The planned elimination of 800 jobs is part of a restructuring plan that will cost \$40 million, the troubled firm says.

CA to cut 5 percent of work force


AP - An implantable lens to correct the vision of nearsighted people won approval from the Food and Drug Administration on Monday.

FDA OKs Implanted Lens for Nearsightedness (AP)


Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - The sister of U.S. presidential candidate John Kerry on Thursday urged the more than 500,000 Americans living in Canada to register to vote in the November election.

Kerry's sister urging Americans living in Canada to vote in Nov. elections (Canadian Press)


Chittagong - Spin bowler Daniel Vettori claimed 10 wickets to guide New Zealand to the verge of victory on Thursday in the second Test against Bangladesh.

Vettori destroys Bangladesh


The AMD Athlon 64 processor 4000, also announced today, provides businesses and consumers with world-class performance and enables a more secure computing environment.

AMD Unleashes Athlon 64 FX-55 Processor


Agreement creates instant access to 20,000 wireless hotspots in 11 countries.

Global Wi-Fi Access Deal Makes World Wireless


One Polish woman has joined the group of other foreigners kidnapped in Iraq after a video tape broadcast by al-Jazeera TV showed an armed group while detaining what it called one Polish woman working for the American forces, calling for releasing her and

Polish hostage, 11 Iraqi police men executed in Iraq


A transport system used by the malaria parasite to infect blood cells could be a target for new treatments, scientists hope.

Malaria treatment target is found


\Lung function fluctuates on a 24-hour cycle, reaching a peak for most people in late afternoon, researchers find.

Lungs 'best in late afternoon'


This image taken by NASA #39;s Hubble Space telescope, and released Thursday Aug. 12, 2004, shows nebula N44F, which, at left, is being inflated by a stellar wind, creating an interstellar bubble.

Panel: Astronauts Should Rescue Hubble


After having promised to file its revisions by the end of October, Nortel Networks Corp. said it would delay its long-awaited restatement for the second time.

Nortel: Once More, with Filing


Aug. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Crude oil futures fell for a second day after a Russian state railway official said shipments of Yukos Oil Co. oil would continue and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez won a recall vote.

Oil Falls on Reduced Concern About Venezuelan, Russian Supply


So I am in New York reporting on two Boston limousine competitors -- one a national player, the other an ambitious upstart -- who are wrestling over turf in the biggest limo market in the world. My limo driver, Trevor Ingram, has found himself entangled in a nasty lawsuit along with his new employer, Commonwealth Worldwide.

Limo wars


AFP - Viktor Uspaskich, a Russian-born millionaire who is a new force in Lithuanian politics, makes no secret of his old ties to Russian energy giant Gazprom, which supplies all of Lithuania's gas, but says he has his adopted country's interests at heart.

Ambitious Russian tycoon upsets Lithuanian politics (AFP)


NTT DoCoMo, Japan #39;s biggest mobile communications carrier, achieved a 1Gbps packet transmission speed using 4G) mobile communication equipment in August, the company has said.

NTT DoCoMo #39;s 4G research hits 1Gbps


Calpers, a large US pension fund, has joined a growing list of big investors supporting Oracle in its hostile buyout--at \$9.2 billion--of rival PeopleSoft.

Calif. retirement fund tenders PeopleSoft shares


MSN Messenger 7 Beta Includes Search\\Microsoft is planning to limited beta release the latest version of Instant Messaging client MSN Messenger as early as next week. The screenshots of one of the early leaked release were available on tech sites earlier this week but were later removed on Microsofts request. ...

MSN Messenger 7 Beta Includes Search


Just unveiled at Apple Expo Paris, the machine is indeed an all-in-one device that integrates the system into the display unit as per the original iMac but to an extent discarded with the second-generation,  #39;angle-poise #39; design.

Apple unveils iMac G5


Vicente Fox, Mexico #39;s president, on Monday fired Mexico City #39;s police chief and the commissioner of the federal police force charged with crime prevention, in response to the

Fox fires Mexico City police chief


Sunday's Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway (TNT, green flag shortly after 1 p.m.) is going to take some serious 'splainin, especially for those who fall into the category of casual NASCAR viewers.

It's time to cut to Chase at NHIS


A federal judge began hearing testimony on Monday about whether the Cobb County School District should be allowed to leave stickers in biology textbooks saying that evolution

Stickers Put in Evolution Text Are the Subject of a Federal Trial


The announcement Thursday that King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia would abdicate his throne because of poor health has raised new uncertainties for a country with

Cambodia #39;s Sihanouk Signals Abdication


US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is in western Iraq to meet with American Marines fighting insurgents in the country #39;s restive Al Anbar province.

Rumsfeld Visits Marines in Iraq


South Africa captain Graeme Smith is a doubtful starter for the second Test match against India starting from Sunday in Kolkata.  quot;He hurt his foot in the morning.

Smith doubtful for second Test


The incoming head of the European Commission has been trying to end a dispute which threatens to leave the EU without an executive.

EU may be without executive over Buttiglione row


Global events, financial markets, your personal finances - The Wall Street Journal is the one source that tells you how all the pieces fit together. Subscribe now and get up to 8 free weeks!

ADV: Free Weeks of The Wall Street Journal


Roman Abramovichs Chelsea continued their fine Champions League form with a 1-0 victory over the tycoons fellow countrymen in Moscow.

Abramovich Subdued as Chelsea Beat CSKA in Moscow


com November 12, 2004, 5:31 PM PT. This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.

ICANN moves to move VeriSign lawsuit to Paris


update A top Red Hat executive has attacked the open-source credentials of its sometime business partner Sun Microsystems. In a Web log posting Thursday, Michael Tiemann, Red Hat #39;s vice president of open-source

Red Hat exec takes Sun to task on open source


AP - Teresa Heinz Kerry says she doesn't know if first lady Laura Bush has ever had

Heinz Kerry Separates Self From Mrs. Bush (AP)


Three Irishmen linked to the IRA have been given long prison sentences in Colombia, having their had earlier acquittals overturned for supplying explosives training to anti-government guerrillas.

Three linked to IRA jailed in Colombia


Space shuttle astronauts will fly next year without the ability to repair in orbit the type of damage that destroyed the Columbia vehicle in February 2003.

Big shuttle repairs not possible


England soccer coach Sven-Goran Eriksson reacts to a question during a press conference in Baku, Azerbaijan Tuesday Oct. 12, 2004, following captain David Beckham #39;s comments that he deliberately got suspended

Beckham Criticized for Suspension


MIAMI - Local officials agree that hurricane damage to Miami-Dade County this year was light, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than \$20 million in residents' requests for aid.    Four hurricanes hit Florida in the summer, with Frances and Jeanne toppling some trees and causing some isolated power outages...

Lighter-Hit Fla. Areas Get More From FEMA


GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli forces Thursday blew up two  Palestinian housing blocs in a Gaza refugee camp that the army  said were used by Palestinian militants to launch attacks  against soldiers and settlers.

Israeli Army Destroys Gaza Homes After Bus Bombings


ROME: Italy #39;s loss-making Alitalia has reached a deal with eight of nine unions to split the state-controlled airline in two to try to save it from collapse, three union sources said yesterday.

Alitalia reaches union deal on splitting co-sources


GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Trade Organization's (WTO) top  trade court on Monday rejected a U.S. appeal against a ruling  exonerating the export policies of the Canadian Wheat Board,  diplomats and trade sources said.

WTO Rejects U.S. Appeal on Canadian Wheat


Iraq #39;s Shiite Muslim parties and the religious leadership headed by Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani on Saturday rejected a demand by other communities for a delay in nationwide elections scheduled for Jan.

Shiites Reject Delay of Election


Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan told Congress yesterday that the economy has  quot;regained some traction quot; after a lull in late spring, reinforcing expectations of higher

Economy has gained  #39;some traction, #39; Greenspan says


With no fanfare, President Bush today signed the most sweeping rewrite of corporate tax law in nearly two decades, showering \$136 billion in new tax breaks on businesses and other groups.

Bush Signs \$136 Billion Corporate Tax Cut Bill


NEW DELHI: Kuwait #39;s foreign minister said yesterday that Middle East oil exporters are producing at maximum capacity to stabilise prices that are being driven up by speculators from outside the region.

Speculators driving up oil prices says Kuwait


Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) pilots, who have been negotiating a slew of employment issues with company management, have offered a new contract proposal

Delta pilots offer a new contract proposal


Saluting and standing at attention, accused American army deserter Charles Jenkins surrendered to US military authorities at a base near Tokyo, today, to face charges that he left his unit in 1965 and defected to North Korea.

US defector surrenders


LONDON : British Airways (BA) said it would sell its 1.1 billion Australian dollar (770 million US) stake in Australia #39;s Qantas in a move seen as likely to fuel a major realignment of airline alliances.

BA to sell Qantas stake; analysts see alliance shakeup


Google Update? Don't Panic!\\There has been a great deal of speculation about a shift coming in Google's ranking algorithms over the past few weeks. Several recent pieces of evidence point to a coming shift however it is very difficult to predict what, if anything will happen. It's pretty much a ...

Google Update? Dont Panic!


Reuters - Senate Republicans and Democrats on\Tuesday battled over blame for a record increase in Medicare\health premiums, which Democratic presidential candidate John\Kerry has criticized in his campaign to unseat President Bush.

Parties Spar in Congress on Medicare Increase (Reuters)


Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, the former president, said the rocket had a range of 1,250 miles and added:  quot;Iran is determined to improve its military capabilities.

Iranian missile  #39;can reach Israel


As Indonesia #39;s police investigate the embassy bombing the fear is the attackers will strike again. Mark Coultan and Catharine Munro report from Jakarta.

Racing to beat the next bomb


The Finnish company, which has promised to launch a total of 35 new handsets in 2004, is trying to regain market share after competitors chipped away at its dominance in the mid- to high-end range of phones.

Nokia Plans 40 New Handsets for 2005


After a week of well-deserved criticism, Lycos is abandoning its scheme to launch denial-of-service attacks against spammy websites.  Did the company reform in time to avoid criminal prosecution?

Columnists: Lycos Goes Straight


The free service pack is a major overhaul aimed at defeating a wide variety of security weaknesses that hackers have exploited. Microsoft says the easiest way to obtain

Microsoft Singapore releases Windows XP SP 2, free CD available


It took 61 come-from-behind victories, a major league record, to achieve what the Yankees did Thursday, win a seventh consecutive A.L. East title.

Another Comeback Victory, Another Division Title for Yankees


WASHINGTON - A cybersecurity advocacy group on Tuesday called on U.S. President George Bush to focus more resources on computer issues and elevate the top IT security position at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the assistant secretary level.

Tech firms urge Bush to focus on cybersecurity


WASHINGTON (AFX) - Consumer confidence in the United States softened for the third straight month in October, the Conference Board said Tuesday.

US Oct. consumer confidence sinks to 92.8 points -


WASHINGTON - Boeing Co., which opened a homeland security business after the 2001 terrorist attacks, received at least \$49 million in excess profit under a contract to install explosive detectors at US airports, a government report found.

Report critical of Boeing


Delta Air Lines is to issue millions of new shares without shareholder consent as part of moves to ensure its survival.

Delta gets share incentive boost


As a founding member of Sun #39;s J2EE organization, Tegan-Padir managed the creation of specifications, compatibility test suites, blueprints and guided implementations of Java in the enterprise.

Red Hat Hires Sun #39;s Tegan-Padir


LIVERPOOL seem set to become the target of a fresh takeover bid, from the clubs fourth suitor this year. A Los Angeles-based Liverpool-born Hollywood film executive has revealed he is ready to put together a new consortium to buy the club.

Reds the new FC Hollywood?


Pakistani officials declared an important victory against al-Qaida yesterday after police shot dead Amjad Farooqi, who was suspected of roles in the execution of Wall

Pakistan officials tout victory


AP - Lawmakers are questioning whether a French bank failed to comply with U.S. money-laundering laws, possibly helping Saddam Hussein manipulate the  #36;60 billion U.N. oil-for-food program. The bank denies any wrongdoing.

House Panel Questions Role of French Bank (AP)


Former Cincinnati Reds general manager Jim Bowden will be the general manager of the Washington baseball franchise, Major League Baseball sources said last night.

Bowden will be Expos #39; new GM


SYDNEY: Qantas Airways Ltd, Australia #39;s biggest airline, said yesterday its full-year profit doubled on cost cuts and a pick-up in passengers, but the prospect of higher fuel costs sent its shares sliding.

Qantas posts record year profit


Microsoft released on Tuesday a preview version of new tools intended to make it easier for companies to create custom Web applications.

Microsoft previews  #39;Whitehorse #39; developer tools


WASHINGTON: US consumer prices rose an as-expected 0.2 percent last month, a government report showed on Tuesday, but a sharp jump in lodging costs helped push core inflation up at its fastest pace in five months.

US core inflation hotter than expected in September


AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - The United States may be able to reduce its troop levels in Iraq after the January elections if security is strengthened and Iraqi government forces continue to expand and improve, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Sunday...

Car Bombs Kill 11 As Rumsfeld Visits Iraq


US authorities issued a court order on October 7 to Rackspace to physically remove Global Indymedia servers in the US and UK. The agency requesting the seizure was the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Indymedia servers in the US and UK confiscated by the FBI


Officials from France, Britain and Germany will meet Iran #39;s top nuclear negotiator in Vienna on Thursday to offer Tehran a final chance to halt uranium enrichment plans or face possible UN sanctions, diplomats say.

EU Makes Final Nuke Offer to Iran Thursday-Diplomats


Reuters - Business software maker Oracle\Corp.  on Tuesday promised to do everything it can to\keep PeopleSoft Inc.'s  giant customer base, whose\departure could threaten the financial success of its proposed\ #36;9.2 billion takeover of PeopleSoft.

Oracle Vows 'Oversupport' for PeopleSoft Customers (Reuters)


Yes, we've been down this road before, but it looks as though the economic and political factors are now aligned in favor of baseball in the District -- although precariously.

D.C. Close at the Plate


AP - With as well as No. 18 Purdue is playing right now, it appears there is only one thing that can slow down these Boilermakers  #151; the bye.

Purdue on a Roll Heading Into Bye Week (AP)


The British government led the condemnation Thursday of the racist abuse directed by Spanish fans at England #39;s black soccer players.

Blair office condemns racist chanting amid calls for Spain to play <b>...</b>


Three people believed to be the UN hostages seized by militants in Afghanistan have appeared in a video shown by Arabic TV Al-Jazeera.

Video Shows UN Hostages in Afghanistan


AP - Even in the pain of last year's collapse, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein was confident Boston will someday win the World Series.

2003 Loss Just a Setback for Red Sox (AP)


PITTSBURGH 27, PHILADELPHIA 3 -- PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers celebrated the 25th anniversary of their Super Bowl XIV title team.

Steelers, Bettis overwhelm undefeated Eagles


VIENNA (AFP) - The UN nuclear watchdog adopted a resolution setting a November 25 deadline for a full, definitive review of Iran #39;s alleged nuclear weapons programme, a UN nuclear agency spokeswoman told reporters.

IAEA Sets Deadline For Review Of Iranian Nuclear Program


Olympic time trial champion Tyler Hamilton is suspended after failing a doping test.

Cycling: Hamilton suspended


_ The baseball players #39; union is challenging the Colorado Rockies #39; decision to terminate the contract of Denny Neagle. The Rockies cut the pitcher loose last week -- after he was cited for soliciting a prostitute in suburban Denver.

Union files grievance over Rockies #39; termination of Neagle


AP - Baltimore Ravens tackle Jonathan Ogden is expected to miss three to four weeks with a pulled left hamstring, although the 2003 All-Pro player intends to shorten his absence by adhering to a rigorous rehabilitation program.

Ravens' Ogden to Miss Three to Four Weeks (AP)


More peacekeepers are needed in Sudan's Darfur region to protect refugees, a top UN envoy says.

Call for more Darfur peacekeepers


The Open Source Development Labs has gone into the soothsayer business and - based on research that it had IDC run up - says that the global Linux market will be worth \$35.7 billion in 2008.

OSDL Looks Under the Sofa Cushions for Signs of Linux Growth


AP - American Express Co., the consumer finance and travel company, said Monday that its profit rose 14 percent in the third quarter to  #36;879 million, or 69 cents a share. That was in line with analysts' estimates.

American Express Reports Profit Increase (AP)


Australia #39;s Michael Rogers won the elite-division time trial Wednesday at the road cycling World Championships, defending the title he was awarded earlier this month after

Rogers wins time trial at road cycling worlds


WASHINGTON - Senators from both parties urged the Bush administration on Sunday to make a realistic assessment of the situation in Iraq and adjust its policies aimed at pacifying the country. But Bush readied a firm defense of his Iraq policy - and a sharp new attack on rival John Kerry's stance - for a speech Monday...

Senators Urge Bush to Rethink Iraq Policy


The Supreme Court Friday agreed to consider whether the federal government should require cable television operators to open their cable lines to Internet service providers offering competing services. <FONT face=

Court to Hear Cable Line Sharing Case


Thousands of samples from the Genesis space capsule have arrived at the Johnson Space Center, where the project #39;s curator must assemble a giant jigsaw puzzle

Genesis Samples Arrive at Space Center


In the battle of two No. 1s -- the No. 1 offense of 2003 against the No. 1 defense -- the Minnesota Vikings held all the aces. They had No.

Vikes have too many weapons for  #39;Boys


WASHINGTON - Twenty-seven members of an intelligence unit at Abu Ghraib prison either requested or condoned certain abuses of Iraqi prisoners there, an Army investigation found.

Intel Unit Members Faulted in Iraq Abuse


Newcastle United have sacked their manager Bobby Robson, the English Premier League club said on Monday.  quot;After a disappointing start to the Premier League season, the directors

UPDATE 1-Newcastle sack Robson as manager


GuruNet Spins Off Answers.com - A Reference Driven Search Engine\\GuruNet Corporation today announced the release of Answers.com, a site-and-software combination providing instant reference answers rather than lists of search engine links. GuruNet Corporation, through its Answers.com site, plans to generate revenues from ads placed alongside its topic entries, rather than ...


KABUL, August 30 (Online): US and Afghan soldiers conducting a large sweep arrested 22 suspected Taliban after a firefight in a forbidding mountain region of Zabul province, Afghan and US military officials said .

US, Afghan soldiers arrest 22 suspected Taliban Afghanistan


Blue Cross  amp; Blue Shield of Massachusetts plans to spend about \$50 million to electronically link doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers in three Massachusetts communities, allowing them to share and access patients' medical records.

Statewide medical records planned


BETHESDA, Md. - In the name of homeland security, America's spy imagery agency is keeping a close eye, close to home...

Spy Imagery Agency Watching Inside U.S.


German drug maker Bayer AG said Tuesday that early-stage trials of an experimental cancer treatment showed no significant safety concerns when used in combination with other drugs.

Bayer Drug Can Be Combined With Others


STAFF WRITER. Peterson joined several fellow defensive starters on the sidelines: linebacker Derek Smith (leg), defensive end Andre Carter (back) and cornerback Mike Rumph (broken arm).

49ers savor a bittersweet win


General Motors Corp. is offering customers the chance to lock in low-interest financing on their next two vehicle purchases as it seeks to boost US sales this month after a 5 percent decline in October.

GM offers to lock rates for 2 automobile purchases


InfoWorld - Attempting to fine-tune its software for use in business-critical applications, Blue Titan Software on Monday is unveiling Network Director RM (Reliable Messaging), a tool for policy distribution and messaging in SOAs (service-oriented architectures).

Blue Titan adds reliable messaging to SOA tool (InfoWorld)


Investors following Oracle Corp. #39;s hostile takeover battle with PeopleSoft Inc. got plenty of information to digest this week, including bold predictions

SAP results bolster Oracle #39;s case for buying PeopleSoft


England captain Michael Vaughan says the Zimbabwe tour could still in doubt if the team are forced to meet Robert Mugabe.

England cricketers shun Mugabe


AP - Raiders receiver Ronald Curry likely has a torn left Achilles' tendon that could sideline him for the remainder of the season.

Raiders' Curry Injured Against Chiefs (AP)


Japan #39;s prime minister Sunday has vowed to make the country #39;s defense forces better able to fight terrorism and any attackers who would use weapons of mass destruction.

Japan to Streamline Defense Forces to Fight Terrorism


Sony Ericsson and Cingular provide Z500a phones and service for military families to stay connected on today #39;s  quot;Dr. Phil Show quot;.

Sony Ericsson  amp; Cingular Wireless Introduce Z500a Mobile Phone <b>...</b>


AP - Retiring Seattle Mariners designated hitter Edgar Martinez won the Roberto Clemente Award for excellence on the field and in the community.

Mariners' Martinez Gets Clemente Award (AP)


RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazil coach Carlos Alberto  Parreira is more worried about playing rank outsiders Venezuela  than the likes of Germany or Argentina.

Brazil Coach More Worried About Venezuela Than Germany


Reuters - Finance officials from all over the\globe gathered under heavy guard on Sunday to push for a\stepped-up fight against terror financing while warning the\poor must not be forgotten.

Finance Leaders Urge Vigilance on Terror (Reuters)


Reuters - A new class of planets has been\found orbiting stars besides our sun, in a possible giant leap\forward in the search for Earth-like planets that might harbor\life, scientists said on Tuesday.

New Class of Planets Found Around Two Other Stars (Reuters)


FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - The Iraqi government and U.S.  commanders declared their offensive on rebel-held Falluja a  success on Thursday but U.S. troops still faced dangers in the  city and guerrillas attacked elsewhere in Iraq.

Iraqis, U.S. Hail Falluja Success, Threats Remain


Michael Stiassny and Brendon Gibson of Ferrier Hodgson  amp; Co have been appointed interim liquidators of no-frills brokerage house Access Brokerage Limited, which was today suspended from trading.

Access Brokerage suspended from trading


Eli Manning, the top pick in this year #39;s NFL draft, has been named the starting quarterback of the New York Giants. Coach Tom Coughlin made the announcement at a Monday news conference.

Eli Manning replaces Warner at quarterback


Newly-crowned Olympic 800m champion Kelly Holmes sets her sights on a historic Olympic double.

Holmes hunts golden double


With the holidays upon us, the thought of year-end tax planning is likely to induce headaches rather than visions of sugar plums. But if you want to boost

Now is the time to decide on itemizing tax filing


Hatalsky #39;s 5-under 67 was the best round among the leaders, but Kite stayed in front at 10-under 134 with an afternoon of saves and clutch putting -- though he didn #39;t know it at the time.

Kite maintains lead in Sonoma


Three more Muslim girls are expelled from school in France after defying the new law banning headscarves.

French girls expelled over veils


The president of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympic Games has decided to resign saying he no longer has the support of the Italian government.

Turin Winter Games President to Resign


BAGHDAD In his first speech before the interim national assembly here, Prime Minister Ayad Allawi gave a sobering account Tuesday of the threat posed by the insurgency, saying that the country #39;s instability was a  quot;source of worry for many people quot; and that

Allawi sounds note of gravity on war


AFP - Japanese electronics maker Hitachi said its net profit rose more than sevenfold to 41.2 billion yen (390 million dollars) in the first half on strong sales of IT and digital electronics products.

Hitachi net profit up sevenfold in first half, sees slower H2 (AFP)


There was a time when the low-carbohydrate Atkins and South Beach diets were sending tsunamis through the financial world. Riding swelling demand up was MGP Ingredients (Nasdaq: MGPI) -- formerly

Low-Carb Diet Craze Hits Plateau


SAN DIEGO (AP) - The San Diego Padres released reliever Rod Beck on Tuesday and recalled centre fielder Freddy Guzman from triple-A Portland.

Padres release former all-stat Rod Beck, recall Freddy Guzman


China will attend talks of the Group of Seven industrialized countries for the first time next week, reflecting the emerging importance of the world #39;s biggest developing nation to the global economy, the US Treasury said.

China to Make Debut at G-7 Finance Talks Next Week, US Says


The vote by the shareholders of world number four gold miner Harmony on the group #39;s bid for rival Gold Fields on late Friday morning is crucial to the continuation of Harmony #39;s daring bid.

Harmony shareholder vote on bid looms


Struggling doughnut shop chain Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (KKD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday reported an unexpected quarterly net loss because of impairment charges and store closing costs.

Krispy Kreme Posts Net Loss After Charges


By using methodical strategies, Nextel Communications Inc. is the scrawny kid from Reston, Va., who grew up to become a scrappy fighter by.
<FONT face=

Nextel's Next Connection


Advanced Micro Devices Inc. on Tuesday said it has entered a manufacturing agreement with Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing in Singapore.

Chartered Semiconductor To Manufacture AMD Chips


The Colts' Edgerrin James's two touchdowns and 124 yards rushing plus Reggie Wayne's 119 yards receiving with two scores produces an impressive 31-17 win over the Titans on Sunday.

Colts Flash Weapons


In a second round of lawsuits announced on Thursday, four major US Internet service providers (ISPs) are taking on senders of e-mail spam and unwanted commercial messages sent via instant messaging.

Internet service providers file more spam lawsuits


Privately held desktop search provider Blinkx on Monday said it named Mark Opzoomer, former managing director of Yahoo (YHOO.O: Quote, Profile, Research) Europe, as its chief executive effective immediately.

Blinkx Names Former Yahoo Europe Exec to CEO Post


Canadian control of Banknorth Group Inc. is likely to be good for consumers on this side of the border, an analyst said yesterday after confirmation that TD Bank Financial Group is to become majority shareholder in Banknorth Group Inc.

Banknorth deal good for consumers, analyst says


TORONTO (Reuters) - National Hockey League owners will meet  with representatives from the players union on Thursday in what  is seen as a final bid to end a lockout and save the NHL  season.

Players, Owners to Meet in Bid to Save NHL Season


CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Sports Network) - The Charlotte  Bobcats signed free agent shooting guard Steve Smith on  Thursday.

Bobcats Sign Veteran Guard Smith


AP - Tiger Woods has been chasing Jack Nicklaus in golf record books since he was a kid. When it comes to the Ryder Cup, though, Tiger doesn't mean Jack.

Tiger Put to the Ryder Cup Challenge (AP)


AP - Flag-burning and the words

Republicans Push Controversial Votes (AP)


VIENNA -- After two years of investigating Iran's atomic program, the UN nuclear watchdog still cannot rule out that Tehran has a secret atom bomb project as Washington insists, the agency's chief said yesterday.

Probe can't rule out Iran atomic bomb plan, UN watchdog says


The memory of that painful moment just after midnight on Oct. 17, 2003 in Yankee Stadium never went away for me - even after the New England Patriots captured a second Super Bowl title.

Teetering off the band wagon


ATHENS, Greece - Three Americans, including 100-meter gold medalist Justin Gatlin, will attempt to advance to the semifinals in the 200 meters Tuesday when action resumes on the Olympic Stadium track at 1 p.m. EDT...

U.S. Sprinters Take Aim at 200M Semifinals


Verizon Wireless on Tuesday withdrew its opposition to a plan that would give Nextel Communications Inc. (NXTL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) valuable new wireless airwaves

Verizon Wireless Won #39;t Oppose Nextel Swap


GB athletics chief Max Jones defends Paula Radcliffe after she pulls out of the 10,000m final.

Radcliffe run defended


Angus Eve scored a 90th-minute match-winner yesterday to send Trinidad and Tobago into the final CONCACAF World Cup qualifying round after beating St Vincent and the Grenadines, 2-1.

T amp;T, Costa Rica through


KABUL, Afghanistan - The chief rival of interim President Hamid Karzai said he has evidence of organized fraud in Afghanistan's election and accused the U.N.-Afghan electoral commission on Monday of ignoring his complaints.    In the second deadly incident surrounding the election, five people - including at least one election worker - were killed by an explosion as they drove near the Pakistan border, the joint U.N.-Afghan electoral commission said...

Afghan Candidate Claims Fraud in Elections


WASHINGTON : The vast US services sector grew at a slower pace in September as hurricanes and high energy prices inflicted pain, a survey showed.

US services sector expands at slower pace in September


Will invest \$30 million on bringing software developers in five Asian countries into their fold.

Oracle, AMD and Sun to woo Asian developers


Owners of Dell Inspiron notebooks have reported that Microsoft #39;s Windows Service Pack 2 is cutting their system speeds dramatically -- in some cases by a factor of almost ten, from 2.6GHz to 300MHz.

Inspiron owners complain of SP2 slowdown


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

U.S. Drugmakers Hurt by Competition


In the first relocation of a major league team since last time the Washington Senators left, the Expos are headed to the nation's capital.

A 3-Decade Campaign Is Over: Baseball Is Back in Washington


A space capsule containing NASA #39;s first sample from space in more than 30 years crashed into the Utah desert today after its parachutes failed to open.

NASA Capsule Containing Solar Wind Particles Crashes (Update1)


TOKYO - Stocks opened lower Monday on the Tokyo Stock Exchange due mainly to falls in export-oriented auto and technology shares on a firmer yen.

Tokyo stocks open lower


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain has won U.S. agreement to hold  an international peace conference on the Middle East in London  early next year, the Daily Telegraph reported on Monday.

Report: Britain Wins U.S. Support for Mideast Talks


Microsoft has introduced a new, optional trial as part of the Windows download website. The Windows Genuine Advantage program asks visitors to the site whether it is okay for Microsoft to check whether they

Microsoft #39;s pirate-check trial


Pro baseball: Red Sox vs. Toronto at Fenway Park, 7 p.m.; Atlantic League -- Nashua vs. Camden at Holman Stadium, Nashua, 6:30 p.m.; International League -- Pawtucket vs. Buffalo at McCoy Stadium, Pawtucket, R.I., 7 p.m.; Eastern League: Portland vs. New Britain at Hadlock Field, Portland, Maine, 7 p.m.; Northeast League -- Brockton vs. New Haven at Campanelli Stadium, Brockton, ...

Today's schedule


Reuters - U.S. consumer confidence edged lower\in September for a second straight month as persistent worries\about the job market weighed on sentiment, a report on Tuesday\said.

Consumer Confidence Falls in September (Reuters)


US giant Dell was the sector leader with 16.8 of the market, the Gartner research institute said today. Unit sales came to 46.9 million in the July-September period against 42.

Q3 worldwide computer sales up 9.7


Terry Butcher has backed his former Rangers manager Graeme Souness to be a success after taking over at Newcastle. Butcher believes Souness, who has quit Blackburn, is perfect for a club plagued

Butcher backs Souness


PHILADELPHIA: For about US\$10mil (RM38mil), city officials here believe they can turn all 345 sq km of Philadelphia into the world #39;s largest wireless Internet hotspot (www.

Philadelphia to becomes  #39;WiFi-for-all #39; city


Operating systems would be designed for specific server tasks, company says.

Microsoft Eyes Lighter Versions of Longhorn


LinuxWorld Expo came to San Francisco, and our columnist managed to ignore most of the show. Read on to see what did catch his eye.

Free Agent: Where the Geeks Are Taking Us


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. businesses added 96,000 jobs to  payrolls in September, the government reported on Friday, a  weaker-than-expected total that was expected to sharpen a  presidential debate later in the day over the economy's  direction.

September Job Growth Weaker Than Expected


AFP - A huge fire swept through a copper mine in northern Turkey, killing at least 19 workers and injuring a further 17, a local official there said.

Nineteen dead, 17 injured in Turkish mine tunnel fire (AFP)


Forecasts for mostly cloudy skies in the Washington area this evening could thwart hopes of seeing tonight #39;s lunar eclipse. But Elizabeth Warner, director of the University of Maryland Observatory

Lunar Eclipse Expected Tonight


Microsoft this week previewed its upcoming Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition, which will ship next year. The company says the tool will help software developers in small to mid-size organizations

Microsoft #39;s Visual Studio Release 2005: Everybody in .NET


PC World - Symantec, McAfee hope raising virus-definition fees will move users to\  suites.

The Cost of Virus Protection Rises (PC World)


Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world #39;s largest retailer, estimated that October sales at US stores open at least a year rose 2.8 percent, near the lower end of its forecast range, as shoppers

Wal-Mart #39;s October Sales Rise 2.8, Within Forecast (Update1)


Point guard #39;s late play is difference vs. Raptors; Heat #39;s O #39;Neal surpasses 10,000 rebounds in win. EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- Jason Kidd couldn #39;t have scripted a better ending, except perhaps for a flashier assist on the winning basket.

Nets win in Kidd #39;s return


The economy struggled under an increasing trade deficit and a slowdown in consumer spending, the Commerce Department said today.

U.S. Economy Grew at Slower Pace Than Expected


MSN Messenger 7 Beta: Sneak Review\\Just the other day I got hold of the beta version of this much hyped up upgrade to the very popular instant messaging client MSN Messenger 7.  I downloaded it onto a test machine and found that its download size of the beta is ...

MSN Messenger 7 Beta: Sneak Review


quot;This is my team to lead, quot; Bryant said Monday, a day before the Lakers open training camp in San Diego.  quot;Shaq was the focal point of the team.

This season #39;s Lakers are Kobe #39;s team to lead


A proposal to build the world's largest offshore wind power plant in Nantucket Sound is pitting environmentalists against opponents who foresee it as a blight.

A Seashore Fight to Harness the Wind


The brains behind Hot or Not have turned their attention -- and their wallets -- to getting people to join the electorate. Twin \$100,000 prizes are up for grabs to those who register to vote. By Dan Brekke.

Voter Bounty Hits Hundred Grand


A new era in stroke prevention gained momentum Tuesday with government approval of a new treatment that clears blocked arteries supplying the brain without major surgery.

Carotid stent gets FDA approval


New Delhi, Aug 21.(PTI): The indefinite nationwide truckers #39; strike protesting the imposition of service tax today evoked mixed response with a section of transporters in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu staying away from the protest.

Truckers #39; stir evokes mixed response


The latest Bagle variant was the most notable new virus in October, although the month was relatively quiet overall. Although it only emerged at the end of the month, the variant still proved pervasive enough

Bagle Headlines October Viruses


In GAZA story headlined  quot;CNN producer seized by armed men in Gaza quot;, please read name in paragraph 3 as ... Ben Wedeman ... instead of ... Ben Wedemen ... and make conform throughout). By Nidal al-Mughrabi. GAZA

CORRECTED-CNN producer seized in Gaza


ISLAMABAD, Dec 8: Pakistan successfully test-fired Hatf-IV (Shaheen-I), a nuclear-capable medium-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, it was officially announced here on Wednesday.

N-capable Hatf-IV test-fired


More than two months after he won it in Athens, Olympic gymnastics champion Paul Hamm will get to keep his all-around gold medal.  quot;This is obviously a great day

Hamm keeps gold


After two months of treatment, headlines, anxiety and frenzied speculation, Sachin Tendulkar was cleared finally to return to Test cricket yesterday.

Sachin saviour


Unionized editorial employees at Hollinger International Inc. #39;s Chicago Sun-Times agreed to a tentative new labor contract on Wednesday, averting a threatened strike, a spokeswoman for the employees said.

Chicago Sun-Times Reaches Labor Deal with Workers


Atalanta have appointed Delio Rossi as their new coach after yesterdays sacking of Andrea Mandorlini. The former Lecce boss has put pen to paper on a contract that will take him through to the end of the season.

Rossi In At Atalanta


AFP - Great Britain's chances of qualifying for the World Group of the Davis Cup were evaporating rapidly after Austria moved into a 2-1 lead following the doubles.

Austria take 2-1 lead as Britain slump in doubles (AFP)


Education Secretary Charles Clarke accused the Prince of Wales of being  quot;old-fashioned and out of time quot; after details emerged that the heir to the throne believes that the schools system offers pupils too much aspiration and refuses to admit failures.

Clarke says prince is old fashioned


Reports say No. 1 food company may divest Oscar Mayer, Post cereal lines and candy units. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Kraft Foods may put its well-known Oscar Mayer, Post cereal and Altoids brands up for sale as the No.

Kraft Foods shedding units?


Trailing at halftime to an overmatched foe, George Washington finally gets in a groove in the second half and puts away Morgan State, 94-70, on Saturday.

Colonials Come on Late


Identity thieves can snare Social Security numbers from a potpourri of public records, especially those maintained by state and local governments, according to a new report by the Government Accountability Office.

GAO: Social Security Numbers Vulnerable


When Ferdinand Alvaro Jr. wanted to start a minority-owned law firm in Boston three years ago, he immediately ran into trouble. The Puerto Rican lawyer and his partners, two black men, made presentations to the cream of Boston's downtown: banks, mutual funds, and other companies throughout the financial district.

Latinos turning focus to networking


Harley-Davidson Inc. #39;s third-quarter profit surged 20 percent, revved up by higher gross margin and brisk sales of its brand-name motorcycles and accessories.

Harley-Davidson #39;s 3Q Profit Up 20 Percent


BEIJING (Reuters) - China has successfully tested a new  guided missile it says is highly accurate, state media said on  Tuesday amid rising tensions with arch-rival Taiwan.

China Tests New Guided Missile Amid Taiwan Tensions


Software giant will publish advance notice of security bulletins.

Microsoft to Help Users Prep for Patching


FILDERSTADT, Germany : Russian Vera Zvonareva became the second seed to crash out of the 650,000-dollar WTA event falling to a straight sets 6-3, 7-5 first round defeat against compatriot Elena Likhovtseva.

Tennis: Seeds tumble as Zvonareva crashes out of Filderstadt


Its like the browser wars all over again: Two vendors are battling to win the hearts, minds, and debit cards of users and developers. The browser wars were really platform wars, based on the assumption that the browser would be the nexus through which users would access data inside and outside their companys walls. The battle hymn is sounding once more, only this time its a ring tone. Ill get to the connection between the browser wars and the enterprise mobility race at the end.

Mobilitys end game


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A group of consumer electronics  makers said on Wednesday they approved the format for a new  generation of discs that can store five times the data of DVDs  at the same cost -- enough to put a full season of

Companies Approve New High-Capacity Disc Format


The software juggernaut that conquered the desktop is racing to get Windows into your next car.

Photo 6: Microsoft revs car Windows


Chelsea and Arsenal were both held to draws at home by Bolton and West Brom, while Everton closed the gap with a win over Fulham. A last-gasp equaliser from Radhi Jaidi earned Bolton a point in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Blues, Gunners held


London - Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet was on Monday placed under house arrest on human rights charges after a judge in Santiago ruled he was mentally fit to stand trial.

Chile #39;s Pinochet under house arrest


Letter Transylvania: the spine-tingling truth

Dracula's descendant sets <cite>Reg</cite> straight


Celtic have been drawn against arch rivals Rangers in next month #39;s third round Tennent #39;s Scottish Cup. Martin O #39;Neill #39;s men will have home advantage against their Old Firm rivals.

Glasgow teams in cup clash


The team failed to score points after a race that saw difficult track conditions in the early stages and a Ferrari one-two in their home race.

Monza race report: A bad day for Renault


Ten days after the open-source Web browser Firefox 1.0 was officially launched (November 9), it had already hit the 2 million download mark.

Spreading Like WildFirefox


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Charles Schwab Corp. <A HREF=

Schwab Cuts Trading Fees Again, Stock Off


Looking to tap into discontent with Microsoft, Novell is set to deliver this week a package of Linux-based software for the PC that includes Office-like productivity applications, along with e-mail and Web browsing programs.

Novell rejoins desktop fight, with Linux as ally


Intel Corp. will likely add support for location-based services to its Pentium M line of mobile processors in 2006, a senior company executive said Monday.

Exec says Pentium M may add location-based services in 2006


DaimlerChrysler and General Motors will jointly develop new hybrid motors to compete against Japanese rivals on the fuel-saving technology

DaimlerChrysler, GM Join on Hybrids


The Houston Astros battered the Atlanta Braves, 9-3, in Game 1 of their N.L. division series even without the best from their starting pitcher, Roger Clemens.

Not at His Best, Clemens Wins a Game 1


Many people who have never bounced a check in their life could soon bounce their first check if they write checks to pay bills a couple of days before their paycheck is deposited into their checking account.

By: DEBRA COTTERILL, Family and Consumers Sciences Agent Mason <b>...</b>


Palestinian security men Tuesday sought CNN producer Riad Ali who was kidnapped in Gaza by gunmen Monday evening on a busy street.

No clue on CNN producer #39;s fate


MUMBAI: India #39;s form slump may have left fans disappointed and the critics carping, but they found support from an unlikely quarter on Wednesday.

Forget England, India are No 2, says Merv


Bayliss was reportedly involved in a heated argument in the pits at the German Grand Prix last month with team boss Livio Suppo. An uneasy relationship has developed between the former world

Bayliss in spat with Ducati boss


MIAMI (Sports Network) - The first two games of the Florida  Marlins-Chicago Cubs series at Pro Player Stadium scheduled for  Friday and Saturday have been postponed due to the impending  arrival of Hurricane Frances in the Miami area.

Marlins-Cubs Washed Out Saturday as Well


Reuters - Oracle Corp. sales documents\detailing highly confidential information, such as which\companies receive discounts on Oracle's business software\products and the size of the discounts, are likely to be made\public, a federal judge said on Friday.

Oracle Sales Data Seen Being Released (Reuters)


French rock star Bertrand Cantat, jailed in Lithuania for killing his lover, is going home to serve his sentence.

Singer being moved to French jail


Messman said that enterprise-ready Linux capabilities, including strong management, were being achieved through its Open Enterprise Server (OES) which is shortly to go into open beta.

Linux and Identity Services Key for Novell


Cian O #39;Connor has decided not to accept the ESB/Rehab Irish Person of the Year award he was set to receive tonight. O #39;Connor was chosen as this year #39;s Irish Person of the Year in recognition of his achievement

O #39;Connor won #39;t accept award


Malaysia #39;s top court has agreed to review the corruption conviction of Anwar Ibrahim, the country #39;s former deputy prime minister.

Court clears way for Anwar appeal


NEW YORK - A fresh upturn in oil prices left stocks mixed Friday even as a satisfactory report on durable goods orders provided new evidence that the economy might be gaining traction. Downbeat outlooks from a pair of microchip makers weighed on tech stocks...

Upturn in Oil Prices Leave Stocks Mixed


Former England boss Kevin Keegan has joined the campaign for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing to be given his chance at senior international level.

Keegan Tips Downing for England Honours


Summit will determine a strategy for giving Iran one last chance to abandon its alleged nuclear program or face new international pressures.

G-8 to Meet on Iran


NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Saints dodged a hurricane and the San Francisco 49ers and survived the loss of their biggest offensive weapon - Deuce McAllister.

Brooks, Stallworth get it done late


As the days grow shorter and winter approaches, the weather hardly seems fit for cycling. But for many riders, it's the perfect time for the cyclocross, when they abandon the road bikes they've ridden all summer and go off road.

Cowbells will be at the ready


Giants Coach Tom Coughlin looks to turn around a skid where his team has lost three of their last four games by starting Eli Manning this Sunday against the Falcons.

N.Y. Starts Manning


Police defused a bomb near Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi #39;s villa in Sardinia early today shortly after Tony and Cherie Blair ended a visit to the Italian leader.

Bomb Found on Island Hours after Blair Visit


SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Oracle Corp. <A HREF=

Oracle: 61 Pct PeopleSoft Stock Tendered


Japan #39;s Supreme Court on Monday said merger talks could proceed between troubled UFJ Holdings Inc. and Mitsubishi Tokyo Group Inc.

Update 3: Japan Court Approves UFJ-Mitsubishi Talks


VALKENBURG, the Netherlands -- Major European powers were discussing yesterday whether to take Iran to the UN Security Council amid frustration at its failure to cooperate fully with UN efforts to make sure it is not secretly trying to develop atomic weapons.

Key EU powers weigh bringing Iran nuclear issue to UN panel


Reuters - David Dellucci's two-run double in the\bottom of the ninth inning helped the Texas Rangers complete a\three-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics with a 5-4 win in the\American League at Arlington Thursday.

AL Wrap: Texas Completes Sweep of West-Leading Oakland (Reuters)


Deep into overtime, the breaks were going against the US women #39;s soccer team. First came a last-gasp goal that stole victory in regulation, then came a wide-open shot that bounced off the goalpost.

Golden dream still alive for Fab Five


SEATTLE - Mount St. Helens began rumbling more intensely Wednesday, prompting scientists to warn that a small or moderate eruption could happen in the next few days...

Group Warns of Mount St. Helens Eruption


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been fined 15,000 pounds (\$29,220) for improper conduct for comments he made after the champions #39; 2-0 defeat by Manchester United in October.

UPDATE 1-Wenger fined for Old Trafford comments


BIRTHDAY BOY: Jack LaLanne keeps going and going, and so do the parties celebrating his 90th birthday in Santa Monica, Calif. On Saturday, nearly a month after the fitness guru turned

Jack LaLanne keeps going and going


washingtonpost.com - Oracle Corp. may have won a major antitrust fight with the Justice Department last week over its proposed acquisition of PeopleSoft Inc., but that doesn't mean the company is on the verge of closing the deal.

Oracle Won't Predict PeopleSoft Acquisition (washingtonpost.com)


With a long Olympic campaign behind them, 21 Olympic champions and another 52 silver and bronze medallists have converged on the Riviera to wind down their

Athletics: 21 Olympic Champions, Steeplechase Showdown Highlight <b>...</b>


UK High Street spending growth slows in August, partly hit by wet weather, a British Retail Consortium survey finds.

Weather dampens High Street sales


Accounting standards setters yesterday issued a long-awaited plan requiring companies to treat stock options as expenses on their books, even as lobbyists vowed to derail the initiative before it takes effect in June.

FASB Orders Options Counted as Expenses


AP - The main points of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Gaza withdrawal plan:

Main Points of Gaza Disengagement Plan (AP)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Office Depot Inc. <A HREF=

Office Depot Earns Fall, Blames Weather


US Secretary of State Colin Powell will travel to the Far East next week and hold talks in Japan, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Sunday.

Colin Powell to hold talks in Japan


The company behind the internet song-swapping service Kazaa today claimed it was merely the musical equivalent of a video recorder as it began its defence in a landmark court case in Australia.

Song-swap service hits back in piracy case


Dr. Joseph Weiss was a psychoanalyst and researcher who helped develop an influential theory involving ways that patients confront psychological trauma.

Joseph Weiss, 80, Originator of Theory on Facing Trauma, Dies


Less than a month after IBM claimed the world #39;s fastest computer crown from NEC, the Japanese company announced it is trying to win it back with a new supercomputer that will be available at the end of the year.

NEC Shoots to Regain Supercomputer Title


Chinese police detained two prominent dissident writers Monday night in an apparent campaign by the government to reassert authority over liberal intellectuals who have been increasingly outspoken in their criticism of the governing Communist Party, friends and family members said.

China Detains Two Dissident Writers


AP - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't appear concerned about missing Sunday's game against the Jets despite sitting out Wednesday's practice with a sore quadriceps.

Steelers' Roethlisberger Misses Practice (AP)


As a growing economy produces new wealth and a spreading middle class in China, the epochal Cultural Revolution has receded to the distant past in just one generation.

Lost Generation Coddles Its Young


Soaring petroleum prices pushed the cost of goods imported into the U.S. much higher than expected in August, the government said today.

U.S. Import Prices Jump 1.7 Percent


Once the ball jumped off Bernie Williams #39; bat in the bottom of the ninth inning, everyone in Yankee Stadium knew where it was going.

Seven straight crowns for Yanks


Let the bidding begin! A federal judge Thursday rejected a government attempt to block Oracle #39;s proposed takeover of rival PeopleSoft.

Court Quashes Government #39;s Case Against Oracle


(Sports Network) - Things did not go exactly as planned for the defending NFC champs on Monday night. Opening the season in front of a raucous home crowd against the Green Bay Packers, Carolina looked nothing

Carolina Panthers Team Report


An hour or so after West Virginia dispatched Central Florida on a steamy Saturday night in Orlando, West Virginia football coach Rich Rodriguez #39;s thoughts turned to this weekend #39;s opponent, No.

West Virginia #39;s task: Climb over Maryland


Flyi Inc., parent of struggling low-cost carrier Independence Air, yesterday announced plans to delay acquisition of 10 new Airbus jets, a money-saving move the company hopes can help avert a bankruptcy filing.

Flyi Delays Buying Airbus Jets


AFP - US President George W. Bush  quot;has been adroit quot; at exploiting the suffering caused by the September 11 attacks, his predecessor Jimmy Carter said in an interview with the Guardian.

Bush has been adroit at exploiting 9/11: Carter (AFP)


Bombardier Inc., the world #39;s top maker of train equipment, ousted Chief Executive Officer Paul Tellier after the company #39;s market value dropped by two-thirds since he was hired two years

Bombardier Board Ousts Chief Executive Paul Tellier (Update2)


Violence and a lack of preparedness spur calls to postpone the Jan. 30 election.

Bid builds to delay Iraq vote


EU agriculture ministers are to discuss urgent reforms to Europe's heavily subsidised sugar industry.

EU ponders sugar industry reforms


Fonterra is aiming for a significant share of the Australian dairy foods market, with a bid for one of Australia #39;s largest operators.

Fonterra proposal is  quot;bird in the hand quot;


Shares in Manchester United Plc rose 3.1 percent after a newspaper report yesterday said the soccer club #39;s two biggest investors may sell their stake to billionaire Malcolm Glazer for 310 pence (\$5.

Manchester United shares rise on report duo may sell


In an effort to ease the transition to higher-capacity disc technology, Toshiba and Memory-Tech have developed a dual-layer disc that supports DVD and HD DVD formats.

Toshiba, Memory-Tech unveil new disc


Swiss watchmaker Swatch and US software company Microsoft have launched a new range of wireless data watches, the companies announced Wednesday.

Swatch, Microsoft launch wireless data watches


Florida homeowners are facing higher deductibles put in place to induce insurers to keep offering coverage there in the wake of  Hurricane Andrew more than a decade ago.

Paying for a Storm That Passed in 1992


The Boston Red Sox will either make history or go home heartbroken tonight, after a series-ending game against the New York Yankees that Sox fans hope will end the  quot;Curse of the Bambino.

Heartache or history for Red Sox tonight


Two score and one year ago, Navy defeated Notre Dame on the football field. It hasn #39;t happened since. Today at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, an undefeated Navy squad seeks to break that

Navy on a mission against Notre Dame


Italy will do whatever is possible to secure the release of an Italian freelance journalist kidnapped byIraqi insurgents, but will not bow to demands to withdraw its troops, the Italian government said Tuesday.

Italy #39;s military presence in Iraq will continue despite abduction


Frank #39;s Nursery  amp; Crafts, the lawn and garden retailer, declared bankruptcy Wednesday for the second time, and said it will start going-out-of-business sales as soon as it receives approval from Bankruptcy Court.

Nursery chain to liquidate


Marine officials reported that seven marines had been killed Sunday while conducting security operations in Anbar.

7 Marines and a G.I. Are Killed in Separate Attacks in Iraq


Heisman Trophy hopeful Cedric Benson of Texas grew up idolizing Ricky Williams. Oklahoma freshman force Adrian Peterson is more of an Emmitt Smith man.

Playing a different role (model)


Only the nave or willfully ignorant seem not to understand that drug use has been widespread for many years in elite sport. The

Revelations Only Confirm Suspicions About Drugs


When the Wolverines play at Ohio State on Saturday, they will be playing for more than just a share off the Big Ten championship. Michigan could get a Rose Bowl bid with a victory over the Buckeyes.

Rose Bowl At Stake In Michigan/OSU Game


The Lions stepped up to see if they could play with one of the NFC #39;s best teams and they got their ears boxed. The Philadelphia Eagles roared away to a 21-point lead with three touchdowns

Lions can #39;t play with big boys yet


Reuters - Albert Pujols homered for the fifth\time in the last four games and drove in five runs as the St\Louis Cardinals routed the Cincinnati Reds 10-5 in National\League play at Busch Stadium on Monday.

NL Wrap: Pujols Drives in Five Runs as Cardinals Rout Reds (Reuters)


KABUL (Reuters) - Thousands of U.S. troops in Afghanistan  may have failed to catch Osama bin Laden but they are credited  with encouraging millions of Afghans to register for the  country's historic election in October.

Nearly 10 Million Afghans to Embrace Democracy


TOKYO - Japan on Thursday extended the Self-Defense Forces mission in Iraq for a year through Dec 14, 2005. The cabinet endorsed the extension of the deployment of up to 600 ground troops in Iraq after the

Japan extends SDF deployment in Iraq by one year


Struggling Sun Microsystems will try to show next month that it still has a lot of friends in the financial community. On Sept. 21, the Mountain View, Calif.

Sun to tout Wall Street wins in September


A report released recently by the National Audubon Society indicates a number of bird species are decreasing in number all over the country.

Bird species showing decline


Israeli soldiers shot and killed a man swimming towards the northern Gaza Strip settlement area and arms were found in the area, the army reported.

Navy thwarts infiltrator #39;s landing


The chief of the United Nations refugee agency says the Sudanese government should grant more autonomy to Darfur to help end a conflict that has claimed some 50,000 lives.

UN Official Suggests More Autonomy for Darfur


Convicted in May, Quattrone is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday for obstructing a federal securities investigation and attempted witness-tampering, based on a December 2000 e-mail he sent his Credit Suisse First Boston subordinates endorsing a plan to

Quattrone's  Fate Lies in  Firm Hands


AP - Domino's Pizza Inc., the world's second-largest pizza chain, Tuesday said it reduced its loss for its latest quarter as revenue increased 11 percent.

Domino's Pizza Cuts Loss on Retail Sales (AP)


Gazprom, Russia's gas monopoly, says it will bid in the \$8.65bn government sale of the main production arm of embattled oil firm Yukos.

Russian gas giant plans Yukos bid


EarthLink will begin providing Internet connections over Consolidated Edison #39;s power lines in Manhattan in the next several months, following an FCC vote last week to establish new ground rules for commercial deployment of the service.

EarthLink to share Con Ed #39;s lines


LAUDED as the best manager never to manage England, Brian Clough could lay claim to the same title in Wales. Clough, who died yesterday from stomach cancer at the age of 69, led the unfashionable pair of Derby

The best manager never to take charge of Wales


Just how excited is Justin Field about the new  quot;Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas quot; video game.  quot;(It #39;s) the best game on the planet, in my mind, quot; said Field, the owner of the Eugene store and gaming center Big City Gamin #39;.

Local gamer: Grand Theft Auto #39; steals the show


LONDON, December 7 (newratings.com) - Wal-Mart Stores (WMT.NYS) announced yesterday that its Vice Chairman, Thomas Coughlin, would retire on January 24, 2005, after having served the company for 25 years.

Wal-Mart #39;s Vice Chairman retires


Companies are developing MRAM, which could be used in portable electronic devices.

NEC, Toshiba Claim Memory Breakthrough


NAJAF, Iraq - Sporadic gunfire and explosions boomed through Najaf on Thursday despite a peace deal in which radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr agreed to disarm his militiamen and pull them out of a revered Shiite shrine they've been taking refuge in.    As clashes in Najaf continued, Arab television station Al-Jazeera aired a video Thursday showing a militant group that called itself the Martyrs Brigade vowing to kill a missing Western journalist if U.S...

Clashes Erupt in Najaf Despite Peace Plan


AP - Illinois coach Ron Turner deflected questions about his future all season long, not wanting to be a distraction or take away from his players and the games they had left.

Future of Illini's Turner's at Hand (AP)


Macromedia (Quote, Chart) took the wraps off its first developer tool for its Flex platform that it says will encourage more people to build rich media and Web-facing applications.

Macromedia Rolls New Flex Builder Tool


Mike Montgomery didn #39;t know what city he was in or what day it was by the time the Warriors #39; five-game road trip ended in Cleveland.

Bulls still lost on road


German veteran Sven Fischer and France #39;s Sandrine Bailly won pursuit races Sunday at a World Cup biathlon meet. Fischer covered the men #39;s 12.5-kilometre race in 33 minutes 40.62 seconds, beating

Fischer, Bailly win pursuit events at Holmenkollen biathlon World <b>...</b>


Star Gas Partners LP said Monday that a  quot;substantial decline quot; in earnings at its heating oil division would force it to cease distributions on its common partnership units and could result in the company seeking bankruptcy protection.

Star Gas Suspends Payout to Unit Holders


BAGHDAD -- Kidnappers in Iraq freed seven hostages yesterday, releasing two female Italian aid workers who were abducted from their home three weeks ago, two of the women's Iraqi colleagues and three Egyptian employees of a local cell phone company.

Kidnappers in Iraq release 7 hostages


U.S. News   World Report - Throughout the presidential campaign, the Republicans have shown remarkable discipline in their public messages--but the deteriorating situation in Iraq is testing some of that unity. The strain was evident at a Senate hearing last week where Nebraska Republican Chuck Hagel unloaded on the Bush administration's sluggish reconstruction efforts in Iraq.  quot;It's beyond pitiful; it's beyond embarrassing. It is now in the zone of dangerous, quot; he thundered. ...

How bad is it? (U.S. News   World Report)


Paris, Nov. 1 (NNN): Ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is feeling better, his aides say, as he undergoes medical examinations in a French army hospital near Paris.

Ailing Arafat Feeling Much Better: Aides


Reuters - Canada said on Thursday it had banned\fishing boats from Greenland and the Faroe Islands from its\ports because of their

Canada Bans Greenland, Faroese Fishing Boats (Reuters)


Herbert H. Haft, 84, the Washington area discount retailer whose drive to sell drugs at cut-rate prices made him a multimillionaire and whose empire dissolved in a nasty and very public family feud in the 1990s, died Thursday at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

Discount Retailing Giant Stoked Bitter Family Feud


The European Central Bank has left its key interest rate unchanged, taking more time to gauge the effect of soaring oil prices on the inflationary outlook and slow economic recovery.

European Central Bank holds rates steady


When asked if OPEC will discuss a possible cut in output in the second quarter of 2005 at its meeting next month in Cairo, OPEC President Purnomo Yusgiantoro said:  quot;We do not know yet.

OPEC To Monitor Impact of US Polls on Oil Prices


The UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, issues a dire warning on climate change as he sets out policies to tackle it.

PM gives dire warning on climate


Moderate news on the inflation front and a Labor Department report showing that consumer prices actually fell in July gave comfort to investors who are worried about potential price hikes.

Gas Price Drop Lowers CPI


The European Commission yesterday presented a proposed revision of the Stability and Growth Pact, the rules that underpin the euro.

EU proposes changes to Stability Pact


SAN FRANCISCO Intel, the largest semiconductor maker, has reported that its profit for the third quarter rose 15 percent from a year earlier, though it continued to struggle with an inventory glut that has reduced its profit margins.

Intel profit rises, but inventory glut lingers


ALBANY, NY -- The man who made Wall Street reform its ways is now charging widespread corruption in the insurance industry. He alleged that brokers have been taking payoffs from insurance companies to steer

Spitzer alleges corruption in insurance trade


Lured by paychecks that are double or triple what they earned in the U.S., truckers are risking their lives - and occasionally losing them - working in Iraq.

Truckers of Iraq's Pony Express Are Risking It All for a Paycheck


Buyout firm Forstmann Little  amp; Co. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cleveland, Ohio-based IMG. IMG is being acquired from trusts established by the late Mark McCormack, who founded the company, and

Forstmann announces deal for IMG


Reuters - U.S. Treasury debt prices rallied on\Thursday, knocking yields to five-months lows, as low inflation\and soft manufacturing figures triggered a buying spree that\took on a technical momentum of its own.

U.S. Treasury Debt Prices Rally (Reuters)


When you walk through a storm hold your head up high, and you #39;ll never walk alone - unless your name is Boris Johnson and you #39;re heading north to apologise to Liverpool.

Blunderer Boris told to say sorry across the Mersey


JAKARTA (Reuters) - Floods in the home region of  Indonesia's president have killed 11 people and forced  thousands to flee their villages on the southern part of the  country's main Java island, local media reported on Sunday.

Flooding Kills 11 in Indonesian Java


BMC Software Inc. will today launch software that it says will provide a clear picture of the status of those batch processes that underpin the delivery of key business services so that failing jobs can be

BMC directs BSM onto Batch Windows


Intel has become the first Silicon Valley company to form a mediation partnership with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an arrangement designed to speed the resolution of discrimination disputes.

Intel looks to mediation to speed discrimination suits


UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. measures aimed at crippling  al Qaeda have had little impact on the threat of terrorism and  need to be tightened, a panel of outside experts reported on  Thursday.

UN Anti-Terror Measures Ineffective -- Experts


NEW YORK - Minnesota Timberwolves guard Latrell Sprewell has been suspended one game without pay for directing obscenities toward fans, the NBA announced Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

NBA: Sprewell suspended over fan-directed obscenities


Crude oil futures prices rose above \$43 a barrel Monday after an attack at the US consulate in Saudi Arabia and amid growing concerns that OPEC may try to firm-up oil prices after last week #39;s sharp sell-off.

Crude futures rise above \$43 a barrel as markets look to OPEC <b>...</b>


Four years later, chip maker still struggles to compete with AMD and Intel.

Transmeta Plans for the LongRun


An IBM machine has reclaimed the title of world #39;s fastest supercomputer, overtaking a Japanese computer that had caused shock waves at US government agencies when it set a computing speed record in 2002.

IBM supercomputer sets world speed record


EDS this week will kick off a partnership with Siebel Systems, taking the first step in a new vendor-relationship strategy emphasizing deeper links with fewer vendors.

EDS, Siebel partner for tailored business packages


Senior Palestinian officials convened meetings in the West Bank today in response to conflicting reports over the declining health of Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat, who has been in a

Palestinians Meet Amid Reports of Arafat #39;s Declining Health


TEENAGE boxing sensation Amir Khan kissed his Olympic silver medal - and vowed to grab a gold in four years. The 17-year-old lightweight star said he would resist the big-money offers and stay amateur.

THE OLYMPICS 2004: BOXING: I KHAN GO FOR GOLD NEXT TIME


ASHBURN, Va. (Sports Network) - Washington Redskins  linebacker LaVar Arrington and kicker John Hall are listed as  doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Green Bay Packers.

Washington's Arrington, Hall Doubtful for Sunday


Federal Communications Commission (FCC) changed its rules on Friday in hopes of promoting wider broadband access throughout the nation by offering the service over power lines.

Broadband by power lines moves forward


AFP - US Senator John McCain called for greater UN cooperation with a congressional probe of the Iraqi oil-for-food program, which he said

Annan has 'great deal to answer for' in oil for food scandal: top US senator (AFP)


FT.com - Mobile phones have become a must-have item for every high-powered Japanese businessman, multi-tasking mum and self-respecting teenager. Even schoolchildren often carry a mobile phone to call home on their way back from late-night cram school.

Japan's mobile operators target elderly (FT.com)


MADISON, Wis. -- Northwestern #39;s special teams were anything but special Saturday in a 24-12 loss at Wisconsin. The Wildcats had a punt blocked, missed a field goal and booted a kickoff out of bounds.

Ask Walker about NU #39;s special day


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Cocoa prices sank on Wednesday as  exporters in top-grower Ivory Coast kept up with the arrival of  the new crop, which was halted several times this month by an  outbreak of civil violence and a farmers strike.

CORRECTED: Cocoa Drops, Metals Jump on Weak Dollar


A close ally of President Jacques Chirac was appointed Monday to head France #39;s powerful Finance Ministry, in a signal the French President has no intention of serving as lame duck

French conservatives vie for party loyalty


For three sloppy quarters, retirement couldn't come soon enough for BC High football coach Jim Cotter. But the final 11 minutes of the game showed why it will be tough for the 41-year veteran to walk away after this season. The Eagles scored twice in the last quarter, including a 3-yard touchdown run by Mike Duffy with 1:34 ...

BC High gets back on track


When lifestyle doyenne Martha Stewart arrives at the Alderson Federal Prison Camp, the multimillionaire businesswoman won #39;t just

The prison that Martha Stewart will call home


SECURITY forces had arrested two more people, bringing to 12 the number of suspects held after authorities broke up an al-Qaeda cell plotting to blow up Italian and Ukrainian embassies and kill Western diplomats, a judicial official said today.

Terror cell arrests rise to 12


The onslaught of the winter Typhoon Nanmadol made everyone forget the intense legislative election campaign, as early warning and disaster prevention mechanisms were initiated in the hope of minimizing damage.

Kyoto benefits outweigh the costs


Senior Chinese leader Li Changchun is to visit North Korea next week, the Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday as China tries to coax Pyongyang into fresh talks on the crisis over its nuclear ambitions.

Senior Chinese Leader to Visit N.Korea Next Week


With the NFL trading deadline set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said there didn't seem to be much happening on the trade front around the league.

Coach: It's no big deal


TEL AVIV, Israel (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel  Sharon's right-wing Likud party voted Wednesday to bar a  coalition with center-left Labor that he seeks to advance his  Gaza withdrawal plan, according to early returns.

Sharon's Likud Rejects Coalition Bid--First Returns


The streaking Houston Astros used seven pitchers and a Jeff Bagwell home run to beat the Colorado Rockies 4-2 on Friday to hold on to their share of the lead in the National League wild card race.

Astros down Rockies to stay even with Giants in NL wild-card race


ISLAMABAD, Nov 11: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday welcomed the statement by his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh about troop reduction in the Indian-held Kashmir.

Islamabad welcomes move


Former government undersecretary William Schneider Jr. says the United States needs better identity authentication practices.

Technology and the 9/11 Commission


User-Guided Search Refining in Google\\Despite the fact that the Google API hasn't been updated in over two years, people keep doing Cool Things with it. The latest Cool Thing I've seen is the very nice MyGoogleSearch ( http://www.mygooglesearch.com ). The idea behind this hack is that you can take the ...

User-Guided Search Refining in Google


AP - Technologies that let people record satellite and Internet radio broadcasts digitally are opening a new front in the recording industry's war on music piracy.

New Front: Recording of Digital Broadcasts (AP)


NEW YORK -- They both skipped the Olympics, complaining about unforgiving injuries. But now Jennifer Capriati and Serena Williams, both sorely in need of a big win, have put themselves in position to meet on the stage that matters most -- in the quarterfinals of the US Open.

Williams, Capriati hold up quite well


Reuters - Two U.S. military transport helicopters\crashed near Baghdad on Saturday, killing two U.S. soldiers and\wounding two others, the U.S. military said.

Two U.S. Helicopters Crash in Iraq, Killing Two (Reuters)


NORTH ANDOVER -- Massachusetts defended its Hockey Night in Boston Girls Summer Showcase title yesterday with a 9-3 victory over Minnesota in the championship game at Merrimack College.

Mass. girls defend


Speaking to financial analysts at the Banc of America Securities Investment Conference yesterday, HP Chairman and CEO Carly Fiorina downplayed hopes that corporate budget surpluses would drive IT spending increases in the fourth quarter.

HP's Fiorina: Sometimes IT spending is a 'bad thing'


The Bush administration has accelerated resource development on public lands and has pushed to eliminate regulatory hurdles for military and industrial projects.

New Priorities in Environment


THE IMF #39;s World Economic Outlook has warned of a possible sharp fall in UK house prices, based on interest rate rises priced into future markets, the market would probably slow down significantly in the next 18 months.

IMF house price warning


A court case alleging copyright infringement against a Web site using a popular song in a political parody ended abruptly when an Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) investigation revealed that Woody Guthrie #39;s  quot;This Land is Your Land quot; is in the public

PDF Proof:  #39;This Song is Your Song #39;


The way to soothe an anxious sheep is to show it a picture of another sheep. British scientists believe that - like humans - sheep need to see a familiar face when they are alone.

Sleepless sheep can count on familiar faces


Michael Koonce, who heads the legal department at Boston mutual fund manager Evergreen Investments, doesn't have a clue how much is deducted from his hefty paychecks for his family's health plan. And when the deductions go up, he said, it's  quot;not going to break the bank for me. quot;

Employers try shifting health costs


European Commission president Romano Prodi has unveiled proposals to loosen the deficit rules under the EU Stability Pact. The loosening was drafted by monetary affairs commissioner Joaquin Almunia, who stood beside the president at the announcement.

Prodi unveils plan to ease deficit rules


Intel Corp. and Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems Inc., yesterday announced the delivery of software that the companies hope will simplify the deployment of Wi-Fi networks for residential and small business users.

Intel and Linksys deliver  quot;simpler quot; Wi-Fi software


MIAMI (Sports Network) - Hurricane Frances has already  affected Major League Baseball this weekend as five games have  been postponed.

Hurricane Throws Curveball to Baseball Schedule


At least five workers die as a site under construction at Dubai airport collapses, trapping workers.

Dubai airport building collapses


Shares in Apple soared in early trade in New York today after a report suggested that the iPod has pushed users to dump their PCs in favour of Apple #39;s Macintosh computers.

Apple soars on iPod effect


NEW YORK (Reuters) - News Corp. <A HREF=

Murdoch's News Corp. to Join S P 500


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Invesco Funds Group and AIM Advisors agreed Tuesday to pay \$450 million in penalties and reduced fees to settle allegations that they allowed fraudulent trades in their mutual funds.

Fund firms to pay \$450 million in market-timing case


Keep that copy of Shrek 2 an extra week. Heck, keep it forever: Blockbuster Inc. announced yesterday that the ubiquitous rental chain is letting customers hold onto movie and game

Blockbuster nixes late fees on rentals


NAIROBI, Nov 30 (AFP) - The French army will clear landmines that were buried deep underground by landslides around its military base in Djibouti, starting in 2006, officials said in Nairobi on Tuesday.

France to clear its land mines from Djibouti


BBC, London, September 19: The wife of an American taken hostage with two others in Baghdad has appealed on television for their release.

US hostage wife pleads for mercy


SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Major North American airlines agreed to a voluntary limit of 88 arrivals per hour for flights serving Chicago #39;s O #39;Hare International Airport during peak traffic periods, the Transportation Department said ...

Airlines agree to limit O #39;Hare arrivals


The United Nations has refused a U.S. request to assist Iraqi judges and prosecutors seeking to try former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and his top lieutenants for war crimes, saying that a new Iraqi special tribunal  includes a death penalty provision opposed by the United Nations and fails to meet the minimum standards of justice.

U.N. Won't Help Iraqis With War Crimes Trials


Reuters - Major U.S. retailers reported modest\gains in November sales on Thursday, as discounting lured\customers, but high energy prices and nagging concerns about a\soggy job market kept buying in check.

Retailers' Nov. Same-Store Sales Rise (Reuters)


Keith Harris, the City banker and ardent Manchester United supporter, is pursuing a plan to prevent Malcolm Glazer taking over the club by asking Japanese bank Nomura to help give the fans a greater say in any takeover battle.

Man U fan turns to Nomura in effort to block US tycoon


Please read second paragraph as  quot;Lyle, 46, told television programme Scotland Today quot; instead of  quot;daily newspaper Scotland Today quot;.

CORRECTED-Lyle in race for Ryder Cup captaincy


JAKARTA (Dow Jones)--Indonesian shares are sharply higher early Tuesday, boosted by a peaceful election and as early results show an apparent landslide victory for challenger Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, dealers said.

Indonesian Shares Open 1.5 After Peaceful Elections -2-


Three former Global Crossing Ltd. officials, including former chairman Gary Winnick, have reached a tentative settlement with securities regulators over an alleged failure to disclose information about the telecommunications company's swap transactions, according to two sources briefed on the deal.

Global  Crossing  Case May Be Ending


A new report sees growing opportunity for the open-source operating system to displace Windows in small offices.

Desktop Linux thinks small


Reuters - Oil prices held steady on Friday just\hours ahead of a key meeting of the OPEC producers' cartel,\which was expected to agree to curb crude output running above\the group's official production limits.

Oil Steady, OPEC Expected to Cut Supply (Reuters)


AP - Senators from both parties urged the Bush administration on Sunday to face the reality of the situation in Iraq and change its occupation policies.

Senators Urge Bush to Change Iraq Stance (AP)


Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. said yesterday it was suspending its practice of using  quot;market services agreements quot; with insurance carriers, which the New York attorney general has alleged were used to rig bids, cheating customers.

Marsh  amp; McLennan halts fees at center of probe


PayPal Outage Effects Online Retailing and eBay\\eBay Inc.'s online payment system PayPal said on Tuesday that account data and personal information were not compromised by a glitch in the new system update that has resulted in some users not being able to log into their accounts and also PayPal not ...


CANBERRA : John Howard has been formally sworn in as Prime Minister with his new fourth term ministry by Queen Elizabeth II #39;s Australian representative Governor-General Michael Jeffery.

John Howard sworn in for fourth time as Australian PM


KUALA LUMPUR Shares of Genting, Asia #39;s biggest publicly traded casino group, rose Wednesday on expectations that the company #39;s plan to develop Las Vegas-style casinos in Britain with Stanley Leisure would bolster profit.

Genting gets lift from plan to build casinos in Britain


On any given Saturday, the Southeastern Conference comes up with ways to entertain its fans, exhibiting competition at its best -- and worst -- and making the argument that it is the best conference in college football.

Draining, but entertaining


Irish show jumper Cian O #39;Connor says he is not a cheat after it emerged that a second horse owned and ridden by the Olympic gold medallist tested positive in a drugs test.

Equestrian gold medallist denies cheating


AP - Jamar Martin, a promising fullback who struggled on special teams, was one of 12 players released Sunday by the Dallas Cowboys.

Cowboys Release 12 Players (AP)


Lew Ford homered and drove in two runs to back a strong outing by Brad Radke, leading the Minnesota Twins to a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Monday night and a sweep of the four-game series.

Twins win 5-3 to sweep Tigers


The 7100t has a mobile phone, e-mail, instant messaging, Web browsing and functions as an organiser. The device looks like a mobile phone and has the features of the other BlackBerry models, with a large screen

Blackberry gets svelte with new model


BOSTON (Reuters) - Tyco International Inc. <A HREF=

Tyco Raises Dividend


The pan-Arab al-Jazeera TV channel showed a videotape Thursday of 10 hostages held by Islamic militants in Iraq. An extremist Islamic group calling itself the Islamic Army

Militants seize 10 hostages in Iraq: al-Jazeera


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana won the American League Cy Young Award Thursday, becoming the first unanimous winner since Arizona #39;s Randy Johnson two years ago.

Santana captures Cy Young Award


NewsFactor - IMlogic, a Waltham, Massachusetts-based firm, has partnered with McAfee, Sybari and AOL to establish an instant message and P2P threat center that will detect the spread of viruses, worms and other malware aimed at these online channels.

Tech Firms Partner on Instant Messaging Threat Center (NewsFactor)


Typhoon Meari, the eighth tropical cyclone to reach Japan this year, is passing through the northern Tohoku area at 60 kilometers (37 miles) an hour toward the Pacific Ocean with a maximum wind of 83 kilometers an hour.

Typhoon Meari Passing Through Japan #39;s Northern Tohoku Area


MOSCOW, October 22 (Itar-Tass) -- Russias State Duma has approved of a bill on the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change.

Duma ratifies Kyoto protocol


KHARTOUM, 17 October 2004 - Sudan yesterday questioned UN estimates that up to 70,000 people had died from hunger and disease in its remote Darfur region since a rebellion began 20 months ago.

Sudan Questions WHOs Darfur Death Toll


San Jose, Calif. - S2io Inc. said last week it is working with Sun Microsystems Inc. to design the startup #39;s next-generation 10-Gigabit Ethernet adapter.

Startup teams with Sun on enhanced 10G Ethernet


Seagate has launched the highest capacity PC hard disk to date. Pitched at desktop computers, the new Barracuda 7200.8 hard disk is a 7200rpm model that #39;s available with either a fast SATA or Ultra ATA interface

Barracuda 7200.8 has 400GB capacity


NEW YORK (Reuters) - US Airways Group Inc. <A HREF=

USAir Asks Court for 23 Pct Union Pay Cut


Angels left fielder Jose Guillen was suspended for the rest of the season Sunday because of his outburst after being lifted for a pinch runner a day earlier.

Angels suspend Guillen without pay for rest of season


The US Congress should stay out of the debate over expensing stock options and let the Financial Accounting Standards Board handle it, US Securities and Exchange Commission chairman William Donaldson said.

SEC chief urges Congress to defer to board on options


San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees expects to start Sunday at Denver despite sustaining a mild concussion in a loss to the New York Jets.

Brees expects to start despite concussion


MIAMI - Hurricane Charley probably will not cause Floridians' insurance premiums to skyrocket like 1992's Andrew, and fewer insurers should go bankrupt from paying out damages expected to reach the billions of dollars, state and industry officials said Saturday.    They say previous premium increases and overhauls made because of Andrew, the most expensive natural disaster in U.S...

Charley May Not Spike Insurance Premiums


All three men heading to the international space station in a Russian-built Soyuz spacecraft this Thursday will be riding the tiny craft for the first time, breaking with 30 years of tradition.

Russian-US crew prepares for launch to international space station


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Cardinals may be heading to their  first World Series since 1987 but there is nothing new about  post-season baseball in St. Louis.

10th World Series Title Beckoning for St. Louis


Marat Safin has progressed to the final of the Paris Masters with a straight-sets victory over an angry Guillermo Canas of Argentina.

Safin into Paris final


Nikon Corp. will soon see a \$145 million influx, thanks to a memorandum of understanding with ASML Holding NV and Carl Zeiss SMT AG.

ASML, Carl Zeiss Pay Nikon \$145M


Englishman Paul Casey will be in for a hard time on the US Tour next year after his outspoken remarks about American golfers, Scott Verplank warned on Wednesday.

Casey #39;s anti-US comments not that smart, says Verplank


More than 150 individuals have been arrested or convicted in a US-wide crackdown on internet fraud and abuse, according to an announcement from Attorney General John Ashcroft on Thursday.

150 web fraudsters snared in US operation


Net phones--and their portable phone numbers--help business avoid RNC crowds.

New York Firms Call on VoIP


BUCHAREST, Romania -- Romanian television has an unlikely hit on its hands, a sitcom with a cast of racy characters who sit in a country pub and get laughs discussing the fine points of the bureaucracy and regulations of the European Union.

In Romania, Show Turns the E.U. Into A Laughing Matter


BIRMINGHAM, England (CMC) - Yousuf Youhana stroked an unbeaten half-century and helped Pakistan into the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals with an edgy three-wicket win over India at Edgbaston yesterday.

Youhana steers Pakistan to victory over India


According to a recent report by Gartner, Microsoft has taken the top spot for the first time in handheld shipments. Microsoft #39;s Windows CE has had a long lasting

Microsoft takes the lead over Palm OS for the first time


The use of robots around the home to mow lawns, vacuum floors, pull guard duty, and perform other chores is set to surge sevenfold by 2007, said a new UN survey, which credited dropping prices for the robot boom.

Domestic robot usage to surge


CA (Quote, Chart) has taken a renewed interest this week in network security with two additions to its eTrust portfolio. The company acquired spyware killer PestPatrol and launched a consulting practice to assist partners with Vulnerability Manager ...

CA Strengthens Security Investment


South Africans Schalk Burger and Marius Joubert are among five players shortlisted for the International Rugby Board #39;s player of the year.

Rugby-Two South Africans in IRB best-of-year nominations


Iraq is exporting oil normally from the south through its Persian Gulf terminals after a pipeline was breached yesterday, the UK military and two shipping agents said.

Iraqi Oil Exports Not Cut by Yesterday #39;s South Pipeline Breach


WIESBADEN, Germany -- European investigators need to have sharper tools and share intelligence better to be able to apprehend suspected terrorists faster, French and German officials said yesterday.

Antiterror change urged in Europe


COMMENTARY -- In a press release issued yesterday, with the headline  quot;Sybase First to Provide Free Linux Enterprise-Class Database for Production Use, quot; Sybase notes that it has  quot;deepened its commitment to the Linux community with the availability of the

Sybase masquerades trial offering as  #39;freely deployable #39; database


Three years ago, the first people to order an Apple iPod - announced as a  quot;breakthrough digital device quot; on 23 October 2001 - started receiving boxes in the post.

Charles Arthur On Technology


Google is planning to announce an agreement Tuesday with some of the nation #39;s top libraries and Oxford University to start converting their holdings into digital files.

Googles virtual library signals communications revolution <b>...</b>


New York, September 27: Printer and PC maker Hewlett-Packard Co will stop offering desktop workstations based on Intel Corp #39;s Itanium microprocessor, The Wall Street Journal reported on its online edition.

HP to stop using Intel Itanium chip: WSJ


Uefa is investigating Real Madrid over racist chanting after Tuesday #39;s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen. Video footage from the match, which finished 1-1, appeared to show Real fans making Nazi

Real racist chants investigated


CEOs at companies that outsource the most US jobs are rewarded with bigger paychecks, according to a new report,  quot;Executive Excess 2004: Campaign Contributions, Outsourcing, Unexpensed Stock

Report Shows CEO Pay Soars at Companies That Outsource Overseas


The market has had a nice little rally of late. A real push to higher levels, however, won #39;t happen until several hurdles are cleared.

Wall Street #39;s  quot;Teasing Gains quot;


LOS ANGELES - Sony BMG Music Entertainment and online peer-to-peer software distributor Grokster are working on a new venture that is expected to offer paid and free song downloads over the Internet, sources say.

Sources: Sony BMG, Grokster in talks on new file-sharing venture


The US recording industry is taking legal action against 750 computer users believed to be distributing music illegally over the internet.

US sues student  #39;song swappers #39;


What is a Search Engine?\\All search engines start with a

What is a Search Engine?


Rapid growth of the country's cell phone market has companies dreaming of a speed-dial to success. But the risks are high.\

Western investors eye Russia's wireless market


USATODAY.com - President Bush says U.S. forces will stay in Iraq as long as necessary but no longer. John Kerry says he wants to bring U.S. troops home but will not

Bush, Kerry have similar postwar strategies (USATODAY.com)


Newman writes  quot;We #39;re all aware of the hole-ridden arguments that Sun executives Scott McNealy and Jonathan Schwartz use to attack Linux.

Sun-isms Debunked


Diplomats from France, Britain and Germany are expected to meet with Iranian officials Thursday in Vienna to offer Tehran incentives to end its uranium enrichment efforts.

European, Iranian Officials to Discuss Nuclear Issue


BESLAN, Russia - Russian soldiers fled as shooting broke out in the spasm of violence that ended the school siege here, and unprepared special forces were forced to borrow bullets from armed locals who had rushed to the scene.    As Beslan buried more victims Friday, a week after the bloodbath at School No...

Questions Linger Over Russia School Siege


In a move both risky and essential, AOL is abandoning its strategy of exclusivity and will free much of its music, sports and other programming to nonsubscribers in hopes of increasing ad sales.

AOL to let nonsubscribers in


down - against other major currencies. The tumble has helped the portfolios of some fortunate Americans by bolstering the returns of their foreign stocks and bonds.

Backed Into a Currency Corner? Don #39;t Overreact


VIENNA (Reuters) - It is unclear if Iran's nuclear  ambitions are entirely peaceful, but there is still no firm  evidence that Tehran is secretly developing atomic weapons as  Washington asserts, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Tuesday.

ElBaradei Says Unclear if Iran Nuke Plans Peaceful


AP - Details of new television ad from Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, that began airing Wednesday.

AdWatch: Kerry Accuses Bush on Iraq Money (AP)


Hugo Chavez, the president of Venezuela caricatured in the mask above, is raising taxes on oil companies in the Orinoco Belt from 1pc to 16.

No more peanuts


OCTOBER 13, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Four days after its online payment Web site was slowed and only intermittently available to users due to a coding problem, PayPal.

PayPal.com resumes operations after four-day service disruption


Astronomers say the show should be a good one. They note, however, that predicting meteor shower intensity is not always an exact science.

Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks Next Friday


Lycos Europe debuted a new weapon in the war against unwanted e-mail Tuesday, by launching a screensaver designed to overload the Web sites featured in spam messages.

New Program Turns Consumers Into Spam Vigilantes


The mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks was granted an Australian visa a month before the attacks, using one of 24 aliases that let him slip through the system.

Al-Qaida eyed Australia since 2001


While it was sure to be a hit in the east, it certainly wasnt so popular at Texas Stadium. Thats where Terrell Owens, Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles ripped apart the

NFL : McNabb, Owens torch Cowboys


Globular star clusters are like spherical cathedrals of light -- collections of millions of stars lumped into a space only a few dozen light-years across. If the Earth resided within a globular cluster, our night sky would be alight with thousands of stars more brilliant than Sirius.

Some Globular Clusters May Be Leftovers From Snacking Galaxies


Bee Staff Writer. BERKELEY - Jeff Tedford said the lasting image from last year #39;s Cal-USC game wasn #39;t necessarily Tyler Fredrickson #39;s field goal that gave the Golden Bears a triple-overtime triumph.

Cal faces No. 1 USC with eyes - and its offense - wide open


AP - A federal judge on Wednesday denied a request to force the Federal Election Commission to act on complaints by President Bush's campaign against anti-Bush groups spending millions of dollars on ads in the presidential race.

Judge Denies Bush Effort to Speed Ruling (AP)


PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20 - As members of the United Nations General Assembly are soon to vote on the future of cloning research, possibly within days, leading scientists will be conducting a symposium discussion

Leading scientists to discuss research applications for <b>...</b>


The Office of Fair Trading takes legal action against a Belgian mail-order firm, using new cross-border powers for the first time.

UK watchdog targets Belgian firm


Flies are the latest animals to be cloned, the journal Genetics reports.

Cloning of flies is latest buzz


Visteon Corp., the second-biggest US maker of auto parts, is offering buyouts of as much as a year #39;s pay to US salaried workers to help cut costs.

Visteon offers as much as year #39;s pay in buyout


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were higher on  Wednesday  as investors bought beaten-down shares and oil prices eased  from the new 21-year record high hit earlier in the session.

Stocks Gain as Oil Ease from New High


NEW YORK -- Nortel Networks Corp. reported a loss of 6 cents per share in the third quarter and predicted lower sales for 2004 than in 2003 on Tuesday, providing some of its first concrete figures for the

Nortel posts loss of 6 cents per share


Microsoft Corp. today released an unprecedented number of software security updates to plug flaws in its products, including seven

Microsoft Releases New 'Critical' Patches