Oracle has launched new content management software, offering file management, security and event-driven workflows. As expected, Oracle unveiled Files 10g at this week #39;s OpenWorld user conference in San Francisco.

Oracle boosts enterprise content management


Heeding the instructions of his manager, Orioles pitching coach Ray Miller walked the length of the dugout yesterday to find Sidney Ponson.

Ponson fills in blanks in O #39;s 7-0 win


AP - Brad Lidge is starting to get antsy. The Houston Astros' closer has warmed in the first two games of the NLCS, but has remained in the bullpen. He wasn't needed in Game 5 of the division series, either, so his last appearance was Sunday  #151; when he blew a save against Atlanta.

Astros' Lidge Ready to Be Called Upon (AP)


Jaguar have announced that they will pull out of Formula One at the end of the year. Joe Greenwell, company chairman and chief executive, said that revealed financial reasons were behind the company #39;s decision to end interest in the sport.

Jaguar leave the paddock


Southwest Airlines (nyse: LUV - news - people ) on Friday said its traffic jumped 14.1 in November. The discount carrier carried 9.6 more passengers during the month than in the year-ago period.

Kelly: Perennial Winner Southwest In 14.1 Traffic Jump <b>...</b>


The Awesome 6500 is the first PC we #39;ve seen from ABS to be built around Intel #39;s new 925X Express chip set, which lets the 6500 use the PCI Express bus and the latest 533-MHz DDR2 dual-channel memory.

ABS Awesome 6500


AP - Greetings from the Olympic men's basketball tournament, where America is tied for last place with Angola, Australia, New Zealand, China and the defending world champions from Serbia-Montenegro.

U.S. Tries to Rebound From Loss in Athens (AP)


AP - Hurricanes Charley and Frances dealt Florida a one-two punch that ravaged citrus groves and ground the state's most important industry to a halt by keeping tourists away from its sandy beaches and fantasy-filled theme parks.

Frances Expected to Cost Insurers  #36;2B- #36;5B (AP)


SiliconValley.com - SBC announced consumer tests of its Internet phone service Tuesday in Los Angeles and three other major cities and said it will offer the low-cost, feature-laden plans to all broadband customers in its 13-state territory including California early next year.

SBC to offer Internet telephone service (SiliconValley.com)


A buyout of the online learning company looks like the best option for shareholders.

SkillSoft Learns the Hard Way


quot;Have we seen any proof of a weapons programme (in Iran)? Have we seen undeclared (uranium) enrichment? ... Obviously until today.

ElBaradei says unclear if Iran nuclear plans peaceful


HP and Intel have confirmed earlier reports that located a massive migration of HP Itanium boat people making their way to Intel. True to speculation, Intel has agreed to hire hundreds of HP #39;s Itanium engineers working at a Ft.

HP confirms that Itanium is Intel #39;s responsibility


'Freedom to destroy freedom and competition'

Ghost of US vs MS laments Redmond's 'special antitrust immunity'


Security firms are starting to find loopholes and bugs in the SP2 security update for Windows XP.

Holes found in Windows XP update


Pakistan has eulogized a recent Pak-Indian joint statement for pushing forward the peace process between the two arch-rivals. The Nation newspaper Thursday quoted Masood Khan

Pakistan hails Pak-India joint statement


Tiger Woods put together his best back-to-back rounds in more than four years. The result was a share of the 54-hole lead.

Woods Shares Tour Championship Lead


Negotiations over three kidnapped UN workers in Afghanistan have hit a snag over ransom demands, officials said Tuesday, as Taliban-linked militants said they were

Talks to Free UN Hostages Snagged


In the increasingly competitive battle for biotech prominence, California just played a trump card: Proposition 71, a voter-approved initiative to spend \$3 billion on stem-cell research over the next decade.

California stem-cell move could be test for Scripps


Shooting 34.2 percent from the field, the Nets down the worse-shooting Blazers (24.4 percent), 64-60, in one of the NBA's lowest scoring games in history.

Nets Win Ugly


US-led forces trying to protect landmark Afghan elections face a rising wave of violence from about 2,000 insurgents, including al-Qaida militants slipping in from Pakistan, an American general said Saturday.

US battles to protect Afghan election


toothfish, dubbed the  quot;white gold quot; of the sea, which is being driven to extinction by rampant poaching. other threatened species, quot; the US-based National Environment Trust (NET) said in a report on Thursday.

More protection urged for rare toothfish


The reasons for Mariners pitcher Bobby Madritsch #39;s remarkable rebirth from baseball #39;s scrap heap to mound renown become more apparent with each outing.

Madritsch, M #39;s deflate Angels; Ichiro up to 232


A  quot;modest quot; number of PCs have been hit, but security-firm execs are focused more on just how fast the new worm appeared.

Hackers Get Very Fast At Exploiting Microsoft Flaws


A fresh round of mass demonstrations over proposed cuts in welfare spending is set to take place in Germany.

More German reform protests due


Nvidia will supply the graphics chip for the successor to the PlayStation 2 games console being developed by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCEI), the companies announced on Tuesday.

Nvidia will supply graphics chip for new PlayStation


Defendant says powerhouse printer firm is invoking Digital Millennium Copyright Act to force consumers to buy its cartridges.

Ruling on refilled printer cartridges touches DMCA


By MATT SLAGLE     (AP) -- Madden NFL 2005 and Spider-Man 2 are among the dozen video games Nintendo Co. says it plans to offer for is new DS handheld system within a month of the product's November launch...

Nintendo Unveils Lineup for New DS Handheld


ATHENS (Reuters) - Slovakian twins Peter and Pavol Hochschorner have paddled to a stunning victory in the men #39;s two man canoe to retain the title they won in Sydney.

British canoe pair lose out


Police and paramilitary troops were last night guarding villages in central China where ethnic riots involving thousands of people led to at least seven deaths and scores of injuries.

Villages set ablaze as ethnic riots break out in China


This week's HP World is over, and users at the event had a lot of things on their minds.

Reporter's notebook: HP World users disdain offshore support move


As Kevin Houde wielded the saw, his 4-year-old son Cameron squatted on the ground beside him. Working as a team, they made a clean cut at the base of the 7-foot tree that will mark the Christmas season in their home this year.

Choose and cut farms thrive as fake trees gain market share


Reuters - SBC Communications said on Monday it\would offer a television set-top box that can handle music,\photos and Internet downloads, part of SBC's efforts to expand\into home entertainment.

SBC to Sell TV-Internet Home Entertainment System (Reuters)


AP - Seattle center Robbie Tobeck once took a swing at Buffalo quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Not on the field, of course. They were college roommates at Washington State, where Tobeck snapped the ball to Bledsoe.

Bledsoe, Tobeck Are Old College Pals (AP)


A bill expected to get President Bush #39;s signature soon would allow Florida taxpayers to deduct sales tax on their federal income tax forms.

Pocketing sales-tax receipts pays off


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

Google and Mozilla Firefox Working Together


Jeff Jones, director of strategy for IBM #39;s DB2 Universal Database, says IBM is wielding affordability and automation as it prepares for battle in the new world of second-generation databases.

IBM #39;s Jones:  #39;Stinger #39; Targets Enterprises with Automation, Price <b>...</b>


Singh claimed his ninth win Sunday - the most on the PGA Tour in 54 years - as he cruised to a five-stroke victory at the \$5 million Chrysler Championship.

Singh tops \$10 million with win


Phillies Manager Larry Bowa will be fired at the end of the season and pitching coach Joe Kerrigan will resign, two newspapers reported Saturday.

Phillies Reportedly Set to Fire Bowa


AFP - Red-hot oil prices during 2004, stoked by a surge in global demand and worries about disruptions to supplies, are not harming world economic growth, Saudi Arabia's oil minister Ali al-Nuaimi insisted.

Saudi Arabia insists high oil prices no threat to world economic growth (AFP)


roundup Plus: Phone defect could affect hearing...OSDL hires lawyer, opens China office...Ex-Palm CEO Yankowski to head Majesco.

Briefly: IBM posts documentation for Cloudscape


Washington, Sep 30. (PTI): Embattled American airliners US Airways and Delta Airline have announced that they are targeting executives for new cuts.

US Air, Delta target executives for new cuts


Germany, stripped of two equestrian gold medals in Athens, will almost certainly lose a third Olympic title after one of its show jumping horses failed a dope test.

Germany Could Lose Third Olympic Equestrian Gold


Up two games to none and holding a 15-11 lead over Melrose in Game 3, Case seemed assured of making another trip to the Division 2 state volleyball finals.

Case closes out Melrose in five


Sudan has decided to postpone a decision to expel the heads of two British aid agencies - Oxfam and Save the Children - citing administrative difficulties and humanitarian grounds.

Sudan Postpones Decision to Expel Oxfam and Save the Children


New Zealand #39;s Sarah Ulmer dealt her rivals a heavy psychogical blow today, reclaiming her individual pursuit world record in magnificent fashion at a sweltering Olympic Velodrome here today.

Ulmer breaks world record in qualifying


Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Adrian Gonzalez stroked two hits and knocked in three runs, Chris Young pitched six strong innings for the win, and the Texas Rangers salvaged a four-game set with a 6-3 victory over Anaheim one night after being

American League Game Summary - Anaheim at Texas


THIS MORNING, OR late this evening as we call it here in Britain,the long Half-Life 2 wait will start to be over. You get the multiplayer version, Counter-Strike: Source, the full enchilada at that moment.

Half Life 2 wait starts stopping to be a wait


Learn how to tell whether you #146;ve turned on Snap to Grid or Keep Arranged by Name for a particular window. It #146;s the latest Mac OS X killer tip at the Apple Pro/ site. Nov 10

Mac OS X Tip of the Week: Tell-Tale Icons


Legislation to be introduced within days in the US House and Senate would require drug companies to publicly register clinical trials and post the results on a government-run website, congressional staff members who are drafting the proposals said yesterday.

Bill to seek posting of results of drug trials


AP - A group of activist Sept. 11 widows said Tuesday they will campaign for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, charging the Bush administration stonewalled their efforts to uncover intelligence failures leading up to the attacks and took the nation into a misguided war in Iraq.

9/11 Widows Group to Endorse Kerry (AP)


RENO -- Jared Zabransky passed for 244 yards and three touchdowns to lead No. 10 Boise State past Nevada, 58-21, last night and keep the unbeaten Broncos' hopes alive for a spot in the BCS with their 22d straight win.

Broncos capture another WAC title


BAIJI, Iraq (Reuters) - A car bomb in a crowded market  north of Baghdad killed at least seven civilians and wounded 18  Tuesday as a U.S. military patrol passed by.

Car Bomb Kills Seven, Wounds 20 in Iraq


ATHENS (Reuters) - Adrenaline junkie Michael Phelps won his  fourth gold medal of the Athens Olympics Thursday and then  complained he was having trouble sleeping.

Adrenaline Junkie Phelps Losing Sleep at Night


LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) -- As the deadline for what Oracle Corp. has called its  quot;best and final quot; offer for PeopleSoft Inc. looms, two of the unwilling takeover target #39;s top shareholders were split Tuesday on whether to back the \$9.2 billion bid.

Two top shareholders take opposing positions


Canadian Press - HALIFAX (CP) - It takes grace, empathy and tact to stand as a country's symbolic pall bearer. National leaders must walk a fine line in times of tragedy, a balance that was especially delicate for Paul Martin here Sunday.

Martin treads hostile political ground to pay tribute to lost sailor (Canadian Press)


Fast Forward columnist Rob Pegoraro discusses the Firefox Web browser and answers personal technology questions from readers.

Firefox Web Browser


Eastman Kodak Co. says it #39;s agreed to buy the Imaging business of National Semiconductor Corp., which develops and manufactures complimentary metal oxide semiconductor image sensor devices.

Kodak buying National Semi #39;s image sensor business


Legendary toy retailer FAO Schwarz will reopen its landmark Manhattan store on Thanksgiving Day, just in time for the holidays. The 65,000-square-foot store at Fifth

PLAY IT AGAIN


Unseeded Brazilian Ricardo Mello captured his first ATP Tour title when overcoming top seed Vincent Spadea in straight sets to win the Millennium International at Delray Beach in Florida.

Mello Claims Maiden Atp Tour Triumph


Crude futures climbed above 48 dollars a barrel Wednesday as US Energy Department reported that domestic supplies fell more than expected.

Crude oil prices surge amid drop in US domestic supplies


Notre Dames All-American senior forward scored her teams first five baskets, and the No. 3 Irish never trailed after that on their way to a 69-59 victory over

Batteast too much for gritty Valparaiso


washingtonpost.com - Microsoft Corp. made a belated entrance into the

A So-So Debut For Microsoft's Blog Service (washingtonpost.com)


World Trade Organization members should be able to reach a binding accord to liberalize global commerce in 2006, the European Union #39;s new agriculture chief said Thursday.

Official: WTO Members Should Reach Accord


By Channel NewsAsia #39;s Indonesia Bureau Chief Haseenah Koyakutty. JAKARTA : Two high-profiled terrorism cases were heard in Indonesia on Tuesday and a key Jemaah Islamiyah operative, who is involved in both

Indonesian militant gets 10 years for hotel attack, cleared of <b>...</b>


washingtonpost.com - Two bills designed to curb the proliferation of Internet

Spyware Bills Win House Approval (washingtonpost.com)


Delta Air Lines will virtually eliminate its hub in Dallas that once was key to its long-term strategy. American Airlines will shutter its operations at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Bohemia.

Big 3 report \$911M loss


Dow Jones Indexes finds large firms see Internet technology second only to growth in China when it comes to helping their business.\

'Global titans': Expansion in China comes first


LAKE LOUISE, Alta. (CP) - American Bode Miller won his first World Cup super-giant slalom race Sunday, giving him his third consecutive victory of the season and moving him into an exclusive club.

American Miller wins men #39;s World Cup giant-slalom ski competition


New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms left in the first quarter of Sunday #39;s game against New Orleans with a left shoulder injury.

Simms suffers shoulder injury


Pakistan #39;s President Pervez Musharraf surprised many by suddenly suggesting new proposals to resolve the more than 50-year dispute over Kashmir and Jammu.

US balks at Mush #39;s Kashmir proposal


Prices paid to US producers rose 1.7 percent last month, the biggest jump in 14 years, as higher energy and food costs suggested that inflation is picking up.

US October Producer Prices Rise the Most Since 1990 (Update6)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Upscale department store chain  Nordstrom Inc. <A HREF=

Nordstrom Profit Up But Shares Fall


Computer Associates International Inc., a business software company, has agreed to give its new CEO, 50-year-old John Swainson, a pay package amounting to more than \$8.6 million in salary, signing bonuses and stock.

New Computer Associates CEO will be paid \$8.6 million


Harare - The Zimbabwean parliament on Thursday voted to uphold a prison sentence on leading opposition white lawmaker Roy Bennett for shoving Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa to the ground during a heated debate in May.

Zim parly upholds jail sentence


USATODAY.com - Too tired to take batting practice, the bleary-eyed Minnesota Twins milled around the Metrodome just hours after another postseason rally by the New York Yankees evened their American League Division Series at one game each.

Twins intimidated by Yanks? No way (USATODAY.com)


New Delhi (VNA) - India and the European Union on Monday signed a  quot;strategic partnership deal #39; #39; aimed at tightening economic and political ties.

EU, India sign strategic partnership deal


World leaders expressed horror yesterday over the bloody climax of Russia #39;s hostage crisis yesterday, saying the barbaric attack on school children showed terrorists have sunk to new lows.

World voices shock


Abu Hamza, the Muslim cleric wanted by the Americans for alleged terrorist offences, is to face a prosecution in the British courts that will sideline the United States extradition.

Hamza #39;s case in Britain will halt US extradition


roundup Plus: Target to sell TiVo DVRs...Unisys signs up Linux allies...LookSmart names new CEO...Akamai boosts Web application services.

Briefly: SmartDisk expands hard-drive line


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Google Inc. <A HREF=

Google Plans Desktop Search Tool for Apple PCs


AP - The Ryder Cup is a renaissance for 50-year-old Jay Haas, although redemption also comes to mind.

Jay Haas Back Where He Least Expected (AP)


Reuters - A NASA spacecraft has begun the\first-ever daily tracking of how air pollution moves across the\globe, a scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said on\Wednesday.

NASA Spacecraft Tracks Global Air Pollution (Reuters)


KABUL, Afghanistan Aug. 22, 2004 - US soldiers sprayed a pickup truck with bullets after it failed to stop at a roadblock in central Afghanistan, killing two women and a man and critically wounding two other

US Forces Kill 3 Afghans at Checkpoint


One of the great mysteries for astronomers is why our Sun's surface is so much hotter than its core. The counterintuitive answer, according to a suite of solar observatories, hinges on the Sun's tangled magnetic field and deep, fiery waves...

Touching the Tangled Sun


For five weeks, they put a clamp on their feelings. They wanted to grieve, knew the time would come when they would be able to grieve, but also understood the time was not yet at hand.

Invincible but in tears


ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Paul Hamm produced an amazing comeback Wednesday night to become the first American male to win the Olympic gymnastics all-around gold medal.

UPI NewsTrack Sports


A majority of Australians believe John Howard has  quot;generally been dishonest quot; in his statements about the children overboard incident, an AgePoll has found.

PM lied over children: poll


Four Palestinian top leaders arrived on Monday evening on board a private plane to visit Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, hospitalized in Percy military hospital since Oct. 29.

Palestinian leaders arrive in Paris to visit Arafat


Reuters - It's been 10 years since farmer\Bhairu Singh saw water in the well on his rocky patch of land\in western India.

South Asia Stares at Looming Water Crisis (Reuters)


The head of the Olympic doping lab in Athens rejected the suggestion that human error was to blame for the deterioration of Tyler Hamilton's blood specimen.

Lab Defends Its Handling Of Hamilton's Blood Sample


Shares of Possis Medical Inc. (POSS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) tumbled as much as 41 percent on Tuesday after the company cut its earnings outlook due to the failure of its AngioJet

UPDATE 3-Possis tumbles after disappointing heart trial


He turned a grown man #39;s game into a day on the sandlot, straying from the confines of the playbook, fleeing trouble on the balls of his feet.

Eagles Are Where the Lions Want to Be


Though he is never one to make much of the elements his team must play in, Bill Belichick must be somewhat concerned about the desert heat he will face in Tempe Sunday, because he will take the Patriots to Arizona Thursday after practice to get them acclimated.

One way to take heat off


CLEVELAND -- Rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could face some tough pressure when the Steelers visit the Cleveland Browns Sunday.

Browns #39; Warren Wants To Clock  #39;Big Ben #39;


Equatorial Guinea is willing to guarantee that it would not use the death penalty if it were allowed to extradite Sir Mark Thatcher and other British citizens

#39;We guarantee we won #39;t apply death penalty - so let us extradite <b>...</b>


NASA plans to break the aircraft speed record for the second time in 7 1/2 months next week, by flying its X43a scramjet 110,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean at speeds close to Mach 10.

NASA #39;s Scramjet Could Reach Mach 10


AP - Russia's Yukos oil company has paid  #36;2.2 billion of its  #36;3.4 billion tax bill for 2000, Yukos' top finance official said Friday, as he renewed warnings that the embattled company was close to bankruptcy.

Yukos Oil Co. Still Close to Bankruptcy (AP)


Yesterday Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich proposed a state law that would ban the selling and rental of violent and or sexually explicit video games to Children under the age of 18.

Illinois Governor wants to Ban Violent Video games


Gunmen stormed into a mourning tent for Yasser Arafat in Gaza City Sunday night shortly after the arrival of the new leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization

Gunfire disrupts Arafat mourning ceremony


Don King has promoted dozens of interesting fights in the past but tonight #39;s heavyweight extravaganza at Madison Square Garden in New York promises to be something very special.

Boxing: King promises very heavy night extravagant


STRUGGLING pest control and security specialist Rentokil today ruled out a break-up of the company or any major disposals as it reported back following a sweeping review of the business.

Troubled Rentokil rules out break-up


Tim Brown left the building in August. Rich Gannon headed out the active-player door Monday, and today Jerry Rice will have his traveling shoes on.

Raiders trade Rice, lose Gannon


Using video cameras to record films in movie theaters would become a federal crime punishable by up to six years in prison under a bill passed yesterday by the House.

Recording in theaters felony under House bill


Using lessons learned from a difficult implementation four years ago, the city of Los Angeles is finding an easier time in its second major rollout of PeopleSoft software.

A rebounding L.A. department launches second PeopleSoft rollout


The tobacco firm John Player  amp; Sons has announced plans to lay off 90 workers at its cigarette factory in Dublin. The company said it was planning a phased closure of the factory between now and February as part of a review of its global operations.

John Player to lay off 90 workers


Venus Williams barely kept alive her hopes of qualifying for next week #39;s WTA Tour Championships. Williams, seeded fifth, survived a third-set tiebreaker to outlast Yuilana Fedak of the Ukraine, 6-4 2-6 7-6

VENUS NARROWLY AVOIDS UPSET


Juventus #39;s French international striker David Trezeguet will be out of action for three months after a scheduled shoulder operation, the Serie A club said on Monday.

UPDATE 1-Trezeguet ruled out for three months


AP - Barry Bonds hit a three-run shot for his 694th homer, but Chipper Jones' two-run drive helped the Atlanta Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 5-3 Friday night for their fifth straight victory.

Streaking Braves Stop Giants 5-3 (AP)


New York - Oil prices continued to plummet on Thursday, falling almost five per cent to hit a 12-week low. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, the January contract for light sweet crude was down \$2.24 US

Oil prices continue pullback


VANQUISHED New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming fears that Australia #39;s domination of the world could continue unabated beyond this generation of champions.

Australia in class of own, says Fleming


Head coach Tyrone Willingham met with the media on Wednesday to discuss his termination as head football coach at Notre Dame on Tuesday.

Tyrone Willingham Press Conference


SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) - Teenage rookie Rafael Nadal  blunted the world's fastest serve Friday to stun Andy Roddick  and give Spain a 2-0 lead over the United States in the Davis  Cup final.

Davis Cup: Spain Leads U.S. 2-0 as Roddick Loses


Pixar has said its upcoming film  quot;Cars quot; will be postponed from its planned November release to a June 2006 bow -- a move that could leave the company better

Postponed  quot;Cars quot; release puts Pixar ahead


The world's first spacecraft to use a solar sail for propulsion is set to be launched from a submerged Russian submarine on 1 March next year.

Solar sail craft gets launch date


Memphis Rout Still Stings for No. 14 Louisville; Coach Petrino Vows to Have Team Better Prepared. NASHVILLE, Tenn. Nov 3, 2004 - Louisville #39;s 30-point loss at home to Memphis last season is still a painful memory for the Cardinals.

Memphis Rout Still Stings for Louisville


Nebraska capitalized on four Pittsburgh turnovers and batted down a pass in the end zone on the game's final play yesterday to preserve a 24-17 win in the first meeting of the teams since 1958.

Nebraska holds on for victory


Reuters - The United States has nothing\to fear from rapidly growing technology markets in China and\India, Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of\Microsoft Corp.  said on Friday.

Bill Gates: U.S. Need Not Fear Overseas Tech (Reuters)


AP - Barry Bonds homered for the third time in two days to help lead the San Francisco Giants to a 14-4 rout of the Montreal Expos in the second game of a doubleheader after losing the opener Wednesday.

Giants Rout Expos for Doubleheader Split (AP)


The chipmaker and Craig McCaw's latest company partner on WiMax--a significant move for the emerging industry.

Intel, wireless pioneer McCaw team up on WiMax


LONDON (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp., the world's largest  software maker, has expanded its flagship MSN Hotmail internet  email service to include European and Japanese domain names, it  said on Friday.

Microsoft Launches Regional Versions of Hotmail


The US economy grew at a 2.8 percent annual rate from April through June, slower than the government estimated last month as higher oil prices limited consumer spending and the trade deficit widened to a record.

US Economy Grew at a 2.8 Rate in Second Quarter (Update1)


Albertsons Inc., one of the nation's largest grocery chains, bought the Shaw's and Star Market chains for more than \$2.1 billion in April to gain a foothold in New England and compete more aggressively against the region's top supermarket company, Stop  amp; Shop. Albertsons chief executive Larry Johnston and Shaw's president Nicola DiFelice spoke with Globe reporter Naomi Aoki.

Savvy grocers with a recipe for expansion


ID Biomedical Corp. signed long-term agreements with three of the largest US flu vaccine wholesalers, causing the firms shares to climb 9.2 percent.

ID BIOMEDICAL ENTERS INTO AGREEMENTS WITH LEADING US FLU VACCINE <b>...</b>


Organization of American States head Miguel Angel Rodriguez faces a corruption probe in Costa Rica.

OAS chief faces graft allegations


Lorenzo Zambrano gained a reputation as a savvy deal-maker as he led Mexico #39;s Cemex on a spending spree that turned it into the world #39;s third largest cement maker with 15 acquisitions in a dozen years.

Purchase may weigh down Cemex


China Eastern Airlines said yesterday it valued its new order of 20 Airbus jets at \$3.4 billion. The A330-300s will be delivered to China #39;s third-largest airline between 2006 and 2008.

China Eastern Airbus order worth \$3.4 billion


The UK music industry has scored a legal victory with a High Court ruling that requires Internet service providers to provide names and addresses of British citizens who share copyrighted music over peer-to-peer computer networks.

UK Music Industry Wins High Court Decision


Google unveils its first desktop application for searching through personal files on the PC and through a person's Web history.

Screenshot 2 of 4: Google Desktop Search tool


When Charlie Weis puts on his headset on the Patriots sideline today, he'll hope the best academic high school football players in America will be watching. That's because Weis now has two jobs -- offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots and head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Irish pluck Weis


PC World - Alternative browser will be available on portable devices running Microsoft's OS.

Opera Lands on Windows Mobile (PC World)


To hear Patriots coach Bill Belichick tell it, the St. Louis Rams aren't necessarily prone to subscribe to the adage,  quot;If at first you don't succeed, try, try again, quot; when it comes to their offensive game plan. He said as far as play-calling is concerned, New England's opponent tomorrow won't run a particular formation on consecutive downs even ...

He's got it covered


Companies plan tools for improving high-end audio for PCs with Intel inside.

Dolby, Intel sound off for developers


TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average fell 1.21 percent  on Wednesday as investors took a breather after the market's  recent rises and sold shares of gainers including tech issues  such as Canon Inc.

Tokyo Stocks End Lower


Two drivers - Antonio Pizzonia and Nick Heidfeld -re chasing the final seat at the BMW Williams team and as everyone knows, two into one simply does not go.

Going head to head at Williams


Microsoft and Sun Microsystems last week issued a progress report on the technical truce the companies called this year but gave little indication of what specific fixes they would devise to address customers #39; problems.

Sun And Microsoft Aim For Single Sign-On


Intel released its Extreme Edition Pentium 4 processor on Monday, a new platform that the chip-maker says is especially designed for people who like to push their PCs to the limit.

Intel Introduces  quot;Extreme quot; Chip For Gamers


AP - Colorado wide receiver Jeremy Bloom decided Wednesday to keep fighting the NCAA for the right to accept commercial ski endorsements while playing college football.

Bloom Will Appeal Latest NCAA Rebuff (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange  Commission on Wednesday said Fannie Mae misapplied accounting  principles and called on the mortgage finance company to  restate earnings.

SEC Calls on Fannie to Restate Earnings


This year was the season of the last-minute markdown as merchants, led by Wal-Mart Stores, scrambled to cut prices, choosing sales gains over higher profits.

Shopping Spree That Wasn't as Markdowns Hurt Retailers


Phoenix -- Barry Bonds hit his 699th home run Sunday, one of his sweet-mother-of-creation, look-at-it-go blows that soared 460 feet before it smacked the giant video board that towers over center field at Bank One Ballpark.

Schmidt #39;s gem is golden for Giants Bonds #39; blast also helps SF take <b>...</b>


A case scheduled for hearing in December focuses on technology for automatically loading software from a disc.

Patent case challenges Microsoft's 'AutoPlay'


Reuters - Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. \has restricted its employees' ability to trade shares in the\company, and could announce as early as next week a deal to be\acquired for up to  #36;5 billion, sources close to the company and\its talks with possible bidders said on Tuesday.

MGM Deal Seen Likely (Reuters)


Former Labour MP George Galloway has won his libel action against the Telegraph and won 150,000 in damages. He is also expected to get his costs - the court case is estimated to have cost around 1m.

Galloway wins libel case


Adobe Systems Inc. on Wednesday released an upgrade of its consumer-focused photo-editing software, which has been enhanced with new features for improving photo quality.

Adobe Ships New Version Of Photoshop Elements


Users of the music player should watch out for hacked themes; a flaw allows would-be intruders to take control of PCs.

Digital attacks on Winamp use 'skins' for camouflage


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. machine tool demand in August  rose sharply from a year earlier as manufacturers ratcheted-up  purchases amid signs the economy is improving, two industry  trade groups said in a report released on Sunday.

August Machine Tool Demand Up Sharply


CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices fell on Thursday  as an upbeat ring to the Federal Open Market Committee's August  minutes offset support from rising energy prices, which could  act a drag on economic growth.

Treasuries Down After Upbeat Fed Minutes


: Two Palestinian boys, ages 7 and 8, were killed in an explosion in the Gaza Strip today. The Israeli military said the boys were killed by a stray mortar round fired by Palestinians.

Two Palestinian kids killed in Gaza blast


AP - Israeli troops on Thursday shot and killed an 8-year-old Palestinian girl who was on her way to school in a Gaza Strip refugee camp, while Palestinian militants fired mortars at a Jewish settlement, injuring nine people, witnesses and officials said.

Israeli Soldiers Kill Palestinian Girl (AP)


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nintendo Co. Ltd. struck the  first blow in what is set to be an all-out war with Sony Corp.  for the lucrative handheld game console market, aggressively  pricing its new dual-screen model at \$149.99 and setting its  U.S. launch date for Nov. 21.

Nintendo, Sony Square Off in Handheld Game Market


AP - Boston Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon is having a recurrence of migraine headaches that first bothered him after a collision in last year's playoffs.

Johnny Damon Complains of Migraines (AP)


The university estimates the data theft cost the school \$167,000 to recover the system affected by the breach.

Ex-Austin student indicted for data theft


KeyCorp said on Friday the NASD has preliminarily decided to recommend disciplinary action against McDonald Investments, accusing the bank #39;s brokerage unit of allowing improper mutual fund trading.

NASD may act against KeyCorp unit


Reuters - Four people were able to control a\computer using their thoughts and an electrode-studded\

'Thinking Cap' Controls Computer in New Experiment (Reuters)


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Friday it would go ahead  with an auction to sell the key asset of embattled oil company  YUKOS <A HREF=

Russia to Hold YUKOS Auction


Home accessories and gift retailer Tuesday Morning Corp. on Monday lowered its 2004 earnings guidance and forecast fourth-quarter results below Wall Street expectations on lower-than-expected seasonal sales.

Tuesday Morning Lowers 2004 Guidance


US President George W Bush arrives in Colombia for talks expected to focus on  fighting drug trafficking.

Anti-drugs fight tops Bush agenda


At least 35 people have been killed and dozens more injured in a train crash in India. Many of the injured are in a critical condition in an army hospital and the death toll is expected to rise.

Indian train crash kills 35


India fans will be able to watch the Test series against Australia after a domestic television deal is reached.

India clinch home TV deal


Clinton Morrison, Robbie Keane and Andy Reid struck for Ireland and Kerr said:  quot;We made a lot of chances for 3-0, but I would have settled for that before the game and in the circumstances after losing a lot of players through injuries I am very happy

Ireland boss happy with comfortable victory


NAIROBI (Reuters) - Sudan's government and southern rebels  vowed on Friday to end Africa's longest civil war by Dec. 31,  signing a pledge in front of 15 U.N. Security Council envoys  who flew in from New York to demand the fighting stop.

Sudan Foes Sign Peace Pledge at Security Council


HANOVER - Management at Volkswagen and union leaders were locked in tough wage talks Tuesday as thousands of workers at Europe #39;s largest car maker staged more warning strikes.

VW locked in tough talks as warning strikes continue


A win by Democratic challenger John Kerry in next week #39;s US presidential election may give stocks a lift, if history is any guide.

Markets up when Democrats win


Back here in Kurt Warner #39;s adopted home town, the varying opinions on the cause and effects of the meteoric rise and fall of his storybook football life always will be blurred under so many dreamy - and divergent - emotional clouds.

Warner #39;s benching shows that Rams made right choice


Bangladesh finally ended Indias first innings in the second Test in Chittagong today - but not before the tourists had amassed a commanding 540.

India in Commanding Position


By day, the streets of this densely populated Palestinian labyrinth are jammed with seething funeral processions and solemn mourning tents. But gradually, long before dusk, the camp is transformed into a ghost town, with civilians cowering in their apartments and masked gunmen darting through the shadows carrying Kalashnikov assault rifles and homemade bombs.

An Ominous Drone From the Gaza Sky


Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane was on Wednesday charged with assault and criminal damage over an alleged confrontation with a 16-year-old boy, police said.

Man United midfielder Roy Keane charged with assault


US technology stocks ended up slightly on Friday, lifted by a higher sales forecast from bellwether Intel Corp. (INTC.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , while a disappointing jobs report capped blue-chip gains.

Tech Stocks End Slightly Higher on Intel


Falling crude oil prices this week suggest that Americans might dodge the surge in gasoline prices that experts had predicted for the weeks leading up to the Labor Day weekend.

Fuel costs may not rise during holiday


AP - Mount St. Helens' convulsions over the past week have demonstrated all too clearly that the inner workings of a seething volcano, hidden under miles of rock, remain one of nature's stubborn secrets.

Predicting an Eruption Involves Guesswork (AP)


A group of 40 people, thought to be North Koreans, force their way into the Canadian embassy in Beijing.

N Koreans storm Beijing mission


LAS VEGAS - Cable met telecommunications Monday at the Telecom '04 trade show in Las Vegas as the top executives of Verizon Communications Inc. and Comcast Corp. both urged decreased regulation of communications in a joint keynote appearance.

TELECOM '04 - Verizon, Comcast execs slam regulation


Riding popular Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger #39;s endorsement, state air quality regulators are expected to step up a campaign against global warming that could spark sticker-shock in auto showrooms over the next 10 years.

State #39;s smog police map route to cleaner air


D-DAY looms for Darren Lehmann after captain Ricky Ponting was yesterday cleared to rejoin the Australian team for the fourth Test.

Ponting #39;s likely return for fourth Test to force team reshuffle


SRI LANKA, thanks to a double-century of growing ferocity by Sanath Jayasuriya and Dilhara Fernandos four-wicket burst, tightened their grip on the opening Test against Pakistan in Faisalabad.

Jayasuriya batters Pakistan


Quarterback Adam Fitch runs for 115 yards and scores a touchdown to lead Air Force to a 31-22 win over Army on Saturday.

Air Force Rises Over Army


Renault couldn #39;t have chosen to better driver to replace Jarno Trulli than Jacques Villeneuve, as there is nothing the Canadian wants more than revenge on his former team, BAR.

Jacques wants revenge on BAR


AP - An attorney for Oracle Corp. says the company will abandon its legal challenge to PeopleSoft Inc.'s antitakeover protections if shareholders fail to tender a majority of their shares by a Nov. 19 deadline.

Oracle Mulls Dropping PeopleSoft Lawsuit (AP)


The software giant will defend itself against claims surrounding

Microsoft patent case goes to trial


MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Australia #39;s WMC Resources Ltd. (WMC) on Thursday said it recently received a conditional takeover proposal from London-listed resource major Xstrata PLC (XTA.

Australia #39;s WMC Resources Receives Bid From Xstrata -2-


Unbeaten and coming off his second career complete game, rookie Noah Lowry will try to continue his brilliant pitching when the playoff-hopeful San Francisco Giants wrap up a three-game series with the San Diego Padres.

Giants #39; rookie faces biggest game of career


The number of deaths related to a train derailment yesterday in the Philippines has been increased to ten. 100 people were injured as well.

Train Accident in Philippines Leaves 10 Dead, 100 Wounded


Microsoft Corp. is giving users more time to prepare for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) by doubling the time a special registry key will prevent PCs from automatically downloading and installing the mammoth update.

Microsoft offers more time to test XP Service Pack 2


Months away from the time of the season when it is considered admirable to give and not receive, we are locked into a pattern of generosity. Mostly because the teams that are getting the points just aren't worth supporting. Of course, giving points is always a risky proposition early in the season as you try to assess teams; consider last ...

But seriously folks


The Goodman Company is recalling about 875,000 Package Terminal Air Conditioner / Heat Pumps (PTAC) due to possible fire hazards, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

Co. Recalls Air Conditioners/heat Pumps


A new wave of talent will be on display when track and field takes center stage at the Olympic Games.

Youngsters Ready to Make Mark in Track


JAKARTA: Opec wants a faster retreat in oil prices and will discuss whether to raise its official oil output ceiling at its September 15 meeting, cartel president Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Thursday.

Opec to raise output ceiling issue in Sept 15 meeting


Keith finished with a combined total of 125 rushing and receiving yards in a 14-6 upset victory over Edmonton to earn the offensive award.

Keith highlights CFL Players of the Week


com December 15, 2004, 3:10 PM PT. Seattle-based mobile music company Melodeo said Wednesday that it won worldwide rights to sell songs from Warner Music Group through cell phone networks.

New mobile music service launches


Reuters - Diversified health-care company\Johnson   Johnson  on Tuesday said its quarterly profit\rose on higher sales of prescription drugs and medical devices.

Johnson   Johnson Profit Up on Drug Sales (Reuters)


Nokia raised its outlook for third-quarter sales and earnings, apparently benefiting from an unusual decision to cut its handset prices.

After Cutting Its Phone Prices, Nokia Raises Its Outlook


AP - Two new Internet domain names  #151;

Board OKs New Internet Domain Names (AP)


The spring of hope, and the winter of despair. These are the mixed emotions that enunciate the prevailing paradox of our present society.

Persecution, not prosecution


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - With memories of 2000 and its bitter fight over ballots still fresh, citizens began casting votes Monday in this pivotal battleground state...

Early Voters Turn Out in Florida


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Sanderson Farms Inc.  <A HREF=

Before-the-Bell: Sanderson Farms Falls


AP - President Bush said Tuesday the U.S. government will continue to assist Colombia in interdicting aircraft suspected of drug trafficking.

President OKs More Colombia Assistance (AP)


AP - Where communist East German legislators once ruled, modern dance and club music are taking over.

Dance, Music to Liven German Building (AP)


Winners of

Science prize celebrates fish flatulence, hula hoops


Barry Virkler tosses an apple while sorting Cortland apples before they are put in cold storage at North Star Orchards Tuesday, Sept.

US Promises to Protect Trade Interests


AP - President Bush said opponent John Kerry's service was

Bush: Kerry's Vietnam Tour 'More Heroic' (AP)


The European plane maker Airbus says it foresees the use of mobile phones on aircraft by 2006.

Mobiles in aircraft edge closer


NEW YORK (Reuters) - World number one Roger Federer faces a  stern test in the first round of the U.S. Open after being  pitted against Spaniard Albert Costa in Wednesday's draw.

Top Seed Federer Handed Tough Opener at U.S. Open


Children #39;s cable TV channels owned by Viacom Inc. (VIAb.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Disney Corp. (DIS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) have agreed to settle allegations they violated

Viacom, Disney Settle with FCC


AP - One day after the most lopsided loss in the 115 years of Nebraska football, the coaching staff told the Cornhuskers to forget about it.

Nebraska Tries to Forget 70-10 Flogging (AP)


ATHENS -- After 16 days of competition and 301 events, the United States finished atop the medal charts for the third straight Summer Olympics, with Russia the overall runner-up and China second in gold medals -- its best showing ever and the leading edge

US, Russia, China at the Top of the Table


SECURITY EXPERTS have rushed to warn the voting authorities in Missouri that a plan to allow the military stationed overseas to vote is shot full of holes.

E-voters warned over technology


When NBC first called Bob Neumeier, he was asked if he'd be willing to work on Olympics wrestling and rowing coverage in Athens.  quot;I was flattered and grateful for the opportunity, quot; he said. He was willing to learn the nuances of those sports at the Olympic level and start mastering the pronunciation of hundreds of new names.

He's running with it


A director of the Oracle Corporation testified that the company's \$7.7 billion hostile bid for PeopleSoft might not be the final offer.

Oracle Director Says Bid May Not Be Final


KarstadtQuelle AG, Germany #39;s biggest operator of department stores, reached an agreement with investors who mounted legal challenges to the company #39;s plan to raise 535 million euros (\$709 million) in a share sale.

KarstadtQuelle Reaches Pact With Rebel Investors (Update2)


The Maurice Clarett who appears on the pages of ESPN the Magazine should never have had trouble getting A #39;s and B #39;s in college.

Clarett, Ohio St. both flunked


Boston City Council President Michael F. Flaherty yesterday lambasted the Menino administration's suggestion of a compromise on public amenities on Fan Pier in an effort to speed up development of the languishing land.

Flaherty blasts BRA over Fan Pier


WASHINGTON, Aug 25 (AFP) - A former top Enron official responsible for investor relations pleaded guilty Wednesday to securities fraud as part of a plea agreement, under which he has agreed to cooperate fully with the government #39;s ongoing criminal

Former Enron Official Pleads Guilty To Securities Fraud


Gerhard Schrder is no stranger to sharing his life with members of the opposite sex. On Monday, it was revealed that there was a new young lady on the scene: his freshly adopted three-year old daughter, Viktoria.

The New Woman in Schrder #39;s Life


Lisa Leslie was selected the WNBA #39;s Most Valuable Player for the second time in her career. The Los Angeles Sparks center, the league #39;s MVP in 2001, received 425 points and 33 of a possible 48 first-place votes from a national media panel Friday.

Leslie wins second MVP award


LOS ANGELES - Joseph Jackson, Michael Jackson's father, had surgery Friday to fix two bleeding ulcers in his stomach, his lawyer said.    Jackson went to the hospital several days ago with what he had believed was food poisoning, but doctors detected the ulcers, his attorney, Debra Opri, told The Associated Press...

Michael Jackson's Dad Has Ulcer Surgery


US Secretary of State Colin Powell reiterates that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is not a sovereign nation, China Radio International reported Wednesday.

Powell: US not to support Taiwan independence


NTT DoCoMo says:  quot;Symbian - yes, mobile Linux - yes, Microsoft - BIG NO quot;. Well, previously NTT DoCoMo was very promoting wireless Java in its handsets and J2EE Java in its servers (to power i-mode services

NTT DoCoMo - the biggest Japanese cell phone operator says BIG NO <b>...</b>


NEW YORK, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Express Company today filed a lawsuit against Visa, MasterCard and eight major banks that are members of the two card associations.

American Express Sues Visa and MasterCard, Large Bank Card Issuers <b>...</b>


MILAN (Reuters) - Parmalat on Thursday fired off the latest  lawsuit in its bid to recover billions of euros from banks that  did deals with the now insolvent dairy group, suing CSFB for  about 250 million euros.

Parmalat Adds CSFB to Banks Being Sued


Overseas firms may be allowed to bid for the key asset of under fire Russian oil firm Yukos, the Kremlin says.

Russia invites foreign Yukos bids


Michael Jennings was a track star at Florida State who also wanted to play football but wasn't confident enough to forgo a track scholarship and try the sport as a walk-on for  quot;a team that good. quot;

Stops and starts in the fast lane


BEIJING -- Rescuers in southwest China sought help from the military Monday as they searched for dozens of people missing in torrential floods.

Death toll 55 in southwest China flooding


Benjamin L. Ginsberg said the veterans attacking John Kerry's Vietnam War record asked for his help and that he agreed.

Bush Campaign's Top Outside Lawyer Advised Veterans Group


ABIDJAN : The Ivory Coast government suspended former rebels from the cabinet after they failed to attend a first government session since the country #39;s latest crisis, citing security reasons.

Ivory Coast rebel ministers suspended after failing to end cabinet


The great big fat bullies from across the playground enter the FA Cup arena at the third round stage, for which the draw was made yesterday (December 5).

FA Cup: Third round draw - joy for Yeading and Exeter


Iran has abandoned its demand to be allowed to continue some of its controversial nuclear activities, the BBC reported Sunday. UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy

Iran abandons centrifuge demands


he pilots #39; union at US Airways said yesterday that it might be close to reaching an agreement on wage and benefit cuts that the struggling airline contends are necessary to avoid another bankruptcy filing.

US Airways Pilots Hint Deal Is Near on Cuts


BERLIN German authorities have arrested a fourth man suspected of plotting an attack on Iraq #39;s prime minister. Three Iraqis are already in custody for their alleged roles in the al-Qaida-linked plot.

Germans arrest fourth man in suspected attack on Iraqi prime <b>...</b>


Purdue offensive coordinator Jim Chaney doesn #39;t care to coach football as an 11-on-11 sport. He wants the game boiled down to his guy against the other guy.

Orton-Stubblefield connection lifts Purdue


Councilor John M. Tobin Jr. envisions a Boston Utopia, with greater public spirit and a more robust sense of community. And he says he knows how to achieve it: WiFi.

Councilor envisions citywide wireless Web access


The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers both know the concept and reality of NFL parity. They #39;re prime examples of how swiftly teams can rise and how suddenly they can fall.

Bucs, Panthers know the ups and downs of NFL


I dont know any Boston Red Sox diehards who werent rooting almost as fervently for the Minnesota Twins against the New York Yankees as they were for their own team against the Anaheim Angels.

The Curse of the Rivalry


Reuters - U.S. Marines lobbed mortar rounds\at rebels in Falluja Saturday during a five-day-old assault\that has caused a

US Attacks Falluja Rebels, Aid Convoy on Move (Reuters)


Throughout the chilly Moroccan winter, one dream burned bright for Hicham El Guerrouj as he trained in the thin air of the Atlas mountains.

One dream inspires El Guerrouj


First-quarter shipments of plasma televisions in the United States more than doubled from the previous year, according to research firm iSuppli.

Report: Consumers tuning in to plasma TVs


In a tug of war over the skyrocketing costs of medical technology, the makers of implantable defibrillators are opposing a plan by Medicare to track the health outcomes of patients who get the devices.

Payers want proof for medical treatments


Not being part of a culture with a highly developed language, could limit your thoughts, at least as far as numbers are concerned, reveals a new study conducted by a psychologist at the Columbia University in New York.

Absence of linguistic skills could hamper thinking ability


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday after the  Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates by a quarter  point for the third time this year.

U.S. Stocks Rise After Fed Rate Hike


quot;We believe the current license is generally incompatible with open source, contrary to the practice of open Internet standards, and specifically incompatible with the Apache License 2.0.

IP Battle Lines Drawn in Spam Wars


A PEEPING Tom virus that allows hackers to turn on a computer #39;s webcam and microphone and spy on users is spreading through the Internet and local computer networks.

Rbot puts the eye in virus


Washington Post business columnist Steven Pearlstein talks about his latest column, which examines kickbacks masquerading as commissions or markups.

Insurance Scandal


Three new stocks scheduled to begin trading this week - including Google Inc. #39;s highly anticipated initial public offering - slashed their expected price ranges Wednesday morning as the IPO market readies for a one-month break from trading debuts after ...

Three IPOs Trim Price Ranges Wednesday


Mark Thatcher, arrested in South Africa last month on suspicion of bankrolling a failed coup in Equatorial Guinea, has been summonsed to answer questions by investigators from the west African nation on Sept.

Thatcher Called to Answer Investigators on Coup Plot Sept. 22


Intelligent software is the Holy Grail of application development -- especially in the APM (application performance management) arena, where system administrators are perpetually on the lookout for more efficient ways to sift through mountains of metrics and alert data.

APM gets smart with ProactiveNet's latest


With an NHL lockout in place, more than 150 players have signed to play in European leagues, including Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund with Modo (Sweden).

Forsberg scores in Modo #39;s season opener


ORACLE has extended its hostile bid for PeopleSoft for the 12th time, pushing the tender offer through to October 8. Oracle said in a press release that about 23.

Oracle extends PeopleSoft offer


Vodafone #39;s new Text Centre service allows users to send text messages from PCs, just like sending an e-mail. Text messages can be sent to a single recipient or to a broader list, and the sender

Vodafone UK Debuts SMS-from-PC Software


LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sports Network) - Kelenna Azubuike poured  in a game-high 21 points, Shagari Alleyne added 11 points and  Kentucky rolled past Morehead State, 71-40, in non-conference  play at Rupp Arena.

College Basketball: Kentucky, Virginia Win


AP - Palestinians reacted with tears and tributes to the death of their leader Yasser Arafat on Thursday.

Palestinians Mourn Death of Yasser Arafat (AP)


Lava has appeared around the crater the first time since Mount St. Helens awoke three weeks ago with bursts of ash and steam.

New Lava Has Pushed Through to Surface of Mount St. Helens


Tokyo Stock Exchange Inc. plans a cross-membership agreement with the Singapore Exchange Ltd. to let its 109 member brokerages and Singaporean investors buy and sell equities on both

Tokyo Exchange Plans Singapore Bourse Accord, Yomiuri Says


AP - Doctors and AIDS activists in Africa are worried governments may halt use of an AIDS drug that has protected thousands of babies from HIV infection in reaction to new concerns about the drug's testing and effect on pregnant women.

Many Now Worry AIDS Drug Will Be Halted (AP)


The Buckeyes stunned the No. 7 Wolverines, who still get to go to Pasadena because they defeated co-Big Ten Champion Iowa, 30-17, on Sept 25.

Ohio State Secures Victory, but Michigan Gains Rose Bowl Bid


Starbucks has not addressed an important question regarding its  #39;Hear Music #39; service: Do HP Tablet PCs, crumbly scones and hot liquid go together?

Sip and Burn at Starbucks


\

 OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) - Robust U.S. economic growth will\likely continue into 2005, but authorities should cut the\budget deficit to reduce the risk to growth, International\Monetary Fund Managing Director Rodrigo Rato said.

IMF Sees Robust U.S. Growth


UEFA will be launching disciplinary proceedings against Valencia and Werder Bremen following the incidents that marred their Champions League match at the Mestalla on Tuesday.

UEFA to probe Valencia-Werder Bremen incidents


AP - The bombing at the Taba Hilton hotel in Egypt caused slight injuries to two American employees of the U.S. embassy in Israel and their families, the State Department said Friday.

Two U.S. Embassy Workers Hurt in Bombing (AP)


TOKYO Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi reshuffled his Cabinet yesterday for the third time since taking power in 2001, replacing several top ministers in an effort to boost his popularity, consolidate political support and quicken the pace of reforms.

11 named to Japanese Cabinet


Israel Radio reported Thursday that Elliot Abrams, director of the Middle East department of the National Security Council, was the leading candidate to succeed Daniel Kurtzer as US Ambassador to Israel.

Abrams said US choice to succeed Kurtzer as Israel envoy


AP - Florian Mayer beat defending champion David Ferrer 6-4, 6-2 Friday in the quarterfinals of the Romania Open.

Mayer Tops Ferrer in Romania Open Upset (AP)


AP - The list of 23 fellows announced by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Each will receive  #36;500,000 over five years:

List of 2004 MacArthur Foundation Fellows (AP)


NEW YORK, October 5 (newratings.com) - Microsoft Corporation (MSFT.NAS) and PalmOne Inc have announced a new licensing deal to enable mobile email services on PalmOne #39;s Treo smart phones.

Microsoft, PalmOne ink deal for mobile email services


Italy fought off a strong second-half comeback by the United States and won its rugby union Test 43-25 on Saturday. Flyhalf Luciano Orquera scored 20 points including a try, and winger

Italy beats US Eagles


Feedster Includes Kanoodle Ads in RSS Feeds\\Feedster, Inc. today announced the launch of its RSS feed media program. The Company rsquo;s RSS search feeds will soon contain context targeted ads from Kanoodle, Inc., a leading provider of sponsored links for search results and content pages. Alternatively searchers may opt to pay ...


Up to 10 people are killed in air strikes on rebels in the southern island of Mindanao.

Air raids hit Philippines rebels


AP - The Chicago Cubs found a good way to make up for their poor hitting  #151; a shutdown pitching performance by Kerry Wood. Wood's eight shutout innings made up for another listless performance by the Cubs' offense and gave Chicago the lead in the National League wild-card race.

Astros, Marlins Keep Pressure on Cubs (AP)


BASEBALL Cleveland (AL): Named Felix Fermin hitting coach for Buffalo (IL). Houston (NL): Named Dave Clark manager of Corpus Christi (Texas League), Ivan DeJesus manager and Chuck Carr coach for Salem (Carolina League), Tim Bogar manager and Rodney Linares coach for Lexington (South Atlantic League), Russ Nixon manager of Greenville (Rookie League), and Sean Berry minor league hitting coordinator. Pittsburgh ...

Transactions


Bear Stearns Cos. (BSC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday said its asset management arm agreed to buy Cigna Corp. #39;s (CI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) TimesSquare Capital Management Inc.

UPDATE 1-Bear Stearns to buy Cigna #39;s TimesSquare bond firm


The luxury market, which, only a few years ago, was struggling, has come back with a bang for the holidays.

Even if Just a Bauble, Luxury Counts for Holidays


SecureWave exec Dennis Szerszen warns that the convenient port is also a vulnerability that could cost your company dearly.

USB--short for 'ultimate security breakdown'?


At a briefing in Dublin on Monday, Apple UK  amp; Ireland executives were on hand to discuss about two years #39; worth of Apple products and services, including iTunes, the iPod, the new iMac G5 (which recently launched in Ireland) and the firm #39;s suite of iLife

Apple flogs new gear as gossip grows


Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - The Canadian Islamic Congress has refused to accept the resignation of its embattled president even as a police hate crimes unit investigates controversial comments he made on television.

Cdn Islamic Congress rejects president's offer to resign; police launch probe (Canadian Press)


Houston, TX (Sports Network) - JD Drew singled home Rafael Furcal with the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth and John Smoltz pitched out of a jam in the bottom of the inning, as the Atlanta Braves forced a decisive fifth game of the National League

Braves win in Houston, force Game 5


AP - A militant group in Iraq on Wednesday released seven foreign truck drivers they had held hostage for six weeks after dropping nearly all their demands, while Muslims united behind calls for the release of two French journalists captured by a separate group demanding that France revoke a controversial head scarf law.

Kidnappers in Iraq Free Seven Truckers (AP)


Reuters - U.S. Senate Commerce Committee\Chairman John McCain is pushing for up to  #36;1 billion in aid to\ensure consumers are not left in the dark when television\stations broadcast only new, crisp digital signals, according\to draft legislation obtained on Sunday.

Sen. McCain Seeks  #36;1 Billion to Speed Digital TV Shift (Reuters)


By going Dutch, the geeks of the search engine taught the bankers a lesson in finance, writes John Naughton. If you were seeking a case study in schadenfreude, then last week #39;s coverage of the Google flotation

How Google floated past Wall St


The tax-sheltered plan, cited as one of the nation #39;s worst by researcher Morningstar Inc., could feature mutual funds from Fidelity Investments by early 2005, and more flexible account options are on the way.

College-savings plan will gain flexibility


Federal Reserve survey shows uncertainties over energy prices, global terrorism and the presidential election among reasons businesses continue to hold back on hiring, investment.

Energy Costs Crimp Economy


a indiqu ce jour que la socit a reu diffrents engagements de soutien de Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, New Line Cinema, et Warner Bros.

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 2004--Toshiba Corporation


Celtic have moved top of the Scottish Premier League, for 24 hours at least, after John Hartson #39;s double gave them a 2-1 victory over Hibernian.

Hartson double puts Celtic top


BESLAN, Russia (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin vowed  Thursday to do all he could to save hundreds of children,  parents and teachers held under threat of death by gunmen for a  second day at a Russian school near rebel Chechnya.

Russian Hostage-Takers Free 26 Children, Women


The recall involves the 2001 and 2002 model year Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans. The automaker says the short circuit may result from water seeping into the radio.

Chrysler Recalls 240,000 Minivans


Bombardier Aerospace said on Thursday it will cut about 2,000 jobs at its Montreal-area and Belfast operations and the severance costs linked to the layoffs will affect current year results.

Bombardier Aerospace to cut 2,000 jobs


SHOTA ARVELADZE today insisted Rangers can #39;t repeat the mistakes of a year ago if they want to secure a Uefa Cup future. The Georgian striker looked on in agony then as Alex McLeish #39;s side crashed to a 3-1

We can #39;t afford to mess up again


The free Firefox Web browser, which has chipped away at the market dominance of Microsoft Corp. #39;s (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) Internet Explorer, has been readied for a full release including new features designed to make it more

Firefox Browser, a Microsoft Rival, Fully Released


In a deal worth about \$913 million, ARM Holdings plc today announced it would acquire Artisan Components Inc. to create one of the broadest suppliers of semiconductor intellectual property in the industry.

ARM Acquires Artisan for \$913M


On 21 September 2004, Betrusted and TruSecure announced that they will merge, creating a privately held IT security company called Cybertrust.

Cybertrust Launches in Latest Merger in Security Market


Krispy Kreme, which wowed Wall Street with a hot old-economy growth story when it went public, has lost more than two-thirds of its value since it peaked a year ago.

Krispy Kreme Earnings Slide; Change in Strategy Is Planned


Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) shares fell 3 percent early Monday after the world #39;s biggest retailer cut its November sales forecast, casting a shadow over hopes for a bumper holiday shopping season.

Wal-Mart Falls 3 Pct on Forecast Cut


LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Peru will launch on Nov. 5 a  civilian retrial of Abimael Guzman, head of the Maoist-inspired  Shining Path rebel group that waged a brutal insurgency in the  1980s and 1990s, officials said on Monday.

Peru Shining Path Head Faces Nov. 5 Retrial


LOS ANGLES (CBS.MW) - Following its latest rejection, the next stage in Oracle Corp #39;s battle to buy PeopleSoft is set to begin in a courtroom on Wednesday.

Oracle #39;s next fight seen at boardroom


He should save the tears: Unlike most senior quarterbacks at Harvard, he might not be saying good bye to football after The Game against Yale on Saturday.

Yale in way of Harvard #39;s chance for perfection


The unexpected windfall from DVD sales have become the wild card in Hollywoods negotiations with the Screen Actors Guild.

Getting a Piece of a DVD Windfall


Baghdad: An Italian hostage was reported killed in Iraq, adding to the violence around the start of campaigning for the first post-Saddam Hussein elections, while for the first time since his capture a year ago the ousted president met his family

Violence greets Iraq election campaign.


The film studios' lobbying arm files lawsuits against the operators of sites and servers that help users of file-sharing networks locate movies and songs. By Xeni Jardin.

Hollywood Wants BitTorrent Dead


Two months after the heavily hyped release of Microsoft #39;s Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the company has exceeded its delivery projections for individual users and small businesses.

XP SP2 Downloads Surpass 100M Mark


Muddy waters still occupied the heart of Gonaives last weekend, three weeks after Tropical Storm Jeanne provoked flash floods that killed some 1,900 and left 900 presumed dead.

Storm shows Haiti #39;s straits


Alan Greenspan, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, said on Friday that the long-term outlook for global oil supplies is reassuring even though anxiety about dwindling

Greenspan Not Too Worried by the Rise in Energy Prices


Q: I keep hearing about these supposed new rules for overtime pay and I am confused. Are there new rules, and if so, what are they?

New overtime rules are mostly bad news for employees


Of all the changes in sports, the one that fundamentalists have the hardest time accepting is the addition of the wild card in baseball.

When it comes to the playoffs, the more the merrier is my <b>...</b>


Ziff Davis - Wireless software provider Expand Beyond has been awarded 46 patents for its wireless monitoring and management software #151;what will that mean for the company?

Will Expand Beyond's Patents Lead to New Partnerships? (Ziff Davis)


Urchin Releases ASP Version of Web Analytics Software\\Urchin Software Corporation today released Urchin 6 On Demand, an ASP version of its popular web analytics and marketing intelligence software. The Urchin 6 ASP service provides an integrated approach to attracting quality traffic, increasing sales and conversions and retaining customers. Organizations wishing ...


DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi militant group said it had  assassinated the chief of police in the northern Iraqi city of  Arbil and threatened to kill Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani,  according to an Internet statement posted on Sunday.

Iraq Militant Group Kills Arbil Police Chief -Site


Sony Corporation, the worlds second largest consumer electronic maker, was forced to use Russian cargo planes to fly the new version of its PlayStation 2 games console to Europe after an incident in the Suez Canal disrupted its schedule of Christmas

Sony Uses Russian Cargo Jets to Fix Christmas-Time PlayStation <b>...</b>


Gunmen have assassinated the deputy governor of Baghdad and wounded two of his bodyguards, Iraqi officials say. Hatem Kamil Abdul Fatah was killed in a drive-by shooting in the southern Dora district of the capital, an Interior Ministry spokesman said.

Top Baghdad official shot dead


BERLIN (Reuters) - A German telecommunications company said  on Tuesday it is developing the first mobile phone that will  alert users when their breath is bad or if they are giving off  offensive smells.

New German Mobile Phone to Detect Bad Breath


A car bomb killed seven US Marines and three Iraqi soldiers outside the city of Fallujah yesterday, bringing the total number of American dead since the US invasion of Iraq in March last year close to 1,000.

US death toll in Iraq nears 1,000 as seven more die


Verizon Communications Inc. and other parties have asked a federal court to throw out a set of temporary regulations banning giant regional phone companies from raising the wholesale rates they charge competitors for at least six months. <FONT face=

Verizon, Qwest to Fight FCC Rate Freeze


In an effort to help enterprise users get a handle on power and heat issues associated with new server designs that pack more processing punch in smaller spaces, Advanced Micro Devices on Monday announced that systems built with its 32/64-bit Opteron

Opteron gets power management


The airline #39;s chief executive Gerald Grinstein describes the pact as a  quot;crucial step quot; in securing its future. However, he warned that bankruptcy was still a possibility.

Pilots at Delta take 33pc cut in pay


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Justice Department has opened an  investigation of possible accounting fraud at Fannie Mae, The  Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, after a federal  regulator said the mortgage giant may have manipulated its  earnings targets.

Justice Dept. Opens Fannie Criminal Probe


Donald Trump attends the Conde Nast Traveler 17th Annual Readers Choice Awards, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in the new Time Warner Center, in New York in this Thursday, October 7, 2004, file photo.

Trump Casinos Seek Bankruptcy Protection


AP - The Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday fired Wally Backman, just four days after naming him their new manager.

Diamondbacks Fire New Manager Backman (AP)


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

Merck Cuts More Jobs as Earnings Decline


AP - An end to the U.S. political season coupled with enhanced border security has significantly improved the climate in the United States for comprehensive immigration reform, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Tuesday.

Powell Tackles Illegal Immigrant Issue (AP)


The Transportation Security Administration has announced a series of IT-based pilot programs to bolster airport security, but lawmakers and industry executives are frustrated by a lack of progress in deploying needed technologies.

TSA readies security systems rollout


However, the gold miner said earnings were down compared to September last year when a sum of R421 million was posted. - An operating profit of R456 million was achieved despite a lower rand gold price and a small planned reduction in gold produced.

Gold Fields cheers  #39;solid #39; performance


Africa could be on the verge of a major polio outbreak, the World Health Organization warns.

Africa 'faces new polio threat'


The hockey league's labor deal expires at midnight tonight, and a work stoppage threatens the entire season.

Economics of NHL lockout


A US soldier pleads guilty before a court martial in Baghdad to maltreating prisoners at Abu Ghraib jail.

Soldier confesses to Iraq abuses


LONDON - British Prime Minister Tony Blair has seen his ruling Labour Party slip to third place in a newspaper poll on the eve of its annual conference.

Labour slips to third place in UK poll


Apple Opens EU iTunes, Unveils iPod Photo\\Apple is still leading the pack in taking a bite out of online music shopping search with the news that they have launched a European iTunes online music store. Shortly before Apple's special music event on Tuesday featuring Bono and The Edge from U2, ...


Reuters - Yahoo Inc. said on Thursday it\will begin testing a free desktop search service in early\January, following rivals hoping to extend the reach of wildly\profitable search-related advertising.

Yahoo to Begin Testing Desktop Search in January (Reuters)


The company behind the Atkins Diet said on Monday it had hired a turnaround specialist as it struggles with tough competition from rival food companies and waning consumer interest in low-carb diets.

UPDATE 2-Atkins hires turnaround firm amid low-carb glut


The owners of Airbus approved the launch of a new A350 passenger jet Friday to rival Boeing #39;s 7E7, a spokesman for Airbus parent EADS said.

Airbus owners approve A350 to compete with Boeing #39;s 7E7


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

Bombardier CEO Quits, Shares Plunge


Ankara - Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly warned on Monday against foreign interference in Ukraine and other former Soviet republics and suggested that Ukraine #39;s opposition was seeking power at any price.

Putin: Don #39;t meddle in Ukraine


AP - The New York Yankees took a 2-0 lead over Boston after three innings of play as they looked to complete a shocking sweep of the Red Sox in Game 4 of the AL championship series Sunday.

Yanks Lead Boston 2-0 After Three Innings (AP)


ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Major Gulf producer Kuwait will back  a hike of 1 million barrels per day in OPEC's output ceiling if  oil prices stay at record levels, a move that would bring  formal production limits in line with actual supplies.

Kuwait to Back Quota Hike if Price High


IBM has introduced two new Unix-based servers aimed at small- to mid-size businesses. Based on the Power5 microprocessor, the new servers join IBM #39;s On Demand Express product line, and are priced starting at \$3,993.

IBM Rolls Out Low-End Express Servers


The union representing US Airways #39; (USAIRQ.OB:OTC-BB - news - research) passenger service employees said it has reached a tentative labor agreement with the bankrupt carrier.

US Air, Services Union in Labor Pact


Hand-held computer and scanner maker Symbol Technologies Inc. and wireless network equipment maker Proxim Corp. settled their patent dispute, the companies said Tuesday.

Symbol Tech, Proxim Settle Lawsuit


Top seed American Andy Roddick and defending champion Tim Henman both crashed out of the Paris Masters in the third round on Thursday.

Roddick, Henman upset at Paris Masters


SANTIAGO (AFP) - Chilean anti-riot forces fired tear gas and water cannon at student protesters, three days before President George W. Bush #39;s arrival for a weekend Asia-Pacific summit.

Chilean police, students clash in run-up to Asia-Pacific summit


No one ever will know if Phil Mickelson would have done better had he not changed equipment a week before the Ryder Cup, or if he had practiced with the team Wednesday instead of taking the week off.

Mickelson benched by captain Hal


BRAINTREE -- Clinched. Is there a better sounding word in early November? Not to the Archbishop Williams football squad, which assured itself of a Division 3 playoff berth with a thrilling 33-20 victory over visiting Austin Prep yesterday to claim the Catholic Central Large title.

Bishops clinch playoff berth


Lower courts had ruled that the companies are not liable for copyright violations committed by users.

Supreme Court Will Hear Grokster Case


Indonesia's stock market makes strong gains as former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono looks set to become president.

Yudhyono boost for stock market


The Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes each have found dusty disks around sun-like stars. Finding such rings of dusty debris around stars the size of the sun is difficult, because they are fainter and harder

Decoding Dusty Disks


A Trojan horse that exploits a recent critical flaw in Microsoft Windows #39; handling of JPEG images has been posted to several newsgroups, but it has no way to spread, security experts said Tuesday.

Security researchers say JPEG virus imminent


STARKVILLE, Mississippi (Sports Network) - Jerious Norwood #39;s 37-yard touchdown run with 32 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter lifted Mississippi State to a shocking 38-31 victory over 20th-ranked Florida.

Mississippi State Upsets No. 20 Florida


The four companies developing the Cell consumer electronics microprocessor have released first generation versions of a device not built on technology already in widespread use today.

Sony, IBM and Toshiba reveal more Cell chip plans


Russia edged defending champion France 3-2 to claim its first Fed Cup title Sunday, with Anastasia Myskina and Vera Zvonareva beating Marion Bartoli and Emilie Loit 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the decisive doubles match.

Russia beat France to win its first Fed Cup


AP - Jerome Bettis is often a broken-down Bus by now, weary and worn out after all those games of 20-plus carries and all the contact that goes with being an NFL power running back.

Bettis Is Key to Surprising Steelers (AP)


The first shuttle flight since the Columbia tragedy has been pushed back by NASA. This is due to hurricane damages and implementation of new safety measures.

Shuttle #39;s spring 2005 launch delayed


Norway's foreign minister is due to meet  Tamil rebel leader Velupillai Prabhakaran  to revive the peace process in Sri Lanka.

Norway to talk with Tamil Tigers


Australian snooker star Eddie Charlton dies in New Zealand following an operation.

Snooker: Eddie Charlton dies


LOS ANGELES - Thousands of hotel workers in Los Angeles voted to authorize a strike, their union said Tuesday, joining in an effort that could lead to walkouts in three cities.    About three-fourths of the 3,000 housekeepers, bellmen and other workers at nine prominent Los Angeles hotels took part in the vote Monday, and union spokesman Danny Feingold said Tuesday that 83 percent of them chose to authorize a strike...

L.A., Washington Hotel Workers Strike


The Redskins capitalize on a 66-yard kickoff return and lead the Vikings, 7-0, in the first quarter at FedEx.

Redskins Lead, 7-0


Los Angeles, Ca. -- Shawn Green belted a grand slam and a solo homer as Los Angeles beat Mike Hampton and the Atlanta Braves 7-to-4 Saturday afternoon.

Dodgers 7, Braves 4


BAGHDAD, Iraq According to Arab TV, Iraqi militants say they #39;ve killed two Macedonian hostages. Al-Jazeera broadcast a videotape showing the two men holding identification.

Arab TV reports militants execute two Macedonian hostages in Iraq


Gold rose above \$450 an ounce for the first time in more than 16 years, driven by investors looking for an alternative to the American currency.

Dollar's Fall Pushes Gold Above \$450


The Sensor and Actuator Solutions group will create services and software related to RFID systems. By Laurie Sullivan. IBM has created the Sensor and Actuator Solutions group to support devices such as those used in radio-frequency identification setups.

IBM Carves New RFID Unit


San Salvador -- At least 31 prisoners died and 23 were wounded yesterday during clashes between gang members and other inmates in El Salvador #39;s largest prison, officials said.

Salvadoran prison clashes leave at least 31 dead


Microsoft issued a patch for a vulnerability in its server software that could allow an attacker to spoof trusted Internet content.

Microsoft Plugs ISA Vulnerability


BAGHDAD: US tanks raided the Baghdad Shi #39;ite Muslim stronghold of Sadr City this morning as aircraft bombed the area and helicopters flew low overhead, witnesses said.

US tanks, planes strike Baghdad Shi #39;ite district


'Investors' have about half of the patience they need, which will yield none of the value they want.

Foolish Collective


LONDON (CBS.MW)-- The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development expects Chinese economic growth to slow to 8 percent in 2005, reflecting high oil prices and new government measures, AFX news reported from Paris.

OECD sees China GDP growth slowing to 8 in 2005


Thousands of Indians around Bhopal are still at risk of poisoning 20 years after a gas disaster, a BBC probe reveals.

Bhopal faces risk of 'poisoning'


They call it a  quot;scramjet, quot; an engine so blindingly fast that it could carry an airplane from San Francisco to Washington, DC, in about 20 minutes -- or even quicker.

With  #39;Scramjet, #39; NASA Shoots for Mach 10


washingtonpost.com - Investors in the company that's trying to come off as cute as a bunny could find themselves holding a fistful of vipers if the founders of Google Inc. continue to chart their erratic course.

Google: Now Playboy's Latest Bunny (washingtonpost.com)


SOCCEROOS superstar Harry Kewell is optimistic he can overcome a painful groin injury and play in Saturdays Confederations Cup qualifier against the Solomon Islands.

Harrys keeping Kewell


Mike Hargrove, who has 13 seasons of managerial experience with the Orioles and Cleveland Indians, agreed to a three-year deal with Seattle.

Mariners Hire Mike Hargrove as Manager


BAGHDAD, 9 September 2004 - US forces killed at least six Iraqis in the insurgent bastion of Fallujah yesterday as the kidnapping of two Italian aid workers in central Baghdad spurred foreign charity staff to consider leaving Iraq.

Top Iraqi Official Abducted


Intel is shipping six new processors aimed at filling out its burgeoning Itanium 2 server CPU lineup. But, more than that, Intel hopes that the new CPUs will provide it with traction

Intel Fleshes out Itanium 2 Line with High-performance, Lower <b>...</b>


The five-year drought parching much of the western United States could continue for years and may be just the beginning of a long era of drier times due to global warming, a new study suggests.

Drier Times Ahead in the West?


LONDON (Reuters) - Global oil prices raced to fresh highs on Friday, carrying US crude close to \$49.16 a barrel up 46 cents, driven by escalating violence in Iraq and unabated demand growth from China and India.

Oil Tops \$49 On Renewed Iraq Violence


NEW DELHI/SYDNEY: Australia #39;s flag carrier Qantas Airways Ltd has initiated talks with the Indian government to expand its presence in India.

Qantas seeks more flights to India


HE HAS always put his career first, listening to his fathers advice not to marry because a wife would only get in the way of his golf.

Woods #39; lavish 1.5m wedding to model


Nippon Steel, Japans leading steelmaker, has agreed to pay a record price of more than \$120 per tonne for coking coal from next spring to Australias BHP Billiton Mitsubishi

Nippon Steel to pay double for coal next year


CUZCO, Peru (Reuters) - South American leaders on Wednesday  launched a regional integration pact they said would go beyond  rhetoric and usher in European-style unity, but only half the  future bloc's 12 presidents turned up to sign it.

South America Eyes EU-Style Integration


com December 16, 2004, 10:27 AM PT. Apple Computer on Wednesday released a minor update to its Mac OS X 10.3 Panther operating system.

Apple fixes Panther glitches


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc. on Friday said two small  clinical trials showed heart bypass surgery patients taking  Bextra, an anti-inflammatory in the same class as the recently  withdrawn drug Vioxx, had a higher risk of stroke and heart  attack.

Pfizer Says Bextra, Heart Problems Linked


HOUSTON -- For the first time in franchise history, the Houston Comets will not be part of the WNBA postseason. Tangela Smith had 17 points and six rebounds for the Sacramento Monarchs, who used a 12-0 run

Comets to miss 1st WNBA playoffs


A militant group claiming to have kidnapped three foreign election workers in Afghanistan said Friday that it would execute the hostages if the authorities pursued their search for the kidnappers.

Afghan Militants Threaten to Kill Hostages


Independent lawmaker Vladimir Ryzhkov called the looming sale of the Yukos oil company #39;s core production unit legal chaos and criticized the role of the Western investment bank that valued the subsidiary.

Ryzhkov: Yukos Case Is State Banditry


Russian tax authorities have slapped oil giant Yukos and its main production unit with two new tax claims, raising the company #39;s total bill to more than \$17.

Yukos  #39;faces increased tax bill #39;


The Mets were one of the first professional sports franchises to enter a long-term, multimillion-dollar agreement with a hospital in which the hospital paid for the right to have its doctors treat members of the team.

Mets Cut Ties With Hospital


AP - President Bush on Monday chose Carlos Gutierrez, a native of Cuba who rose from truck driver to chief executive officer of Kellogg Co., to be secretary of Commerce.

Bush Picks Kellogg CEO for Commerce Post (AP)


MANAMA (Reuters) - A conference on regional security  threats opened in Bahrain on Friday, in a rare gathering of  senior officials and strategists from Gulf Arab states as well  as Iran, Iraq and the United States.

U.S., Iran Join in Rare Gulf Security Conference


Network appliance will announce this week additional capabilities and partnerships for its NetApp NetCache line of Internet security appliances. Meanwhile, EMC will unveil a major upgrade to its ILM (information life cycle management) product line with a focus on adding application-aware components.

Network Appliance, EMC refine security strategies


Libya moves ahead with plans to modernise its oil industry and invites representatives from global companies to Tripoli for talks.

Libya outlines oil contract plans


Two underwriters at Zurich Financial Services AG, the third-biggest US commercial insurer, pleaded guilty to charges they helped rig bids to help an insurance broker give business to favored clients.

Zurich Financial Underwriters Plead Guilty in Probe (Update4)


The Murdoch family #39;s long-term control of its media empire is less certain this week after News Corporation #39;s largest investor moved to almost double his voting stake.

US investor raises stakes in shift of News Corp power


AP - Steve Finley did it again. Finley drove in the go-ahead run for the third consecutive game, hitting a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the seventh inning to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers over the St. Louis Cardinals 7-6 Friday night in a matchup of division leaders.

Finley Leads Dodgers to Win Over Cardinals (AP)


General Motors lowered its forecast for the entire year only hours after announcing plans to cut 12,000 jobs in Europe by 2006.

G.M.'s Earnings Are Weak; Plans to Cut 12,000 Jobs in Europe


AP - Researchers on Monday unveiled genetically engineered mice that can run farther and longer than their naturally bred brethren, bringing the

Group Unveils Genetically Engineered Mice (AP)


Higher ingredient prices and restructuring costs pushed General Mills #39; first-quarter earnings down 19 percent, the cereal giant reported Tuesday.

General Mills posts loss but Wall St. firms fare well


s the first criminal trial stemming from the financial deals at Enron opens in Houston today, it will be notable as much for who is not among the six defendants as who is - and for how little

An Enron Trial With Big Stakes for Ones Ahead


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pepsi Bottling Group Inc. <A HREF=

Pepsi Bottling Profit Rises


Ziff Davis - A SCO spokesman says the company has completed its arranged settlement with its former financial backer without fanfare.

SCO, BayStar Fight Appears Over (Ziff Davis)


The United States has reiterated its rejection of the Kyoto Protocol on global warming despite renewed pressure to yield after Russia ended years of hesitation by moving to ratify the treaty.

US Sticks to Kyoto Rejection


The England and Wales Cricket Board today announced that Sky Sports have won the right to broadcast live all international cricket from 2006.

Terrestrial TV to lose live English cricket


SHOTA ARVELADZE feared he had blown Rangers chances of an Old Firm victory when he missed a golden chance in the dying stages. However, the Georgian was a relieved man when he finally found the net to hand

Shota: I thought I #39;d blown chances sky high


Plus, Sun's investors in the dark, trouble at Marsh   McLennan, and Coventry revives First Health.

How Low Can Netflix Go?


The arrests of seven Islamic extremists in four Spanish locations foiled plans to blow up Madrid #39;s National Court. El Mundo said the detainees had intended to buy 1000kg of explosives from Basque group ETA

Islamic extremists #39; plot foiled


ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Two plays. Two decisions. The difference between two teams. Many things and not many things separated the New England Patriots from the Buffalo Bills yesterday at Ralph Wilson Stadium, but two plays made clear why the Patriots have won their last 18 games while the Bills have now lost six straight and 10 of their last ...

Another opponent is left smarting


BAGHDAD, Iraq - More than 3,000 U.S. and Iraqi forces launched a major operation Tuesday against insurgent strongholds just south of Baghdad in an area notorious for kidnappings and ambushes...

U.S., Iraqi Force Seizes Suspected Rebels


US blue chips were knocked lower on Friday by a profit warning from aluminum maker Alcoa Inc. , but tech stocks gained after a judge rejected a government bid to block a takeover of PeopleSoft Inc.

US blue chips hurt by Alcoa, but techs rise


Although some news reports have stated that Microsoft also is looking for ways to work more closely with OpenOffice.org developers, the project #39;s community manager, Louis Suarez-Potts, told

Microsoft Reserves Right To Sue OpenOffice Users


PANAMA CITY, Panama -- A grieving Mariano Rivera returned to Panama after two family members were electrocuted in his pool, but the star reliever intends to be in New York when the Yankees open their playoff series with the Boston Red Sox.

Yanks #39; Rivera Intends to Be Back for ALCS


Reuters - Coming soon to a jungle near you --\mosquitoes genetically engineered so they cannot give people\malaria. But this time scientists want to do it right.

Coming Soon -- Gene-Engineered Insects (Reuters)


International Data Corp. said growth in demand for Linux servers in Europe is expected to almost double by 2008. Microsoft is fighting back by cutting prices and through publicity campaigns

Paris Weighs Shift to Linux from Microsoft


Creative Chairman and CEO Sim Wong Hoo is aiming for a 40 percent share of the global market for MP3 players next year. To achieve its target, the Singapore-based company will

Creative plans US\$100m advertising campaign for its MP3 players


eBay will soon drop support for Microsoft's Passport service, which was originally intended to make the world's biggest software maker the gatekeeper of Web identities.

eBay to drop Support for Microsoft's Passport


Politics, Texas-style, led to NASA and its shuttle program getting their best treatment in decades from Congressional budget writers.

Budget ax falls on lunar probe


DUBAI (Reuters) - An audio tape attributed to Al Qaeda's  deputy leader urged Muslims Friday to organize resistance  against

Zawahri Urges Muslims to Hit U.S. Allies' Interests


OTTAWA - The federal government is proposing that DNA samples be collected from people convicted of making child pornography. The Liberals introduced legislation today that would give judges the power to authorize collection of the samples.

Ottawa wants DNA from child pornographers


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Intelsat Ltd., the world's  second-largest satellite operator, said on Monday it agreed to  be bought by a consortium of four private equity firms for \$5  billion, including assumption of \$2 billion of debt.

Intelsat to Be Bought for \$5 Billion


Underlining its WiMAX ambitions, world number one chipmaker Intel has disclosed technical details of its upcoming wireless broadband chip.

Intel discloses WiMAX plans


HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Jeff Bagwell made sure the Houston Astros did not waste a golden opportunity in the National League wild card chase.

Red-hot Astros edge Cardinals


Black sweater or no, some architects find they can channel their idealism into real-world projects.

Two who put their idealism -- and financial skill -- to work


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - It hasn #39;t exactly been a summer of fun for retailers this year -- but at least merchants can look forward to a little holiday cheer, an industry group said Wednesday.

Holiday sales: Jolly, not jubilant


A new UN report, marking Wednesday's World AIDS day, estimates that 5 million people this year got HIV.

Why AIDS keeps spreading in Africa


Ontario Finance Minister Greg Sorbara said government spending and revenue rose almost equally in the first six months of the fiscal year, leaving the provincial budget deficit unchanged

Ontario Finance Minister Says Deficit Is Unchanged at C\$2.2 Bln


President Bush and Sen. John Kerry's positions on the issue are closer than anticipated.

Digital Agenda: 10 facts you should know about broadband


It is early in the season for a decisive match, yet Inter Milan-Juventus on Sunday is shaping up as exactly that. Serie A leader Juventus stands 15 points ahead of Inter, but both teams see the meeting as key to their season.

Inter Milan seeks redemption win against Juventus


If hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, then a small-business person scorned by his bank comes in second.

Taking care of little guy


THERE was both grief and jubilation abroad in the environs of Madrid yesterday, but for nobody was the latter more dramatic than for Richard Sterne.

Glorious Sterne avoids school trip


BEAVER CREEK, Colo. -- Following a historic day for the US Ski Team Friday, the 1-2 punch of Bode Miller and Daron Rahlves got KO'd on the tricky giant slalom course yesterday.

Not so fast for US skiers


The Genesis space capsule carrying solar wind particles will be plucked from nearly a mile above the Utah desert by stunt helicopter pilots whove replicated the retrieval, without fumbles, in nearly a dozen practice runs.

Pilots to pluck space capsule from air


An exhausted Paula Radcliffe fails to finish in Athens as Japan's Mizuki Noguchi wins the women's marathon.

Radcliffe suffers marathon agony


The owner of four power plants in the Washington region agreed to reduce air-polluting emissions substantially in the next six years and to pay a \$500,000 fine, according to a settlement announced yesterday by environmental and company officials.

Mirant to Cut Emissions, Pay Civil Fine


Come Saturday, the monument of love, the Taj Mahal, can be viewed in the splendour of the full moon, 20 years after security fears ended night visits.

Coming soon: Taj by night


President George W. Bush #39;s nomination of Cuban-born Carlos M. Gutierrez for Commerce secretary fits neatly into a long-term strategy of boosting Republican prospects for national

A boost to his base


The Russian government says more servicemen died from suicide or in accidents than in the line of duty this year.

Russian army off-duty deaths rise


TEMPE, Ariz. - Jobs, health care and other concerns of daily life will likely be focal points as President Bush and challenger John Kerry meet Wednesday for their third and final debate...

Bush and Kerry Get Ready for Last TV Duel


Unlike Hollywood horror movies that often get worse with each new sequel (Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan, for example), Konami #39;s scary Silent Hill series gets better - and creepier -ith age.

Horror comes home in  #39;Silent Hill 4 #39;


Japan #39;s all-professional team have overpowered newcomers Canada 11-2 to win the Olympic baseball bronze medal, restoring some of their pride following a shock 1-0 semi-final loss to Australia.

Japan win baseball bronze


AP - Like most of his peers, Wake Forest coach Skip Prosser wants more than victories from his early schedule.

Wake Forest Hopes to Bounce Back (AP)


The Minister of Energy, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, has said government policy on the subsidy of ex-pump prices of petroleum products would remain unchanged

But subsidy would remain until early next year, says Nduom


Verizon plans to offer a service that would act as a virtual switchboard operator, letting customers stay in touch at all times. The program would send phone calls, voicemails and e-mails wherever customers designate. By Elisa Batista.

A Personal Operator From Verizon


EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ Jason Kidd scored ten points in his season debut to help the New Jersey Nets beat the Toronto Raptors 88-to-86.

Nets 88 Raptors 86


Tony Blair is set to back Gordon Brown's  pre-Budget report, amid concern over some of its forecasts.

Blair to back 'optimistic' Brown


Tech-savvy giant pandas can now pick up their email or browse the web to find a perfect panda partner thanks to the deployment of a campus-wide broadband and wireless network in China #39;s Wolong Nature Reserve.

Web surfing pandas go wireless


Despite an increase in revenue, ManTech International Corp. swung to a loss during its second quarter when a contract to conduct background investigations for the Department of Defense turned out to be far less lucrative than previously expected.

Background Investigation Shortfall Sends ManTech to a Loss


This is the circuit where the Montoya brand began to take shape as he swept past Michael Schumacher during the opening laps of only his third grand prix.

Montoya shows his genius


Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Tracy McGrady tallied 32 points, seven rebounds and five assists to lead Houston over the Los Angeles Clippers, 91-86, in an overtime contest at the Staples Center.

NBA Game Summary - Houston at LA Clippers