Auburn #39;s 38-28 win in the SEC championship game Saturday gave the Tigers a perfect 12-0 regular season. It was the first Auburn football team to accomplish that feat.

Auburn Headed To Sugar Bowl


Investor's Business Daily - Amid a shaky market, investors put just  #36;1.09 billion into stock funds in August. The total reflects  #36;1.21 billion that shareholders pulled from stock funds investing in just the U.S.

Stock Fund Inflow Shrinks To  #36;1.09 Bil (Investor's Business Daily)


CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Mark Thatcher, the son of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, was arrested Wednesday and charged with helping to finance a foiled plot to overthrow the government of oil-rich Equatorial Guinea.    Thatcher, a 51-year-old businessman who has lived in South Africa since 2002, was arrested at his Cape Town home shortly after 7 a.m...

Thatcher's Son Charged in Coup Plot


AP - Motorola Inc., the largest U.S. cell phone maker, more than quadrupled its third-quarter earnings to  #36;479 million thanks largely to new handsets that boosted its sales by 26 percent.

Motorola Quadruples 3Q Profits to  #36;479M (AP)


Terry Francona deployed three Gold Glove winners in his infield for the first time yesterday at Yankee Stadium in hope that their defensive expertise would aid the cause of sinkerball pitcher Derek Lowe stats, news.

Lowe throws stinker, Yanks turn it around: Red Sox #39; momentum <b>...</b>


A Polish woman has been abducted in Iraq, according to a videotaped message by Iraqi extremists. The tape was aired by al-Jazeera on Thursday.

Polish Woman Abducted in Iraq


Not for the first time, events in Iraq are straining relations between two traditionally close allies, Turkey and the United States.

Analysis: Tensions over northern Iraq


AP - Kirsten Flipkens, a wild card from Belgium, upset No. 2 seed Emilie Loit of France 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, to move into the semifinals of the Forest Hills Women's Classic at the West Side Tennis Club on Thursday.

Wild Card Upsets Loit at Forest Hills (AP)


The Afghan government denied making a deal with the kidnappers who released three UN hostages after four weeks in captivity yesterday.

Kabul kidnappers release three UN workers


Game Stop employee Lisa Hargreaves pulls out a stack of games for waiting customers at the University Mall in Davis Calif., at the stroke of midnight Nov. 9, 2004, as fans lined up to get first crack at the \$50 sequel from Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft Cracks Down on Xbox Changes


The NBA #39;s Utah Jazz have canceled their trip to Moscow to play Russian champions CSKA, citing security concerns, the army club said Friday.

Utah Jazz Cancel Trip to Russia Over Security


ARKALYK, Kazakhstan - The Soyuz spacecraft carrying a US-Russian crew pulled away from the international space station early Sunday, ending a six-month mission in orbit and starting a fast journey back to Earth.

US-Russian space crew heads toward earth


The head of the World Anti-Doping Agency said yesterday that if Marion Jones is found to have taken drugs she should be stripped of all her medals, regardless of when she won them.

Pound adds to pressure on Jones


MEXICO CITY, Aug. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- A bloody riot Wednesday in the La Esperanza Jail, in Mariona, in the outskirts of San Salvador, left a toll of at least 20 dead and another 30 injured.

Riot in Salvadoran jail leaves 20 dead, 30 injured


ATHENS, Greece - Paul Hamm's gold medal just lost some of its luster. A mistake in scoring of the all-around gymnastics final cost Yang Tae-young the gold that ended up going to Hamm, the International Gymnastics Federation said Saturday...

Ruling Says Mistake Gave Paul Hamm Gold


nazarijo writes  quot;In an article entitled Spammers using sender authentication too, study says, Infoworld reports that a study by CipherTrust shows that SPF and Sender ID (SID) aren #39;t nearly as effective as we expected them to be when combatting spam.

Spammers Are Early Adopters of SPF Standard


AFP - Harry Redknapp was appointed manager of Premiership strugglers Southampton just two weeks after quitting their arch south-coast rivals Portsmouth.

Redknapp appointed Southampton boss (AFP)


Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Tuesday night #39;s game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves at Turner Field was postponed because of rain.

Frances #39; wrath lingers in Atlanta


INDIA - 350-year-anniversary celebrations devoted to the jubilee of the famous mausoleum Taj Mahal will start tomorrow in India. The worldwide known historic architectural gem, the snow-white Taj Mahal, was

India to celebrate Taj Mahal #39;s 350th anniversary


Residential heating costs are projected to soar this winter to more than \$1,000 on average because of higher fuel prices and colder weather, the government said yesterday.

Winter heating costs expected to top \$1,000 on average


US Airways today won most of the emergency pay cuts it said were critical to avoid liquidation and United said it wanted to terminate its labor contracts and would seek deeper cuts from its employees.

Judge Allows US Airways Pay Cuts, a Move United Also Seeks


Oracle has again pushed back the expiration date on its offer for PeopleSoft stock.

Oracle sets new deadline on PeopleSoft bid


HOUSTON, Texas - The turnaround specialist hired to get Enron out of bankruptcy is asking for \$25 million for almost reaching the end of the tunnel.

Enron rescuer asks \$25 million  #39;success fee #39;


Standards body the Web Services Interoperability Organization, or WS-I, on Tuesday published updated standards compliance guidelines for applications that use file attachments.

WS-I tackles Web services attachments


While reports that North Korea is preparing to test a nuclear weapon are warranting White House attention, intelligence agencies are divided over their significance.

Atomic Activity in North Korea Raises Concerns


AP - It may take much longer than scientists have thought for violent turbulence to turn grains of space dust into new planets.

Scientists: New Planets May Take Longer (AP)


Bayern Munich need to shrug off their surprise Bundesliga defeat at the weekend when they face Juventus in a mouth-watering Champions League showdown on Tuesday.

Bayern seeks to bounce back at Juventus


Siemens AG continues to deepen its ties with Chinese rival Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. The Munich-based engineering and manufacturing conglomerate agreed Friday to resell routers and switches from Huawei's Quidway product line just eight months after the two companies formed a joint venture for manufacturing new mobile broadband systems in China.

Siemens agrees to sell Huawei enterprise gear


EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Tiki Barber scored on a 3-yard run with 11 seconds to play and Eli Manning threw three touchdown passes as the Giants edged the Dallas Cowboys, 28-24, last night in a wild finale to the NFL regular season.The late heroics provided Manning with his first career victory and spoiled a great effort by Cowboys quarterback Vinny ...

Giant finish for Manning, Barber


Orange coral common to the Caribbean has bacteria to thank for its hue, say US marine scientists.

Bacteria gives coral orange glow


Nortel, which had set mid-November as the target date for releasing restated and current results, said it's near the end of the restatement process.

Nortel delays filing results -- again


Adaptec is changing tack under CEO Robert Stephens and might soon find itself in direct competition with several old partners.

Adaptec: Partner or competitor?


Reuters - Hurricane Ivan ripped off\roofs and cut power across Barbados on Tuesday, lashing the\island with fierce winds but sparing it a direct hit as it\roared into the eastern Caribbean.

Hurricane Ivan Charges Into Eastern Caribbean (Reuters)


A suicide car bomber has killed at least eight people in an attack on a police checkpoint in Baghdad, after a night of US air strikes around the rebel-held city of Falluja that killed scores.

Bomb rocks Baghdad


As owner of a beachfront home in Hernando County, Cheryl Labbe has gotten used to rising rates for her homeowners #39; insurance. During Florida #39;s four-hurricane barrage, letters

Next hit: double-digit insurance hikes


Game-friendly desktop PC uses fans and a wind tunnel to bring down the temperature and the noise.

Gateway PC keeps it cool


A new case of mad cow disease in Japan won #39;t affect a review of domestic cattle-testing procedures, said Chikara Sakaguchi, the nation #39;s health minister.

Japan Says Latest Infected Cow Won #39;t Affect BSE-Testing Review


Elton Brand scores 25 points to lift the Clippers over the Warriors, 103-91, and can finish November with a winning record for just the second time in 30 years.

Clippers Climb in West


ATLANTA, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Home Depot Inc. (HD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday reported a 19 percent rise in second-quarter profit, handily topping estimates, as store renovations and efforts to improve service drove higher ...

Home Depot raises view as profit tops estimates


The European Union has launched a 45 million euro (\$60 million) plan to protect children from pornography and racist sites when they surf the Internet.

EU wants to make Internet safe for children


AFP - Britain's Prince Harry is besotted with a blonde 19-year-old student in South Africa whose father runs a Zimbabwe game farm, the Mail on Sunday newspaper reported.

Prince Harry 'in love' with teenage student (AFP)


HERZLIYA, Israel (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  said Israel was ready to coordinate its Gaza withdrawal plan  with a future Palestinian government and said that could open  the way for a broader peace agreement.

Sharon Says Israel Could Coordinate Gaza Pullout


Japan #39;s top automaker Toyota Motor Corp. will begin making its ecological hybrid model in China by the end of 2005, the first overseas assembly for the company #39;s Prius vehicle.

Toyota to Make Hybrid Cars in China


Disappointment is the usual sentiment for Ciena shareholders -- except for yesterday.

Rare Day of Joy for Ciena Faithful


An Iraqi group reportedly holding two French journalists has demanded a \$5 million ransom - to be paid within 48 hours. The statement was posted on a website and suggested Journalists Christian Chesnot and

#39;Ransom demand #39; on French hostages


Three Saudi security men were killed and seven suspected men were arrested yesterday at dawn in a quarter to the south of Breida, north west of the capital Riyadh.

Three Saudi security men killed in clashes to the north of Riyadh


SYDNEY : Australia #39;s first convicted terrorist, who confessed to conspiring with Al-Qaeda to blow up the Israeli embassy in Canberra, wants a deal in exchange for testifying against terror suspects in foreign courts.

Australian terrorist seeks deal to testify in foreign trials


NEW YORK (Reuters) - McDonald's Corp. <A HREF=

McDonald's Same-Store Sales Rise 6.1 Pct.


When you're a company under the watchful eye of governments around the globe for being the 800-pound gorilla of the computer industry, it helps to play nice.
<FONT face=

Microsoft's Open Sesame Moment


ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani court yesterday granted bail to the husband of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and officials from her party said the decision should result in his release after eight years in prison.

Pakistani court grants bail to Bhutto #39;s husband


Reuters - Sudan's government has agreed with\African leaders meeting in Libya Sunday to do its best to end\the conflict in Darfur that has displaced about 1.5 million\people, a senior Egyptian official said.

Sudan Needs Help to End Darfur Crisis - Egypt (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow said  on Tuesday the U.S. trade deficit with China was too large,  less than a week after the government reported that the overall  U.S. trade gap hit its second-highest monthly level ever in  July.

Snow Says China Trade Gap Too Big


In documents filed Friday with the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, IBM sought the dismissal of a major component of the lawsuit filed against it last year by The SCO Group.

IBM seeks dismissal in second part of SCO case


The outside directors of Marsh  amp; McLennan (MMC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) have talked to New York #39;s attorney general about having its chief executive step aside amid a probe into its business practices, the Wall Street Journal said

Marsh  amp; McLennan CEO May Be Ousted - WSJ


Reuters - Nearly half of video game players\watched less television last year or plan to cut their viewing\time this year, according to a report issued on Thursday that\lends credence to industry fears that young men are switching\off the tube.

Almost Half of Video Gamers Cutting TV Use --Study (Reuters)


ISTANBUL, Nov 27 (AFP) - Hundreds of faithful of the Greek Orthodox Church in Turkey crowded into a small cathedral in Istanbul Saturday to celebrate the return by the Vatican of religious relics stolen during the crusades some 800 years ago.

Greek Orthodox in Turkey celebrate return of relics stolen 800 <b>...</b>


Louisville rings in the Christmas season with a 120-year tradition. The Salvation Army kicked off its kettle and bell ringing campaign Friday, called  quot;Keep the Tradition Alive.

Salvation Army Facing Uphill Battle This Holiday Season


SEATTLE With final preseason cuts looming this weekend, Vikings coach Mike Tice certainly gave himself an opportunity to thoroughly evaluate his reserves Thursday night.

Second team drops finale


BRITAIN #39;S Foreign Secretary Jack Straw flew to Sudan today, stepping up international pressure on the government there to tackle the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Darfur.

Britain #39;s Straw leaves for Sudan


In an attempt to create a state energy leviathan, Russia #39;s natural gas monopoly Gazprom said Tuesday that it would bid for the prize oil assets of the crumbling oil giant Yukos, the country #39;s No.

Gazprom to Bid at Auction of Yukos #39;s Oil Assets


washingtonpost.com - Online Resources Corp., a McLean Internet banking and bill payment company, agreed to buy Incurrent Solutions Inc. of Parsippany, N.J., for  #36;15 million in cash and stock.

Online Resources To Buy N.J. Firm (washingtonpost.com)


Kostas Kederis, Greece #39;s disgraced former Olympic champion, has said he is confident he will clear his name in court if authorities in Athens decide to charge him with deliberately avoiding a drugs test.

Kederis awaits drugs charges


TALOH MANOH, Thailand -- Villagers yesterday buried some of the 78 Muslims who died in military custody after a protest in troubled southern Thailand, while authorities insisted at a briefing for diplomats that the detainees were not intentionally mistreated.

Muslims mourn -- and seethe -- over deaths of 78 in Thailand


AFP - US President George W. Bush found strong support among voters in key states for Democratic Senator Zell Miller, who has broken with his party and raised eyebrows with attacks on Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry.

Bush backers like converted Democrat's zeal (AFP)


Edmonton, AB (Sports Network) - Speaking at a function in Edmonton on Tuesday, National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman held firm on his stance against the NHLPA #39;s luxury tax plan.

Bettman still holding his ground


President George W. Bush told skeptical foreign leaders and envoys Tuesday that Iraq was on its way to stability and democracy and called for  quot;a new definition of security

Bush defiant at UN


Ford predicted a bright future for the Jaguar Formula One team on Monday after completing the sale of the racing outfit to energy drinks company Red Bull.

Ford predict bright future for Red Bull team


Reuters - Cox Enterprises Inc. on Tuesday said\it will purchase Cox Communications Inc.'s  minority\public stake for  #36;8.3 billion, in a move to privatize the\publicly traded cable company and insulate it from the short\term demands of Wall Street.

Cox Enterprises to Buy Cox Public Stake (Reuters)


Google Inc. co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin each plan to sell up to 7.2 million shares of their stock in the online search engine leader during the next 18 months

Google Co-Founders to Sell Company Shares


land bridge

Afghanistan set to regain


Bowling Green's starting goaltender, the senior captain Jordan Sigalet, was found to have multiple sclerosis.

Goalie Battles Toughest Foe


The US Army named the Scottsdale-based division of General Dynamics Corp. on Tuesday as the lead contractor on a multibillion-dollar battlefield communication program.

C4 Systems wins contract


TORONTO - Vince Carter says he wants out of Toronto if the Raptors don #39;t start winning soon. The Raptors star said, in a letter to fans posted on his official website on Sept.

Vince Carter wants out of Toronto


Swiss Life, Switzerland's largest insurer, sells its UK life assurance business for 205m.

Swiss insurer sells UK life unit


Only a small number of followers of radical Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr handed over their weapons today at the start of a ceasefire aimed at ending weeks of fighting between US troops and insurgents in the Baghdad #39;s impoverished Sadr City neighbourhood.

Few Sadr rebels turn in arms


Forest Laboratories, down sharply from its high, offers value and growth.

Lots of Profits in This Forest


OCTOBER 13, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - After a year and a half of being flamed, dissected and dismissed on the Groklaw.net Web site, The SCO Group Inc.

SCO plans own Web site as alternative to Groklaw


Former Open champion Tom Lehman is favourite to lead the United States at the next Ryder Cup when the new captain is unveiled on Wednesday.

US set to name Ryder Cup skipper


African Union mediators adjourned Sudan peace talks on Saturday to plan a new approach after failing to get the government and Darfur rebels to end a row over security issues.

African Union Tries to Break Darfur Talks Deadlock


The European Union #39;s executive commission said Wednesday it would open legal proceedings against Greece for its sloppy bookkeeping and underreporting its budget deficit by billions of euros between 1997 and 2003.

EU to Pursue Legal Action Against Greece


NEW YORK - The four-day Republican National Convention comes to a close Thursday with a speech by President Bush that will touch off a two-month dash to the finish line in a nation that seems as closely divided now as it was four years ago.    Last night, Vice President Dick Cheney and convention keynoter Sen...

Bush Ready to Accept GOP Nomination


The assistant to Notre Dame #39;s president has shaved her head to protest Tyrone Willingham #39;s firing as football coach, saying she will remain bald until the Irish win a national championship.

ND aide shaves her head to support Willingham


Although telcos need to position themselves as strong competition to cable operators and VoIP providers, IDC #39;s Amy Harris questioned whether SBC #39;s effort will pay off.

SBC Inks Deal with Microsoft for IP TV


The dollar is dipping again. After falling against major currencies such as the euro, yen, and Canadian dollar in 2002 and 2003, the greenback stabilized this year.

Vital Signs for the Week of Nov. 22


The explosive growth of  #39;spyware #39; has become a  #39; #39;very alarming trend #39; #39; that could scare away computer users and undermine the industry, said Michael George, general manager of Dell Inc.

#39;Spyware #39; endangers industry, Dell fears


AP - Gary Sheffield emerged from the trainer's room after games, his left shoulder wrapped in bandages that resembled football pads. Most days, one or two fingers were taped, too.

Yank Heavy Hitter Sheffield Fan Favorite (AP)


Although economists have mixed opinions whether the economy has emerged, most believe it is in good enough shape for the Fed to boost rates.

Fed Is Expected to Raise Rates Again


BEIJING - The death toll in a coal-mine explosion in central China rose to 63 with 103 workers still missing, the government said today, as toxic fumes slowed rescuers from entering the pit.

63 are dead, 103 missing, feared lost in China mine


Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest retailer, said on Saturday it still expects a 2 percent to 4 percent increase in November sales at its US stores open at least a year.

Wal-Mart Still Sees Nov. Sales Up 2-4 Pct


GENEVA, Oct 15 (AFP) -- A senior World Health Organisation (WHO) official sharply criticised the shortfall in international aid for Sudan #39;s strife-torn region of Darfur, despite the amount of political and media attention devoted to the crisis.

Senior UN health official slams international community over <b>...</b>


Bike lock maker Kryptonite struggled Friday to reassure customers and protect its reputation after the disclosure that its U-lock can be foiled by a ballpoint pen.

Beating the lock


Michael Vaughan found his one-day feet at last as England upset Australia by six wickets on Tuesday to reach the Champions Trophy final.

Vaughan #39;s England stun Aussies with Trophy win


ISLAMABAD: Senate Monday approved President  #39;s another office bill permitting President Gen. Pervez Musharraf to continue as Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) beyond Dec 31 this year.

Senate Okays uniform bill


The normally star studded Real Madrid missed most of their front line players in a match against Villarreal in the Spanish first division league on Sunday.

Real Madrid lose ground on Barcelona


be the first on your block to decode a secret message to Mars and win a toy Lego model! But this was NASA speaking, in conjunction

Hoosiers decode messages from Mars


Reuters - Auto retailer CarMax Inc. (KMX.N) on\Tuesday said it was cutting its second-quarter earnings\forecast due to slower-than-expected used-car sales.

Auto Retailer CarMax Cuts Profit Outlook (Reuters)


In a move likely to step up the digital music dispute between RealNetworks Inc. and Apple Computer Inc., Real slashed prices at its online music store on Tuesday, offering songs and albums for a limited time at nearly half of what Apple charges at its ...

Real slashes song prices in online music battle


The leading drugstore retailer is leveraging prescription sales to produce record results.

Walgreen: Prescription for Success


Report finds retailers suffer fourth month of tepid sales as job security issues, gas prices and food bills scare consumers. By Anne D #39;Innocenzio.

Holiday shopping outlook dimming


Tape storage king StorageTek puts new pressure on the storage-management market with an acquisition. By Martin J. Garvey. Storage Technology Corp.

STK Grabs Storage Management Vendor


USATODAY.com - Britney Spears confided that she was taking a break after years of being pushed by

Celebrities let their Web sites do the talking (USATODAY.com)


NEW YORK - Oil prices slipped from their record highs Wednesday ahead of the weekly report on U.S. inventories, but stocks continued their slide as investors considered the long-term implications of the flu vaccine shortage...

Stocks Decline on Vaccine Shortage News


By measuring variations in satellite orbits, scientists have found the first direct evidence of one of the hallowed tenets of Albert Einstein #39;s theory of general relativity -- that the Earth

Theory of Relativity Evidence Found


The mergers and acquisitions continue apace in the managed care industry.

Centene Takes a Dose of Deal-Making


JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. (CNNfn) - The US government must not promise benefits to aging baby boomers that it cannot afford, because that could mean painful future adjustments to taxes and spending, according to Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan.

Greenspan: Change social safety net


Stocks rallied in quiet trading Wednesday as lower oil prices brought out buyers, countering a pair of government reports that gave a mixed picture of the economy.

Stocks Rally on Lower Oil Prices


Michael Powell, chairman of the F.C.C., said he would seek broad regulatory authority for the federal government over Internet-based telephone services to avoid stifling the emerging market.

F.C.C. to Seek Net Telephone Oversight


CUMBERLAND, Md. -- When Army reservists from the 372d Military Police Company are welcomed home Friday at a belated public ceremony, the loudest cheers will probably come from the local chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, who say they're heeding their vow to never again let one generation of veterans be shunned by another.

Vietnam vets back troubled unit


Airbus, the world #39;s biggest maker of commercial aircraft, forecast yesterday that airlines will need 1,902 jumbo planes over the next 20 years -- more than double the forecast of its rival, The Boeing Co.

Airbus forecasts increased demand for its largest fleet


Johannesburg, 15 December 2004 - Fujitsu and Cisco Systems have reached a fundamental agreement to enter into a strategic alliance focusing on routers and switches that will enable service providers and enterprises to build advanced Internet Protocol (IP

Fujitsu, Cisco form strategic alliance


AP - Golden State placed guard Derek Fisher on injured reserve with a sprained right knee before Sunday night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Warriors' Fisher Goes on Injured Reserve (AP)


Chris Simms will make his first pro start at quarterback for the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, replacing Brad Johnson.  quot;I hope I can give us the spark we need, quot; Simms said Wednesday, when the Bucs

Simms will make first pro start for Bucs


He has the look of Mr. Everyman in retirement. He wears slacks and a sweater, nothing formal, and welcomes a midday guest to his two-story Peabody house, nothing pretentious, though a comfortable step up from the three-decker of his youth. He relaxes on a couch and, pointing to the window, describes how he can walk easily to the homes of ...

Old pro Torigian settles in to second act


Briton Kelly Holmes extinguished training partner Maria Mutola #39;s dream of consecutive Olympic titles Monday with an agonizingly close win in the women #39;s 800 meters final.

Olympic Track Wrap: Holmes Ends Mutola #39;s Dream


AP - D.J. Trahan shot a bogey-free 6-under 65 on Sunday to capture his first Nationwide Tour victory at the Miccosukee Championship.

Trahan Gets First Nationwide Victory (AP)


Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - The Action democratique du Quebec grabbed a much-needed seat from the governing Liberals in a provincial byelection Monday, while the Liberals and the Parti Quebecois easily retained other ridings.

ADQ steals riding from Liberals in one of four provincial byelections (Canadian Press)


The New Zealand dollar bumped up another notch to three week highs on Tuesday despite the US dollar #39;s gains, the local currency hitching a ride with the stronger Australian dollar.

NZD Firms Despite Greenback #39;s Gains


Reuters - Health care and consumer\products maker Johnson   Johnson is in negotiations to acquire\medical-device maker Guidant Corp., sources familiar with the\situation said on Tuesday.

J J in Talks to Buy Guidant - Sources (Reuters)


WELSHMEN Phillip Price and Bradley Dredge had to birdie the final three holes to remain in contention at the World Cup in Spain. The Wales duo had slipped way off the hot foursomes pace being set by England #39;s

Wales finish by making right sort of splash


Reuters - U.S. stocks were mostly flat on\Tuesday as record oil prices and economic data showing\slower-than-expected growth weighed on the markets.

U.S. Stocks Flat as Oil Spikes Over  #36;51 (Reuters)


BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra  said Thursday he would take charge of efforts to end violence  in the largely Muslim south, where nearly 360 people have been  killed since violence erupted in January.

Thai PM Takes Over Battle to End Muslim Unrest


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. trade deficit narrowed more  than expected in September as a rise in exports to  unprecedented levels offset the impact of record-high prices  for imported oil, a government report showed on Wednesday.

Trade Gap Narrows on Record Exports


Prince Charles is  quot;old-fashioned quot; and out of touch with Britain #39;s education system, a cabinet minister said Thursday.

British minister slams  #39;old-fashioned #39; Prince Charles over <b>...</b>


JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 28 -- The Indonesian government on Thursday opened the retrial of a cleric charged with leading an al Qaeda-linked group and inciting its members to carry out terrorist attacks against U.S. interests.

Retrial of Cleric Begins in Indonesia


As night fell last Sunday, the drowsy effects of a long holiday weekend spread across the University of Notre Dame campus like a yawn.

ND adrift after sudden decision


com. Two Eastern Conference Championship banners hung by the rafters with care in hopes that Jason Kidd soon would be there. Nets fans have been singing this twist on the old holiday

No Kidd-ing, Jason Back?


Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Road traffic to Nepal #39;s capital, Kathmandu, stopped as communist rebels began a blockade of the city to demand the release of insurgents, Reuters reported.

Nepalese Rebel Blockade Cuts Roads to Kathmandu, Reuters Says


Infected pictures that could implant a back door into a Windows computer have been spotted on Usenet.

Trojan horse exploits image flaw


OCTOBER 11, 2004 (NETWORK WORLD) - IBM this week is expected to debut its highest-capacity storage arrays, although the products #39; real differentiator is a mix of management technologies designed to help customers get a better handle on where to store

IBM supersizes storage arrays


AFP - Two new polls showed Australia's conservative government and Labor opposition neck and neck after the first week of campaigning for the October 9 election.

New polls show Australian government neck and neck with opposition (AFP)


Unofficial results from Cameroon's presidential election point to a huge victory for incumbent Paul Biya.

Cameroon leader 'ahead in polls'


Oracle Corp. reported revenue and earnings growth in its first fiscal quarter, with its revenue from new software licenses rising 7 percent, to US\$563 million.

Oracle shows sales and earnings growth in Q1


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue chips were lower on Tuesday,  as a drop in phone company Verizon Communications Inc. <A HREF=

Blue Chips Near Flat; Verizon Weighs


Reuters - President Bush sought\momentum on Saturday from his second debate with Democratic\Sen. John Kerry by attacking Kerry for saying he has a\consistent position on Iraq and would not raise middle-class\taxes.

Bush Attacks Kerry for 'Dour Pessimism' (Reuters)


AFP - IMF Director General Rodrigo Rato urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to limit state intervention in the economy and keep a close eye on inflation in order to meet his goal of doubling output by 2010.

IMF chief counsels Putin on how to double Russia's growth (AFP)


Wildlife trade talks in Bangkok give Swaziland the green light to export some of its white rhinos and bring in trophy hunters to shoot them.

Swazi rhino hunts to be permitted


Baltimore #39;s Deion Sanders, recovered from his hamstring injury, made his first interception in four years in last night #39;s 17-10 win over Washington.

Truth  amp; Rumors: Oct. 11, 2004


NEW YORK The Yankees could not help but watch the scoreboard. Their heads swiveled repeatedly toward the outfield as hit after hit for Cleveland sailed over or against the wall.

Baseball: Long, long night #39;s journey for Yanks


TOTTENHAM #39;s new head coach Martin Jol spoke of a return to the club #39;s traditions on the eve of his first home game in charge at White Hart Lane.

Arsenal take slapstick approach


The moment investors have been awaiting for years came unexpectedly Tuesday, when President Vladimir Putin backed plans to lift rules banning foreigners from buying local Gazprom shares.

Markets Cheer Lifting of Gazprom Ring Fence


According to an article on The Register, camera phones will soon have lenses made from nothing more than drops of oil and water.

This lens sheds a tear


FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq's interim Prime Minister  Iyad Allawi declared martial law on Sunday and said a U.S.-led  military offensive against the rebel-held city of Falluja could  not be delayed much longer.

Iraq Declares Martial Law, 23 Police Killed


ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- Rulon Gardner won two pool matches Tuesday, his first in the Olympics since his monumental gold-medal upset of Russia's supposedly unbeatable Alexander Karelin in Sydney, to move within one victory of reaching the Greco-Roman wrestling semifinals at 264 1/2 pounds (120kg).

Rulon Gardner Wins First Two Matches


College footballs 3 1/2-month regular season has come down to this: Three critical games. And a couple of critical votes. Unbeaten USC, Oklahoma and Auburn remain 1-2-3 in Mondays Bowl Championship Series

BCS sets table for crucial games


TORONTO (CP) - Ontario must exercise restraint in keeping to its plan to balance the budget, Finance Minister Greg Sorbara said Thursday as he gave his first economic statement since May #39;s budget.

Sorbara says  #39;restraint #39; required to stay on plan to balance <b>...</b>


IOGEAR has launched its rechargeable Bluetooth Mini Mouse, enabling road warriors to work wirelessly and save space. The PC/Mac compatible Bluetooth Mini Mouse #39;s small, slim design saves space in laptop bags and in the workspace.

IOGEAR #39;s mini mouse goes Bluetooth


A ladybird described as one of the most invasive species could threaten a variety of insects in the UK, an expert says.

'Deadly ladybird' sighted in UK


Reuters - U.S. oil prices were slightly softer\on Monday after a four-day break, but the threat of a cold\winter stretching persistently low global heating oil\inventories kept the market within sight of  #36;50 a barrel.

Oil Eases After Holiday, Wary of Winter (Reuters)


Juliana Sasaki didnt bother checking out Sonys digital music player before buying her green iPod mini.  quot;I knew Sony and other companies had MP3 players, but they cant beat the mini, quot; says Sasaki, 23, a language teacher.

Sony cornered by iPod fashion


Nokia adds GPS to its accessory portfolio with the Wireless GPS Module LD-1W. Also new: the prying-eye Nokia Remote Camera PT-6 and Bluetooth-powered Wireless Headset HS-11W.

Wireless, imaging accessories from Nokia


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Australian Gas Light Co. (AGL.AU) said Thursday that it will most likely sell its 66 stake in New Zealand #39;s NGC Holdings Ltd.

Australian Gas Light: Likely Outright Buyer For NGC -2-


Reuters - When families and friends get\together for the holidays this year, many more of them will use\a digital camera to record those memories.

PluggedIn: Digital Cameras All the Rage This Christmas (Reuters)


MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Europe's biggest no-frills  airline, Ireland's Ryanair Holdings Plc <A HREF=

Ryanair Could Profit with High Oil - CEO


RBC, 10.12.2004, Moscow 19:51:19.Russian President Vladimir Putin approves of the possibility of Ukraine joining the European Union.

Putin approves of Ukraine #39;s membership in EU


Malcolm Glazer faces a last-minute challenge to his expected 800 million bid for Manchester United from Keith Harris, chairman of brokerage Seymour Pierce and a lifelong fan of the Old Trafford club.

TAKEOVER ROUND UP PART 2


Even though Pakistan denies pressuring the Hurriyat leadership, it has launched yet another vigorous attempt to regain control of the secessionist movement by uniting the divided All Party Hurriyat Conference under the leadership of Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

#39;Hurriyat gets Rs 150 Cr from ISI #39;


DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A Web site linked to an Iraqi militant group showed a video of what is purported to be the killing of 12 Nepalese workers by militants who had kidnapped them.    The Nepalese Foreign Ministry said it could not confirm the report of the hostages' deaths...

12 Nepalese Reportedly Executed in Iraq


Treasuries were stripped of early gains on Monday as US retail sales data proved strong when many in the market had been betting on a weak outcome.

US Treasuries take a fall on upbeat sales data


The government is considering linking the Gaza Strip to the Israeli railroad system as part of the disengagement plan, Itamar Yaar, deputy head of the National Security Council, said on Tuesday.

Train may connect Gaza to Ashdod


Real Madrid have played down speculation linking former Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

REAL RULE OUT ROBSON


The Cubs continued their bid for a Wild Card spot Monday with an easy victory against the Marlins in the first game of a doubleheader which made up games washed out earlier by Hurricane Frances.

Prior in command to make early lead stand up


Competition Commissioner Mario Monti suffered an embarrassing defeat in a Luxembourg court this week - it ruled that his decision on the Sprint-Worldcom merger was illegal.

EC wrong on Worldcom / Sprint deal


com October 25, 2004, 9:00 PM PT. ZDNet #39;s survey of IT professionals in October kept upgrading hardware at number two on the businesses radar throughout the year.

Virginia Tech beefs up Mac supercomputer


SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Sports Network) - Charlie Weis was  introduced as the new head football coach at Notre Dame on  Monday and said he intends to bring the program back to  national prominence.

Weis Introduced at Notre Dame


Officials at the nation #39;s No. 2 air carrier, United Airlines, say their are rapidly moving ahead with restructuring their system, which includes building their hubs while cutting back on other domestic service.

United looks to realign its system


AP - Brazilian government released federal budget figures Friday showing an unprecedented primary budget surplus of 10.9 billion reals ( #36;3.8 billion) in August, putting Brazil well ahead of performance targets set in a loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

Brazil Announces Record Budget Surplus (AP)


Environmental activist Maude Barlow believes the world is poised to experience a freshwater crisis of

Ban Sale of Water for Profit, Health Activist Says


Pittsburgh #39;s Chris Taft, left, goes over Loyola #39;s Bernard Allen, bottom, for a dunk in the first half in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004.

No. 16 Pittsburgh Tops Loyola, Md., 93-57


WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush has nominated Kellogg chairman Carlos Gutierrez as commerce secretary, picking a Cuban refugee who rose to the top of the biggest US cereal maker as the chief advocate for American business.

Bush picks Cuban for Commerce


Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu says he has has no future at a Premiership club after his bust-up with boss Jose Mourinho and his drug shame.

Mutu keen on Serie A return


Islamabad, Dec 15 (UNI) Pakistani and Indian negotiators today concluded talks on nuclear confidence building measures (NCBMs) without finalising the proposed draft agreement on prior notification of missile tests by Islamabad and New Delhi.

Pak-India talks on NCBMs concluded without agreement


Rafael Nadal has repaid the faith shown in him by defeating Andy Roddick in four sets to hand Spain a 2-0 lead after the first day of the Davis Cup final in Seville.

Spain on top in Seville


BOSTON (Reuters) - A stitched-up Curt Schilling became the  first pitcher in major league history to win World Series games  with three different teams after producing a gritty display  Sunday.

Baseball-Stitched-Up Schilling Makes World Series History


Graeme Smith led South Africa to a thumping nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their ICC Champions Trophy Group B match in Birmingham on Sunday.

UPDATE 1-South Africa crush sorry Bangladesh


Curious polygon shapes on the surface of Mars are among the latest evidence clearly suggesting the presence of water, and some of it may have appeared there even after the surface was bombarded by objects from distant space.

Mars #39; polygon shapes may be result of water action


CRUDE futures continued to fall today furthering a 10-per-cent decline in the past two weeks on the belief that rising US crude supplies will meet demand for the northern winter.

Crude price falls further


then vowed he is off the penalty rota for Saturday #39;s game with Celtic. The Croatian striker fired the only goal at Easter

PRSO RUNS INTO A SPOT OF BOTHER


AP - An online statement posted Sunday in the name of an al-Qaida-linked group pledged that the Vatican would be spared, but repeated threats to

Online Statement Denies Vatican As Target (AP)


LONDON: Tottenham #39;s stand-in manager Martin Jol admitted he wants the job full-time after seeing his side lose 3-2 at home to Charlton on Saturday.

Jol wants full-time job at Tottenham


Despite opposition from settlers and his own Likud party, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is determined to press ahead with his disengagement plan, says Daniel Ayalon, Israel #39;s ambassador to the United States.

Sharon will press ahead with disengagement plan


AP - A rare nest of brown-capped rosy finches was discovered recently in a crack in a cliff high in the Snowy Range. Little is known about the species and only six or seven such nests have ever been found, according to David McDonald, associate professor in the University of Wyoming Department of Zoology and Physiology.

Rare Finch Nest Found in Wyo. Snowy Range (AP)


SEOUL (Reuters) - Seoul and Pyongyang have agreed to hold  talks between working-level military officers on Thursday to  discuss rail and load links, after a three-month break in  bilateral talks, Seoul's defense ministry said on Tuesday.

Two Koreas to Meet Thursday to Discuss Border Link


Sudanese President Omar El Bashir said here Monday that his government is resolving Darfur issue with logic and positive action. In an address to the Sudanese National Council

Sudan resolves Darfur issue with logic and positive action <b>...</b>


Gateway's new motherboard design helps machines run cooler and more quietly than other Gateway desktops.

Photos: Gateway's wind-tunnel designs


A court stripped Gen. Augusto Pinochet of his immunity from prosecution Friday, paving the way for the trial of the former Chilean dictator on human rights charges.

Pinochet Stripped Of Immunity


US Airways (UAIRQ.OB:OTC BB - news - research) wants a federal judge to tear up contracts with three of its unions, reduce retiree health benefits and cancel its remaining defined-benefit pension plans.

US Airways Seeks Court OK to Nix Contracts


The US health secretary asks local officials to investigate reports of companies raising prices to exploit a flu vaccine shortage.

US probes flu jab 'price scams'


Massachusetts retailers are doing a good job of charging the correct prices for toys, according to a survey released by state regulators that found an accuracy rate of 99.5 percent at eight retailers. The state Division of Standards checked 6,493 toys at 65 stores and found 6,304 of them scanned at the correct price and 189 at an incorrect price. ...

Retailers' accuracy high on toy pricing


The body of a teenage Kenyan girl, whose parents say she was raped by British soldiers, is exhumed.

Body dug up in Kenya rape probe


If Kevin Weiberg, the Big 12 Conference commissioner and Bowl Championship Series coordinator, had a dollar for every time he said,  quot;We #39;re going to have to go back and take a look at that

Texas Talks a Better Game Than Cal Plays


AP - U.S. forces traded fire with insurgents in the Sunni stronghold of Ramadi following a series of raids, residents said Thursday, and at least eight people were reported killed.

U.S. Forces, Insurgents Battle in Ramadi (AP)


SPACE.com - NASA and university astronomers are eagerly awaiting \the launch of a nbsp;space probe bound to collide with a comet and give \researchers a glimpse inside the solar system's nbsp;icy \wanderers. nbsp;

Astronomers Ready for Comet Smashing Mission (SPACE.com)


WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - A final laboratory test has  confirmed an Alberta dairy cow had mad cow disease, the second  case Canada has found in its herd, an industry source briefed  by veterinary officials said on Sunday.

Test Confirms Second Canada Mad Cow Case


About 40 percent of U.S. workers in computer and math science have just a high school diploma or associate degree, according to a new report.

Many engineers lack even a four-year degree


The Nairobi residence of the newly elected Somali president is reportedly attacked by unknown gunmen.

Somali leader's house 'attacked'


It was another record-setting day for the Kansas City Chiefs' offense last night, but New England proved it could get by with focusing primarily on stopping the run.

Facet of KC offense was a bit run down


The news that Jaguar is to end vehicle assembly at Browns Lane and invite several hundred employees to apply for what parent company Ford likes to call  quot;voluntary separation quot; prompted the great and good to shrug their shoulders and remark, rather lamely

Closure with a touch of deja vu


Oklahoma wide receiver Mark Clayton scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Sooners #39; 31-21 come-from-behind win over Kansas State Saturday in Manhattan.

Sooners Survive


VIENNA (Reuters) - The removal of Iraq's mothballed nuclear  facilities took around one year and was carried out by experts  with heavy machinery and demolition equipment, diplomats close  to the U.N. said on Thursday.

Iraq Nuke Sites Were Stripped by Experts-Diplomats


Here at the Digital Life trade show in New York City Internet search behemoth Google has created quite a buzz on the show floor with the launch of its much-anticipated Google Desktop Search utility.

Enter your e-mail:


A day after hitting Dale Earnhardt Jr. with a \$10,000 fine and the loss of 25 points for cursing during a postrace TV interview, NASCAR handed down 12 more penalties for rule violations at Talladega Superspeedway.

NASCAR hands out 12 more penalties


The number of consumers legally downloading recorded music has fallen to 1 million from a high of 1.3 million in April, The Hollywood Reporter said Wednesday.

Legal downloading reported down


After spending more than a week thinking about it, Spurrier decided Thursday to remove his name from consideration to replace Ron Zook.

Spurrier withdraws from Florida coaching search


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices edged up from seven-week lows  below \$47 a barrel on Wednesday as U.S. crude oil inventories  grew again ahead of winter but heating oil stocks fell.

Oil Up After U.S. Inventory Data


Defence lawyers for seven descendants of the 18th-century Bounty mutineers accused of sexual assault on remote Pitcairn Island moved to halt the trials of the men today, claiming judicial bias.

Pitcairn Sex Abuse Trial Judge  #39;Biased #39;


Carl C. Icahn, the pushy financier, is Wall Street's perennial Boy Who Cried Wolf. So, why does anyone take him seriously anymore?

For a Takeover Artist, One Bluff Too Many?


This Tuesday came another report by scientists who stress that global warming is advancing with dire consequences in the Arctic regions and beyond, while the Bush administration continues to insist that such reports contain  quot;nothing new quot; to cause it to

#39;Future of Ice #39; is a poetic and urgent frontline report


Brazilian legend Pele has suggested that footballers in his native country should go on strike in opposition to late payments and other issues.

Pele: Brazilians should strike


There was, no doubt, shock and dismay in some quarters when the National Basketball Association continued playing its schedule without interruption after the brawl in Detroit nine days ago.

Full Court Mess


Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said October same-store sales at its Red Lobster restaurants rose for the first time since February on the success

Red Lobster Posts Higher Same-Store Sales


Reuters - Some are born to rule, others to\ridicule, is a worthy reminder to U.S presidential hopefuls\struck by an endless arsenal of satirical barbs on the Web.

Online Satirists Pull No Punches on U.S. Election (Reuters)


Trying to put rumors about his candidacy for other coaching jobs to rest and quiet speculation among recruits that he wouldn #39;t be at U of L much longer, Petrino Tuesday afternoon issued his most definitive statement yet about the situation.

Petrino tries to end rumors, says he #39;s staying at U of L


Reuters - Sachin Tendulkar is set to return for next week's third test against Australia in Nagpur after coming through a fitness check on Saturday.

Tendulkar set to play in third test v Australia (Reuters)


the computer programs that surreptitiously track people #39;s online movements -- are steamrolling their way through Congress and a combined proposal could

Anti-Spyware Legislation Could Pass This Year


BERLIN : Germany and France both support inviting to European Union membership talks at a summit in December in Brussels, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said.

Germany, France support Turkish invitation to EU membership talks


On Monday Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the biggest shake-up of Russia #39;s political system since its 1993 adoption of a post-Soviet constitution, drawing heaps of scorn from both the Russian and international press.

Putin #39;s Power Play


Tracking inventory using inexpensive radio tags is one of the hottest technologies in supply chain management, with promising applications in retail and many other sectors.

Headed for a fall? Hot tracking technology oversold, analysts say


Wladimir Klitschko has admitted his fight against DaVarryl Williamson could decide whether he has a boxing future. Klitschko is hoping to get back to winning ways on Saturday after his second-round loss to

Klitschko desperate for win


Wondering if you should install Microsoft #39;s Windows XP patch now? Worried about what might go wrong? We have answers to these questions and others, written from information supplied by Microsoft and other sources.

Now what? Answers on Windows XP #39;s SP2 update


Despite a post-Perdita hangover and a 16 per cent drop in prime-time TV ratings from the last Olympics, CBC is claiming victory at the Athens Games.

CBC terms show from Athens a success #39;


Cambodia is celebrating the arrival of its first new monarch in 60 years, as King Norodom Sihamoni returns home to assume the throne abdicated by his ailing father.

Cambodians welcome their new king


com staff. Danish security firm Secunia has reported a  quot;moderately critical quot; window injection vulnerability in Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, Netscape, Safari and Konqueror.

Security Bytes: Injection flaw in popular browsers


GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas failed at  talks with militants on Wednesday to win a commitment to end  attacks on Israelis in the run-up to Jan. 9 elections for a  replacement to Yasser Arafat, political sources said.

Abbas Fails to Win Palestinian Militant Truce Pledge


The Expos may be playing their final few games, but the Phillies found out firsthand that this vanishing breed isn #39;t about to go quietly.

Right-hander allows seven runs in three-plus innings


You can deduct all or part of the costs of your home PC, depending upon its use. But put on your thinking cap before you tackle this gnarly issue.

Tax Deductions for Home PCs


World number two Amelie Mauresmo shrugged off a thigh strain to cruise into the last eight of the Linz Open with a 6-4 6-0 win over Marta Domachowska on Thursday.

UPDATE 1-Mauresmo joins Zvonareva in Linz quarter-finals


KALPAKKAM: India on Saturday urged the West to remove blocks on the transfer of critical nuclear technology, offering an assurance that New Delhi had effective tools to prevent proliferation.

Singh urges West to remove blocks on N-tech transfer


BEIJING -- The Chinese government declared yesterday that a conciliatory proposal made Sunday by President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan was fraudulent, intended only to fool Taiwanese voters and international opinion.

China dismisses Taiwan overture


Blue chips fell on Tuesday in a sharp reversal that trimmed gains in other indexes as Internet sites suggested exit polls had Sen. John Kerry ahead of President Bush in key states in the US presidential election.

Exit Poll Talk Hits the Stock Market


WASHINGTON - New documents unearthed in the midst of the presidential campaign fill in some blanks but raise other questions about the sometimes mysterious and spotty story of President Bush's military service during Vietnam when he won a coveted spot in the Texas Air National Guard and avoided the war.    Reviving issues that have shadowed his political career, the documents show Bush ignored a direct order from a superior officer and lost his status as a Texas Air National Guard pilot more than three decades ago because he failed to meet military performance standards and undergo a required physical examination...

Questions Raised About Bush Guard Service


The Iraq war has done little to increase security across the world or halt the activities of international terrorists, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says.

Annan says world no safer


WAL-MART Stores, the worlds largest retailer and owner of Asda supermarkets, has reported a 12.7 per cent rise in its third-quarter earnings.

Wal-Mart Stores  #39;well placed for Christmas #39;


A bullish profit outlook from Ford Motor Co. sent stocks higher Friday as investors looked past a disappointing report on consumer sentiment and new accounting problems at Qualcomm Inc.

Stocks Rise on Bullish Ford Report


AP - Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek dropped his appeal Monday of a four-game suspension for his part in a bench-clearing brawl with the New York Yankees last month.

Varitek Drops Appeal of Suspension (AP)


Higher-capacity hard drives will be available by the end of the year.

Hitachi Readies 100GB Notebook Drives


East Rutherford, NJ (Sports Network) - New York Giants wide receiver Tim Carter is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a fractured hip during this past Sunday #39;s game against Dallas.

Giants #39; Carter fractures hip


Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday that running back Kejuan Jones would be able to play in the No. 2 Sooners #39; game Saturday against No.

Sooners #39; Jones to return; starting RB undecided


The dreaded Africanized honey beebetter known as the  quot;killer bee quot;may be buzzing slightly northward. Entomologists believe that an Africanized swarm was responsible for an attack in Tipton, Okla.

Why Are Killer Bees So Slow?


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell from two-week highs on  Thursday, as traders took profits from dramatic gains on  Wednesday driven by renewed fears over fuel supplies for the  northern winter.

Oil Prices Drop from Two-Week Highs


NEW YORK (Ticker) - With the dark cloud of steroids continuing to hover over baseball, it appears a tougher drug-testing policy may be in effect by spring training.

Report: Tougher testing on the way for MLB


They were like two great heavyweights slugging away, neither willing to take a backward step or bend to the other's demands.

Last team standing


LONDON (Reuters) - The man leading the fight against drug  cheats in sport said on Monday he wanted a further \$1.5 million  in funding to help stamp out substance abuse.

WADA Wants More Funds to Fight Drug Cheats


The chairman of Portsmouth #39;s supporters club believes many fans will turn on former boss Harry Redknapp after his impending move to rivals Southampton.

Redknapp move angers Pompey fans


The Ryder Cup matches were founded in 1927, in part, to promote sportsmanship and civility, and those ideals have been predominant themes in the run-up to what

Gentlemanly competition has potential to get out of hand


The European Commission concluded that there's insufficient evidence that the takeover would cause competitive harm in the business software sector.

Update: EU okays Oracle bid for PeopleSoft


Internet Security Systems has announced that it has preemptive protection available for the four high risk vulnerabilities announced by Microsoft on Wednesday.

ISS shields Microsoft #39;s latest vulnerabilities


In a move that was anticipated for several days, Jeffrey W. Greenberg, chief executive and chairman and Marsh  amp; McLennan (MMC ), resigned on Oct. 25.

One Down at Marsh Mac


What are weekends for? In the mergers and acquisitions game, it is usually meant for structuring mega deals. That was the case with WPP Group #39;s (Nasdaq: WPPGY) \$1.

WPP #39;s Mega Ad Buy


State Street Corp.'s SPDR Trust was the best-selling mutual fund with US investors in August, according to estimates by Financial Research Corp. It was the first time an exchange-traded fund led monthly fund sales.

State Street fund tops August sales


Russian President Vladimir Putin today wrapped up his three-day visit to India. On his last day, he visited the country #39;s second largest software exporter Infosys Technologies in of Bangalore.

Putin winds up his three-day visit to India


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - IBM <A HREF=

IBM Halts Pension Plan for New Hires


ConAgra Foods Inc. (CAG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday said private equity firm Hicks, Muse, Tate  amp; Furst Inc. exercised its option to buy the company #39;s minority stake

UPDATE 1-Hicks Muse pays \$194 mln for ConAgra #39;s Swift stake


BANGKOKThailand said yesterday it had found its first known probable case of a human being infecting another with bird flu, but insisted it was an isolated incident that posed little risk to the greater population.

Bird flu case played down


LONDON, October 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Times has today announced that from Monday November 1 2004 it will be compact-only six days a week.

The Times Moves to Compact Format Monday Through to Saturday


German economic growth will slow next year as foreign demand for goods and services cools and consumers hesitate to increase spending, the country #39;s six leading economic research institutes said.

Germany #39;s Six Institutes Expect Growth to Slow to 1.5 in 2005


NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Limited Brands Inc. on Monday raised earnings estimates as well as the price on its share repurchase program.

Retailer revises Q3 profit outlook higher, again


Cazenove, the Queen #39;s broker, today effectively called time on 181 years of independence when it announced a joint venture with the US banking giant JP Morgan.

Cazenove joins forces with JP Morgan


Injured Ohio State quarterback Justin Zwick threw on the side, but did not take any snaps during practice Wednesday. Coach Jim Tressel said Zwick is making progress but still had some pain from a shoulder

Zwick throws on sideline, Smith gets most of action at OSU <b>...</b>


The group, which is pushing for adoption of a universal e-business language, wants to make its standards easier and cheaper to use.

RosettaNet takes standards push to small firms


CQ quot; gt; Walt Disney Company shareholders might have done a double take when their chief executive, Michael D. Eisner, testified in court last week about the brief tenure of his friend, Michael S. Ovitz, as company president.

Some Executives Can #39;t Take a Hint


A suicide bomber killed at least 18 people in a mosque packed with worshippers and wounded more than 40 during Friday prayers in the eastern Pakistani city of Sialkot, police said.

Suicide Bomber Kills at Least 18 in Pakistani Mosque


SEATTLE/SAN FRANCISCO: As Microsoft Corp launched its own Web search engine last week to take on Google Inc, industry watchers wondered which rival will be left standing in the high-stakes competition.

Hit this: Microsoft, Google set to face off


Big Blue beefs up its WebSphere 6 application server, promising better performance, reliability and simplified administration.

IBM tightens up WebSphere


Just when we thought the kid couldn #39;t do anything more to amaze us, he raised the bar Friday night and did it without putting a hand in the water.

Phelps #39; gesture is worth a million


Your site gets great traffic from search engines, and yet it needs a new design.  How can you freshen up a site without risking a decline in rankings and a loss of traffic from search engines?

Retaining Traffic after a Web Site Redesign


With only three games left in the season, the Redskins are still having difficulty getting off plays within the 40 seconds allotted.

It's About Time


AP - The Web portal Lycos Europe on Friday terminated a spam-fighting campaign that had been criticized as a breach of Internet civility.

Lycos Europe Ends Spam-Fighting Campaign (AP)


Reuters - Misconduct in the U.S. mutual fund\industry is not limited to fund share trading; it's not even\limited to funds, say market regulators.

Regulators to Widen Mutual Fund Probe (Reuters)


Sep. 10th, 2004 -- Michael Eisner has seen his shares of ups and downs as the head of the Walt Disney Company. He led the company through some of the greatest increases in profit the company had ever seen.

Eisner to step down in 2006


New Delhi, Sep 7. (UNI): After losing out in the high-stake telecasting rights battle on Sunday, ESPN STAR Sports on Monday said it had challenged in the Bombay High Court the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to award

ESPN STAR challenges BCCI telecast decision in HC


Rob Chermesino's college-educated friends went into finance and sales. His fiance is a meeting planner. Chermesino picked up a wrench.

Looking for Mr. Goodwrench


Learning institutions have cooled off lately, but Apollo Group remains upbeat about the future.

Apollo's Apple


October 17, 2004 --  quot;The impact of the current surge in oil prices, though noticeable, is likely to prove less consequential to economic growth and inflation than in the 1970s.

AN ECONOMY HANGING TOUGH


Charlie Rose, the TV interviewer, is taping five shows back to back of Silicon Valley heavyweights.

Silicon Valley Aims to Refresh Its Image


The president of the World Bank says his staff is in the Caribbean to assess the damage caused there by Hurricane Ivan, and to ensure that the international financial community provides swift and coordinated relief.

World Bank in Caribbean to Assess Damage from Ivan


Symbol Technologies will take an important step in the evolution of the enterprise wireless LAN on Monday with the introduction of its WS 2000 Wireless Switch.

Symbol upgrades its wireless LAN switch


Northwest Airlines Corp. (NWAC.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Friday said Chief Executive Richard Anderson is leaving the company to join a health care group, as the airline struggles

Northwest Air CEO Quits for UnitedHealth


Yahoo is ready to engage in combat with rival Google by offering a new desktop search tool to help people find information on their computer hard drives.

Yahoo Moving on Desktop Search; Semel Says He Will Stay


With no electricity or running water and short of basics like antibiotics, doctors in makeshift clinics are fighting to save survivors of Tropical Storm Jeanne -ven

Doctors work to save Haiti storm survivors


Bee Staff Writer. SANTA CLARA - The 49ers were hoping to return from their week off with a roster full of healthy bodies. Instead, they went through Wednesday #39;s practice with their most

49ers notes: Rattay #39;s forearm is sore again


AP - A key food source for Antarctic seals, whales and penguins has declined about 80 percent since the 1970s in ocean waters near the Antarctic Peninsula, researchers report.

Study: Penguin, Seal Food Source Shrinks (AP)


Australia #39;s dominant airline, Qantas, has nearly doubled its annual profits after recovering from the previous year #39;s Iraq war and SARS induced downturn.

Qantas profit takes off


A slight pullback in oil prices is giving stocks an early-session boost. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 21 points in today #39;s early going.

Stocks Move Higher As Oil Prices Slip


European Central Bank holds rates at record low of 2, citing concerns about soaring oil prices. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Central Bank left its key interest rate unchanged Thursday, taking more time

ECB leaves interest rates unchanged


WeatherBug would like to make meteorologists of us all, selling sensors that can turn anyone's back yard into a Web-connected weather station. <FONT face=

Weather Data In Your Own Back Yard


You want answers and you want them now. The only thing is, four weeks of ludicrous exhibition games haven't told you anything. So here's some advice: Take it slow, real slow.

But seriously folks


BUENOS AIRES: Climate change could cut China #39;s food production 10 percent by 2050, said an official report at a major UN conference here.

Climate change threatens China food production


The battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD to define the next generation DVD format shows no signs of cooling off. While electronics and computer companies such as Sony, Dell and HP back the Blu-ray

HD DVD Gains Studio Support in Battle with Blu-Ray


Shares in the pub and bottle shop owner Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group slipped yesterday after Coles Myer chief executive John Fletcher gave his strongest indication yet that the retailer #39;s

Blow for ALH as hopes of rival Coles bid recede


Sometimes when stocks soar, it has nothing to do with investors #39; genuine interest in the company #39;s prospects. They just buy because the stock is going up.

Google exceeds all expectations; can it sustain strong run-up?


It's a hacker's nightmare but a dream for bankers and spies: A computer network so secure that even the simplest attempts to eavesdrop will interrupt the flow of data and alert administrators to the snooping.

Super-Secure Network Warns of Data Danger


Virgin Atlantic honcho Richard Branson yesterday announced plans to boldly go where no airline company has gone before - outer space.

Now boarding! NY, London, space?


The United States narrowed differences with European allies Friday on how to pressure Iran to renounce the development of nuclear weapons, but it hasn #39;t yet won agreement to haul the country before the UN Security Council, a US official

G-8 countries make progress over nuclear tensions with Iran <b>...</b>


The honor of paying the stiffest penalty in the long-running mutual fund trading scandal goes to former investment advisers Harold Baxter and Gary Pilgrim.

Pilgrim Baxter Founders Agree to \$160 Million Settlement


Speculation runs high over which of these companies might buy the Wichita plant -- perhaps by the end of the year. BY MOLLY MCMILLIN.

Four bidders court Boeing


So far, three-year-old Ambient Devices has sold fewer than 60,000 of its products. Yet the company fascinates me because it is working on the frontier of making computers more intuitive.\
<FONT face=

Start-Up Builds Less Demanding Machines


IF Rubens Barrichello had any doubts about the Formula One season being the greatest in Ferrari history, then last evening #39;s Italian Grand Prix blew them away.

Ferrari #39;s best season, says Barrichello


TORONTO -- Stelco Inc. #39;s protection from creditors was extended to Feb. 11 yesterday at a court hearing where lawyers for shareholders and workers ganged up on a bid by Deutsche Bank to refinance the steelmaker.

Court extends Stelco protection


Security researchers have warned of a vulnerability in most web browsers that could let scammers launch phishing attacks from pop-up windows on trusted websites.

Most browser pop-ups open to hijack


AP - The Pro Bowl will remain in Hawaii through 2009 after the state and the NFL reached agreement on a new contract Wednesday.

Deal Reached to Keep Pro Bowl in Hawaii (AP)


The data storage company is selling its Stonehouse Technologies unit for \$6.5 million.

nStor sells off telecoms management unit


First that team wins that thing, now thisPalmOne (PalmSources biggest customer and maker of the Treo 650) appears it really might be planning to use Microsofts WindowsMobile OS in its Treo line of SmartPhones.

PalmOne to make Microsoft WindowsMobile Treo?


Edgerrin James of the Indianapolis Colts may miss Sunday #39;s game against Green Bay. James strained his hamstring in the Colts #39; 31-17 victory over Tennessee yesterday.

Colts #39; James listed as doubtful for Sunday


Scientists from the University of Cambridge and the University of Exeter are suggesting that the evolution of the early Universe was much slower than previously thought.

Puzzle Over Low Galaxy Count


The US Federal Reserve raised US interest rates tonight for a fourth time this year by a quarter percentage point. It cited brightening job prospects, indicating that more increases may lie ahead.

US Fed raises interests rates


BOMBAY : Stand-in captain Adam Gilchrist has said Australia will seek inspiration from their success in Sri Lanka as they attempt to win the first Test series in India in more than three decades.

Cricket: Sri Lanka success to inspire Australia in India Test <b>...</b>


Two of the most powerful forces behind WiMAX, Intel and Craig McCaw #39;s Clearwire start-up, have formed a partnership aiming to accelerate development of 802.

Intel and Clearwire forge WiMAX alliance


JENSON BUTTON might have lost the battle, but last night he appeared to have won the war as David Richards, his boss at BAR Honda, was shown the door.

BAR boss departs as Honda prepare to pass rivals


A federal judge in Virginia has ruled that a trademark infringement suit filed by the Government Employees Insurance Co. (GEICO) against Internet search giants Google and Overture Services can proceed.

Google May Face Another Lawsuit


Whale fossils found with tiny ear bones reveal for the first time how the ancestors of whales and dolphins developed their acute underwater hearing.

Fossils Show How Whales Evolved to Hear Underwater


Sunscreen and floppy hats are the normal tools to fight UV radiation in Australia. Now you can add laundry detergent. By Stephen Leahy.

Getting Burned? Put on a Shirt


If taxes are the price of civilization, election year is the time for bargain hunting. Over the past few months, President Bush and Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

Presidential plans fail on good-tax basics


A widely prescribed arthritis drug withdrawn on safety grounds in September should have been taken off the market several years earlier.

#39;Experts ignored risks of drug #39;


No Americans in the US Open semifinals today, with world No. 1 Roger Federer facing No. 5 Tim Henman, and former champ and No. 4 seed Lleyton Hewitt taking on Swedish upstart No.

Henman Looks to Continue Domination of Federer in US Open <b>...</b>


Baghdad -- Judicial proceedings will begin next week against some of the most senior leaders under former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, Iraq #39;s interim prime minister said Tuesday in a surprising announcement that put the past government #39;s crimes before

Judicial hearings set for Hussein #39;s comrades


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Kmart Holding Corp. <KMRT.O> on Monday  reported its third consecutive quarterly profit as cost cuts  made up for slumping sales, and its cash pile grew to about  \$2.6 billion.

Cost Cuts Help Kmart Post Profit


The US cleaning products maker has agreed to buy back a 29 percent stake from Germany #39;s Henkel KGaA (HNKG_p.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) .

Stocks to Watch on Thursday, October 7


Reuters - Ask Jeeves Inc. , the\third-biggest U.S. Web search provider, late on Monday unveiled\MyJeeves, a new product that helps users personalize their\Internet searches.

Ask Jeeves Launches Personalized Web Search Service (Reuters)


The Diamondbacks will interview Wally Backman for Arizona #39;s managerial position for a second time today. But Diamondbacks GM Joe Garagiola also granted the Mets permission yesterday to speak

Wally in the mix


Details of the role civilian contractors played in the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq sparked fresh debate yesterday about the effectiveness of laws and rules meant to govern workers hired to support the military. <FONT face=

Contractors and the Law


Hewlett-Packard bolstered its security portfolio Tuesday, announcing availability of an identity management product for enterprises and a security management initiative for small and midsize businesses.

HP fine-tunes security management


England's players claim to have been used as

Cricket: England players' dismay


As Afghanistan prepares to swear in its first popularly elected president, Afghan and US forces are launching a winter operation to contain anti-government insurgents threatening the new government.

Security Tight for Afghanistan #39;s Presidential Inauguration


Yahoo has started checking incoming e-mail using DomainKeys, its content-signing e-mail authentication technology, the company said Monday.

Yahoo Begins Using DomainKeys


NEW YORK -

'Jeopardy!' Whiz Mum on Rumored Defeat


NAJAF, Iraq - Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr accepted a peace plan Wednesday that would disarm his militia and remove them from their hideout in a revered shrine, raising hopes of resolving a crisis that has angered many of Iraq's majority Shiites and threatened to undermine the fledgling interim government.    But al-Sadr has made contradictory statements in the past, and aides to the cleric said he still wanted to negotiate details of the deal to end two weeks of fighting between his forces and U.S.-led troops...

Radical Cleric Accepts Najaf Peace Plan


AP - Champion skier Jeremy Bloom told a sympathetic congressional panel Tuesday that the NCAA cut his college football career short without giving him a fair chance to argue his case.

House Panel Tackles NCAA's Sanctions (AP)


In a final statement on a stock-options rule, the Financial Accounting Standards Board says that companies must treat employee stock options as an expense on financial statements beginning in 2005.

Board: Stock Options Must Be Treated as Expenses


LONDON (AP) - Eight suspects, including a man identified in the United States as a senior al-Qaida figure, appeared in court under heavy guard Wednesday as police investigated an alleged plot to commit murder and cause mayhem with chemicals, radioactive ...

8 terror suspects, including alleged al-Qaida figure, charged in Britain


KANSAS CITY, Kan.  A visibly subdued Dale Earnhardt Jr. arrived Friday  quot;feeling a little bit thrown under the bus, quot; he said.

Drivers say points penalty too harsh


AP - The judge deciding whether to suspend the European Union's antitrust order against software giant Microsoft Corp. pending appeal has called an unexpected meeting, two weeks after two longtime backers of the EU's case abruptly pulled out.

Judge in EU-Microsoft Case Calls Meeting (AP)


ALBANY, NY - The Robertson Stevens Investments firm agreed to pay \$30 million to settled allegations it allowed  #39; #39;excessive #39; #39; market timing in its mutual funds, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said Wednesday.

Business Glance


The Este Lauder Companies posted a 22 percent increase in quarterly profit yesterday as higher sales of anti-wrinkle creams, hair-care and cosmetic products offset weaker fragrance purchases.

Profit at Este Lauder Increases 22


General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG are throwing their combined weight behind a new hybrid technology for cars and trucks, setting the stage for what had been a niche product to spread to the mainstream for American consumers.

Rivals Join To Develop Hybrid-Car Technology


New radio and online advertising, which targets children with safety advice when they are most at risk - when they are actually online, was unveiled by Home Office Minister Paul Goggins today.

Protecting Children Online When They are Most at Risk - New


MADISON, Wisconsin (Sports Network) - John Stocco ran for two touchdowns and threw for another score to lead fifth-ranked Wisconsin to a 38-14 win over Minnesota in the Big Ten Conference at Camp Randall Stadium.

Fifth-Ranked Wisconsin Beats Minnesota


SPORTS NETWORK - Oakland Raiders offensive lineman Frank Middleton is expected to miss the remainder of the season because of a torn left quadriceps muscle that will require surgery.

No more Middleton for Raiders


Ahmed Arajah can #39;t help coming down from the hills to his crumbled house to rummage through its charred remains, the cracked plates, the girls #39; shoes and broken oil

Ghost towns bear witness to Sudanese violence


Bill Gates is right about one thing: asking people to use a two-factor form of authentication would go a long way toward alleviating a lot of the password problems that plague computer security today.

Columnists: Bill Gates Is Right?


(Sports Network) - Odalis Perez threw five innings last Thursday against the Diamondbacks before leaving the game with tightness in his biceps.

Los Angeles Dodgers Team Report - September 8


AP - Struggling desperately at quarterback, the Chicago Bears intend to sign veteran Jeff George, a team source said Saturday night.

Source: Bears Intend to Sign QB George (AP)


Clashes with riot police erupt as thousands protest in Seoul against plans to send troops to help US-led forces in Iraq.

Iraq troops move angers S Koreans


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The most wanted Saddam Hussein aide  still on the run in Iraq, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, has not been  captured, Iraq's interior ministry said, adding that medical  checks on a man in custody showed he was not Ibrahim.

Iraq Govt Says Has Not Captured Top Saddam Aide


Japanese stocks rose, led by exporters such as Canon Inc. and Nissan Motor Co., after a slide in oil prices in New York trading eased concern that global economic growth will slow.

Japanese Stocks Rise, Paced by Canon, Nissan as Oil Price Falls


Canadian Press - SHANGHAI, China (AP) - Villagers in an eastern province dug with farm tools Monday to search for 24 people missing in massive landslides unleashed by Typhoon Rananim, which has already been blamed for 115 deaths and is the worst such storm to hit China in seven years.

Chinese dig for villagers buried under landslides after deadly typhoon (Canadian Press)


Retailer GUS will float part of its South African business, the Lewis Group, it says, against a backdrop of investor pressure to release more cash through demergers.

GUS seeks partial Lewis IPO


Verizon Wireless, the largest US mobile-phone operator, said a four-year agreement that would have made it easier for workers to join unions has expired.

Pact to organize workers expires at Verizon Wireless


AFP - US President George W. Bush expressed regret over using the word  quot;crusade quot; to describe the  quot;war on terror quot; he launched after the September 11 attacks by Al-Qaeda.

Bush regrets using the word 'crusade' in war on terror (AFP)


The Gold Glove shortstop and his agent met with Indians general manager Mark Shapiro for an hour on Monday to discuss whether Vizquel will be with Cleveland next year.

Indians meet with Vizquel over next year


SunGard Data Systems Inc. (SDS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said it would spin off its data recovery business, sending its stock up 11 percent to a four-month high.

SunGard to Spin Off Data Recovery Unit


Vivendi Universal posted a first-half net loss Tuesday that almost doubled to 1.86 billion, as it was hit by currency translation losses linked to its entertainment deal with NBC.

NBC deal hits Vivendi #39;s results


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bed Bath   Beyond Inc. <A HREF=

Bed Bath   Beyond Profit Up, Shares Fall


That was one thing Jim Fassel wanted from his offense when he was head coach of the Giants. Break the huddle, get to the line of scrimmage, run the play, back to the huddle, back to the line, run the next play .

Giants just can #39;t get the offense moving


The new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur has been described by a former colleague as a  quot;football animal quot;. Martin Jol, 48, takes over from the departed Jacques Santini and is a man who  quot;eats, thinks and sleeps football quot;.

#39;Football animal #39; steps up


Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world #39;s largest retailer, plans to open as many as 295 stores in the US in 2005. The retailer will open 40 to 45 discount stores and 240 to 250 supercenters, which

Wal-Mart Plans to Open as Many as 295 US Stores Next Year


AP - Online DVD rental leader Netflix Inc. is putting social networking on its marquee of coming attractions for next year.

Netflix Testing Networking System (AP)


AFP - OPEC will mull raising its oil output quota by up to one million barrels per day at a meeting in a largely symbolic gesture as members are already pumping far above the 26 million ceiling.

OPEC ministers to mull output quota hike by up to one million barrels (AFP)


AFP - Endless money forms the sinews of war, Cicero once said, but it may also be the dividend of peace -- especially for gamblers who can now place bets online on the person or organisation they think is going to be named the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner on Friday.

Gamblers hope to hit the Nobel Peace Prize jackpot (AFP)


IBM said that its Blue Gene/L supercomputer trumps the performance of SGI #39;s recently announced Columbia system installed at NASA by more than 65 percent.

IBM claims supercomputing crown


AP - A Senate committee voted Wednesday to scuttle new rules that critics say would deny overtime pay to millions of workers, as Democrats won the latest round in their election-year bout with President Bush over the issue.

Senate Panel Votes to Derail New OT Rules (AP)


RUPERT Murdoch is literally buying back the farm - and the art and other myriad investments worth more than \$50 million. As part of the proposed move of The News Corporation Ltd to the US, Mr Murdoch and his

Rupert buys back the farm, the art and harbourside house


NewsFactor - Over the last several weeks, NewsFactor has looked at ten of the market's best-known and most sought-after business computers. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The difficult part is finding the one that strikes the best balance between merits and flaws.

Product Review: Business PC Roundup - Part 2 (NewsFactor)


Bobby Jackson hit a pair of late three-pointers Sunday to lift the Sacramento Kings to a 91-89 preseason victory over the Houston Rockets, as the NBA wrapped up its first games in China.

Kings beat Rockets 91-89 in NBA Beijing game


Some people have a great excuse for being bad at math -- their language lacks the words for most numbers, US-based researchers reported on Thursday.

Brazil Tribe Has Great Excuse for Poor Math Skills


Even as many online marketing companies struggle to comply with recent federal legislation governing unsolicited commercial e-mail -- spam to you and me -- new state and federal legislation addresses another online blight: spyware. From California to Washington, D.C., lawmakers are lining up for the chance to smack down this bothersome byproduct of online commerce.

Spyware vs. spyware


With yesterday #39;s report on its athletic department violations completed, the University of Washington says it is pleased to be able to move forward.

A forward pass


TORONTO (CP) - Canada #39;s rich are getting richer, according to Canadian Business magazine #39;s sixth annual Rich 100, a ranking of Canada #39;s wealthiest citizens that hits newsstands Monday.

Canada #39;s rich getting richer, Canadian Business ranks 100 <b>...</b>


The move by Bush administration officials could boost America's image abroad, but institutions like the World Bank fear it could leave them strapped for cash.

U.S. Wants to Cancel Poorest Nations' Debt


Manufacturing in the nation accelerated in August and September, supporting Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan's view that the economy  quot;regained some traction. quot;

Manufacturing accelerates


Lawyers for Martha Stewart told a federal appeals court that she suffered a  quot;fundamentally unfair quot; trial at the hands of prosecutors who incorrectly suggested she was accused of insider trading.

Update 1: Stewart Asks Court to Overturn Conviction


Computers built with Advanced Micro Devices #39; Opteron processor soon will be able to take advantage of the same power management technology the company has already built into its laptop and desktop microchips.

AMD Improves Opteron #39;s Power


Identity theft meets the global virus epidemic, enabling fraud that finally gets people's attention.

Columnists: Online Theft


Advocates for preserving a major league baseball team in Washington, DC, said Friday that their strategy involves trying to convince DC Council chairwoman Linda W. Cropp that the city is committed to attracting private stadium financing on its own without

DC works to find stadium financing


AP - NBA commissioner David Stern believes the Sacramento Kings will secure funding for a new arena in plenty of time to prevent the team from leaving Northern California.

Stern Likes Latest Arena Plan for Kings (AP)


Civilians and soldiers living abroad face an unwieldy system of absentee balloting that could prevent their votes from being counted.

Hurdles Remain for U.S. Voters Living Overseas


The UN refugee chief is to have what could be stormy talks with Sudan officials after proposing autonomy for Darfur.

Lubbers set for new Darfur talks


Reuters - Romanians anxiously awaited an\official count on Monday to reveal who will be their next\president after exit polls from Sunday's run-off vote put Prime\Minister Adrian Nastase and centrist opposition leader Traian\Basescu neck-and-neck.

Romania Anxiously Awaits Presidential Run-Off Count (Reuters)


New York Mets Manager Art Howe has been told he will be dismissed at the end of the season, but he has agreed to remain with the team until then.

Howe to be dismissed, but stays with team


The Boston College and University of Maine men's hockey teams made up half of last season's Frozen Four, and at least in the pollsters' eyes, they're good bets to make it back there.

BC, Maine: Chosen two


The release of Kenyan truckers held hostage by Iraqi militants yesterday was negotiated by an Egyptian troubleshooter, experienced in hostage negotiations, the East African Standard has learnt.

Iraqi Militants Free Truck Drivers At Last


By refusing to sack controversial new justice commissioner Rocco Buttiglione, the new Brussels chief may face a protest vote in the European Parliament next Wednesday.

#39;Bricolage #39; Barroso takes high risk EU gamble


AP - The San Francisco Giants recalled right-handers Jesse Foppert, David Aardsma and outfielder Todd Linden from Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday.

Giants Call Up RHP Foppert, Three Others (AP)


As expected, two teams from the same state sit atop the Atlantic Coast Conference football standings with less than a month to play.

State of Virginia, not Florida, setting pace


David Blunkett #39;s resignation this evening could mark the end of one of the most extraordinary political careers, which saw the former home secretary overcome disability and poverty to rise to one of the great offices of state.

Hard act to follow


Reuters - Telecommunications equipment maker\Motorola Inc.  said on Tuesday that it would cut 1,000\jobs and take related charges of about  #36;50 million to focus on\its wireless business.

Motorola to Cut 1,000 Jobs (Reuters)


Having effectively decided all but the final piece in his England jigsaw, Sven-Goran Eriksson at least finds himself confronted with a wealth of potential selection options.

Just One Piece Missing from England Jigsaw


Foodland Associated Ltd., which owns supermarkets in Australia and New Zealand, said second-half profit rose 8 percent, boosted by sales of property to a real estate investment trust and reduced borrowing costs.

Foodland 2nd-Half Profit Rises 8 on One-Time Gains (Update1)


Ford Motor posted weaker U.S. vehicle sales for August today and cut its fourth-quarter production. Chrysler posted a fifth straight month of stronger results.

Ford Cuts Production While Chrysler's Sales Rise


A failed European mission to land a probe on Mars last year was hampered by late funding from the British government and tensions between groups conducting the flight, a parliamentary committee said Tuesday.

Failed Mars Probe Blamed on Lack of Funds


Last week #39;s basketball brawl in Detroit, triggered by an on-court fight that spilled into the stands when a fan tossed a drink, has set the sports world buzzing.

Bonham and Hinchey: Fans and players alike should embrace civility


PeopleSoft Inc. #39;s board voted on Oct. 11 to change its controversial customer protection program to help it pass muster in a Delaware court battle with would-be acquirer, Oracle Corp.

PeopleSoft board amends \$2 billion customer rebate program


Chinese officials urged Russias biggest oil exporter Yukos Oil Company to stand by its earlier commitments to export crude oil to China.

China Asks Yukos to Honor its Contracts


Although close on 100,000 people downloaded the free screensaver, it received a great deal of criticism. Many believed it lowered itself to the tactics of the spammers themselves and could have caused more problems than it solved.

Lycos Europe anti-spam Screensaver bites the dust!


PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - Ben Roethlisberger passed for 183  yards and two touchdowns, Hines Ward scored twice and the  Pittsburgh Steelers rolled to a convincing 27-3 victory over  Philadelphia on Sunday for their second straight win against an  undefeated opponent.

NFL Wrap: Roethlisberger Keeps the Steelers Rolling


Ask the question a dozen times and you #39;ll get a dozen answers. Or a dozen shrugs, because nobody really knows. Every two years at the Ryder Cup, the Americans send out a team that looks, on paper, unbeatable.

Ryder Cup underdogs pack a bite


Ron Zook, head coach of University of Florida football, has been fired, according to ESPN and First Coast News in Jacksonville, Fla.

UF Fires Coach Zook, ESPN Says


Updated from 12:51 pm ESTWithin hours of the announcement that antivirus maker Symantec (SYMC:Nasdaq) and software storage vendor Veritas (VRTS:Nasdaq) would merge, skeptical investors shaved about a billion dollars off the value of the all-stock deal.

Boobirds Batter Symantec-Veritas


WordsWorth Books, a fixture in Harvard Square for nearly three decades, will be closing its doors Saturday after its owners failed to find an investor to help them refinance their bankrupt company.

WordsWorth Books' final chapter is Saturday


Talking kitchens and vanities. Musical jump ropes and potty seats. Blusterous miniature leaf blowers and vacuum cleaners -- almost as loud as the real things.

High-Volume Toys Called a  Hazard


LAS VEGAS -- Danny Williams insists he has not compromised his speed after tipping the scales at 270 pounds. Williams will need to prove that Saturday night when he tries to take the WBC heavyweight title from Vitali Klitschko at Mandalay Bay.

Vitali feels strong; Danny heavy


The Dow Jones industrial average  lt;.DJI gt; rose 162.20 points, or 1.56 percent, to 10,590.22. The Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 Index  lt;.

Business ; Stocks Surge as Oil Slumps


AP - Alex Rodriguez was called out for interference when he swatted at Boston pitcher Bronson Arroyo's glove and knocked the ball loose during a play near first base in the eighth inning of Game 6 of the AL championship series Tuesday night.

A-Rod Called Out in Strange Running Play (AP)


SPYWARE COMPANY executive Sanford Wallace and his two companies, Seismic Entertainment Productions and SmartBot.Net will be the first to have the dubious honour of being charged by the FTC.

FTC swoops on spyware bloke


GUANTANAMO BAY US NAVAL BASE: US military authorities yesterday defended the special trials for war on terror detainees that start this week as they stepped up security at the Guantanamo Bay base in Cuba for the hearings.

Guantanamo alert for terror hearings


GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Hamas threatened revenge after an Israeli helicopter blew up a car on a busy Gaza City street, killing a Hamas militant who was involved in making and firing rockets at Israeli towns.    Six bystanders were wounded, two of them seriously, hospital officials said...

Israeli Missile Kills Senior Hamas Leader


TORONTO - Barrick Gold Corp., the world #39;s second-largest producer of gold, reported slightly lower third-quarter earnings due to lower sales and higher costs, partly offset by higher gold prices.

Barrick Gold Earnings Fall on Lower Sales


Reuters - Japan's Crown Princess Masako, who\officials say is suffering from a mental disorder caused by the\stress of adapting to royal life, may emerge from months of\seclusion in September to attend a wedding in the tiny\southeast Asian nation of Brunei, a court official said on\Tuesday.

Stressed, Depressed Japan Princess May Visit Brunei (Reuters)


By Alan Sayre    NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The operator of a gambling news site on the Internet has asked a federal judge to declare that advertisements in U.S. media for foreign online casinos and sports betting outlets are protected by free-speech rights...

Free-Speech Protection Sought for Internet Casino Ads


Well, theres at least one person who isnt trying to figure out whether Roger Federer could one day complete a Grand Slam or match Pete Sampras career record of 14 major titles: Federer himself.

Federer breezes to third Slam event


Barcelona, Spain (Sports Network) - Barcelona #39;s Brazilian defender Edmilson will be out for six months after undergoing surgery Monday on his right knee.

Barca #39;s Edmilson becomes next casualty


Reuters - Revenge feels sweet, and Swiss\researchers said on Thursday they have the brain scans to prove\it.

Revenge Really Is Sweet, Study Shows (Reuters)


What: MIAA Division 1A Super Bowl. Where: Bentley College in Waltham. When: Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Last meeting: Sept. 17 (a 21-7 A-B win).

Chelmsford (10-2) vs. A-B (12-0)


With the game set in the early 1990 #39;s, the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas soundtrack will feature a large variety of tracks spanning the FM radio dial of the West Coast during this particularly influential period in American music and culture.

Rockstar Games and Interscope Records Reveal Grand Theft Auto: San <b>...</b>


Thefts of British birds' eggs reached a record low in 2003, according to a report from the RSPB.

Bird nest thefts at record UK low


Scotland manager Berti Vogts declared he does not expect to be sacked following Saturday #39;s 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Norway.

Vogts remains optimistic


AP - Tom Watson is tired of wincing every time he hits a golf ball. His right shoulder is aching and his left hip is ailing, so the five-time British Open champion will take a lengthy break from the game and have surgery after playing in the Constellation Energy Classic this weekend.

Watson Plays Last Tourney Before Surgery (AP)


The new European commission will start work on Monday after its incoming president, Jos Manuel Barroso, won the guarantee of substantial support for his team last night by making further concessions to the European parliament.

Barroso heading for victory in commission vote


AP - For anyone unhappy that Kurt Busch is the new Nextel Cup champion, Jack Roush has some advice: Get used to it.

NASCAR Champ Busch Hopes to Draw New Fans (AP)


The company that owns the Wall Street Journal has agreed to pay \$519 million to buy the financial news Web site CBS MarketWatch. The weekend deal, which came after an auction that included bidders like Viacom

Dow Jones to buy MarketWatch for \$519M


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks closed higher on Monday as  a dramatically raised price target for Apple Computer Inc.  shares spilled over to other technology stocks, and a rally in  crude oil stalled as traders took profits.

U.S. Stocks, Bonds Rise, Oil, Dollar Fall


PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodia's efforts to choose a  successor to King Norodom Sihanouk after his surprise  abdication cleared a last legal hurdle on Monday when the  country's top constitutional body ruled the process valid.

Cambodian Royal Succession Clears Last Legal Hurdle


While the rest of the country frets over surging energy prices, a small but growing group of businesses is fueling a boom of sorts in the US oil patch.

A Gusher Of Cash For Domestic Drilling


POWAY, Calif. -- The man whose firm built the engine expected to power SpaceShipOne into suborbital space today plans to build his own craft and compete with his more celebrated partners, Paul Allen and Burt Rutan, for the extraterrestrial turf.

Allen-Rutan partner aims high


Reuters - Intense competition has depressed prices of everything from washing machines to refrigerators in India, dampening the spirits, and profits, of durable goods makers as they prepare for the busy festival season.

Festivals may not cheer durable goods makers (Reuters)


Pope John Paul has traveled to Italy #39;s Adriatic coast northeast of Rome to beatify two devout Italians and a Spaniard who lived and died in the 20th century, placing them on the road to sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Beatifies Three on Adriatic Coast


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Washington is putting subtle, but real pressure on Canada to join a proposed missile defence system that won't work anyway, an American scientist says. Ted Postol, a physicist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, says U.S. authorities warn that Canada will lose its say in continental defence if it takes a pass on the missile system.

U.S. expert says Canadians should know missile defence won't work (Canadian Press)


Ashburn, VA (Sports Network) - Washington Redskins star linebacker LaVar Arrington will miss his fourth straight game after having right knee surgery last month.

Redskins #39; Arrington out for Sunday


They partied in the streets yesterday in the Dominican Republic, where the president declared a national holiday after Anaheim #39;s Vladimir Guerrero won the American

Guerrero wins by country mile


AP - Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said Wednesday the economy has

Greenspan: Economy Regaining Some Traction (AP)


Blackburn have started the search for a successor to Graeme Souness, with the club revealing they have received 20 serious applications for the post.

Rovers begin boss search


A large crowd did during a chilly night in Tokyo--but this one was different. This one was Sony #39;s first handheld game machine, a PlayStation Portable, and about 200,000 sold when it went on sale Sunday morning.

Would You Stand in Line for a Playstation?


More than gladly, the Tigers left the excitement of Fenway Park and headed for the quiet of Kansas City. The nation may not be pining for yet another Tigers-Royals series, but the Tigers sure are.

Tigers glad to leave Boston after one-sided sweep