By MICHAEL RUBINKAM     PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Hate it when you fill 'er up and, five minutes later, spot another station selling gas for a nickel a gallon cheaper?    Jason Toews, a 30-year-old computer programmer from the Minneapolis suburbs, hated it even more when he couldn't find an easy way to shop around.

New Web Site Helps Compare Gasoline Prices


Reuters - U.S. blue-chips closed at six-week\highs on Friday, helped by reassuring consumer confidence data\and a bounce in technology stocks, but volume was extremely\thin before next week's Republican convention in New York City.

Stocks End Up; Techs Gain on Light Volume (Reuters)


Rome: Millions of Italian workers took part in a one-day general strike against the economic policies of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Italy crippled as strike bites


NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the media at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on Wednesday Dec. 1, 2004.

NHL Accepts Union Invitation for Talks


AP - France introduced a Security Council resolution Thursday that would increase the U.N. force in Congo by 5,900 troops, less than half the amount requested by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

France Seeks Larger U.N. Force in Congo (AP)


Telstra Corp., Australia #39;s biggest phone company, agreed to buyback A\$750 million (\$576 million) of its own stock at the lowest price in a range offered to shareholders.

Telstra Pays Lowest Price in A\$750 Mln Stock Buyback (Update4)


Actors Al Pacino, Kate Winslet and Johnny Depp attend the Venice Film Festival despite protests.

Actors hit Venice despite protest


Reuters - The dollar edged down against the euro on\Monday toward its lowest level in seven and a half months,\pressured after it fell through key technical levels on weak\U.S. economic data on Friday.

Dollar Closes in on Lows After Weak Data (Reuters)


BT is to offer Research in Motion #39;s Blackberry mobile email and personal information management system, the UK telco said today.

RIM signs BT to sell Blackberry


The US Army is laying the groundwork to let Halliburton Co. keep several billion dollars paid for work in Iraq that Pentagon auditors say is questionable or unsupported by proper documentation

Army to Let Halliburton Keep Iraq Payment


Yet another obscenity controversy. After winning for the fifth time at Talladega, Ala., Sunday, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in an interview that his victory  quot;don #39;t mean s- right now.

Improper words?


Elton Brand scored 27 points, Bobby Simmons added 20 and the Los Angeles Clippers barely held on to beat the short-handed Indiana Pacers 88-76 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Clippers 88, Pacers 76


Multi-millionaire Malcolm Glazer is known as a shrewd investor whose love of sport is eclipsed by his canny business sense. Described by Forbes magazine as having an eye for value

Tycoon Puts Business Before Sport


Drug company Merck has removed its painkiller Vioxx because of data showing an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Arthritis drug removed for safety


AP - As dawn breaks over Sri Lanka's coast, dozens of parents come to the beach where huge waves seized their children a week ago.

Parents Waiting for Waves to Return Kids (AP)


Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi called the killing of an Italian journalist by his Iraqi captors barbaric #39; #39; and said he #39;ll keep his nation #39;s 3,000 soldiers in the Middle Eastern country.

Italy to Stay in Iraq After Reporter Murdered, Berlusconi Says


An explosion wounded a senior Islamic Jihad field commander in a Gaza refugee camp Thursday in what the Palestinian militant group called an Israeli assassination attempt.

Senior Islamic Militant Wounded in Gaza Blast


LONDON - Andriy Shevchenko scored twice as Ukraine won 3-0 in Turkey on Wednesday to put them in with a great chance of qualifying for the soccer World Cup for the first time.

Soccer: Ukraine stun Turkey in World Cup qualifiers


For a theoretically free operating system, Linux is -- and will continue to be -- a cash cow. A research firm sees a bright financial future for the OS.

Linux To Ring Up \$35B By 2008


By TED BRIDIS    WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House will propose moving cybersecurity offices from the Department of Homeland Security to the White House as part of the intelligence reorganization, according to draft legislation obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press. The bill, expected to be introduced Thursday, would place cybersecurity into the White House budget office...

Cybersecurity Office May Relocate


Cingular Wireless is offering a software application intended to help the visually impaired make full use of their cell phones. The Talks application, which works only with the Nokia 6620 phone, converts menus

Cingular handset talks to users


AFP - Portsmouth's Lomana LuaLua scored an injury time equaliser to earn a point against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw at Anfield which will hamper the home side's attempts to get in touch with the leading clubs during the Christmas programme.

LuaLua spoils Liverpool's Christmas cheer (AFP)


ST. LOUIS -- The nation #39;s third-largest operator of kidney-dialysis clinics has agreed to pay the government \$350 million to settle allegations it defrauded Medicare.

Dialysis clinic chain agrees to pay \$350M


Johnny Damon drove in the winning run with a bloop single in the top of the ninth inning as the Boston Red Sox rallied to edge the New York Yankees 3-2 in an American League East showdown at Yankee Stadium on Friday.

AL Wrap: Damon Lifts Red Sox Nearer to Yankees


AP - House Democratic leaders, consigned by the election to a minority role for another two years, said Tuesday they want to hold Republicans more accountable, starting with a vote on raising the  #36;7.4 trillion debt ceiling.

House Democrats to Focus on Debt Ceiling (AP)


South Africa's largest mining company, Anglo American, tries to defuse an investment row with President Mbeki.

SA mining giant rows with Mbeki


BRITISH Airways said today that net profit rose by 25.5 per cent over the latest quarter and that passenger numbers also rose. Chief executive Rod Eddington said the good figures compared with a weak second

BA profits sky high


MAPUTO (Reuters) - The Commonwealth and European Union have  asked Mozambique for access to centers where votes from this  week's election are being verified, after complaints by  monitors raised questions over the credibility of the ballot.

Monitors Want Access to Mozambique Vote Count


Masae Ueno will certainly have a tale to tell when she gets back to her Tokyo office. Ueno joined the parade of Japanese Olympic judo champions, winning the women #39;s 70-kilogram gold medal Wednesday.

ATHENS OLYMPICS 2004 / Ueno wins Japan #39;s 5th judo gold


Prospective jurors in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case were asked their feelings on racial prejudice, interracial relationships, marital infidelity and justice for the rich and famous

Prospective jurors grilled


Gunmen shoot and kill a senior official in Iraq's communication ministry on his way to work in Baghdad.

Top Iraq official shot dead


YURI KADOBNOVAFP VIA GETTY IMAGESVenus Williams returns against Russia #39;s Alina Jidkova during their match at the WTA Kremlin Cup in Moscow.

Sports Briefs


Officials at Microsoft (Quote, Chart) took advantage of their new arrangement with Novell (Quote, Chart) to launch a promotion to get US customers off the NetWare operating system and onto Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft Floats NetWare Migration Promo


Ricky Santos broke his own school record by throwing six touchdown passes and set a school mark with 538 passing yards as New Hampshire withstood Villanova's fourth-quarter rally for a 51-40 victory last night at Villanova, Pa.

UNH surges with air attack


The 18th anniversary today of the start of Sir Alex Ferguson #39;s Manchester United career requires no more significant reminder that every great reign depends on perpetual

Good health is key to Ferguson #39;s future


DaimlerChrysler AG #39;s Chrysler recalled 240,000 Dodge Caravan and similar minivans and sedans because a short circuit can set fire to rear speakers of the radio.

Chrysler recalls 240,000 vans over threat of speaker fire


Mercosur and the Andean Community countries finally agree a trade deal.

South America blocs in trade deal


As Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern go into the second day of peace talks with the political parties, paramilitary weapons were central to chances of success.

IRA shutdown hinges on talks


The Athens Olympics and the US elections boosted total US advertising spending in the third quarter, leaving 2004-to-date spending levels 10.3 above the year-ago level, according to a study released Monday.

Olympics, Elections Boost US Ad Sales - Study


The war crimes trial of deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein won #39;t begin any time soon because deteriorating security is hampering information-gathering in the case, a senior US official said Friday.

US official: Saddam trial won #39;t start this year


With the economy continuing to rank as a top factor in the upcoming election, the latest  quot;beige book quot; confirms that economic activity continued to expand through early October.

Expanding economy confirmed


WASHINGTON - The committee writing the Senate's intelligence reorganization plan is recommending creation of a strong national intelligence director with spending power, while leaving the Pentagon in charge of some military spy agencies.    Sen...

Senate Wants Intel Chief With Budget Say


ManTech International Corp. of Fairfax won a \$20.9 million contract from the Air Force to provide network and telecommunications services in Europe and in Turkey.

ManTech to Aid Air Force Network


FRANKFURT Volkswagen and its workers entered a critical week in their wage negotiations Monday, with signs that a compromise was taking shape even as protests flared at factories across Germany.

Unions and VW narrowing differences


MANHASSET, NY - MontaVista Software Inc. has announced that its MontaVista Linux has been chosen as the operating system for three new Foma third-generation (3G) mobile phones from NTT DoCoMo.

NTT DoCoMo chooses Linux for next-gen phones


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Treasuries prices turned lower on  Tuesday in a classic buy-the-rumor, sell-the-fact reaction as a  reading on U.S. consumption proved not as weak as some had been  betting.

Treasuries Slip After Retail Report


Three children of a Malaysian vet have joined her in hospital for checks to see if they have bird flu, state media reported on Sunday.

Three more Malaysians face bird flu checks


Syria #39;s President Bashar al-Assad and his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday held talks in Sharem al Sheikh. Before the summit, there were erports that during the meeting, Mubarak will offer Assad

Syrian - Egyptian summit held


Ameren Corp. said Friday it has completed its purchase of Illinois Power Co. from Dynegy Inc. of Houston for about \$500 million in cash and \$1.

Missouri Energy Provider Buys Ill. Power


English Premiership strugglers West Bromwich Albion have refused to comment on reports they have approached former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson as a replacement for Gary Megson.

West Brom look to knight for Premiership rescue


Orders to US factories were far stronger in October than analysts expected, but almost all of the gain came from greater demand for military aircraft.

US factory orders boosted by military aircraft


Chris Stone, second in command to CEO Jack Messman at Novell, has abruptly left the company he helped reinvigorate through the endorsement of Linux and the acquisition of SUSE Linux AG.

Open-source advocate Chris Stone unexpectedly leaves Novell


Four years ago in Barcelona, when Spain won the Davis Cup for the first time, Carlos Moy cut a rather sad and slightly dejected figure, an outsider who was forced to watch from the periphery because of an injured back.

Moy #39;s moment as Spain celebrate


British airline magnate Richard Branson says his company will begin launching paying customers into outer space by 2007 on the world #39;s first commercial space flights.

Branson Plans Commercial Space Flights


Reuters - Free agent starting\pitcher Carl Pavano has chosen to join the New York Yankees and\the two sides were working on finalizing a contract before the\end of the winter meetings.

Pavano Chooses Yankees (Reuters)


Police arrested a 17-year-old in Clinton Township Thursday after receiving news that the boy was planning an attack on his own school.

Police Display Weapons Confiscated From Teen #39;s Home


Molson Inc., seeking to overcome opposition to its planned C\$3.8 billion (\$3.16 billion) merger with Adolph Coors Co. to create the world #39;s fifth-biggest brewer, said it will pay minority shareholders a special dividend.

Molson, Coors to Pay C\$381 Million to Sweeten Merger (Update3)


Plus, Amazon blacks out, a sad day for Colgate, and profiting from questions.

FindWhat.com: A Year Later


General Electric Co. said it settled allegations with the US Securities and Exchange Commission that it didn #39;t fully disclose perks such as an apartment and wine for retired Chief Executive Officer Jack Welch.

General Electric Settles Welch Contract Probe With Regulators


Russian troops killed at least 22 rebels in separatist Chechnya on Monday, including a man officials said was linked to the assassination of Chechnya #39;s pro-Moscow president, media reported.

Russian Troops Kill 22 Chechen Rebels


AFP - Democratic Senator John Kerry accused President George W. Bush of using a front group to do the

Kerry defends Vietnam record, challenges Bush (AFP)


AP - The Seattle Seahawks finally got Jerry Rice on Tuesday. The trade that sent the greatest receiver in NFL history from the Oakland Raiders to the Seahawks was formally announced after the league trade deadline passed in the afternoon.

Rice Shipped to Seahawks for Draft Pick (AP)


Prime Minister Paul Martin swore on live television yesterday, apparently frustrated with the progress of a meeting with the provincial ministers over the future of Canada's straining health care system.    During a break in the proceedings, Martin's aunt telephoned him and threatened to   wash his mouth out with soap for using the Lord's name in vain.    When the meeting resumed, Martin apologized to the nation.

Canada, the Polite Country


BARDOLINO, Italy (CP) - Tereza Hurikova of the Czech Republic won the junior time trial to take home the first gold medal and rainbow jersey of the world road cycling championships Monday.

Czech rider Hurikova wins first gold medal at cycling worlds


Crude oil futures fell in New York, extending the biggest decline in five months yesterday, after a jump in US inventories eased concern about a winter shortage.

Crude Oil Falls for 2nd Day on Larger-Than-Expected Supply Gain


Bobby Bowden couldn #39;t get excited about Florida State #39;s first win of the season. Not after last week #39;s dramatic heartbreaker.

No. 8 Florida State 34, UAB 7


CHARLOTTE, NC - The Eli Manning Summer School took its first field trip last night, an outing designed to ramp up an educational process that is reaching a critical stage.

Eli has his moments


NEW YORK, November 22 (newratings.com) - Crude oil prices increased to near the \$50 per barrel mark this morning, amid renewed concerns surrounding a potential shortfall in the heating fuel supplies this winter.

Oil price returns to near \$50 per barrel mark


The belly butterflies will be in full flight this afternoon when the 43-car field takes the green flag at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

Talladega: Waiting for the  #39;big one #39;


US regulators, who rejected Cyberonics Inc. #39;s (CYBX.O: Quote, Profile, Research) device to treat depression in August, cleared the therapy

UPDATE 3-Cyberonics gets FDA OK for small study


PeopleSoft Inc. on Monday agreed to a sweetened \$10.3 billion buyout by rival software maker Oracle Corp., relenting after a 18-month takeover saga that included the ouster of PeopleSoft #39;s chief executive.

Oracle Buys PeopleSoft for \$10.3 Billion


Two Gilbert brothers were arrested Monday as part of a worldwide crackdown on telemarketing schemes that have victimized more than 5 million people for an estimated \$1 billion in losses.

Phone scam probe nets 2


A successful bidder for Manchester United could have to pay more than 300p a share, City sources suggested yesterday. The stock rose 13.

Man Utd hopefuls face a rising challenge


Reuters - Tokyo's Nikkei average fell 0.9 percent\by mid-morning on Tuesday and was on course for an eighth day\of losses as a broad range of stocks wilted after oil prices\spiked to  #36;50 a barrel and U.S. stocks made more losses.

Tokyo Stocks Fall After Oil Spike (Reuters)


WASHINGTON (Sports Network) - Roger Powell Jr. netted 19  points on 8-of-11 shooting to lead top-ranked Illinois to a  74-59 victory over Georgetown at the MCI Center.

College Basketball: Illinois, Kansas Win


Skype Technologies SA, of Luxembourg, Tuesday released a beta version of its free Internet telephony software for Apple Computer Inc.

Skype dials up beta software for Mac OS X


com September 29, 2004, 6:50 PM PT. With the economy slowly turning up, upgrading hardware has been on businesses radar in the past 12 months as their number two priority.

Samsung working on tiny drive


After opening the Samsung World Championship with a 10-under 62, she felt she might go just as low in the second round Friday. She left a few birdie putts short, but finished with a 67 to open a four-shot

Park #39;s confidence evident in her game


Iran has promised to meet Monday #39;s deadline for suspending a uranium enrichment process that could be used for making nuclear weapons -- a freeze that could spare it UN Security Council sanctions.

Iran vows to freeze uranium enrichment


Middleweight Andre Dirrell boosted the United States #39; slim hopes of winning an Olympic boxing title by booking a place in the semi-finals with a narrow victory over Cuba #39;s Yordani Despaigne Wednesday.

Dirrell Boosts American Title Hopes in Boxing


Reuters - President Bush, on the road to next\week's Republican convention, defended his economic record in\hard-hit Ohio on Saturday as abortion-rights activists marched\through New York City on the front edge of a wave of anti-Bush\protests.

Bush Defends Record as Protesters Hit NY Streets (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rebounded on Monday as oil  prices retreated from their highs, while upbeat earnings  announcements from retailers fueled the improved sentiment.

U.S. Stocks Rebound as Oil Prices Ease


JL Lewis produced a dazzling 10-under-par 62 to grab a two-shot lead after the opening round of the \$4.2 million Funai Classic at the Walt Disney Resort on Thursday.

UPDATE 1-Lewis fires spectacular 62 to take Funai lead


AFP - The eurozone economy is awash with excess liquidity and that could signal inflationary dangers ahead for the 12 countries that share the euro, official data showed.

Eurozone economy awash with liquidity, M3 money supply data show (AFP)


Bernie Ecclestone has attempted to shrug off Monday #39;s court ruling, which found in favour of the three banks holding a 75 per cent stake in Formula One, by making a substantial cash offer to the sport #39;s ten teams in an attempt to prevent a breakaway series

Ecclestone counters courts with cash offer.


Citigroup has sued Italian governmental authorities overseeing the Parmalat restructuring, arguing that their formula for paying off debt tramples creditors and investors rights.

Citi sues Italian authorities over Parmalat restructuring


Sept 29, Colombo: The Norwegian government has expressed serious concern over the political killings in Sri Lanka. Norwegian Ambassador in Colombo Hans Brattskar made this statement when he met SP Tamilselvan

* Norway seriously concerned over factional killings


The six people killed in a crash of a South African-registered aircraft Thursday in Zambia were respectively the Canadian, Briton and Australian, local mediareported on Friday.

Victims of plane crash in Zambia from Canada, Britain, Australia


AFP - Sharp Corp. has developed a 65-inch (1.66 metres) liquid crystal display (LCD) colour television under its AQUOS brand, the world's largest.

Japan's Sharp develops world's largest LCD television (AFP)


Usually when stockholders get a proxy statement in the mail, it means management of the company they have invested in wants their vote on something -- approval of a merger, perhaps, or electing board members at the next shareholders meeting.

Merger Delivers Princely Profit for DigitalNet Insiders


IBM, Sun Microsystems, and Computer Associates have jumped aboard in support of the WS-Eventing specification for subscribing to Web services-based events, joining original developers Microsoft, BEA Systems, and Tibco Software.

IBM, Sun join with Microsoft on Web services event specification


Software developers have made the ISight good for much more than just video chat.

Mac Skeptic: Apple's ISight, a Webcam and More


Travelers flying US Airways during the coming holidays can breathe a little easier. The threat of labor-related disruptions has eased ... for the moment. Expanded hearings next month have decreased the likelihood

US Airways strike averted until new year


Jack Straw says the UK is likely to hold a vote on the EU constitution early in 2006, as Tony Blair prepares to sign up to it.

Europe vote 'early 2006' - Straw


Running back Jerome Bettis flipped a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jerame Tuman three plays after surpassing the 13,000-yard barrier early in the fourth quarter, fooling what had been a nearly impenetrable New York Jets defense and sending the Pittsburgh

Bettis #39; TD pass sparks Pittsburgh


AFP - French car maker Renault said that its budget 5,000-euro (6,000-dollar) Logan, currently aimed at developing markets, would soon go on sale in western Europe, but at 7,500 euros.

Renault's 5,000-euro car to go on sale in western Europe for 7,500 euros (AFP)


Orbitz Inc.'s shares surged nearly 31 percent Wednesday on news that Cendant Corp., the owner of the CheapTickets, Days Inn, Avis and Budget brands, had agreed to pay \$1.25 billion to acquire the third-largest online travel agency.

Cendant Buys Orbitz for \$1.25 Billion


THIERRY HENRY admits he and Patrick Vieira are putting their bodies on the line to keep alive Arsenals Premiership and Champions League dreams.

I #39;ll stand and fight


AP - In an advance that could lead to lighter spacecraft and smarter cars, researchers have developed a new technique for producing a high-quality semiconductor that's much more resistant to extreme conditions than the silicon found in most of today's electronics.

New Technique to Advance Semiconductors (AP)


NORMAN, Okla. - Is any lead safe with Texas Tech #39;s offense and a suddenly stingy defense primed for a comeback? After rallying from 21 and 25 points down in back-to-back weeks, the Red Raiders aren #39;t planning to find out when they play No.

Texas Tech hoping comeback unnecessary against No. 2 Sooners


NEW YORK, November 5 (newratings.com) - Molson Inc (MOL.A.TOR) has announced a special dividend payment worth about C\$381 million for its shareholders, as part of its plans for a merger with the Adolph Coors Company (RKY).

Molson offers special dividend to smoothen merger with Adolph <b>...</b>


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

Consumer Spending Rebounds Sharply (Reuters)


AFP - The new prime minister of military-ruled Myanmar was directly behind an attack on opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her convoy last year, the United States charged.

New Myanmar PM directly behind attack on Aung San Suu Kyi: US (AFP)


It #39;s the end of the year and what better way for stargazers to close it out than by viewing the best meteor shower of 2004? The Geminid meteor shower occurs mid-December every year.

The Geminids are coming


What, having twins isn't enough? Patricia and Kevin Uniacke want to become landlords now, too?

Investing in their future


Software giant Oracle Corp. began its legal battle with rival PeopleSoft Inc. in Delaware Chancery Court Monday, the first of two cases expected to bring the national business media to the state #39;s famed court of equity this month.

PeopleSoft trial draws media crowd


September 23, 2004 -- BEIRUT, Lebanon - The Lebanese government announced the arrest of the country #39;s top al Qaeda operative, and said yesterday he and another Lebanese suspect plotted homicide attacks on Western embassies and recruited insurgents to

LEBANON NAILS ITS AL QAEDA RINGLEADER


GAZA (Reuters) - An Israeli helicopter fired a missile into  a town in the southern Gaza Strip late on Wednesday, witnesses  said, hours after a Palestinian suicide bomber blew herself up  in Jerusalem, killing two Israeli border policemen.

Israeli Helicopter Fires Missile in Gaza -Witnesses


Kevin Brown learned yesterday during a visit with hand specialist Melvin Rosenwasser that he might have the two pins removed from his broken left hand Friday.

Yanks pin hopes on Brown return


Reuters - The militant Palestinian group Hamas\said Monday an Arab country might have helped Israel\assassinate one of its leaders in Damascus, an act it called\

Hamas: Arab State May Have Helped in Syria Killing (Reuters)


United Nations: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has termed the US-led invasion of Iraq  quot;illegal quot; as it contravened the world body #39;s charter and said he feared  quot;credible quot; elections in that country as planned were unlikely to take place given the present

Annan terms iraq war illegal; says credible elections unlikely


SYDNEY : A compensation fund for Australian asbestos victims of embattled James Hardie Industries NV said it was filing for liquidation, rejecting a last-minute multi-million dollar cash injection.

James Hardie #39;s Australian asbestos fund files for liquidation


European Space Agency -- When the Ariane 5 ECA qualification flight lifts off in October, one of the passengers will be 33.5 litres of water. Onboard will be the experimental Sloshsat-FLEVO satellite, designed to help European scientists find out more about the movement of water in microgravity and its effects on satellites...

Europe to Launch Satellite Full of Water


According to White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, umpire Hunter Wendelstedt filed a claim that said Guillen spat on him during an Aug. 9 argument, a big reason Guillen was dealt with so severely by Major League Baseball.

Ump says Ozzie threw spitter


DECEMBER 16, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Security company Symantec Corp. #39;s acquisition of Veritas Software Corp. could benefit customers and shareholders of both companies, but details of the \$13.5 billion deal

More questions than answers in Symantec/Veritas deal


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chauncey Billups scored 21 points in  his return to the line-up as the host Detroit Pistons also  welcomed back coach Larry Brown and Ben Wallace with a 93-85  triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday.

NBA Wrap: Returning Trio Help Pistons End Skid


AP - Mistie Williams and Monique Currie each scored 20 points and Wanisha Smith added 14, leading No. 6 Duke past pesky Davidson 89-69 on Friday night in the first round of the Preseason WNIT.

No. 6 Duke Rolls Past Davidson 89-69 (AP)


Deutsche Boerse has made a 1.3 billion (\$2.49 billion) approach for the London Stock Exchange, and the LSE #39;s rejection of it on Monday left observers doubting a much better offer would emerge.

LSE rejects Deutsche Boerse bid


The head of the world's largest instant noodle manufacturer is trying to transform what was one of Asia's most influential overseas Chinese operations.

Indonesian Food Giant Undergoes a Transformation as the Political Winds Shift


Grump writes  quot;Diving into the already crowded online music business, XM Radio Online, will launch sometime in early October and operate commercial-free, just as its satellite programming does.

XM Radio Plans Online Music Service


IN ordering a one-week extension of its takeover bid for Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality last night, the Takeovers Panel clearly considers that Bruandwo, with its adviser UBS, has been too clever in seeking to defeat its rival joint bidder, CMM Hotel  amp;

Not so fast, panel orders Bruandwo


Execs at the world's favorite search engine are predicting stormy seas ahead. Does it have anything to do with Microsoft's charge into search and online ad delivery? <FONT face=

On Google's Horizon ... Microsoft


Hurricane Ivan is among the most powerful Atlantic storms in recent history, and more such storms are likely in the future due to global warming, say climate experts.

Ivan May Just Be a Messenger


Vodafone said Monday that it remained interested in acquisitions in France, eastern Europe, Asia and Africa as the mobile phone company detailed cost cuts that it expects will reach an annual 2.

TechBrief: Vodafone seeks new frontiers


Hewlett-Packard will release its final Alpha processor on Monday, the beginning of the end for a chip dynasty that never was.

End of the line for HP #39;s Alpha


COLUMBIA, SC A source tells The Associated Press that Steve Spurrier will be hired as Lou Holtz #39;s replacement at South Carolina.

Source says Spurrier headed to South Carolina


Three-time Dakar Rally winner Richard Sainct has been killed in an accident during the fourth stage of the Rally of the Pharoahs in Egypt.

Dakar winner Sainct killed in Rally of the Pharaohs


AP - Looking to expand its offerings to European consumers, Warner Music International and Telefon AB Ericsson said Wednesday they plan to start distributing some of the label's artists music via mobile phone in Europe.

Ericsson to Distribute Warner Music Tones (AP)


An increase in passengers has propped up annual earnings for easyJet but the low-cost airline has warned it faces a tough two years as cut-throat competition drives down fares and fuel prices soar.

EasyJet faces tough year ahead


Is the real Arsenal boss the fair-minded French Professor we have come to admire or the sore loser who is to face the FA today for calling Ruud van Nistelrooy  quot;a cheat quot;?

The two sides of Wenger


Pressure? What pressure? Kurt Busch, last in the qualifying line and first in the NASCAR Nextel Cup points, waited out 54 drivers yesterday, then won the pole for the season-ending Ford 400, which will determine the 2004 champion.

Front-row ticket obtained by Busch


ISRAELS opposition Labour Party last night clinched a deal with Ariel Sharons Likud Party to join his coalition, a move that could ease the planned withdrawal from Gaza.

Sharon deal to ease pullout from Gaza


NEW YORK - In a nod to Wall Streets frustrations with his companys repeated failure to meet earnings expectations, Coca-Cola CEO Neville Isdell on Thursday cut Cokes long-term forecasts while announcing a big boost in annual marketing dollars.

Coke CEO reduces earnings forecasts


Rwanda predicts rapid economic growth, but tension with DR Congo could imperil international assistance on which it relies.

Rwanda sees 'fast growth' in 2005


American rider Chris Kappler won bronze in show jumping Friday, but his accomplishment was bittersweet. Kappler #39;s horse, Royal Kaliber, broke down on course in a timed jumpoff and was taken from the Olympic

US horse hurt while winning jumping bronze; Ireland takes gold


RUESSELSHEIM - US automotive giant General Motors aims to slash 9,500 jobs at its German subsidiary Opel, but payroll cuts will come without compulsory redundancies, Opel #39;s top workers representative said on Thursday.

Opel to cut 9,500 German jobs


HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. (0013.HK) Chairman Li Ka-shing said the company #39;s overall financial outlook for 2005 is good and employees could look forward to a pay rise for next year, the South China Morning Post reports.

HK PRESS: Hutchison Chmn Eyes Good  #39;05, Promises Pay Rise


NAJAF, Iraq - Iraq's top Shiite cleric made a dramatic return to Najaf at the head of a massive convoy Thursday hoping to end three weeks of fighting in the holy city. But hours earlier, a mortar barrage hit a mosque filled with Iraqis preparing to join his march, killing 27 people and wounding 63...

Iraq's Top Shiite Cleric Arrives in Najaf


Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer is continuing to lose some of its share of the browser market, as its much-smaller competitors slowly gain customers, according to US Internet periodical, eWeek.

Internet Explorer loses market share


A proposal for a wireless phone directory raises concerns in Congress.

Dial 4-1-1 for Cell Phone Numbers?


\\I love these NeoCon vote supression rules.  They're *sooooo* cute!\\I have some more:\\ - If you've ever traveled outside of the US you can't vote.\\ - If you have a graduate degree you can't vote.\\ - If you make less than 6 figures you can't vote\\ - If you can spell Nuclear and pronounce it correctly then you can't vote.\\ - If you haven't accept Jesus as savior then you can't vote.\\ - If you've never ordered anything from Bass Pro Shops then you can't vote.\\This is fun... if you can think of anymore please add a comment!\\

More Voter Supression Rules


The European Commission has signalled that it may suspend membership negotiations with candidate countries if they fail to meet tough EU criteria.

EU hardens accession conditions


Both Corey Dillon and the Patriots are quite happy with the offseason trade that brought the running back from Cincinnati to New England.

Patriots' Running Man


November 29, 2004 - Being part of the PSP launch doesn #39;t just mean being the first to play PlayStation Portable games. Sure, that part #39;s cool -- as is lording over your friends and family as one of the only

Armored Core: Clean Front


TUCSON, Ariz. -- Aaron Rodgers threw three first-half touchdowns and J.J. Arrington topped 100 yards rushing for the sixth consecutive game to lead No. 7 California (5-1, 3-1 Pac-10) to a 38-0 rout of Arizona (1-6, 0-4) yesterday.

California overbearing


Walt Disney #39;s board of directors went on trial this week on shareholder accusations that it merely rubber-stamped a decision to hire Michael Ovitz and allowed him to walk away

Shareholders put Disney board in dock


The French government #39;s competition watchdog this week dismissed a complaint brought by VirginMega, which alleged Apple #39;s refusal to license FairPlay ran contrary to French anti-trust law.

France rules Apple #39;s DRM denial not anti-competition


VOTING began in Afghanistan today for the first direct presidential election in the country #39;s history. Some 10.5 million registered voters are eligible to select a president from a total of 18 candidates.

Voting begins in Afghanistan


BAGHDAD (AFP) - At least 21 people were killed in the latest in a renewed spree of attacks to hit Iraq , as a top UN official issued a stark warning that elections could not be held in the current climate of violence.

Iraq carnage kills 21 as UN official warns time not ripe for polls


WASHINGTON - Two dozen people will be blamed by an Army investigation into the abuse of inmates at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison, says a senior defense official.    The official, who spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity, provided no details of the report...

Report Expected to Blame 24 in Iraq Abuse


Russia is pressing ahead with the last step in the destruction of YUKOS, saying it will auction the oil major #39;s main Siberian unit on December 19 for \$8.65 billion (4.66

Russia readies YUKOS auction


Rekindling its blade ambitions and hoping to make inroads with customers in the midst of consolidation planning or in need of general, yet space efficient Web farms and HPC clusters, Dell today announced the Xeon-based PowerEdge 1855, a server that

Dell Forges New Blades


Not enough is being done to prevent the spread of HIV among Asian drug users, researchers say.

HIV warning for Asia drug users


Canadian Press - WINDSOR, Ont. (CP) - Ontario risks sharp price increases if it gives the private sector a greater role in the electricity market, says a British expert on energy markets.

British energy expert alerts Ont. to failures in hydro restructuring (Canadian Press)


Trapeze Networks Inc. will announce an upgrade today to its Mobility System Software that will let networks deliver stratified public and private wireless-LAN services over a single infrastructure.

Trapeze Upgrades WLAN Switch


Mike Fincke #39;s new baby is on the astronaut #39;s mind as he returns to Earth today, though she might not know it.  quot;I #39;m very concerned she doesn #39;t know who her father is, quot; Fincke told reporters

Soyuz set to return tonight


Automaker DaimlerChrysler AG said Friday it will book a charge of 400 million euro in the third quarter to cover the cost of recalls and past quality problems at Japanese truckmaker Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp.

DaimlerChrysler takes 400 million euro charge for Japanese <b>...</b>


Intel Corp. will announce today that it has reached a significant milestone in manufacturing computer chips at ever-smaller levels.

Intel to make 70-megabit chip


Its lineage is as long as it is distinguished, conjuring up a who #39;s who among Notre Dame football greats. Some of the best players in Fighting Irish history have graced the No.

Walker off to running start with Irish


Tata Consultancy Services of India has signed a deal to provide information technology to famous Italian Formula One racing team Ferrari.

Tata signs IT deal with Ferrari


Former Bungie members in Wideload Games announce a new zombie game using the Halo engine. Today Wideload Games, made up of a team consisting of some former Bungie members who worked on Halo, has announced

Stubbs the Zombie: Rebel without a Pulse Announced


The former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic today told the war crimes tribunal in The Hague that the charges against him were  quot;a mutilation of justice quot;.

Milosevic denounces  #39;mutilation of justice #39;


Sun Microsystems has added nVidia Quadro graphics technology to the Java Workstations it detailed last month. The vendor has included the technology in its W1100z and W2100z models, which are based on AMD

Sun adds nVidia power to Java Workstations


All signs point to plenty of emphasis on special teams this week in Patriotland after a shoddy performance against the Bills last Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y. Safety Shawn Mayer , who missed a tackle on Buffalo's Terrence McGee on a 98-yard kickoff return, was released Tuesday. The Patriots brought back Je'Rod Cherry yesterday in the hopes of ...

Special attention is paid to teams


A high, almost windless spot in the central region of the Antarctic plateau is the best place on Earth to view the stars, according to the first results from a small, automated telescope.

Starry nights clearest in Antarctica


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Oracle Corp. on Tuesday reported  a 16 percent rise in quarterly net income as the world's second  largest software company benefited from steady demand for its  flagship database software.

Oracle Quarterly Net Income Rises 16 Pct


Fears that a typhoon could disrupt Sunday #39;s Japanese Grand Prix subsided as the storm passed Suzuka without causing damage on Saturday.

Japanese GP escapes  #39;Ma-on #39; typhoon


Thailand, rattled by fears a girl passed bird flu to her mother, said Monday it has no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the deadly H5N1 virus in the country.

Thai Suspected Bird Flu Case Fans Human Link Fear


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

Wells Fargo, U.S. Bancorp Profits Up 12 Pct


WPP Group Plc, the world #39;s second- largest marketing and advertising company, said it will pay about \$1.52 billion for Grey Global Group Inc.

WPP Says It Will Pay \$1.52 Billion for Grey Global (Update4)


A gene could explain how parasites which cause malaria escape the action of some antimalaria drugs, say researchers.

Gene clue to malaria drug failure


AP - U.S. President George W. Bush's official campaign Web site has blocked access to foreign Web surfers since Monday, an Internet monitoring company said Wednesday.

Bush's Campaign Site Reported Blocking (AP)


WASHINGTON, Sept 19: With the transfer of 35 prisoners to Pakistan on Saturday, only three Pakistani prisoners have been left at the US Navy #39;s prison facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

3 Pakistanis left at Guantanamo


Russia may allocate up to \$10 billion from its stabilization fund to repay foreign debt, Finance Minister Aleksei Kudrin told reporters at a press conference held in the Russian news agency RIA-Novosti on Monday.

Russia May Repay Up to \$10Bln in Foreign Debt in 2005  Finance <b>...</b>


ISLAMABAD: Secretary General Common Wealth Don Mckinnon has said that President General Pervez Musharraf #39;s uniform issue could be resolved through Parliament.

Uniform issue may be resolved thru Parliament: Mckinnon


AP - Alarmed by software glitches, security threats and computer crashes with ATM-like voting machines, officials from Washington, D.C., to California are considering an alternative from an unlikely place: Nevada.

Nevada's E-Vote Free of Serious Problems (AP)


Apple Computer co-founder Steve Wozniak joins advisory board of start-up Eye Games.

The Woz has got game


Whistling Straits has received magnificent reviews during the P.G.A. Championship, which is currently in a three-man playoff between Justin Leonard, Vijay Singh and Chris DiMarco.

Whistling Straits Proves It's Major League


AP - The NBA's problems cut deeper than image, go further than the fighting in Detroit, and can't be solved simply by suspensions.

Sportsview: Gap Between NBA Players, Fans (AP)


Four people, including a Taiwan Television cameraman, were killed as northern Taiwan felt the brunt of Typhoon Nock-ten #39;s powerful winds and punishing rains yesterday.

Four die in flash flooding from Typhoon Nock-ten


The Patriots will meet yet another team that has a key player missing because of injury, this time on defense.

Browns linebacker Davis out for season


With an NHL lockout in place, more than 150 of the league's players have signed to play for European teams.

NHLers Hit Europe


Mr. Daisuke Nakamura and colleagues in Toyota Central R amp;D Labs, Inc. developed ultrahigh-quality silicon carbide single crystals which has fewer dislocation density by two to three orders magnitude than the

Toyota Central Develop Ultra High Quality Silicon Carbide Single <b>...</b>


Greek and British police in a joint operation cracked an illegal software sales ring, arresting two people and seizing thousands of pirated software programs, Greek police said on Friday.

Police break up European piracy ring


AP - Free Internet-based phone calls are the newest feature of the popular Kazaa file-sharing program.

Kazaa Offering Free Internet-Based Calls (AP)


PARIS (CP) - American Andy Roddick surged into the third round of the Paris Masters with a 6-2, 6-2 rout of Armenia #39;s Sargis Sargsian on Wednesday while Daniel Nestor of Toronto and Mark Knowles of the Bahamas were defeated in doubles action.

Seeds suffer as French Open champion Gaudio exits at Paris Masters


Lost in the pre-election noise and the hoopla over the Red Sox march to the World Series title was perhaps the most remarkable event of all -- the visit to the atmosphere of the Saturnian moon Titan last week by the space probe Cassini, which negotiated

Real world space exploration


washingtonpost.com - The signal is clear: In the tug of war betweeen Big Telecom and little governments, the powerful telecommunications lobby is winning, which could have major implications for how wireless Internet and other high-speed Internet service is doled out countrywide.

Telecoms Winning the WiFi War (washingtonpost.com)


Nigeria's government cuts the price of fuel in a bid to avert a planned general strike by the country's biggest unions.

Nigeria announces fuel price cuts


A new, top-of-the-line iPod takes the concept of a high-capacity music player in a new direction. Instead of just playing songs, the iPod Photo also shows off your digital pictures.

The iPod's New Trick: Photo Show


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Canadian reliever Rheal Cormier agreed Tuesday to a two-year, \$5.25-million US contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Cormier opts to stay with Phillies


SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - While world-class athletes were grunting and groaning on the other side of the Atlantic Sunday,

'Boots' Takes Gold at the Ferret Olympics


Mobile phone giant MMO2 teams up with Japan's NTT DoCoMo to launch i-mode internet services in the UK, Germany and Ireland.

MMO2 signs Japanese internet deal


The carrier, which sells phones and service plans through 1,200 of its own stores, has signed an exclusive deal to place Verizon Wireless stores within 570 Circuit City Superstores nationwide.

Verizon Wireless to Expand Profile


BAGHDAD - Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi yesterday met the leaders of the Sunni Muslim Waqf (religious endowment) ahead of the country #39;s first free elections in decades.

Iraqi Premier urges Sunni Muslims to join elections


Luxury goods maker Gucci saw operating profit more than double in the second quarter thanks to higher sales and lower losses from its Yves Saint Laurent brand, its owner French retailer Pinault Printemps Redoute says.

Gucci earnings surge as YSL cuts losses


CHICAGO - Hewlett-Packard Co. customers will continue to have difficulties ordering custom configurations of HP's ProLiant servers though the end of August, company executives told attendees at the HP World conference in Chicago Tuesday. The problems are due to continuing problems with an SAP AG order processing and supply-chain deployment rolled out last month, they said.

HP WORLD - HP: ProLiant delays to continue through August


In his most forceful move yet to bring an end to a disruptive labor dispute, Mayor Gavin Newsom urged operators of some of The City #39;s most prominent hotels to let employees return to work and pressed both sides to reach an agreement by Jan. 25.

Newsom calls for end to lockout


Nokia on Wednesday said it will put hologram labels on cell phone batteries as part of a move to help consumers avoid counterfeits.

Nokia takes aim at fake batteries


IRAKLION, Greece - The Iraqi soccer team is one victory away from an improbable trip to the podium. Emad Mohammed's 12-yard bicycle kick in the 64th minute gave Iraq a 1-0 victory over Australia in the quarterfinals Saturday, putting the invaded, war-torn country in position to compete for only its second Olympic medal in the nation's history...

Iraq Pulls Off Another Soccer Stunner


BANGKOK (Reuters) - A bomb hidden in a motorcycle wounded  at least 23 people in Thailand's mainly Muslim south on  Thursday, a day ahead of a visit to the restive region by Prime  Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Motorcycle Bomb Wounds 23 in Southern Thailand


World News  gt; New York, Sept. 25 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has clarified that he forcefully raised the issue of cross border terrorism in his meeting with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf here.

Terrorism forcefully raised in meeting with Musharraf: PM :


AP - Lawmakers, fighting among themselves and with the White House, have given up trying to pass highway and welfare bills this year that held the promise of tens of thousands of jobs.

Congress Abandons Highway, Welfare Bills (AP)


Fiat chairman Luca di Montezemolo has brushed off media reports that the company wants to scrap its partnership with US giant General Motors (GM).

Fiat boss denies end of GM tie-up


AP - A new study shows that golf courses can be good homes for more than one kind of birdie.

Golf Courses Make Good Homes for Birds (AP)


ThinkPad T42 series notebooks now feature an embedded fingerprint reader.

IBM Puts Security at Your Fingertips


Music giant EMI sees profits fall in the first half of the year after opting to delay its major releases.

Quiet first half hits EMI profits


Helped by a laboratory #39;s blunder, Tyler Hamilton will be allowed to keep his Olympic cycling gold medal. The International Olympic Committee dropped its investigation Thursday into a blood test from the Summer

American cyclist keeps gold medal thanks to mistake from lab


Chinese recruitment firm 51job Inc. and Jamdat Mobile Inc., a developer of mobile phone applications, shot out of the starting gate in trading activity Wednesday after both companies priced their initial public offerings above expectations.

Update 1: Jamdat Mobile, 51job IPOs Soar in Debuts


_ New York Giants free safety Omar Stoutmire is going to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Stoutmire, who started every game the last two years only to lose his job this

Stoutmire Out For Season With Knee Injury


AP - Relatives of the 202 people killed in the Bali terror attacks marked the second anniversary of the bombings Tuesday with a moment of silence and a defiant vow to defeat the Islamic militants behind the blasts.

Victims of Bali Bombings Remembered (AP)


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- The auditor for Delta Air Lines raised doubts about the future of the nation #39;s third-largest carrier in a regulatory filing late Wednesday as the company also sharpened its warning about filing for bankruptcy protection.

Also, airline says bankruptcy filing possible in  #39;near term #39;


AP - Scientists working for the government have developed standards to measure the accuracy of anthrax detection tests, hoping to steer first responders away from tests that have delivered too many false readings.

Standards for Anthrax Tests Developed (AP)


Yasser Arafat was undergoing tests for possible leukaemia at a military hospital outside Paris last night after being airlifted from his Ramallah headquarters to an anxious farewell from Palestinian well-wishers.

Arafat undergoes tests for leukaemia after flight to military <b>...</b>


Second-placed AZ Alkmaar closed in on Dutch first division leaders PSV Eindhoven after a 3-0 home win over RKC Waalwijk on Saturday.

AZ Alkmaar keep heat on Dutch leaders PSV


Scripted, produced, cast, costumed, shot, edited and vigorously promoted by Darren Brandl,  #147;Generic Superheroes, #148; a 35-minute comedic-action-adventure parody, makes full use of both Final Cut Pro and Soundtrack.  #147;Every costume, #148; says the recent high school graduate proudly,  #147;was made of 100 percent spandex  #133; as any superhero costume should be. #148; Aug 16

#147;Generic Superheroes #148;


Make no mistake about it. Ron Artest of the Indiana Pacers was to blame for the ugly fans-players brawl at The Palace. That #39;s not to give the dumb fan who threw a cup of beer

The powder keg wouldn #39;t have exploded if Artest hadn #39;t lit the <b>...</b>


Robert Pires and Sol Campbell have expressed their concern over alleged racist comments by Spain national team boss Luis Aragones about their Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry.

Pires slams Aragones


Reuters - Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi\has been told by police she is being held under house arrest\under a law which allows for such detention for up to a year,\an opposition spokesman said Monday.

Myanmar Extends Suu Kyi House Arrest - Opposition (Reuters)


As the Summer Olympics in Athens approached, fear and concern overwhelmed any sense of anticipation and excitement. Would terrorists use the occasion to attack civilians in such a large gathering ?

Greeks earn gold for holding a safe, exciting Olympics


roundup Plus: Avici extends AT #38;T contract...IronPort spam shield gets steelier...Via brings PCI Express to AMD PCs...Rice lab makes nano parts less toxic.

Briefly: HD-DVD group forms promotion unit


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Edison International <A HREF=

Edison Int'l Raises '04 Earnings Forecast


In the first major insurance fallout from four hurricanes that inflicted billions of dollars of damage in Florida, Allstate Corp. said Wednesday that it would restrict sales of insurance policies in the state.

Allstate to reduce policies in Florida


By Karen Pallarito, HealthDay Reporter    HealthDayNews -- In a finding that could lead to better insights into how memories are formed, neuroscientists say they have identified the compartment within nerve cells that stows special receptors that can be deployed to intensify incoming messages.    These compartments, called recycling endosomes, also carry other molecules and proteins, which may play a role in remodeling nerve cells, or neurons, to strengthen the connections between them...

Scientists Find Storehouse for Memory


AFP - Britain said it planned to ask the European Commission for a somewhat larger share of the greenhouse gas emissions allowances that are to begin trading on an EU carbon market next year.

Gov't to request higher emissions trading allowance (AFP)


Lake Forest, IL (Sports Network) - Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman will miss the remainder of the season after an MRI exam revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Grossman done for the season; Bears turn to the mighty Quinn


Microsoft announced Wednesday it would offer a low-cost starter edition of its Windows XP operating system in Asia starting in October, as it strives to hold onto market share facing erosion from the open-source Linux system and software piracy.

Microsoft Unveils Windows XP 'Starter Edition'


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened lower on Wednesday  as Coca-Cola Co. <A HREF=

U.S. Stocks Open Lower, Coca-Cola Weighs


Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has promised to offer help to win the release of British hostage Kenneth Bigley held by militants in Iraq, the BBC quoted a senior Irish politician as reporting on Tuesday.

Arafat offers to help seek UK hostage #39;s release: Irish politician


Children in smoggy areas have retarded lung development which puts them at risk of diseases, say researchers.

Pollution harms developing lungs


AP - Premier League leader Chelsea kept winning with a 4-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday while Arsenal recorded its first league victory in three weeks by rallying past Tottenham 5-4.

Premier League Leader Chelsea Wins (AP)


Japan TOKYO -- Japan lodged a formal protest with Beijing yesterday after determining that a nuclear submarine that entered its territorial waters without identifying itself belonged to China. Japan's navy had been on alert since Wednesday, when the submarine was first spotted off the nation's southern island of Okinawa. Tokyo sent reconnaissance aircraft and naval destroyers to shadow the submarine, ...

Explanation sought on Chinese sub's intrusion


Shares of Protein Design Labs Inc (PDLI.O: Quote, Profile, Research) rose on Thursday after Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG (ROG.

Protein Design rises on Roche asthma-drug deal


Flight attendants union president Patricia Friend has threatened a nationwide strike against 26 airlines if US Airways ditches its union contracts while in bankruptcy.

Union prez threatens nationwide strike against 26 airlines


A massive airdrop of paper birds intended to promote peace failed to halt violence in Thailand #39;s restive south, with a spate of new attacks Monday that targeted soldiers and local officials.

Violence Erupts in Southern Thailand


A senior House Democrat said yesterday that he will not support a budget increase for the federal regulator of Fannie Mae until questions raised in a confidential report have been addressed.

Fannie Regulator's Budget Loses Key Backer, for Now


Adobe Systems Inc. by the end of the year will release version 7.0 of its Acrobat products, including a new free Acrobat Reader that now includes reviewing capabilities, the company announced Monday.

Adobe aims at workgroups with Acrobat 7


AP - Insurgents in Iraq have kidnapped dozens of people in their campaign to drive out coalition forces and hamper reconstruction:

List of Foreigners Taken Hostage in Iraq (AP)


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Mikko Eloranta #39;s goal late in the third period helped Finland prevent an embarrassing quarter-final loss to Germany in World Cup play in Helsinki on Monday.

Finland escapes with quarter-final win


Israel accused the Palestinian authorities on Monday of doing nothing to prevent attacks after five soldiers were killed in the deadliest assault since the death of Yasser Arafat more than a month ago.

Palestinians not doing enough, says Sharon


Police said they arrested the chief executive of Beijing-backed China Aviation Oil #39;s subsidiary in Singapore on Wednesday, following the company #39;s announcement last week of massive trading losses.

Singapore police arrest China Aviation Oil chief? (updated PM 3:06 <b>...</b>


Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says the global war against terrorism cannot be won without resolving the major political disputes in the Muslim world.

Musharraf: Political Steps Needed to Win War on Terror


The  quot;lower leg quot; injury that knocked Mike Vrabel out of practice Friday wasn #39;t serious enough to take the outside linebacker out of the starting lineup against Buffalo at Gillette Stadium last night.

Patriots notebook: Vrabel in starting lineup


Prototype 90-nanometer radio chip promises more power than current CMOS technology.

Intel Shows Wireless Transceiver


AP - THE PROBLEM: Social Security faces a  #36;3.7 trillion shortfall over 75 years.

Social Security a Priority for White House (AP)


The number of Americans using fast Internet connections doubled from 2001 through late 2003, still below some expectations and especially low among minority groups and people in rural areas, according to a report by the Bush administration.

Report: Fast-Internet Use Doubles in U.S.


Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:    -----      Contaminated Fish in Many U.S. Lakes and Rivers      Fish that may be contaminated with dioxin, mercury, PCBs and pesticides are swimming in more than one-third of the United States' lakes and nearly one-quarter of its rivers, according to a list of advisories released by the Environmental Protection Agency...

Health Highlights: Aug. 24, 2004


Ziff Davis - An online publishing company is arguing that it owns the code behind the open-source Mambo content management system and says it is prepared to pursue the matter in court.

Copyright Battle Erups over Open-Source 'Mambo' Code (Ziff Davis)


The only person known to have survived an unprotected plunge over Niagara Falls has returned to the scene of his stunt. Kirk Jones, 40, went over the 167-foot Horse Shoe Falls on Oct. 20, 2003.

Niagara Falls survivor seeks work, new life path


The products you use are about to get smarter, faster, smaller, cheaper, and more colorful. Here's your guide to what's ahead in PCs, software, mobile gadgets, home electronics, and more.

Tech 2005: What's New and  What's Next


Americans are optimistic about the next four years, but they have reservations about President Bush's agenda.

Americans Show Clear Concerns on Bush Agenda


IBM chief executive Samuel J. Palmisano has never been your typical suit. During his 31-year career at Big Blue, he has taken bold actions and broken with IBM (IBM ) tradition when it made strategic sense.

Palmisano #39;s Vision in Remaking IBM


Wachovia Corp. has completed a \$14.3 billion acquisition of SouthTrust Corp. to create the largest bank in the Southeast, both banks said Monday.

Wachovia Completes SouthTrust Acquisition


Michael Eisner, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Co., will leave the company in 2006, The Associated Press is reporting.

Eisner to retire from Disney in  #39;06


Where did the Bonneville Salt Flats of western Utah come from? Did the same thing create salt flats elsewhere?

The Great Salt Flats


Something finally went right yesterday for Raymond V. Gilmartin, the embattled chairman and chief executive of Merck  amp; Company.

For Merck Chief, Credibility at the Capitol


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar rose against the euro in  thin trading on Monday as investors took profits on the single  European currency, which gained on Friday after a surprisingly  weaker U.S. employment report.

Dollar Up Vs Euro; Yen Lifted; Trade Thin


The German League Cup traditionally pits minnows against giants from the very first round. This season #39;s opening games showed once again that league status can mean nothing in knock-out competition.

Giant-Killers Claim Bundesliga Scalps


AP - In Gene Keady's 24 years on the Purdue sideline, few have been more trying than last season. His Boilermakers were flying high after winning the Great Alaska Shootout, but it was mostly downhill from there. Losses, injuries and academic ineligibility plagued the team, as it limped to a 17-14 finish and missed the NCAA tournament for the third time in four years.

Purdue Wants to Win for Keady This Season (AP)


On September 8th, a daylight fireball will streak across the western United States. It's Genesis, returning samples of the Sun to Earth.

Genesis Reentry


Earth-size planets form around other stars in a process that #39;s considerably longer and more violent than previously believed, a team of astronomers using NASA #39;s Spitzer Space Telescope announced Monday.

After a long, messy process, a planet is born


VANCOUVER (CP) - International Forest Products is muscling aside other bidders for Riverside Forest Products, offering \$396 million in a deal endorsed by Riverside #39;s board that would create the world #39;s seventh-largest lumber producer.

Interfor offers \$396M for Riverside Forest Products in friendly <b>...</b>


p2pnet.net News:- Windows XP users should check for spyware before installing SP2, says Microsoft. Some spyware could cause computers to freeze if the update is loaded, warns Barry Goff, a group product manager quoted by Associated Press here.

Spyware / SP2 hazard warning


Overconfidence usually isn #39;t an issue when facing the nation #39;s seventh-ranked team on the road, yet Maryland has every reason to feel smug about its chances of winning Saturday against West Virginia.

Terps have reason to be wary of No. 7 West Virginia


PARIS (Reuters) - Yasser Arafat lay critically ill with  liver failure on Sunday and his condition was getting no  better, a Palestinian official said, as Palestinian leaders  adopted in his absence a plan to restore order in their areas.

Arafat Has Liver Failure, Officials Say


AP - A lengthy gunbattle erupted Saturday morning between Palestinians militants and Israeli troops just outside the Gaza town of Beit Hanoun, killing two Palestinians, according to medical officials.

Two Palestinians Killed in Gaza Gunbattle (AP)


Software licensing is entering a period of  quot;dramatic and fundamental change quot; as publishers aggressively move to subscription models, newly unveiled research has claimed.

Software industry moves to subscription licensing


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended higher on Tuesday,  even as oil prices hit another record, as investors  were  encouraged by data showing an easing of inflationary pressure  and a sharp rebound in the housing market.

Stocks End Higher, Lifted by Data


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A top Boeing Co. official said on  Friday he was optimistic the European Union would agree to end  government aid to develop new aircraft, which has helped its  chief rival Airbus grab more than half of the civil aircraft  market.

Boeing Sees EU Agreeing to End Launch Aid


Beckham turned provided 10 minutes before the break after Gerrard had been felled as he surged forward, curling a free-kick to the far post where Neville rose to power a header straight at Shovkovsky.

Ht England 1 Ukraine 0


Gavin Reynolds (Rochester, NY) 12/03/04 - From dawn until dusk retailers are pulling out all the stops to make every weekend like the day after Thanksgiving.

Oh Ho Ho, Those Holiday Sales!


KABUL, Afghanistan Officials and witnesses say foreign and Afghan security forces have raided houses in Kabul, smashing their way in and detaining several men.

Security forces raid houses, detain suspects in Afghan capital


In a move to retain and attract new customers, PeopleSoft has announced a new promotion that includes a free technical upgrade to all users, and a free first quarter of application management services following go-live from PeopleSoft Global Services.

PeopleSoft Offers Incentives


Playoffs? Who needs playoffs? And isn't that ironic in another season when the

It's about the best you can do with BCS


Estonian defence minister Margus Hanson resigns after admitting confidential documents were stolen from his home.

Estonian defence minister quits


Reuters - Nokia (NOK1V.HE), the world's\largest mobile phone maker, expects slowing mobile phone growth\in 2005 but plans to launch more phones next year and regain\lost market share, the company said on Thursday.

Nokia Says Handset Market to Slow, Share to Rise (Reuters)


ARSENE WENGER insisted Arsenal were over last season #39;s nightmare Champions League start after edging out PSV at Highbury. An own goal by Brazilian defender Alex in the 41st minute was enough to give the Frenchman three points.

FOOTBALL: WENGER OWNS UP TO MILAN TRAUMA


Oil prices soared to new highs on both sides of the Atlantic today as traders fretted over increasingly short supplies. The cost of crude in New York broke through the

Oil Prices Soar on Supply Shortage Fears


The world's sole manufacturer of sucralose reports that demand far outstrips supply.

Splenda Is Splendid


The nation #39;s most prominent science advisers Wednesday urged NASA to send shuttle astronauts instead of robots on a repair mission to the aging Hubble telescope because humans have a substantially greater chance of fixing it.

Doubts raised about robots fixing Hubble


Written by Net 4 Nowt AssetMetrix, an on-demand IT AssetIntelligence service, today announced a series of new reports that identify specific applications and hardware within a corporate infrastructure that may no longer work properly after the

1 in 10 not so lucky with XP Service Pack


Dennis Rodman is thinking about a comeback, and the Denver Nuggets are giving him a shot. The 43-year-old former NBA rebounding champion briefly participated in a pickup game at the Nuggets' facility earlier this week but had to cut short the workout because of an ingrown toenail. General manager Kiki Vandeweghe told Rodman he was welcome to return once the ...

Nuggets proffer Rodman comeback


SiliconValley.com - Microsoft and Ask Jeeves both announced tools Monday that allow users to search their desktop computers, adding their names to a crowded field of Internet search companies that are focused on helping people more effectively scan their own hard drives for files and e-mail messages.

Microsoft, Ask Jeeves unveil desktop search tools (SiliconValley.com)


Walt Disney Co. chief executive Michael Eisner acknowledged Monday that he and former company President Michael Ovitz were good friends.

Eisner #39;s challenge in court is to field tough questions


LAKE FOREST, Ill. - The Chicago Bears placed guard Rex Tucker on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on Tuesday and signed safety Jason Shivers from the St.

Bears place Tucker on injured reserve


Top officials acknowledged for the first time that antidepressants appeared to lead some children to become suicidal.

F.D.A. Finds Drugs Linked to Suicide


Alan Greenspan came to the home of the euro on Friday and suggested that the relentless decline of the dollar might well continue, offering little relief to those here

Greenspan bearish on dollar


Afghanistan #39;s election had problems ranging from delible ink to untrained poll workers, but those flaws did not tarnish the remarkable accomplishment of a nation, which only three years ago was under control of the oppressive Taliban, holding its first

Afghanistan #39;s election: US, allies must fulfill long-term <b>...</b>


More than 100 people die in flash floods in India's north-eastern state of Assam in recent days.

Flood death toll rises in Assam


Oil prices moved back towards record highs tonight amid continued concerns over soaring demand and tight supplies.

Oil Prices Rebound Towards Record Highs


NEW YORK - Soon after an Oracle Corp. director said Oracle's current \$21 per share offer for control of PeopleSoft Inc. may not be its final bid, Oracle Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Larry Ellison countered that the company is as likely to lower its bid as to raise it.

Ellison: Oracle may cut its PeopleSoft bid


Reuters - Glaciers once held up by a floating\ice shelf off Antarctica are now sliding off into the sea --\and they are going fast, scientists said on Tuesday.

Antarctic Glaciers Melting Faster -Study (Reuters)


AP - The ice is melting and the heat is on for international delegates assembling in Buenos Aires next week to find new ways to confront global warming under the 194-nation treaty on climate change.

Entering Kyoto' Years, Warming World Wo (AP)


International Paper Co. on Tuesday said higher prices drove a 13 percent increase in third-quarter operating profit, but the company fell to a loss after taking charges from selling off its Weldwood of Canada Ltd.

International Paper Posts 3Q Deficit


A recovery in resource stocks and some star performances from smaller companies have helped the Australian share market back into the black today.

Small companies star as market rises


World News: Seoul, Nov 15 : Tens of thousands of civil servants in South Korea struck work Monday, demanding labour rights, Xinhua reports.

Thousands of South Korean public servants strike work:


Kevin Brown gave manager Joe Torre exactly what he was looking for, even if the skipper had to see it on television. Brown may not have been efficient, but he

Blue Jays rally as right-hander is strong for five frames


FORT WORTH, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports Inc., a home furnishings retailer, said Tuesday its second-quarter income fell 43.3 percent due to a 3 percent drop in stores open at least a year.

Pier 1 Imports #39; profit falls 43.3 percent


With 20 partners already lined up, analysts speculate that the software giant will focus on the market's low end--at least initially.

Microsoft backs up disk-based backup plans


An independent assessor valued Yukos #39; main production unit at \$14.7 billion to \$17.3 billion on Thursday, the same day a news agency reported that a controlling stake in the business could be sold for just over \$4 billion.

Update 1: Bank Values Yukos Unit Above Assessment


The U.S. Postal Service wants Stamps.com to stop taking orders for its PhotoStamps program, which allows customers to print individualized photos on stamps, pending a review of the program.

Postal Service asks Stamps.com to stop taking PhotoStamp orders


AFP - The Iraqi government plans to phase out slowly subsidies on basic products, such as oil and electricity, which comprise 50 percent of public spending, equal to 15 billion dollars, the planning minister said.

Iraq to phase out all subsidies: planning minister (AFP)


IBM is unveiling an aggressively priced series of Linux-only systems today that will push its Power5 line of servers down into the low end of the market, taking Linux with it.

IBM delivers Power-based servers with Linux


A Portuguese-sounding version of the virus has appeared in the wild. Be wary of mail from Manaus.

Portuguese Netsky rates a medium risk


The home secretary denies new claims he fast-tracked a second visa for his former lover Kimberly Quinn's nanny.

Blunkett denies fresh visa claims


While the late-season efforts of such Texans as President Bush and Roger Clemens provide for riveting TV, the even more exciting Maryland-N.C. State game put us in mind of some other Lone Star Staters -- ZZ Top. Goodness, Wolfpack Coach Chuck Amato...

Starting Lineup


CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) -- A pair of teams fighting for a postseason berth meet in Charlotte on Thursday when the Sting face the Sacramento Monarchs.

GAME DAY PREVIEW Game time: 7:00 PM


It was just another one of those quickly forgotten preseason transactions that appear in small type in the back of the newspaper. March 2004: DC United reacquires the rights to forward Jaime

He Goes From Afterthought to Game-Breaker


ATHENS (Reuters) - Iraq's footballers extended their  fairytale run at the Athens Olympics Saturday, beating  Australia 1-0 to reach the semi-finals of the men's tournament.

Soccer: Euphoric Iraq Reach Semi-Finals


ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz couldn't care less that his team finished .500. Somehow, it is in the playoffs.

Cashing in on an advance


afrol News, 23 August - The trial against 14 foreigners, allegedly plotting a  quot;mercenary invasion to overthrow President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, quot; started today in Equatorial Guinea #39;s capital Malabo.

Equatoguinean  quot;mercenary quot; trial starts without Zimbabweans


Winter meetings kick off on Friday in Anaheim. BALCO aside, it #39;s been a quiet baseball offseason, but that #39;s about to change.

Houston serious about keeping its superstar center fielder


Dushanbe. (Interfax) - Russia and Uzbekistan may make serious decisions in the area of economy before the end of this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said while meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov.

Russia, Uzbekistan can make serious decisions on economy <b>...</b>


Tributes flow in for Australian Shane Warne after he becomes Test cricket's most prolific wicket-taker.

Warne breaks Test wickets record


With all these newly bankrupt airlines, what are frequent fliers doing to preserve their mileage assets and stay on schedule?

Frequent Fliers Wonder if Their Miles Have a Future


A capsule jettisoned to Earth by NASA's Genesis spacecraft today failed to deploy its parachute and crash-landed in the Utah desert.

NASA Capsule With Solar Particles Crashes in Utah


Bryan Randall runs for one touchdown and passes for another score Saturday and Virginia Tech wins its first game as an Atlantic Coast Conference member, 41-17, over Duke.

Hokies Roll in ACC Opener


Episode 34 Place your bets

BOFH: A ringside seat at the Boss-baiting pit


with two newborns in tow -- are heading south for the fall  quot;chum festival, quot; says a whale researcher in the San Juan Islands.

Killer whales, newborns in tow, head south


KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones)--Telekom Malaysia Bhd. (4863.KU) late Thursday said it will buy a 27.3 stake in Indonesia #39;s PT Excelcomindo Pratama for \$314 million in cash.

Telekom Malaysia To Buy 27.3 Of Indonesia Excelcomindo


CAIRO: Iraqi militants threatened to behead a Turkish truck driver if his employers and the Kuwaiti contractor it works for don #39;t cease their operations in Iraq within 48 hours, according to a video tape aired on Al Arabiya yesterday.

Death threat to Turkish driver


PANAMA CITY: Cobi Jones struck deep into injury time to secure the US a 1-1 draw against Panama in their CONCACAF region Group A World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

Cobi Jones saves the US in injury time


AMARONECK, NY - Following a opening round 73 Monday, Barden Berry had a rough day, shooting an 83 in the second round of the US Amateur Championships on the West course at Winged Foot Golf Club.

Berry misses cut at US Amateur


Andy Reid received a four-year contract extension from the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday that will take him through the 2010 season.

Reid gets four-year extension through 2010


His team won only twice in Athens, but one of those victories was pure hoop ambrosia for Del Harris. And this is a man who has coached basketball at various locales for 44 years, guiding the likes of Moses Malone, Shaquille O'Neal, and Sidney Moncrief along the way.

Olympics were hardly a total loss for Harris


AP - A strengthening series of earthquakes at Mount St. Helens prompted seismologists Sunday to warn that the once-devastating volcano may see a small explosion soon.

St. Helens Activity May Signal Explosion (AP)


Israeli helicopters targeted two buildings in the Gaza Strip overnight following a massive explosion under an Israeli army post on the border between Israel and Egypt.

Hamas Attack Seen As Attempt to Foil Progress


Detroit Tigers outfielder Craig Monroe was arrested for allegedly stealing a \$29.99 belt from a department store, a records clerk at Charlotte County jail said Tuesday.

Tigers #39; Monroe facing theft charge in Charlotte County


AP - Shaun Rogers is in the backfield as often as some running backs. Whether teams dare to block Detroit's star defensive tackle with one player or follow the trend of double-teaming him, he often rips through offensive lines with a rare combination of size, speed, strength and nimble footwork.

Shaun Rogers Emerges As One of NFL's Best (AP)


A slide in the price of oil gave stock markets a lift this afternoon, but gains in Toronto were sharply limited by losses in energy company stocks.

Markets rise amid falling oil prices


MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- A plane carrying members of the Hendrick Motorsports organization crashed Sunday afternoon on its way to NASCAR #39;s Nextel Cup race at Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR officials confirmed.

Hendrick airplane was on way to Martinsville race


Despite a national decline of real Christmas trees sales, South Floridians are after that fresh pine smell in their homes this holiday season.

In S. Florida, real Christmas trees still selling strong


AP - Craig Stadler had the answers ready, as if he expected the questions.

Stadler Leads SAS Championship by Two (AP)


FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) - U.S.-based Red Hat Inc., the  world's top distributor of open-source Linux software, expects  its international business to increase to half its sales within  12 months, an executive said on Tuesday.

Red Hat Sees Half of Sales Outside U.S. in a Year


Reuters - EU member states backed tough measures\against ships polluting European waters on Thursday to try to\head off any repetition of a disaster in 2002 that caused one\of Europe's worst oil slicks.

EU Agrees Deal on Punishing Ship Pollution (Reuters)


Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has admitted he could quit Anfield at the end of the season. Skipper Gerrard, who almost joined Chelsea last summer, said:  quot;If the club is moving forward and doing well, I won #39;t have to be looking anywhere else.

Gerrard makes Liverpool quit ultimatum


The Halifax, Britain #39;s biggest mortgage lender, yesterday reported the sharpest fall in house prices for four years, the clearest signal to date that the country #39;s housing boom has run out of steam.

Rates pegged as house prices drop


More than a year after the German city moved to abandon Microsoft Windows in favor of Linux, city councilors are finally ready to vote on the switch.

Munich set to approve Linux despite patent worries


AS A responsible nuclear power, India is ready to work with like-minded countries in strengthening the global non-proliferation system.

Sup on a new alphabet soup


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

Duke Welcomes Freshmen With New iPods (AP)


The day ended with India having regained some of the ground they lost in the morning due to their shoddy display with the bat, but throughout, there were displays by the batsmen of the two teams which brought out clearly the mood and confidence levels in

About mood and confidence


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said  Sunday the United States and its allies were locked in a test  of wills with insurgents in Iraq and must overcome the

Rumsfeld Says U.S. Faces Test of Wills in Iraq


A Palestinian rocket hit an Israeli town near the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, killing two people, according to Israeli media. Soon after, witnesses said an Israeli helicopter launched a strike near a Palestinian refugee camp in Gaza.

Palestinian Rocket Kills 2 in Israeli Town


Comic and Hollywood star Steve Martin wins the American Cinematheque career achievement honour.

Steve Martin wins career honour


AP - Shaquille O'Neal will never be mistaken for a great shooter. His percentage annually ranks among the NBA's leaders, but only because his success rate is fueled by a steady stream of dunks.

Shaq Should Help Heat Perimeter Players (AP)


The lawsuit claims South Korea-based NCSoft and San Jose-based Cryptic Studios violated Marvel #39;s trademark characters in their game City of Heroes.

Marvel Sues over City of Heroes


Eli Manning is behind schedule compared to his brother, Peyton, who set the family #39;s standard for rookie quarterbacks in 1998 with the Indianapolis Colts.

On the firing line: Giants quarterback Eli Manning


Reuters - Israel's opposition Labour party said\on Sunday it had no preconditions for joining with Prime\Minister Ariel Sharon, paving the way for a broad new\government to push through his Gaza withdrawal plan.

Israel's Labour Opens Way for Alliance with Sharon (Reuters)


Greg Biffle drove to an easy victory, pulling away from gambling teammate Mark Martin late in the race to win the GFS Marketplace 400 Nextel Cup race at Michigan International Speedway yesterday.

Biffle thwarts Martin #146;s gamble for 2d triumph


Reuters - Pakistani tribesmen launched a house-to-house hunt for al Qaeda-linked Islamic militants in a tribal region near the Afghan border on Saturday.

Pakistan tribesmen hunt for Qaeda-linked militants (Reuters)


Russian oil major YUKOS has filed for bankruptcy protection in a US court and will seek an injunction to stop Russia from auctioning off its main production unit on Dec. 19, it said on Wednesday.

YUKOS Seeks US Bankruptcy


The Bush administration won a commitment today from China to move

China to Move Toward Flexible Currency


Reuters - Diplomats who visited the scene of a\mysterious explosion in North Korea said the site was a\hydroelectric construction project, and one envoy said more\blasts were planned, Kyodo news agency reported.

N.Korea Blast Scene a Construction Site -- Diplomats (Reuters)


Matt Ryan had arrived at a conference room adjacent to the visitor's locker room at Lincoln Financial Field to meet the press Saturday after Boston College's 34-17 Big East victory over Temple in Philadelphia.

It's one for all for BC


AP - Chris Paul had 14 points and a career-high 11 assists and Kyle Visser added 13 points, helping No. 6 Wake Forest hold off Elon 85-67 on Wednesday night.

No. 6 Wake Forest Drops Elon 85-67 (AP)


The NHL players #39; association stunned the league and even its members with its latest effort to save the hockey season: an offer to roll back all players #39; salaries by 24 percent.

NHL players propose a sizable salary cut


Microsoft made a belated entrance into the

A So-So Debut For Microsoft's Blog Service


By DIEDTRA HENDERSON    WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration on Monday recommended changes aimed at reducing by one-third the salmonella infections caused each year by tainted eggs.    The agency estimates that 118,000 people each year are sickened by eating improperly cooked eggs contaminated with salmonella...

Changes Sought to Reduce Salmonella in Eggs


Microsoft (Quote, Chart) and Sun (Quote, Chart) are scheduled to talk about their platform compatibility, spokespersons with both companies said Monday.

Microsoft, Sun to Talk Interop


Jonny Wilkinson has realised his dream by being named as England #39;s new captain. The Newcastle Falcons fly-half will lead England in the three November Tests against Canada, Australia and South Africa.

Jonny realises England dream


WASHINGTON -- The Associated Press quotes a government official as saying NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe will resign this week and a spokesman for Louisiana State University said O #39;Keefe is a leading candidate to become the university #39;s chancellor.

NASA Chief O #39;Keefe May Be Quitting


The business applications maker will integrate its technology more closely with infrastructure software from Big Blue.

PeopleSoft ties knot with IBM


If spam could talk, it would spit. SPIT stands for spam over Internet telephony and could become just as annoying, according to executives from Qovia Inc., which recently filed two patent applications for technology to thwart SPIT.

Get ready for SPIT (spam over Internet telephony)


They made history in more ways than one. Not just because they landed two robot geologists on Mars. Not just because they provided conclusive evidence that water once flowed on the Red Planet. The JPL team that sent two rovers to Mars this year made history because they completed in 3 1/2 years what mission planners usually complete in seven.

Mission Fantastic to Mars -- Part 1


Massachusetts exports to China have nearly doubled from just two years ago, making China one of the state's biggest foreign markets.

Exports to China give Bay State firms boost


Michael Schumacher has no plans to retire after winning his seventh world title, says Ferrari boss Jean Todt. The 35-year-old German clinched his fifth-straight championship after finishing second behind McLaren #39;s Kimi Raikkonen in the Belgian Grand Prix.

Schumacher  #39;will race on #39;


Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez named Ali Rodriguez, chief of the state-run oil company PDVSA, as the country #39;s new foreign minister, local media quoted government sources as saying on Sunday.

Chavez names oil chief as FM


SYDNEY- Australian shares fell 0.3 per cent on Monday, led down by insurer Axa Asia Pacific after it ended buyout talks with its French parent and by a weaker banking sector on concerns over higher interest rates.

Australian stocks: Stocks close lower on banks, insurers


EAGLE, Colo. Sept. 3, 2004 - The sheriff and prosecutor in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case defended how the case was handled, and said they were disappointed it never went to trial.

Sheriff Defends Handling of Bryant Case


News Corp. reported net profit of \$536 million for its first quarter, up 27 percent on the same period last year. Revenues rose by 12 percent to \$5.

News Corp. Enters  #39;New Era #39;


College field hockey: Quinnipiac at Northeastern, 2 p.m.; Maine at Fairfield, 2 p.m.; Lasell at MIT, 6 p.m.; Virginia vs. BC at Bentley College, 7 p.m.; Vermont at UConn, 7 p.m.

Today's schedule


The company gets a boost from its Lightspan acquisition, but will future growth be slow?

Plato Gets Top Grade


BETHESDA, Md. (Reuters) - A U.S. advisory panel began  meeting Monday to debate whether certain antidepressants should  come with stronger warnings about the chances of suicidal  behavior in children and teens who take the drugs.

FDA Weighs Antidepressant Risks for Kids


AP - Global warming could cause dramatically hotter summers and a depleted snow pack in California, leading to a sharp increase in heat-related deaths and jeopardizing the water supply, according to a study released Monday.

Study: Global Warming Could Affect Calif. (AP)


During a recent visit to Jaipur I was informed that in the last two years the clinics and nursing homes of over 30 doctors had been attacked by attendants and friends of patients and the public.

Doctor, heal thyself


IBM took a major step last week in its plan to remain at the forefront of storage technology by introducing two new disk arrays -- the DS6000 for the upper midrange market and the DS8000 for the high-end market. Both systems are designed for ease-of-use and modular for lower cost. They also feature high-end storage capabilities and virtualization technology, all in systems considerably smaller than previous versions.

IBM powers up high-end disk arrays


Internet travel sites are cheating cities on taxes by pocketing the difference between the hotel room tax they pay and the amount collected from consumers, the city of Los Angeles said in a lawsuit filed last week.

L.A. sues Web hotel bookers for pocketing room tax


Adrian Mutu has gone to Rome for two days after seeing a Football Association psychiatrist. Chelsea #39;s Romanian striker, who has flown abroad to clear his head as he attempts

Troubled Mutu sees shrink


Hong Kong - A Hong Kong bank that trashed 83 safety deposit boxes and their valuable contents apologised on Wednesday for the blunder and offered customers a compensation package worth up to 12.

Hong Kong bank crushes more than customer #39;s spirits


Users should be wary of pressing the 'click here to remove' link on spam messages because it serves to confirm to spammers that junk mail messages are being read.

News: Click here to become infected


Rio Ferdinand has called on his Manchester United team-mates to silence the critics who claim their era of dominance is over. United head into the eagerly-awaited Premiership showdown with Arsenal at Old Trafford

Man Utd v Arsenal


TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said on  Monday he will make an important policy statement in his  National Day address on Oct. 10 that aims to soothe tense  relations with arch-foe China.

Taiwan Chen Plans National Day Speech on China


AP - Antoine Walker had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the Atlanta Hawks rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final 6:11 to beat the Houston Rockets 88-84 Tuesday night.

Hawks Rally From 11 Down, Edge Rockets (AP)


OAKLAND, Calif. - Pedro Martinez hardly had to outpitch Tim Hudson - Oakland's All-Star right-hander staked Boston to a huge lead himself...

Red Sox Clobber Athletics 8-3


MINNEAPOLIS -- The sight of Rex Grossman leaving the Metrodome turf on a cart was bad enough for the Bears #39; faithful. Seeing his family upset outside the team #39;s locker room was more telling.

Bears #39; loss could be gross, man


#39;We really need in this country a more flexible, just-in-time labor system. I really think not enough attention is being paid by both candidates to the re-skilling of America.

Jobless numbers don #39;t tell whole story


Molson Inc., Canada #39;s biggest beer maker, and Adolph Coors Co., the third-largest US brewer, won clearance from Canada #39;s Competition Bureau for their planned \$3.

Molson-Coors Merger Gets Canadian Competition Bureau Clearance


Company says Arbinet will settle in copyright infringement dispute.   \

Nortel dumps bandwidth exchange suit


A mountain-sized asteroid will make its closest approach to Earth at 9:35 am EDT (7.05 pm IST) tomorrow, reports NASA. Although asteroid 4179 Toutatis will come no closer than four times the distance between

Toutatis to whiz past Earth


AFP - Leading Spanish bank Santander Central Hispano said that its hoped-for acquisition of British home-loan specialist Abbey National would not require asset sales, adding there was as yet no counter-offer.

SCH bank says Abbey move will not dilute industrial holdings (AFP)


In addition to showing a penchant for alternatives to Internet Explorer, the latest data also suggest that Mozilla is becoming the preferred option for those seeking to abandon Microsoft.

IE Dominance Threatened by the Fox


KABUL, Afghanistan More than 100-thousand Afghan and foreign security forces are on high alert the day before the country #39;s first direct presidential election.

Afghan security forces on alert ahead of landmark election


PC World - Its legal battles over, the software vendor will focus on sales until the market ripens.

Lindows Postpones IPO (PC World)


Cardinals head coach Dennis Green returns the starting quarterback job to his first choice, Josh McCown, for Sunday's game against San Francisco.

Cards' McCown to Start


Cable channel G4techTV promises to make the 2004-2005 season happen one way or another by staging reproductions of key games.

Endangered NHL season to hit ice via video games


ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Rookie Noah Lowry looks to win his fourth straight decision when he starts for the San Francisco Giants in the finale of a four-game series with the Atlanta Braves.

San Francisco at Atlanta, 1:05 PM


KHARTOUM, Aug 22 (AFP) -- Since early 2003, Sudan #39;s western Darfur region has been in the throes of armed conflict between government forces backed by Arab militias and several rebel movements.

Key moments in the Darfur rebellion


LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasuries were higher on Friday,  after cementing in Asia their New York data-driven gains  Thursday and awaiting the University of Michigan consumer  sentiment index later in the session.

US Treasuries Up, Cement Overnight Gains


ABIDJAN (Reuters) - An exodus of foreigners from Ivory  Coast continued Saturday as President Laurent Gbagbo sacked the  head of the army, hours before West African leaders were due to  meet for emergency talks on the crisis.

Ivory Coast Army Chief Sacked as Foreigners Flee


FREETOWN : UN peacekeepers were handing over charge of security for Freetown to Sierra Leone #39;s nascent police and armed forces, the latest step in a staggered withdrawal after a five-year mission to restore calm to the west African state.

UN pullback in Sierra Leone moves to security handover in capital


Like so much in the post-Enron world, the quiet period - which begins when a company files paperwork to go public - has been redefined.

Quiet, Please! Suddenly, the S.E.C. Is Listening


ATHENS (Reuters) - Aaron Peirsol was awarded gold in the  men's 200 meters backstroke at the Athens Olympics on Thursday  after winning an appeal against his disqualification then  surviving a protest from the British and Austrian teams.

American Aaron Peirsol's Gold Restored on Appeal


The Palestinian uprising marked its fourth anniversary with signs that the violent Hamas group is preparing a formidable political challenge to Yasser Arafat, despite a series of devastating blows from Israel.

Shell-Shocked Palestinians Want Peace with Israel


An autopsy on a prominent Indonesian activist shows he died with high levels of arsenic in his body.

Jakarta activist feared poisoned


PC World - Western Digital's Scorpio drives promise stinging performance.

New Cool, Quiet Laptop Hard Drives (PC World)


AP - When Ginko Sato landed her first job in the 1950s, the only person who genuinely welcomed her was the other woman in her office, a secretary who was relieved she would have help serving tea to colleagues and guests.

Japan Corporations Lag in Promoting Women (AP)


Reuters - Six-day-old Tsunami Roy doesn't know what all the fuss about him is, as he hungrily suckles at his mother's breast before dropping off for a contented nap.

A boy named Tsunami Roy (Reuters)


AP - Gerald Williams and Eric Valent hit solo home runs to give the New York Mets a 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday.

Mets Beat Braves 2-1 to Open Twinbill (AP)


Brandi Jackson #39;s early morning tee time worked out well at the Safeway Classic. Although the course was damp from recent rain, the LPGA Tour rookie was able to post a 6-under 66 for

Rookie Jackson takes first-round lead


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Mark Loretta hit a bases-loaded  sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th to lift the San Diego  Padres a 4-3 win over the San Francisco Giants in National  League action on Wednesday.

NL Wrap: Padres Edge Giants, Astros Soar to Wild-Card Lead


Fiorentina have sacked manager Emiliano Mondonico after the newly-promoted side #39;s poor start to the season and comes just months atfer he was hailed as a hero for returning them to the top flight.

Mondonico sacked at Fiorentina


The National Retail Federation, a trade group in Washington, estimated that the Thanksgiving weekend accounted for \$22.8 billion in sales.

Markdowns, and Shoppers, Are Out Early This Season


As part of its ongoing battle with Google (GOOG:Nasdaq - news - research) for the loyalty of Internet users, Yahoo! said it had implemented new antispam technology for its Web-based email service.

Yahoo! Nipping at Google #39;s Heels on Email


CHARLOTTESVILLE - The Miami football team isn #39;t out of the race for the Atlantic Coast Conference title yet. Running back Frank Gore had 28 carries for 195 yards, and quarterback Brock Berlin completed 18

Raising Canes in ACC title chase


Retail sales were generally lackluster in August. Some outfits blamed Hurricane Charlie. Others pointed the finger at gas prices or the late start to the back-to-school shopping season.

Shoppers: Moneyed vs. Worried


NEW YORK -- NBA referees have entered into a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the league, removing the possibility of having replacement officials work the upcoming season.

Officials open training camp Sunday


AFP - A potentially explosive device has been found in the cargo hold of a jet of Australian domestic airline Virgin Blue, a report said.

Explosive device found in cargo hold of Australian jet: report (AFP)


AMD and IBM in collaboration have developed a new technology that can lead to massive increase in processor power. They call it strained silicon transistor and tests have shown it resulted in a 24 increase in performance.

AMD and IBM develops new technology for processors


Sony #39;s new generation of digital music players play both its Atrac format and MP3s, allowing Japan #39;s electronics giant to better compete with Apple #39;s iPod.

New Sony players modified to play MP3s


GAZA CITY, Nov 18 (AFP) - Prime minister Ahmed Qorei called for an end to  quot;armed chaos quot; in the occupied territories Thursday as the interim Palestinian leadership held a raft of talks with various political factions here.

Palestinian PM called for end to  quot;armed chaos quot;


Reuters - Canada reported Monday that its airport\screening staff had lost more than 1,100 pieces of clothing and\identification this year but insisted the missing items posed\no threat to security.

Missing Airport Uniforms Pose No Threat, Canada Says (Reuters)


Shares of the Marvell Technology Group gained yesterday after the company said second-quarter earnings tripled as revenue rose 54 percent.

Marvell Posts 54 Increase in Earnings


NewsFactor - It is low in cost, it delivers enterprise-level functionality, and it spares a company the ordeal of an extensive implementation project. It is hosted software, and many say this once-fledgling software space is now in its prime as more and more companies -- both buyers and sellers -- jump on the bandwagon.

Hidden Costs of Online CRM - Part 3 (NewsFactor)


AP - After another loss to a winning team, the New York Jets tried yet again to explain why they always come up short in big games. Reserve running back LaMont Jordan was quick with an answer.

Jets Struggle Once More Against Elite Team (AP)


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices extended losses below \$46 on  Tuesday in a third day of falls as a more optimistic Iraq  export picture helped unwind some of the supply worries that  have lifted the market to historic levels.

Oil Falls Further from \$46 Iraq Oil Flows