could see up to 500 people relocated.

Imperial Oil moving HQ to Calgary from Toronto


A new variant of the MyDoom virus is designed to launch a denial-of-service attack against antivirus software maker Symantec, according to security firm Sophos.

Hackers Plot Denial-of-Service Attack Against Symantec


MOBILE PHONE giant Motorola is experimenting with putting credit cards and payment functions on their line of mobiles. Under the bonnet of the cunning plan is Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology which is a short-range wireless system.

Credit cards go mobile


AP - Stephon Marbury made five 3-pointers in the second quarter to help put the Knicks ahead for good, and New York received a fourth-quarter boost from Jerome Williams in a 90-82 victory Wednesday night over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Knicks Grind Up Slumping Grizzlies 90-82 (AP)


The Texas Rangers aren #39;t giving up on their long-shot chance in the AL West. Michael Young hit a grand slam, Mark Teixeira had a two-run double and the Rangers beat All-Star starter Mark Mulder for the second

Rangers 9, Athletics 4


The Venezuelan government approved on Saturday 1 million US dollars in humanitarian relief for Grenada, where at least 24 people were killed and 90 percent of houses damaged by Hurricane Ivan.

Venezuelan gov #39;t approves humanitarian aid to Grenada


AP - Democratic Sen. John Kerry said Saturday he's in a

Kerry Says He's in a 'Fighting Mood' (AP)


BEIJING: China hopes that its decades old partnership with Pakistan will grow, particularly in the economic field, now that Shaukat Aziz is Prime Minister, said a Chinese Foreign Office spokesman.

China sees better ties with Aziz


AP - When Alan and Linda Townsend were unhappy with the sprayed-on siding applied to their house, the frustrated couple launched a Web site to complain and to give other unsatisfied customers a forum. Visitor postings to the Web site said the product, Spray on Siding, cracked, bubbled and buckled. For their efforts, the Townsends got slapped with a lawsuit by the product's maker. The federal case may help shape the boundaries of online speech.

Web Site for Complaints Sparks Lawsuit (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday as oil  prices declined and investors were encouraged by Monday's  stronger-than-expected earnings from technology bellwethers  International Business Machines Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks Rise on IBM Earnings and Lower Oil


GLASGOW (AFP) - Celtic crashed out of European competition for another season with a goalless draw at home to AC Milan leaving them bottom of Group F in the Champions League.

Celtic exit Europe after Milan draw


Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and the Northridge earthquake in 1994 were two watershed natural disasters that prompted significant changes in homeowners #39; insurance.

Many states altering rules on insurance


Troy Smith barely got on the field for Ohio State this season. After the Buckeyes #39; biggest game of the year, he had trouble getting off of it.

Michigan loses but wins anyway


Japan #39;s Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 56.74, or 0.5 percent, to 11,139.97 at 9:01 am in Tokyo. The broader Topix index gained 5.35, or 0.5 percent, to 1132.

Japan #39;s Nikkei Average, Topix Advance; Toyota, Advantest Gain


First-time homebuilder Beazer Homes USA Inc. said Friday that fourth-quarter earnings rose sharply due to strength in home orders from the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and West regions.

Beazer Homes Posts Higher 4Q Profit


German, French and British diplomats have so far failed in a new round of talks to persuade Iran to give up its uranium enrichment program.

Iran, EU Nuke Talks Still Without Agreement


Forbes.com - Jeffrey Prosser, owner and head of Innovative Communication, spent his 48th birthday this September in Washington, D.C. working with  #36;500-an-hour lawyers to stave off a pack of creditors and regulators who are ready to have him tarred and feathered.

Caribbean Splash (Forbes.com)


LOS ANGELES Nov 17, 2004 - Following the lead of record companies who curtailed rampant Internet piracy by targeting even small-time file swappers, Hollywood studios have launched a first wave of lawsuits against people who allegedly downloaded recent

Film Trade Group Files Anti-Piracy Suits


Sick Florida smokers yesterday urged Florida #39;s highest court to punish the tobacco industry for  quot;fraud and deceit quot; by restoring a \$145 billion class-action award, the largest ever by a US jury.

Sick Florida smokers ask top court to restore \$145 billion damage <b>...</b>


If Amir Khan gets an Olympic boxing gold on Sunday, will our Britain-based Indian cousins be willing to call themselves Asian once again?

Asian-angrez Khan is  #39;Best of British #39;


A car bomb exploded early Thursday during a celebration of Islamic militants in the central Pakistan city of Multan, killing at least 35 people and wounding dozens more, police and hospital sources said.

YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS


The Republican National Convention has more than 40,000 miles of cabling to operate high speed computer systems, telephone lines and live television broadcasts.

Convention Boasts Miles of Technology


For the second straight year, more than 200 players have filed for free agency, which would have suited former Oakland A's owner Charlie Finley just fine.

Free-Agent Crop Continues to Grow


Unseeded Alicia Molik of Australia upset No. 3 Anastasia Myskina of Russia 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday to win the Olympic women #39;s singles tennis bronze medal.

Australia #39;s Molik wins women #39;s singles tennis bronze


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

SunTrust Axes 3 Finance Execs, to Restate


The U.K. government is proposing legislation that would create a system of ID cards with embedded biometric identifiers that everyone living in the U.K. would be required to have by 2011 or 2012.

U.K. biometric ID card plan unveiled in the Queen's Speech


The breakthrough was made accidentally by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys at the city #39;s university on 10 September 1984. Since then, the technique has been used to trap criminals, identify victims of war, settle

Two decades of DNA fingerprints


From a British perspective the big story from Group F is that Celtic bow out of the Champions League after a 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

Champions League: Group F - Celtic make great point and round up


Wall Street went sour on Coca-Cola yesterday after the soft drinks giant unnerved investors with a profit warning that sent the shares tumbling.

Coke goes flat as poor sales prompt warning


NAIK NAM, Afghanistan -- Saher Gul was chalking a long division lesson on the blackboard of his two-room village school. Twenty-five boys, ages 9 to 19, were sitting cross-legged on the dirt floor. Suddenly the earthen walls and ceiling exploded and collapsed, smothering the class in a mountain of rubble.

Afghan Blast Has Alarming Implications


AP - A British ambassador removed from his post after he criticized Uzbekistan's human rights record said Friday he planned to take legal action against the government over damage to his health.

Ex-British Ambassador Plans Legal Action (AP)


TORONTO (CP) - Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. has rung up a healthy 21 per cent increase in third-quarter profit to \$92.5 million, as total sales increased nine per cent from a year earlier to \$1.

Shoppers Drug Mart Q3 profit up 21 at \$92.5M as sales rise 9 to <b>...</b>


Pakistani Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has said that the ongoing military operation in the country #39;s tribal area is being carried out only against foreign terrorists.

Military operation in Pakistan #39;s tribal area only against foreign <b>...</b>


On a cold, raw, drizzly afternoon this week, Sherry Proctor put large containers with about 300 orange and green fluorescent buoys into his Volvo station wagon and took them to the Cambridge Boat House. He and a few others will start dropping them into the water tomorrow, marking the course for the rowers in the Head of the Charles Regatta ...

Heading to the finish line


Reuters - Pacific Rim trading nations\said on Wednesday they should pool their influence to breathe\new life into talks to free up world trade.

APEC Ministers Urge New Effort on Trade Talks (Reuters)


Bernie Ecclestone today faced a potential knockout blow in his fight to maintain control of Formula One racing. Creditor banks which own 75 of parent company Formula One Holdings (FOH) asked

Ecclestone in Court Battle for Control of Formula One


Clouds help regulate the Earths climate by reflecting sunlight into space, thus cooling the surface. When cloud patterns change, they modify the Earths energy balance in turn, and temperatures on the Earths surface.

Clouds are Cooler than Smoke


AP - Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid advanced Wednesday night to the first round of the European Champions League, and American midfielder DaMarcus Beasley scored to help PSV Eindhoven qualify.

Real Madrid, Man Utd, Juventus Advance (AP)


Iran has offered Europe a compromise plan to resolve a stand-off over its nuclear programme as its president vowed to continue developing Iranian nuclear technology.

Iran offers nuclear programme pact


AP - Taliban-linked militants holding three U.N. hostages claimed Wednesday the Afghan government has agreed to free some of their jailed comrades to prevent the killing of the foreign captives.

Deal Said Struck Over Afghan Hostages (AP)


ONCE the tailenders of world cricket, England thumped the West Indies by 10 wickets at the Oval to complete a 4-0 whitewash yesterday and are now snapping at Australia #39;s heels for world dominance.

England humble Windies


Although he hasn #39;t spoken to any of his new Red Sox stats, schedule teammates yet, Edgar Renteria said he #39;d like to get fellow snowbird Manny Ramirez stats, news to teach him to hit #39; #39; when they speak this week in Miami.

Renteria introduced


Star Gas Partners LP (SGH.N: Quote, Profile, Research) (SGU.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said it has suspended distributions on its common partnership units and warned it may have to seek bankruptcy protection unless

UPDATE 3-Star Gas suspends payout, may seek bankruptcy


The penultimate day of the Olympics will see Kelly Holmes aiming for success in the 1500m.

Preview: Day 15


LOS ANGELES - There will be 100-yard games that Zach Miller will treasure more than Saturday #39;s. Such is the problem with a first coming in a 45-7 loss that everyone from Arizona State would like to soon forget.

Miller makes most of chances


Entertainment industry executives got to strut their stuff Monday as two big traditional winter investor conferences kicked off here with a star-studded lineup.

Media Brass Bullish on  #39;05


by our Internet desk, 16 November 2004. The United Nations is coming under increased pressure to impose sanctions on Sudan #39;s government for its activities in the Darfur region.

Turning the screw on Khartoum


Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has backed Djibril Cisse to make a full recovery from his double leg fracture. Houllier, who agreed the 14million signing of Cisse from Auxerre prior to parting company

Houllier Expects Cisse to Bounce Back


AP - The Senate on Saturday approved legislation that would give rape victims and convicted felons greater access to DNA testing.

Senate Approves DNA Testing Bill (AP)


Western Japan around Osaka was shaken by two strong earthquakes yesterday, causing 18 injuries and triggering tsunami warnings along the coast, Kyodo News reported.

Western Japan Shaken by Two Strong Quakes; 18 Hurt, Kyodo Says


PC World - Devices to power to PDAs, cell phones, and laptops could be available next year.

Hitachi, Toshiba Show Portable Fuel Cells (PC World)


Marwan Barghouti, the leader of the Palestinian uprising now imprisoned in Israel, withdrew today from the Palestinian race for president.

Jailed Palestinian Leader Drops Out of Race to Replace Arafat


A 1-yard touchdown dive by John McCoy with 45 seconds remaining yesterday sparked New Hampshire to a 33-27 win over Hofstra in Durham, N.H.

McCoy dives right in with TD


ISN SECURITY WATCH (17/12/04) - Britains House of Lords ruled yesterday that the indefinite detention of foreign terrorism suspects was incompatible with the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), in a decision Human

UK terror suspect detention law overruled


No. 6 seed Marat Safin brought his  quot;A quot; game Friday in defeating No. 2 seed Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets in a battle of former No.

Safin in Fine Form Over Hewitt at ATP Masters Series Paris


High oil prices, which have een a factor in virtually all US recessions over the past three decades, are surging again this year. And the higher crude oil prices climb, the more risk energy

US economy buffeted by record high oil prices


AP - Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova advanced to the quarterfinals of the China Open on Wednesday, routing fellow Russian Tatiana Panova 6-1, 6-1.

Maria Sharapova Advances in China Open (AP)


They symbolise two very different eras of English football, and yesterday the philosophies of David Beckham and Sir Geoff Hurst clashed in spectacular fashion when the

Hurst #39;s black mark for Beckham


Yesterday we reported that the Senate Judiciary Committee would be taking up the Induce Act once again. They did so this morning, and the bill failed to advance because of strong opposition from the technology

Induce Act remains locked up in Committee


IBM has decided to extend its support for Sybase, a competing database product to its DB2 database package, to present a Linux server-software package.

IBM Supports Sybase for Linux


The US Securities and Exchange Commission said on Tuesday it brought fraud and insider trading charges against former top executives of bankrupt credit card issuer NextCard Inc.

SEC says it charges former NextCard execs of fraud


DEFENDING champion Tiger Woods won a remarkable battle with pain by posting a four-under-par 68 in the first round of the American Express World Championship at Mount Juliet in County Kilkenny yesterday.

Woods breaks through pain


The New York Times Company said that it had agreed to buy 49 percent of Metro Boston, a free newspaper aimed primarily at commuters in their 20's and 30's.

Times Company Buys a Stake in Boston Metro, a Free Paper


Questions about the auction company lead to a drop in the stock price. Does fear create an opportunity?

Fear Collects at Greg Manning


JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The Jaguars out offensed the NFL #39;s best offense and beat the Colts today at the RCA Dome 27-24.  quot;It #39;s not the kind of a game a defensive coach likes to see, quot; but Jack Del Rio will take it after a combined 800 yards of offense.

Jags Win: Move into First Place in AFC South


The software giant will stop offering security upgrades of its troubled Internet Explorer Web browser to users of older Windows operating systems.

Microsoft urges browser security upgrade - at a cost


General Electric Co. violated the law by failing to fully disclose to investors substantial perks paid to its retired chief executive Jack Welch, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced Thursday.

SEC Says GE Violated Law Over Welch Perks


AP - Bank of New York Co. Tuesday said regulators are looking into mutual-fund transactions that were cleared by the company's Pershing LLC unit.

Regulators Probe Fund Trades at Bank of NY (AP)


IBM #39;s affections for service-oriented architectures deepened today when Big Blue offered details on the impending version 6 release of WebSphere Application Server.

New WebSphere app server has distinct SOA flavor


The US dollar fell yesterday against all the major currencies on international exchange markets except the Canada dollar. The Euro climbed to \$1.3074 against US dollar, breaking a new record.

Euro Reaches New High against Dollar


MADRID (Reuters) - A Spanish judge leading the probe into  the Madrid train bombings on Saturday ordered a Syrian man to  be held pending trial on suspicion of involvement with a  militant Islamist group, court documents showed.

Spain Holds Syrian, Alleges Militant Islamist Links