The family of British hostage Kenneth Bigley have made an appeal to his kidnappers not to harm him, as the deadline for their demands approaches.

Family plea for British hostage


UNITED NATIONS -- The UN is investigating about 150 allegations of sexual abuse by UN civilian staff members and soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with some evidence recorded on videotape, a senior UN official said yesterday. The accusations include pedophilia and rape, said Jane Holl Lute, an assistant secretary general in the peacekeeping department. Lute said that there ...

UN probing charges of sex abuse by staff


FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Netsky-P, an email computer worm  allegedly written by a German teenager, was the hardest-hitting  virus of 2004, disrupting tens of thousands of businesses and  homes worldwide, Web security firm Sophos says.

2004 Was Year of Netsky Worm, Web Firm Sophos Says


An audio tape purportedly released by Osama bin Laden #39;s deputy urges young Muslims to get organised and go after the United States and its allies, according to comments aired by al-Jazeera TV.

Al-Qaeda tape urges attacks on US allies


SN30952 writes  quot;Singapore Airlines 026, a 747 flying from Frankfurt to New York was diverted to Manchester airport following a bomb threat.

Singapore Airlines 026, a 747 diverted to Manchester airport


The vote set the stage for enactment of the international treaty aimed at reducing emissions blamed for global warming.

Russia's Lower House Approves Kyoto Treaty on Emissions


Microsoft Corp. #39;s MSN division on Thursday will launch a public beta of its Web search technology, according to sources familiar with the plans.

MSN Search Beta Set to Launch


Handheld computer maker palmOne on Monday posted a quarterly profit, versus a loss a year earlier, on stronger revenue spurred by solid sales of its Treo 600 mobile phone and other digital devices.

PalmOne posts quarterly profit on handheld sales


This election year, activist groups are targeting undecided voters through consumer databases. But veteran campaigners say no magic formula can predict how people will vote based on where they live and what they buy. By John Gartner.

Politicos Dig Deep for Your Data


Next weeks meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors over Irans nuclear programs is looming as a tense diplomatic battleground between the US and its European rivals.

US-European tensions deepen over Irans nuclear program


PASADENA, Calif. -- Northrop Grumman Space Technology has been selected to help NASA design a nuclear-powered spacecraft to orbit and explore three moons of Jupiter that may have oceans beneath their icy surfaces.

Northrop Grumman To Co-Design Jupiter Moons Explorer For NASA


US stocks surged on Wednesday with the Dow back above 10,000 after oil prices fell almost 5 percent, alleviating worry that high energy costs will eat into corporate profits and consumers #39; wallets.

Stocks Rise, Dow Over 10,000 as Oil Falls


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian oil group YUKOS has filed for  bankruptcy protection in a U.S. court in an attempt to stop the  Russian government from auctioning off its main production unit  on Dec. 19, it said on Wednesday.

YUKOS Seeks U.S. Bankruptcy to Stop Moscow


AFP - Criminals are exploiting the chaos caused by Japan's deadliest earthquake in a decade by stealing and defrauding vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly, police warned.

Criminals preying on Japanese quake victims, police warn (AFP)


Secretary of State Colin Powell on Monday will invest US prestige in a new Middle East peace drive, pressing Israeli and Palestinian leaders alike for steps to help Palestinians elect a new president.

Powell Wants Mideast Foes to Smooth Way to Election


Ariel Sharon said yesterday that he would end his boycott of the Palestinian leadership and begin a new era of working with Yasser Arafat #39;s successors.

Sharon says he is ready to work with Arafat #39;s successor


Honda Motor Co., with software help from IBM, is preparing to introduce an improved speech-recognition system as standard equipment on the 2005 Acura RL sedan.

Honda/IBM improve speech-recognition system


CSKA Moscow beat Paris St Germain 2-0 in a scrappy Champions League encounter on Wednesday to move temporarily to the top of Group H. Sergei Semak put the Russians ahead with a

CSKA beat PSG 2-0 in Moscow


It #39;s that time of year again, when normally affable, outgoing people abandon their families for hours at a time to stare enraptured at their TV screens.

Mastering Madden NFL isn #39;ta snap


Researchers at Britain #39;s University of Exeter found newborn babies, despite blurred vision, prefer to look at an attractive face.

Babies prefer attractive faces


WHILE the Tiger Woods of old, leading the way after 54 holes, would doubtless have won the Tour Championship with something to spare at East Lake, the less confident 2004 vintage found himself comprehensively outplayed on Sunday by Retief Goosen, who rose

Tiger explains game of risk after losing his way again


AFP - British retail sales fell in July for the first time in over a year, official figures showed, providing further evidence that higher borrowing costs are dampening consumer activity.

British retail sales decline for first time in over a year (AFP)


World champion Michael Schumacher will lose ten grid positions on the Brazilian grand prix grid after crashing heavily in a shortened Saturday practice.

Schu crashes, penalised


COLUMBIA, S.C. (Sports Network) - The University of South  Carolina has scheduled a news conference for 1 p.m. EST Tuesday  when it is expected to announce that Steve Spurrier will take  over as the school's new head football coach.

Report: Gamecocks to Name Spurrier New Head Coach Tuesday


In not-too-secret online forums, Wesley Snipes' latest movie,

Online Groups Brag About Movie Piracy


In the Internet age, making telephone contact with a human for customer service is a daunting task. But some consumers have found ways around the blockade.

Customer Service: The Hunt for a Human


The inspector general at the Department of Housing and Urban Development has closed, without any enforcement action, an investigation into whether there was improper political influence at the agency that regulates Fannie Mae.

No Action Taken After OFHEO Probe


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

James Leads Cleveland to Top of Eastern Conference Cavaliers 103 <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Cablevision Systems Corp. <A HREF=

Cablevision Posts Narrower Loss


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 (Reuters)


Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) showcased its dual-core x86 Opteron microprocessor this week. The upcoming dual-core CPU for the enterprise enviornment is expected to debut in mid-2005 and was housed in a HP ProLiant DL585 server.

Intel and AMD battle for dual-core chips


AP - Oracle Corp. goes to trial Monday on its legal bid to dismantle the dwindling takeover defenses of PeopleSoft Inc., the rival it has been attempting to acquire for 15 months.

Oracle in Court Over PeopleSoft Defense (AP)


AP - Woody Williams has the fewest victories of any Cardinals starter. But he, and not Matt Morris, will get the honor of starting their playoff opener.

Williams to Start Game 1 of Playoffs (AP)


During the past 18 months, Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United Nations has expressed many reservations about the war in Iraq.

UN Secretary-General Annan calls US-led war in Iraq  #39;illegal #39;


US Treasury Secretary John Snow conceded Wednesday that government  quot;deficits matter, quot; but said an improving economy already is beginning to reduce red ink in the federal budget.

John Snow concedes  #39;deficits matter #39;


The federal government and a nonprofit group are buying the land from local farmers to ensure its biodiversity is preserved. BY LISA J. ADAMS /Associated Press.

Expropriation to preserve at- risk rain forest


Online phishing schemes increased significantly in October as financial institutions struggled to combat attempts to steal private account information from online consumers, according to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG).

Phishing on the increase, group says


AP - Science Applications International Inc. on Wednesday neared an agreement to sell its telecommunications software company, Telcordia Technologies Inc., to two private equity firms for  #36;1.35 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.

SAIC Said Near Deal to Sell Telcordia (AP)


AP - An al-Qaida linked group threatened in a videotape Saturday to behead two Americans and a Briton within two days, and insurgents carried out a new string of car bombings, killing at least 20 Iraqis and two American soldiers.

Militants Threaten to Kill Iraq Hostages (AP)


Palestinian resistance group Hamas has said an Arab country might have helped Israel assassinate one of its members in Damascus . Although Hamas spokesman Usama Hamdan, who called

Jordan prime suspect over Hamas hit list


Pakistan has arrested more than five suspects in a plot to bomb several high-profile targets in Islamabad, including the US Embassy and the official residences of Pakistan #39;s president, Gen.

Pakistan sweep nets bomb suspects


Eight nations with Arctic territory agreed yesterday to fight glacial melting and other effects of climate change in the region, though

Arctic nations agree to fight glacial melting


BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Former soccer great Diego Maradona can leave an Argentine psychiatric clinic where he was being held against his will for drug addiction, a judge ruled on Monday.

Maradona held in clinic since May


Myanmar #39;s Opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) party accused the military regime of endangering party leader Aung San Suu Kyi #39;s life by restricting her access to a doctor and non-junta security.

Myanmar junta putting Aung San Suu Kyi #39;s health at risk: Oppn


We consume more every year, and the building industry is no exception. But more complex buildings are creating bigger problems when it comes to dealing with waste.

Taking the toxic out of building


KOTA KINABALU: An AirAsia plane with 110 passengers skidded off the runway at the international airport here but all on board escaped without any serious injuries.

Plane skids off runway at Kota Kinabalu airport


Jean-Martin Folz, CEO of PSA Peugeot Citron yesterday unveiled the Groups new Stop  amp; Start system at a ceremony in Paris attended by Serge Lepeltier, French Minister of Ecology and Sustainable Development, and Patrick Devedjian, French Minister of

Fuel savings of 10-15 in cities with PSA Peugeot Citrons <b>...</b>


Locked away in fossils is evidence of a sudden solar cooling. Kate Ravilious meets the experts who say it could explain a 3,000-year-old mass migration - and today #39;s global warming.

When the Sun lost its heat


The United States will be in on bidding for oil development and prospecting tenders in Libya for the first time in 20 years, an official said Monday.

US firms bidding for Libya oil projects


Eddie Lampert, engineer of the Kmart-Sears merger, is as secretive as he is successful. Even Aylwin Lewis, the executive hired by Lampert last month to run Kmart, had no idea that his new

Kmart #39;s man of mystery


Los Angeles - The Nuggets learned a lesson as blunt as an elbow to the forehead during their season-opening, 89-78 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night at the Staples Center: The Western Conference still is the Western Conference without

Painful start for Nuggets


IBM announced Monday a set of offerings from its Virtual Innovation Center for Hardware, including  quot;how-to quot; guides and a solution sizing toolkit, all aimed at helping the company #39;s business partners build and deploy applications on IBM technology.

IBM Tools Give Developers an Assist


Vaccines for sale online can be dangerous, and sellers could be perpetrating credit card fraud.

Experts Warn of Net Flu Vaccine Scam


NHL veterans Chris Pronger and Jim McKenzie think this lockout is far worse than the one that wiped out half a season 10 years ago.

Players: Gloomy outlook


NEW YORK - Shopping.com is the latest meteor to streak across the new-issues market. The company #39;s planned initial public offering will generate intense interest, but bigger companies are lining up to enter

Shopping.com: A Bad Long-Term Investment


BANGKOK (Reuters) - Heavy rains and fresh floods disrupted  aid to Asia's tsunami-hit villages on Sunday as the U.N.  refugee agency started a 400-ton airlift as part of a \$2  billion relief operation to save millions struggling to  survive.

Rain, Flooding Hinders Asia's Tsunami Relief


The keyboard is mightier than the whiteboard at an emergency room in the Bronx where the use of computers is now a staple.

In the E.R., Learning to Love the PC


AP - Thousands of samples from the Genesis space capsule have arrived at the Johnson Space Center, where the project's curator must assemble a giant jigsaw puzzle that could hold clues to the origins of the solar system.

Genesis Samples Arrive at Space Center (AP)


Nowhere are the conflicts of interest for financial services conglomerates more potentially lucrative - and more obscure - than in the management of pension assets.

How Consultants Can Retire on Your Pension


Australian Prime Minister John Howard officially launched his government #39;s campaign on Sunday for an Oct. 9 election with billion-dollar promises to woo voters and a defiant stand against terror.

Australia #39;s Gov #39;t Targets Security in Election Bid


LONDON: Blackburn Rovers appointed Wales national coach Mark Hughes as their new manager last night, the Premiership club said.  quot;Blackburn announce tonight that Mark Hughes has been appointed manager with immediate effect, quot; Blackburn said in a statement.

Hughes named manager


Serena Williams breezed into the China Open semifinals Friday when Russia #39;s Nadia Petrova retired with an injury during the second set of their quarterfinals match.

Serena, Sharapova advance to China Open semis


NEW YORK (AFP) - The US dollar was little changed against the euro on Monday, after it slumped to a historic low against the European currency at the end of last week, as the markets awaited the release of fresh US economic data in the coming week.

Dollar little moved against euro as US reiterates belief in  #39; <b>...</b>


Eight-year-old Angie Rojas pressed her face against a showcase in the Rockville Toys R Us and cupped her hands for a closer look.  quot;Wow, quot; she said, endorsing the toy set up inside, a \$60

Trying to Beat Boutiques and Big-Box Chains


Reuters - Europe's biggest software\maker SAP could need a year more than anticipated to reach its\profitability target as it spends on research, development and\marketing, its chief financial officer said on Thursday,\sending its shares lower.

SAP CFO Puts Off Margin Target (Reuters)


Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos and Major League Baseball had not reached an agreement late last night on a financial package designed to offset the impact the Washington Nationals will have on the franchise.

MLB, Angelos Have Yet to Reach a Deal


NEW YORK -- In the city that loves to hate Pedro Martinez, the sellout crowd at Yankee Stadium suffered only one minor disappointment yesterday. It came after Martinez walked John Olerud in the sixth inning. The free pass followed Jorge Posada's home run, a shot that landed just a few feet inside the left-field foul pole.

Martinez targets himself for the most blame


AFP - US Treasury Secretary John Snow said that Washington was committed to reducing its budget deficit, which he acknowledged was  quot;too large quot;.

Snow says US committed to reducing budget deficit (AFP)


A spokesman for Sen. Edward Ken- nedy had an apt description of a video game that shamefully exploits the assassination of John F. Kennedy: The release of  quot;JFK: Reloaded quot; on Monday -- the 41st anniversary

Video recreation of JFK assassination marks a new low


washingtonpost.com - Rumors of reinstating the military draft, which have flourished for months in panicky e-mails, online chat rooms, college dorms and student newspapers, suddenly dominated  the House floor yesterday in one of the strangest parliamentary maneuvers in memory. With even its sponsor voting against it, a bill to require young adults to perform military or civil service failed, 402 to 2.

GOP Brings Up Draft to Knock It Down (washingtonpost.com)


USATODAY.com - I'm rooting for satellite radio to succeed. (It's been just three years since XM launched the first satellite radio service.) How come? The appeal of XM and Sirius becomes obvious to folks who are turned off by excessive and dumb commercials, tired formats and static on much of what passes for AM and FM nowadays.

Edward C. Baig: Personal Tech - Satellite radio in the palm of your hand (USATODAY.com)


FALLUJAH, Iraq (CP) - A group calling itself the Brigades of the Victorious Lion of God said Thursday it was responsible for the kidnapping of Canadian Fairuz Yamulky and claimed it set her free only after her company pledged to withdraw from Iraq.

Iraqi group says it freed Canadian hostage; victim #39;s family says <b>...</b>


England national team coach Sven-Goran Eriksson wants his beleaguered captain David Beckham to keep his mouth shut. That won #39;t satisfy the English Football Association, which

Coach #39;s suggestion to Beckham: Zip it


A former general, who has promised to uphold civilian rule, appears to have easily defeated the incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri in Indonesias presidential election today, according to a nationwide survey of votes.

Former General Expected to Win Presidential Election in Indonesia


Josh Radulski made a sliding touchdown catch with 5:56 remaining yesterday and Maine stopped a fourth-down play at its 20-yard line in the closing minutes as the Black Bears held on for a 29-25 Atlantic 10 victory at Richmond.

Maine holds on to strike it rich


AP - Prosecutors, lawmakers and rights activists criticized Venezuela's judicial system for the acquittal of a man who had been accused of torturing and repeatedly raping a woman.

Rape Acquittal Criticized in Venezuela (AP)


AP - Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, who's kept a low profile since last month's twin suicide bombing in southern Israel, made a surprise visit to Egypt on Sunday, but he deflated Egyptian efforts to bring Palestinian factions together.

Hamas Leader Mashaal Surfaces in Cairo (AP)


YASSIR ARAFAT last night collapsed after his health deteriorated dramatically and he remained in a very difficult situation, Palestinian officials said.

Doctors and wife rush to side of  #39;unconscious #39; Arafat


CHICAGO - United Airlines would be within its rights to terminate its employee pension plans but hasn't yet decided to do so, an attorney for the carrier said Friday, as two unions urged a judge to block a financing plan they say is predicated on the airline halting fund contributions.    The hearing came a day after the release of court papers in which United warned it

United Argues It May Terminate Pensions


TOKYO : Iraq pleaded with the international community to play a bigger part in rebuilding the war-shattered nation at a donors conference to assess how to spend billions of dollars in aid.

Iraqis plead for more international help at Tokyo donors <b>...</b>


PARIS (Reuters) - Yasser Arafat slipped deeper into a coma  overnight and his health worsened, a doctor treating him said  on Tuesday before Palestinian officials arrived at a French  military hospital for a visit Arafat's wife adamantly opposed.

Palestinian Delegation to Visit Comatose Arafat


Barry Bonds hit his 700th home run Friday night, toppling another milestone and edging closer to Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron.

Bonds Hits Home Run No. 700


Description: A new Microsoft upgrade tries to make Windows XP more secure against attack. Service Pack 2 contains a program -- known as a firewall -- that keeps out some destructive computer worms.

Microsoft Update Aims to Secure PCs against Attack


Kyle Orton threw for 287 yards and a career-high four touchdowns Sunday to lead 24th-ranked Purdue to a 51-0 rout of Syracuse. Taylor Stubblefield caught five passes for

COL FB: Purdue 51, Syracuse 0


DUBLIN : Aer Lingus said that about 1,600 employees applied before a deadline for redundancy packages offered by the Irish state airline, which aims to reduce its workforce by 1,325 to 2,668 over three years.

About 1,600 staff apply for Aer Lingus redundancy packages


STILLWATER, OKLA. - When Oklahoma State needs a spark, the Cowboys know just where to turn. John Lucas III scored 22 points - including three straight 3-pointers to break open a close game -nd No.

Cowboys pull away 90-65


Swimmer Michael Phelps might have turned in his most wonderfully uplifting performance of the Olympics last night. And he didn #39;t even get wet.

EIGHTH IS EASIEST


Austrian researchers have teleported photons, or particles of light, for the first time outside a laboratory using the same technological principles imagined by <I>Star Trek.</I>

Physicists Teleport Photons Across Danube


\

 SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A computer hacker accessed names\and Social Security numbers of about 1.4 million Californians\after breaking into a University of California, Berkeley,\computer system in perhaps the worst attack of its kind ever\suffered by the school, officials said on Tuesday.

Hacker Hits California University Computer


Two Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists are developing a cellphone that is so smart it can tell what you think and even predict your next move.

Now, a cellphone that can advice you!


Kris Benson looked like a money pitcher yesterday, helping the New York Mets put an end to three streaks. Rejuvenated after skipping one turn in the rotation, Benson gained some leverage in ongoing contract

New York #39;s Benson Is Worth His Wait


Doctors and injured troops traumatized by suicide bombing prepare for possible battle in Fallujah, which insurgents have controlled for six months.

Finding Courage at Iraq Field Hospital


MINNEAPOLIS - Backed by Derek Jeter's three RBIs and a relentless offense, Kevin Brown threw six strong innings to lead the New York Yankees past the frustrated Minnesota Twins 8-4 on Friday night for a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five AL first-round series.    Brown shrugged off back pain and put his broken hand behind him...

Yanks Beat Twins 8-4 to Take Playoff Lead


US stock futures pointed to a flat market open on Friday, pausing after the previous day #39;s big rally, as Wall Street awaits key economic data, though gains by computer maker Dell Inc.

US stock futures flat ahead of data


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Booming orders for new military  aircraft boosted overall orders to U.S. factories by 0.5  percent to a seasonally adjusted \$371.51 billion in October,  the government reported on Thursday, though demand was flat  when defense was excluded.

U.S. Oct Factory Orders Up


Hearts head coach Craig Levein is poised to join Leicester City after saying his goodbyes to Jambos players at training this morning.

Levein Says Goodbyes to Hearts Players


The company #39;s sixth buy this year is meant to aid service providers in controlling and managing Internet-based networks, such as VoIP and interactive gaming.

Cisco to buy P-Cube for about \$200 m


Company names female pop trio new face of marketing campaign to expand appeal among kids, moms. LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - McDonald #39;s Corp.

McDonald #39;s taps Destiny #39;s Child


Indonesian police have passed on to prosecutors their investigative file on militant cleric Abu Bakar Ba #39;asyir - a first step to getting him into court.

Indonesian cleric faces charges


It was obvious that the one-two punch of Opteron and then Intel #39;s adoption of x86-64 would spell trouble for Itanium, and now HP, the (for all intents and purposes) originator of IA-64, has axed its Itanium 2 workstation line so that they can focus on

HP drops Itanium workstation line


Indonesian police have made their first arrest in connection with last week #39;s bombing at the Australian embassy in Jakarta. Police chief Da #39;i Bachtiar said a man had been arrested for carrying explosives for

First arrest over Jakarta bombing


Sept. 9, 2004 - Like an onion cut in half, the concentric shells surrounding the Cat #39;s Eye Nebula are visible in the newest image from the Hubble Space Telescope.

Hubble Captures Cat #39;s Eye Nebula


China #39;s economy was expected to grow by about nine percent this year, a senior official with the State Development and Reform Commission was quoted as saying by the Beijing News on Saturday.

China #39;s GDP to grow 9 percent: state commission


PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters) - Haitian police backed by  U.N. peacekeepers raided a slum stronghold of supporters of  ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide on Wednesday and  arrested 75 people accused of violent attacks in the Haitian  capital, a police spokeswoman said.

Haitian Police, UN Troops Raid Aristide Stronghold


MOSCOW. Sept 27 (Interfax) - A whole set of laws on financial markets regulation will be drafted in the coming months, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said at the investment conference organized by Brunswick UBS.

Russian financial markets must be developed - Fradkov


In 1973, Catholic guerrilla Gerry Kelly was part of a Northern Irish republican bombing team who attacked London #39;s Old Bailey courthouse.

Police, Protection and Justice Key for N.Irish Talks


Sri Lanka moved a step closer to a series whitewash over South Africa after comfortably clinching the fourth one-day international in Dambulla.

IMPRESSIVE SRI LANKA MAKE IT FOUR OUT OF FOUR


The foreign ministers of India and Pakistan met today to try to find a lasting resolution to the dispute over Kashmir, the cause of two wars between the nuclear rivals.

Ministers Discuss Kashmir Dispute


AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- J.J. Arrington ran for 181 yards and three touchdowns, and Aaron Rodgers threw for 208 yards and a TD to help No. 13 California pull away from Air Force in a 56-14 victory yesterday. The Bears had touchdowns on their first three possessions and put the game away with five more scores in the second ...

California proves to be a second-half force


Like millions of video-game freaks, I spent a chunk of the past week making my bones as a low-level gangsta in the alternate universe of  quot;Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

New gaming star


Microsoft will broadly release its long-awaited new Windows operating system code-named  quot;Longhorn quot; in 2006, according to a company statement.

Microsoft To Release New Windows OS In 2006


The Patriots are expected to run all over the Cincinnati Bengals tomorrow at Gillette Stadium. At least that is what the statistics indicate.

Dillon could do a number


AFP - Sudanese President Omar el-Beshir has accused the United States of backing rebels  quot;to the hilt quot; in the country's war-torn Darfur region and said the crisis there has been blown out of all proportion.

Sudan's Beshir accuses US of backing Darfur rebels 'to the hilt' (AFP)


WASHINGTON - The Senate on Sunday removed the last major hurdle stalling passage of the most sweeping overhaul of corporate taxes in nearly two decades.    By a 66-14 vote, lawmakers agreed to end the delaying tactics used by opponents of the tax bill...

Corporate Tax Bill Clears Major Hurdle


BOSTON (Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics placed forward  Tom Gugliotta on the injured list Tuesday with lower back pain.

Celtics Place Gugliotta on Injured List


Microsoft today announced that it has acquired Giant Software, a provider of anti-spyware and Internet security products. Microsoft said it will use intellectual property and technology assets from the.

Microsoft to offer anti-Spyware in January


washingtonpost.com - Google Inc. unveiled a new search tool yesterday that's capable of scanning both the Internet and the files on a personal computer, beating Microsoft Corp. out of the gates and significantly raising the stakes in the search-engine wars.

Google's Search For Dominance (washingtonpost.com)


\An Islamic leader in southern Thailand says authorities

Thai forces blamed for bloodshed


Commerce One says it must lay off 56 employees, leaving it with 36 to operate its supplier relationship management business unit. Years of economic devastation have left Commerce One -- once

The Dot-Com Era #39;s Last Gasp: Commerce One


WOBURN, England (Reuters) - Sweden's Henrik Stenson ended a  three-year barren spell with a four-stroke victory in The  Heritage on Sunday to take his second European Tour title.

Sweden's Stenson Holds Firm to Win Heritage Title


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

Diebold Cuts Forecast


Hamas has vowed to hit back hard for Israel #39;s assassination of the  quot;Father of the Qassam quot; rocket, a weapon symbolising Palestinian militants #39; defiance of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his plan to quit Gaza.

Israel kills senior Hamas militant


KANDAHAR, Afghanistan Afghan officials say an alleged senior Taliban commander and two fighters have been killed in a raid on a village home in southern Afghanistan.

Senior Taliban commander arrested in southern Afghanistan


LONDON (Reuters) - After torrential rain caused flash  flooding in southern England and a landslide in Scotland this  week, meteorologists on Thursday forecast more heavy downpours  and urged people to heed bad weather warnings.

Torrential British Rain Set to Cause More Chaos


ABUJA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Darfur peace talks kicked off  four days late in Nigeria Monday amid mounting international  concerns of a resurgence of fighting in the remote Sudanese  region.

Darfur Peace Talks Start Amid New Fighting


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. television viewers have begun to  prize the on-demand services that let them choose the programs  they want, when they want them, but will they do the same for  advertising?

Procter   Gamble Makes On-Demand Ad


UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A U.N. peacekeeping mission  seeking to restore order in impoverished, unstable, Haiti has  been hampered by a shortage of promised international troops  and police, a U.N. official said on Thursday.

Peacekeeper Shortage Hampers UN Mission in Haiti


InfoWorld - Adobe unveils Acrobat 7.0\Adobe Systems has launched Version 7.0 of its Acrobat family of desktop applications. Enhancements to the software allow users to leverage Acrobat 7.0 and Adobe PDF for processes such as assembling documents from multiple sources, creating forms, and secure collaboration. Acrobat 7.0 tightens integration with Adobe LiveCycle software for connecting document services with businesses processes. The integration allows Acrobat 7.0 Professional users to create XML and PDF forms that can be integrated into back-end systems. Also announced was Adobe Reader 7.0 client software, which facilitates Reader users #8217; participation in document reviews and access to Yahoo Search functions. Acrobat 7.0 Professional is priced at  #36;449; existing users can upgrade for  #36;159. Acrobat 7.0 Standard is priced at  #36;299; upgrades are priced at  #36;99.\Acrobat 7.0, Adobe Systems

Product Previews (InfoWorld)


Google, the world #39;s most popular search engine announced the launch of a beta desktop search utility application that goes beyond basic web search.

Google Launches Ultimate Search Tool


For Keri and Mark Seitz, it's come down to this: a new baby or a house?

Pinching pennies to grow a nest egg


US President George W Bush says Iran and Syria should not interfere in Iraq in advance of January's elections.

Bush warns Iran and Syria on Iraq


Business tycoon Richard Branson said yesterday he #39;s launching the world #39;s first passenger service to space in 2007. It will offer zero-gravity flights, lasting two to three hours, for a mere \$198,600.

PREPARE FOR LIFTOFF


Thanks to a group of nano-engineers in Singapore who have created contact lenses that release controlled doses of drugs, you may be able to treat your glaucoma or other eye diseases simply by wearing their lenses.

Nano-Engineers in Singapore Create Drug-Delivery Contact Lenses To <b>...</b>


Iraqi security forces fired on demonstrators loyal to rebel cleric Moqtada al-Sadr in the Iraqi capital yesterday, killing two in a clash

Violence exposes Shi #39;ite divisions


FORT COLLINS - Days after the end of a busy season, hurricane forecasters are calling for an above-average Atlantic season again next year.

Hurricane predictions for 2005


Television has been something of a great white whale for Microsoft. The company has tried to sell WebTV and build software for TVs and cable boxes.

Microsoft #39;s latest plan for TV


Hopkinton senior Jon Curran shot an even-par 71 to win the MIAA Division 2 state golf individual title yesterday and propel the Hillers to their second straight state championship.

Hopkinton does it again


Hope the  quot;College Gameday #39; #39; crew -- which will be broadcasting from Purdue #39;s campus for the first time -- can come up with a title that does justice to the marquee matchup Saturday between the No.

West Lafayette place to be for battle of unbeatens


Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat described the killing of 10 Palestinians by Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank towns of Nablus and Jenin on Wednesday as  quot;a great unforgivable crime.

Killing of 10 Palestinians  quot;a great unforgivable crime quot;: Arafat


In-store CD burning service will be installed in coffeehouses in Seattle and Texas.

Starbucks Serves Up Digital Music


VIENNA, Austria -- Giving Iran one last chance to avoid the threat of UN sanctions, Britain, France and Germany will offer undisclosed incentives at a meeting today in return for assurances that the Tehran regime will suspend uranium enrichment, diplomats

Iran: Compromise drafted


Verizon and Qwest asked a federal court to block temporary rules forcing the companies to lease phone lines to rivals for at least another six months.  <FONT face=

Verizon, Qwest Ask Court to Block Rules


Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza is set to be charged under the Terrorism Act, legal sources have said. Hamza is facing separate extradition proceedings to the US, where officials have accused him of playing

#39;Radical Muslim cleric Hamza to be charged #39;


Back in the days when Fleet Financial was riding high, rolling up the New England banking industry, Michael Zucchini was the man CEO Terry Murray turned to right after he was done with his latest press conference regarding his latest acquisition.

Fleet #39;s turn


I.BM, a barometer of trends in the computing business, delivered a solid quarterly performance yesterday that pointed to modest if uneven improvement in the corporate technology sector.

IBM #39;s 3rd-Quarter Profit Beats Analysts #39; Predictions


The Belgian press paid tribute to Raymond Goethals on Tuesday, describing him as the magician and looking back on his teams many victories.

Tributes paid to Belgium #39;s  #39;magic #39; football coach


RightNow Technologies is spreading its wings by years end with the introduction of RightNow CRM 7.0, an integrated CRM suite that builds on RightNows e-services framework. To the companys already strong customer support and marketing tools, CRM 7.0 adds an SFA application. The suite will be available in a hosted implementation or for on-premise deployment.

RightNow completes the suite


While being interviewed by Eagle County, Colo., police after his sexual encounter with a hotel employee, Lakers star Kobe Bryant said Shaquille O #39;Neal had paid up to \$1 million to women to keep them quiet about  quot;situations like this, quot; the Los Angeles

O #39;Neal calls Kobe #39;s comments  #39;ridiculous #39;


Amid continuing problems with the release of its financial statements, Nortel Networks yesterday reported a loss for this year's third quarter but said it expects improvements in fourth-quarter revenue.

Nortel reports loss in Q3, sees pickup in Q4


CHINA evacuated hundreds of thousands of people as Typhoon Aere lashed neighbouring Taiwan yesterday, triggering landslides and leaving at least seven people feared dead.

Typhoon forces 240,000 to flee


Sprint (FON:NYSE - news - research) chief Gary Forsee is billing the Nextel (NXTL:Nasdaq - news - research) deal as strength building on strength.

Fans Turn on Sprint Nextel


GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Ten people, including a state  government minister and two lawmakers, were killed in a  helicopter crash in India's mountainous northeast on Wednesday,  officials said.

Politicans Killed in Indian Chopper Crash


NEW YORK - Buyers put a positive spin on equities Wednesday, shrugging off rising crude futures as Google Inc. prepared to sell its stock in an initial public offering, albeit it at a far lower price than previously forecast...

Stocks Are Up Despite Rising Oil Prices


TOKYO - Tokyo stocks ended Friday almost flat as earlier gains on buying of high-tech shares evaporated after selling of domestic demand-related issues accelerated later in the day.

Tokyo stocks end flat


IBM today introduced a security service that offers a concise, monthly global-network threat report designed to help organizations assess security needs and vulnerabilities from a business perspective.

IBM Offers Companies Monthly Security Report Service


ADELAIDE (Reuters) - Rupert Murdoch won shareholder  approval on Tuesday to move the corporate headquarters of his  \$48 billion News Corp. Ltd. media empire to the United States  and finally sever its Australian roots.

Murdoch Wins Vote to Shift News Corp.


AP - Sony Corp. plans to begin selling home servers for broadband and high-definition TV systems powered by a revolutionary new computer chip in 2006, the Japanese electronics and entertainment giant said Monday.

Sony Discloses Details on Computer Chip (AP)


NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Former Miami Dolphins running  back Ricky Williams will remain retired after declining the  NFL's reinstatement offer.

Ricky Williams Will Remain Retired


Pedro Martinez pitched seven strong innings to end his losing streak and lead the Boston Red Sox to an 8-3 victory over the Anaheim Angels in the second game of an American League Division series on Wednesday.

Martinez Ends Losing Steak as Red Sox Beat Angels


LONDON (Reuters) - Sport's top anti-doping official hailed  the 2004 Olympics as a

Olympics Great Success After HGH Testing, WADA Says


The Italian Treasury has raised 7.5 billion euros (\$9.5 billion) from the sale of almost 20 percent of utility company Enel (ENEI.

UPDATE 2-Italy Treasury makes 7.5 bln euros from Enel sale


Hoping to accelerate the deployment of a new wireless technology, Intel Corp. announced Monday it #39;s invested in a venture started by billionaire Craig McCaw to deliver high-speed Internet service over the airwaves.

Intel Invests in New Wireless Venture


T #39;S often forgotten that President Ronald Reagan signed a bill to raise taxes in the early 1980 #39;s after first cutting them.

ECONOMIC VIEW Whoever Wins, More Taxes May Be the Only Way Out


THE ASSASSINATION last week of the Dutch filmmaker and writer Theo van Gogh was a repulsive crime. But the murder represents more than a garish incident on Amsterdam #39;s police blotter.

Madness in Holland


BESLAN, Russia (Reuters) - Russia began counting the cost  on Saturday at the end of siege of a school captured by Chechen  gunmen which killed at least 200 people and cast fresh doubts  on Moscow's policy in the turbulent region.

Russia Counts Cost of Bloody End to School Siege


The trials of former president Saddam Hussein and his top lieutenants likely will not begin this year, a U.S. official said Friday, contradicting a recent pronouncement from Iraq's interim prime minister that it could commence as soon as next month.

Hussein's Trial Not Likely to Begin This Year


African leaders backed an arms embargo and other immediate UN sanctions against Ivory Coast on Sunday, isolating President Laurent Gbagbo #39;s hard-line government

Africans Endorse Ivory Coast Sanctions


Rebels have been in control of the northern regions since a failed coup in 2002. Recent unrest has unraveled a 2003 cease-fire between the government and rebels.

Ivory Coast snapshot


Oracle says its new E-Business Suite 11i.10 will improve business process automation and operating efficiency across an enterprise.

New Oracle E-Biz Suite Aims To Simplify Application and Technology <b>...</b>


SCOTLAND have waited 22 years for a win over the Wallabies and they will have to wait at least another two weeks after yesterdays match, a contest of sharply contrasting fortunes.

Strange case of the game of two halves


LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Peruvian authorities arrested a  former army major who led a three-day uprising in a southern  Andean town and vowed on Tuesday to storm the police station  where his followers remained holed up unless they surrendered  soon.

Peru Arrests Siege Leader, Rebels Hold Out


Japan #39;s economy will be the most severely affected among industrialized nations by population aging, Kyodo News said Thursday.

Aging society hits Japan #39;s economy


DUBAI (AFP) - Dubai Ports International (DPI), a leading world port operator, announced it had acquired the international terminal business conducted by CSX World Terminals (CSXWT) for 1.15 billion dollars.

DPI buys CSX terminal business for 1.15 bn dollars


Defense Agency chief Yoshinori Ono raised the possibility Sunday that the Self-Defense Forces #39; mission in Iraq will end in late 2005.

Ono eyes Iraq exit in December 2005


Eight government contractors are readying to vie for specific task orders to update the Air Force's communication systems under an umbrella contract worth up to \$9B.
<FONT face=

Air Force Contract Has Windfall Potential


NEW DELHI: The first round of the two days talks on Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service between Pakistan and India was concluded today (Tuesday) in New Delhi.

First round of Pak-India bus talks concluded


Britons are signing up for broadband net connections in greater numbers than ever, figures by BT show.

Broadband in the UK growing fast


If D. Wayne Lukas, Bob Baffert, Bobby Frankel, Jerry Bailey and Pat Day are at the same track on the same day, it must be the Breeders #39; Cup.

Lukas, Baffert, Frankel, Bailey must mean it #39;s Breeders #39; Cup


ANTING (China) - Booming demand is not only turning China into the world #39;s fastest growing car market, but it is also pushing the country to develop vehicles that run on alternative fuels.

China joins drive for green cars


com October 8, 2004, 10:52 AM PT. With the economy slowly turning up, upgrading hardware has been on businesses radar in the past 12 months as their number two priority.

IBM, Unisys work to rejuvenate mainframes


St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jason Marquis could be miffed at what could be considered a demotion, being  quot;bumped quot; to Sunday #39;s Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Houston Astros.

Marquis focused on Game 4 start


MCI, the telecom giant that used to be called WorldCom, has appointed bankers to explore a possible sale of the business. WorldCom has only recently emerged from what was

Reborn WorldCom in search of \$6bn buyer


Fixed-rate mortgage rates have behaved very well, still close to 5.75 percent in the face of oil falling below \$50/bbl, stocks in an up-side technical breakout, improving economic data, and the Fed showing every sign of continuing to raise its rate.

Weak economy won #39;t stifle interest-rate hikes


Reuters - Shares of Marsh   McLennan Cos. were\whipsawed on Friday amid conflicting reports that a change in\the insurance broker's top management was imminent.

Marsh Stock Jumps on Talk of CEO Change (Reuters)


roundup Plus: Senate postpones vote on file-swapping bill...HP may expand Puerto Rican research...HP also uses Hitachi drives in servers, storage...Microsoft boosts reporting tools.

Briefly: Google tests Froogle in U.K.


In the Boston Globe, John P. Mello Jr. writes,  #147;Slim. Sleek. Streamlined. Stylish. Chic. Those aren #146;t adjectives normally associated with a desktop computer  #151; unless it #146;s an Apple iMac. #148; Nov 08

Reviewing iMac G5


Calendar application is one of the first non-blogging uses of the standard.

RSS gets down to business


England's secondary schools should drop GCSEs and A-levels for a diploma, a report says, but reaction is mixed.

Plan to scrap GCSEs and A-levels


Shares in James Hardie Industries NV rallied on news that two key executives will stand aside, rather than resign, over the company #39;s underfunding of asbestos compensation.

James Hardie shares rally


The dollar fell to its lowest in more than four years against the yen and dropped versus the euro after Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said foreign investors will tire of financing the record current-account deficit.

Dollar Drops After Greenspan Warning on Current-Account Deficit


AP - Matt Morris went from longtime ace of the St. Louis Cardinals' pitching staff to the middle of their rotation in the first round of the playoffs.

Cards Hope Morris Can Close Out Dodgers (AP)


MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Darren Sproles ran for 221 yards and a touchdown on 42 carries, leading No. 12 Kansas State to a season-opening 27-13 victory over Division 1-AA Western Kentucky last night.

Wildcats spring Sproles for another huge game


AP - After years of declining attendance and contributions, the Science and Technology Museum of Georgia is suspending operations this weekend.

Ga. Science Museum to Suspend Operations (AP)


.Orion Multisystems said it would have two models of its Orion Cluster Workstation available at the end of the year that use up to 96 chips in a desktop-sized machine.

Orion puts  #39;super #39; into the personal computer


People who have migraines are at twice as likely to have a stroke as people who do not, researchers estimate.

Migraines 'double' risk of stroke


In September Jordan, Jaguar and Minardi were not sure whether they would be on the grid in 2005 after Ford decided to withdraw from the sport.

Jordan has Toyota power for 2005


They are like a big lobster pot on a piping hot stove, churning and bubbling, ready to boil over. The Red Sox have a 3-games-to-none lead over the Cardinals in the 2004 World Series, and all of their dreams -- and yours -- are about to come true. The local nine is bursting with optimism, yet the ...

It's a championship heavy wait


Coaches league-wide are wondering why the NFL's schedule-makers put five games between division rivals on the opening weekend.

For NFL, a Tough Start


AP - A roadside bomb exploded Monday near a U.S. military convoy in central Baghdad, causing some casualties, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said.

Bomb Explodes Near U.S. Convoy in Baghdad (AP)


In its quest for the paperless office, Adobe Systems is gearing up for sweeping changes to its Acrobat and Reader platforms. The San Jose, Calif.

Adobe #39;s Acrobat Flips For Collaboration


A possible gas explosion at a hotel on the border between Egypt and Israel causes several casualties.

Blast at hotel in Red Sea resort


FRANCE was on the brink of war with one of its former African colonies last night after planes belonging to the Ivory Coast government bombed peacekeepers in the rebel-held north, killing nine French troops and an American citizen and wounding 23 French

France faces war in former Africa colony


Baghdad -- A group representing thousands of Sunni Arab mosques around the country said Wednesday that it would call for a boycott of the elections in January if the US military and the Iraqi government continued the military operations around the

Sunni clerics threaten election boycott


Fashion king Karl Lagerfeld is a mega-hit for the masses from Manhattan to Milan. Throngs of style seekers stormed H amp;M stores around the world yesterday to scoop up the first moderately-priced

NY in with Karl


A 9-foot bronze statue of Florida State coach Bobby Bowden was unveiled Friday outside of Doak Campbell Stadium.  quot;I thought you were supposed to be gone or dead before they do stuff like this, quot; he said.

Tigers hope to reverse losing trend in Tallahassee


Complaints: A television commercial featuring a wild-driving youngster at the wheel angers auto-safety advocates. DETROIT - General Motors Corp.

GM ends Corvette ad after protest


Veal Kandal is the kind of village the Cambodian government doesn #39;t want anyone to know about. The 40 farming families that live among dusty, drought-stricken paddies were facing

Behind the Curtain


The Socceroos #39; chief crowd-puller Harry Kewell has been given the green light to play his first international on home soil in three years tonight.

Kewell calm and collected for long-awaited Socceroos return


Veteran Joey Sindelar has made the Bell Canadian Open one of his favorites stops on the PGA Tour. After Thursday #39;s opening round, it is easy to see why.

Sindelar seizes lead at weather-ravaged Canadian Open


A bomb alert prompted a Greek Olympic passenger airliner to make an emergency landing at London #39;s Stansted Airport on Sunday, an airport spokesman said.

Bomb Alert Prompts Greek Plane to Land in London


UK mobile handset manufacturer Sendo has ended a long legal wrangle with US software company Microsoft through an out-of-court settlement.

Sendo ends legal dispute with Microsoft


Supporters at the Web site SaveMartha! (www.save martha.com) have pledged to serve Martha Stewart #39;s five-month prison sentence for her convictions on charges of obstruction of justice and lying to federal investigators.

Some fans pledge to do Martha #39;s time


More than two-thirds of 11,000 new technology jobs to be created in Virginia will be in the Washington suburbs, mostly in Fairfax County, Gov. Mark R. Warner (D) said yesterday.

Incentives Attract Jobs to Northern Virginia


AP - A judge is ordering Microsoft Corp. to pay  #36;112.5 million to attorneys who successfully sued the software maker for monopolizing a segment of California's market.

Judge Says Microsoft to Pay  #36;112 Million (AP)


Japan #39;s Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose, led by KDDI Corp. and Marui Co., on expectations the government will boost its growth estimate for the world #39;s second- largest economy on Friday.

Asian Stocks: Japan #39;s Nikkei Rises, Led by KDDI; Taiwan Gains


AP - A white rattlesnake that was found on a Meade County ranch 19 miles southwest of Faith has landed in the private collection of Denise and Chris Alverson of Rapid City.

Rare White Rattlesnake Finds Home (AP)


AP - The Boston Red Sox entered this AL championship series hoping to finally overcome their bitter rivals from New York following a heartbreaking seven-game defeat last October. Instead, they've been reduced to trying to prevent the Yankees from completing a humiliating sweep in their own ballpark.

BoSox, Astros Play for Crucial Game 4 Wins (AP)


MADRID -- Five small explosive devices detonated yesterday at Madrid gas stations along busy highways after a telephone warning from the armed Basque separatist group ETA, officials said.

5 blasts rock Madrid gas stations after warning


BEIJING, Sept 6: At least 90 people were killed and 77 were missing in torrential storms lashing southwest China, disaster relief officials said on Monday.

90 dead in China rain


Four western countries set the scene yesterday for a showdown with Iran by demanding that it freeze its uranium enrichment activities immediately.

West sets deadline for Iran to freeze uranium enrichment


Advanced Micro Devices has begun to incorporate a form of strained silicon into its chips, a design twist that will let the company increase the performance of its processors.

AMD sneaks strained silicon into chips


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue-chip stocks fell on Thursday  and crude oil prices touched \$49 a barrel as traders saw a  possible oil loan from U.S. government reserves as too small to  make up for supply disruptions caused by Hurricane Ivan.

Blue Chips Drop, Oil Reaches \$49 a Barrel


Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Michael Eisner testified Thursday that he told Disney #39;s directors he was hoping to  quot;trade quot; president Michael Ovitz to Sony Corp.

Update 1: Eisner Told King, Board Different Stories


Top-sseded Juan Carlos Ferrero pulled out of the Heineken Open Shanghai Monday because of wrist and knee injuries. Ferrero, the former world No.

Top-seeded Ferrero pulls out in Shanghai


BM plans to announce today that it will contribute some of its speech-recognition software to two open-source software groups. The move is a tactical step by International Business Machines

Speech Code From IBM to Become Open Source


ATHENS (Reuters) Britain #39;s Leslie Law has won silver in the equestrian three-day event individual behind Bettina Hoy of Germany.

Britain #39;s Law takes equestrian silver


AP - Death threats have chased away four elections officials in Mosul, stalling preparations for the vote in the northern city. Insurgents have torched election materials and a militant group believed to operate in Mosul has warned Iraqis not to participate in the election.

Threats Delay Vote Preparations in Mosul (AP)


State-owned broadcaster MediaCorp and Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. said Tuesday that they will shut down an English language channel and lay off more than 200 employees ahead of a merger of their mass market TV and free newspaper operations.

SPH, MediaCorp Lay Off Over 200


WASHINGTON - Up to 28 U.S. soldiers face possible criminal charges in connection with the deaths of two prisoners at an American-run prison in Afghanistan two years ago, the Army announced Thursday...

Some 28 U.S. GIs Face Afghan Abuse Cases


Google Inc. (GOOG) forged ahead with its IPO auction Friday, even as the online search engine leader acknowledged a newly published magazine interview with its founders contained misleading information.

Google IPO Moves Ahead Despite Playboy Interview


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - The federal Conservatives are girding for a same-sex battle with Paul Martin's Liberals, saying they will move to protect the traditional definition of marriage.

Conservatives say they'll move to protect traditional definition of marriage (Canadian Press)


Portugal playmaker Deco and winger Simao Sabrosa will be fit for Wednesday #39;s World Cup qualifier against Russia after recovering from knocks suffered against Liechtenstein last Saturday.

Deco and Simao fit for World Cup qualifier


Football teams would have to include a minimum number of  #39;homegrown #39; players under new proposals announced by the Uefa chief executive today.

Uefa backs local talent


Seattle-based F5 Networks Inc. said net profit in its fiscal fourth quarter was \$15.8 million, or 43 per diluted share, compared with \$1.

F5 Networks bests consensus on strong revenue growth


American Christina Kim has a four stroke lead mid-way through the Ladies Professional Golf Association State Farm Classic in Springfield, Illinois.

Golf: Kim Leads State Farm Classic


Australia #39;s Rachel Teske is three shots behind the leaders after the opening round of the LPGA tournament in Otsu, Japan. Teske shot a 6-under-par round of 66 to trail co-leaders Chihiro Nakajima of Japan and Sweden #39;s Annika Sorenstam, who are 9-under.

Teske well placed in Japan


New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was quick to praise Ricky Ponting #39;s Australia side after the Black Caps were beaten by 213 runs in the second Test in Adelaide.

FLEMING PRAISE FOR AUSSIES


Moody #39;s Investors Service on Wednesday said it may cut its bond ratings on HCA Inc. (HCA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) deeper into junk, citing the hospital operator #39;s plan to buy back about \$2.

Moody #39;s may cut HCA #39;s rating deeper into junk


ABC apologizes Tuesday for a steamy intro to

ABC Apologizes


Counting in Indonesia's  presidential election is nearly over, with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the easy winner.

Yudhoyono set to claim victory


washingtonpost.com - In the final few weeks before the 2004 election, lobbyists for high-tech, entertainment and civil liberties interests were crammed into an icy room in the Dirksen Senate office building, trying to hammer out a bill that would have put Internet song-swapping networks like Kazaa and eDonkey out of business.

Uncertain Landscape Ahead for Copyright Protection (washingtonpost.com)


NEW YORK - Their voices breaking, parents and grandparents of those lost on Sept. 11 stood at the World Trade Center site Saturday and marked the third anniversary of the attacks by reciting the names of the 2,749 people who died there...

All 2,749 WTC Victims Honored in N.Y.


AP - One of the biggest Eagles-Steelers games since their long-ago days as conference rivals is reviving memories of the year two of pro football's best cities shared a single team.

Memories of Merged Eagles-Steelers Revived (AP)


Whitney Shean, a Globe All-Scholastic for field hockey while at Medfield High School and the Tri-Valley League MVP for that sport in 2001 and 2002, is now a sophomore at Northeastern University, where she played a key role in the field hockey team's advance to the NCAA Division 1 Tournament this fall.

Shean a standout in field hockey as NU goes deep in NCAA tourney


But that optimism isn #39;t matched by Infineon, which said that while the market worldwide remains buoyant, the US is a special case and cautioned that growth might not be as strong as it expected.

Gartner optimistic about chip numbers


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Water-filled yo-yo balls should be  banned in the United States, a public interest group said on  Tuesday as it issued its annual survey of hazardous toys before  the holiday season.

Ban Yo-Yo Water Ball Toy, U.S. Group Says


US warplanes fired on insurgent targets in the east Baghdad slum of Sadr City overnight, killing at least one person and injuring 12 -- many of them children -- hospital officials said yesterday.

Children wounded in attack


BEIJING - A knife-wielding man was arrested in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong on Monday after injuring 25 students and holding a 9-year-old girl hostage at an elementary school, China #39;s official media reported.

Man slashes 25 kids at China school


As U.S. and Iraqi troops patrolled the battered streets of Samarra, the central Iraqi city reclaimed from insurgents in two days of lopsided battle, residents emerged Sunday reporting thirst, hunger and casualties among the civilian population, according to news service accounts from the city.

Out of Hiding in Samarra


Valve #39;s Gabe has sent some fresh info to fan site HL Fallout in which he reveals the various Half-Life 2 retail and Steam packages that will be available to the public once Half-life 2 actually goes on sale.

FilePlanet Daily Download


An expected spike in mortgage rates was supposed to cool off the red-hot housing market, but that spike failed to happen, and real estate sales remained strong in July both locally and nationally, according to reports released yesterday.

July home sales strong


Roger Federer #39;s luminous talent can lighten up the gloomiest of days, and so it was on a decidedly dark and dreary opening to the Masters Cup that the Swiss world No1, who was unbeaten when he won the title here last year, shone brightly as ever with a 6-1

Gaudio no match as regal Federer reigns


JAKARTA: Indonesia #39;s president-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono condemned as  quot;an act of violence quot; a bombing outside his country #39;s embassy in Paris.

Indonesia #39;s president-elect condemns bombing outside Paris embassy


Considered an early Super Bowl contender, the Chiefs come to Baltimore on Monday still looking for their first win.

Thrown for a Loss


They have enshrined his debut No 8 shirt in the club #39;s museum and they have blown the budget on his transfer fee, but Wayne Rooney found out yesterday that he still does

Boro #39;s rookies outshine Rooney


Tennessee, North Carolina State and Duke have no true quarterback starter. Maryland and Florida State are getting spotty play by their quarterbacks. And it's only September.

ACC Does QB Shuffle


The Manchester United boss said this week that if the Dutch hitman had four chances he would score with three of them. Well van Nistelrooy did have four chances against Sparta Prague in the Champions League last night .

Van Nistelrooy the four-goal hero


A suicide bomber blew up his vehicle outside a police academy in the northern oil city of Kirkuk yesterday, killing 17 people, including 14 policemen.

Suicide bomber kills 17 in northern Iraq


AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The lawyers appointed to defend  Slobodan Milosevic in his war crimes trial renewed their plea  on Tuesday to be allowed to withdraw from the case, saying  their relationship with the defendant had been irreparably  damaged.

Defense Lawyers Say Rapport with Milosevic Ruined


WASHINGTON -- Without a doubt, many employees who have access to a retirement plan at work contribute some money to it.

Put more money into retirement plan now


Only a military-style operation with bases across West Africa can stop the worst locust invasion for 15 years destroying vital food supplies, Senegal #39;s President Abdoulaye Wade said Tuesday.

Senegal Draws Up Locust Battle Plan for West Africa


ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on  Sunday proposed to give a greater role to African Union (AU)  troops in restoring peace to Sudan's Darfur region on the eve  of talks between the Sudanese government and rebels.

Nigeria Wants AU Troops to Disarm Darfur Rebels


SAN FRANCISCO - Computer Associates International Inc. has revoked perks, including office space and home security services, that it handed out to former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sanjay Kumar after he left the company last month.

CA ex-CEO Kumar loses perks after indictment


NEW YORK - It #39;s not lack of choice that is the problem when trying to choose a digital music player, it #39;s rather the opposite.

MP3 Players At The Right Size And Price


TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals activated defensive tackle Wendell Bryant off the suspended list Wednesday. The move, which had been expected, followed a four-game suspension for violating the NFL #39;s substance abuse policy.

Cardinals activate Bryant


AP - Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates signed a cooperation agreement with UNESCO on Wednesday to improve access to computers, the Internet and information technology training in developing countries.

Bill Gates in Paris to Seal UNESCO Deal (AP)


Today at Freedom Hall, Patrick Sparks scored 16 points as the tenth-ranked Wildcats dominated the Hoosiers inside in a 73-to-58 victory.

UK Owns IU, Kentucky Beats Hoosiers in Basketball Too


D uring the past few weeks two news events of global importance have occurred that have received extensive international press coverage: the election of George Bush to lead the United States for four more years, and the death of Yasser Arafat, leader of

Ignore arctic warming warnings at our own peril


US Airways Group Inc. (UAIRQ.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) reached a tentative deal on Thursday with negotiators for the airline #39;s flight attendants union for

UPDATE 1-US Airways, flight attendants in concession deal


The U.S. Army plans to withhold payment on 15 percent of future invoices of Halliburton's logistics deal in Iraq due to an ongoing billing dispute.

Army to Withhold Some Payments From Halliburton


MADRID (Reuters) - Women's world number one Lindsay  Davenport and former men's world number two Alex Corretja  warned on Monday that the intense pace of the tennis circuit  was taking a toll on even the top players.

Corretja, Davenport Warn of Burnout Dangers


Forbes.com - Maybe poker really is a sport. It's televised. It's awash in prize loot. And now there's even an ownership feud brewing between its biggest promoters.

Poker's New Suit (Forbes.com)


October 22, 2004 -- Stephen C. Hilbert, founder and former CEO of life insurer Conseco Inc., said he plans to appeal a ruling that allows the company to foreclose on his mansion.

EXEC IS FIGHTING TO KEEP MANSION


com October 8, 2004, 11:32 AM PT. This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web Services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.

AOL prepares its own browser


The trial of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his cronies, including number two Izzat Ibrahim al-Duri whose arrest was announced on Sunday, will begin before elections due in January, an Iraqi minister said.

Saddam trial to begin before January election: Iraqi minister


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices eased further on Tuesday, as  the head of the OPEC cartel said markets were well-supplied  with crude and traders continued to take profits from this  year's 40 percent rally.

Oil Extends Falls, Supply Fears Lessen


This is a math problem that voters or hard drives can #39;t solve. It sounds so simple, but in the 2004 college football season, three into two won #39;t go.

The numbers don #39;t add up


A new survey indicates that CIOs are only hiring for positions that address long-term needs. By TechWeb News. Chief information officers in the US continue to take a cautious approach to increasing IT staff

CIOs Still Slow In IT Hiring


Doing everything he could to buy time and beat exhaustion, Chile #39;s Nicolas Massu got past American Mardy Fish 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in an error-filled Olympics men #39;s singles tennis final last night that lasted four hours.

Exhausted Massu rallies past Fish to claim gold


Ziff Davis - Sender ID's license is making it impossible for open-source programmers to use it in their e-mail applications.

Open-Source Community Skeptical About Microsoft's Sender ID License (Ziff Davis)


OIL #39;S RECORD-breaking rally took US crude over US\$52 a barrel yesterday fuelled by the impact of Hurricane Ivan on US winter inventories.

Oil price exceeds record mark


SAO PAULO, Brazil - Juan Pablo Montoya won in his final race for Williams-BMW on Sunday, beating future McLaren teammate Kimi Raikkonen to capture the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Montoya bids team farewell with a victory


MILWAUKEE -- How many home runs does Barry Bonds have to hit to get beyond the lack-of-lovability issue? The correct answer is: It just doesn #39;t matter.

Slugger may not be cuddly, but no denying greatness


AP - A Venezuelan military plane crashed in a mountainous region near Caracas on Friday, killing 16 poeple, including high-ranking officers, a top government official said.

16 Killed in Venezuelan Plane Crash (AP)


Reuters - U.S. blue-chip stocks slid lower on\Thursday, pulled down by industrial bellwether Caterpillar Inc.\, but technology shares remained higher after eBay Inc.\ posted strong earnings.

Blue Chips Tumble, Caterpillar Weighs (Reuters)


Olympic champion Kostas Kenteris, who is likely to be expelled from the Olympics for missing a doping test, said Tuesday that he is not a drugs cheat.

I #39;m innocent, says Greek Olympic champion Kenteris


Two factors are in Tim Henman #39;s favour here today as the British No 1 attempts to defeat Guillermo Coria, of Argentina, to give himself a chance of advancing beyond the round-robin stage at the Masters Cup.

Henman has skills to flush Coria from baseline lair


Six persons, including two Border Security Force (BSF) men, were killed and 51 others injured in three blasts triggered by United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) militants

Indian violence kills 6, injures 51


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Morgan Stanley and Bear Stearns  Companies posted a drop in quarterly profits on Wednesday,  surprising some investors one day after two other big  investment banks reported a rise in earnings.

Morgan Stanley, Bear Stearns Profits Fall


Skype launched a version of its Internet telephony service for users of Apple computers on Tuesday, as it battles a growing number of competitors offering voice-over-IP (VoIP) products.

Skype launches Apple flavour


Iran has rejected a UN resolution calling on the country to freeze uranium enrichment activities. It has also threatened to stop snap checks of its atomic facilities if Iran #39;s case is referred to the UN Security Council.

Iran rejects call to stop atomic research


PIXAR Animation Studios, the group behind the cartoon movie Finding Nemo and a slew of other hits, says it might reap millions more in profits by switching the release date for its films to the summer.

Pixar looks to boost film revenues


WASHINGTON - Gunfire erupted outside Haiti #39;s presidential palace in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday as US Secretary of State Colin Powell met with senior Haitian officials, CNN reported.

Gunfire erupts in Haiti, Powell  amp; entourage safe


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Australian diversified property group Stockland (SGP.AU) is set to launch a share-based bid for General Property Trust (GPT.

UPDATE: Stockland To Unveil A\$7.5B Bid For GPT - Sources


MOSCOW - A female suicide bomber set off a shrapnel-filled explosive device outside a busy Moscow subway station on Tuesday night, officials said, killing 10 people and injuring more than 50.

Subway suicide bomb kills 10


Mobile phone operator MMO2 raises its UK revenue growth target for this year as it gets more customers and existing users spend more.

MMO2 lifts revenue target for UK


If you're not ready to feverishly debate Iraq or the deficit in this bitterly divisive election year, you can always surf the Web, where politics is frequently nothing but a big joke.

Web Sites Spoof Bush, Kerry With Parodies


The Football Association has started an investigation into crowd trouble at Chelsea #39;s League Cup match with West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

FA investigate Stanford Bridge crowd chaos


Slab City, Calif., is not so much sinister as it is strange, a forlorn quarter of America where more than 3,000 elderly folk pass the winter.

Parked in a Desert, Waiting Out the Winter of Life


Reuters - Video game giant Electronic Arts expects\to sell 2 million units of the

EA Sees Girl Power Boost with 'Sims 2' Sales (Reuters)


A minor earthquake rattled Olympic venues in Athens Tuesday, but there were no reports of injuries or damage. The tremor was measured at 4.5 on the Richter scale, with an epicenter about 70 kilometers northeast of the Greek capital, under the Aegean Sea.

Minor Earthquake Shakes Athens; No Damage or Injuries


Its short for wireless fidelity, and it is used to describe products that follow the 802.11 set of standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

Tri-Mode Wi-Fi Module from Intel


Hamid Karzai will be sworn in as his country #39;s first elected president Tuesday, facing a huge amount of more work to rebuild a land still traumatized by more than a quarter century of war.

Afghan Leader Faces Huge Task After Inauguration


The annual  quot;City Game, quot; matching Pittsburgh against cross-town rival Duquesne, has not been much of a game in recent years with the Panthers dominating

Pitt erupts in second half, routs Duquesne, 87-57


Shares in the Australian subsidiary of Metoz, formerly Metro Cash  amp; Carry, yesterday jumped 15 percent as investors anticipated its takeover target, Foodland

Metcash soars on expectations that Australian prey will turn <b>...</b>


Vijay Singh, the first player in PGA Tour history to earn more than \$10 million in a single season following his Chrysler Championship victory on Sunday, has strengthened his grip at the top of the world rankings.

Record-breaker Singh stretches ahead of Els in rankings


SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan  Singh took his proposals for peace to the Kashmiri people on  Wednesday, holding out the promise of further troop withdrawals  on his first visit to the region.

Indian Prime Minister Takes Peace Proposals to Kashmir


Former Celtic striker Henrik Larsson say he is fit to play in tomorrow #39;s Champions League tie at Parkhead. There were chaotic scenes earlier this afternoon as Larsson, and his Barcelona team-mates arrived in Glasgow ahead of the game.

Henrik set for emotional return


Lockheed Martin Corp. yesterday reported a 41 percent increase in profit during its third quarter as fighter jet and information technology demand continued to drive growth.

Lockheed Martin Profit Jumps 41 in Quarter


com. Yahoo is hosting the official Web site for the second and third seasons of the reality television program  quot;The Apprentice.

The Apprentice Says  quot;You #39;re Hired quot; To Yahoo


Reuters - Applications for U.S. home mortgages\declined last week as refinancing activity fell and mortgage\rates were little changed, an industry group said on Wednesday.

Mortgage Applications Fell Last Week--MBA (Reuters)


A bomb has gone off in the Lebanese capital Beirut, injuring a former minister and killing his driver.

Ex-minister hurt in Beirut blast


Canadian Press - MOSCOW (AP) - In a deal paving the way for future joint ventures, U.S. oil giant ConocoPhillips has won an auction with a bid of nearly  #36;2 billion US for the Russian government's 7.6 per cent stake in Russia's Lukoil - the world's No. #160;2 oil company by reserves.

ConocoPhilipps wins stake in Russia's Lukoil for nearly  #36;2 billion US (Canadian Press)


Tiger Woods picked up his first strokeplay title of a difficult year when he romped to an eight-shot victory at the Japanese tour event in Miyazaki.

Woods seizes first strokeplay title of year


Dutch police arrest 29 in a raid on a suspected training camp of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party.

Dutch raid Kurd 'training camp'


In trimming its projections, Coca-Cola now looks like a couple other companies that have rebounded.

Coke: Looks Like Sody Pop


UN inspectors praise Libya for its co-operation in revealing details of its dismantled atomic weapons programme.

UN nuclear watchdog hails Tripoli


ATHENS All of Greece expected to see Costas Kenteris crowning its Games with a laurel wreath on his brow, his barrel chest swelling in his blue and white athletic singlet, atop the podium in the Olympic Stadium after successfully defending his 200- meter ...

Greek heroes quit Games


America West Airlines, which has been considering a bid for ATA Airlines for more than a month and was widely expected to make an offer by Friday #39;s deadline, Thursday said it will not make an offer.

America West won #39;t bid for ATA Airlines


Federal regulators said yesterday that they won #39;t approve La Jolla Pharmaceutical #39;s experimental lupus drug without an additional human study to prove its benefits.

FDA wants new study of lupus drug


Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., a maker of recreational vehicles and manufactured homes, said Tuesday that first-quarter profits rose sharply due to strong sales in its motor homes and housing segments.

Fleetwood 1Q Profit Sharply Higher


#147;It has been a good year for Apple, #148; writes Wilson Rothman in naming the iMac G5 TIME Gadget of the Week.  #147;Since the beginning of 2004, I #146;ve discussed GarageBand, AirPort Express and the latest iPod. If you go back 12 months, you can probably even throw in iTunes Music Store, the original G5 and the official release of iChat AV. This isn #146;t favoritism, I #146;m just impressed. Rather than spend money on its silly  #145;Switch #146; ad campaign, the company has spent it inventing actual reasons for people to switch from Windows to Mac, not least of all personal style. The iMac G5 is super suave, but it #146;s also a pretty good deal. #148; Sep 22

iMac G5: TIME Gadget of the Week


Thousands of people have marched through cities across Germany in renewed protests against welfare cuts.

German welfare rallies escalate


MORE than 6000 plants, insects and animals should be added to the list of the world #39;s endangered species, according to a study published yesterday.

Another 6000 species threatened with extinction


As the close-knit NASCAR community mourns the loss of team owner Rick Hendrick #39;s son, brother, twin nieces and six others in a plane crash Sunday, perhaps no one outside of the immediate family grieves more deeply than Darrell Waltrip.

Area residents Waltrip, Allison mourn Hendrick #39;s loss


Verizon announced Thursday it is digging up streets and stringing wire in six states, including Maryland and Virginia, to deliver high-speed Internet service and cable-style television to customers.

Verizon to Build New Fiber Optic Network


ARKALYK, Kazakhstan -- A Russian-US crew returned safely to Earth from the international space station, their Soyuz space capsule streaking through the atmosphere and landing on target in the steppes of Kazakhstan early Sunday.

ISS Crew Makes Safe Landing


Italian MotoGP rider Max Biaggi has broken his leg in training and will be out of action for at least two months, ANSA news agency reported on Monday.

Biaggi breaks leg in training accident


Sony has embarked on a potential collision course with music groups, including its own Sony BMG joint venture, over MP3 digital song files.

Sony on collision course with music majors over mp3 format


Lleyton Hewitt beat his sister #39;s boyfriend Joachim Johansson 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 to advance to his first Grand Slam final in two years at the US Open in New York early this morning.

Hewitt advances to US Open final


Reuters - Oil prices held firm above  #36;55 a\barrel on Wednesday as traders braced for the start of the\northern winter with thin heating oil supplies.

Oil Holds Above  #36;55, Braced for Winter (Reuters)


Talks on where to build the world #39;s first nuclear fusion reactor ended without a deal on Tuesday but the European Union said Japan and the United States no longer firmly opposed its bid to put the plant in France.

EU Says No Deal, No Breakdown on Fusion Reactor


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. troops cut roads and reinforced  positions around Falluja Tuesday after an air strike aimed at  Arab militants said to roam the rebel-held city.

U.S. Troops Reinforce After Falluja Air Strike


Nokia Corp has unveiled plans to bring Smartner Information Systems Oy #39;s mobile email and personal information management offering to its latest Communicators.

Nokia adds Smartner email and hints at more


Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - A charitable group for children is sending information kits to teachers across Canada to assist them in helping students understand the effects of tsunamis in southeast Asia that have inundated the world with haunting images of grief and destruction.

Charity helping teachers to teach children about tsunami in southeast Asia (Canadian Press)


Applebee #39;s International Inc. said Thursday it expects annual earnings per share to grow from 14 percent to 17 percent over the next three to five years beginning in 2005.

Applebee #39;s Predicts Earnings Growth


NEW YORK, November 5 (newratings.com) - Altria Group Inc (MO.NYS), the parent company of Kraft Foods (KFT) and the world #39;s largest cigarette maker Phillip Morris, is planning a possible split-up of its businesses into three separate units.

Altria to split businesses; ups FY04 outlook


A favorable ruling and an uneventful civil trial could mean Oracle and PeopleSoft begin bargaining.

Europe OKs OracleSoft


NEW YORK -- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays remained in Florida on Monday morning, just 3 hours before they were scheduled to play a doubleheader opener in New York against the Yankees.

Devil Rays stuck in Florida hours before game


In this picture released by the Palestinian Authority, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, center, shakes hands with doctors at his compound in the West Bank town of Ramallah, in this Oct. 28, 2004 file photo.

Arafat #39;s Widow Retrieves Medical Records


NASA has abandoned plans to resume flying the space shuttle next March because of the impact of four hurricanes on space agency centers and work schedules.

NASA Delays Plans to Fly Shuttle Soon


MICROSOFT Corp announced the broad availability of its Windows Storage Server 2003 (WSS2003) solution for South Asia markets, in conjunction with the TechEd 2004 developer conference here yesterday.

Microsoft unveils storage server solution


Phoenix -- Baseball #39;s union leaders, facing calls from some of its members to crack down on steroids, will discuss changing its drug-testing policy today after reports of Barry Bonds #39; and Jason Giambi #39;s explosive grand jury testimony in the BALCO case.

Players discuss tougher testing policy


Anti-terrorist branch police investigating claims a group was trying to buy radioactive material arrest four men.

UK anti-terror police hold four


Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in Tajik capital of Dushanbe on a visit, said Monday that the terrorist attacks in Iraq were aimed at preventing US President George W. Bush from being reelected.

Terror attacks in Iraq aimed at impeding Bush #39;s reelection: Putin


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Thursday, led by a  decline in the technology sector following a batch of sales  warnings from chip makers and a jump in oil prices to nearly  \$43 a barrel.

Semiconductor Sector Slides, Stocks Down


Housing construction in August jumped to its highest level in five months, a dose of encouraging news for the economy's expansion.

Home building surges


Shawn Crawford speeds to victory in 10.02 seconds in the first round of the men's 100 meters, leading three Americans into the second round.

Crawford Wins 100 Preliminaries


Canadian Press - KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Ukrainian police and state security agents searched the apartments of two opposition activists Friday, just over a week before the country's hotly contested presidential election, a news report and an opposition group said.

Ukrainian cops search homes of opposition activists in runup to election (Canadian Press)


AP - An Israeli aircraft fired a missile Monday at a house in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, wounding five people, including a top Islamic Jihad leader, witnesses and hospital officials said.

Israeli Aircraft Attacks Militant's House (AP)


British Prime Minister Tony Blair faced a revolt on Wednesday from lawmakers who demanded a parliamentary vote on a US request to redeploy British troops in Iraq.

Blair faces rebellion over troop redeployment in Iraq


Canadian Press - BELGRADE, Serbia-Montenegro (AP) - Serbia-Montenegro's president said Wednesday he is preparing an invitation for Pope John Paul to visit the Balkan country.

Invitation for Pope to visit Serbia-Montenegro in the works, president says (Canadian Press)


Some clubbers in Barcelona have opted to have a microchip implanted which lets them pay for drinks.

Barcelona clubbers get chipped


AFP - India's army chief General Nirmal Chandra Vij will pay a week-long visit to China this month in the first such visit for a decade, reports said.

Indian army chief to visit China from December 22 in first trip for decade (AFP)


When Stonehill hired Chris Woods as its football coach after last season, the hope was he could once again revive a disappointing program.

Under Woods, Stonehill making some noise


Dutch police stormed a house tonight to end a day long siege of terror suspects holed up inside. Three suspects were arrested. Special forces had launched an earlier, pre-dawn, raid on the house in the capital

Holland: Police raid ends terror siege


WASHINGTON (US): Microsoft #39;s new search engine launched Thursday opens a new front for the world #39;s biggest software company in a new war -- for control of the Internet, analysts said.

New Microsoft search engine opens war for Internet dominance


In my column last month (The Oil Bubble: Set to Burst?) I discussed the speculative factors that pushed oil prices to all-time highs.

The Oil Bubble II


ZURICH (Reuters) - Credit Suisse plans to focus its  investment banking activities on high-margin business and float  off insurer Winterthur in a long-awaited revamp aimed at  boosting the earnings power of Europe's 10th-largest bank.

Credit Suisse to Focus on Investment Bank


Casino operator Penn National Gaming Inc. is buying Argosy Gaming Co. in a stock purchase deal worth about \$2.2 billion, including about \$805 million in long-term debt, the companies said Wednesday.

Penn National to Buy Argosy


NOBLESVILLE, Ind. -- Conseco Inc. asked a state judge Tuesday for a ruling allowing the company to foreclose on its former chief executive #39;s mansion to collect a \$62.

Conseco seeks to collect exec #39;s debt


Last year's runner-up Juan Carlos Ferrero goes out of the US Open after a five-set battle with Stefan Koubek.

Tennis: Ferrero falls in epic


UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - China and Singapore on Monday  urged the international community to help calm Beijing's  dispute with Taiwan over its push for independence.

China, Singapore Say World Must Help Calm Taiwan Row


Alaska Airlines announced major expense-reduction surgery Thursday, trimming 900 workers from its payroll and closing its maintenance base.

Alaska to slash 900 jobs


AFP - Peace talks between the Sudanese government and Darfur rebel leaders broke up in deadlock once again, barely 10 minutes after delegates returned to the table following a three-day pause.

Peace talks for Sudan's Darfur halted again as deadlock continues (AFP)


SEOUL, South Korea - Was that a mushroom cloud that the satellite saw hovering menacingly over North Korea or merely a patch of bad weather?

N. Korean blast remains a mystery; speculation rife


FURAWIYAH, Sudan -- Rummaging through the ashy debris of this abandoned village in a dingy gray suit, Moussa Safi is like a ghost in a ghost town.

Once-prosperous Sudanese scavenge to survive


NEW YORK : US stocks closed mixed as a warning over November sales from retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc cast a shadow over Wall Street, sparking fears that Christmas shoppers might spend less than expected.

Wall Street stocks end mixed following sales warning from Wal-Mart


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasuries turned tail on  Wednesday as recent hefty gains attracted a wave of  profit-taking in an otherwise featureless market.

Profit Takers Ambush Treasuries


The worlds tallest bridge was opened in the Tarn Valley, France, yesterday and has been hailed as both a monumental work of art and an unrivalled technological achievement.

Flying high, like a butterfly


Howling winds and torrential rain lashed Taiwan on Monday as a rare autumn typhoon bore down on the island #39;s eastern shore, forcing schools and businesses in the capital and other regions to close.

Typhoon swipes Taiwan; shuts schools, businesses


Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, who outraged Jews in November by calling them  quot;the root of evil, quot; is at it again, this time saying Jews control the worlds banks and the mass media.

Composer reiterates anti-Jewish comments


The pilots union of bankrupt airline US Airways (UAIRQ.O: Quote, Profile, Research) failed over the weekend to agree to a new round of pay cuts and will resume its deliberations on Tuesday, the New York Times reported.

US Airways pilots to resume talks on pay cuts -NYT


AFP - When Tony Cooper and Lisa Kingscott left their four-seater light plane parked in a field to have lunch with friends nearby, they paid little attention to the cows quietly grazing nearby.

Cows munch on light aircraft (AFP)


THE defiant taunts cascaded down from the Olympic stadium grandstands for minutes.  quot;Hellas, Hellas, quot; followed by  quot;Kenteris, Kenteris quot; - an angry display that held up the main event of Thursday #39;s athletics program.

Crowd roars for absent Kenteris


Chris Simms will make his first pro start at quarterback for the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, replacing Brad Johnson .

Simms picked to start


Odyssey Healthcare Inc. (ODSY.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday warned of an earnings shortfall, announced the resignation of its chief executive and said it was the subject

UPDATE 2-Odyssey warns of weak quarter, CEO resigns


but will play anywhere if it means he is in Sven Goran Eriksson #39;s plans. The 23-year-old Spurs striker is set to start on the

FOOTBALL: DEFOE: I #39;LL GO IN ANY POSITION


Microsoft is offering a preview of its next-generation SQL Server 2005 database by providing an interim version of the product to customers.

Microsoft offers preview of SQL Server 2005


TEMPE, Ariz. (Sports Network) - Josh McCown has re-claimed  his role as the Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback, at  least temporarily.

QB McCown to Start Sunday for Cardinals


LONDON (CBS.MW) -- British Airways (UK:BAY) (BAB) Wednesday said it #39;s planning to sell its 18.25 percent stake in Qantas as it seeks funds to expand in Europe.

British Airways to sell Qantas stake, expand in Europe


Microsoft is throwing its hat into the blogosphere, a move seen as another attempt to catch competitor Google in the services-and-search race and an effort to woo more customers to its Internet services. <FONT face=

Microsoft Hopes Its Blogs Will Hunt


LONDON - J Sainsbury will take a 550 million pound (\$1.5 billion) hit to profits this year as it invests to boost sales and reverse falling market share, Britain #39;s third-biggest supermarket chain said on Tuesday.

Sainsbury tries to stop the rot


Investors saw a major surge in oil prices and disappointing earnings from Morgan Stanley as a chance to collect profits Wednesday, sending stocks substantially lower.

Earnings, Oil Prices Drive Stocks Lower


Two wins over top 15 schools catapults No. 21 George Washington into the top 25 for the first time since 1998 with some newfound respect in tow.

Colonials Enters Top 25


Microsoft Corp. has delayed automated distribution of a major security upgrade to its Windows XP Professional operating system, citing a desire to give companies more time to test it.

Windows XP Security Update Delayed


A potent new program circulating on the Internet embeds itself on a user's computer and either overwrites saved bookmarks or redirects the victim from the intended banking site to an authentic-looking fake.

Internet banking fraudsters step up phishing scam


NEDLANDS teenager Gemma Ward has scored one of the biggest coups of her short modelling career - the cover of style bible American Vogue.

Girl-next-door Gemma is all the vogue in America


The Free Standards Group has released Linux Standard Base 2.0, a new Linux standard that has gained the backing of most major Linux suppliers.

Linux Standard Base Launched


So now, the second wave of reaction has set in to last Friday night #39;s Pistons-Pacers-Fans brawl at the Palace. At first, the reaction was shock, dismay, outrage.

Palace brawl When lines break down, there #39;s chaos


A US judge has cast doubt on European Commission evidence in the contested Oracle-PeopleSoft merger, undermining an argument Brussels may want to use if it decides to block it.

US Judge Casts Doubt on EU Evidence on Oracle


Jason White passed for 256 yards and four touchdowns Saturday as second-ranked Oklahoma overcame Kansas State, 31-21. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was completed 20-of-31 passes and had one intercepted.

COL FB: Oklahoma 31, Kansas State 21


Russian President Putin approved the suggestion made by Prime Minister Fradkov to promptly liberalize the share market of natural gas monopoly Gazprom .

Putin Approves Merger Between Gazprom and Rosneft


LONDONFans of the self-styled biggest soccer team in the world are outraged this week following news that Manchester United is subject to a reported takeover bid by Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer.

Man U fans in uproar


Boeing agrees to design parachutes and software that would help future Mars probes autonomously control their descents, much like earthbound skydivers. Christopher Genna reports from Seattle.

Mars Probes to Yell 'Geronimo!'


What's Next For Google - ISP, Browser, Desktop Search?\\Google has had a meteoric rise to stardom. I remember an article I saw in PC World Indian Edition in the year 1999 which mentioned this small startup with a funny name. I passed it on like yet another search engine which ...

Whats Next For Google - ISP, Browser, Desktop Search?


PayPal, the popular payment method on auction site eBay Inc., said Wednesday the technical problems that left many users unable to access their accounts or conduct business appear to over.

PayPal Says Business Nearly Back To Normal


CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuelan police firingtear gas and shotgun pellets clashed with rioting streetvendors in Caracas on Wednesday and 14 people were treated forgunshot wounds, officials and witnesses said.

Gunfire Wounds 14 as Venezuela Street Vendors Riot


AP - Few video games have outraged anti-violence advocates like

Review: 'Mortal Kombat' Adds New Modes (AP)


OAKVILLE, Ontario (Reuters) - Joey Sindelar grabbed the  first-round lead at the 100th Canadian Open on Thursday while  new world number one Vijay Singh spent most of a rainy day  signing autographs in the clubhouse.

Sindelar Grabs Lead at Rain-Hit Canadian Open


Reuters - Liberia slapped an immediate curfew on\the capital Monrovia on Friday after stick-wielding youths\rampaged through the coastal city, burning buildings, petrol\stations and vehicles.

Liberia Slaps Curfew on Capital After Riots (Reuters)


Prime Minister Tony Blair faced calls on Thursday for British troops to quit Iraq as delegates to his Labour Party #39;s annual conference vented their anger over last year #39;s US-led war.

Blair faces anger of Labour Party delegates over Iraq


When the public address announcement at Lansdowne Road yesterday put the attendance at 38,376 there was an addendum: thanking those hardy souls for turning out on such a foul day.

Ireland 55 - 6 USA


1995: 1. George Weah (LBR/Milan AC), 2. Jurgen Klinsmann (ALL/Bayern Munich), 3. Jari Litmanen (FIN/Ajax Amsterdam). 1996: 1. Matthias Sammer (ALL/Borussia Dortmund), 2. Ronaldo (BRE/FC Barcelone), 3. Alan Shearer (ENG/Newcastle).

Ballon d #39;Or - Le palmars des dix dernires annes


Forward Jared Jeffries has turned heads with his remarkable shot-blocking and leaping ability early in training camp. The third-year player is hoping for a breakout season.

Jeffries Ready to Shine


TOKYO - Japan will try to confirm what UN Secretary General Kofi Annan meant by reportedly saying the US-led invasion of Iraq was an illegal act, top government spokesman Hiroyuki Hosoda said Thursday.

Japan to confirm what Annan meant by saying Iraq war illegal


A senior member of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas has been released from an Israeli prison after completing a two-year sentence.

Israel releases senior Hamas leader


NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe, who led the US space agency #39;s reorganization after the space shuttle Columbia disaster, applied to be chancellor of Louisiana State University #39;s main campus in Baton Rouge, a school spokesman said.

NASA Administrator Applies for Louisiana State Job, School Says


The venerable Times of London published its final edition as a broadsheet newspaper yesterday. Tomorrow, it relaunches as a tabloid.

LondonTimes goes tabloid after 216 years


On Wednesday during a presentation at the Foreign Correspondents Club held in Tokyo, Nintendo Co. Ltd. President Satoru Iwata revealed some interesting bits of information regarding the company #39;s stance towards

Nintendo Ready to Take on Sony


AP - An Israeli helicopter fired a missile at a car in Gaza City late Sunday, residents said, killing a senior Hamas militant leader, the latest Israeli attack in the territory it plans to leave next year.

Hamas Militant Leader Killed in Gaza City (AP)


AP - Problems loom for the presidential election including voting equipment changes that could delay the outcome past Nov. 2, a group of international observers said Tuesday in a report.

Observers Foresee Snags in U.S. Election (AP)


According to anti-virus firm Sophos, there are quite a few messages posted about pictures of Beckham with a woman in an enticing position.

Trojan Uses Beckham to Entice


A major Japanese trading company is investing in Isuzu Motors Ltd., a truckmaker allied with General Motors Corp. of the United States, to strengthen a partnership in Thailand.

Mitsubishi Buys Shares in Isuzu Motors


United States troops have stormed key areas of Fallujah just hours after two soldiers of the Black Watch battle group were seriously injured in an attack by a suicide bomber.

Two Black Watch soliders fighting for their lives in Iraq


I Give So They Can Give Back

Online Extra:


Rodney Harrison brakes up a fourth-down pass from Chad Pennington with 2:14 remaining as the Patriots extend their NFL victory streak to 21 games in a 13-7 win over the Jets.

Patriots Roll On


AP - Details of new television ad from President Bush to begin airing Monday:

AdWatch: Bush Raps Kerry on Intel Reform (AP)


Two-and-a-half years after Congress passed the most sweeping corporate reforms since the Great Depression, trade groups are maneuvering to revise them, arguing that they are too expensive, too time-consuming and too much trouble for small businesses.

Trade Groups, Firms Push to Ease Tough Federal Scrutiny


Kolkata - Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar have consolidated the Indian innings after South Africa #39;s Makhaya Ntini claimed the wicket of Virender Sehwag (88) on the third day of the second Test at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

Ntini strikes early for Proteas


Rite Aid and other pharmacies are losing sales because many large healthcare companies have raised their rates by up to \$125 a month recently, and they refuse to fill some drug orders unless an illness is considered life-threatening.

Rite Aid Lowers 2005 Financial Projections


WENTWORTH, England (PA) -- Ernie Els had a 35th birthday to remember forever on Sunday at the Wentworth Club. A 2  amp; 1 victory over an under-the-weather Lee Westwood completed with a 20-foot birdie putt on

Els tops Westwood to win his record sixth HSBC Match Play crown


A stem cell cure for diabetes is a step closer, Canadian researchers are predicting.

Pancreas stem cells for diabetes


SOFTBANK, Japan #39;s largest internet provider, has complained that its plan to offer a new mobile phone service could be thwarted by the government #39;s refusal to provide the necessary bandwidth.

Softbank makes mobile complaint


ABUJA (Reuters) - Sudan bowed to international pressure  Tuesday for a ban on military flights over the Darfur region,  where 1.5 million have been forced from their homes, and signed  two landmark peace deals with rebels.

Sudan Signs Darfur Deals with Rebels - Mediator