Substitute position is familiar arrangement for Robiskie Terry Robiskie has been here before. He #39;s an  quot;interim coach quot; for the second time, named Tuesday to replace resigned Butch Davis as the Cleveland Browns coach with five games remaining


NBA Wrap: Stojakovic Powers Kings Past Grizzlies Peja Stojakovic scored 29 points to steer the Sacramento Kings to their eighth victory in nine games, a 98-93 decision over the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday.


NBA Game Summary - San Antonio at Dallas Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Tim Duncan had 20 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks and Devin Brown scored 14 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.


Time #39;s on Sox #39; side: Club may not need four-year offer to keep <b>...</b> If Pedro Martinez stats, news ultimately decides to re-sign with the Red Sox stats, schedule - still a distinct possibility - it will not be for four more years.


Rwandan Troops Enter Congo, Aide Says KINSHASA, Congo, Nov. 30 -- A senior Congolese official said Tuesday that troops from neighboring Rwanda had crossed into eastern Congo, and UN officials said they were investigating reports of Rwandan forces


New Zealand announces initiatives to build links with ASEAN The New Zealand government has agreed to a range of initiatives to build closer ties with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Prime Minister Helen Clark announced Wednesday.


GERMAN COURTS: NY-based rights group pushes war crimes probe An American civil rights group filed a criminal complaint in Germany on Tuesday alleging Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and other US officials condoned torture and human rights violations at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.


Japan's Nikkei Hits a One-Month Low  TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei hit a one-month low on  Wednesday as investors sold a broad range of shares, extending  losses from the day before when poor Japanese industrial output  data put a damper on the economy's outlook.


Profit taking clips stocks AFTER a rollercoaster of a ride today the share market ended in negative territory on a frenzy of profit taking in the afternoon. Retailers were hardest hit following disappointing sales figures released yesterday


SEC, PCAOB Allow Extra Time on Internal Control Reporting Washington (Dec. 1, 2004) - Thanks to some fast footwork by regulators at the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, accounting firms and many of their smaller


Microsoft to set up lab in India Microsoft Research plans to establish its first-ever lab in India, hoping to attract top research talent in a country known for producing high-quality computer scientists.


At least 100 Delta pilots expected to retire as pay cuts start <b>...</b> At least 100 Delta Air Lines Inc. pilots are expected to retire effective Wednesday, the start date for a 32.5-percent pay cut agreed upon in a \$1 billion


Reliance arm asks six to stay The board of Indian power utility Reliance Energy Ltd. told the Bombay exchange Tuesday it had asked its six directors who resigned last week to reconsider their resignations.


Botswana Leader Warns on AIDS: Abstain or Die (Reuters) Reuters - Botswana President Festus Mogae issued a\blunt message to his people Wednesday on HIV/AIDS: abstain from\unsafe sex or die.


Hewlett-Packard says software could slow computer worms Engineers at Hewlett-Packard Co. are working on  quot;virus-throttling quot; software that they say could slow the spread of Internet-borne viruses and worms.


Bringing to Life the Genome of an Ancient Mammal CHEVY CHASE, Md., Nov. 30 (AScribe Newswire) -- A group of researchers has re-created with remarkable accuracy part of the genome of the common ancestor of all placental mammals, a small shrew-like creature


Tyler Hamilton fired by cycling team, which is barred from pro <b>...</b> Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton was fired by his cycling team two months after testing positive for blood doping. The Swiss-based International Cycling Union, or UCI, said Tuesday


Bolton #39;s Diouf charged for spitting incident London, England (Sports Network) - Bolton striker El-Hadji Diouf was charged with  quot;improper conduct quot; by the English Football Association (FA) Monday.


Crawford nails late three-pointer in overtime as Knicks top Hawks <b>...</b> When he took a pass from Stephon Marbury with about five seconds left in overtime, Jamal Crawford didn #39;t hesitate. No matter that he was at least five feet behind the three-point arc.


Panel Releases Report on Global Threats (AP) AP - With the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq serving as a backdrop, a high-level international panel called for sweeping changes Tuesday of the United Nations, including a recommendation that the Security Council must in the future authorize any pre-emptive or preventive global military action.


Philadelphia, Verizon Strike Deal on WiFi (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 30 -- The city of Philadelphia and Verizon Communications Inc. struck an agreement Tuesday that would allow the city to provide wireless Internet access as a municipal service even if Gov. Edward G. Rendell (D) signs legislation to give Verizon the power to scuttle the project.


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


Australia fails to obtain ICRC report on alleged torture at Guantanamo (AFP) AFP - Australia has failed to obtain a leaked Red Cross report alleging that terrorist suspects held at a US military camp in Cuba were tortured, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.


No. 25 Wisc. Upsets No. 12 Maryland 69-64 (AP) AP - Alando Tucker scored a career-high 27 points and No. 25 Wisconsin beat No. 12 Maryland 69-64 in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge on Tuesday night.


International Mediators Try to End Ukraine Crisis  KIEV (Reuters) - International mediators will step up  efforts Wednesday to resolve Ukraine's 10-day-old crisis over a  disputed presidential election after the collapse of talks  between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions.


Condoms, Parades Mark AIDS Day; China Gets Tough  BEIJING (Reuters) - The world's two most populous nations  promised Wednesday to eradicate ignorance about AIDS, a disease  that was at first dismissed by many as a Western evil confined  to drug users, homosexuals and prostitutes.


Tough Start for Mexico in Final World Cup Qualifiers  RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Mexico will start the final  stage of CONCACAF's marathon World Cup qualifying competition  with a tough fixture in Costa Rica.


Teams Scour Indonesia Plane Crash Site for Survivors  SOLO, Indonesia (Reuters) - Rescue teams searched areas  around a central Indonesia airport Wednesday for survivors and  victims of a plane crash that police said killed at least 31  people and left 47 unaccounted for.


Md. Marine's Love of Outdoors and Adventure Remembered  For  relatives and friends of Kirk Bosselmann, few things the Marine Corps corporal did surprised them.


U.N. Panel Rejects Bush Stance on Military Action The 16-member panel, appointed after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, said in a long-awaited report that only the U.N. Security Council has the legal standing to authorize such a "preventive war."


Philadelphia, Verizon Strike Deal on WiFi The agreement would allow the city to provide wireless Internet access as a municipal service even if Gov. Edward G. Rendell (D) signs legislation to give Verizon the power to scuttle the project.-washingtonpost.com


Microsoft Research to open lab in Bangalore Microsoft Research will open a laboratory in Bangalore, India, the company #39;s third research installation overseas and a sign of India #39;s increasing importance in tech.


US clocks a third quarter growth of 3.9 The US economy grew by 3.9 per cent in the third quarter of this year, a US government press release stated. On another quarter of robust growth, the US treasury secretary, John Snow, said, Americas Gross


HP to release Virus Throttler for Windows in 2005 HP plans to add virus-throttling technology to ProLiant servers and ProCurve switches starting in early 2005. Virus Throttler technology slows the spread of a virus or worm within an infected server to give  administrators time to act.


Man Utd boss Ferguson has fresh dig at Arsenal Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson turned up the heat on Arsenal by stating he doesn #39;t regard them as major title rivals.


Walgreen Qtrly Profit Rises 30.5 Pct  CHICAGO (Reuters) - Walgreen Co. WAG.N on Monday posted a  30.5 percent rise in quarterly profit, boosted by sales of  generic drugs and digital photo processing, sending its shares  to a nearly three-year high.


Can He Stop the Killing? The Palestinians' likely next President hopes to take on the militants--and Arafat's legacy


Where Should Your Money Go? How can you ensure that your contributions are put to best possible use?


Justices to hear Seattle newspapers #39; dispute Washington state #39;s highest court has agreed to review a key issue in a contentious lawsuit that could determine whether Seattle continues to have two daily newspapers.


AMD gains in Q3 chip sales SAN FRANCISCO: Advanced Micro Devices captured nearly 10 per cent of computer microchip market revenue in the third quarter, the highest level in nearly three years, market research firm IDC said on Tuesday.


If Irish lure Meyer, it all changes at UF GAINESVILLE - In a six-hour period Tuesday, Tyrone Willingham #39;s dismissal at Notre Dame and Butch Davis #39; resignation from the Cleveland Browns turned upside down the University of Florida #39;s search for a football coach.


Four killed in Iraq attack: World News: Baghdad, Nov 30 : Four people were killed and 20 injured in an attack on a US military convoy in Iraq Tuesday, reports Xinhua.


Oil Prices Edge Below \$49 a Barrel  SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices edged below \$49 a barrel  on Wednesday as traders looked ahead to an expected build in  weekly U.S. inventory data that would help bolster the thin  supply cushion ahead of peak northern winter demand.


Global Forecasts for 2005 Growth Are Reduced Prospects for the global economy next year are growing dimmer as high oil prices hurt consumption and the unchecked rise in the United States trade deficit depresses the dollar


Yukos chief sees little hope for oil giant The American chief executive of Russia #39;s embattled oil giant Yukos yesterday held out little hope of saving the company from dismemberment by the Putin government this month.


Hunt for new CEO begins as Telstra #39;s Ziggy Switkowski steps down Telstra #39;s search for a new CEO has begun as incumbent CEO Dr Ziggy Switkowski has agreed to step down from the post. Switkowski #39;s last day will be 1 July, 2005 and possibly even earlier if the telecommunications company can find a suitable replacement.


Gov. Bush praises Treasure Coast efforts during hurricane season VERO BEACH - Gov. Jeb Bush got teary-eyed on the last day of the hurricane season Tuesday as he thanked scores of Indian River County officials, emergency workers and volunteers for their relief efforts following Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne.


Insurance merger results in \$126.5 million windfall ATLANTA - A massive corporate merger between two health-care giants will result in \$126.5 million of new funding and equipment for Georgia #39;s medical schools and rural hospitals, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine announced Tuesday.


GM to lay off 950 in New Jersey SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- General Motors said Tuesday that it will lay off 950 employees at its assembly plant in Linden, NJ, due to waning demand for the Chevy Blazer and GMC Jimmy.


Frozen out The Terrapins found the lanes underneath closed and the basket unreachable against an impenetrable Badgers defense, and No. 25 Wisconsin (3-1) beat No.


Portuguese President Moves to Dissolve Parliament (Reuters) Reuters - Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio began\moves Tuesday to dissolve parliament and call an election after\deciding Prime Minister Pedro Santana Lopes could no longer\continue in the job.


US may boycott ASEAN meetings when Myanmar takes over helm in 2006 WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States warned it might boycott ASEAN meetings when Myanmar takes over the chairmanship of the Southeast Asian grouping in 2006, unless the military-ruled state improves its human rights record.


Mass whale strandings found in Australia, NZ Mass strandings of marine mammals have occurred in Australia and New Zealand this week, proving an earlier predication made by Australian scientists, New Zealand Press Association said Wednesday.


US may boycott ASEAN meetings when Myanmar takes over helm (AFP) AFP - The United States has warned it might boycott ASEAN meetings when Myanmar takes over the chairmanship of the Southeast Asian grouping in 2006, unless the military-ruled state improves its human rights record.


Mozambique voters head for polls The people of Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, are voting in presidential and parliamentary elections.


Is end near for Russia #39;s Yukos? Russian prosecutors are less than three weeks from striking a death blow against the country #39;s biggest oil producer, Yukos - move widely seen as a politically motivated legal assault.


Insurers paying for rural health project Patients in rural communities across Georgia soon will have quick access to big-city medical specialists thanks to a live-video hookup that will serve 36 rural hospitals.


Willingham out as Irish coach Firing could have local <b>...</b> Tuesday #39;s abrupt firing of Notre Dame coach Tyrone Willingham resonated across the college football landscape, with ripples potentially stretching all the way to the Bay Area.


At least 500 dead in Philippines storms Another typhoon is set to hit the Philippines, which is already reeling under the impact of two back-to-back storms. More than 500 people died in the previous storms, and the latest one, Typhoon Nanmadol, packing


Chinese media demands investment in mine safety A woman breaks down after she was told the fate of her husband, one of the miners trapped in the Chenjiashan coal mine in Tongchuan city, north China #39;s Shaanxi province November 29.


Nikkei Hits 1-Month Closing Low  TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average dipped 1.06  percent to a one-month closing low on Wednesday, extending  losses from the day before when poor Japanese industrial output  data put a damper on the economy's outlook.


Texas got a break The hurricane season ended Tuesday with Texas escaping major storms, while Florida residents were hard hit with four major storms that claimed 117 lives and caused billions of dollars in damage.


Telstra CEO out ahead of full sale The chairman of Telstra has nominated the upcoming full sale of the company as the major reason for the departure of chief executive Ziggy Switkowski.


Company looks to new drugs in face of patent expirations BOSTON (CBS.MW) -- With the threat of generic competition looming over the pharmaceutical industry, Pfizer Inc. declared on Tuesday that the strength and breadth of its drugs under development will give the company an edge over its rivals.


Sea of Sorrow The world suffers an epic tragedy as a tsunami spreads death across Asia. An on-the-scene look at how it happened--and whether the carnage could have been avoided


After the Flood With disease looming, the world launches a massive relief effort. Will the aid reach the victims in time?


AMD Big Gainer in 3rd-Quarter Microchip Sales-IDC Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) captured nearly 10 percent of computer microchip market revenue in the third quarter, the highest level


Death of Rare Bird Leaves Future Uncertain One of the rarest birds on Earth came closer to being wiped out - if not already extinct - with the death of one of the last three believed to exist, officials said.


US embassy bomb plot trial opens Six suspected Islamic militants go on trial in Paris for an alleged plot to bomb the US embassy in 2001.


Randolph scores 19 points as Trail Blazers down Sonics 100-94 Zach Randolph had 19 points, including a key jumper with 17.2 seconds left, as the Portland Trail Blazers stopped the surging Seattle SuperSonics 100-94 on Tuesday night.


Bobcats will slowly bud into winner They exist in their original form for only one year, then they evolve into a more advanced life form. Sixteen of the extant NBA franchises first drew breath as expansion teams - Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas


Redick, Ewing each score 29, total 10 three-pointers The question late in Tuesday #39;s Michigan State-Duke game became: Would JJ Redick and Daniel Ewing wear down while the Spartans #39; depth became the difference?


Nearly 340 people killed as storm slams E Philippines helps a man carry his infant son, wrapped in plastic to shield him from the rain November 30, as they use an improvised ladder to cross a fallen concrete bridge in eastern Philippine town of General Nakar.


Sugar industry wary of commerce nominee WASHINGTON  - The US sugar industry is taking a wait-and-see attitude toward the nomination of Kellogg Co. Chief Executive Carlos Gutierrez to be the new secretary of the Commerce Department.


Dollar hits a new low despite strong growth The US dollar dropped to a new all-time low yesterday against the euro, which rose to \$1.3335 even as new figures showed that US economic growth in the third quarter was stronger than previously estimated.


Sex and the City driving economy SEX and the City may have left the nation #39;s television screens, but its viewers are propping up the national economy as they buy up big on shoes, clothes and cars.


Endangered bird dies in captivity SAN DIEGO - The only captive member of what may be the world #39;s most endangered species of bird has died in Hawaii, zoo officials announced Tuesday.


Breakthrough in hydrogen fuel research Dr Joseph Hartvigsen (L) of Ceramatex, Inc, holds a fuel cell during a news conference Nov. 29 at Ceramatex Advanced Materials  amp; Electrochemical Technologies in Salt Lake City.


Willingham should hold his head high, wait for another job Don #39;t cry for Tyrone Willingham. Even after Willingham, a former Michigan State Spartan, was fired from his head-coaching gig at Notre Dame on Tuesday.


Martinez Apparently Using Mets As Leverage to Up the Ante in <b>...</b> NEW YORK - The Mets made their pitch to Pedro Martinez. Now the attention shifts to the Boston Red Sox to see if the World Series champs are willing to up their bid.


Nets: Snap skid at 9 as Mourning leads way Finally, the crabby old man had enough. He had refused to chase the spry youngster as he stepped outside his comfort zone and drained jumper after jumper during the first half.


Myanmar overshadows trade deals at summit Australian Prime Minister John Howard (2nd L) sits next to (LR, round table) Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shiwanatra, Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong, Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, Myanmar Prime Minister Soe Win and Malaysian Prime Minister Abullah


Vietnam Hails Shrimp Tariff Reduction Vietnam seafood exporters and producers on Wednesday hailed a US decision to reduce tariffs on the communist country #39;s shrimp exports, while neighboring China suffered a blow with steeper duties.


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


Australia Opens With Win Over Slovakia (AP) AP - Mark Philippoussis and Alicia Molik outlasted Daniela Hantuchova and Dominik Hrbaty 11-9 in a third-set super-tiebreaker to give Australia a 2-1 victory over Slovakia at the Hopman Cup on Monday.


After third season, Willingham runs out of luck with Irish Three years ago, Tyrone Willingham was heralded as a champion for all black football coaches after being given the responsibility of returning the Notre Dame football program to among the nations elite.


Bush seeks to mend ties to Canada Working to mend the frayed relations between their countries, President Bush and Prime Minister Paul Martin of Canada sought to project a unified front


Citigroup's Japan boss apologies Citigroup's top Japanese executive faces tough questioning over a scandal that caused the closure of the firm's private bank in Japan.


Roads to growth  A proposal to add a new building and about 1,000 jobs to Crown Colony Office Park in Quincy won't create more traffic congestion, the developer and government officials say. Overall, they expect less congestion on city streets.


Rents slip as vote nears on controls As the Boston City Council prepares to vote this month on a form of rent control, a survey released yesterday found that the average rent for a new lease is \$90 a month lower than two years ago, a sign of continuing softness in the rental market.


T awards 10-year pact to build bus shelters The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority awarded a 10-year contract to Cemusa to build at least 200 bus shelters outside Boston and on MBTA property in the city.


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


Russia's Gazprom to bid for Yukos unit The nascent petroleum division of natural gas giant Gazprom will bid for the crown jewels of the battered Yukos oil empire, its chief said yesterday -- a move that could put the heart of the company jailed billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky created in Kremlin-friendly hands.


Crude falls on hopes for heating oil report Crude oil futures prices fell yesterday as concerns about reduced output in the North Sea were offset by expectations that an upcoming US government report would show rising inventories of heating oil.


Chip company acknowledges SEC probe Analog Devices Inc. , the world's fourth-largest maker of signal processing chips for mobile phones, said US regulators are conducting an inquiry into the granting of stock options to directors and officers. The inquiry by the Securities and Exchange Commission covers the last five years, the Norwood company said in its annual report filed with the SEC. Analog Devices also ...


OfficeMax agrees to item-price settlement Colman M. Herman, the Dorchester activist who made enforcement of the state's item-pricing regulation a one-man crusade, has struck again.


Decision by NLRB on work rules hit The National Labor Relations Board has ruled that employers may post regulations in the workplace that critics contend will discourage workers from organizing bargaining units or engaging in other union activities.


2nd UPDATE: Telstra Chief Quits Amid Asia M amp;A Missteps SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Under pressure to boost investor interest ahead of aA\$30 billion share sale, Australia #39;s largest telephone company Telstra Corp.


Cingular to deliver 3G services based on UMTS and HSDPA Cingular Wireless have announced plans to begin deploying a fast high-speed mobile wireless data network. The company expects to offer wireless data speeds between 400-700 Kbps (kilobits per second) and bursts


Pfizer has drugs in line to replace expired patents Pfizer Inc. is on schedule to complete the filing of 20 new drug applications by the end of 2006 as it confronts patent expirations affecting \$14 billion in sales, CEO Hank McKinnell said Tuesday.


HEVESI RIPS MERCK #39;S LOSS New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi sued Merck  amp; Co. over pension fund losses related to Vioxx, the painkiller pulled from the market on Sept.


POWER OUTAGE NETS GUCCI A COOL \$3.5B The company that owns legendary fashion label Gucci, continued to sell off units that can #39;t boost its prospects in the rich-and-famous lifestyle business.


Global Chip Gear Sales Seen Down 5.15 Pct in 2005 Global chip equipment sales are expected to fall 5.15 percent in 2005, an industry group said on Wednesday in a sharp reversal from its July forecast of growth of 23.98 percent.


Davis Quits As Cleveland Browns Coach (AP) AP - As coach Butch Davis pulled out of the driveway at 76 Lou Groza Blvd. for the final time, he might have caught a glimpse of a brown-and-orange colored hearse across the street from Cleveland's team offices. The vehicle was parked. Davis was the one moving on.


Hollywood divided over next-gen DVD standard in  quot;Betamax-style quot; <b>...</b> Hollywood studios are locked in a battle over adopting a standard for high-definition Digital Video Disc technology, in an apparent replay of the 1980s struggle between VHS and Betamax video formats.


Firefox: The revolution begins here You know how sometimes you find a product or service and just have to evangelize it to everyone you know? Maybe you really like the Braun Oral-B electric toothbrush.


Fans Chant 'Fire Gundy' As Rockets Trounced (AP) AP - The Houston Rockets were finishing up one of their worst performances of the season when a chant rang out from behind the bench.


Hamilton gears up for fight after Swiss team drops him Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton has been jettisoned from the cycling team he captained, but the Marblehead bike ace vowed yesterday to fight doping allegations that have damaged his reputation and put his career in doubt.


Ferguson forgets the hype Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has shrugged off the hype surrounding tonights Carling Cup meeting against Arsenal at Old Trafford.


Barrera Proved he #39;s Better than Morales The third fight between Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera promised to break a tie and determine the best little fighter of the era.


No. 25 Wisconsin 69, No. 12 Maryland 64 MADISON, Wis. - Alando Tucker and the Wisconsin Badgers wanted to make sure people didn #39;t get the wrong impression about their embarrassing loss at Pepperdine last week.


GEORGIA TECH 99, MICHIGAN 68: Harris, Horton off-kilter in <b>...</b> The humiliation of unranked Michigan at the hands of No. 4 Georgia Tech on Tuesday night requires no other description. The Yellow Jackets used a 20-0 run less than eight minutes into the game


Spartans too timid The claustrophobic aren #39;t welcomed here. This is basketball with a saliva spray. It #39;s in your face. It #39;s in your hair.


Giants ink Benitez to three-year deal Free agent Armando Benitez and the San Francisco Giants agreed to a three-year contract yesterday, a move that stabilizes the club #39;s closer role that #39;s been in flux since Robb Nen got injured two years ago.


Sharon plays poker to head-off coalition crisis: World News: Tel Aviv, Dec 1 : Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appears heading to a certain defeat in parliament when he presents his government #39;s proposed budget for 2005.


Arrese Will Bet Anything on Spanish Win (AP) AP - Jordi Arrese will bet almost anything that his Spanish team will beat the Americans in the Davis Cup final.


Pushed by Mets, Sox won't go fourth on Martinez Lest there remain any doubt about their resolve, the Red Sox last night were fully prepared to let Pedro Martinez take his remarkable skills elsewhere rather than guarantee him a four-year contract to stay in Boston.


Notre Dame dismisses Willingham Three years ago, Notre Dame made a historic move when it named Tyrone Willingham the first African-American head football coach in the school's history.


Patriots discovering virtue of versatility When it comes to switching positions for the good of the team, some players do it comfortably while others, according to Patriots coach Bill Belichick, wouldn't even be asked.  quot;Some players can interchange from position to position seamlessly and you would never know sometimes what their primary spot was, quot; said Belichick, whose team had a day off from ...


Giants ink Benitez to three-year deal Free agent Armando Benitez and the San Francisco Giants agreed to a three-year contract yesterday, a move that stabilizes the club's closer role that's been in flux since Robb Nen got injured two years ago.


Many reaped rewards As generous in victory as they were defiant in times of trouble, the Red Sox spread nearly \$15.2 million in playoff winnings 95 ways, rewarding everyone from batboys to clubhouse attendants for helping them win the franchise's first World Series in 86 years.


Pacers will be charged Indiana Pacers players will be charged for fighting with fans during the Nov. 19 brawl at the end of a game against the Detroit Pistons, Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca told The Detroit News.


All signs pointing to Meyer When Notre Dame fired football coach Tyrone Willingham yesterday, it set into motion a series of events that many involved think will result in Utah coach Urban Meyer coming to South Bend.


BC wheels its way to Tire Bowl in N.C. After squandering the Big East title and a Bowl Championship Series bid to the Fiesta Bowl, Boston College yesterday settled for its next best option by accepting an invitation to the Continental Tire Bowl. Making their sixth consecutive bowl appearance, the Eagles will play North Carolina, a future Atlantic Coast Conference rival, in a 1 p.m. contest Dec. 30 at ...


Carr helps BU drive past URI Chaz Carr scored 25 points to lead Boston University to a 73-68 win over Rhode Island last night in a nonconference game at Kingston, R.I.


BC coasts past Long Island They could have been excused for doing a little California dreaming. With a game upcoming against UCLA in Anaheim, Calif., in the Wooden Classic Sunday, it would have been natural for the Cali Contingent of Boston College's men's basketball team -- junior Craig Smith of Los Angeles, sophomore Jared Dudley of San Diego, and sophomore Sean Marshall of Rialto -- ...


A fitting finish for Lions Winning close games is an art form -- a nebulous blend of luck, talent, timing, and intangibles. But Chelmsford has it down to a science.


North Shore gets best of St. Mary's The MIAA raised the price of an adult playoff ticket to \$10 this season. Last night, after six lead changes, including a touchdown by each team in the last two minutes, no one leaving East Boston Stadium after North Shore's 26-20 victory over St. Mary's in the Division 3A playoffs can say they didn't get their money's worth.


Feehan thwarts Bourne's speedsters Boasting a stingy defense and excellent special teams play, Bishop Feehan captured a Division 2A Super Bowl berth yesterday and the chance to win a fourth consecutive title.


A-B snags No. 49 The football bounced high, hopping up and settling into the waiting arms of Acton-Boxboro's Doug Mahoney.


Everett romps past Xaverian Fifty-eight seconds into the game, Xaverian looked golden. Thirty-nine minutes later, not so much.


Brockton has its lines down pat Brockton reached the postseason by controlling the line of scrimmage and it wasn't about to change its game plan.


Denehy boosts Walpole  Danvers coach thought he had the perfect game plan against Walpole last night in the Division 2 playoffs at Endicott College. It was the same game plan that earned his team its first playoff berth in 63 years.


Latecomer storm caps unusual season As if to taunt hurricane-weary forecasters, a system between the Azores and Bermuda became Tropical Storm Otto Tuesday afternoon, in the last hours of the hurricane season.


PPR in talks to sell Rexel stake French retailer Pinault Printemps Redoute is in talks to sell its stake in Rexel, valuing the electrical equipment supplier at 3.7bn (2.57bn).


HP to launch  #39;virus throttling #39; software SAN FRANCISCO--Hewlett-Packard plans to give customers a new weapon against viruses: software that crimps their spread. Early next year, the computer maker will begin selling software designed to slow the


Duff on the mark as Chelsea advance Chelsea continued their irresistible pre-Christmas march towards the business end of all four competitions with a 2-1 victory over Fulham in the Carling Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday night, Irish international Damien Duff scoring for the third time in


Welsh: Barrera Morales Might Do IV! Just about now Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales are beginning to get the full impact of that magic moment they created in vying for the WBC super featherweight crown the other night in Las Vegas.


Tuesday #39;s Top 25 Capsules BJ Elder scored 27 points, Will Bynum had 19 and Jarrett Jack added 16 for No. 4 Georgia Tech in a 99-68 victory over Michigan on Tuesday night in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.


Flood-hit Philippines awaits typhoon A POWERFUL typhoon is bearing down on the eastern Philippines where rescuers were desperately trying to find survivors from floods and landslides that have left nearly 500 dead or missing.


6 Americans Confirmed Dead in Afghan Crash KABUL, Afghanistan Dec 1, 2004 - Search teams have recovered the bodies of six Americans who died when their plane crashed high in Afghanistan #39;s snow-covered mountains, US military officials said Wednesday.


Mozambique Votes to Elect Successor to Chissano (Reuters) Reuters - Mozambicans began voting on Wednesday in\presidential and parliamentary elections focusing on who will\succeed President Joaquim Chissano, stepping down after 18\years in office.


Global Chip Gear Sales Seen Down 5.15 Pct in 2005  MAKUHARI, Japan (Reuters) - Global chip equipment sales are  expected to fall 5.15 percent in 2005, an industry group said  on Wednesday in a sharp reversal from its July forecast of  growth of 23.98 percent.


East-West standoff in Ukraine hardens, EU seeks to mediate (AFP) AFP - Foreign mediators are to join efforts to resolve Ukraine's deepening political crisis, sparked by a fiercely-disputed presidential vote which has polarised the former Soviet republic along pro-Western and pro-Russian lines.


Bush: End of hurricane season time for reflection, celebration Gov. Jeb Bush called Tuesday #39;s official end of the 2004 hurricane season a time of  quot;reflection and celebration quot; after Florida endured an unprecedented quartet


Kissing The Sky It used to be that the only way to build a skyscraper was up. But now the tall building is being totally reimagined and taken in some very unusual directions. Look out below


KPMG witness takes stand in Kazaa trial It is possible to trace users sharing unlicensed music files through their IP address, the Federal Court was told today by the major music labels #39; first witness in their civil case against peer-to-peer software provider Sharman Networks.


UW MEN #39;S BASKETBALL: Tucker, Chambliss lift Badgers Coach Bo Ryan said the University of Wisconsin men #39;s basketball team would have to mature quickly if it wanted to compete with 12th-ranked Maryland Tuesday night.


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


Mozambique Votes to Elect Successor to Chissano  MAPUTO (Reuters) - Mozambicans began voting on Wednesday in  presidential and parliamentary elections focusing on who will  succeed President Joaquim Chissano, stepping down after 18  years in office.


Bush to Hail Canadians for Response to Sept. 11  OTTAWA (Reuters) - President Bush, scorned by many in  Canada for the Iraq war, will hark back on Wednesday to help  given after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks as an example of a  close relationship between two neighbors that do not always see  eye to eye.


US keeps big tariffs on shrimp from Asia Some Chinese shrimp exporters will have to pay discouragingly hefty tariffs of more than 100 percent if they want their products to appear on American dinner tables, the Commerce Department ruled Tuesday.


State #39;s economy surges in October Massachusetts #39; recovery picked up speed in October as an improving job market and strong consumer spending propelled the state #39;s economy to one of its best performances


Anthem merger a done deal Anthem Inc. #39;s stockholders are waking up this morning with a new corporate name on their shares. Employees will get a voice-mail message saying they #39;re now a part of a much bigger company -- the biggest by several measures.


Men #39;s Top 25: Duke edges past Spartans DURHAM, NC - JJ Redick and Daniel Ewing each scored 29 points to lead the No. 10 Duke Blue Devils over the No. 11 Michigan State Spartans 81-74 Tuesday night in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.


Fans split on Notre Dame coach #39;s firing VALPARAISO  Chuck Coddington grew up in the Harbor. But his heart always leaned toward South Bend.  quot;I #39;ve been to about 100 million games, quot; said Coddington, now living in DeMotte.


UN calls for Suu Kyi #39;s release UN secretary-general Kofi Annan led international demands for the swift release of Burma #39;s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose house arrest has been extended for another year by the military regime.


Italy Hit By Nationwide Strike Of Workers Rome, Dec. 1 (NNN) : Italy was on Tuesday virtually crippled as millions of workers staged a one-day walk-out against the economic policies of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.


Mozambicans prepare to go to polls Mozambicans go to the polls this morning to vote in both presidential and parliamentary elections. The country #39;s electoral commission says half of the country #39;s estimated 18 million people have been registered


US stocks close lower on mixed signals US stocks closed lower last night as investors grappled with a number of conflicting economic reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended its session down 47.88 points, at 10,428.02.


Anthem seals WellPoint deal In an abrupt completion to a merger that was delayed for months, Anthem Inc. completed its \$20.8 billion purchase of WellPoint Health Networks on Tuesday and said the combined company is  quot;off and running.


Getting your report Consumers in Arizona and 12 other Western states can order free credit reports starting today. Residents in other states will be able to make similar requests at various times in 2005.


Strike talk heats up as hearing on US Airways labor contracts <b>...</b> Talk of a strike against US Airways escalated yesterday as the troubled carrier continued negotiations with three unions over concessions in advance of tomorrow #39;s bankruptcy


SuperGen Withdraws Drug Application  NEW YORK (Reuters) - SuperGen Inc. on Monday said it has  withdrawn an application to market its pancreatic cancer drug  in the United States due to insufficient data, casting a cloud  on the drug's future in the world's biggest market and sending  the company's shares down as much as 16 percent.


Santa really does encourage boys and girls to be nice not naughty (AFP) AFP - Adults who encourage children to believe in Father Christmas helping to foster their moral development, a British child psychiatrist says.


Nats get DC #39;s nod If the Washington Nationals never win a pennant, they have no reason to ever doubt that DC loves them. Yesterday, the District City Council tentatively approved a tab for a publicly financed ballpark that could amount to as much as \$630 million.


LSU routs N. Texas, now is 8-0 NO. 1 LSU 77, NORTH TEXAS 51: At Baton Rouge, La. - Seimone Augustus scored 22 points on 11-for-11 shooting, leading Louisiana State (8-0) over North Texas (2-2) on Tuesday.


Surgery Performed Aboard 'Air Hospital' (AP) AP - Doctors on a turbulence-free flight performed surgery 19,000 feet above the jungles of Colombia on the inaugural outing of the military's "Air Hospital," the country's new effort to save the lives of troops wounded in its war against Marxist insurgents.


Despite smiles, Bush #39;s visit to Canada chilly OTTAWA - On his first official visit to Canada, President Bush on Tuesday faced a frosty public critical of many of his policies, most notably the war in Iraq, and his meeting with Prime Minister Paul Martin yielded little progress on trade issues that


Indonesian crash death toll rises to 33 The death toll from Tuesday #39;s airline crash in Java, Indonesia, climbed to 33 as rescue workers found the body of the pilot under the plane #39;s cockpit.


Princess Aiko turns 3 Japan #39;s littlest princess turned three on Wednesday as authorities grappled with the issue of whether to make legal changes that would one day allow her ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne.


11 children, 4 adults die in Honduras sugarcane fire while hunting <b>...</b> Two men who had been hospitalized with severe burns have died, raising to 15 the death toll from a blaze in a sugarcane field that engulfed a group waiting to pounce on rabbits fleeing the flames.


Silent Night, Deadly Night On the night her world changed forever, Rashida Bee was 28 years old and had already been married for more than half her life. Her parents, traditional Muslims, had selected her husband for her when she was 13.


US senator calls for Annan's resignation (AFP) AFP - A US senator heading a panel investigating the UN's scandal-plagued Iraq oil-for-food program called for UN chief Kofi Annan's resignation in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece.


Ukraine's Parliament Opens Without Quorum  KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's parliament opened on Wednesday  without a quorum, hurting opposition hopes of pushing through  motions to open the way for new presidential elections.


Ukraine's election talks fall apart KIEV -- Ukraine's political opposition dug in its heels in Kiev's frigid central square yesterday, rejecting an offer of the prime minister's job from the declared winner of the disputed presidential election and withdrawing from talks aimed at reaching a compromise.


Lawyers file Abu Ghraib complaint BERLIN -- A group of American civil rights lawyers filed a criminal complaint in a German court yesterday against top US officials, including Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, for acts of torture committed at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.


Panel offers strategies on fighting global threats UNITED NATIONS -- In a highly anticipated report prompted by the deep divide over the war in Iraq, an international panel made 101 recommendations yesterday on how to deal with global threats in the 21st century including the use of preemptive and preventive military strikes with approval from the UN Security Council.


You can hedge bets with Cuban #39;s scheme Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, a billionaire who made his fortune by co-founding Broadcast.com and selling it to Yahoo! Inc., said he #39;s starting a hedge fund based on gambling.


New Mexicans Urged To Check Free Credit Report SANTA FE, NM -- Attorney General Patricia Madrid is recommending New Mexicans order a free copy of their credit report once the opportunity becomes available Wednesday.


Biodegradable cellphone fertilizes sunflowers LONDON - Flowers could someday sprout from biodegradable cellphones, say researchers who have found a way to embed a seed inside the plastic.


Next-generation Russian spaceship unveiled Russian space officials on Tuesday unveiled a full-scale high-fidelity mockup of the spacecraft they hope will replace the veteran Soyuz space capsule.


Notre Dame says bye to Ty Long regarded as valuing so much more than favorable scoreboards, Notre Dame joined the cold, hard college football 21st century yesterday by deciding it had lived under too many unfriendly scoreboards of late.


Bolton want outright deal for Liverpool #39;s Diouf Bolton Wanderers want to sign El Hadji Diouf to a permanent deal from Liverpool in January. The Guardian says Bolton officials have been privately impressed by Diouf #39;s reaction to the misdemeanour and by his displays since joining on loan in August.


UN plan would expand Security Council The United Nations proposed the most sweeping reforms in its history yesterday, recommending the overhaul of its key decision-making organ, the Security Council, and holding


Rumsfeld, et. al. Charged with War Crimes in Germany Reuters in Germany is reporting that Donald Rumsfeld, George Tenant and eight other unnamed US officials will be charge with war crimes in connection with the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal.


Joy, fear in air as election nears As one of the thousands of food-ration agents who are entrusted with handing out voter registration forms in Iraq, Fadhil Muhsen Salom has a feel for the mood of his Shiite


Cambodia 'must speed up reform' \The World Bank warns Cambodia that it needs to quicken reform to avoid severe economic problems.


Gazprom decides to bid for Yukos key oil unit MOSCOW - Russia #39;s Gazprom said on Tuesday it will bid for embattled oil firm Yukos #39; main unit next month, as the Kremlin seeks to turn the world #39;s biggest gas producer into a major oil player.


After busy Black Friday, shoppers downshift Shoppers spent their money on Friday and browsed the rest of the weekend, according to a retailers #39; trade group. The Retail Council of New York State reported an erratic


US dollar hits new all-time low against euro NEW YORK, December 1 (newratings.com) - The US dollar depreciated to a new record low against the euro, which strengthened to \$1.3335 yesterday, despite the better-than-expected 3Q economic growth figures announced for the US.


Bush Nominates Gutierrez to Head Commerce Description: President Bush nominates Carlos Gutierrez as Commerce secretary. The CEO and chairman of Kellogg #39;s is considered one of the country #39;s most prominent Hispanic executives.


Australian economic growth slows Australia #39;s economic growth eased in the third quarter to its weakest pace since late 2000 as sluggish exports dragged on the economy, raising doubts about the need for tighter monetary policy.


Greece faces court action over false deficit figures Greece is to face legal action after providing false budget deficit figures between 1997 and 2003, which disguised the country #39;s repeated breaches of European Union budget rules.


Stocks lookin #39; up NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Lower oil prices and a dollar staying ahead of \$1.33 versus the euro could lift US stocks at Wednesday #39;s open.


#39;Disclosure on steroids #39; NEW YORK - The barrage of internal controls and enhanced reporting requirements demanded by the US Securities and Exchange Commission has created a climate of  quot;disclosure on steroids quot; that has many counsel uncertain and badly stressed about making a


Despite recalls, too few vehicles being Timothy Michaud died last May after falling from the tailgate of a Chevrolet pickup and suffering severe head injuries. The 19-year-old from Maine never knew that General Motors Corp.


Eurostocks Nudge Up on Ericsson European shares nosed up on Wednesday as Ericsson gained on news it had won part of \$4-billion Cingular deal and with Glaxo buoyed after Pfizer affirmed its outlook.


Pension adviser takes on United Exiting bankruptcy court could cost United Airlines as much as \$1 billion more than expected if a judge approves a request filed Tuesday on behalf of 95,000 workers at the airline.


Traffic concerns jam Cape project There are brick sidewalks, a parking lot, a waste-water treatment facility, and two new buildings.


Stocks Seen Higher as Oil Slips Below  #36;49 (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. stock futures pointed to a\higher market open on Wednesday, with oil dipping below  #36;49 a\barrel and a batch of economic data on tap.


Shrimpers hail tariffs on imports Federal trade officials Tuesday announced final tariffs on shrimp from China and Vietnam, affirming US shrimpers #39; claims that exporters in those countries have dumped their product in the United States at artificially low prices.


Mortgage Applications Fell Last Week -MBA (Reuters) Reuters - Applications for U.S. home mortgages\fell last week, which was shortened by the Thanksgiving\holiday, as mortgage rates edged higher, an industry group said\on Wednesday.


Euro soars as ECB chief defends rate THE dollar tumbled to new lows against the euro yesterday as markets brushed aside an upgrade to US growth and a fresh warning from the European Central Banks President


Update 1: Greece Defends Deficit Revision The government on Wednesday defended its decision to radically revise the country #39;s deficit figures, ahead of a European Commission meeting to consider possible disciplinary action against Greece for submitting faulty figures.


Losing the head to gain the market Eventually, the board of Telstra understood that the only way it could regain the market #39;s confidence was to let go its chief executive Ziggy Switkowski.


Stores reconsider sales strategies after sluggish weekend (USATODAY.com) USATODAY.com - In spite of a burst of Friday spending, the holiday shopping season got off to a sluggish start, forcing retailers to reassess their strategies for luring buyers. Slow sales reported by three retail sales trackers on Tuesday were blamed on higher fuel costs and an overall lack of confidence in the economy.


Anthem, WellPoint merger complete, share prices appreciate NEW YORK, December 1 (newratings.com) - Anthem Inc (ATH.NYS) has successfully completed its \$20 billion acquisition of WellPoint Health Networks (WLP) to form the biggest health insurance company in the US, with more than 28 million members.


Numerous recalls point to vigilance, vehicle complexity Automakers have recalled more vehicles in the United States this year than ever before, but thats probably because of the increasing complexity of cars


Cingular signs for 3G Cingular, the largest mobile operator in the US, has signed Ericsson, Lucent and Siemens to build a 3G network. Beginning next year the telco will build networks in  quot;a number of major urban and suburban markets quot;.


Outlook for chip gear dims TOKYO Global sales of semiconductor equipment will fall short of forecasts this year and shrink next year, according to a survey of manufacturers released Wednesday.


Dollar Tumbles to Record Low Against Euro  LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar tumbled to a record low  against the euro and a 12-year trough versus sterling on  Wednesday as the greenback ran into a fresh wave of selling  after consolidation earlier this week.


Mortgage Applications Fell Last Week -MBA  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Applications for U.S. home mortgages  fell last week, which was shortened by the Thanksgiving  holiday, as mortgage rates edged higher, an industry group said  on Wednesday.


Kazaa makes plea for legal status M #39;LEARNED FIENDS for the file sharing outfit Sharman Networks told the Australian District Court that Kazza should be allowed in Australia because it is legal in the US.


1 Nation briefing WASHINGTON -- Texas researchers will begin clinical trials of a candidate vaccine against the deadly toxin ricin, a biological agent that can only be tested in select labs.


Sow Your Phone, Reap a Flower Researchers at the Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick, UK, along with PVAXX Research  amp; Development, have devised a way to recycle discarded mobile telephones.


Unprotected PCs can be hijacked in minutes and doing nothing else -xposes your PC to non-stop, automated break-in attempts by intruders looking to take control of your machine surreptitiously.


Network Walkman NW-HD3 supports MP3s Sony is on a roll after the announcement that some of its digital audio players will now support MP3 files. Up to now, they only supported the company #39;s proprietary ATRAC3plus format, a technology used in its Mini Disc players.


HP ditches datacentre service for automation module Hewlett-Packard will replace its HP/UX utility datacentre (UDC) service with a business automation module for OpenView, which it claims will let companies be more flexible.


Future Uncertain for Rare Hawaiian Bird One of Earth #39;s rarest birds might have gone into extinction following the death of one of the last known po #39;ouli. The aging male po #39;ouli died in captivity


November Same Store Sales Down  NEW YORK (Reuters) - ShopKo Stores Inc., a specialty and  discount retailer, on Wednesday said sales at stores open at  least a year fell 4.8 percent in November but maintained its  fourth-quarter earnings forecast.


AOL new browser combines Firefox with Explorer a version of the open-source Firefox but with support for Microsoft Internet Explorer tied-in. Explorer remains the


Microsoft sues resellers for piracy As part of its fight against software piracy, Microsoft has begun legal proceedings against eight resellers for allegedly buying and selling fake and used Certificate of Authenticity labels.


Sybase partners with IBM Sybase has just announced a partnership with IBM to market the former #39;s database on the latter #39;s hardware. If that doesn #39;t make you sit up and take notice then nothing will.


IDC: AMD captured 10 percent CPU share Market research firm IDC said on Tuesday that Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Inc. grabbed nearly 10 percent of the CPU market with its Athlon and Opteron range.


Cabir added to payload of Symbian mobile Trojan Virus writers have packaged the Skulls mobile Trojan with Cabir to create a more potent threat against Symbian Series 60 smart phones.


Computer analysis shows scientists could reconstruct the genome of <b>...</b> Contrary to the movie Jurassic Park, in which scientists recreate dinosaurs from ancient DNA, genetic material more than about 50 thousand years old cannot be reliably recovered.


Decision to boot Willingham a cold one Apparently, when the good fathers of Notre Dame lately looked to their football sideline, they saw a fellow who wasn #39;t nearly as acceptable as even Gerry Faust or Bob Davie, each of whom was allowed to squeeze out five years in South Bend.


Jense:  #39;Michael can be beaten #39; Jenson Button believes that Michael Schumacher will not wear the Formula One crown forever and intends to challenge the German for the Drivers #39; title next season.


Ga. Tech romps past Michigan Ewing #39;s last 3-pointer came in the final minute, when he swished one with the shot clock winding down to give Duke a 78-73 lead.


Wheldon targets IRL title Dan Wheldon is confident he can win the Indy Racing League title next season after coming close this year. The Englishman was a serious challenger all year but finished runner-up to his Andretti Green team-mate Tony Kanaan.


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


Suu Kyi to be held for another year Myanmar #39;s military rulers will keep opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi isolated under house arrest until at least November 27 next year, her opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) has said.


US lawyers file complaint over abuses in Abu Ghraib BERLIN -- A group of American civil rights attorneys filed a criminal complaint in German court yesterday against top US authorities, including Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, for acts of torture committed at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.


Greece to be warned on euro data The European Commission is to warn Greece about publishing false information about its public finances.


Six Americans killed in Afghanistan plane crash KABUL (AFP) - Three US military personnel and three American civilian crew members were killed when their plane crashed at the weekend in central Afghanistan, the US military said.


Mozambique Votes to Elect Successor to Chissano Mozambique used canoes and helicopters to ferry ballot papers to remote rural districts for Wednesday #39;s election to pick a successor to President Joaquim Chissano who spent 18 years in office.


Row over Airbus boss intensifies French and German executives are in a bitter dispute over the leadership of aerospace firm EADS.


Nokia to make handsets in India Nokia, the world's biggest mobile phone manufacturer, is to start making handsets in India.


The Rediff Special/rediff.com Newsdesk Twenty years after the world #39;s worst industrial disaster killed 7,000 people, maimed thousands for life, and eventually claimed at least 15,000 more lives, the survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy still await justice.


Southwestern adventure in a ski town Finding a ski bum working in a ski town restaurant is easy. But Peter Willis took it a step further.


Past meets present here  quot;You are entering the past, quot; the sign says.  quot;No cellphones. quot; Inside, the wooden floor creaks in spots and the aisles are crammed with everything from souvenir coffee mugs to toothpaste. There's even homemade fudge.


New software blows the whistle on viruses #39; activities Engineers at Hewlett-Packard are working on  quot;virus throttling quot; software that could slow the spread of viruses and worms, possibly limiting the destruction hackers inflict on millions of computers each year.


New eco-friendly mobile phone case turns into flower Feeling guilty that you #39;ve just thrown away your umpteenth mobile phone to get the latest handset? Soon you may be able to plant your old one and watch it grow into a flower.


Microsoft sues firms for software violations The world #39;s largest computer software manufacturer filed suit Tuesday in US District Court against a local software retailer it claims is selling and distributing counterfeit software labels.


Researchers reconstruct parts of the genome of a common mammalian <b>...</b> A group of researchers has re-created with remarkable accuracy part of the genome of the common ancestor of all placental mammals, a small shrew-like creature that prowled the forests of what is now Asia more than 80 million years ago.


HP kit to get Virus Throttler next year Hewlett-Packard is planning to build Virus Throttler technology into ProLiant servers and ProCurve switches starting in early 2005.


Sony Adds MP3 Support To NW-HD3 Someone at Sony has wisened up and decided to add MP3 support to their new NW-HD3 player slated for release in December.  quot;Sony is broadening support for the MP3 file format in its portable music player range.


Stocks to Open Higher Despite Weak Dollar US stock futures were headed higher Wednesday as traders dive into a new month looking for an upbeat December market despite lingering questions about oil prices and a weaker dollar.


HP plans to slow Net worms Hewlett-Packard is working on software that it says could slow the spread of Internet-borne worms and viruses, AP reports. Researchers at the company say the new virus-throttling software would not destroy


CONSUMERS GROWING WARY Good news about US economic growth was offset by signs that the nation #39;s consumers were feeling less giddy than they had for more than eight months.


Adecco, Manpower, Vedior Probed for Collusion #39; (Update1) Regulators in France, the world #39;s third-biggest temporary employment market, are investigating Adecco SA, Manpower Inc. and Vedior NV, the top providers of such workers, for alleged violations of competition laws.


ShopKo November Sales Down 4.8 Percent ShopKo Stores Inc. said Wednesday that sales at stores open at least one year, or same-store sales, fell 4.8 percent during the month of November.


Genome of the mammalian common ancestor reconstructed Using computer programs,scientists have suceeded in reconstructing the DNA of a creature that lived at the time of the dinosaurs more than 75 million years ago, a small, furry nocturnal animal that was the common ancestor of all placental mammals


Update 6: Anthem, WellPoint Complete Merger Just hours after winning approval from Georgia, Anthem Inc. and WellPoint Health Networks Inc. announced the completion of a \$16.5 billion merger creating the nation #39;s largest health insurance company.


China opens cities early to foreign lenders BEIJING China on Wednesday opened its ancient capital of Xi #39;an and an industrial city in the northeast to overseas banks, a year earlier than planned, as it eases restrictions on their expansion.


IBM Details PC Unit's Financial Woes The business racked up nearly \$1 billion in losses since 2001.


Knicks slip past Hawks He took a number of ridiculous shots last night, but one fell at precisely the right moment and gave the Knicks a dramatic 110-109 overtime victory against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena.


Cuba Releases Five Dissidents In a bid to thaw icy relations with Europe after last year #39;s crackdown on dissent, Cuban authorities released well-known writer Raul Rivero and four other dissidents as the EU reviews


Mozambique Prepares for Elections to Replace Chissano Mozambique holds elections on Wednesday and Thursday to choose a successor to President Joaquim Chissano, who ruled for 18 years and led the southern African country to peace after a long civil war that claimed up to a million lives.


Flowering phone is environmental wake-up call A rose is a rose is a phone? British scientists seeking to protect the environment have designed a biodegradable mobile phone cover that breaks down in soil when discarded and sprouts


OECD sees China GDP growth slowing to 8 in 2005 LONDON (CBS.MW)-- The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development expects Chinese economic growth to slow to 8 percent in 2005, reflecting high oil prices and new government measures, AFX news reported from Paris.


DATA VIEW: Australian Economy Puts Brakes On In 3Q -2- SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Australian economic growth slowed sharply in the third quarter, hurt by a sluggish export sector with some offset coming from still buoyant domestic demand.


US Stocks Dip Stocks were down on Wall Street today as consumer confidence dropped despite the latest report on the US gross domestic product, which grew at a faster pace than expected.


UAL pension trustee seeks \$994 million United Airlines must pay \$994 million in skipped contributions to employee pension plans and in benefits accrued by the plans, said the company appointed to protect worker interests in the retirement funds.


Philippine survivors flee new typhoon, 600 dead or missing REAL, Philippines (AFP) - Terrified survivors were fleeing the northeastern Philippines as a new storm bore down on the area where floods and landslides have killed more than 400 people and left nearly 200 missing.


UK may need to raise taxes to cut deficits - OECD British public borrowing is set to rise and the government will need to raise taxes or reduce spending to decisively cut the deficit, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said yesterday.


Stocks Seen Higher as Oil Slips Below \$49 US stock futures pointed to a higher market open on Wednesday, with oil dipping below \$49 a barrel and a batch of economic data on tap.


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


ESPN to Offer Phone Service Through Sprint (AP) AP - Sports cable channel ESPN will launch its own branded wireless phone service next year, the first in a series of branded cell phone services planned by The Walt Disney Co., which owns ESPN.


ShopKo Reports November Retail Sales GREEN BAY, Wis., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ShopKo Stores, Inc. (NYSE:SKO), today reported consolidated sales for the four weeks ended November 27, 2004 decreased 4.9 percent to \$272.8 million from \$286.8 million during the same period last year.


Vehicle complexity leads to record number of recalls Automakers have recalled more vehicles in the USA this year than ever before, likely more a result of the increasing complexity of cars and trucks and greater vigilance than a lapse in quality.


Hamas Says to Boycott Palestinian Presidential Vote (Reuters) Reuters - The Palestinian Islamic militant faction\Hamas will boycott a Jan. 9 presidential election for a\successor to Yasser Arafat, a senior Hamas leader said on\Wednesday.


Myanmar to Detain Suu Kyi Another Year -- Party (Reuters) Reuters - Myanmar's military rulers will keep\opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi isolated under house arrest\until at least Nov. 27 next year, her National League for\Democracy (NLD) said on Wednesday.


Egypt and Israel Discuss Gaza Withdrawal (AP) AP - Egypt's foreign minister and Israel's prime minister on Wednesday discussed the terms of a planned Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005, including the deployment of hundreds of Egyptian troops to ensure calm along the volatile Egypt-Gaza border.


ESPN to Launch Mobile Phone Service in Sprint Deal (Reuters) Reuters - Walt Disney Co.'s  ESPN\sports television network is launching its own brand of mobile\phone service in a deal with Sprint Corp.  intended to\lure new users with sports news sent over a next-generation\network, the companies said on Wednesday.


Sybase Server Available On IBM Linux Hardware (TechWeb) TechWeb - Sybase Inc. on Tuesday said it plans to ship next year a version of its Linux-based database on IBM's eServer systems.


Video System Provides Bench Strength (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - World Champion Boston Red Sox employ video cataloguing of every pitch in every game using specialized software.


New Program Turns Consumers Into Spam Vigilantes 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.


Kennedy Knicknacks to Go on the Block Next Year Lovers of Kennedy lore will get a rare chance at owning some common possessions of late President John F. Kennedy and his family in an auction of art, furniture and other effects from their homes.


Turning Phone Into Broadcaster (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - Enterprise communications systems are no longer used simply as tools of convenience and sound business practice but increasingly as crisis-management programs as well.


UCI says Tyler Hamilton dumped by Phonak GENEVA (Ticker) - Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton has been dumped by his pro cycling team after he failed blood doping tests, the sport #39;s world governing body announced on Tuesday.


Notre Dame fires Willingham After three up-and-down seasons that briefly brought the Notre Dame football program back to elite status, then quickly returned it to mediocrity, it was announced Tuesday


Davis Cup final to break spectator records This weekend #39;s Davis Cup final between Spain and the United States is to set a new record for the number of spectators at an official tennis match.


Federer Eases to Victory in Qatar Open  DOHA (Reuters) - World number one and top seed Roger  Federer posted a fluent 6-1, 6-1 victory over Spaniard David  Ferrer in the first round of the ATP \$1 million Qatar Open on  Monday.


Performance, not passion, must be Lerner #39;s strength Visual clues for Browns #39; fans are in short supply. Lerner is camera shy, speaking on the day of Butch Davis #39; departure only after public relations people asked the live cameras to go dark.


Bush to Thank Canadians for Post-9/11 Aid (AP) AP - When the United States closed its airspace after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, more than 200 airliners were diverted to airports across Canada, where stranded travelers were welcomed into homes.


Brazil Garbage Dump Could Be Climate Trailblazer (Reuters) Reuters - A Brazilian garbage dump could be a\trailblazer for thousands of projects in developing nations\under a U.N. plan to battle global warming, a Norwegian company\said Wednesday.


More than 400 Filipinos dead as new storm nears MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The death toll from landslides and flash floods in the eastern Philippines reached 412 Wednesday, as emergency officials warned of a new storm system approaching.


Canadians protest against Bush visit THOUSANDS of Canadians have taken to the streets in protest as US President George Bush began his first official visit to the country.


President attacked in central Belgrade BELGRADE -- Wednesday - Unknown assailants tried to force a car carrying Serbian President Boris Tadic off the road last night in what appeared to be a planned attack, according to Belgrade daily Vecernje Novosti.


Boycott of Palestinian Elections Sought GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Dec 1, 2004 - A Hamas leader announced Wednesday that the Islamic militant group will not field a candidate in Jan. 9 presidential elections and said he expected Hamas supporters not to participate in the vote.


Palestinian master bombmaker sentenced JERUSALEM -- An Israeli military court on Tuesday sentenced a Kuwaiti-born bombmaker to 67 consecutive life terms in jail for killing dozens of Israelis and at least five Americans.


Parades Mark AIDS Day, Africans Told 'Abstain'  BEIJING (Reuters) - The world's two most populous nations  promised on Wednesday to eradicate ignorance about AIDS, a  disease that was at first dismissed by many as a Western evil  confined to drug users, homosexuals and prostitutes.


Future Uncertain for Rare Hawaiian Bird (AP) AP - One of Earth's rarest birds might have gone into extinction following the death of one of the last known po'ouli.


China Toll 166 in Grim Saga of Mine Deaths  BEIJING (Reuters) - All the coal miners trapped after a gas  explosion in a shaft in northern China are dead, bringing the  toll to 166 in one of the worst disasters to hit the world's  most dangerous mining industry, state media said on Wednesday.


Hamas Says to Boycott Palestinian Presidential Vote  GAZA (Reuters) - The Palestinian Islamic militant faction  Hamas will boycott a Jan. 9 presidential election for a  successor to Yasser Arafat, a senior Hamas leader said on  Wednesday.


Mozambique Votes to Elect Successor to Chissano  MAPUTO (Reuters) - Mozambique used canoes and helicopters  to ferry ballot papers to remote rural districts for  Wednesday's election to pick a successor to President Joaquim  Chissano who spent 18 years in office.


Hamas urges PA election boycott Militant group Hamas urges its supporters to boycott the election of a new Palestinian Authority president.


Rumsfeld in Iraq abuse complaint US lawyers file a criminal complaint against Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld over  abuses at Abu Ghraib jail in Iraq.


Mugabe moves against party rivals Deep splits emerge in Zimbabwe's ruling party amidst jockeying for position to succeed President Mugabe.


Cannabis raises risk of psychosis \Frequent cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood raises the risk of psychotic symptoms later in life, research suggests.


Crow fan not guilty of stalking A fan who pursued singer Sheryl Crow for 15 months is found not guilty of burglary and stalking charges.


PCCW cautious in UK broadband wireless rollout Will launch a fixed wireless service in a 'major city' next year


Fakes seized in anti-piracy raids Illegal CDs, DVDs, computer software and games worth 10m are seized in central Scotland.


Dollar Falls, Hits Record Low Vs. Euro  LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar tumbled to a record low  against the euro and a 12-year trough versus sterling on  Wednesday as it ran into a fresh wave of selling after  consolidating earlier this week.


ESPN to Launch Mobile Phone Service in Sprint Deal  LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co.'s DIS.N ESPN  sports television network is launching its own brand of mobile  phone service in a deal with Sprint Corp. FON.N intended to  lure new users with sports news sent over a next-generation  network, the companies said on Wednesday.


Talking About Linux Technology journalist Robin "Roblimo" Miller will be online to discuss his new book, "Point and Click Linux: Your Guide to Hassle-Free Computing."


Microsoft to Open Research Center in India Microsoft Corp. is further expanding its presence in India with plans to open a research center in Bangalore.


HP Touts Software to Slow Computer Worms Engineers at Hewlett-Packard Co. are working on "virus-throttling" software that they say could slow the spread of Internet-borne viruses and worms.


ESPN to Launch Mobile Phone Service in Sprint Deal
\

 LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co.'s <DIS.N> ESPN\sports television network is launching its own brand of mobile\phone service in a deal with Sprint Corp. <FON.N> intended to\lure new users with sports news sent over a next-generation\network, the companies said on Wednesday.


Mass. Gets Electronic Gun Fingerprinting With a quick electronic scan of a fingerprint, gun shop owners in Massachusetts will know immediately if a customer is eligible to buy a weapon, using a system that officials say is the first of its kind in the nation.


Stakes high for EU science plans Europe must deliver on plans to set up an independent funding body for science or face an unprecedented brain drain, a leading scientist warns.


BSE cattle ban to be phased out Plans to phase out the ban on cattle over 30 months old being sold as meat are announced.


Holiday spirits are highest for stores that banked on weekend <b>...</b> If sales from the first weekend of the 2004 holiday shopping season taught retailers anything, it #39;s that there is no such thing as too much promotion.


Harmony loses latest round in hostile takeover bid JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - South African mining group Harmony has lost the latest round in a hostile takeover of rival Gold Fields when a court rejected an urgent attempt to appeal against a ruling frustrating its bid to create the world #39;s largest gold producer


Goodyear sharpens focus as it sells plantation unit Goodyear Tire  amp; Rubber, the biggest North American tiremaker, has agreed to sell its 95 percent stake in an Indonesian rubber-plantation unit to Bridgestone to end production of natural rubber and focus on tires.


Microsoft to open research lab in India BANGALORE, INDIA - Microsoft Corp. is setting up a research lab in Bangalore, India, that will focus on areas including computing technologies for emerging markets, according to a company executive.


Harbhajan has South Africa in spin Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh ran through the South African top order to give India a whiff of victory on the fourth day of the second test in Calcutta on Wednesday.


US Davis Cuppers plan to use patience SEVILLE - Andy Roddick is known for his power. He #39;ll need patience, too, in the Davis Cup final against Spain. Playing on red clay in front of an expected record crowd, Roddick might need to tone down his


Washington proposes to cap ballpark cost at \$630 million Financing for a ballpark for the Washington-bound Expos would be capped at \$630 million under an amendment approved Tuesday by the District of Columbia Council.


Hex draw announced On February 9 the US will open the final round of World Cup qualifying in Trinidad  amp; Tobago after the draw was announced Tuesday morning by FIFA.


Microsoft Investigates Windows Server Flaw Vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain complete control of a system.


Tech.gov: Barriers to Free Wi-Fi Federal and state governments usually promote competition for telecom services, but some states are blocking free Wi-Fi access.


Gretzky Says Lockout Could Last 2 Years (AP) AP - Wayne Gretzky fears the NHL could be shut down for as long as two years if a labor deal is not reached soon.


Shopping Search Update 2004, Part 2 Here's a look at new and interesting developments at the major shopping search and comparision sites during 2004. Today: NexTag, PriceGrabber, Shopping.com/Dealtime and Yahoo Shopping.


Schu #39;s  #39;no better #39; - JB Michael Schumacher is no better than Kimi or Juan or Fernando -- or a notable 25-year-old Englishman. That #39;s the opinion of BAR #39;s Jenson Button, who fits the latter driver-description like a glove.


Merrill Lynch looks to 'killer' Apple home media server The Mac maker a likely winner in the digital living room


More Robot Grunts Ready for Duty At an Army tech conference, companies show off new machines that do the work of flesh-and-blood soldiers. One sports machine guns to hunt down enemies. Another is an unmanned ambulance to take the wounded off the battlefield. Noah Shachtman reports from Orlando, Florida.


Costly Cloning Isn't a Cure-All Therapeutic cloning is both vilified and hailed as the only hope for stem-cell cures. But it may be prohibitively expensive and unnecessary, at least for developing stem-cell therapies. By Kristen Philipkoski.


Snake Eater a Slithering Success Despite all the Bond touches, the latest in the Metal Gear Solid series keeps its belly on the ground and does pretty much everything right. Game review by Chris Kohler.


Laserpod: Groovy Goes Modern Scratch that underwear off your wish list. The Laserpod ambient lighting system is one gift you won't regret getting this holiday season. By Amit Asaravala.


Mutating Bots May Save Lives Several research teams are developing robots made of smart building blocks that can morph into different forms to perform a broad variety of tasks. The bots are to be used in space missions and in search-and-rescue efforts. By Lakshmi Sandhana.


Rocket Fuel in Milk, Lettuce The Food and Drug Administration says a rocket fuel component contaminates nearly 94 percent of the milk and lettuce samples surveyed. The compound is suspected of having nasty effects in humans. By Amit Asaravala.


New Security Pain: Radioactivity You can empty your pockets of change, take off your belt and shoes and stick your keys in the little tray. But if you've had radiation therapy recently, you still might set off Homeland Security alarms.


Humana Sees Earns at Top End of Forecast  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Health insurer Humana Inc. HUM.N on  Wednesday said earnings for 2004 should be at the top end of  its previous forecast and said 2005 earnings should increase by  15 percent from its 2004 estimate.


Fairchild Sales Not as Bad as Had Thought  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Fairchild Semiconductor International  Inc. on Wednesday said it now expects fourth-quarter sales to  be down about 5 percent from the third quarter, compared with  its previous forecast for a drop of 5 percent to 10 percent.


Train maker wields axe on UK jobs Train maker Bombardier cuts over 700  jobs in the UK, with the axe falling on workers in Derby and Ilford.


ESPN to Launch Mobile Phone Service in Sprint Deal LOS ANGELES -- Walt Disney Co. #39;s ESPN sports television network is launching its own brand of mobile phone service in a deal with Sprint Corp.


Major progress achieved in banking reform: regulator China #39;s top banking regulator said here Wednesday that the country has made  quot;tremendous quot; progress in the reform of the banking industry characterized by a drastic dropin both the amount and ratio of non-performing loans.


Burress' Home Burglarized (Reuters) Reuters - The town house of Pittsburgh\Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress was invaded by three\men, who are accused of taking  #36;63,000 in jewelry, cash and\other items before Sunday's game against Buffalo.


Bollywood superstar Bachchan joins Mandela's anti-AIDS campaign (AFP) AFP - Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has been appointed a key player in an anti-AIDS campaign headed by South African former president Nelson Mandela, according to a statement here.


Google news site hit by access problems in China An effort by Beijing authorities to bar access to the Chinese Google News website would be a considerable setback for the US internet search company, which is seeking to expand its


College Basketball: Georgia Tech, UConn Win ATLANTA (Sports Network) - BJ Elder poured in a game-high 27 points to lead fourth-ranked Georgia Tech to a convincing 99-68 win over Michigan in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge at Alexander Memorial Coliseum.


Batteast too much for gritty Valparaiso Notre Dames All-American senior forward scored her teams first five baskets, and the No. 3 Irish never trailed after that on their way to a 69-59 victory over


Cingular plans to upgrade high-speed data network Cingular Wireless, the largest US cellphone service provider, has announced plans to upgrade its high-speed data network, allowing faster downloads than are now available on many home broadband connections.


Telstra chief to leave before contract ends SINGAPORE Even after he jettisoned a disastrous expansion strategy and offered them 4.5 billion Australian dollars with a promise to stick to his knitting, it turns out that shareholders never really forgave Zygmunt Switkowski.


Nokia to Invest in New Plant in India Nokia Corp. increased its global market share of mobile phone handsets for a second successive quarter, reaching 30.9 percent with sales of 51.7 million units, market researcher Gartner Inc.


US plan casts off protection for large areas of fish habitat The Bush administration on Tuesday proposed a steep reduction in the miles of rivers and streams to come under federal protection for Pacific salmon, and offered exemptions for property owners and broad areas of the Northwest and California.


HP creating software to limit virus damage SAN FRANCISCO Engineers at Hewlett-Packard are working on what they call virus-throttling software that could slow the spread of viruses and worms, possibly limiting the destruction that hackers inflict on millions of computers each year.


Singingfish Unveils Multimedia Search Tool Singingfish will reach out to consumers for the first time this week when it launches a revamped multimedia search engine on its Web site.


Mourinho wants Carling Cup glory Jose Mourinho has admitted that he wants to win the Carling Cup and does not see the competition as a hindrance. The Chelsea boss saw a strong line-up battle for a 2-1 victory against west London neighbours


Perhaps only heaven can help return Notre Dame to glory days Experts everywhere say Utahs Urban Meyer is the front-runner to replace Notre Dame football coach Tyrone Willingham, who was fired Tuesday.


Hamas will not field candidate for Palestinian election Gaza City: Hamas will not field a candidate for next month #39;s election to succeed Yasser Arafat as president of the Palestinian Authority, a spokesman for the radical Islamist movement said on Wednesday.


Consumer Spending, Incomes Up in October Consumers  --  who play an important role in shaping economic activity  --  spent briskly in October, an encouraging sign that the final quarter of 2004 is getting off to a decent start. Incomes rose sharply.


Consumer Spending Stronger Than Expected (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. consumer spending rose a\sharper-than-expected 0.7 percent in October, but rising food\and energy prices ate up much of that gain, a government report\showed on Wednesday.


Act now on the budget, Brown told Chancellor Gordon Brown has been given a lecture ahead of tomorrow #39;s pre-Budget Report - he faces raising taxes or cutting spending.


Stocks Seen Higher as Oil Slips Below \$50 US stock futures pointed to a higher market open on Wednesday, with oil dipping below \$50 a barrel and a batch of economic data on tap.


Bombardier Transportation to cut 2,200 more jobs in restructuring MONTREAL (CP) - Bombardier Inc. is cutting 2,200 more jobs in its rail transportation division, bringing the total reductions to 7,600 by April 2006 - or 21 per cent of the division #39;s workforce.


Verizon Will Sell Its 20.5 Stake in Canada #39;s Telus (Update3) Verizon Communications Inc., the biggest US telephone company, will sell its 20.5 percent stake in Telus Corp. to raise cash to invest in its wireless and high- speed Internet services.


Update 1: ShopKo November Sales Down 4.8 Percent Discount retailer ShopKo Stores Inc. said Wednesday that sales at stores open at least one year, or same-store sales, fell 4.8 percent during the month of November.


MS sues resellers for counterfeit certificates Microsoft is taking action against US resellers who are using dodgy Certificates of Authenticity (COA) to pass off counterfeit software as the real deal.


MILAN, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2004-- Les socits vont concentrer leurs efforts communs en matire de dveloppement, de commercialisation et de marketing en vue de saisir des opportunits d #39;affaires sur les marchs des rseaux de nouvelle gnration et des services de voix aux


British rowing approaches new era British rowing is entering an exciting new era following the retirement of Matthew Pinsent, according to several of the sport #39;s leading figures.


S. Africa urges to verify Rwandan soldiers #39;s presence in Congo South Africa Wednesday demanded verification of the presence of invading Rwandan soldiersin the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).


Serbian president survives apparent attempt on his life BELGRADE (AFP) - Pro-West Serbian President Boris Tadic vowed to press ahead with his reform programme after surviving what his office described as a possible assassination attempt on one of Belgrade #39;s busiest streets.


Press reveals Iran #39;s nuclear fears The IAEA decision to accept Iran #39;s suspension of uranium enrichment and not take the matter to the United Nations Security Council wins both hostile and welcome reactions in Iranian newspapers.


Kashmir separatists plan hunger strike over abuse (Reuters) Reuters - Leaders of Kashmir's main political separatist alliance on Wednesday threatened to go on hunger strike to protest against alleged human right abuses by Indian soldiers posted in the disputed region.


Blair Ally Proclaims Innocence in Nanny Visa Row  LONDON (Reuters) - A senior British minister accused of  abusing his position to help a lover fought back on Wednesday  as letters were published fueling suspicions of wrongdoing.


Israeli Coalition on Verge of Collapse Over Budget  JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's  coalition faced possible collapse on Wednesday as a budget vote  was likely to force him to remake his government or call  elections that would imperil his Gaza withdrawal plan.


Under Ridge, Color Alerts and Mixed Security Reviews Tom Ridge leaves with a record of progress, but his successor faces daunting challenges that critics say were largely ignored.


King Tut Treasures Will Return to U.S., but Won't Stop at the Met Treasures of King Tut, including his gold coffin, will bypass the Met because of a dispute over the admission charge.


Florida shrimpers win victory on tariffs against imported shrimp The Bush administration Tuesday upheld a decision to impose penalty tariffs on shrimp imported from China and Vietnam, handing a victory to beleaguered US shrimp producers from Florida and other states.


Chip gear sales now expected to shrink Global sales of chip equipment are expected to fall 5.2 percent next year, an industry group said Wednesday in a sharp reversal of its midyear forecast of 24 percent growth.


Ganguly faces disciplinary hearing over dissent Indian captain Saurav Ganguly was summoned by the match referee for a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday for showing dissent during the second test against South Africa on Wednesday.


Tough task reveals character The Blue Devils 81-74 victory over Michigan State perfectly depicted the cast of characters on the Duke squad. Specifically, the role each upperclassman performed in this early-season test


Tariff raises financial hopes for area shrimpers Carolinas fishermen and those in the shrimp industry hope tariffs on imported shrimp, passed Tuesday by the Commerce Department, will boost the prices local shrimpers get for their catch.


US October Personal Spending Rises 0.7; Incomes Up 0.6 US consumer spending rose in October as a surge in hiring led to the biggest rise in incomes in five months, a government report showed.


Blockbuster: Open to Raise Hollywood Bid (Reuters) Reuters - Blockbuster Inc. , the top U.S.\movie rental chain, said on Wednesday it is willing to raise\its bid for Hollywood Entertainment Corp. , a rival\that has two other suitors looking to buy it.


Why 2004 was the year of the blog The term  quot;blog quot; has been chosen as the top word of 2004 by a US dictionary publisher. Merriam-Webster said  quot;blog quot; headed the list of most looked-up terms on its site during the last twelve months.


OECD 2005 forecasts bleak as oil rises and US deficit widens The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicts global economic growth to be at 3.6 in 2004. The OECD lowered its forecast in the wake of a rise in oil prices and drop in consumer confidence.


UPDATE 4-Blockbuster offers to raise bid for Hollywood Blockbuster Inc. (BBI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday offered to raise its unsolicited bid for Hollywood Entertainment Corp.


Update 1: Giuliani Creates Investment-Banking Firm Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who aggressively targeted insider trading during his days as a federal prosecutor, is cozying up to Wall Street - launching his own investment-banking firm.


IBM Inks \$1 Billion Outsourcing Deals International Business Machines Corp. said Wednesday it signed a pair of outsourcing contracts worth more than US\$1 billion (euro752 million) with two Danish companies, continuing the computer giant #39;s push into northern Europe.


Bombardier to Cut 2,200 Jobs Bombardier Inc. (BBDb.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) plans to cut 2,200 more jobs at its train-making unit and further trim the production rate for its 50-seat regional


Dollar General Profit Down, Trims Outlook Discount retailer Dollar General Corp. (DG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday posted an unexpected profit fall with customers hurt by high oil prices and unemployment, and expressed caution for the key holiday season.


Sharp and Sony Ericsson work together on 3G handsets Sharp and the Japanese division of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications will jointly develop mobile phone handsets based on the Symbian operating system (for NTT DoCoMo #39;s third-generation (3G) Foma service in Japan and software for Foma phones.


Accusations Fly as Kazaa Piracy Trial Opens Kazaa is  quot;an engine of copyright piracy to a degree of magnitude never before seen, quot; charge solicitors in Australia. The goal of the record company lawyers is to have Sharman Networks -- Kazaa #39;s owners -- declared


Lycos Antispam Screensaver Draws Fire A screensaver developed by Lycos Europe that gives spammers a dose of their own medicine is attracting plenty of attention, but not all of it good.


Fiorina: HP Readies Software To Choke Computer Worms Who says Carly Fiorina doesn #39;t have a firm hand on the business? Hewlett-Packard (nyse: HPQ - news - people ) is working on software to choke the spread of Internet viruses and worms.


Microsoft Sues Alleged Software Pirates As part of its fight against software piracy, Microsoft has filed lawsuits against eight resellers for allegedly buying and selling fake and used Certificate of Authenticity labels, the company says.


Boffins develop flowering mobile phone Researchers at Warwick University have developed a biodegradable mobile phone case containing a seed that flowers when planted. The case is made of a new type of polymer that when buried will start to break down within two weeks.


Netscape supporting IE is good, but it #39;s not enough For AOL to quite literally breathe new life into the Netscape browser, it needs to do more than embrace and work with IE: Netscape needs to surpass IE in terms of ease-of-use and functionality.


Half-Life 2 Deathmatch Released December 01, 2004 - In a sly, swift update Tuesday evening, Valve released Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, the multiplayer component of Half-Life 2 which everyone had so gleefully hoped would appear.


IBM to support Sybase for Linux IBM is extending its support for the products of one of its software competitors, Sybase, to present a Linux server-software package.


Half a Mil and Climbing December 01, 2004 - Only a week on the market, and Nintendo #39;s dual-screen handheld is a huge success...at least according to the company and its sales numbers.


Beijing Official Seeks To Calm Microsoft Controversy Beijing has been debating a policy proposal that will force the city to spend at least half of its IT budget on offerings from local companies.


Chinese Blocking Google News, Says Watchdog Group Reporters Without Borders, an international media watchdog organization, is accusing Google of being complicit in China #39;s censorship of Google News sites.


Russia Unveils Model of New Clipper Space Shuttle Russias spacecraft building corporation Energia has unveiled a life-size model of the new Russian space shuttle, the Itar-Tass news agency reports.


Consider Spain a Davis Cup certainty Spain can be backed at 1-3 (Skybet and Sporting Odds) to make home advantage count and claim their second Davis Cup title by beating the United States at the Olympic Stadium in Seville, starting on Friday.


Hill-Wood moves to calm tensions Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has moved to calm tensions ahead of tonight #39;s Carling Cup quarter-final clash at Old Trafford by insisting there is no long-term vendetta between the clubs.


Ice on jet #39;s wings may have been cause on Ebersol crash Ice on wings may have caused Ebersol crash: Investigators said yesterday they were looking into whether ice on the wings or a mechanical problem contributed to the fiery crash of an executive jet that killed the 14-year-old son of NBC Sports chairman Dick


Bolton seek cheap Diouf deal The Liverpool striker is on a season-long loan deal at the Reebok Stadium from Liverpool, yet is currently at the centre of a spitting controversy involving Arjen De Zeeuw.


Power player should win - Els Sun City - Look out for golfers who drive well and hit high lofted irons on to the greens. Those, says South African Ernie Els, are the criteria needed to win this year #39;s Nedbank Golf Challenge which will


Pistons ban 2 fans following brawl CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Two spectators accused of taking part in last month #39;s NBA brawl are now banned from attending Detroit Pistons games and other events.


Weber #39;s orange sport coat tailor-made for huge game The throwback uniforms Illinois planned to unveil Wednesday against Wake Forest were sent back to the tailor. It appears the Flyin #39; Illini replicas were too big and baggy in the shorts.


Decision over Liverpool Groundshare Due Liverpool and Everton will decide by the end of this month whether the two clubs can share a ground - but the obstacles to such an arrangement continue to look insurmountable.


BYU set to fire Crowton Provo, UT (Sports Network) - Brigham Young University has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday afternoon at which time head football coach Gary Crowton will be fired.


Indian selectors pick two rookie fast bowlers for Bangladesh tour Indian selectors have picked two rookie pace bowlers in the squad for the two-Test series in Bangladesh. Gagandeep Singh of the northern state of Punjab and Shib Shankar Paul from the


Raptors continue Florida road swing CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Toronto Raptors shoot for a second-straight road victory when they visit the Orlando Magic Wednesday night.


Robiskie Picks Up  #39;Interim #39; Tag Once Again Terry Robiskie is growing accustomed to inheriting someone else #39;s team and someone else #39;s problems late in a wildly disappointing season, with little or no hope of turning things around and virtually


UN Panel Unveils Sweeping Reform Proposal A high-level UN panel has issued a sweeping series of recommendations on how to reform the world body to meet the challenges of the 21st century.


Israel  #39;determined to complete Gaza plan #39; Israel is determined to go ahead with its unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip - regardless of the death of Yasser Arafat and even if settlers resist - a top Israeli general who helped design the plan says.


Britain: Kidnapped Aid Worker Likely Dead Dental records have shown that a mutilated body found in Iraq is not that of kidnapped aid worker Margaret Hassan, but British officials say they still believe the British-Irish citizen is dead.


Cubans suggest dissident should leave One of five Cuban dissidents who have been released from prison this week has been told he should consider leaving the country. The Miami Herald reported Wednesday that writer Raul


Tuesday -  #39;D-Day for Northern Ireland Peace Deal #39; The success of a deal to revive power sharing in Northern Ireland lies in the hands of Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, they were told tonight.


Americans Missing In Afghanistan US military planes and troops are scouring Afghanistan #39;s daunting Hindu Kush mountains for six Americans who were aboard an aircraft that disappeared over the weekend.


Denmark backs call for Turkish recognition of Cyprus Danish Prime Minister Anders FoghRasmussen said Turkey #39;s admission talks with the European Union (EU) rely implicitly on the country #39;s recognition of the Greek-Cypriot state, the Ritzau news bureau reported on Wednesday.


Hamas to Boycott January Palestinian Election The radical Palestinian group Hamas says it will boycott next month #39;s election for a successor to the late Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat.


Indiana Fires Coach Indiana University fires head football coach Gerry DiNardo on Wednesday after three season. DiNardo leaves with two years left on his contract and an 8-27 career record.


US CEOs Less Bullish About Economy-Survey (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. chief executives have become\slightly less optimistic about the economy in the past quarter,\but half plan to increase capital spending in the next six\months, according to a survey released on Wednesday.


Manufacturing Speeds Up as Consumers Spend Away The outlook for US manufacturing improved in November as factories hired more workers in response to a jump in new orders, a national survey published on Wednesday showed.


Cingular To Roll Out 3G Network Cingular Wireless will leverage the additional spectrum it gained through the acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless to deploy a third-generation wireless data network based on the global UMTS standard.


IBM scores \$1B in Danish contracts IBM (Profile, Products, Articles) said Wednesday that it has sewn up outsourcing deals with two Danish companies valued at more than \$1 billion over 10 years, reinforcing its strength in Europe.


Stocks rise as oil prices fall NEW YORK A large build in the nation #39;s energy inventories has oil prices plunging. That, combined with increased consumer spending and good news on manufacturing, has stocks in rally mode.


Bombardier #39;s 3rd-Qtr Net Drops on Fewer Deliveries (Update4) Bombardier Inc., the world #39;s biggest maker of railway equipment, said third-quarter profit plunged 93 percent because of higher costs in the train business and fewer aircraft deliveries.


Ford Cuts Production as Sales Fall Again (Reuters) Reuters - Ford Motor Co.  on Wednesday said\it was setting first-quarter North American production below\the 2004 quarter's levels as U.S. sales fell again in November.