ARM said the deal would better position the combined company to take advantage of growth opportunities across multiple industries as the process of designing semiconductors grows increasingly complex.

ARM Buys US Semiconductor Group Artisan for \$913 Million


Turnover on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange #39;s (CME.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Globex electronic trading platform hit a record on Friday after the surprising US jobs report, the largest US futures exchange said on Monday.

Jobs report surprise a bonanza for CME volume


The Internet security community is preparing for a working virus or worm attack based on the Microsoft JPEG exploit revealed last week.

As More Exploits Emerge, Security Groups Prep for JPEG Attack


Australians voted today in an election which offered the choice between a conservative government that unreservedly backs the United States and its Iraq war and a Labour opposition seeking stronger ties in Asia.

Australian voters head to polls


Roger Clemens got his 326th win and the Astros beat the Reds, 5-2, to move into the NL wild-card lead with their 12th straight win.

Astros Moving Closer


Thursday #39;s decision by the NCAA not to reinstate Southern California star wide receiver Mike Williams drew particularly strident and pointed criticism from a high-ranking school

NCAA #39;s decision on Southern Cal receiver draws criticism


Kidnapped US journalist Micah Garen has been released Sunday to government officials in the southern city of Nasiriyah. Reports say the release came four days after radical Shiite leader Moqtada Al-Sadr started negotiations with the kidnappers.

Kidnapped US Journalist Released


Toshiba has unveiled the world #39;s first hard disk drive (HDD) based on perpendicular recording, setting new benchmarks for data density by boosting the capacity of a single 1.8-inch hard-disk platter to 40 gigabytes.

Toshiba Unveils 80 GB Hard Drive


Office Depot Inc. plans to cut 900 jobs as it consolidates operations at eight call centers and offices in six states. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Office Depot - the nation #39;s second

Office Depot Plans to Cut 900 Jobs


THE intense emotion surrounding Olympian Sally Robbins increased yesterday when she left a team function in tears on Monday night after being slapped by Athens Games teammate Catriona Oliver.

Teammate slaps rower


NEW YORK - Vice President Dick Cheney on Wednesday was stepping up to denounce Democrat John Kerry's

Cheney to Lash Into Kerry in N.Y. Speech


Misty May and Kerri Walsh were feeling the pressure before their beach volleyball semifinal against fellow Americans and friendly rivals Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs.

Roundup: US beats US


With team spirit integral to sporting success, it #39;s hardly surprising that everyone in the England camp wants Wayne Bridge to do well.

We #39;ll get it right, claims Gerrard


Sven-Goran Eriksson has refused to publicly criticise David Beckham for his reckless lunge at Ben Thatcher and subsequent booking.

Becks get Sven #39;s full support


CNN announced yesterday that it would shut down its CNNfn cable channel next month, abandoning its nine-year-old effort to create a financial news competitor to CNBC.

CNN Will Close Financial News Channel


AP - The Buffalo Sabres will lay off about 25 employees by the end of November if there is no resolution to the month-old NHL labor dispute.

Sabres to Lay Off About 25 Employees (AP)


Four ex-Gurkhas working for a London-based security firm have been killed in an attack in Baghdad. The Foreign Office confirmed the Nepalese men were all former members of the famous Gurkhas but could give no further details of the attack.

Former Gurkhas killed in Baghdad


Reuters - Northern Irish Protestant leader Ian\Paisley challenged his IRA foes Tuesday to give up their\weapons, saying it was

Now or Never for N.Irish Deal, Says Paisley (Reuters)


AP - Two Western Illinois football players were suspended from the team Wednesday after being charged in a weekend burglary.

WIU Football Players Charged in Burglary (AP)


SiliconValley.com - The Internet's first baby steps began in Leonard Kleinrock's UCLA lab 35 years ago today.

On Internet's 35th birthday, pioneer still excited about its potential (SiliconValley.com)


Blog Search Blabble.com Takes New Approach\\A new start-up joining the ranks of weblog tools, Blabble is aimed at the corporate market. According to an Internet Retailer article, the service will be fee-based when it officially launches in October. A beta is currently available free online. The article reads like Blabble ...


Amazon.com announced to today that they have launched their DVD Rentals service for its UK customers. The service offers to plans right now.

Amazon has launched its DVD Rental Service in the UK


Consumer spending accelerated in October as a surge in hiring led to the biggest rise in incomes in five months, the government reported yesterday.

Hiring Spurt Helps Sustain US Growth


Although Monday was supposed to be the day when Microsoft began pushing Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) to enterprises, it changed its mind at the last minute and delayed the automatic updating for more than a ...

Microsoft Delays SP2 Auto Update For Enterprises


Australian oil-related stocks fell, led by Woodside Petroleum Ltd., after crude futures had the biggest decline in more than a month.

Australian Oil-Related Stocks Drop; Australian Leisure Rises


Reuters - A stroke that robbed a woman of her\dreams may help pinpoint where and how dreams are born in the\brain, scientists said on Friday.

Lost Dreams May Show Stuff Dreams Are Made Of (Reuters)


Tokyo stocks edged lower Monday for a seventh straight session because of concerns about rising oil prices. The dollar was down against the Japanese yen.

Update 2: Tokyo Stocks End Lower; Dollar Down


BEIJING (Reuters) - Russian Marat Safin reached the second  round of the rain-hit China Open with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over  American Alex Bogomolov on Thursday.

Safin and Nalbandian Reach Second Round in China


Reuters - Israeli tanks and helicopters swept into\the northern Gaza Strip early on Wednesday, a day after\soldiers killed 14 Hamas militants in the biggest ever raid of\its kind.

Israelis Mount New Gaza Raid After Strike on Hamas (Reuters)


Borland Software this week stood atop its soapbox preaching the evils of software projects gone awry, with projects beset by issues such as last-minute changes and differing perspectives on the potential success of development efforts.

Dealing with botched software projects


Katie Achille grew up with the Internet. She was 9 when she first tapped into it - and quickly became an avid e-mailer, Web surfer and sender of instant messages. But when recent computer troubles left her without regular Web access, something unexpected happened: To her surprise, she suddenly felt free.

Experts Urge People to Unplug Occasionally


The 7-1 loss cuts Oakland #39;s AL West lead to 1 1/2 games and thrills the Red Sox faithful. By Tim Casey -- Bee Staff Writer. It #39;s not too late to get into a Fantasy Sports League.

Boston offense sox A #39;s again


MIAMI (Reuters) - Powerful Hurricane Ivan charged west  through the Caribbean on Wednesday after killing at least four  people and smashing homes in a devastating punch to the tiny  spice island of Grenada and glancing blows to nearby islands.

Hurricane Ivan Devastates Grenada


London - Here #39;s the good news for Manchester City: Manchester United will be without lethal striker Ruud van Nistelrooy for this weekend #39;s crosstown derby at Old Trafford.

United prepare for a flood


Check Point and McAfee unveil products designed to help companies protect their networks.

Firms tighten up business security


Ramirez hit two two-run homers and right-hander Carlos Zambrano allowed four hits in eight innings Monday, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 9-1 victory over the Montreal Expos.

Cubs top Expos on five homers


THE head of MG Rover has held out the prospect of increased production at the car giant #39;s UK factory under plans to link up with China #39;s biggest auto manufacturer.

China deal could see production increase


TORONTO (CP) - Roy Halladay was back in form Saturday afternoon, throwing eight innings of one-run ball in the Toronto Blue Jays #39; 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees.

Roy Halladay back in form to lead Blue Jays in 4-2 victory over <b>...</b>


Handset manufacturers unite to develop TV-enabled mobile phones, but dont expect to watch Survivor on your cell phone anytime soon.

The boob tube on your smartphone


InfoWorld - Network appliance will announce this week additional capabilities and partnerships for its NetApp NetCache line of Internet security appliances. Meanwhile, EMC will unveil a major upgrade to its ILM (information life cycle management) product line with a focus on adding application-aware components.

Network Appliance, EMC refine security strategies (InfoWorld)


Talking trash wasn #39;t enough. The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers decided to trade punches. Less than an hour before Sunday #39;s game, Browns running back William Green and Steelers linebacker Joey Porter

Browns, Steelers fight before game


Symbol Technologies said today that it will delay filing its third-quarter results for two weeks, and it revised results for the first nine months of the year downward by \$13.3 million because of errors in how inventory levels were reported.

Symbol to delay results, cites inventory reporting errors


No, that #39;s not a typo. After the bell yesterday, Electronics Boutique (Nasdaq: ELBO) reported that earnings had increased fivefold to \$7.3 million, or \$0.30 per share, beating analysts #39; estimates by a penny.

Electronics Boutique Quintuples Earnings


CURT SCHILLING woke up early on Sunday morning unable to walk. He ended the day as the winning pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, who beat the St Louis Cardinals 6-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven World Series.

Schilling beats pain to put Red Sox on top


JERUSALEM: Israeli police have put nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu under house arrest on suspicion of spilling more state secrets, seven months after he completed an 18-year prison term for treason.

Israel arrests nuclear whistleblower for  #39;leak #39;


Intel Corp. this week is\expected to introduce a chip that adds support for a relatively\obscure version of Wi-Fi, analysts said on Monday, in a move\that could help ease congestion on wireless networks.

Intel Seen Readying New Wi-Fi Chips


Senior Ogonna Nnamani leads the team with 33 kills, 21 digs and five blocks on the night. Long Beach, Calif. - Senior outside hitter Ogonna Nnamani had 33 kills, 21 digs and five blocks to lead the sixth-ranked

No. 6 Stanford Advances To NCAA Championship With 3-1 Win Over <b>...</b>


NEW YORK Aging but still on the go, climbing in and around craters, tapping into the mysteries of strangely cracked rocks, the two roving vehicles Spirit and Opportunity have explored Mars about three times as long as originally scheduled and keep finding

Mars rovers getting old, but they keep on rolling


NEW YORK, August 24 (New Ratings) - Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group announced a hostile takeover bid today of \$29.2 billion (3.2 trillion) for UFJ Holdings Inc (ticker: UFJ).

Sumitomo Mitsui launches hostile bid of \$29.2 billion for UFJ <b>...</b>


The Salvation Army started its annual holiday fund-raising campaign Tuesday with a \$85,000 hole in the kettle. That #39;s how much the charity estimates it collected in kettles in front of Target stores last year.

Salvation Army seeks to overcome Target ban


Jermaine O #39;Neal was sick and tired of talking about it: Ron Artest, the hip-hop record, the three-day distraction that exploded into a tragicomic controversy heard round the NBA.

Pacers Want Artest Tuned In on Court Instead of Off It


Get real-time rates, free charts and news, as well as a free demo trading account from FXCM - the market maker for Forex trading. Visit the site today.

ADV: Forex Trading: The New Financial Account


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - After signing a law that bars the  sale of performance-enhancing supplements to minors, California  Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a separate measure on  Thursday that would bar schools from accepting sponsorships  from firms that make the dietary supplements.

Schwarzenegger Vetoes Sports Diet Supplement Bill


Redmond #39;s not extending its basic support for NT 4 and Exchange 5.5, but it is extending custom paid support for the product. While Microsoft continues to emphasize that it is not extending its basic support

Microsoft Gives NT Server 4, Exchange Server 5.5 Users a (Small) <b>...</b>


Lleyton Hewitt was able to get off the mark after an overnight delay at the Masters Cup here yesterday. The Australian former world No 1 completed his opening round-robin contest, defeating Carlos Moya, of Spain, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4.

Hewitt states intent with demolition of Moya


A surprise choice for Wednesday #39;s friendly against Brazil, 20-year-old Robert Huth made full use of his debut in Germany #39;s starting team to impress Juergen Klinsmann and his Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho.

World-Surprise choice Huth proves his worth to Klinsmann


Although Microsoft has recommended consumers turn on Windows #39; Automatic Update feature to get Windows XP Service Pack 2, PC makers are reminding Windows XP users to do their homework before installing the security update.

PC makers: Look before taking SP2 leap


RALEIGH The performance by the NC State men #39;s basketball team was the type that would leave training tables, Gatorade coolers and coaches #39; shirt collars in disarray in the postgame locker room.

Sloppy Pack still has enough to remain unbeaten


Donald Trump #39;s Trump Hotels  amp; Casino Resorts Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection with a plan to cut debt by \$400 million and renovate its properties.

Trump Hotels, Hurt by Debt, Files for Bankruptcy (Update1)


DALE EARNHARDT JR. got it more right than he thought: His recent  quot;slip of the tongue, quot; as many have taken to calling it,  quot;don #39;t mean expletive deleted quot; in the grand scheme.

The pits? Potty-talk points off!


WASHINGTON - The head of cybersecurity efforts at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly resigned this week, leaving his job after giving a one-day notice.

Report: U.S. cybersecurity chief resigns


Researchers developing robotic lobsters, flies, dogs and cockroaches believe that machines inspired by biology will be able to operate in places where today's robots cannot go.

They're Robots? Those Beasts!


Reuters - A slowdown in U.S. economic growth\during the second quarter of the year was not as sharp as\previously thought, the Commerce Department reported on\Wednesday, partly because businesses built up inventories at\the strongest rate in four years.

U.S. Economic Slowdown Was Less Abrupt (Reuters)


Opposition Leader Mark Latham has accused Prime Minister John Howard of running a scare campaign after Mr Howard warned interest rates would rise under Labor.

Latham condemns PM #39;s rates  #39;scare campaign #39;


LONDON, England -- Wales coach Mark Hughes has admitted he is interested in taking over as manager of Blackburn, who have lost Graeme Souness to Newcastle.

Hughes keen on Blackburn position


OAKLAND, Calif. - The way hes been batting lately, Eric Chavez figured Laynce Nix would surely get a glove on his line drive to center field.

A #39;s claim 10-inning win over Rangers


Bernie Ecclestone says he #39;s not prepared to negotiate his offer to promote the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The race was given provisional status on the 2005 Formula One calendar, pending successful

Ecclestone: No more talks


No sooner had SpaceShipOne glided back to terra firma, claiming both the \$10 million Ansari X Prize and distinction as the first privately funded manned spaceflight, than talk turned to a glorious future: personal space trips .

SpaceShipOne #39;s success has the industry trying to seize momentum <b>...</b>


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Tuesday refused to meet an Iraqi peace delegation because of  quot;American aggression quot; as US troops pounded militia positions in Najaf near the country #39;s holiest Islamic sites.

Iraqi Peace Mission Snubbed by Rebel Cleric Sadr


AFP - China more than doubled its export earnings from cellphones, shipping 73.4 million handsets overseas in the first seven months of the year, state media reported.

China exports 73.4 mln cellphones in first seven months, doubling earnings (AFP)


A 60-year-old women has become an unlikely Australian hero after jumping on the back of a 4m-long crocodile when it attacked a man asleep in a tent.

Grandmother saves man from crocodile


OPININ (*)The Legacy: Yasir Arafat has been a disaster for the Palestinians, for Israelis, and for hopes of peace in the region.

Arafat, his Legacy and the Future


US gasoline costs fell to their lowest level in four months, with the national pump price dropping 1.8 cents over the last week to \$1.

Gas Price Hits Lowest Level in 4 Months


GAZA (Reuters) - An Israeli helicopter fired a missile at  an unknown target in Gaza City on Friday, witnesses said, hours  after troops killed eight Palestinians in southern Gaza. There  were no immediate reports of casualties.

Israeli 'Copter Fires Missile Into Gaza -Witnesses


Beating Mariano Rivera once in a season, as the Boston Red Sox did on July 24, is unbelievable. Twice? Almost unthinkable. Yet, it happened again Friday night -- and at Yankee Stadium no less.

Rallying against Rivera


Unions declared the top multinational oil company here, the Royal Dutch/Shell Group,  quot;an enemy of the Nigerian people quot; on Sunday and called for a Nov.

Unions in Nigeria Call for an Oil Strike


Japan-based tire manufacturer Bridgestone plans to release a monochrome paper-thin display for use as tags, according to the Chinese-language Economic Daily News.

Bridgestone to release paper-thin-display price tags in 2005


Bank of America Corp. said yesterday it will eliminate 4,500 more jobs as it absorbs the operations of FleetBoston Financial Corp.

Bank of America to cut more jobs


Sergio Garcia waltzed into a share of the lead at nine under after a third-round 68 in the Mallorca Classic. The Spaniard holed from a bunker for birdie on 13 and chipped in for birdie on 17 to join England #39;s Simon Khan.

Garcia and Khan lead in Mallorca


SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Randy Hien has spent more than two decades managing Little League baseball, and he wasn't going to miss the Lincoln (R.I.) All-Stars team's trip to the Little League World Series, even though a recent car accident nearly killed him.

Car accident can't keep coach away


Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe vowed today not to allow Western observers to monitor next years parliamentary elections, saying only fair-minded countries would be asked to monitor the key vote.

Mugabe Says No to Western Election Observers


Here #39;s something to consider on your way to the medicine cabinet this morning: One of the nation #39;s leading drug reviewers with the Food and Drug Administration told a congressional hearing last week that consumers are  quot;virtually defenseless quot; against

ANOTHER VOICE To the medicine cabinet


The family of Kenneth Bigley, the British hostage being held in Iraq, has made a direct appeal for his release to the militants who abducted the 62-year old-engineer.

Family appeals for release of UK hostage


IBM Corp. plans to announce Wednesday that it has built the world's fastest supercomputer at one of its facilities in Rochester, Minn., wresting the title from a system in Japan.
\<FONT face=

IBM Claims Computer Speed Title


The American and Belgian arms of KPMG International, a global accounting cooperative based in Switzerland, have agreed to pay \$115 million to settle claims of accounting malpractice growing

KPMG Units Agree to Pay to Settle Malpractice Suits


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks advanced on Wednesday as  record crude oil prices above \$52 a barrel boosted energy  stocks like Exxon Mobil Corp.<A HREF=

Stocks End Up as Oil Hits Record Over \$52


GENEVA, Sept 10 (AFP) - The United States will treat South Korea in the same way as any other country that conducts secret nuclear research if such a case is made by the UN atomic agency, the top US arms official said on Friday.

US Vows No Double Standards Over South Korea #39;s Nuclear Admissions


Soccer fans may be right when they complain the referee got it wrong. The human eye can #39;t detect when a soccer player is in an offside position, according to a study in tomorrow #39;s British Medical Journal.

Human Eye Can #39;t Spot Offside Soccer Players, Study Finds


SEOUL (AFX) - LG Philips LCD Co Ltd, one of the world #39;s leading manufacturers of thin-film-transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCD), said its new sixth-generation TFT-LCD fabrication plant has started mass production of wide screens.

LG Philips LCD starts mass production of 6th-generation TFT-LCD <b>...</b>


TEMPE, Ariz. -- One of the more interesting moments of the Patriots' 23-12 win over the Cardinals yesterday occurred near the end of the first half when kicker Neil Rackers was about to attempt a 58-yard field goal.

Vrabel knows tricks of the trade


AP - Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, announced Monday that it expects its December sales to have risen 3 percent at stores open at least a year, a figure that is at the top end of the company's sales estimate.

Wal-Mart's December Sales Jump 3 Percent (AP)


AN AIR OF DESPERATION was as evident as the sweat on his brow when Secretary of State Kevin Shelley met with The Chronicle last week, as the career officeholder explained away his actions as if he were a political novice.

Shelley #39;s lost political capital


Human rights groups in Haiti and abroad are protesting the detention of the Rev. Grard Jean-Juste, a well-known Roman Catholic priest and vocal supporter

Priest #39;s Arrest Fuels Anger of Supporters of Aristide


Former England boss Glenn Hoddle has been appointed manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club says. Hoddle, who has been out of management since being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in September

Wolves appoint Hoddle


NEW DELHI: Microsoft will be launching substantially low-priced Windows XP Starter Edition in the Indian market early next year.

Microsoft To Unveil Low-priced XP Starter


AFP - Modern Chinese couples spend 1,000 times more than their parents' generation on lavish weddings and other expenses linked to starting a family, state media reported.

Young Chinese spend 1,000 times as much as their parents on weddings (AFP)


COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, saying that allegations made about the program by former tailback Maurice Clarett were  quot;totally false.

Tressel:  #39;Allegations Made Against Me Totally False #39;


AP - A growing number of senators are questioning whether the Senate should abandon pledges to make far-reaching changes to the nation's intelligence bureaucracy before Election Day, doubts that could dampen the bill's momentum.

Some Question Speed of Intel Chief Bill (AP)


In his first State of the City speech, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said it was time to move forward.  quot;I did not run for mayor to lead a city in retreat, quot; he said.

Newsom Gives First State of the City Address


A former executive of the biotechnology company MedImmune faces from 15 to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty Friday to security fraud and perjury in US District Court in Washington.

Former MedImmune Exec Pleads Guilty


MONTREAL (Ticker) -- Mike Piazza kept the New York Mets from hitting rock bottom in the National League East Division. Piazza had two hits, including a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, as the Mets posted a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Expos .

SI.com


USATODAY.com - A long-awaited microprocessor developed by IBM, Sony and Toshiba will go into early production next year and start appearing in video game consoles, high-definition TVs and home servers in 2006, the companies said Monday.

Speedy computer chip for PlayStation near (USATODAY.com)


Reuters - U.S. retail gasoline prices declined\for the ninth week in a row and truckers are enjoying the\cheapest diesel fuel in almost four months, the Energy\Department said on Monday.

Gasoline Pump Price Falls for 9th Week (Reuters)


The bulk of an 850-strong group of British troops are gathering near their new base in a US-controlled area of Iraq. Soldiers from the Black Watch regiment will join up with the first wave of their colleagues

Soldier killed in Iraq convoy crash


SEATTLE -- Nordstrom Inc. #39;s income soared 71 percent in its latest quarter as the clothing chain continued to focus on improving merchandise and managing expenses.

Nordstrom earnings beat estimates


Will they or won't they? Dell execs remain elusive on AMD plans, but analysts say circumstances could push the two together.

For Dell and AMD, a tantalizing question


A new Trojan horse that sends unauthorized spam to mobile phones via sms has been detected by anti-virus authority Sophos, marking a new trend in the convergence of viruses and mass-mail attacks.

Trojan horse targets mobile phones


SAN JOSE, Calif. - In a debut vaguely reminiscent of the dot-com boom, shares of Internet search giant Google Inc...

Google Shares Hit \$100.34 in Market Debut


ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (NNI): Prime Minister Mr. Shaukat Aziz Tuesday said his visit will China will go a long way to strengthen existing close ties between the two countries in all fields.

PM says his Chinese visit to strengthen close ties


Logistics support firm Isotrak, whose customers include Tesco and Royal Mail, has used blade servers to expand its computing capacity without enlarging its datacentres.

Expanding Isotrak becomes blade runner


The noise was deafening and potentially unsettling in the minutes before the start of the men #39;s Olympic 200-meter final. The Olympic Stadium crowd chanted  quot;Hellas!

Amid hostilities, Americans take over


At least 19 people were killed and about 50 were injured in the bombing of a Shiite mosque in Pakistan #39;s northeastern city of Sialkot, police said.

Pakistani Shiite Mosque Bombing Kills 19, Injures 50 (Update1)


Phil Nevin homered, doubled and drove in five runs, and the visiting San Diego Padres built an early lead Monday en route to trouncing the New York Mets 9-4.

Padres stay in the hunt


Is Russia giving up on democracy? Russian President Vladimir Putin certainly seems to be suggesting that possibility. He introduced a plan that would restrict elections in Russia and would  quot;radically restructure

Putin #39;s  #39;New Deal #39; for Russia


AFP - A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale injured 17 people in northern Japan in a new sign of seismic activity a month after the country's deadliest tremor in a decade.

Powerful quake injures 17 as Japan waits for the big one (AFP)


South Africa narrowly escaped defeat in their three-day tour match against an Indian Board President #39;s XI on Tuesday. The visitors, having conceded a 135-run first-innings

Reshuffled South Africa hang on for draw


McGrady, who begins his first season with the Rockets tonight, agreed Monday on a foregone conclusion of a contract extension worth as much as \$63 million over three years that could keep him in Houston through the 2009-10 season.

McGrady, Rockets make a long-term commitment


Reuters - With a possible billion-dollar\windfall at stake, U.S. music companies are eagerly awaiting\the full-blown development of the stateside ringtone market.

U.S. Ringtones Market Slow to Connect (Reuters)


Consumer spending climbed 0.6 in September, in line with expectations, as shoppers splashed out after showing restraint the month before, government data showed Monday.

Consumers return in Sept.; spending up 0.6


Shawn Crawford leads an American 200m 1-2-3 amid extraordinary scenes in the Olympic Stadium.

Crawford sprints to gold


TORONTO (CP) - Cost-cutting and a further shift toward higher-margin general merchandise in new stores helped Loblaw Cos. Ltd. grow its quarterly profit by 18 per cent, executives at Canada #39;s biggest supermarket chain said Friday.

Supermarket chain Loblaw #39;s profit up 18 at \$258M with merchandise <b>...</b>


LG Electronics Inc., South Korea #39;s biggest maker of home appliances, said Tuesday its third-quarter net profits rose more than 30 percent on brisk sales of mobile phones.

LG Electronics #39; 3Q Earnings Increase


Alicia Keys and Usher received 8 Grammy nominations each today and Ray Charles, who died in June, received 7.

Kanye West Leads Grammy Nominations With 10


AP - Despite some changes, China's one-child family planning program remains a source of coercion, forced abortions, infanticide and perilously imbalanced boy-girl ratios, State Department officials said Tuesday.

U.S.: One-Child Abuses Rampant in China (AP)


NO. 6 SYRACUSE 104, N. COLORADO 54: At Syracuse, NY - Syracuse had lost its last two season openers. The Orange weren #39;t about to make it three in a row.

Syracuse rolls after fast start


Japan #39;s top three auto makers said Thursday their global production surged in July on brisk demand in overseas markets, but Mazda Motor Corp.

3 Japanese Automakers Boost Output in July


A DISTRAUGHT Lleyton Hewitt was last night coming to terms with the end of his engagement to Kim Clijsters. The couple had been planning to marry in February and had even decided a guest list.

Hewitt love match over


Bristol-Myers Squibb plans to ask US regulators to allow it to sell Pravachol over the counter, in a move that could shake up the growing, lucrative market for cholesterol-reducing drugs.

Bristol-Myers Squibb seeks to sell cholesterol medicine over <b>...</b>


Apple Computer Inc. issued a recall of about 28,000 batteries that were being used in its 15 quot; PowerBook notebook computers. The batteries in question were produced between the January and August time frame. The batters were manufacturered by a Korean firm ...

Apple recalls notebook batteries


American swimmer Aaron Peirsol set a world record of one minute and 50.52 seconds in the men #39;s 200-meter backstroke final here Monday at the World Short Course Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Peirsol sets 200 back world record


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

Polish Cops Bust 100-Member Computer Piracy Gang


Just one week removed from a devastating home loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions responded offensively and defensively in Sunday #39;s 28-13 victory over the previously 4-1 New York Giants.

Revival! Lions Punish Giants, 28-13


The Republican National Convention, which opens Monday at Madison Square Garden in midtown Manhattan, is being bankrolled and feted to an extraordinary degree by the financial services behemoths that are concentrated at the island #39;s southern tip.

Wall Street Plays Party Host


China #39;s annual inflation rate dropped sharply in November, providing further evidence that steps to cool the economy are working and reducing the chances in the near term of a fresh rise in interest rates.

Chinese Inflation Drops Sharply


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar firmed slightly  against  the euro on Monday, recovering from last week's record low and  a 4-1/2-year trough against the yen as traders turned their  sights to economic data due later in the week.

Dollar Firms as Focus Turns to U.S. Data


Uneasy investors sold stocks mostly lower on Wall Street today as oil prices climbed above 51 per barrel, creating new worries that rising energy costs would curb consumer spending and corporate profits.

Oil Prices Pressure US Stocks


AP - It's been a few decades since anyone recorded my mile splits as I bounded over hill and dale, immersed in running's intoxicating rhythm.

REVIEW: Music Player Measures Running Pace (AP)


The agent of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been accused of misleading a court as charges were dropped against three men accused of blackmailing him.

Agent of Man Utd #39;s Rooney has blackmail case thrown out


An injured Iraqi woman cries out at the scene of an insurgent mortar strike in the Dora section of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Nov. 15, 2004.

ABC News Fighting Kills at Least 16 in Iraq


MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Takeover target National Foods Ltd. (NFD.AU) on Monday reiterated its opposition to a hostile bid from its biggest shareholder, New Zealand #39;s Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd.

Australia #39;s Natl Foods Confirms Rejection Of Fonterra Bid


The number of applications for unemployment benefits increased last week and the US Department of Labor is attributing most of the hike to the impact of Hurricanes Frances and Charley in Florida, according to an Associated Press report.

Hurricanes spike jobless claims


Target can maintain its discount image while offering pricier services and merchandise.

Target Can Aim High


Ziff Davis - New hires, a domain-name registration and Mozilla bugs lead to speculation that Google is preparing a Web browser, but the clues could point in many directions.

Is Google Ready to Browse? (Ziff Davis)


BellSouth and SBC intend to combine YellowPages.com with their own online directory affiliates, RealPages.com and SmartPages.com, respectively.

SBC, BellSouth Buying YellowPages.com


Glasgow, Scotland (Sports Network) - The Scottish Claymores, an NFL Europe franchise, folded Thursday due to decreasing attendance.

Claymores no more: NFL #39;s European franchise folds


AP - Doug Brien kept the New York Jets perfect. Brien kicked a 38-yard field goal with 58 seconds remaining to lift the Jets to a 16-14 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, moving the Jets to 4-0 for the second time in franchise history.

Undefeated Jets Thwart Bills on Late Kick (AP)


AFP - British security services have foiled an Al-Qaeda plot to fly planes into targets in London in a September 11-style attack, Britain's independent ITV News network reported.

Britain has prevented Sept 11-style terrorist attack: report (AFP)


Biotechnology company InterMune Inc. on Tuesday said it received a subpoena from the US Department of Justice demanding information related to its key drug Actimmune, which is designed to spur the immune system.

InterMune Gets Subpoena from Justice Dept


AP - Shawn Fanning's Napster software enabled countless music fans to swap songs on the Internet for free, turning him into the recording industry's enemy No. 1 in the process.

Napster Creator Touts Legal File Sharing (AP)


Reuters - Back when everyone\believed the world was flat, people thought these rocky shores\on Spain's windswept

PluggedIn: Lost? Your Phone Knows a Way Out (Reuters)


NEW YORK/SEATTLE (Reuters) - Google Inc. <A HREF=

Google Up in Market Debut After Bumpy IPO


England's David Howell highlighted his round with an eagle yesterday to take a one-stroke lead over compatriot and Ryder Cup teammate Luke Donald after two rounds of the Dunhill Links Championship at St. Andrews, Scotland.

Howell leads at Dunhill


Oracle may lower its tender offer for PeopleSoft by as much as a third, a top company executive said on Monday during courtroom testimony.

Oracle may cut PeopleSoft bid


AP - The Senate's top two Republicans voiced support for Donald Rumsfeld on Friday as allies of the defense secretary sought to outflank increasingly vocal GOP critics in and out of Congress.

GOP Senators Spring to Defend Rumsfeld (AP)


MADRID: Two bombs exploded in coastal towns in northern Spain yesterday injuring four people after a local paper received a warning in the name of the Basque separatist organisation ETA.

Four injured in blasts


Scott Rolen homered twice to become the first NL player to reach 100 RBIs this season as the St. Louis Cardinals downed the Atlanta Braves, 10-4, on Sunday night.

Cardinals Ride Rolen


They did it for the old folks in Presque Isle, Maine, and White River Junction, Vt. They did it for the baby boomers in North Conway, N.H., and Groton, Mass. They did it for the kids in Central Falls, R.I., and Putnam, Conn.

ON TOP OF THE WORLD


Reuters - Chechen rebels, in a swift reply to a\Russian bounty offer for their leaders, promised on Thursday to\give  #36;20 million to anyone helping them to capture President\Vladimir Putin.

Chechen Rebels Offer  #36;20 Million Bounty for Putin (Reuters)


Radiation treatments routinely given after surgery to remove small breast tumors may not be necessary for women over age 70 if they are taking the cancer drug tamoxifen.

Radiation Is Questioned in Breast Cancer Surgery After Age 70


One of Kenya's most powerful politicians under President Moi, Nicholas Biwott, is denied entry to the US.

US revokes visa for key Moi ally


Seiko Epson hopes the tiny robot will help in security, disaster and rescue and space exploration. Also: Apple recalls batteries from its 15-inch PowerBook G4 laptops   hellip;. Sony unveils eight new flat-screen TVs   hellip;. and more.

New Device: Flying Robot


During a year of high oil prices that have boosted energy company profits, the U.S. government continues to dole out millions of dollars in discounts to oil producers under a program created when prices were low.

Discounts Benefit Oil Producers


MOSCOW (Reuters) - A fire in a Russian workers' hostel  killed at least 19 people and may have injured many more, the  Emergencies Ministry said on Wednesday.

Russian Hostel Fire Kills at Least 19


Gary Sheffield won #39;t find out about the American League #39;s MVP award for another two weeks, but the Yankees #39; right fielder earned a Silver Slugger award on Tuesday.

Sheff wins fourth Silver Slugger


Europe travelled to America as underdogs to retain the Ryder Cup but surprised everyone by inflicting their heaviest-ever defeat on their hosts.

Ryder Cup Q  amp; A


LONDON (CMC) - Only six overs were possible in West Indies #39; response before rain then bad light stopped play in their final ICC Champions Trophy Group-B match against South Africa yesterday.

Rain holds up Windies


Nepal will push ahead with planned elections if Maoist rebels do not respond by Jan. 13 to a government offer for peace talks to end a bloody revolt, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said on Thursday.

Nepal Gives Rebels Until January for Peace Talks


The dollar, whose weakness has been fueled by concern over the US trade and budget deficits, hit a new low against the euro, which rose to \$1.3335 yesterday. In late New York trading, the euro eased back to \$1.3280, below its intraday high but still above Monday's late rate of \$1.3273.

Dollar drops to new low against euro


NEW YORK: Computer Associates International Inc said on Wednesday it has awarded its new chief executive John Swainson a pay package totaling \$12.8 million (approx Rs 54 crore), in signing bonus, salary, stocks and options.

New CA CEO gets \$12.8-mn package


The Kyoto Protocol has finally been given the green light and will become a binding treaty on February the 16th. The finalisation of the United Nations #39; environmental accord, which is designed to combat global

KYOTO PROTOCOL GETS GREEN LIGHT


Canadian central bank chief David Dodge told Finance Minister Ralph Goodale in July the country #39;s chances of steady economic and job growth are the best in years, a rosier assessment than his public statements on the matter.

Canada #39;s Top Central Banker Says Economy Looking Best in Years


Pakistan and India started talks Tuesday to discuss the possible agreement on giving advance warning of ballistic missile tests that could help to prevent the possible accident connected with nuclear weapons.

India and Pakistan negotiating to prevent nuclear missile launch


AP - Police staging pre-dawn raids in Barcelona Wednesday arrested 10 people who may have supported Islamic militants in North Africa or the Middle East, officials said.

Spanish Police Make 10 Terror Arrests (AP)


GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (Ticker) -- Brett Favre will be hoping his 200th consecutive start turns out better than his last two have against the St.

Packers face Rams in Monday nighter


Kolkata, Oct. 19 (PTI): Upbeat after the good showing in the second Test against Australia at Chennai, Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, today said his team was capable of winning the remaining two matches and pocketing the series.

We are capable of winning the series: Ganguly


HAMMER champion Adrian Annus of Hungary will be stripped of his gold after refusing to go for an out-of-competition doping test. The International Olympic Council wanted a further test after it believed he

Athens Asides


Singaporess PSA gained a much-sought foothhold in Hong Kong with an agreement to buy a stake in Asia Container Terminals, a port operator in the worlds busiest container hub, from Sun Hung Kai Properties.

PSA buys key stake in Hong Kong port operator


Reuters - The foam that struck the space\shuttle Columbia after liftoff and led to the deaths of all\seven astronauts on board was defective, NASA said on Friday.

NASA Identifies Foam Flaw That Killed Astronauts (Reuters)


The Director of the Arizona Department of Insurance, Christina Urias, is joining insurance regulators in other states to review allegations of bid-rigging and price-fixing between insurance brokers and insurance companies.

Ariz. Insurance Director Reviews Alleged Broker and Insurer Bid <b>...</b>


Taylor Twellman is experiencing his least-productive season with the Revolution, but the striker is displaying flashes of his former self. His scoring instincts and timing appear to have returned.

Close but no hurrah


Ferrari has signed Tata Consultancy Services, India #39;s largest software company, to provide technology and engineering services for the Italian team #39;s vehicle in next year #39;s Formula One season.

Tata signs Ferrari Formula One deal


The Washington Mystics shoot just 25 percent from the field and lose 69-42 in Indiana on Saturday night.

Mystics Blown Out


People looking for that next chocolate fix might find it a little bit more expensive Thursday after Hershey Food Corp. said it will raise wholesale prices to offset higher raw material and other production costs.

Hershey Ups Wholesale Prices on Candy


LONDON (CBS.MW) -- South African gold miner Gold Fields (GFI) said it #39;s board met Friday to assess an \$8.1 billion hostile takeover offer from Harmony (HMY) as well as to review measures for its defense.

Gold Fields plans to respond to Harmony offer by Nov. 3


American scientists are developing hypersonic cruise missiles that will fly 10 times faster than current rockets, penetrate concrete armouring and could be launched from any site in the world.

US to deploy hyper-missiles


OTTAWA (CP) - George W. Bush said he understands Canadian ranchers #39; frustrations but the president suggested the lumbering US bureaucracy has to sign off before the border can re-open to Canadian cattle.

Bush, Martin pledge to improve trade relations but no promises on <b>...</b>


KIBBUTZ TZUBA, Israel - Archaeologists said Monday they have found a cave where they believe John the Baptist anointed many of his disciples - a huge cistern with 28 steps leading to an underground pool of water.    During an exclusive tour of the cave by The Associated Press, archaeologists presented wall carvings they said tell the story of the fiery New Testament preacher, as well as a stone they believe was used for ceremonial foot washing...

AP: Group Discovers John the Baptist Cave


The screensaver launched last week appeared to be a victim of its own success after it was believed over 100,000 people downloaded it within hours of Lycos Europe putting the specially designed screensaver online.

Anti spam bid canned


Stanley Works tries to keep growth going by focusing on businesses that keep baddies out.

Stanley Swaps Doors for Locks


Islamabads assurance to New Delhi that Pakistan will not seize the Siachen glacier if Indian troops withdraw from it is welcome.

A thawing thought


Hamish Carter pulled away from Bevan Docherty on the final lap of the triathlon, giving New Zealand a 1-2 finish in the endurance race.

Men #39;s Triathlon


Rookie Jeremy Wariner proved a worthy successor to Michael Johnson when blazing to the Olympic 400 metres gold medal on Monday night in Athens.

Wariner claims superb gold


What Redmond giveth, Redmond taketh away. Barely a week after settling an anti-trust suit with Novell over unfair practices designed to drive Netware out of the Enterprise and a few days since Novell slapped

Microsoft fires broadside at Novell Netware


IBM #39;s ascension to the top of the world #39;s supercomputing ranks marks the emergence of a platform that would make its way into a wide variety of customer environments, executives said Wednesday.

Blue Gene/L teraflops into supercomputing #39;s top spot


The dollar slumped to a fresh all-time low against the euro yesterday as John Snow, the US Treasury Secretary, poured cold water on hopes of intervention to stem its decline.

Euro at fresh high as Snow dashes hopes of currency intervention


InfoWorld - Dell Computer re-energized its enterprise-class blade server strategy on Monday, rolling out a new architecture that supports up to 10 servers in a seven-unit chassis that can fit into a standard-size rack.

Dell blades cut deeper to data centers (InfoWorld)


ConocoPhillips has increased its stake in Lukoil to 10 percent, an official in the Russian company said Wednesday, positioning the US oil giant to claim a seat on the board of the world #39;s No.

Update 1: ConocoPhillips Hikes Stake in Lukoil


India captain Sourav Ganguly will miss the Test series against South Africa after being suspended for two matches for allowing a slow over-rate.

Ganguly banned for SA Test series


Global sales of semiconductors rose 1 percent in July as consumer uncertainty and swelling inventories restrained the industry #39;s pace of growth, the US Semiconductor Industry Association reported on Thursday.

Global Chip Sales Growth Moderates in July


OUAGADOUGOU (AFP) - Leaders from 36 French-speaking countries wrapped up a summit in Burkina Faso, with a call to the protagonists in the Ivory Coast conflict to implement a French-brokered pact to restore peace.

Francophone summit ends with resolution on Ivory Coast


An artificial version of the pigment that gives tomatoes their colouring could help treat prostate cancer, say researchers.

'Tomato treatment' slows cancer


The number of new people signing up for jobless benefits rose last week, reflecting the impact of Hurricane Charley, which recently tore through Florida.

Jobless Claims Up on Impact of Charley


The 33-year-old Goldwire has averaged 6.5 points and 2.9 assists with six NBA teams since joining the league with the Charlotte Hornets in 1995-96.

Bucks sign Goldwire


Reuters - Shares of Synopsys Inc. (SNPS.O), a\semiconductor design software maker, tumbled before the bell on\Thursday, a day after the company reported lower quarterly net\income and said results in the current quarter would be below\Wall Street estimates.

Before-the-Bell: Synopsys Shares Drop (Reuters)


Nothing makes New Yorkers pant like a luxury apartment, so when the city announced a few months ago that it would auction off seven high-end condos, a crowd was expected.

Condo Pandemonium


Surfers are becoming addicted to the internet and suffer from withdrawal symptoms if deprived of web access, a study has found. Yahoo #39;s Internet Deprivation Study tested how emotionally connected consumers

Web users addicted to net


Two bombs exploded at a religious gathering in Pakistan early Thursday, killing at least 39 people and injuring over 100, police.(Xinhua/AFP Photo).

Blasts kill 39 in central Pakistan


AUSTRALIA #39;S troubled women #39;s rowing crew last night publicly welcomed back Sally Robbins, but it was an unconvincing display.

Rowing row simmers


China #39;s policy of fixing the value of its currency to the dollar has made government efforts to slow its economy more difficult, the US Treasury Department said in a semi-annual report

China #39;s Risk of Hard Landing #39; for Economy Remains, US Says


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sent a stern warning to rebels in his Likud Party today, saying he would not hesitate to call early elections if they prevented him from bringing the moderate Labour Party into the government.

Sharon Tells Party Rebels He #39;s Not Afraid of Early Elections


AP - Scientists in 17 countries will scout waterways to locate and study the world's largest freshwater fish species, many of which are declining in numbers, hoping to learn how to better protect them, researchers announced Thursday.

Scientists Hunt for Big Freshwater Fish (AP)


The European Union last night started legal action against Athens after it was revealed that a systematic under-reporting of Greece #39;s budget deficit should have ruled the country out of joining the single currency.

EU raps Greece over deficit


Companies backing Blu-ray Disc will finalize the read-only version of the optical-disc format early next year, a Sony Corp. spokesman said earlier this week.

Blu-ray read-only format to be finalized early 2005


Security advisory service Secunia said that it has discovered a highly critical vulnerability in Microsoft Word 2000 and 2002 that can be exploited to cause a denial of service attack and compromise a user #39;s system.

After .jpeg it #39;s .doc


Two Palestinian children were killed in an explosion in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday, and Israeli and Palestinian sources gave conflicting accounts of the cause of the blast.

Two Palestinian Children Killed in Gaza Blast


Reuters - Microsoft Corp.  on\Tuesday agreed to require only a single license for server\software that runs on computers powered by a new generation of\chips that squeeze multiple processors into a single package.

Microsoft Sets Licensing Policy for New Chips (Reuters)


SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Stepping up the heated battle of online search and services, Yahoo Inc. and Adobe Systems Inc. have joined forces to tap each others' customers and put Web search features into Adobe's popular Acrobat Reader software.

Yahoo, Adobe link on Web services


Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Due to the approach of Hurricane Ivan in the South Florida area, the Marlins have rescheduled two of their contests against the Montreal Expos slated for next week to US Cellular Field in Chicago.

Marlins shift games versus Expos to US Cellular Field


Arlington, TX, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Mark Teixeira had seven RBI Tuesday to help Scott Erickson earn his first win in over two years as Texas Rangers pounded the Cleveland Indians, 16-4.

MLB: Texas 16, Cleveland 4


AP - Ricky Williams will serve a four-game suspension beginning next month, then will be reinstated to the Miami Dolphins by the NFL, according to his lawyer.

Williams to Be Reinstated After Suspension (AP)


AP - Ruud van Nistelrooy's 73rd-minute penalty kick and Wayne Rooney's injury-time goal gave Manchester United a 2-0 victory Sunday over league-leading Arsenal, ending the Gunners' unbeaten league streak at 49 games and moving the Red Devils back into the league chase.

Manchester United Ends Arsenal's Streak (AP)


THE Gunners - for the time being at least - have lost the knack of putting teams away. Draws with Southampton and West Brom in their last two Premiership games at Highbury highlight Arsenal #39;s current shortcomings

Tough one for the Gunners


Reuters - The death toll from a coal mine blast\in northern China has risen to 166, Xinhua news agency said on\Wednesday, confirming one of the worst disasters to hit the\world's most dangerous mining industry.

China Toll 166 in Grim Saga of Mine Deaths (Reuters)


Willie Randolph is still under contract with the Yankees, but while speaking yesterday about the possibility of managing the Mets, he used a couple of revealing personal pronouns.

Randolph Confident About Job With Mets


The mother of Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer died early Thursday morning, but Beamer said he will be on the sidelines for tonight #39;s game with Maryland, according to the school.

Va. Tech #39;s Beamer to coach despite mother #39;s death


Business demand for PCs will result in higher than anticipated growth of the sector for the second half of the year. Analyst IDC has revised its predictions having witnessed strong commercial demand for PCs

Commercial PC demand boosts market forecast


Reuters - Al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's\militant group threatened to behead a Japanese hostage it said\worked with Japan's forces in Iraq if Tokyo did not withdraw\its troops from the country within 48 hours.

Iraq Militants Issue Hostage Death Threat to Japan (Reuters)


Reuters - Oil prices steadied above  #36;45 a\barrel on Thursday, attempting to put a floor under a 7.4\percent tumble after a big increase in U.S. heating oil stocks\eased worries of a winter supply squeeze.

Oil Prices Steady Above  #36;45 a Barrel (Reuters)


The San Diego Padres retired former All-Star outfielder Tony Gwynn's jersey No. 19. Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina is 0-5 since beating the Mets, 11-6, June 27, including 0-3 since coming off the disabled list.

Notables


It wasn #39;t exactly the beginning Andrew Hines was hoping for. But the former Whittier resident still isn #39;t the least bit concerned that he can #39;t clinch the Pro Stock Bike this weekend.

Hines expects to win title for Pro Stock Bike


Shares of Australian Leisure  amp; Hospitality Group, the nation #39;s biggest pubs owner, may rise after Coles Myer Ltd. increased its takeover offer to A\$1.

Australian Leisure Shares May Gain After Coles Myer Raises Bid


An investigation into the insurance business is expanding, investigators said yesterday, as Eliot Spitzer, the New York attorney general, increasingly turns his attention to whether American

Insurance Investigation Widens to Include a Look at Costs


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Soybean rust was confirmed in a  Tennessee, the ninth state infected by the highly contagious  disease that has rapidly swept across the U.S. South and is  taking aim at big Midwest farming states, officials said on  Wednesday.

Soy Fungus Spreads to Tennessee


Real Madrid centre-back Jonathan Woodgate had to retire from a practice match on Thursday after suffering a recurrence of his thigh muscle injury.

Woodgate suffers further injury setback


The Dutch government is taking control of its country #39;s gas transport network in a deal that analysts say will boost competition in the Netherlands and ease the way for the creation of a single European gas market.

Shell restructures Dutch gas business


Reuters - Rwanda denied on Thursday it\had pushed troops into Democratic Republic of Congo even as\United Nations peacekeepers said they had found compelling\evidence of an infiltration into the vast country.

Rwanda Denies Army in Congo, Threatens Only Rebels (Reuters)


\Hundreds of Dali paintings seized from an exhibition in Finland are forged, Helsinki Police confirm.

Dali centenary show full of fakes


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

Wal-Mart September Sales Up 2.4 Percent


Reuters - A 16-year-old Spaniard was sentenced to\six years in a juvenile detention center on Tuesday after he\pleaded guilty to charges he helped steal and transport\dynamite used in the March 11 Madrid train bombings.

Spaniard Jailed for 6 Years in Madrid Bomb Trial (Reuters)


FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank is expected  to keep interest rates steady at 2 percent on Thursday, with  markets looking for any hint that the central bank's worries  about growth have heightened.

ECB Rates Seen Steady as Euro, Oil Weigh


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Shares of Google Inc. <A HREF=

Google Stock Falls as Share Total Doubles


Eight Muslim terrorists planning to detonate a 1,100-pound bomb near a federal court in Madrid have been arrested, Spanish officials say.

Spain busts a suspected Muslim terror ring


PARIS - The boss of Boeing Co. insisted Thursday that he is not looking for a trans-Atlantic spat in a dispute over subsidies for Airbus, but also said that aid for the rival aircraft maker #39;s new programs should stop.

Boeing boss says he is trying to avoid trans-Atlantic spat over <b>...</b>


Roger Federer keeps up his bid to become the first man since 1988 to win three Grand Slam titles in a year, and sets up a showdown with Lleyton Hewitt in the U.S. Open final.

Federer, Hewitt in Final


Early Friday, Israels air forces launched a deadly air strike at four Palestinian fighters in Jabaliya, killing two and critically wounding a third, witnesses said.

Israel launches air strike on Jabaliya


Canadian Press - TOKYO (AP) - Japanese electronics makers Toshiba Corp. and Hitachi Ltd. raised their earnings outlooks for the fiscal first half Friday on rising global demand for electronics products.

Two major Japanese electronics companies raise earnings forecasts (Canadian Press)


Just as lawyers are preparing to defend Oracle's hostile bid to acquire PeopleSoft, Oracle reduced its all-cash offer for the company from \$26 to \$21 per share.

Database Demand Gives Oracle 16 Profit Rise


Oracle may be celebrating its long-awaited union with PeopleSoft, but a day after the landmark deal not everyone is happy. Among the people likely to be looking at the \$10.3 billion merger with some trepidation

PeopleSoft customers, employees weigh deal


PREMIER Peter Beattie has appealed for calm on Palm Island, amid fears that hidden weapons and a large supply of alcohol could fuel more riots.

Hunt for weapons cache


Google Flaws and Fixes\\There have been many criticisms recently of Google and it's page rank algorithm. First, to the criticisms of Google itself. Has anyone noticed that Google currently indexes 4 billion odd web pages? Very few of us had the time to trod through Google's white paper, but those ...

Google Flaws and Fixes


While America Online, Microsoft, and the open-source community agree to disagree about E-mail-authentication standards, some companies are stepping up to bridge the divide.

E-Mail-Authentication Problems Spawn New Apps


GOMA, Congo (Reuters) - Former rebels in the Democratic  Republic of Congo pulled out of a power-sharing government on  Monday, dealing a major blow to the peace process in a country  emerging from civil war.

Ex-Rebel Group Pulls Out of Congo Government


Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader campaigning to succeed Yasser Arafat in elections next month, said the four-year-old armed uprising against Israel was a mistake and must end.

Abbas says intifada was mistake


BERLIN, Germany -- Brazilian-born striker Kevin Kuranyi scored the equalizer to earn Germany a 1-1 draw with Brazil in a friendly in Berlin, that was a rematch of their 2002 World Cup final.

Kuranyi grabs Germany #39;s equalizer


Sri Lankan truck driver Dinesh Rajaratnam taken hostage in Iraq last October has been released along with his Bangladeshi colleague Abul Kashem, the Foreign Ministry confirmed yesterday.

Dinesh Rajaratnam freed


Microsoft is targeting diehard NetWare customers faced with a looming decision on migrating servers to either to Linux or Windows Server 2003.

NetWare holdouts courted by Microsoft, open source


AP - Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo withdrew from the Swisscom Challenge on Tuesday because of a strained thigh muscle.

Mauresmo Pulls Out of Swisscom Challenge (AP)


Lycos UK has withdrawn its anti-spam screensaver download from its portal following criticism that the vigilante-style programme had been too successful against spammers websites, shutting down a range of sites.

Lycos withdraws vigilante anti-spam screensaver


Reuters - NATO is ready to speed Ukraine toward\closer ties and membership if pro-West presidential frontrunner\Viktor Yushchenko wins a revote on Dec. 26, alliance sources\and diplomats said on Thursday.

NATO Eyes Closer Ukraine Ties if Yushchenko Wins (Reuters)


AP - With just hours left in the countdown, NASA called off the launch Wednesday of a spacecraft that will hunt for emerging black holes.

NASA Calls Off Launch of Black Hole-Hunter (AP)


The LeBron-Carmelo matchup wasn #39;t much of a contest, and neither was the one between the Cavaliers and Nuggets. LeBron James had 17 points, eight rebounds and nine assists Thursday night to help Cleveland

Cavaliers 92, Nuggets 73


Reuters - The Bush administration might reconsider sanctions imposed on two Indian scientists for alleged nuclear cooperation with Iran if New Delhi offers

U.S. might reconsider sanctions on Indian scientists (Reuters)


A Hindu cleric facing murder charges in southern India is also accused of ordering an attack on a former devotee.

Hindu cleric faces fresh charge


Fresh from setting a supercomputer performance record, IBM has announced it will make a commercial version of its Blue Gene system available for businesses and scientific researchers.

Blue Gene quits ivory tower


AFP - The United Nations sent a tough message to delegates at peace talks on the civil war in Sudan's western province of Darfur, warning them that the international community would not tolerate mounting ceasefire violations and attacks on civilians.

UN warns Sudan and rebels on ceasefire violations (AFP)


Mac maker unveils color screen version of popular iPod music player, in addition to special-edition version in partnership with the rock band U2.

Apple unveils color iPod, U2 edition


AP - Michigan's defensive backs have bullied and beaten Purdue's receivers in three straight wins over the Boilermakers.

Michigan Secondary Looks to Bully Purdue (AP)


New York  Reuters News Service, 4 November 2004 - Time Warner yesterday posted an 8 drop in quarterly net profit as it set up a \$500 million legal reserve related to accounting probes at its America Online division and said it will restate results

Time Warner profit falls


Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster will miss the rest of the season due to a broken collarbone.

Panthers #39; Foster out for remainder of season


Yahoo! has licensed the X1 search software for Windows from tech incubator Idealab, in an attempt to compete both with Google #39;s browser-based desktop search download, and the current leader Copernic.

Yahoo! gives! away! free! desktop! search!


The bird, dubbed the  quot;Calayan Rail quot;, is the size of a small crow and has dark brown plumage and bright orange-red legs and beak, said Carl Oliveros, who helped lead the expedition that found it.

New bird species found in Philippines


Russia is working on new nuclear missile systems that other powers do not have in order to protect itself against future security threats, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.

Putin Says Russia Working on New Nuclear Systems


Jill Dutt, assistant managing editor for Financial news, takes your questions on The Washington Post's coverage of business and finance.

Ask The Post


A year after the recording industry opened fire on illegal file-sharers with hundreds of lawsuits, the movie industry has followed its lead.

Movie Industry Suing Hundreds Of Alleged Online Pirates


Comparing photo slideshow computer applications, Thomas E. Weber writes for the Wall Street Journal,  #147;Those using an Apple computer won #146;t need to agonize over which slideshow program to choose. Apple #146;s excellent iLife package (\$49; included with new Macs) is all they #146;ll need. Users can construct slideshows in the package #146;s easy-to-use iDVD program or move slideshows from iPhoto into iDVD for burning onto a disc. For more effects, the iMovie video-editing software can add panning and zooming motion. #148; Aug 17

Making Slideshows


Twenty-eight US soldiers face possible charges over the deaths of two prisoners in Afghanistan, the Army says.

Jail deaths charges recommended


AP - The Norwegian hacker famed for developing DVD encryption-cracking software has apparently struck again  #151; this time breaking the locks on Apple Computer Inc.'s wireless music streaming technology.

Hacker Cracks Apple's Streaming Technology (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Wednesday  threw out a human rights abuse lawsuit filed against Zimbabwe's  ruling political party because it had not been properly  notified of the case.

U.S. Court Dismisses Suit Against Zimbabwe Rulers


The switch to point guard has had a rather strange effect on Cal junior Richard Midgley. Typically, a move from shooting guard to the point results in fewer points, more assists, and, if things are going smoothly, fewer turnovers.

Midgley out of position but not out of touch for Bears


A man who tried to bring a suspicious package into a polling station in Chechnya today was killed in an explosion as he ran away, election officials said.

#39;Suspect Package #39; Man Dies in Polling Day Blast


Pakistan test-fired on Tuesday a medium-range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, part of the countrys efforts to enforce its defence, a military statement said.

Pakistan successfully test-fires nuclear capable missile


AFP - A Paris auction of furniture belonging to late French president Francois Mitterrand has raised 80,200 euros (102,000 dollars), most of which is to go to help a son of the former leader who is drowning under waves of criminal allegations.

Mitterrand furniture sale to help son in distress (AFP)


Storage Expo It's 10pm, do you know where your DR plan is?

IT under threat, says Veritas


Asian and European nations should cut dollar dependence and use more euros in trade, according to an advisory group representing more than three dozen countries, which comprise half of the global economy.

Asia-Europe Group Urged to Use Euros, Cut Dollar Dependence


It happened at the end of the first quarter with Los Angeles leading Seattle by 13 points. It happened again in the second with the Clippers leading 52-36 with 2:39 left in the half.

Sonics sink in opener


Google Inc. said Wednesday that it acquired Keyhole Corp., a Mountain View, Calif.-based company that combines a database of mapping information and images collected from satellites and airplanes with software.

Google Buys Digital Mapping Company


roundup Plus: Sony picks up graphics tech for PSP handheld...LinkedIn links a million...AOL gives exclusive sneak peek for fall TV.

Briefly: Amazon opens floor to political pundits


German newspapers on Thursday commented on Turkey coming a step closer to fulfilling a 40 year old dream after the European Commission recommended that the EU begin membership talks with Ankara.

German Press Review: A Long Way for Ankara


Japanese electronics giant NEC Corp has begun selling the world #39;s fastest supercomputer. NEC claimed its SX-8 is the most powerful  quot;vector-type quot; supercomputer, with a sustainable

NEC launches world #39;s fastest supercomputer


AP - Rutgers basketball player Shalicia Hurns was suspended from the team after pleading guilty to punching and tying up her roommate during a dispute over painkilling drugs.

Rutgers Player Suspended on Guilty Plea (AP)


Microsoft on Tuesday issued 10 security advisories -even of them critical  -ing consumers and businesses to patch 21 new flaws in Windows software products.

Microsoft tells users to patch 21 new flaws in Windows


BT must work harder to open up its network to rivals in order to aid uptake of broadband internet access or risk a possible investigation by the UK Competition Commission, the UK communications regulator has warned.

Ofcom ultimatum to BT: Open up network access or face competition <b>...</b>


General Motors and the Ford Motor Company continued to lose ground to import brands last month, despite heavy levels of incentive spending, according to sales results released Wednesday.

Ford and GM Lose Ground to Imports


AP - Lute Olson turned 70 last month, not that anyone would know it by looking at him or his basketball program. He remains a towering, imposing presence, in excellent physical shape thanks to regular workouts and brisk 70-minute walks each morning in the hills around his home. The white hair is still perfect. And the basketball talent keeps rolling in to Tucson.

Lute Olson Keeps Drawing Talent to Tucson (AP)


SRINAGAR - A leading Kashmiri separatist Sunday welcomed comments by Indias home minister that New Delhi would allow separatists to visit Pakistan, saying it would push the peace process forward.

Kashmir separatist welcomes Indian ministers Pakistan visit <b>...</b>


ATHENS -- The People's Republic of China struck gold twice last night on the track, giving the world a taste of what the country hopes will be a medal bonanza in four years at the Beijing Games.

New kids off blocks


Centene Corp. (CNC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , which sells Medicaid government health insurance plans, on Tuesday said the acquisition of two new health plans would add to 2005 earnings, pushing its shares up 13 percent.

UPDATE 1-Centene shares rise on acquisition, forecast


Tens of thousands of people supporting opposition presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko rallied in Ukraine #39;s capital yesterday demanding that next week #39;s presidential election be free and fair.

Huge rally for fair election


Maryland's Jason Garey has the second-highest goal total in the country this season, and could emerge as the key figure in Friday's College Cup semifinal against defending champion Indiana.

Garey Has the Answer


London-based media giant British Sky Broadcasting Group has filed a legal claim against Electronic Data Services over a problematic CRM system designed to support the media company's customer support call centers.

Media giant BSkyB sues EDS over troubled CRM system


Bruised but unbowed, Tatiana Totmianina, the champion Russian pairs skater who had a horrific headfirst fall Saturday night at Mellon Arena, predicted yesterday that she will return to the ice within two weeks.

Smart Ones Skate America: Skater optimistic after headfirst fall


There is a brewing dispute in Israel over British Prime Minister Tony Blair #39;s proposal for an international peace conference on the Middle East in January or February after the Palestinian elections, to grant the new Palestinian Authority leadership

Disagreement over Blair #39;s call for peace conference


AP - The Supreme Court refused Monday to consider whether former Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker was wrongly barred from raising new arguments in challenging his 1998 conviction for tax conspiracy.

Court Won't Hear Ex-Governor's Appeal (AP)


Norton Antivirus software maker Symantec merges with Veritas Software in a \$13bn deal.

Symantec in \$13bn Veritas merger


Software giant announces new tools for plugging digital cameras into PCs.

Microsoft focuses on camera connections


How much of your retirement savings are consumed by your mutual funds?

My Fund Manager Ate My Retirement!


NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq's radical cleric Moqtada  al-Sadr refused on Tuesday to meet a delegation of Iraqi  political and religious leaders who want him to call off his  uprising in the holy city of Najaf and other areas.

Iraq's Sadr Declines to Meet Najaf Peace Delegation


Boston coach Doc Rivers gets a measure of revenge on his old squad as the Celtics beat the Magic, 117-101, Monday night for their first win in five games.

Celtics Snap Skid


Computer Associates International #39;s shareholders defeated a proposal yesterday that could have forced senior executives to give back performance-based bonuses.

Shareholders Let Bonuses Stand


CRYSTAL Palace moved off the foot of the Premiership table last night with their first victory of the season, Andy Johnson and Aki Riihilahti scoring second-half goals to defeat Fulham 2-0 at Selhurst Park.

Pearce sent off early as Palace claim first win


Canadian Press - CESENA, Italy (CP) - For a few stormy days in October 1944, a young Canadian tank sergeant became part of the Bocchini family in an ancient Italian town caught up in the whirlwind of a world war.

Italians remember Canadians with fondness, gratitude as veterans return (Canadian Press)


MILAN Alitalia #39;s management and unions representing its cabin crews edged toward an accord Friday night on job cuts and working conditions in an effort to save the national carrier from collapse.

Alitalia nears another critical labor accord, this time with cabin <b>...</b>


BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (Reuters) - Stores and schools closed,  radio stations broadcast warnings and Barbadians readied their  homes as Hurricane Ivan charged across the Atlantic on Monday  toward Barbados and the Caribbean's eastern islands.

Barbados, East Caribbean Brace for Hurricane Ivan


AP - Continued concerns about a huge U.S. current account deficit weakened the U.S. dollar to a four-year, 10 month low against the Japanese yen Thursday. Tokyo stocks ended higher.

Dollar Lower, Tokyo Stocks Edge Higher (AP)


AP - Atomic radiation levels are beginning to decline in the Arctic, years after Soviet aboveground nuclear weapons tests and the Chernobyl nuclear accident spewed their fallout over the region, according to a study released Tuesday.

Study: Arctic Radiation Levels Declining (AP)


The U.S. dollar slid to a new low Wednesday against the euro, which rose to an all-time high of \$1.3179 in late New York trading, breaking a day-old record as jittery markets kept up pressure on the U.S. currency.

U.S. Dollar Dips to New Low Against Euro


JEDDAH, 24 October 2004 - War-shattered Iraq, which will certainly benefit from a peaceful situation like any other country, has great potential for growth.

Iraq Can Be Good Engine of Growth in Region: IMF Chief


SEPTEMBER 20, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Further pitting itself against Intel Corp. #39;s Pentium-M offerings, Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

AMD adds mobile processor to Athlon 64 lineup


OutKast become the first act to be awarded a multi-platinum award for paid-for music downloads.

Digital sales honour for OutKast


NAJAF, Iraq - Sporadic gunfire echoed through Najaf on Friday after a night of heavy U.S. bombing that saw radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr call on his fighters to hand control of a revered Najaf shrine to top Shiite religious authorities...

Al-Sadr Tells Militia to Turn Over Shrine


LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices held firm on Friday after  leaping almost \$2 a day earlier as the U.S. government said  crude stocks sank for the sixth straight week and distillate  fuels barely grew ahead of winter.

Oil Steady After 4 Pct Jump on Low Stocks


A car bomb exploded outside Iraq #39;s Education Ministry in Baghdad, killing at least six people, while in Fallujah, west of the capital, US air strikes hit insurgent targets, US and Iraqi officials said.

Baghdad Bomb Leaves at Least 6 Dead, Iraqi Police Say (Update3)


AP - Two judges known for supporting same-sex unions were nominated Tuesday to fill vacancies on Canada's Supreme Court, and they will be assessed in the country's first-ever public screening of such appointments.

Canada Picks Same-Sex Advocates As Judges (AP)


AFP - President George W. Bush said that finding Osama bin Laden is not the principle aim of the war on terror.

Bush says finding bin Laden is not main aim of war on terror (AFP)


NEC Corp. has signed a contract with a Japanese bank for an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) -based document management system, the company said Tuesday in a statement.

Japanese bank taps RFID for document security


Baseball will put instant replay on the agenda for Thursday at the GM meetings and there seems to be growing support among teams.

Replay in Play


Canadian Press - MOSCOW (AP) - A woman strapped with explosives blew herself up outside a busy Moscow subway station Tuesday night, killing at least 10 people and wounding more than 50 - the second terrorist attack to hit Russia in a week.

At least 10 killed, more than 50 hurt in explosions near Moscow subway station (Canadian Press)


Forbes.com - This year Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report celebrates 25 years of grand deception. The popular newsletter's creator and editor in chief, whose real name is known but to God (and his wife), has paid his own way at thousands of hotels worldwide and published his impressions without fear or favor. We recently met him at a secure location in downtown Manhattan.

Checking In, Sir? (Forbes.com)


The Houston Astros are picking up Craig Biggio #39;s \$3 million option for 2005 but not the \$9 million for Jeff Kent. Oct. 28 HOUSTON - Craig Biggio will be back with the Houston Astros next season.

Astros want Biggio back, Kent to take pay cut


AC Milan closed the gap on leaders Juventus to four points after receiving a helping hand from city-rivals Inter. Having already won their game at Chievo earlier in the day thanks to on-loan Chelsea striker

Juve Lead Is Cut


The economy added 112,000 payroll jobs in November, far fewer than the month before and not enough to keep up with average increases in the adult population.

Far Fewer Jobs Were Added in November Than Forecast


While Halo 2 is already a huge hit for Xbox out of the box, parent company Microsoft hopes the ripple effect of Halo 2 lasts well into its next generation of gaming hardware.

More than a money maker, Halo 2 helps set stage for Xbox #39;s next <b>...</b>


More than a quarter of Iraq #39;s foreign debt burden could be forgiven after a framework agreement was reached by two of the country #39;s main creditors.

Deal nears on Iraq debt write-off


Microsoft and Intel are joining forces to conquer living rooms in the USA and make further inroads into the coveted consumer electronics space.

Microsoft and Intel team to conquer the living room


TONY EASTLEY: Hot on the heels of having Batman break into Buckingham Palace, protesters have run onto the floor of the British Parliament yelling at politicians as they debated a ban on fox hunting.

Protestors disrupt fox hunting debate in British Parliament


Consolidation in the security sector continued last week as three firms planned a merger to form a new security giant offering global services.

Security leaders get bigger


AP - Prime Time won't be playing in prime time this time. Deion Sanders was on the inactive list and missed a chance to strut his stuff on

Ravens Put 'Prime Time' on Inactive List (AP)


Engineers at Nasa #39;s Ames Research Center have staked their claim have built the world #39;s fastest supercomputer. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Nasa #39;s supercomputing facility, the US space agency unveiled its

Top supercomputer race continues with Nasa/SGI box


The U.S. Marine Corps is replacing aging supply chain systems with Oracle software to better serve combat troops.

Marines update core logistics technology


Game publishers and hardware makers will battle for consumers' holiday dollars with a slew of high-profile releases.

Photo gallery: Playing for keeps


WASHINGTON -- A veteran Food and Drug Administration safety officer yesterday told a Senate hearing inquiring into the abrupt recall of the arthritis drug Vioxx that five other widely used drugs should be either withdrawn or sharply restricted because they have dangerous side effects.

FDA officer warns on 5 drugs, offers harsh critique of agency


MILLIONS of homeowners were given a boost yesterday after the Bank of England opted to keep interest rates at 4.75. Economists had predicted the move after a string of surveys

Bank accepts slowdown by pegging rates at 4.75


Lahore - Two second-half goals from Florian Keller helped Germany beat New Zealand 2-1 on Sunday at Pakistan #39;s National Stadium in the city of Lahore, guaranteeing its place in the men #39;s field-hockey Champions Trophy next year.

Germans secure place in next Champions Trophy


McLEAN, Va. - Teenage sniper Lee Boyd Malvo plans to drop all appeals of his conviction and life sentence for one of 10 killings in October 2002, and will admit guilt in a second slaying, his lawyer said Friday...

Teen Sniper to Admit Guilt in 2nd Slaying


All three of the newly promoted sides are still searching for a first win of the season after a day of predictable results gave the Premiership table an all too familiar look.

Premiership: New boys can #39;t buy a win


AP - The Cubs had only Monday available to play their makeup doubleheader against Florida, and as it turned out, the weather was great. But to Dusty Baker's dismay, David Weathers was pretty good, too. The journeyman right-hander, making his first start in six years, limited Chicago to two hits and one run in five innings, and the Marlins won the second game 5-2 to earn a split.

Cubs Split Doubleheader With Marlins (AP)


Perini Corp. , a Framingham construction company that built one of the largest sections of the Big Dig, has agreed to purchase Cherry Hill Construction Co., a private firm in Jessup, Md., that does public works projects. Most of Perini's revenue comes from construction of gaming and themed-entertainment projects. The company has extensive work in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well. ...

Contractor buys Md. firm


Peter Rost made a lot of money for his employers in the pharmaceutical industry. Now he has turned against them.

An insider turns against drug industry


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Just hours after Justin Gatlin stunned the world by winning Olympic gold in the 100 metres, his coach made a surprise admission on Sunday, revealing he was the anonymous source that sparked a doping investigation that rocked the world

Gatlin #39;s coach claims responsibility for THG source


Microsoft has filed a report with the US Securities and Exchange Commission warning that 2005 could be challenging, as Linux continues to steal business and PC sales remain sluggish.

Microsoft says Linux may mean price cuts


AP - Jennifer Canada knew she was entering a boy's club when she enrolled in Southern Methodist University's Guildhall school of video game making.

Women Make Small Inroads in Game Industry (AP)


The price of oil jumped to another high on Monday, in part because of dramatic disruptions caused by hurricanes whipping through the Gulf of Mexico.

Higher oil prices byproduct of storms


LOS ANGELES - Call it the  quot;bump and run, quot; the  quot;chuck quot; or the  quot;five-yard touch. quot;. Now that the swivel-hip singing routines of Jessica Simpson, Destiny #39;s Child, and others in Thursday night #39;s kickoff bash for

NFL opener:  #39;No-touch rule #39; opens door for the little guy


Two men were killed in an accident Sunday at a copper and gold mine near Ely. Ruth Volunteer Fire Department Chief Martin Sorenson says the victims were repairing a huge shovel at the Robinson Mine when some safety measures failed and they were killed.

2 men killed in mine accident in Nevada near Utah line


TAMPA BAY (5-7) vs. SAN DIEGO (9-3) When, where: Sunday, 4:15 p.m., at San Diego. TV: Ch. 25. Last season: Buccaneers won, 25-17, in 1996. Comments: The Chargers, sitting at the top of the NFL draft, wheeled and dealed back in April so they could land their quarterback of the future. Little did they know, they already had him. Drew ...

NFL games on TV


University of Maryland basketball player Nik Caner-Medley has reached a settlement with prosecutors on a disorderly conduct charge involving an altercation in the Old Port in July, lawyers said.

Caner-Medley strikes plea agreement


CIGNA Corp. said net income rose sharply in the third quarter, reflecting increased earnings in its health care segment and a gain from the sale of a retirement benefits business.

CIGNA Corp. 3Q Profit Up on Gain From Sale


Online retail sites struggle to keep up with consumer demand during the first week of the holiday shopping season, according to Internet performance management vendor Keynote Systems Inc.

Report: Online shopping sites struggle to keep up with demand


Mike Hargrove knows just what he #39;s getting into as the new manager of the last-place Seattle Mariners. After all, he lost 98, 95 and 91 games in his final three years with Baltimore.

Mariners will start anew with Hargrove as manager


AP - A new wave of drug kingpins is emerging in Colombia  #151; traffickers who operate from the shadows, seeking only profits and avoiding the excesses of previous generations of drug lords, a top intelligence official said.

New Wave of Colombia Drug Kingpins Emerges (AP)


AS SUSPECTED, VIRGIN DIGITAL is to be launched today and Sir Richard Branson, the overseer of the Virgin group, said it will include over a million tracks and compatibility with 50 plus portable gizmos.

Virgin shows passion for online music service


With some of the focus on coach Andy Reid #39;s possible future spandex practice attire, the Philadelphia Eagles got an unexpectedly stiff challenge from the Washington Redskins on Sunday night in a 17-14 victory.

Eagles 17, Redskins 14


Reuters - Florida, which held up the results of the\2000 presidential election by more than a month, holds a\primary this week that many regard as a test of the state's\readiness to avoid another fiasco in November.

Florida Hopes to Get It Right in Primary Ballot (Reuters)


AP - Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo eliminated defending champion Ai Sugiyama 6-2, 6-4 Friday in the quarterfinals of the Generali Ladies Open.

Mauresmo Beats Sugiyama in Quarterfinals (AP)


Movado is worth watching because its acquisition of Ebel should boost international sales.

Keeping an Eye on Movado


Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS) plans to lay off between 15,000 and 20,000 employees over the next two years as part of an effort to slash \$3 billion in costs, the company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Jordan said Thursday during a question-and-answer session at a conference.

EDS may cut 20,000 jobs over the next two years


New York -- Former Houston Astros slugger Ken Caminiti died today at age 41. The 1996 National League MVP admitted during his major league career that he had used steroids.

Ken Caminiti, 1996 NL MVP, Dies At Age 41


AP - A Russian-U.S. crew returned to Earth from the international space station in a pinpoint landing on the Kazakhstan steppe, and NASA's chief said the United States wanted to continue the joint relationship on future missions to Mars.

Soyuz Capsule Lands on Kazakhstan Steppe (AP)


Harvard scored the first three times it got the ball in the first half yesterday, and did the same in the second half, coasting to a 38-0 victory over Columbia at Harvard Stadium and remaining the only unbeaten, untied Division 1-AA team in the nation.

Crimson have 0 tolerance for Columbia


SYDNEY - A vibrating sex toy in a trash bin sparked a security scare and shut a regional Australian airport for almost an hour, officials said Monday.

Humming sex toy shuts Australian airport


NEW ORLEANS - Stragglers streamed toward higher ground Wednesday on highways turned into one-way evacuation routes and pounding surf started eroding beaches as Hurricane Ivan roared toward the Gulf Coast with 135 mph wind.    Ivan could cause significant damage no matter where it strikes, as hurricane-force wind extended up to 105 miles out from the center...

Hurricane Ivan Roars Toward Gulf Coast


Dell has teamed up with cluster-management app-maker Platform Computing Inc. to create a small but powerful rack-mounted server complete with open-source cluster-management tools.

Dell Puts Open-Source Clustering Tools On New Server


Cyber criminals could soon be mounting sophisticated phishing attacks that are hard to detect warn experts.

Users face new phishing threats


Two goals ahead. Ten minutes to play. Surely Paris Saint-Germain would finally win its first game this season? No ... this is PSG we #39;re talking about.

Monaco-Lyon clash highlights Ligue 1 weekend


Viacom Inc., the media conglomerate that owns CBS and MTV, posted a third-quarter loss of \$487.6 million Thursday as its earnings were hit by a \$1.

Update 2: Viacom Posts Loss on Blockbuster Charge


London - A British detainee at Guantanamo Bay claims to have been tortured by the United States, Sky news reports. Moazzam Begg says he also witnessed the deaths of two fellow detainees  quot;at the hands of US military personnel quot;.

Guantanamo Brit  #39;tortured #39;


IT #39;S MYSTIC MEG, the Gartner Group is predicting that system downtime will increase from five per cent this year to 15 per cent in 2008 due to security holes.

Downtime set to increase


So began an interview of Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, who took time out to speak to ABC #39;s Peter Jennings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last night.

US ignoring root causes of terror


BEIJING (Reuters) - Rescue workers have recovered the  bodies of 33 Chinese miners killed when fire swept through a  group of iron mines in the northern region of Inner Mongolia,  state media said on Monday.

China Iron Mine Fire Death Toll Rises to 33


The government's pension insurer said Tuesday that it wants the authority to place liens on the assets of companies in bankruptcy such as US Airways when those companies do not make required payments to their pension plans.

Federal Pension Agency Seeks More Power


European champion FC Porto won the Toyota Cup on Sunday, defeating Colombia #39;s Once Caldas 8-7 in a penalty-kick shootout in a game between the top club teams from Europe and South America.

FC Porto wins Toyota Cup


The increasingly competitive Web mail market has a new player: Instant messaging provider ICQ. The company now offers a fee-based service that includes 2GB of storage, a calendar feature, task manager, notepad

ICQ Updates Its Web-Based E-Mail


It wasn't quite the 44-point licking Harvard got last season at Case Gym, but Boston University's road show continued in impressive fashion last night at Lavietes Pavilion, where the Terriers raced to a 21-point halftime lead and poured it on for most of the second half en route to a 92-55 victory over the Crimson.

Terriers rain buckets on Crimson's heads


It's still a month from the final vote, but make no mistake, the Heisman Trophy race is heating up. Starting tomorrow, and continuing through the first week of December, the candidates will strut their stuff.

Hopefuls in the homestretch


Having done all it can with the PS2, Sony has today launched the PSP to a waiting Japanese market. Roughly 1,300 impatient people waited their turn at an outlet of Yodobashi in Shinjuku district while the

Sony PSP goes on sale in Japan


Former women #39;s world No. 1 and Olympic tennis champion Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium says she will not play any more this year because of the continuing effects of an energy-sapping virus.

Tennis: Olympic Champ Justine Henin-Hardenne Takes Year Off


A Georgia entrepreneur is working with a team of government scientists who believe that the solution to fossil-fuel pollution may be found in a nutrient-rich charcoal fertilizer discovered by South American natives centuries before Columbus set sail. By John Gartner.

Clean Air Tech Has Ancient Roots


Novell has issued a response to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer #39;s latest attack on Linux. The Linux software maker accuses Microsoft of using biased reports to back up its claims, and has launched a website to debunk the myths.

Novell debunks Microsoft anti-Linux FUD


Ziff Davis - The services we once expected from ASPs are back, but now we refer to them as business process outsourcing.

Software As a Service Is Poised for Rebound (Ziff Davis)


Quarterback Steve McNair was knocked out of the game early, and the normally reliable Billy Volek struggled. On two of his three interceptions, including the one in the end zone, Volek underthrew his target.

Titans Report Card


One view of the Terps' season reveals a team one play away from having two losses with eight games remaining that could be tougher than anyone had imagined.

Tough Road Ahead


Michael Owen was stunned when Jose Antonio Camacho quit as Real Madrid boss three games into the season.  quot;There #39;s no doubt this has come as a shock.

Real changes shock Owen


General Motors Corp and the Ford Motor Co will offer anti-rollover technology as standard equipment on 1.8 million of their SUVs next year, in a sweeping adoption of the safety technology.

Top US automakers to offer anti-rollover technology


E-mail platform vendor Visto said Monday that it has released software that enables wireless operators to provide real-time e-mail service similar to that provided by Good Technology and Research In Motion #39;s BlackBerry platform.

Software Enables Wireless Push E-Mail


MOBILE phone giant mmO2 has secured a partnership with Japans NTT DoCoMo to bring its i-mode internet technology to the UK. The company hopes to boost revenues per user by selling the product, which allows

02 i-mode deal


Reuters - America Online, the world's largest\Internet service provider, plans to offer its 23.4 million U.S.\subscribers a premium anti-virus software service, McAfee\VirusScan Online, for free in November.

AOL to Give Away Anti-Virus Software to Members (Reuters)


Airbus SAS's parent company has proposed splitting a contested U.S. Air Force contract for refueling tankers with its rival Boeing Co., the company said Friday.

EADS Offers to Split Deal With Boeing


Australian financial software group Computershare Ltd. (CPU.AX: Quote, Profile, Research) has agreed to buy US share registrar EquiServe for \$292 million from DST Systems Inc.

UPDATE 1-Australia #39;s Computershare buys US EquiServe


PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Jeremy Ito kicked three field goals and Ryan Hart threw a late touchdown pass to help Rutgers hold off Temple, 16-6, in an error-filled game yesterday.

Rutgers stumbles past Owls


Tehran - Iran has become the latest country to edge towards ditching the ubiquitous Microsoft computer operating system in favour of the open-source Linux solution, even if its refusal to abide by copyright laws means that the Islamic republic does not

Security fears spark move to Linux in Iran


Unlike major movie chains, many Broadway theaters have lagged behind (pun intended) when it comes to the most basic of audience amenities: their seats.

You Can Buy a Seat, but Can You Fit in It?


After months of planning, two alternative-fueled shuttle buses were added Tuesday to this Great Smoky Mountain tourist town #39;s transit fleet for a six-month demonstration.

Alternative fuel buses arrive in Smokies


Two South Africans acquitted by a Zimbabwean court of charges related to the alleged coup plot in Equatorial Guinea are to be questioned today by the South African authorities.

Thatcher inquiry to question freed men


TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average opened 0.69 percent  higher on Wednesday as gains on Wall Street eased uncertainty  ahead of the Nov. 2 U.S. presidential election, prompting  buying of Toyota Motor Corp. and other exporters.

Tokyo Stocks Open Higher, Exporters Lead


A hearing in the doping cases of US sprinters Tim Montgomery and Chryste Gaines that had been set for next week was postponed at the request of all parties, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said Friday.

Montgomery, Gaines doping cases postponed


An Anne Arundel County judge Wednesday  rejected a challenge to the state's touch-screen voting machines, saying they are more accurate than the paper ballots plaintiffs are seeking to make optional for the November elections. <FONT face=

Judge Rules in Favor of Md. Vote Machines


A third La Salle University basketball player has been charged with rape over an alleged 2003 sexual encounter with a female La Salle player.

Rape Inquiry Expands


Circuit City Stores Inc. and Verizon Wireless signed an agreement to install Verizon Wireless stores in more than 570 Circuit City Superstores around the country, they said Monday.

Circuit City to host Verizon Wireless stores


Reg Review The best handheld games console yet?

Tapwave Zodiac 2


Brian Cashman wore a sweatshirt and blue jeans as he cruised the emptying lobby of the Anaheim Marriott on Monday. He grabbed a pizza.

Johnson to Yankees Has a Life of Its Own


Reuters - McDonald's Corp. \President and Chief Executive Charlie Bell stepped down\effective immediately to focus on his cancer treatment, the\company said on Monday.

McDonald's CEO Steps Down Due to Cancer (Reuters)


TWENTY PERCENT of the world #39;s coral reefs  quot;have been effectively destroyed and show no immediate prospect of recovery. quot; An additional 24 percent  quot;are under imminent risk of collapse through human pressures, quot; and an additional 26 percent  quot;are under a

Coral Peril


ST GEORGE Bank chief executive Gail Kelly yesterday delivered a bullish two-year forecast of double-digit earnings growth, as an expansion of business lending and new branches in Victoria helped the nation #39;s fifth-biggest bank withstand a margin crunch to

St George roars with \$717m net


In response to the letter  quot;Glad some still let bells ring quot; (People #39;s Forum, Dec. 8), it is true that Target is no longer letting Salvation Army bell ringers stand at the front of their stores.

Target #39;s giving in the millionsWednesday, December 15, 2004


AP - An infertile Nigerian couple who believed a self-styled preacher's claim that their child was miraculously conceived were really the victim of greedy international child traffickers, a British judge ruled Friday.

Britain Say 'Miracle Baby' Was a Fraud (AP)


ARIEL SHARON, the Israeli Prime Minister, yesterday used the threat of early elections in an attempt to swing recalcitrant members of his Likud party behind his plan to evacuate all the Jewish settlements in Gaza.

Sharon resists calls for vote on Gaza


He follows team orders, stays clean late in race to win, steps up in chase for title. By Mike Harris. AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Earnhardt remains in control


WESTON Coach : Rich Brissette (fourth year, 11-22). Last year's record: 5-6. Returning starters (7): John Lord, QB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Aaron Levine, OT/LB, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Jon Dryden, TE, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Henry Lieber, FB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Jason Stewart, WR, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Matt Howard, S, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Tim Wells, CB, 5-6, 155, Jr. Returning lettermen (3): ...

Independents


TEHRAN, Nov. 6 -- Two days of talks in Paris between Iranian and European delegations about Iran's nuclear program ended late Saturday without a formal agreement, but diplomats said progress had been made.

Envoys Report Progress in Iran Talks


The biggest game release in the history of videogames creates a highly entertaining if a little predictable experience... Its Halo on fire, going 130mph through a hospital zone, being chased by helicopters

By: Jon Wilcox


Following quickly on Google #39;s heels, Yahoo! Recently announced they too would be releasing a Desktop Search tool. Whether this is the smart move or not remains to be seen.

Yahoo! Follows Google #39;s Lead