Computer Associates shareholders have defeated a stockholder proposal calling for current and former executives to return bonuses based on restated results, the company said.

CA shareholders reject compensation proposal


BELSAN, Russia - More than a dozen militants wearing suicide-bomb belts seized a southern Russian school in a region bordering Chechnya on Wednesday, taking hostage about 400 people - half of them children - and threatening to blow up the building if police storm it. As many as eight people have been reported killed, one of them a school parent...

Hundreds Held in Russian School; 8 Killed


The world #39;s largest media company set aside a \$500 million reserve in anticipation of settling government investigations into its bookkeeping.

Time Warner #39;s profit declines NATIONAL COMPANIES


Nasa scientists have been giving details of a space mission to crash a projectile into a comet, peeling away its outer skin in order to look inside.

Comet mission set for 2005 launch


Officials from the EU's 25 member states are considering a Spanish proposal to lift sanctions on Cuba.

EU ponders softer stance on Cuba


Blame it on Charlie. And Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. Delta Air Lines (nyse: DAL - news - people ) Wednesday reported that third-quarter losses widened on weak domestic yields and lower passenger revenue.

Grinstein: News Gives Blues As Delta Posts \$646M Loss


CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Marques Hagans had 283 total yards with two touchdown runs and a TD pass to lead No. 12 Virginia to a 31-10 victory over Syracuse yesterday.

Hagans guides Virginia


Australia vowed yesterday never to negotiate with terrorists amid claims Iraqi militants have kidnap-ped two Australians and will execute them unless Canberra withdraws its troops from the country.

Australia says no to talks amid kidnapping claims


CLEVELAND -- International Management Group, a sports and celebrity management and marketing firm that has represented Tiger Woods, Joe Montana, and Derek Jeter, is being sold to a New York buyout specialist firm in a cash deal valued at more than \$700 million.

Forstmann Little to buy sports, talent agency IMG


IBM Corp has revamped its partnership arrangements with independent software vendors (ISVs) into a unified approach called PartnerWorld.

IBM revamps ISV partnerships


AP - President Bush said Sunday that Democrat John Kerry is using

Bush Says Kerry Uses 'Upside-Down' Logic (AP)


No. 3 LSU will take on Arizona State in the championship of the Women #39;s Sports Foundation Classic Friday after the Lady Tigers beat Maine 81-50 on Thursday night to give LSU head coach Pokey Chapman her first career victory.

Third-ranked Lady Tigers will face Arizona State


FCC approves the technology that could transform wireless communications.

Software-Based Radio Gains Support


BOSTON -- Recent history suggests that ancient history may be, well, a thing of the past. The Boston Red Sox, winless in the World Series since 1918 and just a week ago three outs from elimination this 2004

Schilling, Boston halfway to history


AP - Robin Ventura retired in a fashion fitting for the way he played and behaved during a fine 16-year career  #151; quietly, with dignity and little fanfare.

Robin Ventura Announces Retirement (AP)


Justine Henin-Hardenne #39;s reign as US Open champion and world number one came to an abrupt and surprise end when she lost 6-3 6-2 to Russian Nadia Petrova in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows on Monday.

UPDATE 1-Open-Henin loses US Open crown, top ranking


Iraqi police said Wednesday a Lebanese American contractor was kidnapped overnight from his Baghdad home, according to The Associated Press.

Report: Iraq contractor snatched


Celtic manager Martin O #39;Neill has hailed his team #39;s performance as  quot;phemomenal quot;, as they kept their European hopes alive.

O #39;Neill hails Celtic performance in Barcelona


A record 19-race calendar was approved Friday for the 2005 Formula One season, with the Turkish Grand Prix joining the lineup. The British, French and San Marino races remain after facing cancellation threats.

Turkey joins 19-race Formula One schedule


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices extended a two-day slide on  Thursday that has sliced more than 8 percent from the cost of a  barrel, as rising U.S. crude supplies eased fears of a winter  fuel crunch and China moved to slow its runaway economic  growth.

Oil Slumps Below \$51 a Barrel


The brother of Iraq hostage Ken Bigley says UK and Dutch intelligence officers have searched his home.

Bigley brother's 'home searched'


SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - After spending several  years distracted by Iraq and the war on terror, Spain under its  new socialist government is turning again toward Latin America  where its historical and business links give it an unrivaled  edge.

After Iraq, Spain Turns Again Toward Latin America


Many sellers and a few longtime analysts of eBay say the company is generating fewer of the bidding frenzies that once translated into profits.

EBay at a Crossroads: Can Buy Now' Share Space With Bid Now'?


Cisco Systems, the largest maker of Internet networking equipment, said its first-quarter profit rose 29 percent.

Cisco Profits Are Higher, but Investors Want More


It #39;s back to the negotiating table today for Kroger and a labor union representing 85-hundred employees in three states, including Indiana.

Kroger officials head back to negotiating table


STEEL group Corus unveiled profits for the first time yesterday after soaring prices and a restructuring boosted the former British Steel business.

Corus brings halt to losses


Pakistan #39;s national assembly is due to debate whether President Pervez Musharraf should serve both as president and armed forces chief.

Assembly to debate Musharraf role


Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Carlos Zambrano tossed 7 1/3 shutout innings to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the middle contest of a three-game set at PNC Park.

National League Game Summary - Chicago at Pittsburgh


quot;A bitter blow, quot; decreed Sir Jackie Stewart on the news that the circuit which hosted the first Formula One grand prix on May 13, 1950, had been dropped.

Stewart #39;s vision betrayed by Government apathy


Ivory Coast #39;s embattled leader sounded one of the first conciliatory notes Tuesday in his West African nation #39;s devastating confrontation with its former colonial

Ivorian leader rejects blame for airstrike


The computer chip giant's management on Thursady lowered the company's financial projections after concluding businesses and consumers aren't in a spending mood.

Intel Shares Fall 8 on Weak Sales Forecast


MULTAN, Pakistan (Reuters) - At least 40 people were killed  and more than 100 wounded when a car bomb exploded at a rally  to commemorate an assassinated militant religious leader in  central Pakistan early Thursday, police said.

Car Bombing Kills 40 at Pakistan Religious Rally


AFP - NTT DoCoMo, the top cellular phone operator in Japan, unveiled what it calls the nation's first prototype micro fuel cell aimed at boosting battery life for its powerful third-generation FOMA handsets.

NTT DoCoMo unveils Japan's first prototype micro fuel cell for 3G handsets (AFP)


AP - Motorola Inc., which is introducing 20 new cell phones as it tries to avoid slipping to No. 3 in the market, signaled its confidence Wednesday for strong holiday sales and said there are no further product delays in sight.

Motorola to Introduce 20 New Cell Phones (AP)


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

Feds Subpoena Chiron Over Vaccine Debacle


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Curt Schilling pitched 6 2/3 innings  and Manny Ramirez hit a three-run homer in a seven-run fourth  frame to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 9-3 win over the host  Anaheim Angels in their American League Divisional Series  opener Tuesday.

Schilling, Ramirez Lead Red Sox to Easy Opening Win


BELFAST : The British and Irish leaders conceded that their plan to restore power-sharing government to Northern Ireland was  #39;incomplete #39; but stressed that a definitive peace deal hinged on the sole dispute over how to carry out IRA disarmament.

N. Ireland peace deal left undone, Blair and Ahern admit


AP - An unprecedented amount of data from a major Central California earthquake is generating new insight into how and where quakes strike, but hasn't improved scientists' ability to predict them.

Calif. Quake Data Bringing New Insights (AP)


Australian basketball star Lauren Jackson has dedicated the WNBA finals to the memory of her grandmother who died last month but the Connecticut Sun have spoiled it so far.

Jackson has a tough match


If destructible DVDs are going to have a fair shot, distributors are going to have to test the concept by releasing a film that is reasonably in demand.

The Last Noel


TOKYO : A series of powerful earthquakes in central Japan, with an initial tremor measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, left 19 people dead and four missing and injured nearly 900 people, police said.

Japan #39;s powerful quakes leave 19 dead, four missing: police


RealNetworks survived the dot-com collapse and an assault from Microsoft. Now it's trying to remake itself into a provider of paid Internet content.

RealNetworks Gets in Content Business


It #39;s looking more and more like Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is ready for prime time. Today, SBC Communications (NYSE: SBC) said that it will provide VoIP services to Ford (NYSE: F) in one of the largest deployments of its type to date.

SBC Drives VoIP to Ford


Following broad criticism that President Vladimir Putin is exploiting the Beslan school massacre to enhance his powers, the Kremlin mobilized a number of surrogate spokespeople

Kremlin Spins Putin #39;s Proposed Plans


The portal giant rounds out its online music offerings and gets a backdoor to the desktop.

Yahoo! Tunes In to Musicmatch


It was an event more than eight years in the making. For the second time in less than a week, a piloted reusable suborbital spacecraftSpaceShipOnesoared into the outskirts of space, more

Now what?


A woman allegedly raped during her childhood on the remote Pacific island of Pitcairn has said men were given free rein to treat young girls as sexual playthings.

#39;Pitcairn women treated as sex things #39;


Talks to avoid a crippling strike at British Airways will resume on Friday  with unions and the airline

Talks to resume in BA dispute


India says it will appoint private consultants to determine the number of people infected with the AIDS virus. The Indian government estimates the number at 5.1 million, the second most in the world after South Africa.

India to Ask Private Experts to Determine Extent of HIV Infection <b>...</b>


The Blue Jays smacked the Oakland A #39;s 13-5 yesterday in a game that smacked an awful lot of the Syracuse SkyChiefs. Of the 15 players who had a hand in this much-welcomed cakewalk, nine, including four of

SkyChiefs pound on A #39;s


In brief Exploit circulating for unpatched vuln

WinAmp flayed by skins attack


ACE Ltd. on Thursday became the latest insurance company to announce changes in its business practices in response to the industry probe launched by New York #39;s attorney general.

ACE Ltd., Marsh  amp; McLennan Dismiss Execs


CHINA has closed 1,600 internet cafes and fined operators a total of \$US12 million (\$16 million) for letting children play violent games and for other violations, the government said.

China shuts internet cafes


Italians are nervous Fiat will take the extreme option of hiving off its auto arm to General Motors in 2005, but analysts say it is unlikely to sell until the 105-year-old carmaker is clear of crisis.

ANALYSIS-Fiat Unlikely to Hit the GM  #39;Put #39; Button, for Now


Zhang Yining beats North Korea's Kim Hyang-Mi to win the table tennis women's singles.

Table tennis: Gold for China


Pakistan #39;s lawmaking National Assembly has passed a bill to allow dictator Pervez Musharraf to stay on as chief of the military.

Pakistan Parliament Allows President Musharraf to Remain Army <b>...</b>


LONDON, UK : Sep 17 (PNS) - Andrew Symonds hit four sixes and seven boundaries in his unbeaten knock of 71 off 47 deliveries and along with Dean Martyn who made 60 not out, led the Australians to a comfortable victory against the Clear Black CAPS by seven

Symonds Leads Aussies Into Champions Trophy Semis


ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast The UN says it #39;s starting to evacuate its staff from the west African nation of Ivory Coast, following four days of chaotic violence there.

France, UN launch evacuations from Ivory Coast


CHAMPAIGN -- ESPN #39;s Jay Bilas said Deron Williams, the Big Ten #39;s Preseason Player of the Year, wouldn #39;t rank in the top 10 in the ACC.

Illini a 4-star hoops power


Digital television channels are to be transmitted straight to hi-tech mobile telephones in a UK first.

Hi-tech phones sent TV channels


AP - Marine researchers are hoping to prevent tides of destructive algae from killing fish and fouling beaches through early detection of the microscopic organisms.

Researchers Develop Method to Find Algae (AP)


MONROVIA (AFP) - The Liberian capital Monrovia was under curfew after citywide riots killed at least five people two days before the end of a UN disarmament effort, provoking fears of a return to conflict in the west African state.

Liberia tightens curfew after capital riots as arms deadline looms


The number of personal computers worldwide is expected to rise to 1.3 billion by 2010 say analysts.

PC ownership to 'double by 2010'


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Roger Clemens, at 42, became the  oldest Cy Young winner in Major League history on Tuesday,  claiming the award for a record seventh time.

'Rocket' Clemens Lands Record Seventh Cy Young Award


Baseball will return to Washington in 2005 after an absence of more than three decades. It was announced Wednesday that the Montreal Expos will move to Washington next season and play its home games at RFK Stadium.

UPI NewsTrack Sports


TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar was in striking distance of  record lows against the euro and 7-    month lows versus the  yen on Thursday, as traders concluded that nations at an  upcoming G20 meeting would tolerate a weaker dollar.

Dollar in Sight of All-Time Low Vs Euro


AP - A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the Interior Department to keep American Indians informed about a giant class-action lawsuit anytime they try to sell or exchange their lands or other assets.

Interior Ordered to Keep Indians Informed (AP)


The jailed West Bank leader Marwan Barghuti has decided to run for the vacant post of Palestinian Authority president, according to Abdelrahman al-Shomali, member of the dominant Fatah faction #39;s higher committee.

Imprisoned Barghuti Runs for Palestinian President


A tenth of the world #39;s bird species are likely to have vanished by the year 2100, with another 15 on the brink of extinction, a group of scientists have warned.

Quarter of world #39;s bird species face extinction threat


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. consumer spending rebounded  sharply July, government data showed on Monday, erasing the  disappointment of June and bolstering hopes that the U.S.  economy has recovered from its recent soft spot.

Spending Rebounds, Good News for Growth


Hollywood must embrace digital technologies but also fight film piracy, says new US movie industry supremo.

'Embrace digital' says film boss


WMC, the Australian mining firm, turns down a \$5.5bn bid from Swiss company Xstrata but says it is willing to hold talks on a deal.

Mining firm rejects Xstrata bid


AP - John Kerry's telling voters that President Bush's record on jobs and taxes have helped special interests, not their interests, as he launches the final stretch of his presidential campaign with running mate John Edwards.

John Kerry Hits Midwest States (AP)


Virus writers have begun distributing their wares in emails that pose as Lycos's abandoned

News: Fake Lycos screensaver harbours Trojan


Internet auctioneer eBay Inc. said Friday it acquired a 25 percent stake in craigslist, an online community of classified ads and forums. <FONT face=

EBay Buys Stake in Craigslist


Shares of Cogent Inc. (COGT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) rose 5.6 percent in premarket trading on Monday following the fingerprint identification company #39;s market debut on Friday

Before the Bell - Cogent jumps 5.6 pct


Jerusalem - Israeli police have launched an investigation into anonymous telephone threats to kill Prime Minister Ariel Sharon apparently linked to his plan to withdraw from the occupied Gaza Strip.

Police probe death threats against Sharon


Its funny how circumstances can change your perception of whats possible. A few months ago, key Microsoft architects were telling me that it would be impossible to decouple the Avalon presentation subsystem from the Longhorn OS.

Doing the impossible with Longhorn


A Russian-built cargo spacecraft, Progress 16, had been scheduled to deliver fresh food, water and other supplies to the ISS last month, but the mission was delayed until late December.

Space Station Crew Told To Cut Back on Food


To help its customers get a handle on all the data scattered across their enterprises, IBM Thursday announced plans to acquire Venetica, a privately held company that makes content integration software.

IBM buys content integration vendor


Reuters - Investors' appetite for U.S. assets\will eventually dwindle and the United States must reduce its\budget deficit to prevent major economic damage, Federal\Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said on Friday, in remarks that\hit the dollar hard.

Greenspan: Appetite for Dollar Will Wane (Reuters)


BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - The Americans finally showed up at the Ryder Cup...

Americans Wake Up on Day 2 of Ryder Cup


Tenet Healthcare Corp. on Monday said fourth-quarter charges could exceed \$1 billion and it does not expect 2005 operating results to exceed breakeven as the hospital operator struggles with fewer patients and bad debt.

Tenet:  #39;05 Results Won #39;t Exceed Breakeven


A new study claims to undermine the key argument used by people sceptical of climate change.

Climate change sceptics 'wrong'


The Dutch retailer Ahold has sold its network of almost 600 Spanish retail stores to the private equity group Permira in an \$850 million deal, the two companies said on Sunday.

Ahold Sells Spanish Stores


Mobile phone carrier mmO2 PLC will launch versions of NTT DoCoMo's I-mode mobile Internet service in the U.K. and Ireland in the second half of 2005 and in Germany in early 2006, the companies said in a statement on Tuesday.

DoCoMo, mmO2 confirm I-mode deal


AMSTERDAM, Netherlands Mourners in the Netherlands have gathered for the cremation of a Dutch filmmaker allegedly slain by a Muslim extremist.

Slain Dutch filmmaker is cremated


China #39;s economy has slowed modestly for the third successive quarter, raising hopes of success in a delicate battle to reduce the risk of overheating without provoking a crash.

China stages modest economic slowdown


NEW YORK - Investors will be looking ahead to the Federal Reserve #39;s meeting and third-quarter earnings forecasts in Wall Street #39;s short trading week after the Labor Day holiday.

Markets keep eye on earnings


World News  gt; Washington, Nov 17 : NASA #39;s hypersonic experimental scramjet X-43A has broken the aircraft speed record by clocking 7000 miles per hour which is nearly 10 times the speed of sound.

NASA #39;s  #39;Scramjet #39; makes hypersonic flight, 10 times at that :


Reuters - Secretary of State Colin Powell sought\South Korea's support on Tuesday for a U.S. hard line on\Pyongyang's nuclear programs as Seoul stepped up security along\its border with North Korea due to a suspected infiltration.

US Seeks Seoul Help on N.Korea After Border Scare (Reuters)


LONDON (Reuters) - Wall Street was expected to open lower  on Monday weighed down by worries that Americans will feel the  pinch of steeper energy costs, and Boston Scientific Corp  <A HREF=

Wall Street Set to Slip on Oil


Dell has announced a recall of AC adapters used with laptop computers because they pose a risk of fire and electric shock. In all, Dell #39;s recall covers 2.9 million adapters in the US and 4.4 million

Dell AC Adapters Recalled on Fire Risk


Microsoft is significantly expanding its software development operations in India as it opens a new campus near Hyderabad, its second-largest campus after its headquarters in Redmond, Wash.

Microsoft Expands Operations in India


AP - NATO commander Gen. James Jones on Friday expressed surprise at the slow pace of restoring security to Iraq, saying he had believed the insurgency here would have been brought under control faster than in Afghanistan.

Slow Pace in Iraq Surprises NATO Commander (AP)


The spacecraft Mars Global Surveyor has been in orbit at Mars for seven years and is still pulling off amazing feats of aerial imaging.

Mars Orbiter Camera #39;s Eagle Eye in the Sky


Transmeta Corp. has begun limited shipments of the next generation of its Efficeon processor, which is being built on the 90-nanometer manufacturing process.

Transmeta Ships Efficeon, Lowers Revenue Outlook


The US Senate easily gave final congressional approval on Monday to a huge corporate tax bill that aims to end a trade fight with the European Union by repealing US export

Congress Sends Bush Corporate Tax Bill


AP - A chaotic three-month trial ended Saturday with 15 militants convicted for roles in terror attacks on a French oil tanker and a helicopter carrying U.S. oil workers, as well as plots to kill the American ambassador and Yemeni security officials.

Yemeni Militants Convicted of Terrorism (AP)


Troubled US Airways is to cut hundreds of management and non-union jobs, and cut wages, in a bid to save \$45m (25.2m) a year towards its survival.

US Airways to cut jobs and wages


In an attempt to spark growth in its Net phone offer, the company reduces rates and offers new customers a month free.

AT T slashes Net telephony rates


Geoff Hoon announces a major restructuring of the Army, which will see four battalions cut and regiments merged.

Battalions go in troops shake-up


Spanish Prime Minister Jose Rodriguez Zapatero on Monday thanked the French government for the recent capture in the country of a top leader of the separatist organization Basque Homeland and Freedom (ETA).

Spain applauds arrest of ETA leader by France


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

Before the Bell: Genentech, ImClone Rise


Iomega will soon ship its first network-attached storage device equipped with wireless networking technology. The product, dubbed the NAS 100d, is targeted at small-office and home-office users looking for

Iomega Readies Wireless Storage Device


China Aviation Oil (Singapore) chief executive Chen Jiulin, who was suspended last week after the company lost about \$550 million (R3.16 billion) trading derivatives, was arrested on his return to Singapore from China, police said yesterday.

Oil chief held over \$550m trading loss


Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone is taking legal action against Jackie Stewart, the president of the British Racing Drivers #39; Club, in a dispute centered on the British Grand Prix.

Formula one boss Ecclestone taking legal action against Jackie <b>...</b>


Oil giant Royal Dutch/Shell has decided to delay shareholder meetings that will vote on a new unified board structure to allow more time to prepare the necessary documentation.

Shell pushes back AGM


Although top-seeded Russian Marat Safin couldn #39;t deliver, the hometown fans at the ATP stop in St. Petersburg got a homie in the final Saturday when No.

No Safin, But Alt-Russian Youzhny in ATP St. Petersburg Final


AP - Three-dimensional movies at home, without the silly glasses, have been a science-fiction dream for at least as long as Dick Tracy's wristwatch cell phone and the household robot.

Review: A Flat Panel That's Also Deep (AP)


Roger Clemens wins his ninth postseason game and Houston sets a team playoff record with four home runs in a 9-3 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of their NL playoff series.

Astros Take Game 1


IBM is hitting an all-time low -- for itself, that is -- in the storage market with a new series of entry-level arrays. The new arrays, including its first iSCSI array and an entry-level Fibre Channel model

IBM Hits New Low In Storage


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on  Saturday easily backed a \$388 billion package financing  government programs in this fiscal year from bus stops to  foreign aid after days of battling over measures in the bill.

House Backs \$388 Billion Spending Bill


BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon protested to the United States  on Saturday over a proposal to freeze the assets of senior  officials to put pressure on Syria to withdraw its troops from  Lebanon and crack down on terrorism.

Beirut Protests Over U.S. Plan to Freeze Assets


WASHINGTON : The US Securities and Exchange Commission said that accounting firm KPMG had agreed to pay a record 10 million dollar sum to settle its  quot;improper quot; audits of Gemstar-TV Guide International.

KPMG hit with record 10 million dollar SEC fine over Gemstar <b>...</b>


An unidentified Sikh, wearing a head piece instead of a turban, enters his high school in Drancy, outside Paris, early Wednesday Oct. 20, 2004.

First Students Expelled Over French Law


Yahoo said Tuesday that it is acquiring digital music specialist Musicmatch for \$160 million in cash. The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company said the buyout would help it expand its presence in the simmering

Yahoo to buy Musicmatch for \$160 million


Russian oil giant Yukos has decided to halt two-thirds of its oil exports to China, raising the stakes in its yearlong legal battle with the authorities.

Yukos to stop oil exports to China


GENOA, ITALY - More than two dozen Italian police officers accused of beating protesters at the G-8 summit in Genoa must stand trial, a judge has ruled.

Italian police accused of beating protesters to stand trial


WE stand on the brink of a historic agreement on Northern Ireland. (Depending on how fast events move today, by teatime we could be celebrating an established fact.

Irish eyes


Iraq is considering an overall weapons amnesty as a deadline for Baghdad fighters to cash in arms is extended.

Iraq set to extend arms amnesty


The FIA have confirmed an unprecedented 19-race schedule for the 2005 Formula One season. All of the 2004 races have been retained, with Turkey joining the calendar for the first time.

2005 to be the busiest season ever


A bankruptcy judge gave US Airways Group Inc. permission yesterday to tap a government loan to fund daily operations -- a move expected to allow

Judge lets airline tap loan for operations


William Owens, the new chief executive of Nortel Networks Corp., is putting his personal stamp on the organization.

Nortel #39;s new chief gets down to business


ATLANTA - Fifty-year-old Jay Haas does not quite need a walking stick, but he is easily the oldest man in the field at the Tour Championship.

Ames seeks Championship lead on TSN


Wall Street closed out a dismal third quarter with a mixed performance Thursday after Merck  amp; Co. said it would be forced to remove its best-selling Vioxx arthritis drug from the market.

Merck woes weigh on stocks


PARIS (Reuters) - Yasser Arafat remained in a critical  condition as uncertainty mounted over who might succeed him and  where he might be buried should he die.

Arafat Stable Amid Puzzle Over Burial and Successor


So yesterday SPOnG began receiving shots of a suitcase from Japan. The suitcase contained some Nike Shox trainers, a t-shirt, and a copy of Gran Turismo 4. There was talk that the t-shirt unlocks a special

Nike, a magic camera and Gran Turismo  Shots and explanation <b>...</b>


Jaime Moreno has come back from career-threatening back surgery a year ago to lead United in points, lead the league in assists, and score three points in three playoff matches.

MLS's Comeback Kid


Tiger Woods was so exhausted from the Ryder Cup that he withdrew from this week #39;s 84 Lumber Classic in the greater Pittsburgh area.

Caddying for my son at qualifying event was memorable experience


Reuters - Israeli troops shot dead an\unarmed mentally handicapped Palestinian during a raid on\Tuesday on a West Bank refugee camp on the fourth anniversary\of a Palestinian uprising.

Israeli Soldiers Kill Palestinian in West Bank Raid (Reuters)


During last week four Israelis were killed by Palestinians. The Israel response developed into new air attack in a refugee camp. Israeli military forces say Palestinians use the Gaza refugee camp to organize attacks against Jewish settlements.

New wave of violence in Gaza Strip


An escalating political rift among Iraq #39;s main religious groups and continued violence throughout the country are threatening parliamentary elections set for January.

Political split over date threatens Iraq elections


AP - Inmates armed with hand grenades and guns rioted at a western Venezuela prison, killing at least 30 fellow inmates before hundreds of national guardsmen restored order, authorities said Wednesday.

Venezuelan Prison Riot Kills at Least 30 (AP)


KINGSTON, Jamaica - Waves two-stories high crashed on Jamaica's eastern shore Friday, flooding homes and washing away roads as Hurricane Ivan's ferocious winds and pounding rains began to lash the island and threatened a direct hit on its densely populated capital. The death toll elsewhere in the Caribbean rose to 33...

Ivan Begins Lashing Jamaica; Toll Hits 33


Canon has claimed that its newly released 16.7megapixel digital camera is first to be able to deliver picture quality that matches top-range professional medium format film cameras.

New Canon camera packs a punch


Earl Boykins scored 22 points to help the Denver Nuggets overcome the absence of Carmelo Anthony and defeat the New Orleans Hornets 76-67 on Monday night.

Nuggets 76, Hornets 67


The developer that built Dulles Town Center in 1999 is planning to build a 300,000-square-foot open-air shopping center, dubbed Dulles 28 Centre, along the same corridor.

A Choice Location


Evidence from the Mars exploration rovers Spirit and Opportunity has led scientists to suggest that water was once present in large quantities on the red planet.

Water once present on Mars


El-Hadji Diouf is expected to receive a three-match ban for spitting in Arjan de Zeeuw #39;s face during Bolton #39;s Premiership match against Portsmouth on Saturday.

FA to ban spitter Diouf


Reuters - Even though nearly two thirds of coral\reefs are now officially endangered, some are bouncing back\despite warmer oceans and pollution, giving hope the marine\marvels are not completely doomed, scientists said on Friday.

Scientists See Hope Amid Coral Doom and Gloom (Reuters)


Crude oil prices rose back up over \$53 a barrel Tuesday, signaling more bad news for an airline industry already facing record-high fuel prices.

Crude oil prices on the rise, airlines squeezed further


The nation #39;s two largest automakers said Wednesday they will reduce production in the first quarter of 2005 after reporting weak November sales.

Ford, GM report slow month; Japanese carmakers gain


Verizon Communications has no imminent plans to bid for Sprint, people familiar with the situation said Tuesday, lifting a potential obstacle to Sprint #39;s bid for Nextel Communications.

Verizon unlikely to bid now for Sprint, sources say


AFP - The dollar softened as traders looked past better-than-expected US retail sales and focused on the likelihood that Tuesday's trade figures will show a record deficit.

Dollar weakens as market braces for new deficit figures (AFP)


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest  has admitted that he regrets charging into the stands to fight  Detroit Pistons fans last Friday, sparking an ugly brawl that  led to his suspension for the rest of the season.

Artest Expresses Regret Over Brawl with Detroit Fans


InfoWorld - Plumtree Software further extended its portal-based, Web applications building and management platform Monday, announcing upgrades to its Content and Collaboration servers, APIs for search and collaboration, and support and services for J2EE and .Net platforms.

Plumtree upgrades portal package (InfoWorld)


Microsoft, Yahoo and AskJeeves have adopted the  quot;link analysis quot; algorithmic approach that gave Google a vast lead among search engines.

New Microsoft Search Engine Rivals Google


Australian Bradley Hughes leads by four shots after round two of the Australian Masters in Melbourne. Hughes, who won here in 1993 and 1998, carded rounds of 64 and 66 for 14-under 130 to lead defending champion Robert Allenby.

Hughes returns to lead in Melbourne


Carlyle Group , among the biggest buyers of private companies, is busily expanding its corporate loan operation.

Carlyle Increases Its Interest in Debt Deals


BERLIN - The German government, in which pro-environment Greens share power, applauded the choice Friday of Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai as this year #39;s Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Germany #39;s Greens applauds Nobel choice


No-one should have to endure the conditions accused Australian Taliban fighter David Hicks has encountered in Guantanamo Bay, his father said before flying out of the US outpost.

Terry Hicks slams son #39;s treatment


Reuters - U.S. troops clashed with Shi'ite\militiamen in Najaf on Saturday, interrupting a day of relative\calm in the holy city with the sound of mortar,\rocket-propelled grenade and machinegun fire, witnesses said.

U.S. Troops Clash with Shi'ite Militia in Najaf (Reuters)


After beating Michigan , Ohio State is looking forward to ending their season with a bowl game. And it looks like the Buckeyes will be spending the holidays in the state of Texas .

OSU Eyes Alamo Bowl


Australia, expecting record earnings from commodity exports this fiscal year, increased its forecast a second time as soaring oil prices boost energy sales 38 percent.

Australia Raises Commodity Export Forecast on Energy (Update2)


Some anti-war demonstrators prepared to symbolically

Protesters Heed Calls for Widespread Civil Disobedience


Real Madrid coach Jose Antonio Camacho dropped England midfielder David Beckham and Spanish striker Raul from his team to face Espanyol on Saturday, following this week #39;s painful 3-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen.

Beckham, Raul dropped by Real Madrid


Apple Computer may have sold more than twice as many of its iPod digital music players in its most recent quarter than its signature Mac computers, but competitors

Apple under scrutiny as music competition rises


Few companies see their shares move solidly higher after posting a \$63 million (\$0.22) quarterly loss, but that is exactly the reaction Cablevision Systems (NYSE: CVC) received

Cablevision Captures Customers


Reuters - French citizens queued at Ivory Coast's\main airport on Wednesday to flee their former West African\colony as violent anti-French protesters massed for a fifth day\in support of President Laurent Gbagbo.

France Citizens Queue to Leave Ivory Coast (Reuters)


Sony and blue-laser diode maker Nichia have developed a component that they say is vital to realizing support for Blu-ray Disc and DVD discs in portable devices, they announced this week.

Sony Plans Portable Blu-ray Disc Drives


Panama declared a state of emergency on Saturday, a day after torrential rains and mudslides killed at least 14 people and wrecked or damaged the homes of about 10,000 people.

Panama state of emergency after fatal mudslides


Reuters - Asian stocks edged down on Tuesday as\a reduced sales forecast by the world's biggest retailer,\Wal-Mart, stoked concerns of slower economic growth and offset\relief from lower oil prices.

Asia Stocks Drop; Focus on Oil, Growth (Reuters)


Targeted attacks and a sluggish economy are pushing academics, Christians, and businessmen to move abroad.

Iraq losing its best and brightest


Sources say agreement bars Coca-Cola from manipulating retailers to give its products an edge. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Coca-Cola and the European Commission were poised to settle a long-running antitrust case Friday, people familiar with the situation said.

Coke, EU near antitrust settlement


Delta Air Lines Inc. hit a selfimposed deadline Tuesday for some of its debtholders to respond early to an exchange offer meant to give the carrier breathing room as it seeks to avoid bankruptcy.

Delta #39;s Decision On Bankruptcy Expected Today


DON #39;T think the Sven-Goran Eriksson formation team will keep performing the quickstep despite their cavalier style against Azerbaijan.

Sven #39;s men shape up their Owen way


New trial reveals that the former CEO's exaggerations about the Oracle takeover bid led to his firing.

PeopleSoft calls Conway less than honest


Air passengers are set to pay for record oil prices as airlines move to increase ticket prices. Qantas said yesterday it would increase the fuel surcharge it includes in the cost of tickets and Air New Zealand is expected to follow.

Airfares to rise as cost of fuel reaches record


AMR Research estimates that companies will spend \$5.8 billion on meeting Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) requirements in 2005. Despite initial thoughts that Sarbanes-Oxley spending would be a one-time expenditure

AMR Research Estimates Sarbanes-Oxley Spending Will Reach \$5.8 <b>...</b>


As expected, Intelintroduced its tri-mode wireless chip Thursday with several software enhancements to the product to help improve security and reliability, it said during a Webcast.

Intel formally introduces tri-mode Wi-Fi chip


PARIS - French telecommunications equipment specialist Alcatel SA has acquired a U.S. manufacturer of conferencing and collaboration products, eDial Inc., Alcatel said Friday.

Alcatel buys conferencing software developer eDial


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were set for a higher open  on Monday, helped by news business software maker Oracle Corp.  <A HREF=

Stocks Seen Higher, Oracle Could Help


AP - Shoppers rediscovered their urge to splurge in September, catapulting retail sales up by the largest percentage gain in six months. Industrial activity was restrained, meanwhile, partly because of hurricanes.

Retail Sales Up; Industrial Production Lags (AP)


An Australian security expert suggests Americans should focus on training national forces and meeting such basic needs of citizens as food and jobs in Iraq.

Australian Says Practicality Key in Iraq


MADRID : Marat Safin sent over 14 aces and devastated David Nalbandian with six breaks of serve Sunday to win his second career trophy in Spain with a title at the 2.425-million-euro Madrid Masters.

Safin wins Madrid Masters; Masters Cup spot beckons


AP - Eight eBay sellers were ordered to pay nearly  #36;90,000 in restitution and fines after admitting they bid up products online to inflate the prices.

8 eBay Sellers Admit to Phony Bids (AP)


AP - Although faced with fresh evidence of global warming, the United States and other members the Arctic Council on Wednesday failed to make any recommendations to combat a problem most scientists say is causing sea ice to melt and temperatures to rise.

Group Passes on Addressing Global Warming (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Cytec Industries Inc. #39;s acquisition of the surface specialties business from UCB will produce a quick and significant revenue boost, Credit Suisse First Boston said Friday.

Belgian unit to boost Cytec revenue


Reuters - Kroger Co. , the largest U.S.\grocer, on Tuesday reported a lower quarterly profit, hurt by\debt costs even as sales rebounded in Southern California where\it was hit by a strike.

Kroger Quarterly Profit Slips (Reuters)


Reuters - New applications for U.S. home loans\rose last week while refinancings surged, as 30-year mortgage\interest rates fell to their lowest level in over four months,\an industry group said on Wednesday.

Mortgage Applications Jump in Aug 13 Week (Reuters)


An Islamic appeal court in Nigeria today overturned a sentence of death by stoning handed down to a 29-year-old pregnant woman for having sex out of wedlock.

Death by stoning sentence overturned


Posco, South Korea #39;s biggest steelmaker, is likely to report its ninth consecutive quarter of profit growth, helping fund expansion in China, India and Brazil as the company tries to diversify sales and secure raw materials.

Posco Profit Probably Rose for Ninth Quarter, Helping Expansion


AP - The European Commission on Wednesday ordered Spain's troubled state-owned shipbuilder Izar to repay  #36;702 million in government assistance.

EU Head Office Orders Izar to Repay Aid (AP)


TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average opened lower  on Thursday amid worries over higher oil prices and their  possible impact on global economies, but the downside was  supported by bargain hunting following recent sharp losses.

Japan's Nikkei Share Average Opens Lower


Following its successful test flight in June, the American Mojave Aerospace team, led by Burt Rutan and backed by Paul Allen, plans to launch its first official flight in pursuit of the \$10 million Ansari X Prize on Wednesday.

X Prize Launch Set For Wednesday At Mojave; Canadians On Hold


If Delta Air Lines #39; pilots approve contract concessions, they will be letting the company #39;s regional subsidiaries and affiliates operate almost three times as many 70-seat regional jets as before.

Pilots #39; pact may benefit Comair


AP - Broncos defensive lineman Luther Elliss will miss the rest of the season because of a herniated disc in his lower back.

Bronc's Elliss Out for Year With Bad Back (AP)


AP - The Bush administration is supporting the Iraqi government as it uses diplomacy and the threat of force to oust radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's militia from a holy shrine in Najaf. At the same time, it is trying to steer clear of becoming the target of an angry Muslim world.

NewsView: Mosque Adds Problems for U.S. (AP)


Google has launched a beta version of Google Print, a search tool that enables users to search the full text of books, read excepts, and links them to sites where the books can be purchased.

Google Print Beta Launches


Three-time world champion Niki Lauda says Formula One #39;s new team Red Bull Racing should sign up David Coulthard. Austrian energy drink maker Red Bull bought the Jaguar team from Ford earlier this week, and

Lauda says Red Bull should hire DC


The longer-term solvency of the US fund that insures traditional pensions is at risk, the director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.

Pension agency chief fears insolvency


Spanish midfielder Guti has warned Real Madrid team-mate Michael Owen that he would need to produce an exceptional performance if he has any ambitions of taking Raul #39;s place in the starting line-up.

Guti warns Owen of Raul


MILAN, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Parmalat sued its former auditors Deloitte  amp; Touche and Grant Thornton on Wednesday, broadening a legal battle to claw back billions of euros from ex-allies the food group says helped drive it into ...

Parmalat sues ex-auditors Deloitte, Grant Thornton


Reuters - Eight Arctic countries agreed to a\vague plan to counter a rapid melt of the region on Wednesday\with indigenous peoples accusing the United States of blocking\stronger action aimed at slowing global warming.

Arctic States Agree to a Vague Plan to Slow Thaw (Reuters)


NEW YORK - The Yankees went to work Tuesday night against the Minnesota Twins wishing they could walk to the mound, pinch Johan Santana on the arm just to see if he #39;s human.

Santana slips, slides out of trouble


What a night for a heavyweight showdown, what a night for boxing, and what a night for your average outspoken, crazy-eyed, biker-looking foul-mouthed trainer.

Battle for Supremacy or a circus act?


Amelie Mauresmo and Lindsay Davenport won their semifinals in straight sets Saturday, setting up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 final at the Porsche Grand Prix.

Mauresmo vs. Davenport in Porsche GP final


washingtonpost.com - The major Hollywood studios today said they are escalating their fight against online piracy by pursuing civil and criminal legal actions against the operators of computer servers that help transmit illegally copied movie files across the Internet.

Studios Step Up Fight Against Online Piracy (washingtonpost.com)


Investor's Business Daily - A tight election and volatile stock market slowed investor enthusiasm for stock mutual funds in October, but their appetite appeared to increase in November.

Stock Fund Inflow Slows To  #36;7.17 Bil (Investor's Business Daily)


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

Time Warner, Comcast in Talks on Adelphia


BOUAKE, Ivory Coast (Reuters) - South African President  Thabo Mbeki took his peace mission to Ivory Coast's rebel town  of Bouake on Sunday, where he was greeted by tens of thousands  of people demanding President Laurent Gbagbo quit.

Mbeki in Ivory Coast Rebel Town on Peace Mission


THERE ARE occasions when symbolic gestures in the realm of diplomacy are worth making, and the UN Security Council resolution that Washington and Paris sponsored Thursday to denounce Syria #39;s flagrant manipulation of Lebanese politics was one of those

Standing up to Syria


European finance ministers chose Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker to represent the group of 12 European Union countries that share the euro currency Friday.

Juncker Gets Post As  #39;Mr. Euro #39;


Crystal Palace won its first game of the Premier League season, accounting for Fulham 2-0 at Selhurst Park, to move off the bottom of the table.

Eagles soar past 10-man Fulham


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened slightly higher on  Monday ahead of a busy week of corporate earnings. Oil prices  climbed to new highs in London and New York.

US Stocks Open Up as Oil Hits New High


A federal judge yesterday threatened sanctions against MCI Inc. for apparently violating a court order requiring approval of expenditures for lawyers and consultants while it was in bankruptcy protection.

Judge Says MCI Broke Pay Rule


Eyeglass lens manufacturer Sola International Inc. said Sunday that it agreed to be acquired by German optical products maker Carl Zeiss AG and Swedish private equity firm EQT for \$1.1 billion, including \$815

Sola to Be Acquired by Carl Zeiss, EQT


As communications with Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity improves because the planet has emerged from behind the sun (from Earth #39;s view), NASA has extended the robots #39; mission.

Rovers Get Six More Months To Explore Mars


Wayne Rooney, the Everton striker, has submitted a transfer request to the club, prompting a fight among major Premiership teams to sign the teenager.

Rooney demands transfer from Everton


Atkins

Ancient Olympians Followed


Ousted PeopleSoft (PSFT) CEO Craig Conway acknowledged in court Wednesday that he countered rival Oracle #39;s (ORCL) hostile takeover bid with a crusade to vilify the company and its CEO, Larry Ellison.

Conway acknowledges slamming Oracle


If you #39;re replacing an aging VCR, a recorder that uses digital technology now deserves first consideration. The reasons include picture quality that can exceed that of a

Digital recorders bump old VCRs off the shelf


Shares of Hollywood Entertainment (HLYW:Nasdaq - news - research) were among the Nasdaq #39;s winners Thursday, rising 11 after rival Blockbuster (BBI:NYSE - news - research) said that it would like to buy Hollywood Entertainment for about \$700 million.

Stocks in Motion: GenCorp


GENEVAUN Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday met survivors and families of the 22 workers killed in a suicide bombing that shattered United Nations offices in Baghdad last year  an attack many employees refer to as  quot;our Sept. 11. quot; ...

Baghdad bombs still haunt UN


Damian Miller #39;s first chance to don a Brewers cap was put indefinitely on hold late Wednesday, when the team announced it could not complete the 35-year-old #39;s physical before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Miller acquisition put on hold


washingtonpost.com - Hoping to boost recently slackening sales of its flagship product, Apple Computer Inc. is using the dog days of summer to unveil the redesigned iMac, opening the curtain on its popular desktop computer at the Apple Expo in Paris.

New Apple Gets Shined Up (washingtonpost.com)


Siemens, the world's fourth-largest maker of mobile phones, said that a flaw that can create a piercing ring in its newest phone models might hurt earnings.

Siemens Says Cellphone Flaw May Hurt Users and Its Profit


ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada - Packing ferocious winds, Hurricane Ivan made a direct hit on Grenada Tuesday, blasting apart scores of homes and forcing hundreds of evacuations before growing even stronger as it moved in Jamaica's direction...

Hurricane Ivan Destroys Homes in Grenada


JAKARTA - Indonesia #39;s National Elections Commission officially declared Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono president Monday after vote-counting in the country #39;s Sept 20 presidential election runoff was finalized.

Yudhoyono declared president


Netline Internet Service on Thursday announced that Novell has agreed to provide global training, maintenance, and support for its Open-Xchange Server product.

Netline strikes deal with Novell


TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, easing  his country's way back into the international fold, on Tuesday  became the first Arab leader to promise compensation for Jews  who were forced from their homes due to religious tension.

Gaddafi to Compensate Libyan Jews for Lost Homes


Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates has donated \$400,000 to a campaign in California trying to win approval of a measure calling for the state to sell \$3 billion in bonds to fund stem-cell research.

Bill Gates Gives \$400,000 to California Stem-Cell Bond Measure


The story of the hawks evicted from their perch on a Manhattan building serves as a reminder of the power of co-op boards.

No Fighting the Co-op Board, Even With Talons


NEW YORK (Reuters) - SunTrust Banks Inc., a large U.S.  southeast regional bank, on Wednesday said it fired three  finance executives, including its chief credit officer, after  uncovering problems in how it accounted for bad loans.

SunTrust Fires 3 Finance Execs


Three cheers for iPod mania! And that's only the start of our guide to the hottest, newest products in personal tech

Cool Tech


Microsoft Corp.'s XBox video game system will team up with software maker Electronic Arts Inc. to stage an online Interactive World Cup tournament later this year, the companies announced Thursday.

XBox, EA to Stage Interactive World Cup


Ford pulled the plug on Formula One, but the US carmaker vowed on Tuesday to remain in the FIA-run World Rally championship at least until the end of 2008.

Ford to stay in Rally - 03 November 2004


FALLUJAH, Iraq - A group calling itself the Brigades of the Victorious Lion of God said today 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


Planes, trains and no CEO: Bombardier fired its chief executive officer on Monday and its Toronto-traded stock dropped to a record low.

Tellier: Bombardier Tells CEO To Take Flight


Mark Glassman writes in the New York Times,  #147;At the Brearley School, a private school for girls on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where Samantha is in the eighth grade, the iPod went from a  #145;want #146; to a  #145;must have #146; this year when its use was incorporated into foreign-language and classics courses. #148; Free registration required Dec 10

iPod for Schoolwork


Eri Suheri can be seen most mornings in the same spot in front of the Metropolitan Medical Center, an upscale hospital located in the heart of Jakarta #39;s Kuningan business district.

The Fire This Time


How big is your key ring? There are the house keys, of course, and the car keys and the little fob for unlocking the doors from 30 feet away.

Next to digital IDs, passwords look lame


The sacking of Prime Minister Gen Khin Nyunt this week came as no great surprise. What did come as a surprise, however, was that the state-run press simply said that he was permitted to retire

One Down, Two to Go (Online Commentary)


GAZA CITY: Prime Minister Ariel Sharons optimism for peace in 2005 was immediately dealt a blow by Israelis with the killing of six Palestinians on Friday by Israeli troops during an incursion in Gaza.

Israel kills six Palestinians in Gaza raid


NEW YORK -- Clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger Corp. saw its stock unravel as much as 26 percent in Monday trading after the company last week said a federal grand jury is investigating commissions it has paid since 1990.

Hilfiger shares plunge on news of probe


AP - In a trailblazing pairing of robotics and tractor companies, iRobot and John Deere announced plans Monday to build a 9-foot-long semi-autonomous battlefield vehicle.

John Deere, iRobot Team Up to Make Robot (AP)


AP - The Tennessee Titans are doing a great job of holding onto the ball. Now, they have to find a way to get into the end zone.

Titans Can Move Ball, but Can't Score (AP)


Reuters - Three foreign election workers were\kidnapped by armed men in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday,\government sources and election commission officials said.

Three Foreign Poll Workers Kidnapped in Kabul (Reuters)


\

 NEW YORK (Reuters) - Verizon Wireless said on Thursday that\it had signed an agreement with NextWave Telecom Inc. to\purchase all of its airwave licenses for \$3 billion.

Verizon to Buy NextWave Licenses for \$3 Billion


Firm announced plans to make TV chips in January, but 10 months later, the project gets scratched.

Intel kills TV chip plans


FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines has increased most domestic US and US to Canada fares \$5 one way and \$10 round trip, effective Dec. 9, to help offset the continuing high cost of jet fuel, the airline explained in a news release.

American raises domestic fares


There is still the bike, always the bike. Tyler Hamilton opens the door to his hillside home above the spectacular Sunshine Canyon, puts on his racing helmet and hits the road for six hours, as he has most days for the past decade. One thing, at least, has not changed. One thing is not in doubt.

Stationary bike: Hamilton in limbo


AP - Tim Duncan had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to their third straight victory, 83-69 over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Duncan Leads Spurs Past Hornets 83-69 (AP)


NEW YORK - A drop in oil prices and upbeat outlooks from Wal-Mart and Lowe's prompted some bargain-hunting on Wall Street, sending stocks sharply higher Monday, with the swing exaggerated by thin late summer trading. The Dow Jones industrials surged more than 120 points higher in late trading...

Stocks Sharply Higher on Dip in Oil Prices


It #39;s official: US Open had never gone into the third round with only two American men, including the defending champion, Andy Roddick.

US Open: Roddick dominates, Serena goes head-to-head with Capriati


Links to this week's topics from search engine forums across the web: SEO Thoughts on Google - Yahoo! Local Listings - New Program - User Reviews and Local Search Optimization - Data Providers: The Engine That Drives Local Search - Google Affiliates Update - Confessions of a White Hat Content Spammer: What I've Learned by Ignoring Google

Search Engine Forums Spotlight


North Korea may delay discussions to prepare a fourth round of six-nation talks aimed at dismantling the communist nation #39;s nuclear programs, US and UK government officials said.

North Korea May Delay Nuclear Talks, US, UK Officials Say


The networking gear maker launches a financial incentive program to spur sales to smaller companies overseas.

Cisco dangles rebate carrot before resellers


Reuters - Hurricane Jeanne, which roared across\Florida on Sunday, may have caused  #36;4 billion to  #36;8 billion in\insured damage, a risk management group said.

Jeanne Damage Estimated at  #36;4- #36;8 Billion (Reuters)


On the day the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit clowns were charged with various crimes against civility, Indiana guard Anthony Johnson put the whole sad, absurd thing into perspective.

It #39;s time for some fans to pay a high price


General Mills Inc. on Thursday said it will begin using whole grains in all of its breakfast cereals, including such well-known brands as Lucky Charms and Trix, becoming

General Mills Cereals All Going Whole Grain


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Charles Schwab  amp; Co. agreed to pay \$350,000 to settle Securities and Exchange Commission charges that the discount broker allowed customers to trade mutual funds after hours, the company said Tuesday.

Schwab settles with SEC for \$350,000


It was the closest that Pitcairn had ever come to civil insurrection. The spark was the Clipper Odyssey, an American cruise ship that anchored offshore so that passengers could tour the island immortalised by the Bounty mutineers.

Good riddance to tarnished paradise island of Pitcairn


A computer hacker broke into a UC Berkeley computer containing more than one million records of California residents, prompting federal agencies to launch an ongoing investigation into the incident, state officials said.

Campus Computer Hacking Spurs Federal Investigation


For a small cap, Jacuzzi has a megabrand. But it's probably not enough to excite investors.

Jacuzzi A Little Too Soggy


ATHENS, GREECE -- Perhaps attempting to save their country further embarrassment and fearful of an impending ruling from the International Olympic Committee, two Greek sprinters abruptly withdrew from the Olympic Games on Wednesday.

Two Greek sprinters withdraw


MOSCOW : Russian prosecutors searched the offices of a Yukos lawyer defending a top shareholder who is accused of siphoning off money from the company #39;s accounts, a spokesman said.

Yukos lawyer #39;s offices searched


Get some earplugs Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is hitting stores, and the sound from cash registers ringing up copies of the video game could be deafening.

Newest GTA is sure to please and outrage


The giant long-distance phone company is in an increasingly nasty feud with its competitors over fees paid on long-distance calls made with prepaid calling cards.
<FONT face=

AT T: Reach Out and Pitch Someone


Late-stage drugs are crucial for a company beset with patent losses.

A Glimpse of Bristol-Myers' Portfolio


SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. <A HREF=

Microsoft Unveils New Communication, Blog Tools


New York, NY (Sports Network) - Oklahoma quarterback and last year #39;s Heisman Trophy winner Jason White was once again named as a candidate for college football #39;s most prestigious individual honor.

White among Heisman candidates again


LOS ANGELES -- Four Southern California residents pleaded innocent to conspiring to distribute more than \$30 million in counterfeit computer software and products, authorities said.

Four Southern Californians charged in counterfeit software case


The noose appears to be tightening around one of Europe's largest software counterfeiting rings as a German court sentenced a second member of the network to prison on Monday, and handed a sentence to his father for helping run front operations.

German software pirate, and his father, get jail time


If the video game industry is beginning to rake in revenue that rivals the movie industry, it #39;s also beginning to accumulate Hollywood-like headaches.

Half-Life 2 #39;s Real Battle


Scotland #39;s caretaker manager Tommy Burns has revealed he was talked out of quitting by Berti Vogts. Burns was Vogts #39; assistant manager and provided advice and support for the whole of the German #39;s ill-fated

Burns offered to quit


Reuters - Internet users praying for salvation\from junk mail face a new torment --

Coming Soon to an Inbox Near You: 'Spiritual Spam' (Reuters)


Satisfied that wide receiver Joe Jurevicius will be ready to play this week and Joey Galloway may be ready to return after next week #39;s open date, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided they can now live without holdout Keenan McCardell.

Bucs Trade McCardell To Chargers


AP - Curtis Martin and Jerome Bettis have the opportunity to go over 13,000 career yards rushing in the same game when Bettis and the Pittsburgh Steelers play Martin and the New York Jets in a big AFC matchup Sunday.

Bettis, Martin May Hit Milestone Together (AP)


Regulators sign off on implantable tracking device to manage treatment of Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart disease, other conditions.

FDA approves injecting ID chips in patients


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eli Lilly and Co. <A HREF=

Lilly Profit Up on Sales of Key Drugs


WASHINGTON : Drugs giant Merck and Co. #39;s shares slumped after the firm revealed civil and criminal investigations into the sale of its pain drug Vioxx.

Merck shares slide on civil, criminal probes into Vioxx


It ain #39;t over until the crazy drunk former priest attacks the frightened Brazilian marathon runner. Although the 35-year-old Athens marathon record was broken tonight by Italy #39;s

Closing Ceremony music to his ears


Shares of generic soda company Cott (NYSE: COT) bubbled up more than 5 yesterday following some upbeat announcements from CEO John Sheppard, who presented at a Prudential Securities conference in Boston.

Cott Pops Up Again


Euro zone economic growth slumped to its slowest pace for more than a year in the third quarter, prompting economists to warn the European Central Bank (ECB) against any monetary tightening in the near term.

Euro zone growth slows sharply


It was the nadir of a love affair, at the Stadio Olimpico in Roma on Sunday, that had endured much during its existence, but was perhaps not prepared for a midweek surrender at Juventus in a season that has so far seen more than its fair share of turmoil

When in Rome, moan


Journalist Derek Pringle will refuse to sign a declaration that commits him to cover only cricket in Zimbabwe.

Pringle to risk Zim deportation


The authorities in Nepal decide to grant paternity leave to government employees.

Nepal introduces paternity leave


Check Point Software Technology's Gil Shwed weighs in on who's winning the war of attrition between virus writers and the security companies they drive crazy.

Check Point's optimistic pessimist


MOSCOW, Aug. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Three Georgian servicemen were killed while five others were wounded in overnight fighting in Georgia #39;s breakaway province of South Ossetia, Russian news agencies reported, citing Georgian officials.

Three Georgian servicemen killed in South Ossetia


The Americans give up two late scores, including Saku Koivu's unchallenged goal with 3:54 left Friday night, in a 2-1 loss to Finland in the semifinals.

Team USA Burned Late


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Insurgents threatened to behead two  Americans and a Briton captured in Baghdad on Saturday and  launched a suicide car bomb attack on Iraqi security forces in  the northern city of Kirkuk that killed at least 23 people.

Militants Threaten to Behead U.S., UK Hostages in Iraq


When Doc Rivers has dinner with Orlando coach Johnny Davis and Magic players Pat Garrity and Grant Hill sometime next summer, there should be some interesting conversation.

Celtics enjoy laugher


KEVLJANI, Bosnia (Reuters) - Forensic experts said Friday  they had found remains of 182 people, believed to have been  wartime prisoners killed by Bosnian Serb forces, in a mass  grave in western Bosnia and that they expected to find more.

Bosnia Mass Grave Yields 182 Bodies, More Expected


PEMBROKE, Bermuda, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tyco International Ltd. has agreed to sell its Tyco Global Network to Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL), India #39;s leading telephone and internet services provider, for \$130 million.

Tyco to Sell its Tyco Global Network to India #39;s VSNL for \$130 <b>...</b>


China #39;s car production and sales this year will be lower than expected and also the lowest increasesince China #39;s entry to the World Trade Organization three years ago, according to industry experts.

Car production in 1st 3 quarters lower than expected


Patients in rural communities across Georgia soon will have quick access to big-city medical specialists thanks to a live-video hookup that will serve 36 rural hospitals.

Insurers paying for rural health project


Sudan has rejected a declaration by the US that the alleged atrocities in the country #39;s troubled Darfur region was genocide.  quot;This is just another sort of pressure brought against the government of Sudan by

Sudan rejects Darfur  #39;genocide #39; label


Nashville, TN (Sports Network) - Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair is listed as the team #39;s emergency quarterback for Monday night #39;s tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs because of a bruised sternum.

McNair inactive again; Volek gets nod


Spain international Xabi Alonso is a player that epitomises the type of footballer Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez wants to have at Anfield.

Alonso the pass master


Pirates, the latest release by game developer Sid Meier, offers plenty of addictive play for those who want to virtually pillage the Caribbean. But repetitiveness and design flaws dampen the experience. Game review by Suneel Ratan.

Flaws Don't Scuttle Pirate Game


AP - A man who heckled President Bush at a political rally was fired from his job at an advertising and design company for offending a client who provided tickets to the event.

Graphic Designer Fired After Heckling Bush (AP)


Sri Lanka #39;s main foreign donors warn some members of the country #39;s ruling coalition are undermining the shaky peace process aimed at ending the decades-long civil war.

Sri Lanka urged to offer more support to rebel go-between


Former nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu has been re-arrested in Israel, the BBC and Israeli media reported Thursday. Vanunu, who was freed in April after spending 18 years

Vanunu re-arrested


President Vladimir Putin signed into law a series of tough new restrictions on beer ads, a measure that lawmakers said should help reduce youth drinking and hooliganism.

Putin Signs Law on Restricting Beer Ads


The European Commission warned Tuesday that a vote in Belarus paving the way for autocratic President Alexander Lukashenko to retain power will damage the ex-Soviet republic #39;s relations with the EU.

EU executive warns of fallout from Belarus vote


AFP - The death toll from a bombing in the Indonesian province of Central Sulawesi has risen to six, a hospital worker said.

Death toll in Indonesian Sulawesi bombing rises to six (AFP)


It used to be that a board of directors could show up once a month, listen to a couple of presentations and leave it to the CEO to make most decisions.

DISNEY #39;S DIRECT EFFECT


Former Carolina Hurricanes captain Ron Francis has turned down the team #39;s offer of a front-office job, according to a (Raleigh, NC) News  amp; Observer report Tuesday.

Report: Former captain might keep playing


Retirees for a third straight year are paying double-digit increases for healthcare coverage through their former employers, which are shifting a greater share of the cost to new retirees, according to a study released yesterday.

Retirees' health costs jump for third year


At least seven children have been killed and 15 wounded when a blast ripped through a school in the southeastern Afghan province of Paktia.

Afghan children killed in blast


Tokyo stocks rose on Wednesday for the fifth consecutive session, as investors bet on optimistic forecasts for steel and shipping issues and hopes for a more robust economic recovery in Japan.

Tokyo stocks rise on optimism over Japan #39;s economy; US dollar up <b>...</b>


UK unemployment fell by 67,000 in the three months to September to 1.38 million, official figures show.

UK unemployment total falls again


Reuters - Toshiba Corp. said on Monday it had won\support for the HD DVD optical disc standard from Warner Bros.\Studios, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures and New Line\Cinema, advancing its cause in the battle for the\next-generation DVD.

Toshiba Wins Support for HD DVD from 4 Film Studios (Reuters)


I hope that newspapers do not represent public opinion. If they do, it means that we consider the Home Secretary #39;s love affair more important than the resumption of the most deadly conflict since the second world war.

A deadly reversal


BAGHDAD, Iraq - A team of kidnappers grabbed two Americans and a Briton in a dawn raid on their home on a leafy Baghdad street Thursday - a bold abduction that underlines the increasing danger for foreigners in the embattled capital as violence soars ahead of national elections planned for early next year.    West of the capital, U.S...

2 Kidnapped in Iraq; 30 Killed in Fallujah


The first criminal trial involving former Enron staff since the firm #39;s collapse is set to begin. Two employees of the failed US energy giant and four Merrill Lynch executives face criminal charges relating to an Enron transaction in Nigeria in 1999.

First Enron criminal trial nears


Desktop search player Blinkx unveiled the latest version of its contextual search product today, adding features that allow a user to initiate a search by dropping a file into a folder.

Blinkx 2.0 Adds Smart Folders


AP - Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Joey Galloway strained a groin muscle in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins and the team said he would not return.

Bucs WR Galloway Out With Groin Injury (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Justice Department is  investigating possible accounting fraud at Fannie Mae, bringing  greater government scrutiny to bear on the mortgage finance  company, already facing a parallel inquiry by the SEC, a source  close to the matter said on Thursday.

Justice Dept Opens Fannie Probe - Source


Illegal CDs, DVDs, computer software and games worth 10m are seized in central Scotland.

Fakes seized in anti-piracy raids


ALAMEDA, Calif. Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon has a broken vertebrae in his neck and he #39;ll be on the sidelines at least six weeks.

Sports: Gannon out at least six weeks


A number of Israelis are hurt in a blast on the border between the Gaza strip and Egypt, Israeli officials say.

Explosion rocks Israel checkpoint


The Central Election Commission of Ukraine has announced that the second round of the countrys presidential election would be held.

Ukrainians to vote in second round


AFP - Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has declined to reveal any timetable for a possible withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq following a statement by Poland that it is aiming for a pullout by the end of next year.

Australian FM plays down Poland's announcement on Iraq withdrawal (AFP)


Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, said it would begin shipments of the tagged medication this week. Pfizer, the maker of Viagra, said it would begin shipping RFID-tagged bottles by the end of next year.

RFID Tags May Not Reduce Drug Counterfeiting


If everybody always agreed with me, there wouldn #39;t be any sense in writing a column. So in the true Olympic spirit, it #39;s your turn.

Don #39;t do the math in the Hamm controversy


Mortgage rates around the country went up this week, with 30-year mortgages climbing to the highest level since early September. Freddie Mac, in its weekly survey released Thursday, reported that rates on

Mortgages rates up this week


Another piece fell in place Saturday for the Colorado football team in what began weeks ago as a complicated and unlikely route to the Big 12 Conference North Division title.

Buffs still cling to North title hopes


It appears the Eagles are continuing on a quest to reunite some of the old gang for one gigantic Super Bowl run. Hugh Douglas, one of the team #39;s most popular players during his five seasons

Douglas back with the Eagles


AP - A large Humboldt squid caught offshore from Sitka is among numerous sightings of a species seen for the first time in waters of the Far North, and the first of the species recovered from British Columbia waters.

Jumbo Flying Squid Found Off Alaska (AP)


Microsoft is refreshing the beta release of its Visual Studio 2005 developer tool platform to feature the full range of technologies planned for the companys Team System application life cycle management system, Microsoft representatives acknowledged on Friday.

Microsoft readies beta for application life cycle management


After the United States advanced to the World Cup of Hockey semifinals Tuesday night, some of the players already started talking about facing Finland.

Iginla #39;s two goals pave rout


Anyway, planning to cash in on all the wonderful PR generated by iPod, Apple says starting at \$1,000, its iBook features built-in AirPort Extreme, 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 processors and SuperDrive for burning DVDs, as well as iLife 04 suite  quot;for managing

#39;Most affordable #39; iBook G4


SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun  called newly re-elected President Bush and won his agreement  that ending the nuclear crisis involving the isolated communist  North should be a goal of his second term in office.

S.Korea Asks Bush to Focus on N.Korea Nuclear Crisis


Tiger Woods has closed the gap on world number one Vijay Singh after winning his first strokeplay title of the year in Japan on Sunday.

Woods closes in on Singh


Online extortion is quietly affecting thousands of businesses, for a very simple reason: it works. The big question then becomes, how will you and your company decide to respond?

Columnists: Online Extortion Works


Slaying dragons and sharks has been kid #39;s play for the company behind the popular Shrek and Shark Tale movies. Now DreamWorks Animation (NYSE: DWA) is slaying the market as well.

DreamWorks Draws a Crowd


Martin Jol is likely to be named the new manager of Tottenham after Jacques Santinis shock decision to quit yesterday. The Dutch assistant coach will take charge of todays game against Charlton, and

Jol Likely To Get Spurs Nod


But the match has another compelling storyline: the Magpies #39; little-known UEFA Cup opponent is an Israeli club, Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin, with a rare mixture of Jews and Arabs.

Arab-owned Israeli team faces up to Souness #39; Newcastle


Auburn #39;s Devin Aromashodu can #39;t hang on to a pass during the first quarter against Georgia in Auburn, Ala. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2003.

No. 3 Auburn Dominates Georgia 24-6


The Pittsburgh Penguins canceled their home preseason schedule and the regular-season opener on Monday because of the NHL lockout that threatens to wipe out the entire season.

Penguins cancel games because of NHL lockout


Yahoo said yesterday it struck a deal with Adobe Systems to distribute the Yahoo Search toolbar with Adobe software. The pact calls for Adobe Reader, the free software used to read PDF files, to include a Yahoo search box.

Yahoo, Adobe Strike Search Toolbar Deal


KARLSRUHE, Germany (Reuters) - German prosecutors on  Tuesday accused a 30-year-old Iraqi man of recruiting militants  for the Iraqi insurgency and smuggling wounded fighters back to  western Europe for treatment.

Germany Accuses Iraqis Over Insurgency, Death Plot


NEW YORK (Reuters) - World record holder Paula Radcliffe  will race back into the spotlight at the New York Marathon  Sunday when she returns to action for the first time since her  stunning collapse at the Athens Olympic Games.

Radcliffe Ready to Take Bite Out of Big Apple


Reuters - Cities in Okinawa expressed outrage at\the U.S. military on Tuesday for refusing to allow Japanese\police investigate the wreckage of a Marine helicopter that\crashed in the grounds of a university there last week.

U.S. Handling of Helicopter Crash Irks Okinawa (Reuters)


South Korea is stepping up security along the Demilitarised Zone frontier with North Korea after a hole was found cut in a border fence, the South Korean Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

S.Korea Boosts North Security After DMZ Fence Cut


quot;Gateway #39;s newly-established relationship with Micro Center is a very exciting one, quot; said Bob Davidson, senior vice president of retail at Gateway.

Gateway PCs Available at Micro Center Stores


AFP - Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy resigned, pre-empting a move by his ruling Socialist party to oust him in a no-confidence vote in parliament next month.

Hungarian prime minister resigns, pre-empting ouster (AFP)


US Airways probably will need more cost cuts or a boost in revenue to attract the USD\$250 million in equity it says it needs to leave bankruptcy next year, the company said on Thursday.

US Airways Needs More Savings To Attract Investors


NORFOLK, Va.Gov. Mark Warner today announced that IBM Corp. will spend about \$10 million to set up a high-level consultancy in Northern Virginia to focus on issues such as homeland security and intergovernmental interactions.

IBM forms new government consulting group


Ernie Els, who was feeling as low as he has ever felt when playing up the mountain at Crans Sur Sierre a month ago, is back on track following a 64 through the worst of the weather

Els shows class in game of catch-up


SAN JOSE, Calif. - In a Sept. 23 product review, The Associated Press, using erroneous information provided by Logitech Inc., reported incorrect weights for two of the company #39;s new computer mice.

Correction: Mouse Product Review


Until earlier this week, some electronics companies were wielding the Digital Millenium Copyright Act -- a law that tries to curtail piracy of music and movies -- as a shield to protect their businesses from competition.

Lexmark Loss Good for Consumers


Right-hander Paul Byrd pitched eight solid innings and helped the Braves defeat the Expos, 7-1, in front of 8,617 fans on Friday night.

Expos drop opener to Braves


Cameroon fired coach Winfried Schaefer on Wednesday, just three hours after his team lost to Germany 3-0 in an international friendly, the country #39;s soccer federation said.

Schaefer fired hours after 3-0 loss to Germany


AP - The Toronto Raptors signed free agent center Loren Woods on Wednesday.

Raptors Sign Center Loren Woods (AP)


AP - Toyota Motor Corp. will begin making its ecologically friendly hybrid model in China by the end of 2005, the first overseas assembly for the company's Prius vehicle.

Toyota to Make Hybrid Cars in China (AP)


Reuters - Federal Reserve policy-makers were\expected to raise U.S. interest rates on Tuesday for a third\time this year, continuing to lift borrowing costs from\rock-bottom levels despite some signs of economic softness.

Fed Seen Boosting Rates Despite Worries (Reuters)


India News, MOON can be an immense source of solar energy and minerals, feels President APJ Abdul Kalam. Addressing the Sixth International Conference on Exploration and Utilisation of Moon in the Lake City

India ; Kalam shows the moon as answer to energy problems


ATHENS (Reuters) - The Athens Paralympics canceled  celebrations at its closing ceremony after seven schoolchildren  traveling to watch the event died in a bus crash on Monday.

Paralympics Scrap Closing Celebrations After Crash


Somalia's first parliament for 13 years is expected to be sworn in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Sunday.

Somalia to get new parliament


AP - Microsoft Corp. is expanding a program to give government organizations access to some of its tightly guarded software blueprints amid growing competition from rivals who make such source code freely available.

Microsoft Expands Program on Source Code (AP)


AP - Olympic champion Justine Henin-Hardenne pulled out of next week's Porsche Grand Prix in Germany because she is still ill from a virus which sidelined her earlier this year.

Henin-Hardenne Pulls Out of Tournament (AP)


Three-time All-Star catcher Jason Kendall is about to be traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Oakland Athletics for two pitchers, a baseball official told The Associated Press yesterday.

Report has Kendall going to A #39;s for Redman, Rhodes


AS THE son of an aircraft technician in Fiji, as a nightclub bouncer in Edinburgh, as a teaching pro in Borneo, even as a plodding player on the PGA Tour early in his career, Vijay Singh could only guess what he could accomplish as a golfer.

Elated Singh on top of the world


AFP - Rescue workers combed a coastal village in north Cornwall for missing persons after a flash flood sent a wall of water tearing through the picturesque tourist spot the day before.

Rescue workers comb storm-hit Cornish village after flash flood horror (AFP)


NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Google Inc., the most popular Internet search engine, raised \$1.67 billion on Wednesday in its long-awaited IPO after slashing the price and size of an offer beset by missteps and ...

Google Raises \$1.67 Bln in Cut-Price IPO


Letters Readers debate how we lost our way

UK.gov IT: it's broke, how can we fix it?


Technology journalist Robin

Talking About Linux


AP - A posting on an Islamist Web site warned Iraqis to stay at home Wednesday in Baghdad and other cities or they would be

Insurgents Warn Iraqis to Stay Home (AP)


Forest products company Potlatch Corp. (PCH.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday it agreed to sell certain plants and assets to Canada-based Ainsworth Lumber Co.

UPDATE 1-Potlatch to sell \$457.5 mln in assets to Ainsworth


More than 99 percent of the around 120 Lazard partners who focus on mergers and acquisitions have signed or agreed to sign in favor of the investment bank #39;s plan to sell shares to the public, a source close to the matter said.

Nearly All Lazard M amp;A Partners Back IPO - Source


The state of California has warned residents that their personal data may have been stolen from computers at the University of California, Berkeley, after a database used by researchers there was compromised by hackers.

California discloses massive ID theft


PC World - Experts will rate potential severity of business security threats.

IBM Offers Companies Monthly Security Report Service (PC World)


The Wall Street Journal has reported that pharmaceutical company Merck knew as far back as 2000 that its arthritis medication, Vioxx, was linked to an increased risk of heart attack.

Roundup: Vioxx News; Weight And Your Heart; Benefits Of Being <b>...</b>


(Sports Network) - The Heat suffered a 93-84 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night at the SBC Center. Shaquille O #39;Neal had 23 points and 21 rebounds for Miami, which played without star guard Dwyane

Miami Heat Team Report - November 13


After just two months in testing, Yahoo has pushed its local search out of beta and is giving the service prominent exposure on the Yahoo home page.

Yahoo Local Officially Launches


WASHINGTON -- Two senators who wrote a tough but little-understood law to protect corporate whistle-blowers are pressing the Securities and Exchange Commission for aggressive enforcement, just as a case emerges that could determine how companies are policed.

SEC urged to enforce whistle-blower law


Shares in the UK #39;s largest insurance broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) have taken a tumble after the firm issued a profits warning.

Insurer Jardine issues warning


Oracle Corp. #39;s acquisition of PeopleSoft Inc. on Monday means about 2,000 Denver-area jobs hang in the balance. An analyst said Denver-area sales and marketing positions within the former JD Edwards line are among the most vulnerable.

Oracle buys PeopleSoft; Denver jobs might be affected


AP - Liverpool beat Norwich 2-1 on the road Monday behind second-half goals by Luis Garcia and John Arne Riise to move up to fifth place in the Premier League.

Liverpool Moves to 5th in Premier League (AP)


WASHINGTON Oct. 2, 2004 - The Bush administration, seeking to achieve an economic breakthrough in the closing weeks of an election campaign, says China has made a serious commitment to overhauling a currency

US Pressing China Over Currency Value


SYDNEY : Prime Minister John Howard warned that Australia #39;s strong dollar, high world oil prices and the lingering effects of prolonged drought would dampen the country #39;s long-buoyant economy in 2005.

PM Howard says Australia faces tough economic year in 2005


AP - Bernie Williams hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and the New York Yankees clinched their seventh straight AL East title, beating the Minnesota Twins 6-4 Thursday night for their 100th victory of the season.

Yankees Clinch 7th Straight AL East Title (AP)


US automaker Ford says it is pulling its Jaguar Formula One team out of the auto racing circuit at the end of this season. Jaguar #39;s chairman said the company does not believe it makes business sense to continue operating in Formula One.

Ford Pulling Jaguar Team Out of Auto Racing


AP - Vice President Dick Cheney, pursuing Republican votes in a reliably Democratic state, said Monday that Sen. John Kerry's view of terrorism reflects a naivete and an inability to recognize the seriousness of the threat.

Cheney: Kerry's View of Terrorism 'Naive' (AP)


The selloff of Royal Group Technologies continued on the TSX today, with the stock off by another 6 per cent at mid-day as the company tried to shake off concerns of fraud allegations directed against the chairman and chief executive officer.

Royal Group selloff continues


The optimism felt by Jonny Wilkinson following his successful comeback for Newcastle in Galway this week was echoed yesterday by a buoyant Sir Clive Woodward, who can now look forward to welcoming his prize asset back into the England fold next month.

Wilkinson #39;s form cheers Woodward


Qantas said Thursday that British Airways has sold its 18.25 percent stake in the Australian carrier at 3.28 Australian dollars (US\$2.

Qantas Says British Airways Sold Stake


A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency travels to South Korea to investigate secret nuclear experiments.

Nuclear monitors return to Seoul


French champions Olympique Lyon hope to regain their momentum when they meet ambitious AJ Auxerre on Saturday. The Ligue 1 leaders have won only one of their last four games, losing for the first time this

Lyon seek return to winning ways


AP - Alonzo Mourning wasn't ready Tuesday to put too much strain on his body, and the New Jersey Nets weren't rushing Mourning along in his attempt to become the second NBA player to return after a kidney transplant.

Mourning Takes It Easy in First Practice (AP)


SPACE.com - A flurry of space tourism milestones and announcements in recent days signals that human spaceflight is shifting from governments to the private sector, space experts say.

Going Private: The Promise and Danger of Space Travel (SPACE.com)


A German who had his lower jaw cut out because of cancer has enjoyed his first meal in nine years - a bratwurst sandwich -fter surgeons grew a new jaw bone in his back muscle and transplanted it to his mouth in what experts call an ambitious

New jaw bone grown in mans back muscle


USATODAY.com - Microsoft's next version of Windows, due in 2006, is code-named Longhorn. Last week, after Microsoft said it is postponing what would've been the most profound new feature of Longhorn, the tech comedians started calling the coming operating system Shorthorn.

Without crucial feature, what will new Windows do? (USATODAY.com)


Mars Express takes its most detailed image yet of the Red Planet's largest moon, Phobos.

Mars moon emerges from the dark


NASCAR officials are bracing to defend themselves from the negative publicity that might result from a planned protest at the races in Talladega, Ala.

New group plans to protest, push NASCAR toward diversity


ANDRE Stolz took the giant step from struggling rookie to season millionaire with a future secured by a two-year exemption when he won the US PGA Tour #39;s Michelin Championship in Las Vegas yesterday.

Aussie rookie hits jackpot


Chancellor Gerhard Schroeders party was routed in elections in the small western state of Saarland, where public anger over his cuts in social programmes also boosted a small far-right party that benefited from the national mood of protest.

Schroeder #39;s Party Routed in Elections


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

Gateway Shifts Back to Personal Computers


Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (Sports Network) - World No. 2 Andy Roddick fired coach Brad Gilbert this past weekend, just 1 1/2 years after forming a partnership.

Roddick fires coach Gilbert


Japan's 'living jewel' koi carp are airlifted to safety after the Niigata earthquake devastated stocks of the ornamental fish.

Airlift for earthquake-hit fish


Free-agent shortstop Omar Vizquel has agreed to terms with the San Francisco Giants, the team announced Sunday. Vizquel agreed to a \$12.

Giants, Vizquel agree to terms on 3-year deal


If skies are clear, people can expect to see the full moon turn a deep reddish colour as the Earth #39;s shadow falls over the face of the moon, astronomers say.

Skygazers, baseball fans watch for lunar eclipse


LOUISVILLE, Ky. Fast-food giant Yum Brandsreported a 13 percent gain in third-quarter earnings today. The company says surging international sales and a turnaround at its KFC chicken restaurants were responsible.

Fast-food giant reports third quarter gains


Private spaceflight pioneer Burt Rutan meets his heroes - remaining members of Wernher von Braun's rocket team.

Rutan meets his rocket heroes


Paul Allen #39;s backing of commercial space flight received a boost Monday, as a startup called Virgin Galactic plans to build an aircraft based on the technology used by SpaceShipOne, the Allen-backed plane that flew into space in June.

Allen licenses commercial space flight technology


Reuters - Booming demand in China is the biggest\driver of the illegal ivory market and there is no clear link\between allowing regulated legal trade and a rise in black\market supplies, a report to a U.N. conference said on Monday.

China Seen as Biggest Driver of Ivory Market (Reuters)


Bomb explosions hit five petrol stations in the Madrid area on Friday after a telephoned warning from armed Basque separatist group ETA, police said.

Explosions Reported in Madrid After Warning


You might have thought that Sirius got serious when it hired Howard, but the second-place satellite radio company is upping some serious ante now by enlisting former Viacom President Mel Karmazin. <FONT face=

Karmazin Brings Sirius Starpower to Radio


Russian security officials are concerned two female suicide bombers who downed two planes last week arrived in Moscow with two other women from Chechnya.

Moscow fears two more suicide bombers


AP - The space agencies of India and France signed an agreement on Friday to cooperate in launching a satellite in four years that will help make climate predictions more accurate.

India, France to Develop Climate Satellite (AP)


A Russian scientist convicted of spying for China was sentenced to 14 years in a high security jail Wednesday. Physicist Valentin Danilov was initially acquitted of selling

Russian Scientist Jailed for Spying for China


JOHANNESBURG: South African cricket coach Eric Simons was axed from his job Friday after a string of dismal performances which saw the country slip from second to sixth and eighth in world Test and one-day rankings.

Jennings named as caretaker coach: South Africas Eric Simons <b>...</b>


OTTAWA - Canada #39;s annual inflation rate edged down to 1.8 per cent in September as the overall cost of a typical basket of goods and services barely rose from August, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday.

Inflation eases to 1.8 per cent


The new Calendaring and Scheduling Consortium has unveiled plans to create standards to make it easier for computer users to share calendars and related information with people outside their companies.

Group seeks calendar, scheduling app interoperability


A research center in Pittsburgh as well as a broadband service provider and an academic network in Japan all have bought Cisco System's first totally new core routing platform in seven years, which was introduced with fanfare in June, the company announced Monday.

Cisco touts core router customers, smaller platform


NEW YORK, September 30 (newratings.com) - Global semiconductor sales increased to \$18.2 billion in August this year, representing 34.

SIA: Chip sales in-line with historic trends


Tim Henman #39;s hopes of reaching his first grand slam final were ended by Roger Federer at the US Open tonight. It was his sixth defeat in the semi-finals of one of tennis #39; big four tournaments, and the second

Federer outclasses Henman


Adrian Mutu has been accused of getting carried away with his fame and fortune by the president of the Romanian Football Association.

Romanian FA chief blasts Mutu


Clint Eastwood's drama about a grizzled boxing trainer and a spunky young fighter is the best movie released by a major Hollywood studio this year.

3 People Seduced by the Bloody Allure of the Ring


AFP - Heads of state from some two dozen African states were to gather to craft a jobs creation plan that would lift hundreds of millions out of poverty and advance development on the world's poorest continent.

African poverty summit to open with focus on creating jobs (AFP)


Ben Roethlisberger knows he #39;s lived a charmed life. Of his first seven NFL victories, four of the games were at home. He #39;s worked with the lead so much that he only trailed for 14 minutes of the previous three games.

Big Ben pressured, but responds


AFP - China and other emerging market countries offer new markets for the luxury goods industry though they are likely in time to themselves become competitors, according to industry experts.

'Luxury' eyes China as market and future competitor (AFP)


So here #39;s a switch. In most of the recent Ryder Cup years - six of the last nine competitions -he United States appeared to have the stronger team, yet Europe won.

Ryder Cup drama on the horizon


AP - The Kansas City Chiefs have proved once more that no matter how high any offense might soar, all is lost when the defense can't stop anything.

Bad Defense Spells Doom for Chiefs' Year (AP)


ARRIVING at Amsterdam #39;s Schiphol airport after an overnight flight, I faced a four-hour wait for my onward trip to London. It was a dismal prospect and the rain tapping at the windows did little to lift my spirits - but Schiphol managed to.

Jo #39;burg Airport is Prettiest, Schiphol Most Fun


HAVANA (Reuters) - A Cuban troupe of 44 dancers, singers  and musicians appearing in Las Vegas will seek asylum in the  United States, the show's creator said on Monday, in one of the  largest mass defections by Cubans performing abroad.

Cuban Dance Troupe Seeks Asylum in U.S.


Women #39;s clothing retailer Chico #39;s FAS Inc. on Tuesday posted a 39 percent jump in third-quarter profit, helped by sharply higher sales and improved margins.

Chico #39;s 3Q Profit Surges; Shares Climb


BERLIN -- Germany and the United States have agreed on a proposal to write off as much as 80 percent of Iraq's debt, Germany's finance minister said yesterday, capping a months-long US push for debt forgiveness.

Plan OK'd to cancel some Iraq debt


Hundreds of Swedes paused outside a department store Saturday to remember their former foreign minister, a popular politician who was stabbed and killed by a mentally ill man while shopping one year ago.

Sweden Remembers Slain Foreign Minister


In the international rivalry to create the fastest, most powerful supercomputer, Japan struck back at the United States. NEC Computers Inc.

NEC retakes supercomputer title


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Shawn Fanning, once reviled by  record labels as the creator of renegade song-swap service  Napster, on Thursday launched a new service designed to turn  the threat of still popular peer-to-peer services into an  opportunity for music companies and artists.

Napster Creator Unveils Online Music Technology


SIR Mark Thatcher was today waiting to find out when he will be questioned over his alleged involvement in an attempted coup in Equatorial Guinea.

Thatcher waits to hear coup questions


Hollywood loves it. Techies hate it. And now, nine senators are signing on to help it pass. That's the latest chapter in the short history of the Induce Act, a bill aimed at cracking down on technologies that can be used to steal copyright works. By Xeni Jardin.

Induce Act Draws Support, Venom


Arsenal defender Sol Campbell is desperate to face Rosenberg in the Champions League on Wednesday. Campbell played his first game of the season at Manchester City after recovering from an Achilles injury and is ready for a heavy workload.

Campbell eyes European test


As associate administrator for E-government and IT, he #39;s being assigned to identify, develop, and implement the government #39;s E-government priorities.

OMB Names Timothy Young As No. 2 IT Exec


Dans une newsletter envoye  ses abonns, Electronic Arts a rvl une information trs intressante : un nouveau Command  amp; Conquer est en prparation.

21:53 Sonny : ah voil la connexion au PC remarche


Reuters - A Tunisian medical team\examined Yasser Arafat in the West Bank on Saturday, but aides\dismissed Israeli media reports that the Palestinian\president's health had deteriorated and said he had flu.

Tunisian Doctors Examine Arafat, Aides Blame Flu (Reuters)


With 6,000 characters to memorize, Westerners shudder at the idea reading even the most basic street signs and instructions in Chinese.

Dyslexia Not the Same in Every Culture


Cambodia #39;s new king, Norodom Sihamoni, said in his first message to his kingdom Friday that he would stay out of politics, and asked for guidance and understanding while he learns his new role.

New Cambodian King Asks for Guidance


Company discontinues many consumer electronics lines to focus on PCs--and profitability.

Gateway returns to PC roots


Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest retailer, said on Saturday it expects a 0.7 percent increase in November sales at its US stores open at least

Wal-Mart Sees November Sales Up 0.7 Pct


HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan  Tsvangirai was acquitted on Friday of plotting to assassinate  President Robert Mugabe and seize power, in a verdict that  provides a major boost for the opposition.

Zimbabwe Opposition Leader Acquitted of Treason


Outfielder Ricky Ledee and the Dodgers agreed Monday to a \$2.5 million, two-year contract, giving Los Angeles a left-handed pinch-hitter and more depth in the outfield.

Ledee and Dodgers agree to two-year contract


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil and gas producer Kerr-McGee Corp.  <A HREF=

Kerr McGee Posts a Drop in Profit