NEW YORK -- John Ruiz took winning ugly to new depths last night at Madison Square Garden.

Ugly does it for Ruiz


Australias Amcor ousts CEO amid cartel probe Amcor, the worlds top maker of plastic bottles, ousted its respected chief executive after finding some staff may have acted illegally to drive up box prices, knocking 8 percent off its shares.


The Chicago Fire has won the US Open tournament three times in its first six seasons, and Jesse Marsch has been involved in all those titles.

Fire in hot pursuit of US Open title


Under the deal, the Federal Communications Commission will require Cingular to sell part of the combined company's operations in 22 markets.

F.C.C. Approves Cingular Deal to Buy AT T Wireless


AP - Monique Currie scored six points in the final 1:41 and No. 10 Duke upset fourth-ranked Tennessee 59-57 on Thursday night, becoming only the seventh team in 17 years to beat the Lady Vols in Thompson-Boling Arena.

No. 10 Duke Upends No. 4 Tennessee 59-57 (AP)


JAMAICA #39;S ASAFA Powell, a hot favourite for a medal in the men #39;s 100 metres, ran his worst race of the 2004 Olympic Games last night to finish fifth in the final at the Athens Olympic Stadium.

Powell misses medal


Brazil's economy expanded 6.1 percent in the third quarter compared to same period a year ago, lifted by exports and rising domestic consumer demand, the government said Tuesday.

Brazil's Economy Expands 6.1 Percent in 3Q


Reuters - Mount Everest should be put on a United

Everest Needs UNESCO Status as Glaciers Melt-Greens (Reuters)


by our Internet desk, 24 August 2004. Japan #39;s Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi says he will press his country #39;s case for a permanent UN Security Council seat when he addresses the annual session of the General Assembly next month.

Why Japan deserves a seat


Apple #39;s most recent firmware update for the iPod, released last month, breaks Real Network #39;s Harmony technology, which enable songs bought from Real #39;s online store to be played on the device.

UPDATED: iPod firmware update breaks Real  #39;hack


ZIMBABWE face fancied Sri Lanka at the Oval today needing a huge win to stay in the International Cricket Council #39;s Champions Trophy.

Zim Date Sri Lanka


BAGHDAD, 6 December 2004 - Seventeen civilians were killed and 13 wounded in Tikrit yesterday as gunmen ambushed a bus full of Iraqis working for the US military, while a car bomb and a gun attack killed four members of the Iraqi security forces

21 Killed in Fresh Iraq Violence


A leading Dutch prosecuter resigned yesterday after hackers entered his mail box and revealed yet another classified letter addressed to the public prosecutor's office.\

News: Prosecutor resigns over hacked PC


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's  chief of staff on Thursday called a Gaza withdrawal plan a  possible step toward a Palestinian state, in a clear sign of  softening following Yasser Arafat's death.

Gaza Plan May Bring Palestinian State-Sharon Aide


AFP - China has created a  quot;toxic political climate quot; in Hong Kong through threats and intimidation designed to skew Sunday's elections in favour of pro-Beijing candidates, a global rights watchdog said.

Watchdog slams human rights violations in Hong Kong ahead of polls (AFP)


The Detroit Lions whittled their roster to the mandatory 53 on Sunday, releasing veteran kick-returner Reggie Swinton, second-year receiver and fan favorite David Kircus, rookie linebacker Andrew Battle, recently signed linebacker Michael Young, running

Lions Make Final Roster Moves


ISLAMABAD: Courts will decide cases of the imprisoned political leaders, said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz when asked about PML Secretary-General Mushahid Hussains proposal for release of Asif Ali Zardari, Javed Hashmi and Yousal Raza Gilani.

Courts to decide fate of political prisoners: PM


The Jockey Club suffered the latest in a series of setbacks yesterday when it dropped a planned inquiry into whether Kieren Fallon brought racing into disrepute over articles published in the News of the World in March.

Jockey Club drops Fallon inquiry


Though its next official full release is still months away, enterprise Linux player Red Hat (Quote, Chart) is rolling out the latest incremental update to its Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 3 product.

Red Hat Now at  #39;NX #39; Level


Miguel Angel Jimenez leads the BMW International at the halfway point on 134 with David Lynn and Retief Goosen jointly second a stroke behind, but these are two of very few facets of this tournament that are clear and incontrovertible.

Monty adds to confusion


Reuters - Nike Inc.  said on Thursday its\second quarter earnings rose, boosted by strong demand in the\United States and overseas for its namesake athletic shoes and\Converse sneakers.

Shoemaker Nike's Quarterly Earnings Rise (Reuters)


A US appeals court issued a mixed ruling this week in a patent dispute between Research in Motion (RIM), maker of the popular BlackBerry devices, and NTP.

Court Lifts BlackBerry Maker #39;s Injunction


Wachovia Corp. aims to increase its profile in the Northeast and Southwest by expanding its wealth-management division. The bank, based in Charlotte, said yesterday that it is buying Tanager Financial Services Inc.

Wachovia adds to wealth-management unit


Hewlett Packard Co quietly withdrew its Itanium-based workstation line from marketing on September 1, and spent last Friday trying to do damage control with the IT press as the word got out.

HP deep sixes Itanium workstations


nearly 8 percent of its 2003 operating expenses -- even if it terminates its pension plans, which the government estimates are underfunded by \$8.

United Needs \$500 Million More in Cuts


AP - A close political ally of Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi was convicted of ties with the Sicilian Mafia on Saturday and sentenced to nine years in prison.

Berlusconi Ally Convicted of Mafia Ties (AP)


America Online reversed course and said it would adopt a proposed technology from Microsoft designed to help beat back spam and other e-mail blights.

AOL adopts Microsoft anti-spam measures


Reuters - Jim Bates, who took over as\head coach of the Miami Dolphins when Dave Wannstedt resigned\six days ago, made his first major decision Monday when he\announced that A.J. Feeley will start at quarterback this\Sunday at Seattle.

Feeley to Start Against Seahawks (Reuters)


Reuters - A few decades ago, the earliest warning\Floridians would have had of a hurricane would have been black\clouds on the horizon. Now people are complaining after\Hurricane Charley hit shore at a point just 60 miles off from\the track projected by meteorologists.

Charley Shows Progress, Pitfalls in Forecasting (Reuters)


AP - Al Gore on Thursday described Vice President Dick Cheney's remark that

Gore: Cheney 'Wrong Choice' Remark Sleazy (AP)


PeopleSoft launched a promotion on Thursday to encourage customers of its business management software to upgrade to the latest version - even as Oracle continues its disruptive takeover bid, which threatens the company #39;s future.

PeopleSoft urges upgrades


Alex Rodriguez finally came through in the clutch, hitting a go-ahead single in the ninth inning to help the New York Yankees rally past the Blue Jays, 7-4, last night in Toronto. After the Yankees came back from a 4-0 deficit to tie it, Derek Jeter drew a leadoff walk from Jason Frasor (4-4) in the ninth. Gary Sheffield doubled ...

Yankees top Toronto


Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O released on Tuesday a patch for its latest  quot;critical quot; rated security flaw affecting its Windows, Office and developer tools software programs.

Microsoft Issues Patch; E-Mail ID Plan Rejected


Oracle yesterday extended its controversial bid for enterprise resource software provider PeopleSoft, while both companies await the final judge #39;s ruling in the Department of Justice (DoJ) anti-competition case.

Oracle extends offer for PeopleSoft again


Seville, Spain (Sports Network) - Paul Casey and Luke Donald of England fired an eight-under 64 in the alternate-shot format Sunday to win the World Golf Championships - World Cup.

England wins World Cup with final-round 64


First Command's success in its face-off with Air Force lawyers illustrates how a company with military ties can influence the people who are supposed to monitor it.

Inquiry Stymied on Company With Air Force Ties


Automaker Volkswagen on Thursday reported a 65 percent drop in third-quarter net profit from the same period a year ago amid fiercely competitive markets and difficult economic conditions such as a strong euro and high oil prices.

Update 1: Volkswagen Reports Drop in Net Profit


Lucent hopes Riverstone's Ethernet switches and routers will help it round out its product lineup.

Lucent partners with Riverstone


The pilots union at Northwest Airlines Corp. (NWAC.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , the No. 4 US air carrier, ratified a \$265 million concession package that includes 15 percent pay cuts, the union said on Friday.

UPDATE 1-Northwest pilots ratify \$265 mln concession deal


Returning to the courtroom Tuesday after a monthlong break, Slobodan Milosevic sounded a familiar refrain, asking the war crimes

Milosevic returns to court, again seeking right to represent <b>...</b>


Newly arrived Duke University freshmen got something considerably snazzier than the usual Blue Devils T-shirts and ball caps: Their goodie bags included a free iPod digital music player engraved with the school's crest and the words

Duke University Welcomes Freshmen With New iPods


Ricky Craven of Newburgh, Maine, is driving his final race in the No. 32 Tide Chevrolet in tomorrow's Sylvania 300 NASCAR Nextel Cup race at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Craven is riding a wave of emotion


IRVING, Texas (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Governor Susan  Bies on Thursday delivered an upbeat assessment of the U.S.  economy, saying both the household and business sectors  appeared to be in good shape.

Fed Governor Assessment of Economy Upbeat


Within days of the release of the security bulletin, there was proof of concept code available on the web. As the exploit was analyzed by various security groups, it was found that it was similar

New Security Vulnerability in Corrupt Online Images


BASEBALL Cincinnati (NL): Announced P Mike Matthews and P Aaron Myette refused outright assignment to Louisville (IL). Cleveland (AL): Declined to pick up the option on SS Omar Vizquel. Montreal (NL): Released P Dan Smith. Pittsburgh (NL): Released P Nelson Figueroa.

Transactions


SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds hopes his random steroid test last week will remove suspicion that he uses performance-enhancing drugs.

AROUND THE HORN: Bonds tested:  #39;It will clear my name #39;


The Kansas City Chiefs were 2 yards away from taking a double-digit lead against Houston, hoping to avoid their first 0-3 start in 24 years.

Texans 24, Chiefs 21


Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO) evidently has decided that making a new ally is good way to parry the threat from Google (Nasdaq: GOOG). The company announced yesterday that it is joining

Yahoo! Gets Adobe in its Corner


Internet fraudsters have developed a sophisticated new method of using e-mails to capture internet banking customers #39; details.

Internet fraud  #39;phishers #39; widen their net


Ontario police forces will get \$5 million to develop a co-ordinated strategy to fight Internet child pornography, Attorney General Michael Bryant said yesterday.

Child porn fight gets \$5M


AFP - The Sudanese government declared its support for proposed reforms to the UN Security Council but said an expanded body should include nations from Africa and Latin America rather than more Western states.

Sudan wants non-Western states on expanded UN Security Council (AFP)


This being the age to poach customers using rivals #39; operating systems, Microsoft Corp has announced financial incentives along with tools and support to persuade users to abandon Novell Corp #39;s NetWare for Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft hunting last NetWare customers


Vice President Dick Cheney defended the administration's record in Iraq, and Senator John Edwards offered pointed criticism in a highly contentious and personal matchup.

'Fresh Start' vs. 'the Right Thing'


SYDNEY: National Australia Bank Ltd., the country #39;s biggest bank, said yesterday it had received several  quot;expressions of interest quot; in its two Irish banks but no decision has been made to sell the assets.

National Bank gets buyer interest in Irish banks


The source of intelligence used this week by US Secretary of State Colin Powell to suggest Iran is working on a nuclear weapons program may not be reliable, knowledgeable sources told CNN Friday.

Source of Powell #39;s Iran intelligence under scrutiny


The United Nations was increasingly worried about three of its election workers, it said on Thursday as it marked one week since they were abducted at gunpoint in Kabul by a Taliban splinter group which has threatened to kill them.

Deadline for UN workers extended


Investigations have found that several companies inflated circulation totals and revenue in order to keep advertising rates high.

Newspaper Publishers Padded Sales Figures


AP - The designers of the first privately manned rocket to burst into space have received a \$US10 million (\$A13 million) cheque, a prize designed to encourage technology that will open the heavens to tourists.

Private spaceship designers get \$A13m


Getting the technology in place for Athens 2004 is an Olympic task in itself.

'Invisible' technology for Olympics


SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Storm Flag Flying relished the 1 1/4 miles of the \$400,000 Personal Ensign Handicap yesterday, taking advantage of the distance to wear down odds-on favorite Azeri in the stretch and capture the Grade I race at Saratoga.

'Flag' storms to victory


A law banning headscarves in schools will stand, despite demands by a group holding two journalists in Iraq.

France firm over headscarf ban


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Drugstore chain Rite Aid Corp. <A HREF=

Rite Aid Cuts View as Pharmacy Sales Slow


JERUSALEM - Israel has sent intelligence officers to Russia and is hosting at least two senior Russian officers in Tel Aviv - quietly moving to upgrade anti-terror cooperation with Moscow in the wake of a series of devastating attacks in Russia, officials told The Associated Press.    The Israeli moves come as President Vladimir Putin revamps Russia's anti-terrorism capabilities after a school seizure by separatists in southern Russia ended with the deaths of at least 330 hostages, including many children...

AP: Israel Sends Experts to Help Russia


BANDA ACEH, Aceh (AFP): Indonesian soldiers have killed six suspected rebels during two separate gunbattles in the troubled province of Aceh, the military said on Tuesday.

Gun battle in Indonesia #39;s Aceh kills six alleged rebels: military


Shares of Accredo Health Inc., which sells drugs to patients with hard-to-treat diseases such as hemophilia and multiple sclerosis, dropped 28 percent after the company said profit in 2005 will fall.

Accredo Health Shares Fall After Cutting 2005 Earnings Forecast


Alabama freshman Ronald Steele dished out a record 18 assists, and Earnest Shelton returned the favor by hitting shots and handing out compliments.

No. 22 Alabama 114, East Tennessee St. 77


State laws barring people from buying wine directly from out-of-state suppliers should be struck down as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court was told Tuesday as it

High court hears case on interstate wine shipments


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc. on Friday said its popular  Celebrex arthritis drug more than doubled the risk of heart  attack in a large cancer-prevention trial, a setback that comes  just weeks after Merck   Co. recalled its similar Vioxx drug  due to heart safety risks.

Pfizer's Celebrex Lifts Heart Attack Risk in Trial


Manchester United #39;s performance was so bad at Portsmouth on Saturday that Sir Alex Ferguson would give himself a game against Sparta Prague if he was picking a team purely on merit.

FERGIE SEEKING HOME COMFORTS


The internet could soon have two new domain names, aimed at mobile services and the jobs market.

Go-ahead for new internet names


Time Warner said yesterday that it had agreed to pay the US government \$510 million (R3 billion) to resolve criminal and civil charges that its America

Time Warner pays \$510m to settle fraud probe


Norway plans to reopen its embassy in Riga on Wednesday after a two-day closure spurred by security fears that spread across the Nordic and Baltic region, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Norway #39;s Riga embassy to reopen after alert


J.T. Snow singled in the winning run with one out in the ninth to lead the San Francisco Giants to their sixth straight victory, 5-4, over the visiting Montreal Expos last night.

Giants make it six in row


VENTURA, Calif. - Gordon Cooper, who as one of the original Mercury astronauts was a pioneer in human space exploration, has died.

Gordon Cooper, 1 of 1st astronauts


KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Nepal's Maoist rebels have  temporarily suspended a crippling economic blockade of the  capital from Wednesday, saying the move was in response to  popular appeals.

Nepal's Maoists Suspend Kathmandu Blockade


Microsoft #39;s new Windows XP Media Center 2005 operating system has new features that help a PC compete with consumer electronics devices in the living room, and that turn a PC into a home server capable of feeding audio and video to multiple devices on a

New Media Center OS Plays Well


China warns Japan its granting of a sight-seeing visa to former Taiwan president Lee Teng-hui will harm ties.

Taiwan sparks Japan-China row


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Willis Group said Monday that it hired a top broker from larger rival Marsh  amp; McLennan, one of the first signs talent is on the move as a result of Eliot Spitzer #39;s probe of the industry.

Willis Group hires top Marsh broker


AP - Taiwan is getting jittery about a new push within the European Union to lift a 15-year embargo on weapons sales to China  #151; the communist giant that's been threatening to attack this tiny democratic island.

Taiwan Nervous That China Embargo May End (AP)


VANCOUVER, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. ( quot;Rogers Wireless quot;), Rogers Communications Inc.

TELUS extends offers for Microcell


Ron Artest has some time off now to assess where his life and his career are going. He can get some help. He is only 25 and it #39;s not as if he can #39;t revive his career next season.

NBA Needs to Look in Mirror, Not Just at Artest


Jeju Island, South Korea (Sports Network) - Local favorite Grace Park birdied three of her final four holes Sunday to pull away and win the CJ Nine Bridges Classic by five strokes.

Park wins CJ Nine Bridges in a rout


Oil prices surpassed \$54 a barrel Tuesday due to nagging concerns in the market that the global supply buffer is too thin to handle a significant output disruption.

Update 16: Oil Prices Pass \$54 on Supply Concerns


Computerworld's game expert reports: great graphics, good ergonomics and a decent launch library of games.

Review: Nintendo DS


MOSCOW - A top Kremlin official said Thursday that the Yukos affair was  quot;just the beginning quot; of the state #39;s battle against tax offenders, but should not inhibit foreigners from investing in Russia.

#39;Yukos saga just the start of the battle #39;


Frank P. Quattrone, the former star investment banker who was found guilty of obstruction of justice, won permission yesterday from an appeals court to remain free pending his appeal, just

Court Allows Ex-Banker to Remain Free for Now


PC World - New social networking site lets users share photos, videos, and more.

Lycos Builds Web Circles (PC World)


An old-timer is trying to play mind games with the 17-year-old who has gone from Bolton Lads #39; and Girls #39; Club to today #39;s lightweight Olympic boxing final.

Khan unfazed by mind games


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks gained on Tuesday as  rising oil and other commodity prices drove up shares of major  energy and metal producers.

Stocks Rise, Led by Oil, Metal Companies


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Transportation Security Administration has approved Taser International #39;s stun guns for use aboard a major international commercial airline.

Stun Guns Approved For Use On Airline


NEW YORK -- Marsh  amp; McLennan Companies Inc. announced Friday that it was suspending its practice of using  quot;market services agreements quot; with insurance carriers.

Marsh  amp; McLennan suspends  #39;market services agreements #39;


ATHENS - Tonique Williams-Darling has claimed the Bahamas #39; first individual athletics gold by blasting to the women #39;s 400m title.

Athletics: She #39;s the Bahamas #39; darling


LONDON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan  will hog the limelight in financial markets this week as  investors seek clues on how quickly U.S. interest rates will  rise as soaring oil prices start to affect economic activity.

Greenspan in Focus This Week


A pull back in oil prices and upbeat outlooks from Wal-Mart and Lowe's prompted new bargain-hunting on Wall Street today.

Stocks End Sharply Higher as Oil Prices Drop


This week, US Attorney General, John Ashcroft, recounted the successful efforts of  quot;Operation Web Snare quot; which was undertaken starting June 1 st , in curtailing the efforts of more than 150 cyber criminals.

Operation Web Snare nets 150 cyber criminals


quot;This is a team that #39;s not going to stray far from its roots. Hopefully, we would all be bilingual, but practices would be conducted in Spanish.

Chivas USA soccer club takes nontraditional direction in naming <b>...</b>


Ali Hassan al-Majid, one of Saddam Hussein #39;s closest aides and better known as  quot;Chemical Ali, quot; will be the first of Saddam #39;s top deputies to be tried, Iraq #39;s Defense Minister Hazim al-Shalaan said on Wednesday.

Iraq #39;s  #39;Chemical Ali #39; to Be Tried First -- Minister


We know by now there are three Shaquille O #39;Neals, only one of them formidable. There is the unguardable Attack Shaq, the original.

Shaq slimmer  amp; still big risk


The European Commission approved US software company Oracle #39;s 7.7 billion-dollar takeover bid for its American rival in the business software market Peoplesoft on Tuesday.

EU clears Oracle #39;s takeover bid for PeopleSoft


com September 13, 2004, 7:51 AM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been improving or obtaining CRM and ERP software for the past year and a half.

Novell sees a  #39;both-source #39; future


GM Omar Minaya intends to speak with Yankees bench coach Willie Randolph and Dodgers field coordinator Terry Collins about the Mets #39; vacant managerial position, and got permission

Willie, Minaya


Vienna - Equipped with black-market blueprints of a nuclear bomb and some weapons-grade uranium, Iran is defying the United Nations by secretly continuing supposedly suspended activities as it presses ahead with plans to have atomic arms by next year, an

Iran  #39;has blueprint for nuke #39;


The lead negotiators for US Airways flight attendants reached a tentative agreement on a new contract that will save the carrier about \$94 million a year, officials from both sides said yesterday.

US Airways, Flight Attendants Closer to Deal


Reuters - A corporate spending survey that\boosted optimism about Japan's economy drove Tokyo shares\sharply higher on Monday, while other Asian stock markets\traded around multi-month highs.

Asian Stocks Rise, Report Lifts Nikkei (Reuters)


AFP - The most senior state official to be hurt in Thailand's restive south was accidentally shot and injured by one of his own guards, the Thai premier has said, discounting initial claims of an assassination attempt.

Thai official shot by accident, not assassination: PM (AFP)


American companies were granted a six-month delay Wednesday on the deadline for reporting the value of stock options granted to employees as an expense - a change that would delay the reduction in reported profits for many companies, particularly in the

Options rule delayed for companies in US


Google begins trading. Finally. Bill Mann's pretty tired of the navel-gazing.

Being Frugal With Google


Ferrari sources have said unofficially that they will support the commercial arrangements agreed on Tuesday by the other nine formula one teams which should remove the last hurdle preventing the 2005 British grand prix from being confirmed on the final

Alan Henry: British Grand Prix


Reuters - A powerful earthquake rocked\Indonesia's premier tourist island of Bali Wednesday, killing\one person, injuring at least two and triggering some panic,\officials said.

Earthquake Rocks Indonesia's Bali, One Dead (Reuters)


America Online Inc. (AOL) is launching a program Monday to promote and facilitate the creation of what it calls AIM Robots for its AIM instant messaging system.

AOL launches program for AIM bots


Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Islamic nations, including Malaysia, need to help rebuild Iraq, a civilization that was once a symbol of Islam #39;s greatness.

Malaysia #39;s Abdullah Says Islamic Nations Should Rebuild Iraq


Reuters - International Business Machines Corp.\(IBM.N) widened its lead last year in the U.S. market for\Internet hosting services as it won a greater share of the\medium-sized business market, according to data recently\published by market research firm IDC.

IBM Targets Web Hosting as Key Growth Area (Reuters)


Here's a look at some miscellaneous -- and enlightening -- statistics from this year's salary survey.

2004 Salary Survey Snapshots


MARK COLVIN: The Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, has met North Korea #39;s Foreign Minister and the President of the Supreme Peoples #39; Assembly in Pyongyang. As one of the few Western nations with diplomatic relations with the isolated totalitarian state, ...

Downer upbeat after North Korea meetings


AP - Security risks to reconstruction workers in Sunni-dominated parts of Iraq have grown worse over the past six weeks, the U.S. coordinator said Friday.

Insurgency a Problem for Iraq Rebuilding (AP)


Reuters - Fugitive al Qaeda leader Osama bin\Laden once invited Indonesian preacher Abu Bakar Bashir to live\in Afghanistan, a young militant jailed over the bombing of a\Jakarta hotel told the cleric's terrorism trial on Thursday.

Bin Laden Contacted Indonesia's Bashir, Court Told (Reuters)


Swedish kidney-care company Gambro AB (GAMBa.ST: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday it signed a \$3.05 billion deal to sell its US clinics

UPDATE 3-Gambro sells US kidney clinics unit to DaVita


AP - In Kevin Dyches' mind, the future is yellow. Dyna-Tek Industries, a company Kevin and his wife, Sandra, bought five years ago, has developed synthetic urine for the research industry.

Company Making Fake Urine for Researchers (AP)


AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Technology, media and telecoms chiefs  are expected to be cautious about 2005 when they gather in  Barcelona this week at Morgan Stanley's annual TMT investor  conference.

Tech, Media, Telecoms Chiefs Brace for Slow 2005


Insurgents in Iraq have targeted Black Watch troops in a series of rocket attacks at their base just 25 miles south of Baghdad. No one was injured in the four separate assaults and there was minimal damage.

Rebels target Black Watch troops


Buffalo running back Willis McGahee made the first start of his career in the Bills' game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Bills RB McGahee Gets First Career Start


U.S. troops' pinpoint fire and munitions restrictions have ensured that Najaf's Imam Ali shrine remains all but unscathed. But the core of the city around it, dear to millions of Shiite Muslims, has been mauled by combat.

Iraqi Holy City  Left Broken by Urban Warfare


World News: Tel Aviv, Dec 1 : Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appears heading to a certain defeat in parliament when he presents his government #39;s proposed budget for 2005.

Sharon plays poker to head-off coalition crisis:


WASHINGTON - A spotty job market and stagnant paychecks cloud this Labor Day holiday for many workers, highlighting the importance of pocketbook issues in the presidential election.

Slow Job Market Greets Workers Labor Day


Astana - Kiev, October 27 KAZINFORM - Russian President Vladimir Putin, on a working visit in Ukraine, on Wednesday will hold talks with the Ukrainian head of state Leonid Kuchma.

Putin to hold talks with Kuchma, attend Ukraine liberation events


EDMONTONThe pragmatic visionaries of NINT could be forgiven a quiet groan at yet another prediction that research into the very, very small will soon yield very, very big payoffs.

Focusing on the nanorealm


Roscoe Parrish returned a punt for a touchdown and caught a clinching late touchdown pass Saturday as 17th-ranked Miami got back into the ACC title race by beating No.

Parrish, Gore provide push for Miami in defeat of Virginia


Reuters - U.S. dieters will soon be able to\count their carbs on mobile phones, the company behind the\Atkins Diet said on Thursday.

Atkins Gets Tech-Savvy to Reach More Dieters (Reuters)


NEW YORK : Oil prices retreated in New York and rose marginally in London as worries about the impact of Hurricane Frances subsided, traders said.

NY oil prices fall as storm worries wane


LONDON : Doctors caring for a critically-ill premature baby, Charlotte Wyatt, were given permission by a British judge to allow her to die if her condition seriously deteriorates and her breathing stops.

Judge in London gives okay to let premature baby die


GAZA CITY -- Jumaa Saqqa, a senior physician at Gaza's Shifa Hospital, shuffled through a thick stack of photographs like a deck of playing cards. These are cherished possessions -- pictures of friends and neighbors, babies and children, famous people, militants, elderly men and women. Occasionally his eyes lit up as if he'd found an ace, and he flipped the picture on the desk.

Grim Picture of Gaza's Mayhem


Ina series of testy e-mail exchanges with his bosses, a federal drug-safety reviewer contends that an effort to publish his study demonstrating the dangers of Vioxx was delayed and demeaned

Drug-Safety Reviewer Says FDA Delayed Vioxx Study


Bee Capitol Bureau. TOKYO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who made millions during the 1990s with wacky Japanese television commercials for noodles and energy drinks, declared here Wednesday

Governor makes novel pitch in Japan


ATHENS - Windsurfer Gal Fridman won his country #39;s first gold medal since Israel began competing in the Olympics at Helsinki in 1952 when he captured the men #39;s Mistral sailboard title at Agios Kosmas Olympic Sailing Centre on Wednesday.

Fridman gets Israel #39;s 1st ever gold


Step away from all the vendor hype. The one device that will always be the best tool for information security is a competent security professional.

Columnists: The Panacea of Information Security


Greeting card maker American Greetings Corp. (AM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday posted a quarterly profit, reversing a year-earlier loss, as licensing income and lower costs offset flat sales.

UPDATE 3-American Greetings posts profit, starts dividend


touchdown. QB Kurt Warner (13) passed 16 yards to WR Amani Toomer (81), setting up this first-and-10 situation from the Giants #39; 45 with 9:45 left in the first quarter.

Grading the Giants


By EMMA ROSS    LONDON (AP) -- Apart from upbringing and environment, scientists are discovering that genes and biology are more important in the fight against obesity than previously believed.

Genes and Biology Important in Obesity Fight


MARK Latham #39;s campaign to become prime minister has suffered an unexpected setback after the Labor leader was rushed to hospital suffering stomach cramps, forcing him to cancel all public engagements until next ...

Health hurdle for Latham #39;s campaign


Ziggy Switkowski quit as chief executive of Telstra Corp., Australia #39;s largest phone company, ending a five-year tenure where he presided over a 42 percent slide in the share price and

Telstra Chief Switkowski Quits, to Leave in 2005 (Update2)


A senior North Korean official is dismissing claims that Pyongyang is preparing for a missile test. North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Choe Su Hon told reporters at the United Nations that reports that North

N. Korean Official Dismisses Claims of Possible Missile Test


Reuters - Asian share markets fell on Monday\after oil hit a record above  #36;55 a barrel, with investors\cautious ahead of earnings reports from bellwether firms IBM\and Texas Instruments later in the day.

Asian Stocks Slip as Oil Moves Above  #36;55 (Reuters)


ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada - Tropical Storm Earl unleashed heavy rains and violent winds that felled trees and ripped off roofs Sunday in the eastern Caribbean, while hundreds of people sought refuge in shelters...

Tropical Storm Earl Hits Caribbean Isles


Can genetically engineered bacteria prevent tooth decay? A small biotechnology company is about to take the first step toward answering that question.

Bacteria Enlisted for New Trials on Dental Health


THE United States advanced to the final of the 2004 Davis Cup today, taking an unbeatable 3-0 lead over Belarus with a victory in the doubles.

US through to Davis final


AP - Iraq's interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi defended the Fallujah assault, saying in a British tabloid newspaper Friday that the offensive has the support of most Iraqi people and is necessary to enable elections in January.

Iraq Leader Defends Assault in Fallujah (AP)


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Monday to a 7-week  low under \$47 a barrel, as growing fuel stocks in the United  States eased fears of a winter supply crunch despite a cold  snap in North America at the weekend.

Oil Slips Below \$47/bbl to 7-Week Low


The British Grand Prix has been dropped from the provisional calendar of Formula One races for next year, media reports said Thursday.

Reports: British GP dropped from provisional list for 2005


Here's one for nostalgia buffs: the Franco-American brand -- best known for SpaghettiOs -- is no more.

Uh oh! Franco-American is no more


The crude oil price, based on the average price package of seven market-monitored crudes, fell to 38.89 dollars a barrel last week, down 2.46 dollars of the price in the previous

OPEC weekly average oil price falls to 38.89 dollars a barrel


He becomes the seventh cabinet member to resign since the election. A White House spokesman insists it #39;s nothing more than second term turnover.

Homeland Security Chief Ridge resigns


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's labor unions ended a  paralyzing two-day general strike on Wednesday that grounded  international air traffic, shut financial markets and halted  public services in a dispute over unpaid wages.

Israeli Unions End Crippling General Strike


Japan #39;s Nikkei average surged to its highest close in four weeks on Friday as hopes for a seasonal year-end rally and the imminent inclusion of oil and gas developer INPEX Corp.

Nikkei Surges to Highest Close in 4 Weeks


Internet executives and analysts are closely tracking the rise of identity theft over the Internet.

Trying to Reach Customers in an Era of E-Mail Suspicion


MetLife Inc. , the second-largest US life insurer, said the Securities and Exchange Commission may sue the company for improperly recording expenses at its New England Life Insurance Co. unit.

MetLife may be sued over Boston unit


Worldwide shipments of personal computers grew nearly 12 percent in the third quarter, driven by strong European sales and rising commercial demand, according to IDC, a research company that tracks shipments.

Commercial Demand, Europe Drive PC Sales


Saudi riot police chased anti-royalist demonstrators through Jeddah yesterday and arrested more than a dozen as a tape recording, purportedly by Osama bin Laden, called

Quit or be toppled, bin Laden tells Saudi elite


More than half (51) of the American online population accessed the Internet via broadband connections in July--up from only 38 percent in July 2003, according to estimates released Tuesday by Nielsen//NetRatings.

Broadband Breaks 50 Of Mass, Marks A Critical Pass


GONAIVES, Haiti - Tropical Storm Jeanne brought raging floodwaters to Haiti, killing at least 90 people in the battered nation and leaving dozens of Haitian families huddled on rooftops as the storm pushed further out into the open seas on Sunday, officials said.    Floods tore through the northwestern coastal town of Gonaives and surrounding areas, covering crops and turning roads into rivers...

Tropical Storm Kills at Least 90 in Haiti


Unbeaten Orlando Hernandez pitched seven innings of five-hit ball to win his eighth straight decision, and the New York Yankees beat Sidney Ponson and the Baltimore Orioles 5-2 Saturday.

Yankees 5, Orioles 2


Episode 39 Stay calm, conserve bodily fluids

BOFH: The hostage's guide to lift imprisonment


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

Merck Profit Falls, Hurt by Vioxx Recall


An anonymous reader wonders:  quot;I had Firefox 1.0PR running smoothly on three different machines and it hardly ever crashed. After upgrading to 1.0, I seem to have at least one annoying crash a day.

Is Firefox 1.0 Less Stable than Firefox PR1.0?


Two North Carolina residents yesterday became the first people in the nation to be convicted on felony spamming charges after a Loudoun County jury found that they flooded tens of thousands

Jury Finds 2 Guilty of Felony Spam


Sony has released the first of its digital audio players to support the popular MP3 format, marking a significant shift in its music strategy.

Sony launches music players with MP3 support


He has moved his training camp back to the Catskills, where he had most of his professional success. He is on a three-fight win streak after nearly falling off the boxing map.

Challenger finds his roots


BFGoodrich Tire Manufacturing agreed to spend \$150 million on improvements at four North American plants and dropped demands for concessions under a new two-year deal with labor, Canadian union members said Monday in approving the pact.

Update 1: Vote Set on Deal Between BFGoodrich, Labor


Armed with Yasser Arafat #39;s weighty medical dossier, his nephew blamed Israel for the Palestinian leader #39;s death and refused yesterday to squelch rumors of poisoning -ven though

Arafat kin blames Israel


The Russian Prosecutor #39;s General Office has charged three officials in southern Russia for negligence in connection with the school hostage crisis in Beslan last month, the Itar-Tass new agency reported on Wednesday.

3 Russian officials charged with negligence in Beslan <b>...</b>


CORVALLIS, Ore. -- For the first time in his career, Dominique Byrd caught two touchdown passes in a game. It was barely enough for USC, which had to overcome a 13-point deficit to score a 28-20 win over Oregon State Saturday night at Reser Stadium.

USC Notebook: Byrd back in form against Oregon State


Reuters - In an era of widespread media\consolidation, Internet media company Yahoo Inc. \believes television networks, movie studios and music companies\should look to it as a partner rather than a merger candidate,\Yahoo Chief Executive Terry Semel said on Tuesday.

Yahoo CEO Sees No Need to Join Media Merger Frenzy (Reuters)


Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says captain Patrick Vieira is  quot;50-50 quot; to be fit for tomorrow #39;s blockbuster against Manchester United.

Arsenal boss: Vieira 50-50 for Man Utd


It #39;s the call of an offseason in the making, the Dodgers finally on the move. Have a big free-agent signing to announce at the first day of the winter meetings.

Oh where, oh where will Kent get to play?


US boffins are developing mobile phones which learn user #39;s daily habits so that they can become  quot;mobile digital secretaries quot;.

Smart phone predicts owner #39;s behaviour


LONDON - Money spent on sports and exercise should be tax deductible as part of a national strategy to fight flab, say doctors in Britain who are grappling with one of the world's most rapidly growing obesity epidemics.    Ahead of a daylong conference Thursday on tackling obesity in primary care clinics, the Royal College of General Practitioners called on the government to consider tax breaks to make exercise more accessible and affordable to everybody...

U.K. Docs Suggest Tax Breaks for Exercise


The savior? The Buffalo Bills have always thought so. Bills general manager and president Tom Donahoe believed if the organization was patient in waiting for Willis McGahee's rebuilt knee to respond, he would be a huge success.

Bills' patience paying off


After much publicity and anticipation, America Online launched AOL 9.0 Security Edition. America Online made news when it announced that AOL 9.0 Security Edition would include McAfee VirusScan Online for free as part of basic membership.

AOL launches 9.0 Security Edition


India #39;s prime minister ordered a reduction in the number of troops in the disputed Muslim-majority state of Kashmir last night, breathing new life into a peace process with Pakistan.

India announces troop reductions in Kashmir


As Universal Music nears a deal to buy out the rap star Jay-Z and his partners from their venture, Roc-A-Fella Records, the company has renewed an unconventional plan to bring the artist into its executive ranks by naming him president of the Def Jam

Universal said to weigh senior post for rap star


NewsFactor - It is no secret that enterprise networks are increasingly under attack from a variety of sources that are difficult to thwart. To address the problem, many are turning to outside security providers, which is driving \the rapid evolution of new safeguarding technologies, according to \research conducted by the Yankee Group.

Report: Enterprises Go Outside for Security Help (NewsFactor)


Iraq #39;s largest party of Sunni Muslims has warned of civil war if elections scheduled for Jan. 30 aren #39;t moved back six months, The Times of London reports.

Iraqi Sunnis threaten civil war


The key production unit of beleaguered Russian oil giant Yukos was handed a back taxes bill for nearly \$1 billion, the Interfax news agency reported Wednesday, apparently increasing the likelihood that the unit would be sold at auction.

Update 1: Report: Tax Bill Presented to Yukos Unit


Four years ago this weekend, then-Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright visited North Korea, in what appeared to be a breakthrough in U.S. relations with the reclusive Stalinist government. Today, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell leaves on what may be his last official visit to East Asia -- hopping through Japan, China and South Korea over three days -- with the crisis over North Korea's nuclear ambitions at the top of his agenda.

North Korea Tops Powell's Agenda in Asia


VIENNA (Reuters) - The United States said on Saturday Iran  was

U.S. Says Iran 'Isolated' in Nuclear Bomb Quest


Reuters - Americans are getting taller on\average but they are much heavier too, according to government\figures released on Wednesday showing that the U.S. population\is, literally, growing.

Americans a Bit Taller, Much Heavier, Report Says (Reuters)


UNITED NATIONS: The United States on Tuesday vetoed the draft of an Arab-backed resolution at the UN Security Council, which would have called on Israel to end its military operation in the Gaza Strip.

8 more killed as US vetoes UN resolution against Gaza operation


MSN HAS introduced a  quot;preview quot; version of MSN Music in the US which allows downloading of music using Windows Media Player 10 or a web browser.

Microsoft confirms MSN music intro


Kraft Foods Inc., the owner of Oscar Mayer Foods Corp., Madison, said Monday that it will sell its sugar confectionery business, including the Life Savers and Altoids brands, to chewing gum and candy maker Wm.

Kraft to sell Life Savers, Altoids unit to Wm. Wrigley for \$1.5B


Q: I own a small business. During the holiday season every year, I invite my employees to lunch at a restaurant. In the past, I've let everyone go home early (with pay) afterward. For several years now, a few people have skipped the lunch and gone straight home. This has caused some ill will among the other employees. One option ...

Etiquette at Work


Some of Antarctica #39;s glaciers are melting faster than snow can replace them, enough to raise sea levels measurably, scientists have reported.

Thin glaciers get thinner in Antarctica


Tesco today impressed the City with a surge in third-quarter sales as it boosted market share in clothing and electrical goods. Despite a tougher environment on the high street, Britain #39;s leading retailer

Tesco sales exceed expectations


World champion Michael Schumacher drove the quickest time in the first practice on Friday for Sunday #39;s Japanese Formula One Grand Prix in Suzuka.

Schumacher wins first practice at rain-soaked Suzuka


Bryant closed out the Texas Open with a 3-under 67 Sunday to claim his first PGA Tour victory by three strokes against Patrick Sheehan.

Bryant Ends Drought, Wins Texas Open


Egypt on Saturday called for the immediate release of Egyptians and other nationals taken hostage in violence-ravaged Iraq.  quot;Egypt is against the practice of hostage-taking to

Egypt calls for release of hostages in Iraq


Oil prices fell 3.5 percent to a three-month low on Tuesday as mild winter weather sapped heating oil demand in the US Northeast. US light crude settled down \$1.52 at \$41.46 a barrel

LATEST FUTURES NEWS


GORDON BULLOCH was today named as the new captain of Scotland rugby ahead of the three Abbey Autumn Tests next month writes BILL LOTHIAN.

Bulloch is new Scotland skipper


NEW YORK - A sharp drop in oil prices gave Wall Street a small relief rally Monday, with stocks staying mixed after falling earlier in the session. Blue chips were held back by fears that the dip in oil prices would be temporary...

Stocks Mixed As Oil Dips From Record High


As Tokyo Correspondent Mark Simkin reports, the remains of Shosei Koda were found in Baghdad.  quot;The decapitated body was wrapped in an American flag.

Japan denounces Iraq hostage death


A TEENAGER has set a wacky new world record ... by stuffing more than three McDonald #39;s burgers into his mouth without swallowing.

Burger king is hard act to swallow


European elites, like American elites, are having trouble understanding the recent American elections. How can 59,054,087 people be so DUMB?

The threat at home


NewsFactor - It has been a bad quarter for the SCO Group in more ways than one. \The company experienced legal setbacks in its suit against \IBM and Linux users. Then there was the matter of its one-time stalwart financial backer, BayStar, looking very much as though it might bolt from the relationship at one point, due to differing opinions on SCO's overall strategy.

SCO Revenue Drops as Lawsuits Take Toll (NewsFactor)


Citigroup is to revamp its Japanese private banking unit, creating a local committee to oversee operations, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Citigroup to Revamp Japan Operations -WSJ


Jimmie Johnson thought he needed a victory to jump back into contention for the Nextel Cup championship.

Win gains Johnson little


Microsoft #39;s flagship Internet Explorer has once again come under the spotlight, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Two more vulnerabilities were uncovered in the widely used Web browser version 6, according to security firm Secunia.

Explorer Again In The News For Wrong Reasons


WASHINGTON -- Home Internet users are not nearly as safe online as they believe, according to a nationwide inspection by researchers, which found most consumers have no firewall protection, outdated antivirus software, and spyware programs secretly running on their computers.

Internet users seen having few safeguards


SANTIAGO : The head of Chile #39;s army has for the first time acknowledged an institutional role in human rights abuses committed during the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Chilean army accepts blame for crimes of Pinochet regime


Ahold NV (AHLN.AS: Quote, Profile, Research) , the Dutch grocery operator, and three former top executives have agreed to settle US securities fraud charges related to massive overbooking of profits, the company and US regulators

Ahold, Ex-Execs Settle with Regulators


\$150,000 mortgage for only \$610/month. Lower your mortgage. Free quotes. Apply now - bad credit OK.

ADV: Mortgage Rates Drop to 6-Month Low


Harry Redknapp has confirmed that he wants to appoint Jim Smith as his assistant manager at Southampton. The pair worked together at Portsmouth for more than two years before they left the club last month

Redknapp wants Smith reunion


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks rose on Tuesday as a oil prices  slid below \$48 a barrel, offsetting caution as investors waited  for an expected quarter-point hike in U.S. interest rates and  results from technology bellwether Cisco Systems Inc. <A HREF=

Stocks Rise, Oil Falls, Fed Wait Resumes


LONDON, Oct 21 (SW) - The English Football Association has decided not to discipline England skipper David Beckham over his alleged voluntary booking against Wales on October 9th.

FA closes Beckham affair


quot;It is too difficult to think nobly when one thinks only of earning a living. quot;. In the wake of one of the more violent incidents in National Basketball Association

NBA #39;s Stern is self-serving


(IsraelNN.com) The Likud loyalist faction, which numbered close to twenty at its prime, has diminished to a mere nine Likud faction members voting against giving Prime Minister Ariel Sharon a mandate to bring the Labor Party into the government.

The Waning Loyalists


fter years of delays, the Cambodian Parliament ratified an agreement with the United Nations today to create an international tribunal to try surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime for

Cambodia Approves Tribunal for Khmer Rouge Leaders


The AND 1 Mix Tape Tour, whose emphasis on dunks over defense and trash-talk over chalk talk has vaulted AND1 from being a niche clothing line to a major athletic apparel manufacturer, culminates tonight at MCI Center. Attendance for the tour is up 30 percent this year, averaging about 7,000 spectators per game. About 10,000 are expected at tonight's event, which begins at 7:30.

AND1 Mix Tape Tour Hop-Steps Into MCI Tonight


OTTAWA (CP) - The federal government is proposing that DNA samples be collected from people convicted of making child pornography.

Government proposes to catalogue DNA of those convicted of making <b>...</b>


Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Jeff Garcia completed 15-of-24 passes for 180 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown pass to Quincy Morgan, leading Cleveland over Baltimore, 20-3, in the season-opener for both teams at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

NFL Game Summary - Baltimore at Cleveland


In a first-of-its kind deal, Comcast (Quote, Chart) has struck a broad content distribution pact with Sony Pictures that includes plans to expand its video-on-demand (define) menu.

How Much Hollywood For Comcast?


LOS ANGELES - Billy Joel wrote the song,

Billy Joel Gets a Star in Hollywood


Athens, Greece (Sports Network) - Anky van Grunsven of the Netherlands successfully defended her gold medal in the individual dressage event on Wednesday at the Olympics.

Anky van Grunsven continues domination in dressage


Investors approved a merger between the three Deutsche property trusts to form a \$3 billion group, in one of the latest examples of consolidation in the listed property sector.

Deutsche property trust merger approved


US Airways (UAIRQ.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) goes to court on Thursday to throw out labor contracts and union pension plans to save \$750 million annually and survive past January.

US Airways goes to court to void labor contracts


Novell agrees to pull out of a European Union lawsuit but says it will press for another settlement for damage to its WordPerfect software business.

Microsoft Pays \$536 Million in Antitrust Complaints


France will sell up to 12.1 percent of France Telecom in Europe's largest share placement in four years, bringing as much as \$6.95 billion into state coffers.

France to Lower Debt With Telecom Sale


SAN FRANCISCO A panel of leading computer scientists has warned in a report 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 is warned on supercomputer funds


In any aspect of life you would like to think that eventually - in some way, shape or form - that justice will be done, that the right thing would happen to the right people.

Glen Johnson: More Than  quot;The Other Guy quot; Fighting Roy Jones <b>...</b>


The UK music industry has today launched a  #39;rolling program of legal action #39; against illegal downloaders, the first of its kind in the country.

UK Music Industry Sues File Sharers


MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Australian dairy company National Foods Ltd. (NFD.AU) Friday signaled there is a remote chance a rival bidder may challenge the hostile A\$1.

UPDATE: Australia #39;s National Foods Steps Up Bid Defence


Reuters - U.S. Treasury prices drifted lower on\Wednesday but trade was subdued as the market pondered the\scale of interest rate hikes a day after the Federal Reserve\delivered its third straight rate increase.

U.S. Treasuries Drift Lower (Reuters)


Microsoft has said the next release of Windows will still be worth the upgrade, even though Longhorn has been stripped of its unified file system and some of its other key technologies will be available for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

Stripped down Longhorn still offers gems


Amstelveen (Netherlands), August 25 (NNN):Indias hopes of making it to the in the Videocon Dutch cricket tri-series final were dashed after the third and last league match between Australia and Pakistan was abandoned in Amstelveen on Wednesday without

Australia-Pak Match Abandoned, India Out Of Tri-Series


PARIS (Reuters) - A second consecutive quarter of surprise  growth at Universal Music helped boost revenues at French media  group Vivendi Universal, but future sales at the unit, home to  Nelly and U2, remained uncertain.

Music Surprises to Boost Vivendi Revenues


WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court, accepting appeals from the cable-television industry and the administration of President George W. Bush, has agreed to decide whether cable operators must open their high-speed data networks to Earthlink Inc.

High court will rule on cable network access


Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. INFANTA, Quezon, Philippines -- As relief operations continued throughout much of devastated

UN warns of diarrhea, malaria outbreaks in storm-hit areas


GAUHATI, India - In a shattering series of attacks, suspected separatists hit nine targets - a railroad station and eight markets - with bombs and gunfire across two states in northeastern India on Saturday, killing more than 40 people.    The violence was among the deadliest to hit this ethnic patchwork region, where more than three dozen insurgent groups have been active - including one of Asia's longest running separatist conflicts, dating to shortly before India gained independence from Britain in 1947...

Attacks in India Kill More Than 40 People


AP - The makers of two leading file-sharing programs are not legally liable for the songs, movies and other copyright works swapped online by their users, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday in a stinging blow to the entertainment industry.

Two Firms Cleared of Swapping Violations (AP)


As trees across the northern United States turn gold and crimson, scientists are debating exactly what those colors are for.

Those Brilliant Fall Outfits May Be Saving Trees


WHAT is in store for the English and European top guns in the Champions League this week? THE main thing we can say about Arsenal is that opponents are no longer afraid of the Gunners.

WHO #39;S AFRAID OF THE GUNNERS?


SHANGHAI : Foreign exchange markets felt the impact of China #39;s growing economic muscle this week when a report claiming the country #39;s central bank had sold US Treasuries helped push the euro to all-time highs, underscoring market sensitivity about a

Global forex volatility underscores China #39;s growing economic <b>...</b>


Minnesota will soon begin issuing new driver #39;s licenses that contain high-tech features to curb counterfeiting, as well as a  quot;status check quot; that will show a driver #39;s immigration status.

Driver #39;s license gets new high-tech features


Hybrid engines manufactured by General Motors Corp. will be used to power some buses in California #39;s Yosemite National Park -- a move aimed at curbing emissions in the pristine reserve.

Yosemite National Park to use from GM hybrid technology


No sooner had the Tigers introduced Troy Percival on Wednesday as their new closer than the subject turned to the next former Angel in whom the Tigers are interested -- Percival #39;s friend, Troy Glaus.

Hot Stove Truth  amp; Rumors: Nov. 18, 2004


Shares of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. tumbled after two analysts issued downgrades, calling the stock overvalued. Sirius #39;s stock had nearly tripled in value since October, boosted by the company #39;s inking a

Sirius stock plunges on downgrades


The holiday shopping season began with a surge in spending, but consumers faded by the long Thanksgiving weekends close and many retailers were facing decent but hardly impressive sales.

Retailers have modest start to holiday shopping season


AGRA: Strict security arrangements have been put in place for night viewing of the Taj Mahal tomorrow and Sunday following the Supreme Court #39;s decision to allow opening of the monument of love on moonlit nights.

Taj by winter night, under security blanket


Supersleek 5GB digital audio player is set to challenge Apple's IPod Mini.

First Look: Rio's Hot New Carbon MP3 Player


Never shy about arriving late, Microsoft (MSFT:Nasdaq - news - research) is expected to launch a new version of its search service Thursday as the software titan seeks a stronger spot in that lucrative corner of Internet advertising.

Microsoft Joins Search Party


AFP - Foreign exchange markets felt the impact of China's growing economic muscle this week when a report claiming the country's central bank had sold US Treasuries helped push the euro to all-time highs, underscoring market sensitivity about a possible yuan revaluation.

Global forex volatility underscores China's growing economic muscle (AFP)


THE imminent appointment of Walter Smith as Scotland football manager has been given a glowing endorsement by leading figures in the game.

McLeish gives Smith vote of approval for Scotland job


Oil and gas producer Noble Energy Inc. (NBL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) agreed to buy Patina Oil  amp; Gas Corp. (POG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) in a cash and stock deal, helping it expand

Noble to Buy Patina Oil for Cash, Stock


InfoWorld - SAN FRANCISCO -- At the CTIA Wireless IT  amp; Entertainment 2004 conference Monday, Mike Wehrs, Microsoft #8217;s director of technology  amp; standards for its Mobility Division, disclosed some details about Big Red #8217;s future mobile plans.

Microsoft peaks at mobile strategy (InfoWorld)


A CAR suicide bomber attacked an American convoy in the north Iraqi city of Mosul yesterday, killing one US soldier and twoIraqis.

THREE DIE IN SUICIDE BOMBING


According to United Nations envoy Terje Roed-Larsen, Syrian President Bashar Assad is now willing to restart peace negotiations with Israel  #39;without pre-conditions.

Syria May Be Ready to Resume Peace Talks with Israel


Russian timber tycoon Boris Zingarevich #39;s company denied reports that he or his 23-year-old son was bidding for English Premier League club Everton.

Russian tycoon denies a bid for Everton club


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Insurance stocks rallied Tuesday as the threat of criminal charges being brought against companies in Eliot Spitzer #39;s probe of the industry abated.

After M amp;M reforms, Spitzer rules out most serious charge


Crude oil futures rose to within a quarter of \$50 a barrel yesterday after a gas leak shut down a North Sea oil production platform, and as traders weighed concerns about heating oil supplies against the fact that temperatures have been mild in recent weeks.

Crude nears \$50 a barrel


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - At virtually every turn, Intel  Corp. executives are heaping praise on an emerging long-range  wireless technology known as WiMAX, which can blanket entire  cities with high-speed Internet access.

Wi-Fi Successor Called High-Speed Hype, for Now


Experts say the Bioshield program will not be adequate to create new vaccines and drugs to protect the nation against either a biological attack or a natural epidemic.

Bioshield Effort Is Inadequate, a Study Says


AP - A federal judge threw out on Friday a Pennsylvania law requiring Internet service providers to block Web sites containing child pornography, saying the law was unconstitutional and cannot be enforced.

Judge Nixes Internet Child Porn Law in Pa. (AP)


ALICIA Molik has become the first Australian woman in 17 years to win consecutive WTA Tour titles, beating Dinara Safina in the final of the Luxembourg Open.

Molik on cusp of world top 10


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has reopened the wounds of last seasons controversial clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford by branding the Gunners as a mob who got away with murder.

Fergie Still Fuming over Arsenal Antics


Reuters - Printer and PC maker Hewlett-Packard\Co.  will stop offering desktop workstations based on\Intel Corp.'s  Itanium microprocessor, The Wall Street\Journal reported on its online edition.

Report: HP to Stop Using Intel Itanium Chip (Reuters)


We now know what it takes to break through the institutional indifference of Major League Baseball to the drug abuse among its players, including its biggest stars.

Baseball can #39;t hold out any longer on steroid issue


In LONDON story headlined  quot;Van Nistelrooy plays down hip injury quot;, please read in intro ... World Cup qualifying win ... instead of ... friendly win ... correcting status of match. LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Manchester

CORRECTED - Van Nistelrooy plays down hip injury


Britain's Tim Brabants is set to go for gold in the men's K1 kayak final at 0630 BST.

Live: Olympics day 14


Technical problems have prompted a further delay to the blast-off of a Russian spacecraft to the International Space Station, space officials said on Tuesday.

Technical Problems Delay Russian Space Launch Again


com November 15, 2004, 5:16 PM PT. Security continues to hold steady over software as the third top IT priority, with organizations busy coping with cyber threats, keeping up with software

Aruba targets wired network security


LONDON : Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co (P and O) -- the ports, shipping and logistics group -- announced sweeping cuts to its ferry operations to refocus the business in the face of competition from low-cost airlines.

P and O cuts back Channel ferries in switch from shipping to ports


Stories about Mika Hakkinen driving for Williams next year have proven to be nothing but fairytales as the Finn has signed to race in Germany #39;s DTM Touring Car Championship.

DTM deal ends Mika/ Williams rumours


ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi,  seeking to defuse an unprecedented crisis in the EU executive,  said Rocco Buttiglione would most likely be replaced as Italy's  candidate for the European Commission.

Berlusconi Says Will Sacrifice Buttiglione


SEOUL (AFP) - French auto giant Renault SA said it will invest some 570 million dollars in South Korea over the next three years as part of its global strategy to become a key player in Asia.

France #39;s Renault to invest 570 million dollars in South Korea


US troops were seen out on patrol in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul today, following several days of clashes between insurgents and US-led forces.

US troops patrol Mosul


A federal dietary advisory panel is considering whether its revision of nutrition guidelines should let some people treat themselves to guilt-free desserts. Such treats would be bonuses for healthful living, under proposals being considered by the advisory panel that's drafting an update of the nutritional guidance.

Saving Room for Dessert May Help Dieters


Greece #39;s defense minister says his country #39;s security preparations for the Athens Olympics have been so successful that it is now in a position to advise China, the host of the 2008 Summer Games, on how to avoid terrorist attacks. But the minister says ...

Security for Olympics Successful, Greek Defense Minister Says


AP - Bills tight end Mark Campbell will miss the rest of the season because of an injured right knee.

Bills' Campbell Out for Rest of Season (AP)


Give the Big East credit for survival tactics, if nothing else. In what must be considered a major victory, the Big East has convinced its Bowl Championship Series partners to count incoming members Louisville, Cincinnati, and South Florida in this year's BCS standings and exclude outgoing members Boston College and Temple.

Big East makes a stand to keep its bid secure


The final full-field event of the PGA Tour season is supposed to be all about money. It is fitting that the player with the most of it -ijay Singh  -in control at the Chrysler Championship.

Roundup: Singh overcomes bogeys, takes lead


The graphs look like a nasty saw blade. The headlines are no help. What would Buffett do?

Manic Market? Be Like Buffett


Oil prices surged to a new high above \$47 a barrel spurred by concern for the safety of oil facilities in Iraq.

Oil Prices Surge to a New High Today


The Chilean government said Tuesday that the presidency of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) has helped Chile to deepen relations withthe Asia-Pacific region.

APEC helps Chile deepen ties with Asia-Pacific region: govt


Reuters - Philip Morris USA cut wholesale\discounts on its best-selling Marlboro cigarettes and three\other brands, a spokeswoman said on Friday, effectively raising\prices for the first time in more than two-and-a-half years.

Philip Morris Hikes Cigarette Prices (Reuters)


Growth in the vast U.S. services sector slowed in August although managers seemed more willing to hire new workers, according to an industry survey published today.

U.S. Services Growth Slowed in August


Pope John Paul II returned the bones of two of the most revered saints in the Orthodox Church on Saturday, one in a series of gestures aimed at healing a millennium of distance

In a gesture of healing, pope returns saints #39; bones


A key index of German business confidence surged to eight-month high in December, the Munich-based Ifo economic research institute reported Friday.

German business confidence surges


President Bush is tacking on visits with two Latin American allies to his trip to Chile for a gathering of Asia-Pacific leaders later this month.

Bush to Meet With Latin American Allies


The important thing is there are a lot of San Francisco Giants fans who are going to have a lot to tell their grandchildren someday.

Bonds saves his very best for the home fans


Fultondale High School football coach Keith Register is probably right when he says he doesn #39;t expect everyone to understand why the Wildcats are forfeiting their last two games.

Sports Buzz


Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Lamont Thompson returned one of three Tennessee interceptions for a touchdown and Chris Brown ran for 100 yards in the first half, as the Titans opened the season with a 17-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Pro Player

Titans thump offensively-challenged Dolphins


AP - Miikka Kiprusoff is carrying the weight of a small European country aching for athletic success.

Kiprusoff Leads Finland in World Cup Final (AP)


Israeli windsurfer Gal Fridman makes sporting history by winning his country's first gold medal in the men's Mistral.

Israel wins first Olympic gold


Waltham's boys' soccer team is still unbeaten, and Richard Awa is still red-hot. On the strength of two goals by Awa, visiting Waltham earned a 3-3 tie with No. 2 Everett yesterday. Everett also remained unbeaten, while Waltham, coming off a subpar season, remained the surprise story of this campaign.

Where there's Awa there's a way


AP - The former chairman of Royal Dutch/Shell Group, Sir Philip Watts, petitioned a British regulatory body for permission to challenge some of its findings on Shell's oil reserves scandal.

Former Shell Chairman Appeals Censure (AP)


A federal judge has ordered the Federal Election Commission to enact tougher restrictions on how millions of dollars are spent on campaigns, saying that its rules have

US Judge Orders Election Agency to Tighten Rules


The Indian Olympic Association has banned three female weightlifters and their coach for life after the athletes tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

3 Indian Female Weightlifters Banned for Life After Positive <b>...</b>


AP - A layer of quartz grains found in an east Georgia kaolin mine have been traced to the impact of a giant asteroid that crashed near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay 35 million years ago.

Grains Found in Ga. Traced to Asteroid (AP)


Prime Minister Tony Blair is due to hold talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi at Downing Street. Their meeting comes after Mr Blair played down claims that he had been warned a year before the war to

Blair to meet Allawi for talks at No 10


SanDisk's media player can be connected directly to a TV set to display still images and video clips taken by digital cameras.

Digital photo album bypasses PCs


AP - Russia's lower house of parliament ratified the Kyoto Protocol on cutting greenhouse gases Friday, all but ensuring the sweeping environmental pact will go into effect after years of delays.

Kyoto Protocol Clears Key Hurdle in Russia (AP)


A young Turkish journalist, Zeynep Tugrul, was freed last week by kidnappers in northern Iraq after four days of terror and hope.

Turkish Captive in Iraq Tells of Fearful Struggle to Hold On


Apple says it will deliver its iTunes music service to more European countries next month. Corroborating several reports in recent months, Reuters is reporting today that Apple Computer is planning the next

Apple readies European iTunes expansion, Switzerland store


Crude oil futures edged up toward \$50 a barrel today amid renewed fears over winter supplies. Light sweet crude for delivery in January traded at \$49.49 a barrel at midday in Europe, up 60 cents from the contract #39;s

Crude prices cross \$49 per barrel


The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has shown again its power as the primary economic forum in the Pacific Rim, as 21 top leaders from its member economies

APEC shows power as primary regional forum


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Stockland Group (SGP.AU) said Monday it has made an all-scrip bid for Generap Property Trust (GPT.AU), valuing the company at A\$3.

Stockland Makes Scrip Bid For GPT -2-


The holiday sounds at one major national retailer will not include the familiar jangle of a hand-held bell this year. Because of an overwhelming number of competing charities, Target stores across the country

#39;Ringers #39; feel loss of Target


For the first time, Americans #39; use of credit cards, debit cards and other electronic bill paying has eclipsed paper checks. The number of electronic payment transactions last year totaled

Plastic finally surpasses paper checks as America #39;s favorite <b>...</b>


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. economy is making a  comeback and moving in the right direction after taking an

Snow Sees Post-9/11 Comeback for Economy


AFP - Three British nationals were killed in one of two car bomb explosions in Baghdad, the Foreign Office in London and a US security firm said.

Three Britons killed in Baghdad blast (AFP)


Siemens warned customers of a software defect in a range of mobile phones that could cause hearing damage.

Brief: Siemens warns of ear damage from loud mobile tune


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. industrial output barely edged  up, gaining a less-than-expected 0.1 percent in August, the  Federal Reserve said on Wednesday.

Industrial Production Nearly Stalls


BNP Paribas Peregrine said Thursday Hong Kong is expected to enjoy seven years of economic feast and the city is now entering the second year.

BNP Paribas Peregrine estimates 7 years of economic feast in HK


_ No. 21 Oklahoma had its good moments against Texas State, but coach Sherri Coale wants there to be a lot more. Erin Higgins scored 12 points and Chelsi Welch and Casey Walker added 10

No. 21 Oklahoma 76, Texas St. 57


Talks between Sudan's government and two rebel groups to resolve the nearly two-year battle resume Friday.

Moral clarity blurs in Darfur crisis


Japanese mobile phone firm DoCoMo is in talks to buy 3G handsets from Motorola.

DoCoMo and Motorola in talks


Wizards coach Eddie Jordan was hospitalized Thursday after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his left leg, the team said.

E. Jordan Hospitalized


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Turkey's Prime Minister kept the EU  waiting on Friday on whether he would accept the terms of its  historic offer to start accession negotiations, leaving  late-night talks with the bloc's presidency without a deal.

Turkey Keeps EU Waiting for Reply on Talks Offer


Oil  amp; Natural Gas Corp., India #39;s biggest oil producer, bought 55 percent of an oil exploration area off the coast of Western Australia from Calgary-based Antrim Energy Inc.

Oil  amp; Natural Gas Buys 55 Stake in Australian Block (Update1)


Brian Vickers never raced in the Southern 500, so the only tradition he knows about the Labor Day weekend is winning the pole for the inaugural Pop Secret 500.

Vickers is at top of Pop


Vote counting has begun in Tuesday #39;s general election in Ghana, where President John Kufuor is widely expected to win re-election.

High Turnout Reported for Ghana #39;s National Elections


Initial results from a battery of tests on Palestinian President Yasser Arafat have uncovered no signs of leukemia, Palestinian officials said, but blood doctors were still probing the cause of his dramatic deterioration in health.

Tests on Arafat reveal no signs of leukemia


TOKYO - It #39;s an idea that was popularized by Princess Leia #39;s plea for help in Star Wars: sending a 3-D hologram. Now, two Japanese scientists have developed technology they hope will one day turn the humble

Researchers Develop 3-D Phone Technology


The Wi-Fi Alliance yesterday warned wireless gear makers not to jump the gun on marketing 802.11n features before the standard is ratified.

802.11n: Not So Fast!


Ask Jeeves Goes to Japan\\Ask Jeeves today announced the launch of a beta version of Ask.jp, a new Japanese language Web search engine. Based on the company rsquo;s flagship Ask Jeeves search destination, Ask.jp is developed by Ask Jeeves Japan Co., Ltd, a joint venture between Ask Jeeves, Inc. and Japan-based ...

Ask Jeeves Goes to Japan


Germany #39;s mainstream political parties were sharply rebuffed yesterday when voters in two regional elections in formerly communist East Germany handed extremists their best results in years.

* Extremists gain in the formerly communist east


NEW YORK, November 1 (newratings.com) - Office Depot Inc (ODP.NYS) has announced its plans to consolidate its call centre and account management operations, leading to about 900 job cuts and a charge of about \$12.

Office Depot plans call centre closures, job cuts


GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip UN officials say a ten-year-old Palestinian girl is in critical condition after being shot in the head by Israeli forces while sitting in school.

UN officials say Palestinian girl shot by Israeli troops while in <b>...</b>


Iraqis hailed the rebuilding of a bridge destroyed during the war in a ceremony held Wednesday, but many have decried the slow pace of reconstruction efforts.

Cueing the Balloons in Hussein's Home Town


The Salvation Army is still hoping this season will be merry, even though it has fewer places to ring bells and fewer volunteers. The Salvation Army kicked off its red kettle campaign at Fourth Street Live today.

Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign begins


The prospect of Johnson  amp; Johnson acquiring Guidant, a medical device maker that brought cutting-edge technology to cardiovascular medicine, has fueled whispers for years, gaining intensity when

J amp;J deal with Guidant in the offing


ROME : The Italian airline Alitalia warned that it was headed for bankruptcy within a month, as the government appealed to unions and the company management to strike a deal to save the struggling carrier.

Alitalia headed for bankruptcy within a month: board


Salt Lake City-based Bonneville International Corp. has acquired three radio stations in Phoenix in a trade for a Chicago rock station and cash.

Bonneville adds three radio stations in Phoenix


Customer satisfaction with home computers reaches three-year peak, with highest marks for Apple and Dell, survey says.

PC users happier--especially with Apple, Dell


A total lunar eclipse expected to create views of a blood-red moon will be visible tonight throughout most of North America, weather permitting.

Lunar eclipse visible tonight if clouds are absent


In an effort to protect investors, the leading private-sector provider of financial regulatory services, the NASD, routinely scans the investment horizon and issues Investor Alerts when potential abuses pop up.

Beware abuses of 529 plans


The University of Florida has fired coach Ron Zook, effective at the end of the season, an assistant coach on the staff confirmed Monday.

Zook is 20-13 in three seasons


The chances of a user being sued for intellectual property (IP) infringement related to software usage are slim, industry observers say. But that may change, as some companies hoard patents for the express purpose of using them to extract money from sellers and users of software.

Patent hoarders intensify protection issue


Pakistani troops say they have cleared foreign militants from large parts of the troubled region of South Waziristan.

Pakistan militants 'on the run'


LONDON: External Affairs minister K Natwar Singh has dismissed reports that India and Pakistan have finally done a deal on troop withdrawal from the world #39;s highest battlefield, the frigid Siachen glacier, even as he offered unlikely praise for Pakistan

Natwar rubishes NDA #39;s Pak claims


Doesn #39;t it seem as though Michael Phelps just got out of the pool at the Olympics in Athens? He has barely had enough time to dry off, let alone spend any quality time at his usual haunts in suburban Baltimore

Ever Busy, Phelps Gets Back to Main Thing;


Pilot Mike Melvill flew SpaceShipOne to the designated altitude, but on the return to Earth the craft rolled more than 30 times, causing concern on the ground.

One Flight Down, One To Go for SpaceShipOne


Micron Technology Inc. is currently in the process of planning its first factory in China and hopes to begin construction in the middle of next year, the company said Monday.

Micron planning its first factory in China


Canadian Press - LONDON (AP) - EMI Group PLC, one of the world's Big Three music companies, reported a fall in sales and a net loss for the first half of its fiscal year Friday but said it expected an improvement in the second half when its album release schedule kicks in.

Music company EMI reports loss for first half but says sales on way back up (Canadian Press)


PAUL Bigley, brother of the Iraqi hostage Ken, last night appealed to Tony Blair to  quot;pick up the bloody phone quot; to save his brother #39;s life.

Bigleys brother pleads with Blair


A Thai-Muslim woman bursts into tears after learning from the list that her family member is listed dead outside a military camp in Pattani province, southern Thailand Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004.

At Least 78 Die After Riot in Thailand


AP - U.S. and European diplomats tentatively agreed Thursday to demand a new Iranian freeze on uranium enrichment by fall as they fine-tuned a draft resolution meant to deprive Iran of technology that could be used to make nuclear weapons.

IAEA Envoys Wrestle With Iran Resolution (AP)


NewsFactor - If -- as Einstein proclaimed -- nothing can travel faster than the speed of light, then a supercharged Internet based entirely on light might be a great way to move mounting reams of digital data.

Light-Based Net May Mean Blazing Connections (NewsFactor)


6 September 2004 -- NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has called a special meeting of NATO countries and Russia for tomorrow to discuss the school siege in southern Russia, in which more than 330 people died.

NATO, Russia To Meet Over Beslan School Siege


AP - Paul Peterson threw two first-half touchdown passes and No. 21 Boston College returned two punts for scores to beat No. 13 West Virginia 36-17 Saturday.

Boston College Upsets W. Virginia, 36-17 (AP)


Westmoreland Coal Co. (WLB.A: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday it will buy the 50 percent stake it does not already own of the Roanoke Valley Power Project, or ROVA, in

Westmoreland to buy rest of Roanoake Valley project


Ma Bell--under prior management in the 1990s--let the Internet revolution slip from its grasp, as companies like America Online, EarthLink and MSN grabbed the lead in providing Internet access.

AT amp;T chief refuses to  #39;miss #39; VoIP


Tokyo #39;s Nikkei average slipped 0.85 percent to finish at a three-week closing low on Thursday as a fall in the dollar further weakened investors #39; confidence in company earnings, prompting selling of exporters such as Honda Motor.

Export earnings weigh on Nikkei


The privately owned and operated SpaceShipOne spacecraft has won the \$10 million Ansari X Prize by successfully making its second manned flight into space.

SpaceShipOne Makes Second Trip to Space, Wins X Prize


The United Nations has revealed that the son of the secretary general, Kofi Annan, worked for a company being investigated in the Iraqi oil-for-food scandal for four years longer than he first admitted.

Annan  #39;surprised #39; at son #39;s link to oil-for-food scandal


Search enabler Google Inc. said Wednesday it acquired digital mapping company Keyhole Corp. for an undisclosed sum.

Google snaps up digital mapping company


AP - An official once in charge of guarding cultural relics has been sentenced to death in China's biggest antiquities theft case since the start of communist rule in 1949.

Chinese Official Sentenced to Death (AP)


Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. reported a slight rise in third-quarter earnings Wednesday, despite a general slowdown in its beer business.

Update 1: Anheuser-Busch Earnings Rise, Meet Views


Former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola has been chosen by the Queen to become an honorary citizen of the British empire. British ambassador to Italy Sir Ivor Roberts will present Zola with the honour Monday  quot;for his service to British football.

Queen honours former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola


Russia #39;s Yukos oil company has paid \$2.2-\$2.4 billion (euro1.8-1.97 billion) of its \$3.4 billion (euro2.79 billion) tax bill for 2000, Yukos #39; top finance official said Friday, and he renewed warnings that the embattled company was close to

Yukos still close to bankruptcy, managers warn


Microsoft will start charging for a Hotmail feature that allows users of the Web-based e-mail service to access their e-mail using the Outlook e-mail client.

Microsoft Adds New Hotmail Fee


RealNetworks Inc. (RNWK.O: Quote, Profile, Research) has sold more than a million song downloads since launching a 49 cent per song campaign a week ago, the Internet media and software company said on Tuesday.

RealNetworks Sells 1 Million Songs Since Price Cut


Armando Falcon Jr., director of the agency that regulates mortgage funding giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, appears likely to stay on the job past the expiration of his five-year term next month, though he submitted his resignation more than a year and half ago under pressure from the White House.

Mortgage Regulator To Keep Agency Job


Virginia Water, England - Bernhard Langer beat Vijay Singh on the first extra hole on Friday to knock the world #39;s top-ranked player out of the World Match Play Championship in the first round.

Langer shows Singh the door


Darryl McKinnon scored the winning goal early in the third period as Colgate took a 4-1 decision over Harvard yesterday afternoon at Hamilton, N.Y.

Colgate trips up Harvard


ith one Mars rover climbing into the hills and the other descending deep into a crater, scientists yesterday reported the discovery of several mysterious rock structures along with yet more signs that Mars was once awash in water.

Mars Rover Finds Mysterious Rocks and More Signs of Water


The NHL and the players association appeared headed toward a lockout when talks broke off Thursday after the union #39;s first new proposal in nearly a year.

NHL talks break off, lockout all but certain


The FBI is trying to find whoever hacked into a computer at the University of California at Berkeley. The computer contained personal information -- including social security numbers -- of nearly 1.5 million

FBI Investigates UC Berkeley Computer Hack Case


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Alex Rodriguez scored from third base  on a wild pitch by Kyle Lohse in the top of the 11th inning,  giving the New York Yankees a 6-5 win over the Minnesota Twins  in their American League Divisional Series in Minneapolis  Saturday.

Rodriguez Scores Winning Run as Yankees Take Series


The Oracle Corporation has taken control of PeopleSoft, making Oracle the world's second-largest maker of business-management software.

Oracle Takes Over Rival PeopleSoft


Reuters - Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan\will hog the limelight in financial markets this week as\investors seek clues on how quickly U.S. interest rates will\rise as soaring oil prices start to affect economic activity.

Greenspan in Focus This Week (Reuters)


Rising sales and net income isn't always what it seems, especially when there's a big, fat inventory hairball in the way.

Hairballs Haunt Cisco


Supporters of Haiti #39;s ousted president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, threw stones and fired guns on streets littered with debris and overturned cars on

Aristide Backers Riot for 3rd Day in Haiti; Death Toll Rises to 7


Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Chen () yesterday apologized for the words used to condemn a comment by his Singaporean counterpart who warned against Taiwan independence at a United Nations meeting last week.

Minister offers apology for touchy remark


PC World - Chip maker postpones yet another product launch.

Intel Delays Digital TV Chips (PC World)


washingtonpost.com - A Bethesda company owned by Microsoft Corp. and Time Warner Inc. is the subject of a European Union investigation  into whether the company's software will give the two media giants a monopoly in copyright protection.

Venture by  Time Warner And Microsoft Unsettles E.U. (washingtonpost.com)


GAZA (Reuters) - Three Palestinian gunmen trying to  penetrate a Jewish settlement in Gaza killed three Israeli  soldiers Thursday before being shot dead, exacting the worst  toll on Israel's forces in occupied territories in four months.

Palestinians Kill 3 Israeli Troops in Gaza


Poll results Bright news for resident Reg ladyboy

Ashlee Vance: the readers have spoken


New York, September 28: Compuware Corp, a maker of software to manage computer systems, on Monday said a federal court had ordered International Business Machines Corp to pay certain pretrial court costs related to Compuware #39;s ongoing lawsuit against the

IBM ordered to pay court costs to Compuware


The opener Justin Langer became Test cricket #39;s highest run-scorer this year with a fighting century in Perth to give Australia, at one stage 78 for five, the upper hand in the first Test against Pakistan.

21st-century Langer gives Australia edge


SEPTEMBER 02, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - In an effort to encourage hardware vendors to build components for the blade platform they co-developed, Intel Corp.

IBM and Intel to open up blade specifications


Canadian Press - VANDERBIJLPARK, South Africa (AP) - The head of a South African engineering company was charged Friday with trafficking in nuclear-related materials that could be used to make weapons of mass destruction.

Head of South African engineering firm charged with nuclear trafficking (Canadian Press)


New pay-as-you-go pricing for Breeze Live service is meant to attract small businesses.

Macromedia starts meter on Web conferencing


I #39;ve had my review unit of the PalmOne TungstenT5 for about 8 hours now, and I #39;m ready to make a first pass at PalmOne #39;s newest high-end model.

First Thoughts - PalmOne TungstenT5


Labor unions say 6 million workers could lose overtime pay when a redefinition of overtime regulations -he most sweeping change to wage-and-hour laws in half a century  -es effect tomorrow.

Overtime changes create potential minefield


Jennifer Canada knew she was entering a boy's club when she enrolled in Southern Methodist University's Guildhall school of video game making. There's one woman besides Canada; the other 98 students were all guys. She jokes the ratio may be great for dating, but she sometimes got lonely.

Women Are Making Inroads in Video Game Industry


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell again on Tuesday, easing  U.S. crude to \$53 a barrel, on signs that energy costs are  slowing the economic growth that fueled this year's sharp  increase in world fuel consumption.

Oil Falls to \$53, Fuel Costs Hit Economy


The company's stock has had a rough few months, but the business still looks strong.

Nutraceutical Is Still Very Healthy


A large piece of debris from the shattered space shuttle Columbia has turned up near Lufkin, Texas -- more than a year and a half after it broke up.

FULL STORY


Bankrupt Internet software maker Commerce One Inc. auctioned off dozens of prized online patents for \$15.5 million in a sale that could provoke a legal scuffle over whether the new owner is entitled to collect royalties from a long list of technology heavyweights.

Bankrupt Commerce One Patents Fetch \$15.5M


AP - In a Sept. 28 story about the interception of drugs purportedly sent from Canada, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the medications had been ordered by Americans from the Web site www.CanadaRx.com. The drugs were ordered through www.CanadaRx.net.

Correction: FDA-Drug-Imports Story (AP)


PARIS A French lawyer is asking the Red Cross to check into reports that Saddam Hussein has begun a hunger strike. The attorney says he represents Saddam and that there are indications from Iraq that the former

French lawyer asks Red Cross to look into reports of Saddam <b>...</b>


BEIJING -- A Communist Party whistle-blower who publicly accused his superiors of tolerating official corruption has been condemned for breaking party rules and ordered to  quot;do a complete self-examination, quot; authorities announced.

Communists condemn whistle-blower


(CBS) In a major culinary operation that took weeks of planning, military chefs will serve up traditional Thanksgiving meals to the 140,000 or so servicemen and women stationed throughout Iraq, reports CBS News Correspondent Charles D #39;Agata.

The Taste Of Home


Hewlett-Packard has unveiled its storage grid architecture strategyan approach that company executives claim is faster and more efficient than comparable products and systems on the market today.

HP #39;s StorageWorks Grid Approach Makes Data Dynamic


Greg Rusedski expressed his burning desire to end a year of turmoil by leading Great Britain back into the Davis Cup World Group. Rusedski convinced captain Jeremy Bates he deserved the chance to play Austria #39;s

FIRED-UP RUSEDSKI SETS SIGHTS ON MELZER


ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that the performance of every cabinet member will be viewed after every three months. He was addressing the first informal meeting of the 32-member federal cabinet

Ministers performance to be viewed after every quarter: Aziz


WASHINGTON - This year's surge in energy prices is likely to have far less of an impact on the economy than the oil shocks of the 1970s, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said Friday.    Greenspan predicted that the global economy will adjust to the recent surge in prices, which has seen oil topping \$50 per barrel, by boosting energy exploration and production and by increasing fuel efficiency...

Greenspan: Oil Price Surge Not Big Issue


Convicted Bali bomber Ali Imron has been allowed on an outing to a Starbucks coffee shop in Jakarta. Reporters spotted him laughing and joking with Brigadier-General Gorries Mere, one of the officers investigating the Bali attacks.

Bali bomber spotted in Starbucks


A lovely full eclipse of the moon is coming Wednesday night, and you might even be able to see it if clouds don #39;t get in the way.

Sky gazers in for a treat -- weather permitting Wednesday #39;s <b>...</b>


PARIS: Microsoft and Dassault Systemes of France have agreed to form a strategic alliance for Dassault Systemes product lifecycle management (V5 PLM) and 3D design solutions.

MS, Dassault form alliance


More bombs hit Thailand #39;s largely Muslim south on Saturday, killing a shopper in a mainly Buddhist town and wounding 14 as Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra vowed to resolve the crisis.

More Bombs Hit Thai Muslim South, One Dead


AP - The Twentieth Century Fox studio, a veteran of the big screen and the TV screen, is about to break into an entirely new realm: the really little screen, the kind that comes on a cell phone.

Fox to Create Series for Wireless Phones (AP)


Reuters - France's largest media company, Vivendi\Universal, raised its 2004 earnings forecast as it reported a\19 percent increase in third-quarter underlying operating\profit, buoyed by a rebound in music and strong mobile phone\sales.

Vivendi Ups Forecast After Strong Quarter (Reuters)


AFP - An Al-Qaeda-linked group said it had beheaded a Turkish contractor and an Iraqi Kurd who worked with US forces in Iraq, in statements posted on an Islamist website and a video showing the killings.

Iraq group beheads Turkish contractor, Kurdish translator: website (AFP)


A jailed Islamic militant testifying in the Jakarta terrorism trial of Abu Bakar Bashir says the Muslim cleric was once invited by Osama bin Laden to live in Afghanistan.

Witness: Bashir Contacted by Osama bin Laden


Oracle lifted its purchase offer for PeopleSoft to \$24 per share from a previous bid of \$21.  quot;This price represents a significant premium to recent trading prices, and is in excess of the 52

Oracle Boosts PeopleSoft Bid to \$8.8 Billion


Australia: Australia bowler Glenn McGrath followed up his Test best score with three quick wickets to have New Zealand on the ropes on the fourth day of the first cricket Test at the Gabba on Sunday.

Aussies steaming towards victory in Brisbane Test


The husband of Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan has asked Islamic militants to return his wife #39;s body to him so that she can, in his words, rest in peace.

Hassan #39;s Family, Officials, Respond To Apparent Killing


Shares of MarketWatch Inc. rose nearly 7 after Dow Jones  amp; Co. announced it would buy the parent of financial news site CBS MarketWatch for \$519 million in cash.

MarketWatch shares rise on Dow Jones deal


Rafael Furcal could be in jail. Instead, he was at Turner Field on Thursday sparking an Atlanta Braves team desperate to avoid another October meltdown.

Furcal shows no leniency for Astros


SEATTLE: For people trying to get their ageing parents on the web so they can read email and get digital photos of the family, Microsoft Corp has a message: Don #39;t give up.

Microsoft targets older people for web via TV


Sirius signs Howard Stern to a multiyear deal, and

Billion-Dollar Sex Joke


Style and design are not the only issues filling the days of Robert A. Lutz. Increasingly, much of his attention has also been focused on the cost side.

Can General Motors Design a Better Future?


A BEATEN and dejected Tiger Woods walked alone up the 16th fairway here on Saturday, no teammates in sight with only security guards as companions to share his misery.

Struggling Tiger to lead last-ditch effort


WASHINGTON - Declaring that high oil prices are a threat to the global economy, the world's industrialized countries urged producers Friday to provide price relief by boosting supplies.    The Group of Seven countries - the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Canada - also resolved to agree on providing battered Iraq with relief from its massive debt burden while also working on a deal to increase debt relief for the world's poorest countries...

G7 Countries: Oil Prices Threat to Economy


Russia appears ready to sell the main asset of Yukos, the country #39;s embattled oil company, for \$4 billion, a fraction of its worth, reports say.

Russia said eyeing Yukos bargain sale


By Ted S. Warren, AP. To borrow a lyric from Alicia Keys, it doesn #39;t make sense but it sure makes for a great song. Or story. The Seattle Seahawks #39; mystifying collapse against the St.

Seahawks second-guessed on win that got away


President Bashar al-Assad of Syria made a rare, often confrontational foreign policy speech on Saturday, suggesting that the efforts by the United States and France

President of Syria Defends His Nation #39;s Role in Lebanon


NASA has announced that the Space Shuttle will take to the skies once more next year, in a launch window that lasts from mid May to early June.

NASA eyes May launch for Shuttle


LONDON, November 18 (newratings.com) - Mitsubishi Corp (7211.TSE), Japans largest trading company, has agreed to purchase 11.75 million preferred shares, worth  9.4 billion (US\$ 90 million), of Isuzu Motors (ISU).

Mitsubishi Motors to buy preferred shares of Isuzu Motors


British Airways PLC said Monday that net profit rose by 25.5 percent over the latest quarter and that passenger numbers also rose.

British Airways Profits Rise


A large piece of space shuttle Columbia debris was found recently in southeast Texas, a NASA official said. The 6-foot-long piece of the crew compartment was discovered two weeks ago

shuttle fragment found in Texas


The consumer electronics arm of the Virgin Group is introducing a new 5-gigabyte hard-disk portable music player, bringing a powerful brand name in music to the increasingly crowded product space. <FONT face=

Virgin to Unveil Portable Music Player


Top seed Andre Agassi began the quest for his second title of year with a comfortable victory in the first round of the Stockholm Open.

AGASSI BACK ON TRACK