MOSCOW (Reuters) - At least one Russian ministry has signed  letters agreeing to Moscow's approval of the Kyoto Protocol, a  spokesman said on Thursday in what could be a final step on the  long road to bringing the global pact into force.

Russian Ministries Move to Approve Kyoto Treaty


Reuters - A U.S. Senate panel on Tuesday\backed a  #36;94 billion 2005 spending bill which included an extra\ #36;800 million to fund space projects next year.

Senate Panel Adds NASA Money to Spending Bill (Reuters)


AP - In the teeming markets and cafes of Little Saigon, generational changes and misgivings over his policies have weakened President Bush's support among Vietnamese-Americans. Still, few are embracing his Democratic challenger, Sen. John Kerry.

Little Saigon Voters Not Embracing Kerry (AP)


Description: A towering new suspension bridge debuts in southern France. At its highest point, the Millau Viaduct is more than 1,000 feet above ground, and the French say it #39;s the highest bridge in the world.

Major Suspension Bridge Inaugurated in France


Lleyton Hewitt believes he can still win another grand slam title despite conceding Roger Federer has tennis history at his mercy after the world No1 #39;s one-sided victory in yesterday #39;s US Open final.

Hewitt: Grand Slammed, but optimistic


TORONTO -- Nortel Networks said yesterday it will slash its workforce by 3,500, or 10 percent, as it struggles to recover from an accounting scandal that toppled three top executives and led to a criminal investigation and lawsuits.

Nortel Networks to cut 3,500


Soldiers who reached an isolated Pacific Ocean village in Aurora province reported finding about about 100 dead. In the worst-hit town of Real, in nearby Quezon province, TV images showed bodies buried under

Rescue Teams Discover Magnitude of Philippines Storms Disaster


AP - Sammy Sosa was fined  #36;87,400  #151; one day's salary  #151; for arriving late and leaving early at the Cubs' regular-season finale at Wrigley Field.

Sosa Fined  #36;87,400 for Last-Game Bolt (AP)


Veritas Software Corp. (VRTS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , the largest independent US storage software provider, said on Tuesday it will buy e-mail backup company KVault Software Ltd.

Veritas to Buy E-Mail Company KVault


RESEARCH BOFFS GARTNER are urging network managers to standardise all their PCs on Windows XP SP2 and forget about Microsoft #39;s cutdown version of Longhorn.

Stick to XP SP2 says Gartner


A panel of leading computer scientists warned in a report issued on Monday that unless the federal government significantly increases support for advanced research on supercomputing, the United States will be unable to retain its lead on that

US losing edge in supercomputing, report warns


(sh) - The Bush administration strategy for an exit from Iraq depends heavily, perhaps even solely, on training enough Iraqi soldiers and police to secure the country for a handover to an elected Iraqi government.

DALE McFEATTERS: The massacre in Iraq


Aren #39;t we blessed to have so many young players breathing life into cricket just as soon as it comes a little predictable. It was about time the Australian selectors took the risk of giving Michael Clarke a baggy green cap.

Young star salutes with ton on debut


AP - The spectator with the brusque baritone, push-broom mustache and divided loyalties at Thursday night's game between the Miami Hurricanes and Louisville Cardinals will be Howard Schnellenberger.

Win Over Miami Would Be Big for Louisville (AP)


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The confidence of US consumers worsened in November, a research firm said Tuesday, with the number falling below Wall Street #39;s expectations.

Consumer confidence falls


Reuters - Afghan officials delayed counting ballots\in a historic presidential election on Monday to deal with\complaints of fraud, but several of the candidates appeared to\be pulling back from an initial decision to boycott the vote.

Vote Count in Disputed Afghan Poll Delayed (Reuters)


\Taipei cancels a military exercise in the Taiwan Strait after China apparently does the same.

Taiwan cancels military exercise


Oil futures have jumped to their highest closing on record on the New York Mercantile Exchange, rising 76 US cents to \$US49.64 dollars a barrel, as unrest in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia alarmed traders.

Unrest forces oil prices higher


National data released by the US Environmental Protection Agency today reveals that several Southern California metropolitan areas have seen a sharp decrease in the amount of fine particle pollution contributing to local air quality problems over the past

Southern California particle pollution improving


It #39;s easy to spot ESPN NFL 2K5 on the shelf: It #39;s the one that #39;s \$20, making it the least expensive sports video game available for PlayStation2 and Xbox.

THE REVIEW


Argentina submitted on Monday to the US Securities and Exchange Commission its offer to restructure \$100 billion in defaulted debt, clearing the way for a world-record debt swap, Economy Ministry spokesman

UPDATE 1-Argentina files \$100 bln restructuring with US SEC


AP - Italian and Lebanese authorities have arrested 10 suspected terrorists who planned to blow up the Italian Embassy in Beirut, an Italian news agency and the Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

Report: 10 Held in Alleged Embassy Plot (AP)


AP - Chauncey Billups couldn't stop a grin from slowly spreading across his face. Could the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons be even better this season? You bet.

NBA Champ Pistons Eye Another Title Shot (AP)


Shorthorn

Allchin: Don't call it


TOKYO (Reuters) - Justin Gatlin will face Maurice Greene,  whose Olympic title he took in Athens last month, in a  high-quality 100 meters race in Yokohama on September 23,  organizers said Thursday.

Gatlin and Greene Head Field in Yokohama


A Kroger spokesman says the agreement includes wage increases and improvements in health insurance coverage. The contract covers about 8,500 employees in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.

Kroger, Union Reach Tentative Agreement


AMSTERDAM: Europe #39;s second largest mobile carrier T-Mobile said yesterday it had started the continent #39;s first trial of US-based Flarion #39;s high-speed wireless internet in the Dutch city of The Hague.

Europe gets first  #39;better than 3G #39; mobile trial


While

Oh, Fine, You're Right. I'm Passive-Aggressive.


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - U.S. oil prices rose on Wednesday,  pausing from a losing streak well above \$40 a barrel, although  dealers said data on fuel supplies in the United States due  later in the day may trigger a new slide in the market.

Oil Heads Up Ahead of Fuel Stocks Data


WASHINGTON - Americans' supply of flu vaccine was abruptly cut in half Tuesday, prompting the government to ask most healthy adults to delay or skip flu shots so that the elderly and others most at risk from influenza can get scarce supplies.    British regulators unexpectedly shut down a major flu-shot supplier Tuesday, prompting a record shortage in this country just as flu season is about to begin...

U.S. Flu Vaccine Supply Cut in Half


A US decision to call Macedonia,  quot;Macedonia, quot; has raised the ire of Greece, which is threatening to keep the country out of the European Union.

Greece in a furor over Macedonia name


ONE of two rebel groups in Darfur today threatened to walk out of peace talks unless the Sudanese Government quickly presented a viable plan to end the conflict in the region.

Darfur rebels may quit talks


A coalition of US retailers including Liz Claiborne and JC Penney filed a lawsuit Wednesday to block the Commerce Department from imposing curbs on imports of textiles and clothing from China.

Retailers seek to block textile limits


roundup Plus:  IDC says external disk storage up...Lawmakers to vote on spyware, piracy bills...Microsoft tests Windows Marketplace...Nortel delays financials again.

Briefly: Samsung to put hard drives in phones


com December 17, 2004, 11:40 AM PT. Microsoft is investigating reports of a new Internet Explorer flaw that puts people with the most secure version of Windows at risk of phishing attacks.

Phishing hole discovered in IE


With oil prices dropping, stocks rallied to their second consecutive day of sizeable gains today, with the Dow again rising by triple-digits and the Nasdaq turning in the day #39;s best overall performance.

Stocks Rally on Oil, Economic News


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Casino operator MGM Mirage <A HREF=

MGM Mirage Profit Up on Las Vegas Tourism


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices rose on Wednesday  as technical jostling for positions pushed benchmark yields  below the 4-percent threshold, sparking talk that mortgage  investors might step in and add fuel to the rally.

Treasuries Rise, Market Tests 4 Pct Yield


Two veteran French journalists have gone missing in Iraq as concern mounts over the fate of an Italian reporter. George Malbrunot of Le Figaro newspaper and Christian Chesnot of French radio have not been

French reporters vanish in Iraq


Sharman Networks #39; legal representative today revealed an e-mail stating that one of the witnesses for the Universal Music Australia parties had previously withdrawn an offer to be Sharman #39;s expert witness in the ongoing civil trial against the peer to

Professor declined to be expert witness for Sharman


AP - Phillip Fulmer kept his cool when starting center Jason Respert drove off in the coach's golf cart at practice.

Tennessee Offense Gets Push Behind Line (AP)


Zhang Yanping is not what you would call a big girl, but with her leggy, slender frame shown off by a small white vest bearing the legend  quot;Delightfully tacky but unrefined quot;, high-cut orange shorts, sneakers and white socks, she is doing her best to be a

Shanghai keeps abreast of Western trends


AP - Ukraine's outgoing President Leonid Kuchma accused the opposition Saturday of reneging on compromise agreements and called for quick foreign mediation of his nation's post-election political crisis.

Ukraine's Kuchma Calls for Foreign Help (AP)


The record-setting speed by the X-43A experimental scramjet engine on Tuesday marked the final operational mission for NASA #39;s B-52B test aircraft.

B-52B test plane flies final mission


THE WRU last night gave their blessing to Gareth Jenkins joining the British Lions coaching team, as Sir Clive Woodward was confirmed as head coach for next summer #39;s tour of New Zealand.

Thumbs up for Woodward and Jenkins


USATODAY.com - A redesigned pedestrian mall on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House opened to the public Tuesday.

Pennsylvania Avenue walkable again (USATODAY.com)


Trend Micro Inc is planning to release antivirus software aimed at the mobile carrier and handset maker markets next June, an executive said as the firm launched a free antivirus-antispam package aimed at the end user.

Trend plans mobile antivirus in 05


SAN FRANCISCO: Hewlett-Packard Co said on Tuesday its quarterly profit rose 27 as the computer and printer maker saw record revenues in every business and every region and fixed problems with its server and storage unit, sending shares higher by 8.

HP reports 27 rise in quarterly profits


ISLAMABAD: Pakistan #39;s prime minister-designate said he wants the dispute over Kashmir to be resolved according to the wishes of people living in the region.

Aziz calls for resolution of Kashmir issue


TAIPEI (Reuters) - The pro-independence party of Taiwan  President Chen Shui-bian suffered a surprise defeat in weekend  legislative elections that could ease tensions with China but  paralyze government on the democratic island.

Chen Loses Taiwan Poll, China Strains Seen Easing


State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer told a subcommittee of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday that he expects more criminal pleas in connection with his investigation into price collusion and conflicts of interest in the insurance

Insurance probe bags two more


Amid indications that US President George W Bush is all set to return to the White House for a second term, oil prices, which had dropped below \$50 a barrel on Monday crept back to \$51 before settling at \$50.

Oil, \$, markets up on Bush win prospects


The Carolina Panthers lost any hope of DeShaun Foster playing again this season when it was determined yesterday the running back needs surgery on his broken collarbone.

They can #39;t get a break


A member of the campaign group Fathers 4 Justice tonight claimed he took secret pictures inside Buckingham Palace more than a month before a fellow protester climbed the walls of the Queens official residence.

Secret Photos  #39;Helped Plan Batman #39;s Palace Protest #39;


A mortar round hits the roof of the US embassy in Baghdad, slightly injuring two emplyees,  a spokesman says.

Iraq mortar fire hits US mission


The U.S. banking system, having weathered a recession and the bankruptcies of several big corporations, is in very good shape, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said Tuesday.

Greenspan Calls U.S. Banking System 'Vibrant'


At least 28 lawmakers said they will not take part in talks on forming new government started by Lebanon #39;s president on Thursday, a day after the Cabinet of veteran Prime Minister Rafik Hariri resigned.

Two dozen Lebanese lawmakers say they will boycott presidential <b>...</b>


AFP - Britain's leading Muslim organisation dispatched two envoys to Iraq, hoping to help secure the release of a British engineer taken hostage by Muslim extremists eight days ago.

Muslim envoys off to Baghdad in bid to free British hostage (AFP)


ATHENS -- Conquering sweltering heat and a grueling course over steep hills, Japanese long-distance runner Mizuki Noguchi steamed ahead to win the women #39;s marathon gold medal at the Athens Olympic Games on Sunday.

Noguchi wins women #39;s marathon gold


NEW YORK, August 20 (New Ratings)  Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc (ANSI.NAS) has acquired a 14.9 equity stake in Cyberonics Inc (CYBX), while initiating talks for combining the two companies.

Advanced Neuromodulation initiates merger talks with Cyberonics


Plenty of laws exist to prosecute online identity thieves and fraudsters, and also to co-opt ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and online auction sites into the fight against fraud, but enforcement is lacking across the board, according to security experts.

Online fraud: We got law, but no enforcement


MOSCOW -- Tens of thousands of people answered a government call and rallied outside the Kremlin yesterday in a show of solidarity against terrorism, nearly a week after militants seized a school in southern Russia in a standoff that claimed more than 350 lives, many of them children.

Moscow terror protest draws throng


TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average closed up 1.49 percent  on Friday, the first day of the fiscal second half, as a strong  reading in the Bank of Japan's

Nikkei Higher After Strong 'Tankan'


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Symbol Technologies <A HREF=

Symbol Tech to Delay Results


President Putin promises Russia pioneering new weaponry - amid continuing crisis in the armed forces.

Putin vows Russian weapons boost


AP - The Henry Ford  #151; a venue that includes the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, an IMAX Theatre and the Ford Rouge Factory Tours  #151; is teaming up with one of the country's largest Internet providers.

Henry Ford, AOL Announce Partnership (AP)


ThomasB2B.com LLC will officially launch on Monday a new online advertising network which is modeled after general-purpose ones from the likes of Yahoo Inc.'s Overture and Google Inc. but which differs in two key aspects: first, it is focused exclusively on the business-to-business market; and second, it matches ads with search queries and content through predefined categories, not keywords.

Business-to-business online ad network launches


KABUL, Dec 11: The US-led military in Afghanistan has kicked off a new operation to hunt Taliban militants in their winter stronghold and force them to accept an Afghan government reconciliation offer, a US military spokesman said on Saturday.

US begins operation to hunt Taliban


Levin, the low amateur at the US Open who tied for 13th, registered a 3- and-1 win over Mike Lane of Citrus Heights (Sacramento County).

Levin advances in US Amateur Damphousse signs with Avs


The Boston Red Sox are two wins away from their first World Series championship since 1918, two wins away from reversing the dreaded Curse of the Bambino, two

Schilling shuts down Cards


NewsFactor - Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is targeting enterprise and consumer customers with a lighter, slimmed-down version of its 9300 Communicator \smartphone, which will be launched worldwide at the beginning of 2004.

Nokia Offers Slimmed-Down 9300 Communicator (NewsFactor)


Canadian Press - VICTORIA (CP) - Three people appeared in Victoria provincial court Friday on drug-conspiracy charges arising from an investigation linked to December's police raid at the B.C. legislature.

Three appear in Victoria court on drug charges linked to legislature raid (Canadian Press)


Conrad Black resigned as chairperson and chief executive of Hollinger Inc. yesterday at 10 am, just as a lawyer for a major shareholder began arguments in Ontario court aimed at ejecting him and all but two of Hollinger #39;s directors.

Black steps down at Hollinger


Hollywood studios went to Denver federal court Tuesday, filing two lawsuits against 22 unnamed Coloradans suspected of swapping pirated copies of movies over the Internet.

Film piracy lawsuits accuse 22 in Colorado


Scientists behind the Beagle 2 mission to Mars unveiled designs yesterday for a successor to the British spacecraft. Plans for the so-called Beagle 3 came to light as scientists outlined

British scientists plan mission to Mars, again


Ten Palestinians are listed for a January poll to succeed Yasser Arafat, including a leader jailed for life by Israel.

Intifada leader seeks Arafat job


TechWeb - Symantec announced it is working on a Web-based console for IT administrators to manage Norton AntiVirus for the Macintosh clients -- the software is expected in two months.

Symantec To Launch Web Console For Managing Macs (TechWeb)


One of five Cuban dissidents who have been released from prison this week has been told he should consider leaving the country. The Miami Herald reported Wednesday that writer Raul

Cubans suggest dissident should leave


TORONTO (CP) - Led by oil-rich Alberta and the other western provinces, Canada #39;s economy is forecast to grow by 3.1 per cent this year and 3.6 per cent in 2005, Royal Bank says in its latest economic forecast.

Alberta economy leading other provinces as Canada to lead G7 in <b>...</b>


Funny Cide storms into the lead down the stretch and pulls away for a sweet victory in the rain in the \$1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park on Saturday.

Funny Cide Wins Cup


AP - The Florida Marlins found an appropriately wild end for their weird stay in Chicago.

Marlins Homer Way Past Expos 8-6 (AP)


AP - Jim Fregosi fell two wins short of leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series championship 11 years ago.

Fregosi Hopes for Second Stint With Phils (AP)


Scientists say they are closer to understanding exactly how exercise is good for the heart.

How exercise protects the heart


XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said a \$300 million offering of senior notes convertible into common stock has been priced at \$50 a share.

XM Satellite convertible debt priced


Totmianina fell to the ice at the event in Pittsburgh on Saturday when her partner Maxim Marinin was performing a one-handed lift.

ITAR-Tass: Totmianina suffered concussion in skating fall


NEW YORK - U.S. stocks are seen slightly lower at the open as investors stay on guard with oil pushing near the \$50-a-barrel level...

Stocks to Open Lower on Rising Oil Prices


The National Football League announced Thursday that the game between Tennessee and Miami would be played on Saturday instead of Sunday.

Titans-Dolphins game moved up 24 hours


Cedric Benson scores five touchdowns on Saturday night, highlighting a 49-point rally that sends No. 6 Texas to a stunning 56-35 win over No. 19 Oklahoma State.

Longhorns Rip Cowboys


After squandering the Big East title and a Bowl Championship Series bid to the Fiesta Bowl, Boston College yesterday settled for its next best option by accepting an invitation to the Continental Tire Bowl. Making their sixth consecutive bowl appearance, the Eagles will play North Carolina, a future Atlantic Coast Conference rival, in a 1 p.m. contest Dec. 30 at ...

BC wheels its way to Tire Bowl in N.C.


A new and tiny species of human that lived in Indonesia at the same time our own ancestors were colonising the world were discovered by scientists.

quot;Hobbit quot; Joins Human Family


PHILADELPHIA -- La Salle's monthlong search for a head men's basketball coach is over. Maine coach John Giannini will be named the coach at La Salle tomorrow, according to a source familiar with the school's coaching search.

La Salle selects Giannini


Southeast Asia #39;s wiliest political survivor yesterday completed his own intricately scripted exit from the stage. King Norodom Sihanouk, who first took Cambodia #39;s throne when

Sihanouk #39;s son named king


Everybody is used to seeing Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal trade barbs, but Phil Jackson's indictment of Byrant is a stunner.

Jackson Dunks Bryant


The World Bank wants the governments of poor countries to do more to improve their investment climates, action it described as central to economic growth and poverty reduction.

World Bank Urges Poor Countries to Improve Investment Climates


A representative of embattled Russian oil company Yukos said Wednesday the company has launched bankruptcy proceedings under US law in a Houston court.

Yukos files for bankruptcy in US


AFP - Sterling continued to outperform the dollar after official figures showed British high-street spending was unexpectedly robust in August, helping to build the case for another rate hike by the Bank of England.

Pound soars against dollar after shock rise in retail sales (AFP)


AP - A trade group representing seven major movie studios filed a first wave of lawsuits against individuals they say are offering pirated copies of films using Internet-based peer-to-peer file sharing programs.

Film Industry Files Anti-Piracy Suits (AP)


TORONTO (CP) - The Ontario Teachers #39; Pension Plan has struck a \$450 million US deal to buy American laundry equipment maker Alliance Laundry Holdings - the Canadian fund #39;s first acquisition in the United States without a partner.

Ontario Teachers #39; Pension Plan buying Alliance Laundry Holdings <b>...</b>


KOUTS, Ind. (AP) -- The quiet country life can turn into a pressure cooker of stress at harvest time as farmers push themselves to their limits, agricultural experts say...

Quiet Life Stressful for Farmers


UAL Corp. (UALAQ.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) , parent of United Airlines, said on Monday it would cut employees #39; salaries as it looks to make savings and emerge from bankruptcy protection.

UAL Cuts Salaries, Makes \$112 Mln Savings


30 October -- Ukraine #39;s Interior Minister warned police will use force if needed to uphold security in tomorrow #39;s presidential elections.

Ukraine Steps Up Security On Eve Of Election


HOUSTON Houston-based BMC Software today swung to a second-quarter profit amid resurgent technology spending and cost cutting. In the quarter ended September 30th, BMC earned 12-point-seven (M) million dollars

BMC posts profit on technology spending, expense cuts


Novell today announced the November availability of SuSE Linux Professional 9.2, targeted at both unfamiliar users and open source enthusiasts, and compatible with standard 32-bit PC processors as well as AMD Athlon 64 and Intel Extended Memory 64

Novell Packs More Power In New Desktop Release


Mozilla has released Thunderbird 1.0, an open-source e-mail client that complements its Firefox Web browser. Mozilla says the e-mail program will help users avoid spam and viruses, and

Mozilla Releases Thunderbird 1.0


Overall, the results of the latest Manpower Employment Survey suggest that US employers plan to increase hiring after the new year.

Jobs Survey Mixed Bag


In simultaneous blasts, insurgents detonated two car bombs Saturday at a police station near the fortified headquarters of the US Embassy and interim Iraqi

Three Iraqi Policemen Killed in Baghdad Bombings


HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Gino Guidugli threw three of his school-record five touchdown passes to Hannibal Thomas yesterday to lead Cincinnati to a 52-24 rout of No. 21 Southern Mississippi.

Cincinnati springs upset


AP - LPGA Tour rookie Brandi Jackson shot a 6-under 66 on Friday and held a one-stroke lead in the rain-delayed opening round of the Safeway Classic.

Rookie Brandi Jackson Leads at Safeway (AP)


Observing the financial juggernaut that is Citigroup is a bit like sitting down to watch the local TV news in a typical big American city.

Prince pledges to rule Citigroup with an iron fist


Reuters - Tokyo's Nikkei average reversed opening\gains to fall 0.69 percent by midsession on Wednesday as early\buying on exporters, inspired by gains on Wall Street after an\increase in U.S. interest rates, ran out of steam.

Nikkei Reverses Opening Gains (Reuters)


TONY EASTLEY: Fighters loyal to Iraqi Shi #39;ite cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr have begun handing over their weapons, in a deal designed to end fighting between the militiamen and US-led forces in Baghdad #39;s Sadr City.

Moqtada Al-Sadr #39;s militia strikes deal with US forces


Phil Jackson called his relationship with Kobe Bryant at times a  quot;psychological war quot; and sought to trade his star guard in January, according to a diary of the former Lakers coach.

Jackson tells of wanting to trade Bryant


A dark hour precedes every dawn and, for Wales, this narrow defeat against the All Blacks - their 17th in a row - has to be regarded as their darkest hour: they got so close yet were just held off.

Carter the heart of the new Blacks


The Mets are hoping to use Pedro Martnez as a tool for marketing, recruiting free agents and expanding their appeal in the Caribbean and South America.

Martnez's Value Goes Beyond Mound


A top-level Palestinian delegation yesterday promised Syria #39;s leader that it would coordinate with the country in future peace negotiations with Israel, but stopped short

Abbas promises to coordinate with Syria


NTT DoCoMo, Japan #39;s top mobile-phone carrier, and Motorola Inc., the world #39;s No. 2 cell-phone maker, plan to develop a next-generation mobile phone that subscribers in Japan can also use while traveling in

NTT DoCoMo, Motorola Strike Phone Deal


WASHINGTON - The Energy Department said last week it has approved another emergency oil loan to a refining company to make up for crude supplies disrupted by Hurricane Ivan.

US OKs Emergency Oil Loan to 4th Refinery


Washington area biotech companies will face pivotal moments this year, finding out whether key products work before money dries up, fending off competition from bigger companies,  and, perhaps filing to go public.<FONT face=

It's Crunch Time for Biotech Companies


Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - New York Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi will make his first appearance since late July, as the former American League MVP was inserted in the starting lineup for Tuesday night #39;s game against the Kansas City Royals at

Giambi returns to Yankees #39; lineup


When you first pick up Star Wars: Battlefront, if you #39;re a seasoned gamer, it will be hard to get a three-word description out of your head.

Revenge of the grunts -- Star Wars game puts little guys at the <b>...</b>


A US brother and sister become the first people criminally convicted of sending spam e-mail.

US duo in first spam conviction


Alcan Inc., one of the world #39;s largest aluminum producers, said Friday it agreed to sell assets of its ores and concentrates trading division to Ocean Partners Holdings Ltd.

Alcan Sells Trade Division to Managers


AP - Points were in abundance for some of the NFL's top teams, even in road games.

Lots of Points for Top-Tier NFL Teams (AP)


For the next few weeks sky-watchers can spot Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn in the same nighttime sky. The planets won't be visible together to the naked eye again until 2016.

Holiday Sky Show: Five Planets to Shine in Predawn


A British UN worker who was kidnapped in Afghanistan by Islamic militants nearly two weeks ago has telephoned her family to say she is still alive.

British hostage calls home


Insured losses in the United States from Hurricane Ivan, which was roaring toward the US Gulf coast on Wednesday, could run between \$4 billion and \$10 billion, a risk assessment company said.

Risk group sees up to \$10 billion US Ivan damage


The UN Security Council passed a resolution Saturday establishing an international inquiry to determine whether systematic attacks on black African villagers in Sudan constitute genocide.

UN to consider Sudan attacks as genocide


pioneering bid to win a \$10 million (5.6 million pounds) prize and prove that space is open for business. space travel as ordinary as a Caribbean cruise.

Private plane set for Space mission


BRUSSELS (AFP) - The European Commission condemned Friday a unilateral US decision to terminate a 1992 accord on trans-Atlantic air subsidies, saying the move was invalid and therefore the deal remained in force.

EU blasts US pullout from air subsidy deal


LONDON Firefighters and police continue to search the wreckage of a train crash west of London to make sure no casualties have been missed.

Six dead in British train crash


Sales of non-new houses in the US fell last month but still exceeded analyst forecasts.

US house sales fall in July


Reuters - Chipper Jones hit a three-run homer\and J.D. Drew also went deep as the Atlanta Braves continued to\close in on another division title with an 8-1 win over the\Florida Marlins in Miami Friday.

NL Wrap: Jones Leads Braves Closer to Division Title (Reuters)


It followed the killing of two toddlers in an Israeli town on September 29 by a rocket fired from Gaza. Witnesses said all 200 tanks and armoured vehicles in northern Gaza had withdrawn.

Israel ends Gaza Strip offensive


NABLUS, West Bank - Five Palestinian fugitives, including a militant leader, were killed on Wednesday during a fierce gun battle with Israeli soldiers in this West Bank city, Palestinian and Israeli sources said.

At least five Palestinian fugitives killed in standoff with <b>...</b>


Rates on 30-year and 15-year mortgages dipped this week. Rates on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages averaged 5.74 percent, mortgage giant Freddie Mac said in its weekly survey released Thursday.

30-year mortgage rates show slight decline for week


CHICAGO (Reuters) - The governors of Illinois and New  Mexico accused French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis <A HREF=

Two States Accuse Aventis on Flu Vaccine


Jarno Trulli will replace Toyota #39;s Ricardo Zonta in Japan, before sending F1 veteran Olivier Panis into retirement one grand prix early as the season ends at Interlagos.

Trulli to race in Japan, Brazil


Darren Clarke cruised to his first victory of the year in the Taiheiyo Masters in Japan overnight. Clarke took a four-shot lead into the final round and carded a closing 68, his fourth sub-70 round of the

CLARKE SEALS OVERDUE WIN


Nextel (NXTL:Nasdaq - news - research) and Sprint (FON:NYSE - news - research) shares surged to multiyear highs, fueled by reports that the telcos are in merger talks.

Nextel Talk Catches Fire


AP - IBM Corp. claimed unofficial bragging rights Tuesday as owner of the world's fastest supercomputer.

IBM Says Blue Gene Breaks Speed Record (AP)


It's only Thanksgiving, but Sara Taggart already feels behind on her Christmas shopping.

Retailers ask: Why wait?


A quarterly survey of U.S. chief\executives showed they plan to increase hiring and capital\spending, despite recent soft economic data, concerns about\sluggish job growth and high energy prices.

CEOs See More Hiring, Capital Spending


ATHENS (Reuters) - The United States and Australia set  world records in the men's and women's 4x100 medley relay races  on Saturday, the final day of swimming competition at the  Athens 2004 Olympics.

Olympics: Swimming Ends with U.S. and Australian Records


A Muslim negotiator involved in trying to free British hostage Ken Bigley has expressed guarded optimism he will be freed, it is reported.

Optimism from Bigley negotiator


AP - Operating profits slipped 5.5 percent at Cingular Wireless LLC despite gains in both subscribers and revenue in what was likely the last full quarter before the company's completes its  #36;41 billion purchase of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.

Cingular Operating Profits Dip, Revenue Up (AP)


AP - Portland Trail Blazers forward Zach Randolph was questioned by police after witnessing the shootings of three men inside a bar early Sunday.

Blazers' Randolph Questioned by Police (AP)


Lt. Col. John F.  quot;Jack quot; Bolt, a Marine fighter pilot who was the last surviving American double ace, having shot down at least five enemy airplanes in both World War II and the Korean War, died Sept.

Col. John F. Bolt Dies; Fighter Pilot, Double Ace


Cut-price carrier Virgin Blue said Tuesday the cost of using Australian airports is spiraling upward and asked the government to review the deregulated system of charges.

Virgin Blue Asks Australia to Review Costs


Danny Williams #39; trainer Jim McDonnell claimed last night that Vitali Klitschko #39;s steroid-using past would count against him when he defends his WBC heavyweight title against the British challenger here on Saturday night.

British attack Klitschko drug past


The optimists among Rutgers fans were delighted, but the Scarlet Knights still gave the pessimists something to worry about.

Victory Brings Hope, and Worry


It sounds crazy, but its true! Scientists have developed wearable solar panels that can be sewed into clothing, helping charge music players, mobile phones, light batteries This innovative product is likely to hit the market in three years time.

Now, show-off your solar panels


The first computer worm to eavesdrop on network traffic after it infects a computer has been discovered by security experts. The SDBot.

Computer worm  #39;sniffs #39; out passwords


Yasser Arafats formal military funeral in Cairo was a sombre and dignified occasion.

Leaders pay tribute to Arafat


(Sports Network) - A pair of teams trying for a strong finish to the season meet tonight, as the Kansas City Royals visit the Chicago White Sox for the opener of a four-game series at US Cellular Field.

Kansas City Royals Team Report - September 23


Indonesian police hunting those responsible for last week #39;s deadly bombing at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta said yesterday they had detained six people who might be linked to militants behind the attack.

Six held after Jakarta bombing


LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Crude-oil futures continued to rise Thursday, extending overnight gains a day ahead of a key meeting of the OPEC cartel.

FUTURES MOVERS


NEW YORK (Reuters) - New applications for U.S. home loans  climbed last week, as most mortgage rates fell from the  previous week, an industry group said on Wednesday.

Mortgage Applications Climb Last Week


Cigarette making giant British American Tobacco PLC, owner of Canada #39;s largest tobacco producer, reported a 60 per cent jump in third quarter net profit Tuesday, thanks partly to lower taxation charges.

Imperial Tobacco #39;s parent company has strong quarter


AFP - The United States has warned of heightened risk of terror attacks and violent action on American government facilities and personnel in South Korea following Seoul's dispatch of troops to Iraq.

US warns of heightened risk of terror attacks in South Korea (AFP)


GAZA (Reuters) - The Palestinian Authority on Friday  rejected Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's new and  seemingly softer terms for restarting peace talks, saying he  should drop all conditions for dialogue.

Palestinians Reject Sharon's Peace 'Test'


ATHENS (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of Olympic  athletes and visitors began what Greek media termed the

'Great Escape' from Athens Runs Smoothly


The Arab world needs a revolutionary vision, like that of Dubai, to achieve lasting peace, security and prosperity in the Middle East, said former US President Bill Clinton.

Clinton suggests revolutionary vision for peace


With one federal approval received yesterday and another coming as soon as today, Cingular Wireless is finally poised to complete its \$41 billion takeover of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.

Cingular set to complete takeover


AP - A federal judge on Wednesday rejected a request from the woman accusing Kobe Bryant of rape to remain anonymous in her civil lawsuit against the NBA star, saying the public's interest in open court proceedings outweighs her desire to shield her identity.

Judge: Bryant Accuser Must Be Identified (AP)


The competition arrayed against Apple in the growing online music market is shifting. In a deal valued at US\$160 million, Yahoo! announced today the acquisition of one-time Apple partner Musicmatch.

Yahoo! Buys Musicmatch To Bolster Online Music Offerings


AP - The latest low point in Ron Zook's tenure at Florida even has the coach wondering what went wrong. Meanwhile, Sylvester Croom's first big win at Mississippi State has given the Bulldogs and their fans a reason to believe in their first-year leader. Jerious Norwood's 37-yard touchdown run with 32 seconds remaining lifted the Bulldogs to a 38-31 upset of the 20th-ranked Gators on Saturday.

Croom's Bulldogs Stun Zook's Gators (AP)


AGRA, INDIA - India on Monday began celebrating the 350th anniversary of the Taj Mahal, the world-famous example of Indo-Islamic architecture visited by millions of tourists every year.

Happy 350th, Taj Mahal


Search Engine Marketing Research\\Search engine marketing success comes from good research. By applying research to understand your competition and target audience, your optimization efforts will succeed. Remember when homework from school often required some research on your part to complete? It is much the same scenario for search engine marketing: ...

Search Engine Marketing Research


India master batsman Sachin Tendulkar needs 64 runs on Saturday to become the world #39;s leading Test century maker. Tendulkar was unbeaten on 36 as India reached 334 for two on the first day of the Second Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

India in full control in Chittagong


AFP - The death toll from an explosion at a fuel pipeline on the outskirts of the Nigerian city of Lagos has risen to around 60 as more bodies were recovered from the scene.

Nigerian pipeline blast death toll rises to 60 (AFP)


Advanced Micro Devices Inc. next week plans to unveil a sub-\$300 PC for the developing world as the company tries to get a jump on a potentially enormous market.

AMD targets developing world with low-cost PC


AP - The 25-member European Union  #151; now comprising eight ex-communist nations and considering membership for Muslim-dominated Turkey  #151; is busily crafting a

Europe Seeking New Role in World Affairs (AP)


Indonesian police say DNA tests have successfully identified a suicide bomber involved in a deadly attack this month on the Australian embassy in the capital, Jakarta.

Indonesian police say Jakarta embassy bomber identified by DNA


Istanbul, Turkey - Turkish investigators on Wednesday were questioning two cinema employees about a fire that ripped through an Istanbul movie theatre during a gala premiere and injured some 200 people, officials said.

Two detained for cinema blaze


Internet media company Yahoo reported its quarterly profit more than tripled from the year earlier, boosted by stronger online advertising and its acquisition of Overture Services.

Yahoo profit more than triples


Insurgents have killed 49 recruits of Iraq #39;s National Guard in an ambush as the men were traveling home to visit relatives after completing training.

Killing Of 49 Army Recruits Shows Growing Security Problems


Orca Interactive, a unit of Israel #39;s Emblaze Ltd, has won a contract from Atlas Interactive India to provide software used in bringing digital television to broadband customers.

India gt; Net TV firm Orca, an Emblaze unit, wins India deal


A key part of the New York's attorney general's suit against Marsh   McLennan is an e-mail exchange.

Spitzer's Latest Suit, Like Others, Cites Indiscreet E-Mail


The Bush administration has dozens of intercepts of Mohamed ElBaradei's phone calls with Iranian diplomats and is scrutinizing them in search of ammunition to oust him as director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to three U.S. government officials.

IAEA Leader's Phone Tapped


The Leonid meteor shower will peak tonight. Sky-watchers say long, glowing meteor trails will highlight the heavenly show.

Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight


DECEMBER 15, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - SAP AG said today that it #39;s offering customers a new service to ensure the security of SAP systems.

SAP offers new security service


South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki Moon said Thursday that intelligence indicating a possible launch of a North Korean ballistic missile could set back diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis over Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.

Prospect of North Korean Missile Launch 'Alarming' to Seoul


WASHINGTON --Rising oil prices will weigh on economic growth, but the increases so far will not derail the expansion and need not fuel troubling inflation, Federal Reserve Board Governor Ben Bernanke said yesterday.

Fed official downplays rising prices


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The doubts, the uncertainty, the  mud-slinging that have kept investors indecisive all year are  set to end one week from Tuesday when U.S. voters go to the  polls.

Wall Street Fears an Undecided Election


AP - Two Italian women working for an aid agency in Iraq have been kidnapped, the agency said Tuesday. Gunmen in olive green uniforms broke into the group's Baghdad offices and took the women along with two Iraqis, neighbors said.

Two Italian Women Abducted in Baghdad (AP)


US Sen. Jim Bunning said Tuesday night that he expects Congress to have to get involved to resolve Major League Baseball #39;s steroid crisis.

Bunning: We may need to tackle steroids


BAGHDAD - Insurgents detonated two car bombs at the gates of the main US-Iraqi headquarters here and near major hotels yesterday, killing at least 21 people and wounding 96.

21 killed, 96 hurt in Iraq car bombings


World Cup overall leader Bode Miller won a giant slalom for the second time this season Sunday, rallying from fourth place in the opening leg.

Roundup: Miller stretches lead with giant slalom triumph


AP - Claims and counter-claims by Vietnam veterans about John Kerry's military record:

CVN Fog of War Glance (AP)


The regulatory approval was also a boost for the embattled drugs sector. It was feared that, following a series of safety crises, the US Food and Drug Administration would get tougher on new drugs.

US approval for kidney dialysis drug offers timely relief for <b>...</b>


ATHENS, Aug. 17. - World No 1 Justine Henin-Hardenne, sidelined for 11 weeks by a debilitating virus, swept into the third round of the Olympic tennis tournament today with a straight sets win over Maria Vento-Kabchi of Venezuela.

Henin-Hardenne in third round


MOSCOW Sept. 29, 2004 - In a deal paving the way for future joint ventures, US oil giant ConocoPhillips on Wednesday won an auction with a bid of nearly \$2 billion for the Russian government #39;s 7.6 percent stake in Russia #39;s Lukoil the world #39;s No.

ConocoPhillips Buys Stake in Lukoil


Supporters demanding the return of ousted president Jean-Bertrand Aristide hurled stones and fired shots in the air yesterday, the third straight day of violent protests that have killed 12 people so far.

Fight for Aristide continues


AP - NASA on Monday delayed a planned flight of an unmanned hypersonic jet designed to reach a record speed of Mach 10, or 7,000 mph.

NASA Delays Flight of Hypersonic Jet (AP)


The crisis caused by the truckers strike deepened today after the Delhi Police arrested OP Agarwal, the chairman of the All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA).

Union leader held, truckers threaten to intensify stir


BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romanian opposition leader Traian  Basescu won a tight presidential election on Monday and vowed  to usher in a centrist government to end the ex-communist  left's hold on power and take the country into the EU in 2007.

Romanians Elect Reformist Centrist as President


BANGALORE Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is confident India will bounce back in the Test series against Australia as they did three years ago.

Harbhajan is confident of repeat Indian comeback


The Air Force and Microsoft have entered two contracts. One consolidates 38 different software licenses throughout the Air Force, while the other consolidates seven service contracts.

Microsoft, Air Force Seal \$509M Software, Services Deal


AP - Vote counting started Thursday in Afghanistan's landmark election, widely expected to install U.S.-backed interim leader Hamid Karzai as the war-ravaged country's first popularly chosen president.

Vote Counting Begins in Afghan Election (AP)


Singapore will give families financial incentives to boost record-low birth rates, new Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his national address.

Singapore aims to lift birth rate


AP - Researchers and businesses in West Virginia will be able to access the first state-sponsored public Internet computing grid when the Global Grid Exchange is launched next month.

W.Va. to Sponsor Public Computing Grid (AP)


HP BOSS Ann Livermore said that the move to Itanium was not responsible for HP #39;s sales slump. Livermore, who managed to avoid an axe wielding Carly Fiorina this week as sales in the bits of the company she manages plummeted, said that killing the Alpha ...

HP denies Itanium change cost it sales


Former General Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was sworn in as Indonesia #39;s first directly elected president, after winning a landslide victory on pledges to tackle corruption, attract investors and create jobs.

Indonesia #39;s Yudhoyono Takes Office; May Name Cabinet (Update1)


Two groundbreaking alliances took shape in the mobile communications industry Tuesday as the largest players continued to vie for customers in the growing market for high-end phones.

2 rival alliances formed


There #39;s an old saying in the business world when a sale seems all but assured: It was as easy as selling Hostess Twinkies. That may no longer be true.

Twinkies maker in crisis


TORONTO (CP) - Stock car racing in Canada received a boost Tuesday as NASCAR announced a multi-year operational and marketing agreement with CASCAR.

Stock car racing in Canada gets boost from NASCAR deal with CASCAR


Rocky planets are born from dust. As dust bunnies congregate, they form larger rocky objects called planetesimals. These giant rocks collide as they circle their star, eventually growing into large terrestrial planets like the Earth, Mars and Venus.

Worlds in Collision


America Online has formally opened up its AIM instant messaging network to bot-makers with the launch of a pay-per-use AIM Bot Program targeting enterprise customers.

AOL Opens AIM to Bot Makers


The Sudanese army and police surrounded camps holding internally displaced people in the south of Sudan #39;s troubled Darfur region Tuesday, blocking access to aid agencies, UN officials said.

Sudan Army Surrounds Darfur Camps, Aid Agency Says


LG.Philips LCD Co., the world #39;s second-largest maker of liquid-crystal displays, posted its first profit decline in five quarters after a glut of screens drove prices lower, a survey of analysts showed.

LG.Philips Posts First Profit Decline in Five Qtrs (Update2)


President Chen Shui-bian () on Thursday said the best abbreviated title for the country is Taiwan.  quot;A country #39;s abbreviated title is an important, serious matter, quot; said Chen, who

Chen says Taiwan #39; is best name


GameNight: After winning the NLDS clincher on three days #39; rest, Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt looks ahead to the Cardinals #39; series.

Fifth-Game Success


THE Prince of Wales toured the flood-hit village of Boscastle yesterday - and pledged to make a  quot;substantial quot; donation to those facing a massive clean-up operation.

Charles to help flood victims


Budget airline Ryanair today announced record half-year profits, but said it remained cautious about the rest of the year. The Dublin-based carrier said profits after tax

Ryanair profits soar to record


World number one Vijay Singh became the first golf player to earn season winnings of over 10 million US dollars after he won his ninth victory this year at the Chrysler Championships

Singh breaks \$10 million mark


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed little changed on  Monday as investors paused for breath following significant  gains in the market so far this month, while lower oil prices  weighed on energy shares, including Exxon Mobil Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks End Flat, Microsoft Lifts Techs


but winds up costing consumers tens of millions of dollars a year -- is being scaled back by two of the nation #39;s biggest cell phone carriers.

Verizon and Sprint to lower surcharge


And you thought our nation #39;s president was a polarizing figure -- at least he had 59 million supporters chanting  quot;four more years quot; on election night.

Four more years -- of BCS frustration


TONY EASTLEY: On the eve of the Prime Minister #39;s visit to Indonesia to attend the inauguration of the country #39;s new President, Australia is signaling its interest in signing a new Security Pact with Indonesia.

Australia hopes to sign new security pact with Indonesia


ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (Reuters) - South African President  Thabo Mbeki said Monday he had reached agreement with all sides  in Ivory Coast's conflict on measures which should speed up  implementation of a French-brokered peace accord.

Mbeki: Ivory Coast Parties Agree New Peace Push


Passwords alone won't be enough to get onto America Online under a new, optional log-on service that makes AOL the first major U.S. online business to offer customers a second layer of security.

AOL Moves Beyond Passwords for Log-Ons


Several years ago, the manager of a big insurance company received an odd request from a counterpart at Marsh  amp; McLennan, the world #39;s largest insurance broker.

Bid-fixing claim shakes insurers


AP - Evander Holyfield may have finally run out of reasons to keep fighting. If so, it appears he'll be the last one to admit it. The former heavyweight champion's sad decline continued Saturday night when he was dominated by a journeyman fighter who wouldn't have lasted six rounds with him during his prime.

Holyfield Dominated in Loss to Donald (AP)


SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Yao Ming's Houston Rockets squeezed  past the Sacramento Kings on Thursday in the first NBA game to  be played in China, a country the fast-growing basketball  league deems a potential marketing mecca.

Yao Thrills Crowd at First China NBA Game


GAZA CITY, 15 November 2004 - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas was at the center of a shootout in Gaza yesterday hours after he emerged as Fatahs candidate in the presidential election scheduled for Jan. 9.

Abbas Caught in Gaza Gunfight


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Cisco Systems Inc. <A HREF=

Cisco Systems Earnings Rise 29 Percent


AFP - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pledged that his country would cooperate with India in the fight against global terrorism.

Russia, India vow to fight terror (AFP)


There might seem few places less likely to be scorched by the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, than Nepal. Outside Kathmandu, the Himalayan kingdom exists in a timeless trance of mountains and road-free valleys all but lost to the present day.

Shock and Vengeance


Hanscom Air Force Base and the Natick Soldier Systems Center pump more than \$3 billion into the Massachusetts economy, and their closure would damage the state's vital technology and research cluster, according to a study released yesterday.

Study backs Hanscom, Natick site


A recording industry trade group said Thursday that it has filed another wave of lawsuits against 754 people it suspects of distributing songs over the Internet without permission.

Record Industry Sues 754 for Internet Song Swaps


Iron Mountain Inc. said Tuesday it will acquire Connected Corp. for \$117 million in cash in a merger of two Massachusetts-based record-keeping companies.

Iron Mountain to acquire Connected Corp. in \$117 merger of record <b>...</b>


the largest single-day decline in more than three years -- after the US government reported large increases in the

Crude oil prices tumble


A car bomb exploded today west of Baghdad, killing at least one U.S. soldier and two Iraqi policemen and wounding 60 people, Iraqi and coalition officials said.

At Least 3 Killed in Car Bombing Near Baghdad


Rising property prices are making the gap between rich and poor far worse, housing charity Shelter say.

House-price boom 'splits Britain'


Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin recounted Wednesday the hospitality Canadians displayed to stranded travelers after US airspace closed in the wake of the 2001 terror attacks.

Martin: Partnership  #39;even more important #39;


After a nerve-racking stay on its Cape Canaveral launch pad with uncomfortably close brushes with two powerful hurricanes, a Boeing Delta 2 rocket finally thundered into space this morning where it successfully deployed a Global Positioning System

Delta rocket puts on late-night show with GPS launch


Michael Vick throws a 27-yard scoring pass to Alge Crumpler with 1:22 remaining to finish Atlanta's rally with a 24-21 triumph over the Saints.

Vick Rallies Falcons


The government of Singapore and Telekom Malaysia Bhd agreed to buy a 48 percent stake in India #39;s Idea Cellular from three companies for US\$390 million to tap into India #39;s wireless market.

Telekom Malaysia,Singapore, to buy Idea Cellular stake


The Pope reaches out to Orthodox Christians as he returns bones looted during the Crusades.

Pope tries to warm Orthodox ties


NASA released this image of an exploded star to celebrate the fifth birthday of a little known, but extremely important space telescope, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Chandra, designed to examine high-energy areas of the universe, has taken the most detailed picture ever of the remains of an exploded star, revealing a far more complex event than astronomers first believed. Cassiopeia ...

Fireworks in space


COLOGNE, Germany (Reuters) - Padraig Harrington led the way  in the German Masters first round Thursday as Europe's Ryder  Cup players warmed up for next week's match against the United  States.

Harrington Enjoys Welcome Return to Form


Right on schedule, Novell (Quote, Chart) today announced the November availability of SUSE Linux 9.2 Professional. The SUSE Linux Professional product line is on a six-month release cycle.

Novell Unwraps SUSE Linux 9.2


TONY Blair today faced a revolt by Labour MPs over plans to send British troops into danger zones in Iraq. The prime minister was expecting a grilling at Commons question time this afternoon, with 45 Labour

Blair faces Labour troops revolt


AFP - Southeast Asian economic ministers began talks to discuss ways to speed up economic integration and free trade in an effort to move closer to establishing a regional economic community.

ASEAN ministers begin talks on economic integration (AFP)


The smile on Manny Ramirez's face said it all. On the morning the Red Sox made their memorable Duck Boat romp through Boston -- perhaps the city's most famous excursion since Paul Revere's midnight ride -- Ramirez hardly could contain his joy after being named World Series MVP.

Slugging it out


Third 3G/UMTS order in Asia: Siemens awarded mobile network extension for Maxis in Malaysia Malaysias leading mobile operator, Maxis Communications Bhd.

Siemens Awarded Mobile Network Extension For Maxis in Malaysia


The head of Bank of America says the banking giant is unexpectedly gaining northeastern customers just six months after its acquisition of FleetBoston.

Bank seeing unexpected customer gains


WASHINGTON - Insects that emerge every 17 years in the eastern United States provide valuable nutrients to forest ecosystems when they die, an ecologist says.

Cicada infestations boost nutrients for forests


EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ  The road to respectability for the Detroit Lions has been, well, the road, ironic for a team that went three years and an NFL-record 24 games without winning away from Motown.

Lions learn to win on road


Sony has launched its first handheld games console, the PlayStation Portable (PSP), which it hopes will challenge Nintendo in the portable games market.

Sony launches portable games pad


Microsoft Xbox Live traffic on service provider networks quadrupled following the November 9th launch of Halo-II -- which set entertainment industry records by selling 2.4-million units in the US and Canada on the first day of availability, driving cash

Microsoft Xbox Live Traffic Quadruples Following Halo-2 Launch


The European Commission is to back former EU trade commissioner Pascal Lamy to become the next head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

EU backs Lamy for trade position


The NHLPA invited the league to the meeting in a letter sent Thursday to commissioner Gary Bettman.  quot;The letter also confirms that the NHLPA is working on a new proposal which it believes should provide the

NHL Players #39; Association invites NHL to meet next week in Toronto


AFP - A top US senator met outgoing Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma to urge him to ensure a fair presidential election at the weekend, amid opposition warnings of massive vote-rigging to ensure victory for Kuchma's protege.

US envoy tells Ukraine leaders to hold fair vote (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Barry Bonds failed to collect a hit in  his bid to join the 700-homer club, but he did score a run to  help the San Francisco Giants edge the host Milwaukee Brewers  3-2 in National League action on Tuesday.

NL Wrap: Bonds Denied Home-Run Milestone in Giants Win


Henrik Larsson was left on the bench by Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard on his return to Parkhead where the Catalonians meet their UEFA Cup conquerors of last season, Celtic on the opening night of the Champions League group stages.

Former Celtic striker Larsson on Barcelona bench


Patriotic Americans Boycotting Anti-American Hollywood has sent letters threatening a boycott against radio stations playing the new Skinny Puppy album, The Greater Wrong of the Right.

Radio Boycott of Skinny Puppy's new album urged


STANFORD, Calif. - In another harrowing trip to the Bay Area, Matt Leinart passed for 308 yards and LenDale White scored on a 2-yard run with 6:15 left, capping the Trojans' comeback from an 11-point deficit for a 31-28 victory over Stanford on Saturday night...

Top-Ranked USC Holds Back Stanford 31-28


Reuters - Delta Air Lines Inc.  Chief\Executive Gerald Grinstein on Wednesday said his transformation\plan for the struggling No. 3 U.S. airline would include 6,000\to 7,000 job cuts over the next 18 months and a dehubbing of\its Dallas/Fort Worth operation.

Delta CEO Sees 6,000 to 7,000 Job Cuts (Reuters)


Reuters - A judge launched court hearings into the\ #36;17.2 billion collapse of Parmalat on Tuesday and immediately\ruled that the first two of the 32 accused in one of Europe's\biggest fraud cases would stand trial.

Auditors Face Trial in Parmalat Fraud (Reuters)


Brad Friedel could have played his last game for the United States. A veteran of three World Cups, the 33-year-old keeper is not on the current roster and was quoted as saying on

Blackburn keeper considers retirement from international soccer


US stocks futures tumbled on Thursday after drug company Merck  amp; Co. (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) announced it was recalling a key drug, indicating the market would open lower.

Stock Futures Drop After Merck News


Conrad Black, the former CEO of Hollinger International Inc., looted the newspaper publisher of hundreds of millions of dollars to indulge his appetite for

Hollinger Panel Says Black Looted Company


Taiwan Cellular Corporation (TCC), the second-largest operator of mobile-phone services in Taiwan, on November 3 joined with six other regional mobile-phone service providers to form the Bridge Mobile Alliance, which will be the largest alliance of its

TCC becomes charter member of Bridge Mobile Alliance


One would think being part of a cartel that controls 75 of the dynamic random access memory market would be enough clout to help turn a profit.

Infineon Executives Pay High Price


UNITED STATES, Mexico and Guatemala advanced to next year #39;s North American final round World Cup 2006 qualifying with shutout triumphs today, leaving seven nations to fight over three remaining spots.

Sub hits US hat-trick


MEMPHIS, Tenn. Undefeated Boise State will play Number Seven Louisville in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl game on December 31st (in Memphis).

Cardinals to play Broncos in the Liberty Bowl


AFP - French retail giant Carrefour SA has denied a press report it is planning to sell its operations in Japan.

French retailer Carrefour denies it is withdrawing from Japan (AFP)


Oil prices bounced higher Friday following two days of sharp declines, but traders said they expect prices to move lower again by early next week in anticipation of the Energy Department's next petroleum supply report.

Oil Prices Fall Nearly \$4 Over Past Week


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Applications for U.S. home loans fell  6.3 percent last week after a brief bounce in early August  spurred by a drop in mortgage rates, an industry group said on  Wednesday.

Mortgage Applications Fall 6.3 Percent


Nextel Communications Inc. (NXTL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) plans a public offering of 6.2 million shares of mobile phone service provider NII Holdings Inc.

UPDATE 1-Nextel to sell half of its 18 percent stake in NII


Web services management vendor Actional and Westbridge Technology, which sold security infrastructure for Web services, are merging to focus on what company officials call SOA (service-oriented architecture) enablement.

Actional, Westbridge merge for Web services


Microsoft (Quote, Chart) plans to issue a patch for a security flaw in Windows Server software that may allow attackers to gain control over systems running the program, the company said.

WINS Flaw Found in Microsoft Server Software


Being the biggest dog might pay off at feeding time, but species that grow too large are likely to be be more vulnerable to extinction, new research suggests.

As ancient meat-eaters grew, they also died out


WELLINGTON (Dow Jones)--The Australian Competition Tribunal Tuesday approved plans for a proposed alliance between Air New Zealand Ltd.

UPDATE:Qantas, Air NZ Eye New Alliance After Tribunal OK


Last year some election watchers made a bold prediction that this presidential election would set a record: the first half billion dollar campaign in hard money alone.

The billion dollar election


Michael Phelps led all the way in winning the 200-metre freestyle at the World Short Course Championships on opening night on Thursday, giving the world #39;s best swimmer a chance to equal the six gold medals he won at the Athens Olympics.

Phelps wins first medal after Athens


Internet portal Yahoo, Inc., of Sunnyvale, says it #39;s buying Musicmatch, Inc., of San Diego, which sells personalized music software and services, for about \$160 million in cash.

Yahoo to acquire Musicmatch


DAVID BECKHAM and Michael Owen were on target as Real Madrid went goal crazy in the Bernabeu last night. Beckham marked his return to form in style with his first goal in two months.

BECKS TO HIS BEST FOR REAL


One of Ariel Sharon #39;s closest advisers, in fact, his former chief of staff, Dov Weisglass, has revealed to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz the ulterior motives behind Sharon #39;s unilateral decision to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Cat out of the Bag


MILLPOND BOTTOM, England They gathered under the pink-painted walls of the Royal Oak Inn, then marched on to this gentle vale to claim their slice of new freedom.

Just rambling like a fox


A chronology of highlights and lowlights from Pedro Martinez's seven years (1998-2004) as a Red Sox pitcher:

Martinez's years in Boston


AFP - Eight newcomers have been named in an All Blacks squad of 32 for their rugby tour of the northern hemisphere next month.

Eight newcomers named in All Blacks for European tour (AFP)


Karachi: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka starting on Thursday because of a shoulder injury.

Shoaib ruled out of 2nd Test


State insurance commissioners from across the country have proposed new rules governing insurance brokerage fees, winning praise from an industry group and criticism from

Insurance officials propose new brokerage disclosure rules


Greek sprinters Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou and their coach were charged Thursday with avoiding a drug test on the eve of the Athens Olympics and faking a motorcycle accident hours later.

Sprinters Charged With Dodging Drug Test


AP - Four schools in the University of North Carolina system will participate in a pilot program that allows students to download music, movies and other copyrighted material on the Internet for free.

UNC Starts Pilot File-Sharing Program (AP)


With its \$23 billion shortfall double any previous deficit, the government #39;s Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. needs fixing -- fast.

Time to Tackle the Pension Crisis


(Nov. 17) -- The grilled cheese sandwich bearing the likeness of the Virgin Mary is back on ebay. A woman says she made the sandwich ten years ago.

Virgin Mary Cheese Sandwich Bids on eBay


A weekend in Anaheim apparently in search of a reliever netted the Reds a starter from the local big league club. General manager Dan O #39;Brien announced Tuesday that

Right-hander was key part of 2002 World Series win


New York, NY (Sports Network) - Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and Arizona Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers were named the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for Week 7 of

Packers #39; Green highlights NFC Players of the Week


American consumers, who substantially slowed down their spending in late summer, roared back to life in September, boosting their purchases by 0.6 per cent.

US consumer spending soars by 0.6 in September, led by auto <b>...</b>


EMC Corp., the Hopkinton-based information storage and management giant, has acquired Dantz Development Corp. of California for just under \$50 million.

EMC adds Dantz to its acquisition collection


Another Web browser usage survey is showing a familiar trend: Mozilla #39;s share is rising at the expense of Internet Explorer. Global usage share numbers released Monday by OneStat.

Another Survey Says Mozilla Up, IE Down


Luis Aragons could lose his job as Spain #39;s coach after the Spanish Football Association launched an investigation into remarks he made about Arsenal #39;s Thierry Henry.

Aragones Investigation Begins


It is common wisdom among runners and other sports enthusiasts that lactic acid is the enemy of endurance. The chemical is a byproduct of metabolism during periods of intense exercise, when oxygen supplies cannot keep up with energy output.

Lactic acid is a boon, not a bane


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

McAfee #39;s Trojan error ires developer


A Connecticut computer hacker was arrested yesterday and charged with selling copies of Microsoft Windows proprietary source code.

Connecticut Man Accused of Selling Microsoft Code


InfoWorld - Liquid Machines today announced the release of Email Control Version 6.0, an e-mail policy and security messaging software package designed for enterprise networks.

Liquid Machines pours out new DRM software (InfoWorld)


Athens, Greece (Sports Network) - The United States men #39;s volleyball team fell below .500 Thursday night with a four-set loss to Russia in Pool B action.

Men #39;s volleyball: US falls to Russia


The survey of business activity around the country, compiled from reports submitted by the Fed #39;s 12 regional banks, depicted an economy that was moving ahead with even the hard-hit manufacturing sector beginning to regain its footing after a prolonged

Growth continues despite oil price hike


Preparations to put Saddam Hussein on trial intensified on Thursday with a first meeting between the ousted Iraqi president and a member of the defence team appointed by his family.

Saddam has first meeting with his lawyer


Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash and Quentin Richardson each scored 21 points, and the host Phoenix Suns -- off to their best start in 24 years -- won their ninth in a row with a 120-101 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

NBA ROUNDUP: Suns win ninth in row


Sun Microsystems previously offered the server software for its Sun Ray thin-client devices on Solaris systems only. But the company is adding support for Linux servers as part of an upgrade that also includes technology designed to make it easier to use the thin clients remotely.

Sun adds Linux support to Sun Ray thin clients


In the macho world of the Pentagon, Darleen A. Druyun was rare: a woman who had scaled the heights of power, controlled billions of dollars in weapons programs and could punish or reward global corporations and the men who ran them.

Long Fall for Pentagon Star


TEHERAN - Iran said on Monday it was optimistic ahead of crucial talks with the European Union aimed at striking a long-term accord that would ease concerns over the countrys nuclear programme.

Iran optimistic over nuclear negotiations with EU


Newspaper publisher Hollinger International Inc. said Thursday it intends to refile the bulk of its dismissed case against ousted CEO Conrad Black and associates, intent on winning

Hollinger International to refile  #39;looting #39; case against ex-CEO


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil tumbled another dollar on Thursday,  resuming a two-week slide that has cut 15 percent from prices  as rising crude inventories ease concerns over winter fuel  supplies.

Oil Drops Another Dollar on Rising Supply


Sports News, Dhaka,Sachin Tendulkar Saturday scored a world record-equalling 34th Test century to help India score 348 for seven wickets in their first innings at the end of the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh here.

Sports ; Cricket: Sachin hits 34th ton; India 348/7 in Dhaka Test


The rise in retail sales was the best showing since March. Also, producer prices rose 0.1 percent in September.

September Retail Sales Up by 1.5 Percent


During a four-day layoff, the Celtics suffered from a lack of game experience. Last night, they played five minutes too many at the MCI Center, losing to the Wizards, 110-105, in overtime.

Celtics run out of steam


WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2004 - US Marine jets destroyed a known enemy command and control post in Fallujah today, US military officials in Iraq reported.

Marines Destroy Insurgent Post in Fallujah


The British Grand Prix has been given a stay of execution after being included on Formula One #39;s draft 2005 calendar. Silverstone owners the British Racing Drivers #39; Club have

F1: Grand Prix hopes splutter into life


Sun has lost the case brought against it by Eastman Kodak. The photographic giant convinced a Federal jury that Sun infringed its patents in the development of the Java programming language.

Sun loses Java patent case to Kodak


Hanover, NH (Sports Network) - Dartmouth University fired head football coach John Lyons on Tuesday. The Big Green finished just 1-9 this season, marking the worst record in school history.

Dartmouth fires head football coach Lyons


The Baltimore Orioles-Toronto Blue Jays game for Tuesday night has been canceled and rescheduled for Wednesday as part of a doubleheder.

O's-Blue Jays Postponed


Merck  amp; Co. Inc. (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , reeling from the recent withdrawal of its Vioxx arthritis drug, on Wednesday said 2005 earnings will decline to

Merck Sees  #39;05 Earnings Decline, Stock Up


ST. LOUIS -- Fed up with his underachieving Rams team, Mike Martz last week did something that was both uncharacteristic for him, and by today #39;s NFL head-coaching standards, rather unconventional.

Martz #39; unorthodox style works wonders for Rams against Seahawks


AP - Tom Lehman gave himself a third straight chance at ending nearly five years of frustration, making two eagles Saturday to overcome a few glitches with the putter for a 5-under 67 that left him tied for the lead with Briny Baird in the Funai Classic at Disney.

Lehman Ties Baird for Funai Classic Lead (AP)


AP - The game between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees on Tuesday night was postponed by rain.

Twins-Yankees Game Postponed by Rain (AP)


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sports Network) - Winsome Frazier netted  18 points to lead 12th-ranked Mississippi State to a 55-48  victory over Birmingham-Southern in the second round of the  Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at the Birmingham Jefferson  Convention Complex.

No. 12 Miss. State Advances at Coaches Hoops Tournament


Sit back on the sofa and get ready for packetized, on-demand, digital broadcasts. By Frank Rose from Wired magazine.

The End of TV as We Know It


SANTA FE, NM -- Attorney General Patricia Madrid is recommending New Mexicans order a free copy of their credit report once the opportunity becomes available Wednesday.

New Mexicans Urged To Check Free Credit Report


Valentino Rossi reflected positively on the first day of qualifying at the Marlboro Malaysian Grand Prix despite being relegated from provisional pole position to third place by Makoto Tamada and Sete Gibernau right at the end of the session.

Rossi happy despite missing pole


Want to dive deep -- really deep -- into the technical literature about search engines?  Here's a road map to some of the best web information retrieval resources available online.

Search Engines 201


AP - A robot helped police nab a murder suspect who had eluded Westomoreland County authorities for three months.

Robot Helps Police Arrest Murder Suspect (AP)


Television viewers around the world watched a drama unfold in Athens on Wednesday morning, when two unknown hijackers took hostage 26 Greek bus passengers and threatened to detonate the bus.

Albanian Bus Hijacking Raises Unpleasant Issue for Greeks


LONDON (Reuters) - Victorious European Ryder Cup captain  Bernhard Langer has accepted an invitation to play in next  month's World Match Play championship at Wentworth for the  biggest prize in golf.

Captain Langer to Play in World Match Play


KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudan's security chief said on Monday  rebels in the western region of Darfur have drawn army fire and  aerial bombardment on to Darfur villages by using them as cover  and as bases for military operations.

Darfur Rebels Use Human Shields -- Sudan


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will seek Washington's support  to help it achieve goals on global poverty reduction, debt  relief and fair trade during London's G8 presidency next year,  finance minister Gordon Brown said Wednesday.

UK to Seek Bush Support on G8 Poverty Goals


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. <A HREF=

Wal-Mart Says Sept. Sales Up 2.3 Percent


Moscow, 29 September: LUKoil and ConocoPhillips are to carry out joint work in Iraq, LUKoil vice-president Leonid Fedun told journalists today immediately after the sale at auction of the state package of shares in LUKoil.

Russias LUKoil and ConocoPhillips plan joint work in Iraq


AP - Israeli troops pushed deep into the largest Palestinian refugee camp Thursday, a first in four years of fighting, after a Palestinian rocket killed two preschoolers in an Israeli border town.

24 Dead in Gaza Strip Fighting (AP)


SEATTLE - Paul Pierce scored 22 points and Gary Payton had 21 against his former team as the Boston Celtics snapped a three-game losing streak, beating the streaking Seattle SuperSonics 98-84 on Saturday night.

Celtics hand Sonics first home loss


There #39;s good news and bad news on the security front. Internet security company Symantec Corp. on Monday released its Internet Security Threat Report, which provides a six-month snapshot

More Security Attacks Motivated By Greed, Symantec Reports


A note sent through AOL's popular instant-messaging software directs victims to Web sites that host the dangerous graphics.

Image virus spreads via chat


In the Astrodome as a Houston Oiler he began laying the foundation for a successful career that includes a Super Bowl appearance, last season #39;s Co-MVP award and recognition as one of the league #39;s toughest and most versatile quarterbacks.

McNair #39;s future is uncertain, will  #39;evaluate #39; after season


Reuters - A more refined analysis of the human\genome, or book of life, shows people have fewer genes than\previously thought, an international team of scientists said on\Wednesday.

Humans Have Fewer Genes Than Previously Thought (Reuters)


The relief organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres finds 'staggering' death rates in Uganda's camps.

'Staggering' death rates in Uganda camps


US discount retailer Kmart has announced the appointment of Alywin Lewis as its new president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.

USA: Kmart appoints new chief executive


AP - Nearly 40 protesters gathered Saturday at the home of the chief financial backer of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, whose ads criticize Democrat John Kerry's military record.

Protesters at Home of Swift Boat Backer (AP)


The leadership of the pilots' union at US Airways voted late last night to hold last-ditch talks with the airline on its bid for wage and benefit cuts.

US Airways Pilots Offer Final Talks


Toward the end of last week, we heard that Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis had reached a plea bargain in regard to a drug distribution ring he and a childhood friend got going in 2000.

Too Far: Jamal Lewis should have his sentence lengthened


NEW YORK - Investors concerned about third quarter earnings looked past a surprise drop in wholesale prices, keeping stocks mixed Friday. Blue chips dropped on profit warnings from Dow component Alcoa Inc...

Stocks Mixed Despite Good News on Prices


LONDON (Reuters) - BBC World television said on Friday that  an interview it ran with a man it identified as a spokesman for  Dow Chemical, accepting responsibility for India's Bhopal  disaster, was inaccurate.

BBC Says Dow Interview Part of 'Elaborate Deception'


Bayern Munich striker Roque Santa Cruz will be out of action for up to six weeks because of a knee injury, the Bundesliga club said on Friday.

Bayern striker Santa Cruz ruled out with knee injury


NEW YORK A source within the NFL says Ricky Williams is asking the league for a hearing to clarify his playing status. The former Miami running back announced his retirement just before training camp.

Sports: Ricky Williams may be considering a return to football


UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has dispatched a team to Jerusalem to look into allegations that a UN ambulance driver was filmed putting a Qassam rocket into his vehicle.

UN to investigate terrorist link


Contract with Department of Defense is part of homeland security boom.

Computer Sciences lands \$52 million biometrics deal


AP - Martin Brodeur casually strolled through Canada's dressing room on Sunday with a noticeable wrap on his injured left wrist.

Canadian Brodeur's Wrist Feeling Better (AP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Washington, D.C., Mayor Anthony  Williams on Wednesday said the deal to bring baseball back to  the U.S. capital was close to dead after the city council  changed the plan to require private financing, a move Major  League Baseball called unacceptable.

Washington Baseball at Risk, MLB May Seek Bids


The sprinter Torri Edwards of the United States was knocked out of the Olympics for good yesterday when an arbitration panel upheld her two-year drug suspension, saying she should have known tablets provided by her doctor contained ...

Two-Year Suspension of American Sprinter Is Affirmed


French President Jacques Chirac has said Tony Blair has got little in return for supporting the US over Iraq. Mr Chirac also told reporters it was difficult for the UK or anyone to be a go-between for Europe and the US.

Chirac: US does not repay favours


New York (Dow Jones) -- American Express Co. said Friday it will cut 2,000 jobs, or 2.5 percent of its work force, in a restructuring designed to save more than \$75 million a year before taxes.

American Express to eliminate 2,500 jobs in restructuring


AFP - China Great Wall Computer Shenzhen Co Ltd has signed an agreement to establish a new joint venture with IBM to produce computer servers for the Asian region, the company said.

IBM in server joint venture with China Great Wall Computer (AFP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened little changed on  Tuesday as concerns over higher oil prices damaging corporate  profits weighed on investor sentiment, while a dip in retail  sales also dampened the mood.

Stocks Flat as Oil, Retail Sales Weigh


Reuters - Sweden handed over to a group of\Australian aborigines on Thursday the remains of about 20 of\their ancestors smuggled out of Australia almost 90 years ago\by a Swedish zoologist who pretended they were kangaroo bones.

Sweden Returns Smuggled Australian Aborigine Bones (Reuters)


NEW YORK - Apple Computer has launched a new offensive in the digital music business, updating its iPod digital music player with a feature that will allow it to display photos on a color screen and boosting the storage capacity of its top-end line.

Apple Launches U2 IPod


AP - Paul Hamm appeared before the sports world's highest court Monday to argue why he should keep his Olympic gymnastics gold medal.

Sports Court Hears Hamm Gold Medal Appeal (AP)


Toyota Motor Corp. reported a slight dip in earnings in the second fiscal quarter but marked a record profit for the first fiscal half Monday, as sales growth in North America, Europe and Japan offset losses from an unfavorable exchange rate.

Update 1: Toyota Profit Jumps As Sales Grow Globally


Bryan Scott loved how the Atlanta Falcons opened their game Sunday to quiet the roars at Arrowhead Stadium. One play after the offense handed the defense a three-point lead, Scott stripped

KC barbecues Falcons


When asked about Northwestern #39;s special-teams play Saturday, coach Randy Walker just sighed and shook his head.  quot;I don #39;t want to talk about it, quot; Walker said.

Nothing very special about Wildcats #39; effort


If you #39;ve got better things to do than pore over the finer points of your stock portfolio, and you don #39;t care to study the performance records and investing styles of mutual fund

Equity index funds a good bet


Many of us are bewildered by common documents -- with dangerous results.

A Dazed and Confused America


Oct. 1, 2004 - In NEW YORK story headlined  quot;PeopleSoft ousts CEO amid battle with Oracle, quot; please read in paragraph 5,  quot;Oracle launched its surprise takeover bid in June 2003 quot; ... instead of  quot;PeopleSoft launched .. ). NEW YORK (Reuters) - PeopleSoft Inc.

PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Who Battled Oracle


Pakistan #39;s President Pervez Musharraf said not enough is being done to win the war on terrorism, and that an iron curtain #39; #39; could descend between the US and other western nations and the Islamic world.

Musharraf Says Victory in War on Terrorism Requires New Tactics


Reuters - An acne-like rash is good news for colon\cancer patients because it shows that a targeted therapy for\the disease is working, Belgian scientists said on Thursday.

Acne-Like Rash Shows Cancer Drug Is Working (Reuters)


Sydney - Australia #39;s koalas, once a threatened species, are now growing so fast in some areas that wildlife authorities are putting them on the pill.

Koala population becoming unbearable


Two more former natural gas traders for El Paso Corp. have pleaded guilty to reporting bogus deals in a widening investigation of the industry, the US Attorney #39;s Office said.

Ex-El Paso Traders Plead Guilty to False Reports


Felix Sanchez justified his status as the most fancied of all track and field favourites with a magnificent victory in tonights final of the 400metres hurdles.

Golden Joy for Fabulous Felix


SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. (S63.SG) reported a 17 rise in third-quarter net profit Friday because of stronger earnings from its ship-repair and shipbuilding activities.

UPDATE: Singapore ST Engineering 3Q Net 17 To S\$102.1M


AP - With little debate, House lawmakers on Tuesday included themselves as part of a pay raise that all federal employees will receive next year.

Lawmakers to Get Federal Pay Raise (AP)


The research firm estimated that the market for disk storage systems grew by 5 overall, to \$5 billion, from \$4.77 billion a year earlier in the second quarter. HP led the way, followed by IBM and EMC.

IDC: Storage market revenue grows; HP's share shrinks


Telescopes spy the closest asteroid flyby ever recorded. Also: European astronomers find a 'super Earth' 300 trillion light years away.... and did DOS trickery foil the Spirit rover? By Amit Asaravala.

Swing and a Miss for Asteroid


E-Bay pulled the grilled cheese image of the Virgin Mary from its Web site, but reversed its decision Tuesday and put the 10-year-old sandwich back on the auction block.

Ten-Year-Old Grilled Cheese Sandwich Is Back On E-Bay


Tyler Palko tosses a career-high 411 yards and five touchdowns to push No. 19 Pittsburgh over South Florida, 43-14, on Satudray.

Pitt Locks Up BCS Bid


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Nasdaq ended 1 percent higher on  Thursday, led by a rise in semiconductor shares, but the  blue-chip Dow was knocked down to a fresh two-month low by a  fall in industrial bellwether Caterpillar Inc.<A HREF=

Nasdaq Rises on Chip Gains, Dow Falls


Electronic Data Systems Electronic Data Systems which had delayed its quarterly earnings several times, said on Monday it lost \$153 million in its third quarter after taking a loss on a large Navy contract.

EDS posts 3rd-qtr loss on Navy contract charge


The big, bulky tube television is ready to get a leaner look--and to challenge flat panels at their own game. Meanwhile, TV tuners are headed to new PCs.

TV technology enters a new generation


Making toys is a fun business to be in and some toy manufacturers say they #39;re trying to keep it that way -- even if it means taking on the  quot;playground bully quot; Wal-Mart.

Price wars in toyland: Part 2


A fundraising concert will be held in London in memory of the hundreds of victims of the Beslan school siege.

Concert for Beslan siege victims


Viacom Inc. will pay \$1 million and The Walt Disney Co. \$500,000 to settle charges they violated rules for airing commercials during children #39;s programs, federal regulators said Thursday.

Broadcasters of children #39;s programming agree to \$1.5 million <b>...</b>


The families of Japanese kidnapped decades ago by North Korean agents lashed out at the secretive communist state on Monday, saying it had lied about the fate of their loved ones.

Japan Families Vent Anger At N. Korea


IMlogic and several partners today unveiled a threat center network to provide a central place for detecting and analyzing IM and peer-to-peer threats, including IM-borne viruses, worms, spam over IM and malicious code.

IMlogic unveils IM, P2P threat-detection network


On again, off again. Intel (nasdaq: INTC - news - people ) has canceled a project to create a chip for projection TVs. The announcement perhaps wasn #39;t much of a surpise.

Barrett: Intel Scraps Projection TV Chip


Ziff Davis - Opinion: eWEEK.com Senior Editor Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols thinks although there will be a bitter battle, there's no way around it: The GPL must be revised.

It's About Time the GPL Was Revised (Ziff Davis)


Dave Wannstedt may have coached his last game for the Miami Dolphins. With his team at 1-8, Wannstedt is expected to resign today, according to reports late yesterday on The Miami Herald's website and two South Florida television stations. A third TV station, WTVJ, said Wannstedt already resigned.

Wannstedt said set to resign


Merck  amp; Co. officials said Tuesday they intend to defend aggressively their handling of the painkiller Vioxx against claims by patients who say they were harmed by the now-withdrawn drug.

Merck Looks Ahead Despite Vioxx Suits


Pittsburgh point guard Carl Krauser is a Bronx kid and a former amateur boxer, so he knows tough when he sees it; and he knows when he doesn #39;t see it.

PITT PUNISHMENT


BEFORE ARRIVING in London this morning for his state visit, President Chirac took pains to ridicule Tony Blairs vision of building a bridge between Europe and America.

France #39;s vision is not ours


BOSTON - The Big Dig - Boston #39;s newly opened \$14.6 billion highway tunnel project - has a seriously flawed wall that contractors knew about as early as 1999, and is riddled with hundreds of smaller leaks, consultants reported in another embarrassment for

Boston Highway Project Said Full of Leaks


Reuters - Google Inc., the Web search engine, on\Wednesday slashed the price range on its eagerly awaited\initial public offering to between  #36;85 and  #36;95 per share from\ #36;108 to  #36;135 per share.

Google Cuts IPO Price Range (Reuters)


Nearly a decade in the making, the MBTA is entering the homestretch of a new \$140 million fare collection system as officials yesterday unveiled the CharlieCard, #39; #39; a debit-type card to be used on the T in 2006.

T #39;s CharlieCard #39; more than just a token effort


Websites which reunite old flames may be contributing to the highest UK divorce rate for seven years.

Web romance 'fuels divorce rise'


A new generation of robotic vacuums is ready to do battle with dirt, dust and dog hair with more cleaning power and cunning than their ancestors could muster.

Smart little suckers


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Two car bombs killed seven Iraqi national guardsmen and a rocket barrage hit a police academy Monday as insurgents kept up their offensive to subdue Iraq's beleaguered security forces. U.S...

U.S. Jets Pound Militant Positions in Iraq


HIGHLIGHT: Gymnastics team Al Trautwig and Tim Daggett #39;s superb job on the audience #39;s protest of Alexei Nemov #39;s score on the high bars.

Highlights from NBC #39;s Olympic coverage, and a look ahead


MacCentral - Joined on stage by legendary rockers Bono and The Edge from U2, Apple Computer Inc. CEO Steve Jobs on Tuesday expanded Apple's hugely popular iPod line-up with two new models. During the event, held in San Jose, Calif., Jobs said that Apple didn't feel video was the right way to take the iPod, opting instead to add a color screen and allow users to sync photos with their device. Analysts agree with Jobs' strategy and feel the pricing the devices is right.

Analysts agree with Jobs on iPod strategy (MacCentral)


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- As Apple Computer shares trade near their highest levels in a year, industry analysts are assessing the chances for significant company announcements at the company #39;s European trade show in Paris next week.

Latest iMac on the way, iPod growth behind forecasts


Reuters - Four Australian men have committed\suicide after being caught up in an investigation into child\Internet pornography that has resulted in more than 200\arrested and charged for 2,000 offences, police said on\Saturday.

Four Commit Suicide in Australia Child Porn Case (Reuters)


OAKLAND - The weekend showdown and pitching matchups were perfect for a season-ending billing, but the unheralded stars Friday night became even more amazing for pennant-drive stories.

Angels skunk A #39;s, are 1 win from West title


Graphics could be more realistic in new version of Atari's

First game arrives for AMD 64-bit chip


Reuters - U.S. Internet job search company\Monster Worldwide Inc.  could enter the Japanese market\next year as strength in its European businesses allows it to\look further afield, the company's founder said on Monday.

Monster Says It Could Enter Japan by Mid-2005 (Reuters)


The company's latest digital camera includes advanced video features.

Sony camera blends photos, video


The few who came to watch embraced the significance of the evening, so even as Alonzo Mourning sat down for the final time with 7:50 left in the fourth quarter, they showed their gratitude

Nets: Mourning looks strong in comback


The good news? Your computer can now have a photographic memory. The bad news? Your computer can now have a photographic memory. This secretly sourced and powerfully protected photographic memory - actually

Google delves deep within your computer with new desktop tool


Tour rookie Jason Dufner shot a seven-under-par 65 to take the first round lead at the Greensboro Classic on Thursday. Dufner, who has never led a round on the

Dufner leads first round of Greensboro Classic


Investors pulled back from shares of major air carriers Friday as concerns loomed that US Airways Group Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc.

Delta, US Air Slump As Bankruptcies Eyed


The head of the United Nations' AIDS program warned that the three countries could turn their small, localized epidemics into gigantic ones capable of disrupting the world's response to the disease.

AIDS Near 'Tipping Point' In India, China, Russia


AP - Orlando Magic guard Cuttino Mobley will be sidelined with a strained groin until the weekend, but the team said Tuesday that center Kelvin Cato is expected to return Wednesday from a sprained right ankle.

Magic's Mobley Out for Another Game (AP)


The Motor Sports Association, the governing body of motorsport in the UK, has welcomed yesterday #39;s announcement that a deal has been agreed to keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for the next five years.

MSA welcome British GP deal.


Town officials are hoping the state can unearth \$1.4 million to help bring sewers to the Medway 495 Business Park. Otherwise, they say, some 250 area jobs may be lost -- not to mention thousands of dollars in annual tax revenue.

Town presses state for sewer funds


FOXBORO, Mass. - It #39;s a real blue state/green state debate, this Jets-Patriots game. On the one hand, it #39;s not about the quarterbacks.

Can he be like Tom?


Online retailer Amazon.com Inc is offering a 1.57 per cent shopping discount to registered users of its new A9 Web search service as a way to increase A9 use and promote buying on Amazon, the company #39;s Web site showed on Friday.

Amazon offers discount to A9 search users


WPA2 Wi-Fi Protected Access products, both access points and client air cards, will soon be flooding the market. This uses the Advanced Encryption Standard AES which is compliant with the FIPS140-2 government security requirements.

Wi-Fi Security Update


Michael Clarke entered Australian folklore at the Chinnaswammy Stadium today, by converting his overnight 76 into a brilliant 151 on his Test debut.

#39;A dream come true #39;, says Clarke


Urged on by China's government and armed with credit from state-owned banks and stock market listings, many Chinese manufacturers are going global.

Chinese TV Maker Sets Sights on Europe


With a hard single to right field Thursday against the Athletics, the Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki posted his 256th hit of this season.

Ichiro a Hit Away From the Single-Season Record


A union representing 10,000 striking casino-hotel workers tentatively agreed to a new contract late Monday, ending a bitter month-old walkout that disrupted casino operations, made gamblers sleep in unmade beds and put rank-and-file workers onto noisy

Update 1: Casino Reaches Tentative Deal With Workers


Vodafone has launched its UK third-generation (3G) services for mobile phones, offering video calls, music downloads and games. The 3G technology enables users to download data at a faster rate than before

Vodafone begins 3G mobile service


Rain wiped out qualifying Friday for NASCAR #39;s Sylvania 300, leaving points leader Jeff Gordon on the pole for Sunday #39;s race.

Rain wipes out NASCAR qualifying


Jos Mara Aznar, Spain #39;s former prime minister, accused the Socialist government yesterday of failing to investigate suspected links between Islamic terrorists and Basque separatists.

Aznar stands by his claim of Eta link to bombings


Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has warned that peace cannot come to the Middle East without the help of Iran. Mr Khatami was responding to questions from reporters about American policies in the region.

Tehran seeking role in Mid-East


Brent Geiberger has edged into the lead at 11-under after the second round of the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro, while Craig Parry is five shots off the pace.

Geiberger edges clear


AP - More lava emerged Thursday on the crater floor of Mount St. Helens, expanding a rock formation building on the volcano's old lava dome.

Lava Building Up Rock at Mount St. Helens (AP)


Puerto Rican middleweight Felix Trinidad has returned to the ring in spectacular fashion beating Ricardo Mayorga in his comeback fight at Madison Square Garden.

Trinidad #39;s successful r


Guerrillas bombed a Baghdad shopping street full of police recruits and fired on a police van north of the capital Tuesday in attacks that killed at least 59 people and struck at the heart of the US strategy for fighting Iraq #39;s escalating

At least 59 die in co-ordinated rebel attacks on Iraqi police


AP - Being the biggest dog may pay off at feeding time, but species that grow too large may be more vulnerable to extinction, new research suggests.

Extinction Looms Over Larger Species (AP)


Flash back to draft day, when Eli Manning held aloft a San Diego Chargers jersey with all the excitement of a child unwrapping a pair of socks on Christmas Day. Soon after, the Giants tabbed Philip Rivers and shipped him out west in exchange for the No. 1 pick, and both teams were satisfied.

A pick-me-up at QB


Dillard #39;s Inc. reported that its loss narrowed in the second quarter to nearly half of what it was a year ago, but it was still far more than Wall Street expected as the chain was dragged down by sluggish sales.

Dillard #39;s Posts Narrower Loss in 2Q