CHARLOTTE -- Reynolds American reports a third-quarter profit of \$339 million in its first earnings report since the combination of RJ Reynolds and the US operations of Brown and Williamson Tobacco.

Reynolds American Reports First Earnings Since Merger With B amp;W


Yahoo has announced it will join the fray with a new desktop product based on technology from X1 Technologies. Yahoo said it plans to launch a beta version of a new Yahoo Desktop Search tool in the coming

Yahoo adds fuel to desktop search rush


Microsoft Corp.s proprietary new search engine is scheduled to go live today in a beta version, at beta.search.msn.com. Like its rival, Google.

MSN Search debuts today


Manning threw four touchdown passes and Vanderjagt kicked a 35-yard field goal with two seconds left to give the Colts a 31-to-28 win over Minnesota.

Colts 31, Vikings 28


Late last night, the High Court was hearing an application to sack three members of Vector #39;s owner, the Auckland Energy Consumer Trust, following an earlier breakaway meeting on a deal to partially privatise the company.

Fight over Vector goes to court


All Derek Lowe could do last night was wait and hope. When the baseball gods finally smiled on the Red Sox one more time, extending the season another

It looks like Lowe for Game 7


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened slightly lower on  Monday as chip maker Intel Corp. <A HREF=

Stocks Open Lower; Intel, Oil Stocks Down


The packaging and shipping company plans to upgrade readers it #39;s testing to the next-generation, multiprotocol technology. By Elena Malykhina.

UPS Steps Up RFID Efforts


Pacific Rim Bureau (CNSNews.com) - Highlighting a growing assertiveness and sense of national identity, a new opinion survey has found that a large majority of Taiwanese consider the island to be independent and sovereign.

Majority of Taiwanese See Island as Independent, Sovereign


Gamers are getting their hands on encrypted copies of the eagerly awaited Half-Life 2 game.

Players prepare for Half-Life 2


More than a decade after thousands of construction workers began flocking to the Big Dig, Boston's \$14.6 billion roadway project is winding down -- and so are the jobs.

Big Dig jobs are nearing end of road


Crime has been a serious social problem for a long time.  Many crime-fighting methods have been tried, from more police on the streets to education to family values but none have been able to totally eliminate the problem.

A new, innovative way to fight crime


Stars, a plump, white-feathered turkey from Rocky Point Farm in Carthage, Mo., looks around the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington just before he was granted the traditional Thanksgiving season pardon by President Bush, Nov. 24, 2003 file photo.

Team Uses Biotech to Build a Better Turkey


The U.K. government is under fire from Parliament over IT system failures at the Department of Work and Pensions' Child Support Agency and what members see as secrecy surrounding government efforts to identify and fix problems.

U.K. officials criticize secrecy in EDS system probe


A plan by Australia to extend its maritime security zone into New Zealand territorial waters has taken New Zealand by surprise. Australia #39;s Prime Minister John Howard says ships destined for Australia could

NZ in the dark over security plan


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Davids of the stock market are  beating the Goliaths again.

Small-Caps Still Outperform Large-Caps


AP - Growing up in a small Oklahoma town, Jason White would try to throw a football through a tire. Usually, he'd miss. But there was this consolation: He sure could run.

Oklahoma's White Could Win Second Heisman (AP)


Moss ran on a treadmill and missed his third straight practice. Coach Mike Tice said his star receiver looked  quot;pretty good quot; and would do more work on Oct. 23.

Vikings WR Moss tests injured hamstring


The absolute price of oil has reached a new high. The growth     of the economies in China, India and the rest of Asia are increasing the demand     for oil. There are production problems in Venezuela (strikes and sabotage), Norway (strikes), Nigeria (civil war), Iraq (sabotage) and Russia (internal politics). Hurricane Ivan and other hurricanes this year disrupted     production in the Gulf of Mexico and transportation of oil in the Atlantic.     In the next decade Eastern Europe will also require more oil to feed its growing economies. The price of crude oil has led to     prices of above \$55 a barrel and lifted heating oil to a record and     natural gas to a 20-month high. Though prices may eventually fall a bit, they are likely to remain higher than we were once     accustomed.    However, all is not gloom and doom.

High Oil Prices Might Be A Blessing In Disguise


SEPTEMBER 03, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - IBM is recalling about 225,000 AC power adapters for its laptop computers due to concerns about possible fire and electrical shock hazards.

IBM recalls 225,000 ThinkPad power adapters due to fire hazard


AP - With more than 1,200 Muslims and Arab-Americans taken into custody after the Sept. 11 attacks, and a U.S.-led war raging in Iraq, many Muslims oppose George Bush in the November presidential election. But their voting for John Kerry is not a slam-dunk, either.

Muslims Could Prove Crucial in Election (AP)


AP - Microsoft Corp. developed policies stressing the systematic destruction of internal e-mails and other documents crucial to lawsuits it has faced in recent years, a California software company alleges.

Microsoft Accused of Destroying E-Mails (AP)


Earth's magnetic field has flipped many times over the last billion years. But only recently have scientists developed computer models to reveal how these reversals occur.

Why Does Earth's Magnetic Field Flip?


WASHINGTON -- Congress guaranteed the flow of Internet aid to schools and libraries and provided federal funds to upgrade emergency 911 services for calls from mobile phones in a communications bill approved Wednesday and sent to the president for his

Congress to back aid for Internet schools


Police agencies around the country may soon be able to equip street corners with microphones and video cameras to fight gun-related crime.

When Shots Ring Out, a Listening Device Acts as Witness


KABUL In his inaugural address last week, President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan laid out his priorities for the next five years. Chief among them was stopping the country #39;s growing drug trade.

Afghanistan: Where the enemy is a flower


Shares in Royal Dutch/Shell have risen in Amsterdam and London, lifted by speculation that investors will increase their holdings in the stock to reflect its unified structure.

Shell buoyed by hopes for heftier index weighting


It was all very well for Senator John F. Kerry to say he would open bilateral talks with North Korea should he win November #39;s election, but the Democratic

Kerry #39;s Policies and Views on North Korea Questioned


New NavOne offers handy PDA and Pocket PC connectivity, but fails to impress on everything else.

First Look: Cobra's Imperfect Portable Automobile GPS


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States declared on  Thursday that the violence in Sudan's Darfur region amounted to  genocide and urged the world to back an expanded African  peacekeeping force to halt the bloodshed.

Bush Declares Genocide in Sudan's Darfur


ABIDJAN, Nov 12 (AFP) - The top French soldier in Ivory Coast has confirmed that women were raped in anti-French violence that has erupted in the volatile west African nation over the last week.

French women raped in I Coast violence


REAL, Philippines -- Rescuers are battling to reach thousands of people left stranded in the Philippines, where storms have left 1,000 people dead or missing.

Philippines: 1,000 dead or missing


CD Chivas USA made Los Angeles Galaxy forward Arturo Torres the first player chosen Friday in the Major League Soccer Expansion draft.

Torres goes first as Chivas USA choses Hispanics in MLS expansion <b>...</b>


A #39;s general manager Billy Beane might not stop with his trade of ace right-hander Tim Hudson. Beane figures to make at least one more significant deal this off-season, and one of his two prized left-handers

Zito, Mulder may be on trading block too


The United States said on Friday it is preparing a new UN resolution on Darfur and that US Secretary of State Colin Powell might address next week whether the violence in western Sudan constitutes genocide.

US mulls new Darfur resolution


AP - The Internet's key oversight agency gave a preliminary nod Monday to new domain names targeting mobile services and the jobs market.

ICANN Gives Preliminary OK to 2 Domains (AP)


Rescate writes  quot;As reported by Reuters,Google is launching Google Print, which will show book excerpts next to regular Google search results.

Google Launches Google Print


Tight end Benjamin Watson's season was doomed from the outset. Not only did Watson hold out of training camp and part ways with agent Tom Condon , who wanted him to hold firm on his wish for a five-year rookie contract rather than the six-year deal he ultimately signed, but now Watson's season is over after the team ...

Watson placed on IR


PITTSBURGH They have a rookie at quarterback and a 32-year-old plowhorse at running back, but the numbers insist we ought to be taking the Pittsburgh Steelers seriously as potential Super Bowl champions.

Steelers are built to win the hard way


SAN FRANCISCO--Hewlett-Packard plans to give customers a new weapon against viruses: Software that crimps their spread. Early next year, the computer maker will begin selling software designed to slow the

HP to launch  #39;virus-throttling #39; software


SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oracle Corp.'s <A HREF=

PeopleSoft Ousts CEO Amid Oracle Battle


Bank of America Corp. (BAC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the No. 3 US bank, on Thursday said third-quarter profit rose 29 percent, helped by its purchase of FleetBoston Financial Corp.

Bank of America Profit Up 29 Percent


SINGAPORE Singapore Telecommunications said Thursday that profit in the second quarter of its fiscal year rose 62 percent from a year earlier as it signed up more mobile phone subscribers in Australia and cut expenses for takeovers.

Australian unit lifts profit at SingTel


Germany #39;s Ralf Schumann Saturday claimed his third Olympic gold when he won the men #39;s 25 metres rapid pistol event scoring 694.

Germany #39;s Schumann wins pistol gold :


ATHENS, Greece - Michael Phelps had a front-row seat at the pool, and made Olympic history without ever getting wet. Decked out in a white shirt, khaki shorts and flip-flops, Phelps led cheers and waved an American flag while his teammates did all the work in the 400-meter individual medley Saturday night...

Phelps Has Front-Row Seat for Record Swim


Brazil will limit United Nations #39; access to a uranium enrichment plant as US Secretary of State Colin Powell visits the country to press for unimpeded inspections, the country #39;s ambassador in Washington said.

Brazil to Limit Uranium Plant Access as Powell Visits (Update1)


Like so much else they consider beyond their control, Palestinians in Nablus are adjusting to the prospect of Yasir Arafat's death.

Odd Question on West Bank: Who Is Arafat, Really?


... People do. Or at least that's what two makers of file-sharing software argued successfully in federal court, shifting the balance in the Internet piracy wars away from the Hollywood and the RIAA. <FONT face=

Software Doesn't Break Laws...


BusinessWeek Online - Mike Lazaridis and James L. Balsillie, the co-CEOs of Research in Motion Ltd. (RIM.) (RIM), have plenty of reason to feel on top of the world. After 20 years spent in the quiet university town of Waterloo, Ont., developing technology to deliver wireless e-mail, their BlackBerry gizmo is an outright phenom. What the iPod is to mobile music lovers, the BlackBerry is to workers on the go. For the fiscal year ending in February, company sales should more than double, to  #36;1. ...

The Squeeze On BlackBerry (BusinessWeek Online)


Throughput Computing is the underlying strategy of Sun #39;s new family of UltraSPARC processors designed to significantly increase real-world application performance.

Sun Drives Multithreaded Processor Innovation with New UltraSPARC <b>...</b>


AP - Hundreds of tribesmen gathered Tuesday near the area where suspected al-Qaida-linked militants are holding two Chinese engineers and demanding safe passage to their reputed leader, a former U.S. prisoner from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, officials and residents said.

Tribesmen Press for Hostages' Release (AP)


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Tyson Foods Inc <A HREF=

'Price Fatigue' Hurting Beef Sales-Tyson


MIAMI (Ticker) - The winless Miami Dolphins signed kicker Matt Bryant on Wednesday and announced sidelined running back Lamar Gordon had successful surgery on his shoulder.

Dolphins sign Matt Bryant


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Curse of the Bambino may have  ended this year but Babe Ruth proved to have plenty of clout at  the auction table as the bat he used to hit the first homer at  Yankee Stadium sold for \$1.265 million on Thursday.

Babe Ruth Bat Still Has Clout, Sells for \$1.26 Million


PC World - We test this next-generation DVD technology, and get mixed results.

Blu-ray Disc Goes Home (PC World)


Pro baseball: Red Sox vs. Texas at Fenway Park, 1 p.m.; International League: Pawtucket vs. Rochester at McCoy Stadium, Pawtucket, R.I., 6 p.m.; Eastern League: Portland vs. New Hampshire at Hadlock Field, Portland, Maine, 6 p.m.; Atlantic League: Nashua vs. Newark at Holman Stadium, Nashua, 6:30 p.m.; Northeast League: Brockton at Bangor, 6:30 p.m.; Eastern League: Altoona at New Britain, ...

Today's schedule


Disgraced Romanian striker Adrian Mutu has blasted English Premier League side Chelsea for their haste in sacking him after he tested positive for a banned substance.

Chelsea have destroyed me, complains Mutu


Russian Dinara Safina stormed into the second round of the China Open Monday, the day after big brother Marat Safin won the men #39;s title.

Safina Extends Family Run in China


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Clothing maker and retailer Liz  Claiborne Inc. on Thursday posted a 14 percent increase in  third-quarter earnings, helped by its acquisition of ENYCE and  solid sales of brands such as Juicy Couture.

Liz Claiborne Earns Up, Raises Forecast


The Iraqi government tonight accepted a peace deal brokered by Iraqs top Shiite cleric to end weeks of devastating violence in the holy city of Najaf, State Minister Qassim Dawoud said.

Iraqi government accepts peace deal


Lebanese opposition parties join forces for the first time to counter Syria's influence over Lebanese politics.

Lebanese groups unite over Syria


Reuters - The parliament\of Montenegro on Tuesday opposed government plans to build a\dam that would flood part of the Tara River canyon, the deepest\and longest canyon in Europe.

Montenegro MPs Oppose Plan to Flood Tara Gorge (Reuters)


Abu Ali Mustafa groups, the military wing of the People #39;s Front For The Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) claimed responsibility for the Palestinian Tel Aviv operation which resulted in killing four Israelis and injuring more than 40.

Palestinian People #39;s front claims responsibility for Tel Aviv <b>...</b>


Antivirus company offers improved anti-spyware app to users for a fee.

McAfee Enhances Spyware Protection


THE ASIAN Development Bank (ADB) said it has raised its GDP growth forecast for China to 8.8 percent from 8.3 percent, but slightly scaled down next year #39;s projection for the world #39;s fastest-growing economy to 8.0 percent from 8.2 percent.

ADB lifts China 2004 GDP growth forecast to 8.8


The creation of the first international law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers on both sides of the Atlantic will be announced on Monday, in a move expected to trigger more

DLA joins US firm in landmark law merger


Philips might have started selling PCs again, but they are still outsourcing their internal PC needs. And Dell is the lucky one to get the deal worth around USD 700 millions!

Dell gets Philips order


TOKYO Japan #39;s deadliest typhoon in more than two decades killed at least 62 people and left 27 missing before veering out to sea north of Tokyo on Thursday, according to media reports.

Typhoon paralyzes wide area of Japan


Cisco Systems this week said it had co-developed with Microsoft an application that helps small and medium-sized businesses connect Microsoft #39;s customer relation management

Cisco offers IP connector for Microsoft CRM


CAIRO: Egypt announced yesterday it had arrested five of the nine men who bombed Red Sea resorts almost three weeks ago, saying the attackers used stolen cars packed with old war-time explosives and a washing-machine timer.

Five held for Sinai bombings


In the wake of three explosions that had killed at least 35 people in Egypt #39;s Sinai Desert, Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom on Friday asked his Egyptian counterpart to help rescue Israeli wounded.

Israeli FM asks Egypt to help rescue Israeli wounded


ATHENS (Reuters) - Yuliya Nesterenko of Belarus sped to an  unexpected victory in the women's 100 meter final at the Athens  Olympics Saturday.

Nesterenko Speeds to Win in Women's 100-Meter Final


Shouts of joy from excited schoolboys greeted the arrival of an Israeli convoy on its entry to a Palestinian town where visitors from the Jewish state are usually soldiers searching for militants.

Israeli Lions Symbols of Peace at Palestinian Zoo


It was not easy for Nikolay Kurmakov to leave the country where he was a national champion rower, enjoying as good a life as there was to be had in the old Soviet Union.

From Russia with oar


InfoWorld - IBM Rational on Wednesday plans to flesh out complete plans for the upcoming IBM Software Development Platform, code-named  #8220;Atlantic. #8221;

IBM #8217;s Atlantic tools platform set to sail (InfoWorld)


Some customers had trouble reaching Amazon.com's Web site on Monday in what analysts described as probable technical difficulties for the world's largest online retailer during the crucial holiday selling season.

Amazon.com Experiences Sporadic Outage


ATHENS, Greece - LeBron James eyed Shawn Marion's pass coming toward him and made a split-second decision to redirect the ball. One nifty touch pass later, Dwyane Wade converted it into a layup...

Dream Team Pulls Away to Beat Australia


Junior amateur Aaron Woodard learned one of golf #39;s truisms this weekend at the First Tee Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links.  quot;The better you putt, the lower your score, quot; Woodard said.

Stadler partners up


TEHRAN: Iran pledged yesterday it was still committed to suspending parts of its sensitive nuclear activities as of today and that alarm over its last minute uranium conversion activities was merely US  quot;propaganda quot;.

Iran stands by nuclear pledge


Canadian Press - SASKATOON (CP) - Saskatchewan became the seventh Canadian jurisdiction to allow same-sex marriages Friday after a judge ruled the current federal law on the subject unconstitutional.

Saskatchewan court rules traditional definition of marriage unconstitutional (Canadian Press)


WALL Street opened higher today on the heels of last week #39;s closing rally, with investors awaiting the latest snapshot on US factory orders.

Wall Street opens higher


Claiming grid technology continues to expand outside its traditional scientific and research markets, IBM on Friday is announcing that several grid-based commercial projects built on IBM platforms have been launched, including one at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

IBM registers grid computing wins


Washington - With the US economy expanding at a respectable pace, companies hiring and consumers inclined to spend, Federal Reserve policy makers can feel comfortable about boosting short-term interest rates for a fourth time this year.

US economy can manage a rise in rates, say economists


Agra/New Delhi, Sept. 27 (NNN): The celebrations for the 350th anniversary of the historic Taj Mahal ran into a snag on Monday with the Supreme Court declining to give permission to hold any such event near the 17th century monument during the night.

SC Puts Spoke In Taj Mahals 350th Celebrations


For a few hours Friday night, the Braves pushed aside events of a lousy week and got back to playing like a team with aspirations greater that a first-round exit from the playoffs.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


She hugs strangers, has a ready smile and bubbles with optimism. Don't be fooled by that benign exterior, says the Venezuelan government, which describes Maria Corina Machado as a committed subversive intent on ousting leftist President Hugo Chavez.

Venezuela Activist Faces Imprisonment


WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said Tuesday it will take up the constitutionality of Ten Commandments displays on government land and buildings, a surprise announcement that puts justices in the middle of a politically sensitive issue.    Justices have repeatedly refused to revisit issues raised by their 1980 decision that banned the posting of copies of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms...

Supreme Court to Hear Commandments Case


Kimi Raikkonen completed the formalities with his now customary Friday flourish. Just as he did in Hungary, Raikkonen ended the first day of practice at the top of the

Raikkonen looks to add consistency


SEOUL (Reuters) - A global oversupply of large-sized liquid  crystal displays (LCDs) is forecast to peak in the third  quarter of this year, but it will balance out by the fourth  quarter, a U.S.-based research firm said on Friday.

Global LCD Oversupply to Peak in Q3


quot;Consumers are telling us that they don #39;t want to be tied to the room where their PC lives to look at their digital pictures or view a program recorded on their Media Center PC, quot; Joe Belfiore

Microsoft Wires XP to TV with Media Center


A damaged Albanian car is seen in central Athens, early Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004 . Greek and Albanians soccer fans fought across the country, following a loss by European champion Greece in a World Cup qualifier in Tirana.

A damaged Albanian car is


NEWNAN, Ga. - Across the Bible Belt this Halloween, some little ghosts and goblins might get shooed away by the neighbors - and some youngsters will not be allowed to go trick-or-treating at all - because the holiday falls on a Sunday this year...

Sunday Halloween Irks Some in Bible Belt


Escalating oil prices and global warming concerns have shifted the quest for renewable energy sources into high gear. While wind and solar claim most of the attention, the dark horse in this race may be the restless energy of the sea. By Stephen Leahy.

Seas Seen as Viable Power Source


Six New England steel-working firms have filed an antitrust lawsuit against one of Boston's most powerful and politically connected unions, alleging that the labor group has conspired to shut out nonunion companies from major construction projects in the region.

Nonunion firms hit ironworkers with suit


AP - Iraq's national air carrier began flying direct routes to Saudi Arabia on Monday for the Hajj, the first time it has done so since the fall of Saddam Hussein, the Transportation Ministry said.

Pilgrims Flying Direct From Iraq for Hajj (AP)


Reuters - U.S. construction spending fell\unexpectedly by 0.4 percent in November, as a cooling in\residential construction overpowered a small rise in public\spending, a government report showed on Monday.

US Construction Spending Down in Nov (Reuters)


THE High Court has thrown out a 230m damages claim brought by City stockbroker Collins Stewart against the Financial Times newspaper.

Collins Stewart #39;s FT claim fails


SiliconValley.com - Google's new Desktop Search software is a muscle car among search engines, racing through personal data stored inside your computer to instantly find things you can't easily locate.

Google's Desktop Search is valuable, yet creepy (SiliconValley.com)


Six people were killed and eight others wounded Saturday when a car bomb and remote bomb exploded simultaneously next to an Iraqi police academy in Kirkuk, an Iraqi National Guard official told CNN.

Six dead in Iraq blasts


Company points potential Net phone customers to cable giants for broadband--all part of Ma Bell's aggressive VoIP plans.

AT T strikes VoIP deals with cable


TEENAGE soccer player Wayne Rooney will get a staggering \$140,000 a week after his transfer from Everton to Manchester United. The rising star #39;s salary of \$7.

Time for a red card


Memory chip maker Infineon Technologies yesterday pled guilty to breaching US antitrust laws for price fixing in its dynamic random access memory (or DRAM) chip business.

160 million antitrust fine for memory chip maker


MOSCOW: Russian oil major YUKOS is poised to lose its core Siberian units, but the state will postpone its final move to dismantle the giant firm beyond next weeks tax deadline, analysts predicted on Friday.

YUKOS seen getting respite despite tax deadline


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were knocked lower on  Thursday after drug maker Merck   Co.<A HREF=

US Stocks Off After Merck Recall,Oil Rise


Florida, which ended the regular season with an upset of Florida State, on Wednesday accepted a bid to the Peach Bowl. The Gators (7-4) will be making their 14th straight bowl appearance, extending a school record.

Florida Peach Bowl bound


Avoiding the late trouble that knocked other contenders off track, Vijay Singh held a one-stroke lead over Justin Leonard heading into the final round of the P.G.A. Championship.

Singh Leads, but Leonard Is Following


Sometime tonight, perhaps at tipoff, the memories may all hit Kenyon Martin at once, with the force of one of his punishing dunks.

Martin glad to see


Users of Siebel's CRM software offered mixed reviews on the

Users mixed on Siebel's 'Chapter Two' direction


Souness, 51, replaces Sir Bobby Robson, who was sacked last week after the club suffered four league games without a win. Souness resigned from his current club, Blackburn Rovers, and will take up his post at Newcastle on Monday 13th September.

Souness to Newcastle


Japan downgraded its economic assessment for the first time in more than a year on Tuesday, noting slower export growth and curbed production, but said the recovery is continuing.

Japan Downgrades Economic Assessment


Borland Software Monday previewed updates to its Borland StarTeam and CaliberRM tools as part of a new vision for more closely tying the application development lifecycle to business processes.

Borland Details New Vision for Software Development At Bor-Con


Psychologists were studying false memories when they stumbled on a surprisingly easy target for manipulation: foods.

But Sweetie, You Love Lima Beans


A majority of PeopleSoft'sshareholders gave Oraclethe green light to continue its hostile bid for control of the company, tendering more than 60 percent of PeopleSoft's outstanding shares into Oracle's \$24 per share cash offer by the Friday deadline.

Majority of PeopleSoft shareholders accept Oracle bid


I am not an Irish Friend of Israel. Official. Indeed, I am so unfit for that title that those bestowing membership to the group don #39;t reply to my letters.

What kind of friendship?


VAL GARDENA, Italy (Reuters) - Max Rauffer became the first  German man in nearly 13 years to win an Alpine ski World Cup  race when he beat the favorites in a wind-affected downhill on  Saturday.

Rauffer Beats Favorites to Win Downhill


At least 22 Chechen rebels were killed by Russian troops in the separatist republic, including a man officials say was linked to the assassination of Chechnya s pro-Moscow president Akhmad Kadyrov.

Russian Troops Kill 22 Rebels in Chechnya Operation  Kadyrov


Jam Packs expand features and portability for musicians mixing music on their Macs.

Apple software to help garage bands jam


Michael Owen is confident that he will be a success at Real Madrid following his 8m move from Liverpool.

I #39;ll be No.1 - Owen


Croatian authorities take down two monuments honouring officials from the country's Nazi era.

Croatia erases 'fascist' tributes


IBM Corp., the world #39;s largest computer maker, said it is selling versions of its top supercomputer that may be scaled down for businesses and less-intensive scientific use.

IBM to sell supercomputers


Just when it looked like this World Cup of Hockey might be bereft of any entertainment value whatsoever, a terrific game broke out last night at the Air Canada Centre.

O, Canada wins in OT


MADRID -- A ball of fire erupts from a train car, smothering commuters with smoke, and littering the platform with bodies and blood in a chilling security-camera videotape of the March 11 train bombings broadcast yesterday by a Spanish station.

A ball of fire, then bloodshed


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York Stock Exchange and  International Business Machines Corp. <A HREF=

NYSE Traders Go Wireless with Help of IBM


AP - About 30 Oregon veterans who support Democrat John Kerry for president were rebuffed Tuesday when they showed up at a Republican rally in hopes of delivering a letter to first lady Laura Bush criticizing the war in Iraq.

Veterans for Kerry Barred From Bush Rally (AP)


Lenders have concocted a frightening brew of fees. Are there fang marks on your wallet?

Attack of the Killer Fees


AFP - Prime Minister John Howard unveiled a plan for  quot;flying squads quot; of police to stop terrorist attacks in the region, stressing he would not hesitate to order a pre-emptive strike overseas if needed to protect Australia.

Australian PM plans anti-terror flying squads, threatens overseas strikes (AFP)


NEW YORK - Comic-book villains like Magneto and The Green Goblin typically only blow up imaginary buildings and the occasional costumed crusader.

Superhero Gaming


The Baghdad conference on Iraq's future goes into an unscheduled fourth day as a peace bid fails in  Najaf.

Iraqis aim to decide new assembly


A Government of any party will be forced to cut spending or raise taxes by 7 billion a year after the election if it is to meet Chancellor Gordon Brown #39;s economic rules, business leaders have warned.

Business leaders forecast tax rises


Three Palestinian men and a boy were killed and 44 others wounded Thursday during an incursion by 12 Israeli armored vehicles into the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, Palestinian sources told CNN.

Four killed in Israeli incursion


A slowdown in US economic growth during the second quarter was not as sharp as previously thought, the Commerce Department reported today.

US economy grew faster than estimated


TOKYO -- Sony Corp. #39;s PlayStation Portable isn #39;t in US stores yet but that #39;s not stopping Sony from putting a price tag on the much anticipated item.

Sony Announces Price On Portable Video Game Machine


Pressure is rising to establish an Iraqi military capable of securing the country by January elections.

Many setbacks on road to an effective Iraqi force


Thousands of priceless books have been destroyed or damaged in a fire at one of Germany #39;s most historic libraries, housing about one million rare books and manuscripts.

Fire Damages Historic German Library


Do most IT projects fail? Some point to the number of giant consultancies such as IBM Global Services, Capgemini, and Sapient, who feed off bad experiences encountered by enterprises. Sapient is a company founded on the realization that IT projects are not successful, says Sapient CTO Ben Gaucherin.

IT Myth 5: Most IT projects fail


AP - A judge has dismissed charges against a war protester who was arrested during a visit by President Bush last spring.

Judge Dismisses Charges Vs. Bush Protester (AP)


Five record companies are suing Sharman Networks, creator of the file-swapping technology Kazaa, for music piracy in Australia #39;s Federal Court.

Music companies sue Sharman over Kazaa


What Tony Blair disarmingly calls his  quot;damn high wire act quot; is getting shakier. The bridge between Europe and the United States has become a frayed rope in a tug-of-war match.

Europe doesn #39;t believe in democracy


Reuters - Working with cheetahs, the world's\fastest land animal and now an endangered species, is a bit\different from treating cats and dogs, but Bertrand Lafrance\felt he had little choice.

Djibouti Refuge Shelters Endangered Cheetahs (Reuters)


NAJAF, Iraq - Militiamen loyal to rebel Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr removed weapons from the revered Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf but remained in control of the holy site Friday amid efforts to end their 2-week-old uprising.    Fighters from al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia were inside the shrine but left their guns outside...

Militants Still in Control of Najaf Shrine


A Moroccan accused of helping the Sept. 11 suicide hijackers was part of a group that raged against the United States  quot;because it defends Israel quot; and himself approved of Hitler #39;s extermination of the Jews, witnesses testified Wednesday.

#39;9-11 helper driven by anti-Israeli beliefs #39;


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Pau Gasol, the 2002 NBA rookie of the year, has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies...

Memphis Signs Gasol to Multi-Year Deal


The European contingent for the Breeders #39; Cup flew into Texas last night to be greeted by increasingly stormy weather and a warning that things could be extremely tough

Europe faces tough task in Texas, warns Biancone


Kelly Holmes has still to confirm whether she will attempt to repeat her Olympic double at this weekend #39;s World Athletics Final after clearing the first hurdle with a victory in the 1500m yesterday.

Holmes to decide on double


The company asked customers to accelerate deals in order to bolster earnings--a ploy to exaggerate profits, Oracle lawyers say.

PeopleSoft exec: We pumped up earnings


Fannie Mae #39;s federal regulator found the largest US mortgage finance company violated accounting rules, raising doubts #39; #39; about the validity of earnings.

Fannie Mae Says Regulator Finds Accounting Missteps (Update10)


The next three humans bound for the International Space Station (ISS) are spending their final hours on Earth before launching into space tonight atop a Soyuz rocket.

ISS Expedition 10 Crew to Launch Into Space Tonight


Prince Harry has been hit in the face with a camera and cut a photographer #39;s lip as he pushed it away outside a nightclub in London #39;s West End.

Harry in nightclub scuffle


Microsoft Corp. announced Tuesday it has found a new security flaw with its Windows XP operating system and warned that an attacker could infiltrate other computers by persuading their owners to open a specialized graphics file.

Microsoft Releases Patch to Fix Flaws


\Australia says it will not be cowed by terrorism, after a bomb at its embassy in Indonesia kills nine people.

Australia firm after Jakarta bomb


AP - In a way, the Washington Redskins didn't fight fair in their final exhibition game. They blitzed both cornerbacks on the first play and showed other blitzes and formations usually reserved for the regular season.

Redskins Show Some Regular-Season Plays (AP)


ANAHEIM - The Los Angeles Dodgers last season had the best double-play combination in baseball, so naturally they went out yesterday and signed an All-Star second baseman who admits his glove is merely apparel.

Bad sign? Meetings don #39;t make much sense


AFP - Eight men arrested in anti-terrorist raids two weeks ago were set to appear in a high-security court in London on charges of conspiracy to murder and plotting radioactive, chemical or explosive attacks.

Eight to appear in London court on terror plot charges (AFP)


Las Vegas, NV (Sports Network) - The middleweight megafight billed as the  quot;Quest for History quot; between undisputed champion Bernard Hopkins and the Golden Boy of boxing, Oscar De La Hoya, is just a day away.

Hopkins/De La Hoya showdown for all the marbles


This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web Services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.

Starbucks serves up CD-burning


Viewpoint Search Tool and Avon Team to Battle Breast Cancer\\Graphical search engine toolbar Viewpoint is working with the Avon Foundation to create and distribute a custom search toolbar that promotes the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade. The program will give the Foundation access to a new source of funding as ...


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Nike Inc. <A HREF=

Nike Profit Up 25 Percent on U.S. Demand


Russia #39;s Federal Security Service yesterday offered a reward of 300 million rubles (US\$10.3 million) for information that could help  quot;neutralize quot; two Chechen rebel leaders, and a military official reasserted Russia #39;s right to strike terrorists the world

Russia offers huge bounty for Chechens


The Irish head into Saturdays game with a 6-4 record and not much to play for. The Trojans are undefeated and are chasing their second consecutive National Championship.

Can The Irish Pull the Ultimate Upset?


In Bangladesh, at least 50 people have been injured in clashes with authorities during a general strike called by the main opposition party.

50 Hurt During Opposition Strike in Bangladesh Capital


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Chicago-based Boeing Co. <A HREF=

Boeing Wins \$928 Mln Missile Defense Deal


AP - Saddam Hussein met with a defense lawyer Thursday for the first time since his capture a year ago, days before several of his top aides are due to appear in court for hearings on alleged war crimes.

Saddam Meets Lawyer, Aides Due in Court (AP)


The Cassini spacecraft has sent back the first detailed pictures of the Saturns largest moon, Titan, showing a sharply-defined but nevertheless mysterious landscape of light and dark regions.

Cassini takes first close-ups of Titan


SHANGHAI Rubens Barrichello won the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on Sunday, but while he occupied Michael Schumacher #39;s accustomed place atop the podium he could not take his teammate #39;s place at the center of attention.

Formula One: Barrichello wins in China


Tekelec of Calabasas, Calif., said Friday it will acquire telecommunications solution provider, Steleus Group of Westford, Mass. Tekelec, a leading global supplier of telecommunications

Tekelec to acquire Steleus


WOBURN, England (PA) -- A tired-looking David Howell, still on a high from helping Europe to its biggest-ever Ryder Cup win, on Wednesday made a frank admission on the eve of The Heritage Tournament at Woburn Golf Club.

European Ryder stars to tee it up in the new Heritage with a <b>...</b>


When bouncing back and forth between offers from the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets, Pedro Martinezs decision to come the Big Apple over

Key to the deal was respect


LONDON - British police charged eight terrorist suspects Tuesday of conspiring to commit murder and use radioactive materials, toxic gases, chemicals or explosives to cause

Britain Charges 8 Terrorist Suspects


Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon has a broken vertebra in his neck that will sideline him at least six weeks. Gannon had an MRI exam Monday morning and was taken for further tests.

Gannon has broken vertebra in his neck


AP - European soccer's governing body threatened to remove the 2008 European Championships from hosts Austria and Switzerland, citing the Swiss for failing to build a new stadium in Zurich.

Swiss Chided for Lack of Euro 2008 Stadium (AP)


Google Inc. has launched an effort to establish an online reading room for five major libraries by scanning stacks of hard-to-find books into its widely used Internet search engine.

Google plans index for five major libraries


AP - John Kerry's former crew mates vouch for his Vietnam war heroics in a documentary being released in the midst of a campaign debate about his actions as a swift boat skipper.

Documentary Focuses on Kerry in Vietnam (AP)


BRUSSELS Neelie Kroes came out swinging Thursday in her first public appearance as Europe #39;s new competition commissioner, blocking a merger in the energy industry and slapping fines on three chemical companies for running a cartel.

EU competition chief charges into the fray


NASA (news - web sites) Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe has applied for a new job, as chancellor of Louisiana State University, and he is among the search committee #39;s top candidates.

NASA Chief Applies for Job at LSU


Merck said it voluntarily pulled the drug after new data from a clinical trial found an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Merck Announces Withdrawal of Vioxx Painkiller


MAUBAN, Philippines (Reuters) - Rescuers dug with their  bare hands on Wednesday to find survivors from landslides and  floods that killed up to 500 people in a part of the northern  Philippines due to be hit by a typhoon over the next 48 hours.

Philippine Flood-Hit Towns Marooned; Typhoon Nears


Iran agrees to suspend its uranium enrichment programme as part of deal with EU, diplomats are quoted as saying.

Iran 'to halt uranium enrichment'


IBM on Monday unveiled a technology lab for customers looking to test the company #39;s products for managing computer resources based on business demands.

IBM Unveils Latest  #39;On-Demand #39; Tech Center


Mike Vanderjagt misses a 48-yard field goal in the final seconds as defending champion New England holds on for a 27-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday.

Patriots Open With Win


USATODAY.com -

He's jazzed up over Couric (USATODAY.com)


The newest version of Linux sports far fewer bugs than the average commercial code, a group of former Stanford University researchers said Tuesday.

Researchers Find Fewer Bugs In Linux


AFP - Voters in Belarus agreed to change the constitution to allow autocratic President Alexander Lukashenko to retain power indefinitely in a referendum denounced by foreign observers as biased and distorted.

Suspect vote lets Belarus leader keep power, opposition cries foul (AFP)


Korean mobile maker Samsung says it expects profits to grow in 2005, but brokers warn that harsh competition could mean narrower margins.

Samsung sees higher mobile profit


AP - Democrats accused Republicans of disastrous economic policies as Congress moved Thursday toward shipping President Bush an  #36;800 billion increase in the federal borrowing limit.

House Ready to Send Bush Debt-Limit Hike (AP)


WARSAW (Reuters) - A Polish woman held hostage in Iraq by a  militant group since October has been freed and said on  Saturday her captors had treated her well.

Polish Hostage Freed in Iraq Already in Warsaw


Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has revealed he didn #39;t expect to be dropped on Saturday by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.  quot;Arsene said I did not look the freshest to him.

Arsenal keeper Lehmann: I #39;ve done nothing wrong


Incidents between baseball players and fans have long been part of the game. But they seem to be getting uglier with each year, and an imbroglio Monday night in Oakland, Calif.

Throw lands pitcher in jail


SBC Communications and BellSouth will acquire YellowPages.com with the goal of building the site into a nationwide online business index, the companies said Thursday.

SBC, BellSouth let their fingers do the walking


China successfully put its earth resource satellite, the third of ZY-2, into the orbit with a Chinese Long-March 4-B rocket that blasted off at 11:10 am Saturday from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China #39;s Shanxi Province.

China launches ZY-2 resource satellite


Google has begun an ambitious project to digitally scan books from 5 libraries: Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of Michigan, the New York Public Library, and the University of Oxford.

Google to digitally scan library collections


Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) is eliminating its Dallas/Fort Worth Airport connecting hub, dropping some daily flights from the airport, and cutting between 6,000 and 7,000 jobs throughout its system over

Delta to eliminate D/FW hub, cut jobs to save \$5 billion


SCOTTIE Pippen, one of the members of the legendary Chicago Bulls team which scooped six NBA titles in the 1990s, announced his retirement today.

Pippen calls it quits


Emulex Corp. unveiled Tuesday its new FibreSpy switch-on-a-chip SOC 804 family of embedded storage for OEM customers looking to build to the new 4-gigabit Fibre Channel standard.

Emulex Debuts 4-Gbps Fibre Channel Silicon


The computing giant wins two lucrative deals to provide retail network hardware and services.

HP bags orders from 7-Eleven, Publix


AP - The chairwoman of the House Democrats' homeland security task force is asking Congress' independent auditors to examine travel by senior Bush administration officials in light of recent trips to hotly contested states in the 2004 presidential election.

Democrat Seeks Probe of Bush Aides' Travel (AP)


Reuters - Christopher Lee says he\does not own a computer or a mobile phone. But that hasn't\prevented the veteran British actor from starring in some of\the most successful and accomplished marriages of narrative and\computer-generated artistry that ever entertained an audience.

Christopher Lee Becoming a Video Game Wizard (Reuters)


A sense of history is valuable, even in a football game. Gloucester has watched Winthrop's Anthony Fucillo walk all over the Northeastern Conference this season. Through eight games, Fucillo had thrown 11 touchdown passes and scored 87 points.

Gloucester slows down Winthrop


WASHINGTON - President Bush on Monday announced plans to shift 60,000 to 70,000 U.S. troops who are now stationed in Europe and Asia in one of the largest troop realignments since the end of the Cold War...

Bush Announces Plan for Troop Realignment


Mark Martin, who with 533 consecutive starts trails only two active drivers, is proud to say he is not just sticking around to pick up lucrative checks with lackluster performances.

Martin Is Determined to Remain Competitive


AP - Two University of Illinois football players will serve eight-day jail sentences when the season ends after pleading guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor battery charges stemming from a barroom brawl.

Two Illini Football Players Plead Guilty (AP)


PARIS (Reuters) - Vivendi Universal raised its 2004  earnings forecast as it reported a 19 percent increase in  underlying third-quarter profit on Wednesday, driven mainly by  strong mobile phone sales.

Vivendi Universal Raises Profit Forecast


By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID     WASHINGTON (AP) -- The strike would have come out of nowhere: One second the fish was swimming placidly, no danger in sight, a moment later it was lunch...

Newly-Discovered Dinosaur May Have Been Stealth Hunter


November 23, 2004 - You gotta hand it to the folks over at Rockstar games. They certainly know how to milk a good thing to maximum effect.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Official Soundtrack Double CD


A CANADIAN seaman aboard the submarine HMCS Chicoutimi has died one day after being injured when the vessel caught fire, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin announced today.

Seaman dies after sub blaze


The Federal Opposition says a scoping study into the full sale of Telstra shows the Government is committed to the company #39;s complete privatisation, no matter what the level of service to regional areas.

Regional woes won #39;t stop Telstra sale, ALP says


Two new Internet domain names -

New Web Domain Names Get Preliminary Nod


Oil prices held near record highs today even though oil unions in OPEC member Nigeria said a two-day wildcat strike would pass without any impact on exports.

Oil Holds Near \$53 High


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices raced to fresh highs on  Friday, carrying U.S. crude over \$49 a barrel, driven by  escalating violence in Iraq and unabated fuel demand growth  from China and India.

Oil Prices Are at New High, Over \$49


A girl has died of bird flu in Thailand, the 11th confirmed victim of the disease this year. Kanda Srileung-On died in the north of the country, hours after testing positive for the virus, apparently caught from infected chickens.

Thailand bird flu deaths increase


Adding to its offerings for digital imaging and video hobbyists, Adobe Systems this week is announcing a new video-editing package and an update to its Photoshop Elements image-editing product.

Adobe Unveils Home Video Editing App


The Conference Board, a New York-based private research group, reported Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index fell in November to the lowest level in eight months as high

US consumer confidence unexpectedly fell in November


AP - Though Southern California went to halftime down 11 points, Matt Grootegoed knew the Trojans were going to win as soon as he stepped into the locker room.

USC Thrives in Adversity, Tops Stanford (AP)


Microsoft has teamed up with consumer electronics firm Thomson to launch set-top boxes supporting Microsoft TV #39;s Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) software platform.

Microsoft unveils IPTV-ready set-top box


Reuters - The U.S. current account deficit\grew to a record  #36;164.71 billion in the third quarter, less\than had been forecast, the Commerce Department said on\Thursday.

U.S. Current Account Deficit Hits Record (Reuters)


Sun Microsystems has settled a patent suit brought by Eastman Kodak relating to Java software, agreeing to license Kodak #39;s patents for US\$92 million.

Sun settles Kodak #39;s Java suit for US\$92 million


LOS ANGELES -

'Star Trek' Actor Doohan Receives Star


Not only has he gone a second consecutive year without winning a Major, but he has yet to win a stroke-play event. There #39;s more.

Way out of the Woods


London - Richard Hill, a key member of the long-established England World Cup-winning back row, will be out of action for up to nine months after knee surgery.

Hill out for nine months


As he left Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, Miss., on Saturday, Florida Gators fan Pete D #39;Alessandro and his friends knew Ron Zook #39;s days were numbered.

Move not a surprise to local UF fans


p2pnet.net News:- An average company using Windows XP will encounter compatibility issues with the SP2 update on 10.3 of its Windows XP-based PCs, says a white paper from Canada #39;s AssetMetrix on-demand IT asset intelligence service.

New SP2 problems report


AP - As of Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, 1,081 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to the Defense Department. Of those, 825 died as a result of hostile action and 256 died of non-hostile causes. The figures include three military civilians.

A Daily Look at U.S. Iraq Military Deaths (AP)


Gordon Brown has declared that the creation of a  quot;Marshall Plan for Africa quot; is at the heart of the government #39;s agenda for its presidency of the Group of Eight in 2005, seeking

Brown to press for  #39;Marshall Plan for Africa #39;


ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Matt Morris tossed his second shutout of the season and Reggie Sanders homered and drove in two runs as the St.

SI.com


AP - Adam Dunn hit a grand slam in a seven-run third inning, leading the Cincinnati Reds over the Milwaukee Brewers 9-0 Saturday night.

Dunn Hits Grand Slam, Reds Rout Brewers (AP)


Reuters - Former Pink Floyd mainman Roger\Waters released two new songs, both inspired by the U.S.-led\invasion of Iraq, via online download outlets Tuesday.

Roger Waters Goes to War with Online Tracks (Reuters)


0125 GMT -- Treasury prices little changed in Asia as market awaits further economic data to back up upbeat economic assessment by the Federal Reserve.

US Treasuries little changed before data


Video gaming has long suffered a reputation for creating sedentary and solitary zombies, pasty and pudgy except for their muscular thumbs. A growing number of games, however, are getting gamers off their couches and on their feet, not only shouting, gyrating, singing and dancing, but sometimes -- gasp! -- playing nicely with others, face-to-face, in groups.

Games With Get Up and Go


Jason Giambi made his first start since July 23, Mike Mussina pitched three-hit ball for eight innings, and the New York Yankees beat the host Kansas City Royals, 4-0, to increase their AL East lead to four games over the Boston Red Sox.

Yankees widen their lead


NEW YORK -- Embattled insurance broker Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. said yesterday that five members of its board of directors -- all of them executives of the company -- are leaving the board.

5 'inside' directors quit Marsh board


It #39;s never too soon to lobby for anything in this city, and Laura Meissner didn #39;t wait for Wednesday #39;s confirmation that the Montreal Expos are moving to the nation #39;s

What #39;s in a nickname?


ALL golfers will turn their attention to the BMW Open in Munich this weekend, when the last five places in the European Ryder Cup team will be decided.

Smudger on Sport


The European Central Bank keeps eurozone interest rates unchanged at 2 for the fourteenth month in a row.

Eurozone rates kept on hold


LONDON A British detainee being held at the Guantnamo Naval Base in Cuba claimed in a declassified letter released on Friday that he had been the victim of  quot;vindictive torture and death threats quot; since January 2002.

Guantnamo detainee says in letter that he was tortured


Microsoft has issued ten new software security patches, seven of which are deemed so  #39;critical #39; that it is advising firms to download them immediately.

Microsoft releases seven  #39;critical #39; security patches


AP - Sudan's government on Saturday ruled out discussion of an African Union proposal to send peacekeepers into the conflict-ridden Darfur region during the latest peace talks with rebels.

Sudan Rules Out Talk of African Troops (AP)


AUSTIN, Texas -- Cedric Benson ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 7 Texas revved up its punishing rushing attack and overwhelmed North Texas, 65-0, last night.

Benson the catalyst in Longhorns' lambasting


The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has upheld the conviction of an American woman imprisoned in Peru for terrorist collaboration with Marxist guerrillas, President Alejandro Toledo confirmed Thursday.

Conviction of American in Peru Upheld


A desert in China #39;s Inner Mongolia that has the highest sand dunes in the world holds a vast store of underground water which, if used wisely, could ease the chronic water shortage afflicting the north of the country, a study says.

Vast water supplies hidden under N. China desert


US Airways Chief Executive Officer Bruce Lakefield acknowledged in a message to employees yesterday that there is  quot;anger, quot;  quot;fear quot; and  quot;a lot of sadness quot; among workers forced to take a 21 percent pay cut over the next four months.

US Airways Watch


quot;The fact that non-US vendor like NEC had the fastest computer was seen as a big challenge for US computer industry, quot; said Horst Simon, director of the supercomputing centre at Lawrence Berkeley Labs in California.

IBM claim to own  #39;fastest supercomputer #39;


HOUSTON Roger Federer was at his best after midnight. Too bad hardly anyone was there to see it. With less than 500 fans remaining in the stands in the early Thursday morning after a deflating day of rain

Tennis: Only the elements slow Federer


GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Chris Leak threw for a career-high 322 yards and three touchdowns, and No. 16 Florida held off a late rally to beat Arkansas, 45-30, yesterday.

Gators survive close shave


As it readies Solaris 10, Sun develops an open-source project modeled on Apple's Darwin and Red Hat's Fedora.

'Open Source Solaris' to debut this year


The rapid US push into Fallujah has come without the sort of fateful showdown that would break the back of the insurgency. In fact, advance US and Iraqi

Insurgents may have fled Fallujah


Havana - Less than two months after an accidental fall shattered his left kneecap and broke his right arm, Cuban President Fidel Castro is back on his feet, attending to visiting leaders and making public appearances.

Castro back on his feet after fall


Americans may support a return trip to the moon, but there is much less interest in going on to Mars. Also, a majority say they don #39;t believe the space agency should receive a boost in

Most back moon trip, but not Mars


NEW YORK -- Defense electronics contractor L-3 Communications Holding Inc. #39;s earnings jumped 35 percent in the third quarter on strong sales growth across most of its business lines.

L-3 earnings rise on strong sales growth


A: Combining the two companies #39; networks should result in clearer calls, fewer dropped calls during peak hours and broader availability of coverage.

Q amp;A on Cingular-AT amp;T merger


Russia will pay 300m roubles (\$10 m) for information leading to the arrest of Chechen rebel leaders Aslan Maskhadov and Shamil Basayev.

Bounty offered for Chechen rebels


Reuters - Have Asia's central banks lulled\Americans into a false sense of security?

Central Banks Short-Circuit U.S. Savings? (Reuters)


Dhaka, Aug 22. (PTI, UNI, AP): Angry opposition protestors set fire to a passenger train and clashed with police in southern Bangladesh today amid general strikes in several cities to protest the series of

Train set ablaze as violence spreads in Bangladesh


City workers distributed water in tank trucks Monday and urged about 1.4 million residents of the Cuban capital who had no running water to remain calm, four days after Hurricane Charley roared through the area.

Hard-Hit Havana Still Short of Water


Rising temperatures in the Arctic will likely increase the region #39;s biodiversity as new species are drawn to the extreme north, but in a dramatic paradox many animals unique to the region, such as polar bears, risk extinction.

Global warming poses threat to animal life in the Arctic


THE HAGUE -- It's not easy being Slobodan Milosevic's lawyer. Appointed two weeks ago to defend the former Yugoslav president against war crimes charges, British attorney Steven Kay's practiced poise and calm legal demeanor has, at times, given way to sheer frustration.

Milosevic's Hague lawyer finds his biggest obstacle is the client


AP - The European Union's head office decided Wednesday to take Germany to court to try to force changes in a German law protecting Volkswagen AG from hostile takeovers, according to an EU source.

EU Challenges Law Protecting Volkswagen (AP)


NEAR FALLUJAH, Iraq -- The hulks of the 69-ton M1A1 Abrams tanks were barely visible on the dark desert plain, but the rumble of their engines filled the night.

Jitters before assault wearing on soldiers


Microsoft Corp. is behind schedule in complying with a court order to document its proprietary communications protocols, according to U.S. authorities monitoring its behavior. It also plans to release the documents in a file format that cannot be annotated, and can only be used with Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser, they said in a report published Friday.

Government, Microsoft haggle over documentation


Yahoo Local Gets Way Enhanced\\You ever feel like you're way behind and you're just going to get more behind? My review queue is jammed. I may just take a weekend and do nothing but review resources and drink Red Bull.\\Anyway, Yahoo! Local has launched a new local search prduct, Yahoo! ...

Yahoo Local Gets Way Enhanced


The company has announced the sale of its part share in the Laminaria and Corallina oil fields to the British-owned Paladin Oil  amp; Gas.

BHP coffers grow amid sales, discoveries


Regis Corp., the world #39;s largest operator of hair salons, said Monday that it agreed to purchase Hair Club for Men and Women, a hair loss services company, for \$210 million.

Regis to Buy Hair Club for Men and Women


AFP - For sheer political drama, few spectacles can match the sight of two men going toe to toe before tens of millions of television viewers, slugging it out for the most powerful job on Earth.

Presidential debates: high drama, disputed impact (AFP)


Arsenal #39;s Brazilian midfielder Gilberto will be out for at least a month with a back injury, the English champions said on Tuesday.

Arsenal #39;s Gilberto out for month with back injury


Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly moved yesterday to rescue nearly 200 Bay State businesses from an apparent telecommunications scam that bound many to pay \$100,000 or more for a black-box device called  quot;The Matrix quot; that turned out to be worthless.

AG sues to stop apparent telecom scam


Wheeling-Pittsburgh Corp., a metal products company, on Wednesday it has closed a public offering of 3.65 million common shares that helped raise \$100 million to be used to pay down debt.

Wheeling-Pittsburgh Closes Stock Offer


Firm may be facing greater difficulties than previously thought in getting hold of chips to power its high-end PCs.

Report: Apple G5 chips scarce


More than five million people in the UK now have high-speed net connections, say broadband analysts.

Broadband hits new high in the UK


Kurt Warner #39;s woeful performance, combined with the Giants #39; enormous monetary commitment to Eli Manning, made their quintessential quarterback question inevitable in this  #39;What have you done for me today?

Warner again underwhelming


Corey Pavin sank seven birdies and matched his career low with an 8-under-par 62 for a three-stroke lead at the inaugural Buick Championship on Thursday.

Thursday #39;s Golf Capsules


With the economy slowly turning up, upgrading hardware has been on businesses radar in the past 12 months as their number two priority.

IBM settles part of giant pension lawsuit


Tiger Woods always said he had to win a major for it to be considered a great year, but he might have found an exception last week when he got married in Barbados.

Woods in No Hurry After His Marriage


AP - The Pentagon's top general said Thursday that the assault on Iraq's rebel-controlled Fallujah has been

U.S. Says Fallujah Assault Successful (AP)


Canada #39;s richest people are richer than ever, as the Canada #39;s 100 wealthiest people have a total net worth over 100 billion US dollars, up by about 7.2 billion US dollars from

Canada #39;s richest worth over 100 billion US dollars


Neil McCann has withdrawn from Scotland #39;s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers after the Southampton winger injured his hamstring over the weekend against Manchester City.

McCann pulls out of Scotland squad with injury


Brent Geiberger overcame strong winds and a bad hip to earn a one-stroke lead after the second round at the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro on Friday.

Geiberger overcomes odds to lead


With growth slowing in China, Europe and Japan, some worry that rapidly escalating prices will trigger a self-reinforcing spiral of falling demand.

'Oil Shock' Has Some Economists Worried


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Short-term U.S. Treasury yields  registered their biggest rise in a month on Friday as investors  reconsidered hopes the Federal Reserve might soon pause in its  rate hike campaign.

Rate Hike Fears Flatten Treasuries


Manchester United #39;s win at Old Trafford to end Arsenal #39;s record unbeaten run is history now - but the controversy rumbles on.

Fergie winning mind games with Arsenal


ConocoPhillips (COP:NYSE - news - research) will seek to buy up to a quarter of Russian oil giant Lukoil, Reuters reported Friday, citing an industry source familiar with the matter.

Conoco Looking at Lukoil


The producer of  quot;The Incredibles quot; and  quot;Finding Nemo quot; also said Thursday that it was entertaining the idea of shifting its schedule back six months, so that its movies -- released at the pace of once a year -- would debut during summer vacation rather than

Pixar Guides Higher


AP - A new round of peace talks on the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region stalled Tuesday when rebels refused face-to-face talks with the government until African Union mediators meet separately with both sides to draft an agenda.

New Round of Darfur Peace Talks Stall (AP)


Cricket-Tendulkar gets go-ahead for Australia tests October 1, 2004 10:54:13 BANGALORE, India, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Sachin Tendulkar was named in India #39;s 14-player squad on Friday for the first two tests against Australia.

UPDATE 1-Cricket-India call up Tendulkar for Australia tests


AFTER losing to Maria Sharapova in the Wimbledon final, Serena Williams will get a chance to redeem some of her lost pride when she takes on the Russian teenager in the final of the season-ending WTA Tour Championships.

Serena out to salvage some lost pride


AP - A fire that ripped through one of Germany's most precious historical libraries destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of irreplaceable books, although some 6,000 works, including a 1543 Martin Luther Bible, were spirited to safety by a chain of people, officials said Friday.

Germany Library Fire Destroys Rare Books (AP)


quot;Well, quot; says Dallas Mavericks coach Don Nelson, laughing at the question before he even starts answering,  quot;you can #39;t stop people from talking.

Renegades trying more conventional approach


Police arrested 17 suspected members of Basque separatist guerrilla group ETA in northern Spain on Tuesday, the Interior Ministry says.

Spanish police arrest 17 suspected ETA members


While the audit released last February found the league lost \$274 million in the 2002-03 hockey season, Forbes pegged losses that year at just \$123 million, a massive and contentious discrepancy in the two-month-old lockout of the 750-member NHL Players

NHL overstated losses, report says


Real Madrid suffered their first Liga defeat of the season at Espanyol last night as their season threatens to collapse. David Beckham, captain Raul and Fernando Morientes all started the game on the bench

Real Madrid suffer new shock at Espanyol


HAMISH ROBERTSON: The Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has been acquitted of attempting to bribe a judge after a marathon court case that #39;s divided the nation.

Italian PM acquitted of attempting to bribe judge


The SEC begins an informal inquiry into the image sensor maker's restatement.

Inquiring Minds at OmniVision


Everton boss David Moyes was full of praise for his hard-working side after Lee Carsley #39;s free-kick goal saw them claim a point from their visit to St James #39; Park yesterday, writes Miles Starforth.

Toffeemen  #39;ecstatic #39; with a point


Jones, owner of the Jones New York, Anne Klein and Nine West brands, yesterday said it is buying luxury retailer Barneys New York for approximately \$400 million.

Jones to buy Barneys


The South American trade bloc Mercosur and the European Union said after a ministerial meeting Sunday they hope to conclude stalled talks about free-trade agreement on time.

Mercosur, EU hope to meet trade deadline


AP - Boston Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon was a late scratch Sunday for the team's game against the Texas Rangers with an injured finger.

Damon a Late Scratch With Injured Finger (AP)


RIYADH (Reuters) - The Saudi government has stepped up  surveillance of charities amid fears that some of the big cash  donations made to them during the holy month of Ramadan are  being channeled to militant groups like al Qaeda.

Saudi Steps Up Charity Monitoring During Ramadan


AP - The shares of e-commerce comparison site Shopping.com Ltd. surged 60 percent in their stock market debut Tuesday amid signs investors may have renewed affection for Internet companies.

Shopping.com Shares Soar 60 Pct. in IPO (AP)


Reuters - South American leaders on Wednesday\launched a regional integration pact they said would go beyond\rhetoric and usher in European-style unity, but only half the\future bloc's 12 presidents turned up to sign it.

South America Eyes EU-Style Integration (Reuters)


The United States and Iraq have issued an appeal at the UN Security Council for more help in establishing a democratically elected government in Baghdad.

Iraq Appeals for International Troops Before January Elections


TORONTO -- There is no mystique to it anymore, because after all, the Russians have become commoners in today's National Hockey League, and Finns, Czechs, Slovaks, and Swedes also have been entrenched in the Original 30 long enough to turn the ongoing World Cup of Hockey into a protracted trailer for the NHL season.

Sport's future in world of trouble


One has to wonder: with 1:37 left in regulation and Miami getting its hands on the ball one last time, did the Orange Bowl crowd - let alone America - think the Hurricanes were still going to beat Florida State again?

Matthew Zemek / CollegeFootballNews.com Posted: 2 minutes ago


Oil prices ended above \$50 a barrel amid concern over possible fighting between rebles and the military in Nigeria #39;s oil-rich delta region.

Oil: Oil ends above \$50 on Nigeria fears


Ivan Ljubicic edged No. 7 seed Joachim Johansson in three sets Friday to reach the semifinals in the \$3 million Madrid Masters. The unseeded Croatian, who knocked out top seed Tim Henman

Agassi, Ljubicic advance in Madrid Masters


KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Reuters) - A senior commander from  Afghanistan's Taliban militia previously held at a U.S. base in  Guantanamo Bay was killed by Afghan forces in the central  province of Uruzgan, a senior official said on Sunday.

Afghans Say Kill Senior Taliban Commander


Syria blamed Israel #39;s Mossad intelligence service for a bombing in Damascus on Monday which a Palestinian source in Beirut said was a failed attempt to kill a member of the militant Hamas group.

Hamas Member Escapes Damascus Attack, Israel Blamed


After what Republicans acknowledge was President Bush's faltering performance in his televised encounter with Democratic nominee John F. Kerry, the vice presidential debate has assumed critical importance, with Republicans depending on Vice President Cheney to halt the ticket's slide in momentum.

Tuesday's Debate Has New Importance


A senior Palestinian official denied Thursday that a three-man committee has been appointed to act for the ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who was in critical condition after a stomach flu Wednesday.

Palestinian official denies committee to act for ailing Arafat


IT managers may need more storage to handle all the storage announcements that occurred at this week's Storage Decisions show in Chicago as well as several other independent announcements.

Storage Decisions show parades new products


Titans tight end Erron Kinney strained his left calf in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Kinney was hurt after Steve McNair threw an incomplete pass to the end zone for receiver Drew Bennett.

Titans Kinney leaves with left calf injury


Microsoft said some spyware could cause computers to freeze up upon installation of the SP2 update. Microsoft recommends that users clean their PCs of spyware and back up their data before

Microsoft: Spyware Can Freeze Computers When SP2 Installed


Nintendo Co. said it is boosting holiday shipments of its new Nintendo DS dual-screen hand-held gaming device to 1.4 million in North America, from the previously announced 1 million, to help alleviate shortages and meet consumer demand for the device.

Nintendo is shipping more DS game units


Tens of thousands of Germans began a sixth week of street protests late on Monday, demanding Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder scrap planned welfare cuts, one day after his party suffered another heavy electoral defeat.

Protests against German reforms enter sixth week


US Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said the next administrator will face  quot;several critical missions, quot; including the shuttle #39;s return to flight, completing construction

Hopefuls Emerge for Top Job at NASA


Houston #39;s Halliburton is considering selling its KBR unit, the object of numerous investigations, persistent losses and ongoing bankruptcy.

Halliburton may dump KBR unit


BOSTON American scientists say they have discovered two of the smallest planets ever detected outside our solar system - a sign, they said, that they are on the right track in the quest to find Earth-like planets that could potentially support life.

Distant planets, smaller than gas giants, found


The gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic output, grew at a 3.3 percent annual rate in the second quarter, the Commerce Department reported yesterday, revising its earlier estimate of 2.8 percent.

US Revises 2nd-Quarter Growth to 3.3 Rate


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices moved narrowly  higher on Wednesday as an earlier bout of profit-taking turned  into a chance to buy securities, traders said.

Treasuries Edge Narrowly Higher at Midday


With concerns about spyware rapidly mounting, Blue Coat Systems is introducing a proxy appliance to combat the problem.

Blue Coat jackets networks from spyware


Dr. Francis Crick, a renowned radicular Biologist, died of cancer on July 29, 2004. Prof. D. Wilson Devaprasad, an ardent reader of SOM had the opportunity of listening to his talk on  #39;DNA Helix #39; at Hyderabad in 1981.

FRANCIS CRICK: THE PIONEER OF DNA


AP - Iran and European negotiators have apparently salvaged a deal committing Tehran to freezing all parts of a program that can make nuclear-weapons grade uranium, diplomats said Friday.

Diplomats: Iran Uranium Dispute Resolved (AP)


SANTIAGO (AFP) - Asia-Pacific leaders will push  quot;very hard quot; at a summit this weekend for a successful outcome to World Trade Organization free-trade negotiations, Chilean President Ricardo Lagos said.

Chile says Asia Pacific to push  quot;very hard quot; for WTO pact


LONDON (Reuters) - When Pete Sampras confirmed his  retirement at the 2003 U.S. Open, the phrase

Federer Fills Space Left by Retirement of Sampras


LONDON (Reuters) - The yen rose from a 6-week low against  the dollar and 4-month lows versus the euro on Wednesday as oil  prices backed off record highs, while the euro maintained its  grip on recent gains against the greenback.

Yen Rises from Lows, Oil Still a Threat


The jarring polychromatic din of ringing cell phones is increasingly being thwarted - from religious sanctuaries to India's parliament to Tokyo theaters and commuter trains - by devices originally developed to help security forces avert eavesdropping and thwart phone-triggered bombings.

Many Churches Installing Cell Phone Jammers


EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Chad Pennington could feel the pressure of trying to make franchise history weighing down his teammates.

Pennington's leadership not half bad for New York


Stunned British and American scientists watched a seven-year dream fall to Earth yesterday at 150mph, potentially smashing the fruits of a \$250m mission.

Scientists left to pick up the pieces over the \$250m can that fell <b>...</b>


Canada #39;s newest Olympic star is a house painter who prepared for the heat of Athens by riding her bike in a sauna. That #39;s right, in a sauna.

Prmont finds silver atop mountain course


On 9 November 2004, the FCC declared that VoIP services such as Vonage Holdings #39; DigitalVoice are not subject to traditional state public utility regulation, and that the FCC alone has jurisdiction here.

FCC Rules That It Alone Regulates Voice Over IP


AP - Michael Vick ran for 104 yards and threw two first-half touchdown passes to Alge Crumpler to lead the Atlanta Falcons to a 14-10 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, spoiling Manning's first start.

Falcons Spoil Manning's Debut With Giants (AP)


Polish police have broken up a gang of more than 100 hackers who sold pirated music and films, using academic computer systems around the world to store their wares, a police spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

Polish Cops Bust 100-Member Computer Piracy Gang


It #39;s often been said that Hong Kong people are interested in money, not politics, but upcoming legislative elections may bury that notion for good as angry residents turn out to send their leaders a message.

Popular discontent stirs political awakening in Hong Kong


Explosions have rocked the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, leaving at least one person dead and several others wounded. Officials say a hospital worker was killed Saturday, when a mortar round exploded outside a Baghdad hospital.

Explosions Rock Baghdad, Saturday


Mozilla hopes to capture more than 10 percent of the browser market in 2005.

Mozilla Mulls Desktop Search Features for Firefox Browser


French Masters Series defending champion Tim Henman believes the lack of pressure will allow him to go far again in the Paris event this year.

RELAXED MOOD HELPS HENMAN


Wal-Mart plans to open 18 new stores in China by the end of next year, as new rules permit foreign retailers to expand into smaller inland cities.

Wal-Mart to open 18 more stores in China


One of two oil tankers that went missing laden with crude oil has been found, says the Nigerian navy.

Missing tanker found in Nigeria


com. So good that he was named to his first All-Star Game, voted in by the players as the backup to second baseman Jeff Kent. And it was capped on Tuesday, when Loretta won his first Silver

Loretta wins Silver Slugger Award


AP - Nomar Garciaparra filed for free agency Friday, two days after the All-Star shortstop's former team, the Boston Red Sox, won the World Series.

Garciaparra Among New-Minted Free Agents (AP)


WAL-MART, the worlds largest retailer, has cut its sales forecast, in the run-up to Christmas, by more than half after suffering a fall in the number of shoppers passing through its doors

US shoppers fail to give thanks to Wal-Mart


DETROIT (Reuters) - DaimlerChrysler's  Chrysler division  said on Friday it was recalling about 600,000 Dodge Durango  sport utility vehicles and Dodge Dakota pickup trucks because  of concerns about their safety.

Chrysler, Ford Recall Over 1 Million Vehicles


Taiwan capital says network will reach 90 of population of 3M, will charge users for access. TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taipei plans to make wireless Internet access available across the Taiwan capital by the end

Taipei plans city-wide Wi-Fi network


The boss of Australian packaging company Amcor quits his post amid a growing scandal over allegations of price-fixing.

Cartel inquiry claims Amcor chief


It #39;s all about Eddie. Wall Street is betting Kmart chairman Eddie Lampert will be able to add a successful combination with Sears, the biggest retail merger in history, to his impressive resume.

Lampert rolls with the risks


Approved by two thirds of the MEPs, the Barroso II Commission is due to take office on 22 November. Eurosceptic MEP Nigel Farage took the shine off the subsequent celebrations by attacking French Transport

UKIP #39;s attacks embarrass newly elected Barroso Commission


Yasser Arafat #39;s wife accused senior Palestinian officials on Monday of plotting to  quot;bury him alive quot; and forced them to put off a planned trip to France to visit her critically ill husband.

Arafat #39;s Wife Accuses Deputies of Wanting Him Dead


ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A bomb placed under a police car  exploded on Sunday, wounding 14 people at a concert venue in  southern Turkey, state-run Anatolian news agency reported.

14 People Hurt in Bomb Blast at Turkish Concert


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

Wal-Mart Profit Up, Raises Outlook


AP - TAKEOVER TUG OF WAR: Oracle Corp. ends 18 months of acrimony, boosting its bid for software maker PeopleSoft Inc. by 10 percent to  #36;10.3 billion.

Summary: Oracle Acquires PeopleSoft (AP)


Pedro Martinez confirmed on Dominican television yesterday that he has reached an agreement with the Mets, representing perhaps the flashiest signing in team history.

Martinez may be just start


As expected, Apple has teamed with U2 to create a customized iPod pre-loaded with every one of the Irish rock act #39;s studio albums.

U2 iPod To Boast 400 Pre-Loaded Tracks


The price of oil has fallen in New York after Opec president Purnomo Yusgiantoro said that the oil cartel #39;s members were increasing production.

Oil prices dip as concerns ease


The bus ride to the airport in Warwick, R.I., was a raucous one for the University of Massachusetts men's basketball team yesterday afternoon. Over and over, the team watched the highlight from Thursday night when Rashaun Freeman hit the go-ahead basket against Connecticut and then leapt into the crowd with 4.3 seconds left on the clock.

UMass walking on air after win


AFP - James Anderson took the crucial wickets of Chris Gayle and Brian Lara as England pressed for victory in the fourth Test against the West Indies at the Oval here.

Anderson offers England victory as Windies lose Lara, Gayle (AFP)


The biggest drop in oil prices in three years lit a fire under stocks yesterday, boosting the markets near their 2004 highs. Crude plummeted \$3.64 to \$45.49 a barrel after the government reported

Stocks soar on plunging oil prices


The seldom-used auction system that Web search giant Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) used in its initial public offering was expected by some to change the way Wall Street does business.

RPT-IPO VIEW-Three months later, still digesting Google


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Reuters) - High oil prices will probably  brake U.S. growth but will not derail the economy provided they  do not rise sharply from current levels, top Federal Reserve  policymakers said on Tuesday.

Economy Can Withstand High Oil -Fed


Bee Staff Writer. A continued housing shortage will push California #39;s median home resale price up by a double-digit percentage again next year even as interest rates rise and sales slow, the

Home prices still soaring, Realtors say


Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi (L) shakes hands with British Prime Minister Tony Blair (R) after talks in Brussels November 5, 2004 ahead of the second day of a EU summit.

US Forces Set for Imminent Assault on Falluja


SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Good Technology, Inc., the industry standards-based leader in wireless messaging and corporate data access, announced today that Otis Spunkmeyer has selected the

Otis Spunkmeyer Melts Over GoodLink


quot;Israel mercenaries assisting the Ivory Coast army operated unmanned aircraft that aided aerial bombings of a French base in the country, quot; claimed

French media: Israelis aided Ivory Coast military in attacks


SiliconValley.com - Leaders of India's software industry and Mumbai police are disputing a Silicon Valley entrepreneur's allegations that they failed to investigate his claims that an employee stole critical software code from an Indian subsidiary.

Indian software leaders dispute code-theft charges (SiliconValley.com)


Britain's gold medal hope in the women's marathon Paula Radcliffe insists she is focused ahead of the race.

Radcliffe shrugs off pressure


On Tuesday, November 30, the Board of Directors of Russias natural gas monopoly Gazprom has approved the decision to take part in the auction for the sale of 76.8 percent of shares of Yuganskneftegaz, the main production asset of embattled Yukos Oil

Russias Gas Monopoly Gazprom to Take Part in Yuganskneftegaz <b>...</b>


Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums rose 11.2 percent this year, registering the fourth consecutive double-digit annual increase and pushing the cost of family coverage under the most common type of plan past \$10,000, according to a new survey.

Health Insurance Premiums Rise 11


LOS ANGELES Grocery giant Albertsons says it has purchased Bristol Farms, which operates eleven upscale stores in Southern California.

Albertsons shops in gourmet aisle with purchase of Bristol Farms


A leading economic think-tank sees a strong recovery in the second half of the year for major industrial economies, in spite of high oil prices, and says inflation is not yet a concern.

OECD Says Oil Prices and Inflation Not Hurting Industrial <b>...</b>


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Friday, boosted by  a government report showing strong jobs growth last month, but  gains were sharply reduced by a weak dollar, which fell to a  record low against the euro on concerns about the U.S. trade  imbalance.

Weak Dollar Weighs on Stocks


Insurgents detonated a the bomb, shortly after dawn, next to a U.S. tank patrol north of Baghdad on Saturday.

U.S. Soldier Killed in Roadside Bomb Blast


Anky van Grunsven of the Netherlands successfully defended her Olympic title Wednesday by winning the individual dressage competition.

Van Grunsven wins sixth equestrian medal


AKRON, Ohio -- The last man picked for the Ryder Cup team led at Firestone from start to finish. Where: Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire (Legend and Cedar River courses).

Cink goes wire-to-wire at NEC


AP - The Miami Dolphins reluctantly played their exhibition game at New Orleans on Friday, not wanting to leave their families, friends and homes as Hurricane Frances neared the eastern coast of Florida.

Miami Reluctantly Plays Preseason Finale (AP)


PC World - Intuit, Best Software offer new features, prices with 2005 editions.

First Look: Small Business Accounting Apps (PC World)


Former BBC boxing commentator Harry Carpenter relives the Rumble in the Jungle 30 years ago.

Boxing: Rumble in jungle recalled


Big copper has provided big results, but what's next for the share price?

Digging In at Phelps Dodge


By Patrick Kehoe: World light-heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver may be 35 and yet he #39;s not about to indulge in limits, conditional options or relativism of any kind.

Antonio Tarver #39;s Transcendent Dreams


MOSCOW President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that a claim by an Islamic extremist group to have downed two passenger airliners a week ago, if confirmed, would prove that the conflict spilling out of Chechnya was being fueled by international terrorist

Putin casts jet crashes as terrorist bombings


Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts Inc. (DJTC.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) , trying to restructure \$1.8 billion in debt, said on Wednesday that it and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners

UPDATE 1-Trump Hotels ends \$400 mln talks with DLJ


Palestinians detonated a massive bomb underneath an Israeli military checkpoint on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt late Sunday afternoon, killing at least four Israeli soldiers and wounding eight others, Israeli military officials and Palestinian militants said.

Attack on Israeli Army Post Kills 4


LONDON - Johnny Depp reckons he's no great movie pinup - he just has a

Johnny Depp Says He's No Heartthrob


A faulty battery has emerged as one of the likeliest causes for the crash-landing of the Genesis space probe. Scientists have been removing pieces of dirt and mud that lodged in the damaged canister after it smashed at high speed into the Utah desert.

Genesis  #39;faulty battery #39; probed


Hibernia Corp., the holding company for Hibernia National Bank, said Thursday that it signed a letter of intent to sell its \$10 billion, third-party residential mortgage servicing portfolio to a unit of Citigroup Inc.

Hibernia to Sell Mortgage Portfolio


An increase in commercial PC demand growth has caused market research firm IDC to revise its forecast for 2004 PC shipments, the firm announced today.

IDC: Commercial PC Demand Grows


The US and the EU have agreed to hold further talks in order to avoid legal action in the trade dispute over government support for Airbus and Boeing.

Boeing and Airbus clash


In early July, Apple stopped taking orders for iMacs, saying it had planned to have the next generation iMac available that month.

New iMac puts mean into lean


DESPITE the budget deficit, continued increases in oil and consumer prices, the economy, as measured by gross domestic product, grew by 6.3 percent in the third

GDP in Q3 grows 6.3


Reuters - British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw\flew to Sudan on Monday to keep up international pressure on\Khartoum to comply with U.N. demands to end the conflict in\Darfur that has already killed up to 50,000 people.

Britain's Straw to Keep World Pressure on Sudan (Reuters)


LONDON (Reuters) - European shares notched up a fresh  five-month high on Thursday, helped by miners as base metal  prices shot to multi-year peaks and by German utility giant  E.ON  on news of an asset sale in Norway.

Europe Stocks Hug 5-Month Highs


PeopleSoft (Profile, Products, Articles) Inc. won #39;t discuss a sale to Oracle (Profile, Products, Articles) Corp. for a price of \$24 per share, the company #39;s board of directors

PeopleSoft board won #39;t negotiate takeover with Oracle


WR Grace  amp; Co. Inc. said Friday it has asked for a delay in filing a reorganization plan in its bankruptcy case so it can continue to negotiate with creditors.

WR Grace asks to delay reorganization


4 Miami at N.C. State 7:45 p.m., ESPN
Think the Wolfpack is kicking itself for that loss two weeks ago at North Carolina? You bet. Had N.C. State (4-2, 3-1 ACC) won that one, this would be for sole possession of first place in the ACC. As it is, this is a chance for the Wolfpack to show it belongs in the upper echelon of the restructured league -- which, for now, is Miami, Florida State, and a cesspool of also-rans. The Wolfpack's defense is the best in the nation against the pass (97.5 yards per game) and overall (203.7). It will have to shut down a rejuvenated Brock Berlin, who threw for 308 yards last week against Louisville, his most in 13 games. Key for N.C. State: Will perpetually banged-up tailback T.A. McLendon -- a game-time decision because of a bad hamstring -- be able to run effectively?

The Rundown


Bested by a Republican campaign emphasizing Christian faith, some Democrats are scrambling to shake off their secular image, stepping up efforts to organize the

Some Democrats Believe the Party Should Get Religion


Reuters - British diplomats and peers joined\scientists and churchmen on Wednesday to urge Prime Minister\Tony Blair to publish a death toll in the U.S.-led war in Iraq.

UK's Blair Challenged to Tally Iraq War Dead (Reuters)


Candie Kung and Lorie Kane overcame the wind and the rain -- and a rally by Annika Sorenstam -- to top the Safeway Classic leaderboard.

Kane, Kung share Safeway Classic lead


Many words, little action from international conference which was meant to help solve bloody violence in Iraq. By Marc Burleigh - SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt.

International Iraq conference, window-dressing


NEW DELHI: Pakistan will consider India #39;s offer of diesel export to boost cooperation on the energy front, said Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri here Monday.

Pakistan to consider Indian diesel export offer


The domination of the 802.16 process by a handful of vendors is often criticized, but at least it has resulted in a measure of unity that is looking increasingly enviable as the other key IEEE wireless efforts fall prey to dangerous fragmentation, which

ZigBee in danger of falling apart


Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver were joking about a unification bout. Roy Jones, considered by some the world #39;s best pound-for-pound fighter, was in the back of an ambulance.

Second KO leaves Jones #39; future fuzzy


PHOENIX - A stolen truck filled with suspected illegal immigrants sped away from deputies and rolled over at a busy intersection near an Army post Saturday, causing an 11-car crash that killed six people and seriously injured 15, sheriff's officials said.    Passengers were thrown from the truck as it struck a center median and began to spiral, hitting vehicles waiting at a turn lane, Deputy Chief Randy Redmond of the Sierra Vista Fire Department said...

6 Killed in Arizona As SUV Flees Deputies


Give them credit, they #39;re starting the CEO search with plenty of lead time. Early in the day on Aug. 18, Thomas F. Chapman, chairman and CEO of Equifax, stated his intention to retire sometime in late 2005, according to a company statement. While such an ...

A Long Goodbye at Equifax


By ERICA WERNER    WASHINGTON (AP) -- Activists and computer programmers Wednesday demonstrated what they said were flaws with electronic voting machines that could allow hackers to change vote outcomes Nov. 2...

Activists Show Alleged eVoting Machine Flaws


The Recording Industry Association of America yesterday (Oct. 28) brought a new round of copyright-infringement lawsuits against 750 file sharers, including 25 users on 13 university campuses.

RIAA Files 750 Infringement Suits


SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Rocker Courtney Love was sued Thursday by a travel agency that claims she ordered nearly \$50,000 in airline tickets but refused to pay...

Courtney Love Sued by LA Travel Agency


The St. Louis Cardinals and pitcher Matt Morris agree to a one-year, \$2.5 contract.

Cardinals Re-Sign Morris


WEST PALM BEACH -- Hurricane Charley packed more punch than any storm not named Andrew, the Insurance Information Institute said Wednesday.

Insurance Rates May Not Rise From Charley


Secretary of State Colin Powell is wrapping up an East Asia trip focused on prodding North Korea to resume talks aimed at ending its nuclear-weapons program.

Asian Leaders Urged to Prompt N. Korea to Resume Talks


Marriott International, the largest US hotel operator, Thursday said third-quarter profit rose 45 as room rates grew faster than occupancy for the first time in three years.

Marriott #39;s 3rd-quarter profits surge


Despite a huge run-up in oil prices this year, the resilient American economy has continued to grow at brisk pace, defying predictions of an oil-related slowdown.

Economy shrugs off soaring oil prices


England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has come out in full support of his players #39; boycott of the media after the 2-1 victory over Poland.

Sven backs media boycott


LAS VEGAS -- Shane Mosley gave Winky Wright his big chance. After beating Mosley a second time, Wright is now ready to cash in on it.

Wright is right again


AP - David Hearn of Canada earned his first Nationwide Tour victory Sunday, closing with a 1-under 71 and beating David Mckenzie by a stroke at the Alberta Classic.

Hearn Earns First Nationwide Tour Victory (AP)


Howard Stern says he #39;s taking his show to his fans -- and away from federal regulators. The shock jock says he #39;ll head to Sirius satellite radio when his contract with Infinity Broadcasting

Howard Stern will bring his show to satellite radio


ORLANDO, Fla. He was supposed to be doing safety inspections on the space shuttle fleet -- sometimes inspecting parts that were so crucial, their failure could destroy the shuttle.

Former NASA inspector pleads innocent to falsifying inspections


AFP - India's third-largest software exporter, Wipro, said second quarter net profit jumped 79 percent as sales rose 44 percent, beating both the market's and the company's expectations.

Wipro second-quarter net profit soars 79 percent (AFP)


Tehran, Nov 30, IRNA -- Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) secretary Hassan Rowhani said on Tuesday that Tehran #39;s commitment to freeze its uranium enrichment activities would be good only for as long as it was engaged in talks with Europe.

Rowhani: Iran to suspend uranium enrichment only for as long as <b>...</b>


\\For the last few days I've been addicted to Ghost in the Shell - Stand Alone\Complex .  I'm not a huge Anime fan as everything I've ran across in the past\seems to target 15 year old girls.  SAC is clearly different and can stand\alongside the Matrix and any other major Science Fiction released in the last 10\years.\\SAC is set in the year 2030 - obviously there's been a great deal of\technological achievement since 2004 including ubiquitous Internet, AI, and\cybernetic enhancements.\\The main characters in the story all have cybernetic modifications ranging from\a few implants all the way up to entire body replacement.  The protagonist,\Major Motoko Kusanagi, is almost entirely cybernetic,  ...\\

Ghost in the Shell - SAC


Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. BANGKOK, Thailand -- A group of 144 academics upped the pressure on Thailand #39;s premier Monday by releasing an

Academics call for apology from Thai PM over Muslim deaths


Most analysts and doctors had not expected the FDA to give Arcoxia a green light now because Merck pulled Vioxx from the market last month after a study showed it doubled patients risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Federal regulators want more data before approving new Merck pain <b>...</b>


David Beckham is still in danger of facing disciplinary action for admitting he got booked on purpose - despite Sven-Goran Eriksson #39;s attempts to draw a line under the controversy.

Becks row rumbles on


A move is afoot to form an industry consortium to buy about 40 patents that are among the assets of bankrupt Commerce One.

Industry group might buy Commerce One patents


The William J. Clinton Presidential Center, in Little Rock, Ark., which is to be dedicated on Thursday, sprawls across eight years of big ambitions and small details.

Clinton Library Reflects Its Subject's Volatile Era


Sun Microsystems and the University of Texas have teamed to create an UltraSparc-powered giant that will crunch 3D tasks for the school.

Sun lassoes Longhorn-sized supercomputer win


AP - The Postal Service expects to handle 20 billion pieces of mail between Thanksgiving and Christmas, up slightly from last year, the agency said Monday.

Post Office Gearing Up for Holiday Rush (AP)


AP - President Bush, Sen. John Kerry and their political parties are spending nearly  #36;40 million on TV ads in the final week of the presidential campaign as they adjust their strategies in a shrinking battleground.

Bush, Kerry, Parties Spending  #36;40M on Ads (AP)


Hopes are fading that Pyongyang will attend a fourth round of talks on ending its nuclear weapons programs, following revelations about South Korean nuclear tests.

Hopes Fading for Fourth Round of Talks on Pyongyang #39;s Nuclear <b>...</b>


England striker Michael Owen didn #39;t have a nickname in Spain until Sunday, but he may have now, with sports daily Marca dubbing him  #39;killer #39; after he got the only goal of Real Madrid #39;s 1-0 win over Valencia.

#39;Killer #39; Owen on the loose


roundup Plus: SmartDisk expands hard-drive line...Target to sell TiVo DVRs...Unisys signs up Linux allies...LookSmart names new CEO.

Briefly: RealNetworks loss widens on litigation


AP - Geoff McArthur ignored his separated shoulder, reaching high above his head to snare California's go-ahead touchdown pass. A few anxious minutes later, Oregon's final throw ricocheted off Keith Allen's hands and dropped to the grass, ending the Ducks' upset bid. After 853 yards of offense, everything came down to two passes  #151; and the fourth-ranked Golden Bears caught the ball and the breaks.

Cal Gets the Breaks to Hold Off Oregon (AP)