Offshoring observers square off A Webcast lets you hear directly from major commentators on shipping work abroad.


Oracle Moves Earnings Forward to Monday  SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Business software maker Oracle  Corp. ORCL.O on Friday said it will release its  second-quarter earnings before U.S. markets open on Monday,  instead of Thursday, due to issues related to its takeover bid  for PeopleSoft Inc. that may come up in court later on Monday.


U.S. Said Showing New Flexibility in N.Korea Talks  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States showed some new  flexibility in recent talks with North Korea on the nuclear  issue but Pyongyang was unimpressed and is resisting  participation in a new round of formal six-party negotiations,  U.S. officials and experts said on Friday.


U.S. Demands Cambodia Action in Sex Trafficking Case  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. diplomat in charge of  combating trafficking in people demanded on Friday that  Cambodia free 91 women and children abducted from a shelter a  day after police had rescued them from a brothel.


US ex-financier jailed for fraud Martin Frankel,  who defrauded insurance companies out of more than \$200m is sentenced to more than 16 years in jail.


Finger test 'spots heart disease' A fingertip test could detect patients in the earliest stages of heart disease, US scientists have claimed.


Life in the IT fun house For IT professionals, working in IT during the past few years has been a frightening whiplash tour through a carnival fun house. In the foyer of this (not so fun) fun house -- known as the 2001 Room -- the gag is simple: A rug is pulled out from under those fortunate enough to be standing, while others tumble down a dark chute, passing flashing neon signs that read layoffs and consolidation. In the background, the cacophony of late-night conference calls to Bangalore blares over loudspeakers.
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SBC Datacomm White Paper
Find out how Crate   Barrel expects to save \$180,000 by moving to VoIP, compared to a traditional PBX.


Grokster case set for Supreme Court WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a case focusing on whether peer-to-peer (P-to-P) software vendors should be penalized for unauthorized file trading when their software is used.


Sun executive talks up NAS strategy  Sun Microsystems is planning to beef up its network-attached storage product line with support for utility computing and its new zettabyte file system, according to Balint Fleischer, vice president and CTO of the network storage products group


JBoss aims high with Enterprise Middleware System JBoss Inc. on Monday plans to announce its JBoss Enterprise Middleware System, which includes a number of open-source projects the company plans to integrate into a single software offering.


Data center virtualization, systems management coming from Cisco Cisco executives told analysts this week that the company plans to take data center virtualization into areas such as application-aware switching and will partner to provide systems management software.


Cisco users see some pricing relief Although many IT managers have accepted paying premium prices for Cisco's networking devices, some users and analysts said Cisco products aren't quite as pricey as they used to be.


IBM claims virtualization victory over EMC IBM is claiming a storage management victory over EMC, saying it can now control its leading competitor's entire line of storage arrays with the latest version its SAN Volume Controller appliance.


Q A Part 2: Cisco's John Chambers on the '01 downturn, recovery Today marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of Cisco Systems, and the company's CEO, John Chambers, took time this week to talk about where his company has been, mistakes it's made and where it's going now.


Sprint: No comment on reported Nextel merger talks Sprint declined to comment on rumored merger talks with Nextel Communications, first reported yesterday.


CSOs see viruses, worms as top security challenge for '05 Worms, viruses and Trojan horses will remain a top security concern in 2005, according to executives at this week's CSO Interchange forum in New York.


Desktop search avalanche set to hit Two months after Internet search leader Google offered a test version of a desktop search tool, Microsoft, Yahoo and Ask Jeeves are all set to follow suit.


Longhorn Server to have one version for many roles SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoftwill let customers configure the next major release of Windows Server for specific server tasks, rather than selling a host of different Windows Server Longhorn editions tailored to those tasks, a company executive said Friday.


We #39;re good for policyholders, says Osmond Hugh Osmond, the pubs-to-pizzas entrepreneur leading the , yesterday outlined a vision of delivering much better investment returns to policyholders stranded in closed with-profit funds.


Sun eyes home users with Sun Ray update SAN FRANCISCO - Sun Microsystems on Monday will update its Sun Ray platform with new workstations and server software that company executives believe will give the thin client devices a foothold among home users.


Jordan Says Wizards Won't Tolerate Guff (AP) AP - Kwame Brown's boycott of a team huddle during a game was an example of immaturity that will not be tolerated, according to Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan.


Dewon Brazelton Wins Conigliaro Award (AP) AP - Tampa Bay pitcher Dewon Brazelton, who bounced from home to home with a twin brother who has cerebral palsy, will receive the Tony Conigliaro Award for overcoming adversity through spirit, determination and courage.


Phishing Web sites grew by 33 percent in November BOSTON - The number of phishing Web sites associated with online identity theft scams grew by 33 percent in November, after dropping off in September and early October, according to data compiled by the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) and shared with IDG News Service.


Search heads toward enterprise desktops Desktop search has its sights set on corporate PCs, leaving enterprise IT wary of potential security issues associated with the highly anticipated tools.
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Solaris 10(TM) OS: Position your business ten moves ahead.
Solaris 10 OS has arrived and provides even more\reasons for the world's most demanding businesses\to operate on this, the leading UNIX platform.\Like the fact you can run Linux and Solaris applications\side-by-side and run the same OS on SPARC(R),\AMD Opteron(TM), and Intel processor-based systems.\Discover more reasons and how Solaris 10 OS can move\your business ahead today.


Serena boosts IDEs, collaboration in change management Serena Software this week announced improvements to its enterprise change management system, Serena ChangeMan Dimensions.


Cape Clear boosts business processes in ESB Cape Clear Software this week is upgrading its ESB with the release of Cape Clear 6, enabling development of business process workflows based on BPEL.
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Solaris 10(TM) OS: Position your business ten moves ahead.
Solaris 10 OS has arrived and provides even more\reasons for the world's most demanding businesses\to operate on this, the leading UNIX platform.\Like the fact you can run Linux and Solaris applications\side-by-side and run the same OS on SPARC(R),\AMD Opteron(TM), and Intel processor-based systems.\Discover more reasons and how Solaris 10 OS can move\your business ahead today.


JBoss set to shine with JEMS middleware stack JBoss on Monday plans to flesh out details of its open source middleware stack consisting largely of existing software technologies, with the company intending to fill out the stack over time.


Supreme Court Will Hear Grokster Case Lower courts had ruled that the companies are not liable for copyright violations committed by users.


Jordan Makes Statement Wizards coach Eddie Jordan says the team is making a statement that immaturity will not be tolerated by suspending Kwame Brown one game for not taking part in a team huddle during a loss to Denver.


Portis Fined for Socks Clinton Portis was fined \$5,000 by the NFL for wearing a pair of red socks last week, violating the league's uniform rules.


Moreover Technologies Offers Blog Ping Service Moreover Technologies Offers Blog Ping Service\\Moreover Technologies, a provider of syndicated news and online information, this week announced a new service that enables bloggers to significantly expand the distribution of their content by automatically notifying Moreover the instant new content is published. The Moreover Ping Server ensures rapid inclusion into ...


MSN Beta - An SEOs Dream Search Engine MSN Beta - An SEO's Dream Search Engine\\MSN Beta is still serving up results that make any SEO jump for joy. It is very easy for many SEOs to rank well in the new Beta Search engine by MSN. A thread at SEO Chat asks the question, How long will ...


Google Has A New One for the Labs - Google Suggest Google Has A New One for the Labs - Google Suggest\\Google's Labs has popped out a new beta - Google Suggest. Google Suggest looks like the regular Google search, except as you type in keywords Google -- surprise! -- tries to guess what you could be typing. The really nifty ...


News: DirecTV hacker sentenced to seven years A Canadian man arrested in the U.S. was allegedly responsible for putting 68,000 hacked smart cards on the street.\


iPod for Schoolwork Mark Glassman writes in the New York Times,  #147;At the Brearley School, a private school for girls on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where Samantha is in the eighth grade, the iPod went from a  #145;want #146; to a  #145;must have #146; this year when its use was incorporated into foreign-language and classics courses. #148; Free registration required Dec 10


Gadget of the Year: iPod mini  #147;The Apple iPod mini, at \$249, is my choice as 2004 #146;s hottest high-tech gadget, #148; writes Mike Wendland in the Detroit Free Press.  #147;All of the iPods are awesome. But this little package, weighing in at 3.6 ounces, a half-inch thick and the size of a business card, is so slick and so sleek that all I can say is: Sweet  #133; And it delivers a sound quality so big and so pristine that it #146;s hard to believe it #146;s coming from something so tiny. It #146;s cutting-edge, high-tech chicness. #148; Dec 10


Best of Year: iMac G5 Naming the iMac G5 one of its Best Products of the Year, Fortune writes,  #147;An engineering marvel, the new iMac tucks the computer and speakers inside the expansive flat-panel display  #151;  #145;an advance as welcome as the day that VCR/DVD players were encased in the TV monitor box, #146; says Thompson Paul Thompson, director of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. Built-in wireless technology lets you use a cable-free keyboard and mouse. #148; Dec 10


Use PayPal at US iTunes Music Store The iTunes Music Store in the US will now accept PayPal for purchases of music downloads, audiobooks and gift certificates. Starting today, iTunes Music Store purchases can be funded through PayPal #146;s virtual wallet, allowing customers to pay in the way they prefer  #151; using a credit card, bank account or stored account balance. Dec 10


Sprint-Nextel Deal Talk Sparks Concern  NEW YORK (Reuters) - The prospect of a deal between Sprint  and Nextel Communications sparked concerns on Friday about a  shrinking U.S. market for mobile network equipment, sending  shares of Nextel's key supplier Motorola Inc. MOT.N down  almost 8 percent.


Sprint, Nextel Reportedly Near Merger The merger deal between Sprint and Nextel, which reportedly has not been finalized, is being described as a merger of equals that would create the third largest US cellular carrier with nearly 39 million subscribers.


Chrysler to recall 600,000 SUVs, pick-ups DETROIT, United States (AFP) - Under pressure from US regulators, DaimlerChrysler #39;s Chrysler Group said it would recall more than half a million trucks over ball joint defects that can cause the wheels of the vehicle to separate from the body.


Finley Signs  #36;14 Million Deal With Angels (AP) AP - The Anaheim Angels rounded out their starting outfield Friday, agreeing to a  #36;14 million, two-year contract with center fielder Steve Finley.


Get smart, baseball; start stricter testing Major League Baseball players finally came to their senses this week, telling their lawyers to reach an agreement on tougher testing for steroids.


Nobel Peace Prize awarded Environmentalists around the world are holding their heads a little higher. Wangari Maathai is being honored for her work in preserving the earth.


Coburn Wants to Keep Delivering Babies (AP) AP - Republican Sen.-elect Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, a politician and an obstetrician, wants to deliver more babies after he takes office Jan. 4, a request apparently at odds with Senate conflict-of-interest rules.


N.M. Church May Use Special Tea for Now (AP) AP - The U.S. Supreme Court sided Friday with a New Mexico church that wants to use hallucinogenic tea as part of its Christmas services, despite government objections that the tea is illegal and potentially dangerous.


China Aviation Oil Company illegal behavior: SASAC China #39;s state assets watchdog said here Friday that the derivatives trading of China Aviation Oil (Singapore) Corp. was in violation of the rules, and the company exceeded its authority in deciding to endorse the trading.


Oil Prices Skid as U.S. Winter Stays Mild  SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices slid on Monday on  expectations that more mild U.S. weather at the start of the  New Year will limit heating oil demand.


McNair sits out practice again, Carter added to injury list Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair sat out another practice Friday with a bruised sternum, and didn #39;t even try to throw even though coach Jeff Fisher said the injury is healing.


Diamondbacks Keep Busy; Ortiz Heading Home  ANAHEIM, Calif., (Sports Network) - The Arizona  Diamondbacks continued their offseason makeover Friday as they  signed free agent pitcher Russ Ortiz to a four-year contract.


Observers: reported deal good for Sprint, better for Nextel Sprint Corp. appears to be on the verge of the boldest move of CEO Gary Forsee #39;s 18-month tenure: A \$36 billion merger with rival wireless company Nextel Communications Inc.


Energy proposal pushes debate toward center A nonpartisan group that includes advocates for business, labor, consumers, and the environment gave a significant nudge this week to the effort to craft a national energy policy.


Spirits of Prohibition Vestiges of the failed social policy of the alcohol ban early in the past century still linger in state liquor laws, but the current US Supreme Court battle over direct interstate sales of wine has less to do with Prohibition than protectionism.


Electronics giant Thomson to introduce HD DVD players in 2005 PARIS (CP) - The electronics giant that operates under the Thomson, RCA and Technicolor brand names said Friday it will introduce high-definition DVD players next year and support two recording formats, HD DVD and Blu-ray.


Cyber-Security Office Calls for More Clout The office in charge of cyber-security in the Department of Homeland Security is planning to continue moving ahead on the agenda the agency has already set.


Berlusconi proved to have bribed judge but avoids prison Silvio Berlusconi, the Houdini of European politics, escaped jail last night on charges of bribing Roman judges. At the end of the Prime Minister #39;s trial in Milan, judges cleared him


Kerry Pays Nostalgic Visit to Iowa (AP) AP - John Kerry paid an emotional return visit Friday to the state that launched him toward his party's nomination for president, saying he felt "an unbelievable wave of nostalgia."


'Climate Witnesses' Testify About Warming (AP) AP - A Nepalese Sherpa fears his mountain valley will be flooded by melting glacier runoff high in the Himalayas. A Fiji islander frets about rising sea levels, while villagers cope with the destruction of mangrove swamps in India.


Cambodian sex workers abducted Armed men abduct more than 80 women from a shelter for rescued sex workers in Cambodia's capital.


Babb #39;s Bits: The Notre Dame Dilemma Some are undoubtedly asking - Why another Notre Dame article? Hasnt every media hack in the United States and even China written something on this the last two weeks?


In Conte's '20/20' Remarks, Legal Experts See a Risk As lacerating as Victor Conte Jr.'s remarks were about widespread doping in elite sport, his appearance on the ABC program was also puzzling to legal experts.


Afghans' Gains Face Big Threat in Drug Traffic A U.S. report warns that an increase in poppy cultivation will expand the influence of drug lords on Afghanistan's government.


All Corruption Charges Against Berlusconi Are Dismissed A panel absolved Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy of corruption charges, ending a trial that had dragged on for more than four years.


Southwest Offers \$100 Million for ATA Assets The move by Southwest was a sign of the competition that is emerging in the low-fare segment of the industry.


Variations on Power to the People In the Enron bankruptcy tale, one of the more intriguing sideshows involves the fate of Portland General Electric, the only energy-producing asset Enron actually owned.


MBNA Stops Unsolicited Switching of Customer Credit Cards The MBNA Corporation has decided that it should ask for permission before switching its customers' credit cards to American Express cards.


Holmes Will Return Despite a knee injury that ended his season, the Chiefs' Priest Holmes says he is "definitely 100 percent" planning to be back for 2005.


Wireless telecoms sector leads the way For the past year, ever since the AT amp;T Wireless management first put the then third-largest US mobile phone group on the auction block, Wall Street has been abuzz with rumours and


From Lenovo of China to that of the world  quot;On behalf of the Board of the Lenovo Directors I am honored to announced to the world that Lenovo Group has bought IBM #39;s PC division for US\$1.25 billion.


Airbus given go-ahead for A350 marketing Airbus was given the go-ahead yesterday by its shareholders - EADS and BAE Systems - to start marketing its planned A350 mid-range aircraft to airlines, heralding


German workers feel chill of General Motors job cuts By Hugh Williamson in Berlin and Richard Milne in Rsselsheim. The mood at Opel #39;s Rssel-heim factory near Frankfurt was as chilly yesterday as the weather.


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


Wholesale Prices Rose 0.5 in November Wholesale prices increased 0.5 percent in November, reflecting the biggest jump in natural gas costs since March 2003, the Labor Department said yesterday.


Stocks: Confidence data push shares higher NEW YORK Stocks rose slightly on Friday as a rise in consumer confidence was offset by an unexpected jump in US producer prices, spurring inflation concerns.


Local wineries eyeing Supreme Court debate Though Vern Holm is just getting into the wine business, his enterprise could be greatly impacted by the overturning of a prohibition-era law.


Eight-year ban for Collins The United States Anti-Doping Agency last night banned the sprinter Michelle Collins for eight years, even though she has never tested positive for drugs, in a case which could have serious repercussions for Marion Jones.


Nuggets add to Raptors woes TORONTO (CP) - With an injured Vince Carter on the bench, the Toronto Raptors dropped their sixth straight game Friday, 101-87 to the Denver Nuggets.


Three teams in the running to be winter champions in Germany BERLIN: Three teams have the chance to lift the honorific title of  #39;winter champions #39; heading into the final weekend of fixtures before the Bundesliga takes a five-week winter hiatus.


Mets still hoping to land Martinez Pedro Martinez is still available, and the New York Mets still believe they have a realistic chance to land him.  quot;Do we have hope of signing him?


Afghans #39; Gains Face Big Threat in Drug Traffic Poppy cultivation and opium production will continue to increase in Afghanistan, expanding the dangerous influence of drug lords at all levels of the government of President


Bucknell Stuns Pitt No. 10 Pittsburgh suffers its first loss of the season Sunday to Bucknell, 69-66. The defeat snaps the Panthers' 48-game non-conference home winning streak.


Airbus to launch A350 to rival Boeing 7E7 PARIS, Dec 10 (AFP) - The European aircraft manufacturer Airbus is to launch a new plane, the A350, that will challenge the future Boeing fuel-efficient 7E7, Airbus owners EADS and BAE Systems announced Friday.


Nextel, Sprint Discuss Merger You didnt read it here first, but its worth noting: Nextel has unique technology that lets them serve businesses who need push-to-talk quite well, but itsa mess of spectrum and


Teams Eye Free Agents at Winter Meetings (AP) AP - Just down the road from the Magic Kingdom, major league teams toyed with trades and focused on free agents as the winter meetings began Friday.


Heat Stops Cold-Shooting Grizzlies 92-84 (AP) AP - Dwyane Wade narrowly missed a triple-double and Shaquille O'Neal scored 11 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, awakening just in time to help lift the Miami Heat to an 92-84 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.


Pavano Unlikely to Return to Marlins (AP) AP - Carl Pavano probably won't return to the Florida Marlins but needs time to choose among the six American League teams that have courted him.


Fire of London Anyone seeking the secret of Chelsea #39;s success this season need have witnessed only one moment in training yesterday, a second #39;s play that exemplified the spirit, individual


Manning closes in on Marinos TD mark HOUSTON - With only a few seconds left in a certain victory for Miami, Peyton Manning threw a meaningless 6-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison to cut the score to 24-15.


Notre Dame Trustee Raps Coach's Firing (AP) AP - Notre Dame mishandled the firing of Tyrone Willingham as football coach and is not doing a good job in its search for his replacement, board of trustees member Dave Duerson said Friday.


Bomb in Pakistan market kills at least 11 QUETTA, PAKISTAN - At least 11 people were killed Friday when a powerful bomb went off at a popular outdoor market in the city of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan.


Venezuela military plane crashes CARACAS, Venezuela - A military plane crashed in the mountains near Caracas on Friday, killing all 16 people on board including two high-ranking military officers, officials said.


Iraqi militant group frees abducted Bangladeshi driver: family : World News  gt; Dhaka, Dec 10 : A Bangladeshi truck driver, who was abuducted by an Iraqi militant group nearly two months ago, has been freed, his brother said today.


Manning takes aim at NFL touchdown record WASHINGTON (AFP) - Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning can set a National Football League record for touchdown passes in a single season Sunday and secure a playoff spot for the Colts three games before the season #39;s end.


UN welcomes support of United States for Secretary-General 10 December 2004 - One day after the United States Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth gave his full backing to Secretary-General Kofi Annan - who had heard calls for his resignation from certain quarters in that country - a UN spokesman


Anti-Doping Agency Is Boosted By Ban of Sprinter in Balco Case The United States Anti-Doping Agency received an important validation when sprinter Michelle Collins, 33, received an eight-year suspension on Friday.


Redskins Fined Over Red Socks ASHBURN, Va., Dec. 10 (AP) - Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis and safety Sean Taylor were fined \$5,000 by the National Football League for wearing red socks in Sunday's game, a violation of the league's uniform rules.


'Deadliest' year in 10 for media In the deadliest year for journalists in a decade, 54 reporters and crew are killed around the world.


Taiwanese Vote Today May Boost Separatism High-stakes elections are likely to reinforce President Chen Shui-bian's drive to bestow more trappings of independence on this self-governing island despite warnings from the Chinese government and the U.S.


Dodge Durango SUVs and Dakota pickups recalled Daimler Chrysler tells CTV News that about 60,000 Canadian vehicles will be included in a massive North American recall that involves more than 600,000 Dodge Durango SUV #39;s and Dakota pickup trucks.


Delphi to cut 8,500 jobs, post 350-million-dollar loss in 2005 New York (dpa) - Delphi Corp., the world #39;s largest auto-parts maker, said Friday that it will cut 8,500 jobs, or nearly 5 per cent of its workforce, next year while it also announced that it would post losses for the fourth quarter and for 2005.


Nets Nudge Hornets 94-91 in Overtime (AP) AP - Jason Kidd hit a go-ahead basket early in overtime, and the Nets denied former coach Byron Scott a win in his return to New Jersey with a 94-91 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.


N.H.L. Must Determine if It Is Certain About Cost Certainty Aside from scoring public relations points with its latest offer, the players union has forced N.H.L. Commissioner Gary Bettman to make a difficult decision.


Sprint Near Deal to Buy Nextel for \$34 Billion A merger between Sprint and Nextel would create a powerful new cellular competitor with some 39 million customers.


More Questions for Producer of Flu Vaccine The F.D.A. is demanding that Chiron provide more information about its plans to fix widespread sanitary problems at its flu vaccine factory in England.


Oil Prices Decline Sharply, but Shares Dip Anyway Concerns over the economy and potential inflation outweighed a sharp drop in oil prices, sending stocks slightly lower yesterday. All three major indexes were lower for the week as Wall Street #39;s customary year-end rally stalled.


Hill sits out with bruised right shin Grant Hill missed a game for the first time in this season Friday night, a precautionary move because of a badly bruised right shin.


Angels Sign Finley to a Two-Year Deal  ANAHEIM, Calif., (Sports Network) - The Anaheim Angels on  Friday signed veteran free-agent outfielder Steve Finley to a  two-year deal worth \$14 million, with a club option for the  2007 season.


Cambodia Women's Shelter Closes After Raid (AP) AP - A shelter for women and girls forced into the sex trade temporarily shut its doors Friday after gunmen kidnapped 92 of its occupants and made death threats against the staff, the shelter's director said.


No Fighting the Co-op Board, Even With Talons The story of the hawks evicted from their perch on a Manhattan building serves as a reminder of the power of co-op boards.


Internet Drug Exporters Feel Pressure in Canada The industry has run into regulatory, political and economic pressures that may drive it out of Canada altogether.


Sprint Near Deal to Buy Nextel for \$34 Billion Sprint is near a deal to acquire Nextel Communications for more than \$34 billion in a transaction that would lead to further consolidation in the rapidly changing telecommunications industry


Nets 94, Hornets 91, OT Jason Kidd hit a go-ahead basket early in overtime, and the Nets denied former coach Byron Scott a win in his return to New Jersey with a 94-91 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.


Portis, Taylor fined \$5,000 for wearing red socks That was an expensive pair of red socks Clinton Portis wore last week. They #39;re costing him \$5,000. The NFL fined the Washington Redskins running back Friday for violating the league #39;s uniform rules.


Soldier guilty of murdering Iraqi A US soldier is expected to be sentenced today after being found guilty of murder for shooting a severely wounded Iraqi civilian, while the US army pressed its sole supplier of armoured Humvees to increase production amid a growing domestic controversy


Taiwanese Vote Today May Boost Separatism Taiwan votes Saturday in high-stakes legislative elections likely to reinforce President Chen Shui-bian #39;s drive to bestow more trappings of independence on this self


End of era: Adieu, VCR The VCR, family home companion around the world during the 1980s and 1990s, is finally slipping into oblivion after a long, slow fall from favor.


Eiffel Tower Opens Elevated Skating Rink (AP) AP - Holiday on ice takes on new meaning when you're high above the rooftops of Paris doing figure eights inside the Eiffel Tower. During the 115 years of the Eiffel Tower's existence, it has added refreshment stands, trinket shops and fancy restaurants  #151; but nothing quite matches the skating rink in the sky that opened to the public Friday.


Record-smashing Kumble slams critics DHAKA - Leading Indian wicket-taker Anil Kumble yesterday brushed aside criticism over his unique bowling style, saying he is a leg-spinner with a difference.


Hawks 88, Pistons 72 Rookie Josh Smith replaced Kenny Anderson at point guard and had career highs of 12 points and four blocks in his first NBA start as the Atlanta Hawks stunned the Detroit Pistons 88-72 Friday night.


UN envoy to Iraq discusses elections with top US official WASHINGTON - The United Nations special envoy to Iraq met with US Deputy Secretary of Defense Richard Armitage Friday to discuss Iraqs January elections, the State Department said.


Turkmen leader reburies relatives Turkmen president moves the remains of his family to a newly-built mausoleum in his home village.


Crawford Financial Resources Inc Small wine producers seek Supreme Court #39;s help in allowing them to make direct shipments to wine-lovers in other states. VIRGINIA WINE makes a great holiday gift, but if the state #39;s wineries send it to your


Sharon to form new coalition AL QUDS, Dec 10: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon moved swiftly on Friday to forge a national unity government after winning approval to reshape his coalition and crushing internal opposition to his Gaza pullout plan.


Oxyride Battery to Be Sold in the U.S. (AP) AP - A battery developed by Matsushita Electric Industrial that delivers 1.5 times the power of a regular alkaline battery is going on sale in the United States and Europe in April 2005.


Justices Agree to Hear Case on Sharing of Music Files The Supreme Court, accepting urgent pleas from the recording and film industries, agreed on Friday to decide whether the online services that enable copyrighted songs


Spam-happy shoppers love stolen software Online shoppers are still willing to buy products advertised in spam, indicating that the problem is unlikely to desist anytime soon, a new survey shows.


Nextel, Sprint  Close to  Merger (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Nextel Communications Inc. and Sprint Corp. reached a tentative agreement to merge, a deal that would create the nation's third-biggest mobile-phone company and could bring significant changes to Nextel's Reston headquarters.


Griffin would welcome White into exclusive club If Jason White is named the Heisman Trophy winner he will be one of two players who have gotten the prestigious award twice. Former Ohio State tailback Archie Griffin is the only player to


Kidd Says Hello, Then Ruins Scott #39;s Return There might not be much love between Nets #39; captain Jason Kidd and his former coach, Byron Scott. But Kidd obviously wanted to make sure everybody on press row


US soldier guilty of murdering unarmed Iraqi BAGHDAD (AFP) - A US soldier is expected to be sentenced after being found guilty of murder for shooting to death a severely wounded Iraqi civilian, while the US army pressed its sole supplier of armored Humvees to increase production amid a growing


Terps Falter Again Maryland men's soccer team loses in the semifinals of the NCAA tournament for the third straight year, this time 3-2 to Indiana in overtime.


T'wolves Drop Kings Kevin Garnett narrowly misses a triple-double with 35 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists as Minnesota outlasts Sacramento, 113-105, on Friday night.


Codejack's really hot chili It's winter again, and that means chili time. There's not much better than coming in out of the cold to a good hot (hot!) bowl of chili, preferably served over macaroni with grated cheddar cheese on top. Now, everyone makes chili differently, so of course no one is actually going to follow my recipe exactly, but that's all right. If you want inferior chili, that's your right as an American. Foreigners, you may be out of luck, but then, do you have any business making chili, anyway? This applies to Californians and New Englanders, too.


British Guantanamo Detainee Details Abuse Claims  LONDON (Reuters) - A British man held at the Guantanamo Bay  prison camp in Cuba says he was shackled so long he wet himself  and was forced to clean up his own urine, the Guardian  newspaper reported on Saturday.


Red Cross Warns of Fallujah Risks The organization said that since a U.S. assault last month, sewage was flowing in the streets and hundreds of bodies apparently lay in a warehouse.


Bank of America to add 300 jobs Bank of America Corp. said yesterday it will bring 300 more jobs to Boston as part of its wealth management unit.


Prospect of deal triggers concerns Reports that Sprint Corp. may be close to a \$36 billion takeover of Nextel Communications Inc. yesterday alarmed consumer advocates, who predicted it would lead to less competition and higher prices for wireless service.


Diverging Fortunes, Tied to the Dollar Europe fears its exports will be choked off by the dollar's decline, while American manufacturers are rejoicing.


Justices to Hear Case on Sharing of Music Files The Supreme Court agreed on Friday to decide whether online services can be held liable for enabling copyrighted songs and movies to be shared freely.


Sprint Near Deal to Buy Nextel -Sources (Reuters) Reuters - Sprint Corp. is close to\an agreement to buy Nextel Communications Inc. for about  #36;35\billion in a mostly stock deal that would combine the No. 3 and


Cut by OPEC doesn #39;t slow the drop in crude #39;s price OPEC, worried by the recent downward spiral of crude prices, agreed to cut production by 1 million barrels a day at a Friday meeting in Cairo, Egypt, but rather than shoring up prices, the action created a sell-off.


Jetliner is first US one to land in Vietnam since war #39;s end For the first time since the Vietnam War ended, a US commercial airliner landed in Vietnam on Friday night, marking another milestone in the improving relations between two former enemies.


Delphi to Eliminate an Additional 8,500 Jobs Delphi, the world #39;s largest auto parts maker, said Friday that it would cut nearly 5 percent of its work force, or 8,500 jobs, as it copes with the declining fortunes


Realtors #39; big red kettle aids Target-less ringers Dismayed that Target stores have banned Salvation Army bell ringers, two Ahwatukee Foothills Realtors are bringing the biggest red kettle they can find to their office today and inviting donations.


Netflix CEO rates Blockbuster, Amazon threats Netflix chief executive Reed Hastings said on Friday that Blockbuster has more to lose in the war for online DVD renters than emerging foe Amazon.


Bank of America to add 300 jobs Bank of America Corp. said yesterday it will bring 300 more jobs to Boston as part of its wealth management unit. The decision comes after the bank agreed


Huge Boeing rocket prepared for liftoff today One of the most powerful rockets since The Boeing Co. #39;s Saturn 5 hurled astronauts to the moon more than three decades ago is set to blast away from Cape Canaveral today, weather permitting.


Meteor show will reach peak Monday night One of the year #39;s best meteor showers reaches a peak Monday when, weather permitting, you can expect to see dozens of meteors an hour shooting across the sky.


Williams a timid challenger? Five months ago, Danny Williams beat a shadow. Tonight, he #39;ll try to beat a mountain. Don #39;t bet against the mountain. Williams is the burly British


Pompey targets Strachan The managerial merry-go-round shows no signs of stopping, with former Southampton boss Gordon Strachan now the favourite to replace new Saints manager Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth.


NBA Wrap: Hawks Stun Injury-Plagued Pistons Tony Delk and Predrag Drobjnak both scored 16 points as the Atlanta Hawks stunned the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons 88-72 in National Basketball Association play Friday in Auburn Hills.


Seven year old Palestinian girl shot by Isreali sholdiers Israeli soldiers killed a seven-year-old Palestinian girl yesterday when they fired at Palestinians in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza.


Women more at risk from climate change: Canadian at UN conference Severe weather caused by global warming can pose greater physical danger to women than men, a Canadian attending a UN conference on climate change said Friday.


Arab, G8 leaders to meet in Morocco on reform in Arab world Leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) industrial nations and about 20 Arab countries across North Africaand the Middle East are scheduled to meet on Saturday here to discuss reforms


Helicopter crash kills 2 US soldiers in Iraq BAGHDAD - Two US soldiers were killed and four were wounded late Thursday when an airborne helicopter struck one on the ground at an airfield in the northern city of Mosul, military officials said.


High-Volume Toys Called a  Hazard Talking kitchens and vanities. Musical jump ropes and potty seats. Blusterous miniature leaf blowers and vacuum cleaners -- almost as loud as the real things.


Bush Picks Treasury  Deputy to  Lead Energy President Bush nominated Deputy Treasury Secretary Samuel W. Bodman yesterday as his second secretary of energy, tapping an administration veteran to lead the Energy Department at a time of unstable oil prices and rising nuclear proliferation concerns.


Suns Win Again to Tie Seattle Atop NBA (AP) AP - One week ahead of their showdown with Seattle, the Phoenix Suns tied the SuperSonics atop the NBA standings.


Penalties Stiff for Slander in Venezuela (AP) AP - A new penal code approved by Venezuela's Congress would stiffen prison sentences for slander and libel, drawing criticism from opponents of President Hugo Chavez.


Red Sox Reportedly Offer Wells Contract (AP) AP - The Boston Red Sox might try to defend their World Series with an even wackier group than the self-proclaimed "bunch of idiots" that ended the franchise's 86-year dynasty of disappointment.


Tendulkar equals world record for test centuries (Reuters) Reuters - Sachin Tendulkar smashed his 34th test century to equal Sunil Gavaskar's world record in the first test against Bangladesh on Saturday.


Kerik Withdraws His Name for Top DHS Job (AP) AP - Bernard Kerik, New York City's former top cop, withdrew his name from consideration to be President Bush's homeland security secretary, a victim of the embarrassing "nanny problem" that has killed the nominations of other prominent officials.


The N.H.L. Must Figure Out If It's Certain on Cost Certainty Aside from scoring public relations points with its latest offer, the players union has forced N.H.L. Commissioner Gary Bettman to make a difficult decision.


Houston On Bench As Knicks Lose Late Allan Houston made his season debut for the Knicks, and although his comeback was successful enough, the night was not.


Montgomerie Is No Stranger to Playing With Woods Colin Montgomerie walked off the 18th green in a tie for the lead with Tiger Woods at the Target World Challenge on Friday.


Sox offer Wells deal As they tried inching closer to signing Pedro Martinez and remained in the hunt for Carl Pavano, the Red Sox yesterday stepped up their pursuit of David Wells as the winter baseball meetings opened, offering the 41-year-old lefthander a one-year, \$6.5 million contract with \$1 million in potential performance bonuses.


Dillon could do a number The Patriots are expected to run all over the Cincinnati Bengals tomorrow at Gillette Stadium. At least that is what the statistics indicate.


World ; First US flight in Vietnam since 1975 World News, HO CHI MINH CITY, A United Airlines plane has landed in Vietnam #39;s Ho Chi Minh City, the first commercial American airliner to fly to the country since the Vietnam War.


For Holmes, return in '05 is chief goal Priest Holmes spoke of retirement after setting an NFL record with 27 touchdowns in 2003. Yesterday, a day after the Kansas City Chiefs put their star running back on injured reserve, he stated his intention to return next season. Holmes, 31, was leading the NFL in rushing and scoring when he strained ligaments in his right knee Nov. 7. This ...


Cincinnati in rush to blitz Coach Bill Belichick expects the Bengals to blitz often tomorrow at Gillette Stadium. Cincinnati has 29 sacks this season, led by Justin Smith with six and Duane Clemons with 5 1/2. The Bengals have intercepted 16 passes and opposing quarterbacks have a 61.7 completion percentage.


Players react to proposal National Hockey League Players Association executive director Bob Goodenow said Thursday night in Toronto that when some members of his constituency found out the union was offering a 24 percent rollback on salaries across the board as one of its concessions to the owners in an effort to forge a new collective bargaining agreement and thereby save part of the ...


Peterson has good shot at being first freshman Heisman winner As always, this year #39;s Heisman Memorial Trophy ballot asks voters to designate one person as the  quot;Outstanding College Football Player of the United States for 2004.


For Brandeis women, situation is unbeatable Few schools boast a list of faculty and alumni as distinguished -- or as eclectic -- as Brandeis University.


Bringing BU together Boston University will raise the curtain on a new \$225 million athletic complex at a gala next week, and its much-anticipated Agganis Arena will host its inaugural hockey game Jan. 3.


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


Johnson Wins Butkus Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson wins the Butkus Award on Friday night as the nation's best linebacker.


US soldier jailed for Iraq murder A US soldier is jailed for three years in a plea bargain after the murder of a severely wounded Iraqi teenager.


Ex-World Champion McRae Leads Dakar Rally  LONDON (Reuters) - Ex-world champion Colin McRae took a  narrow lead in the Dakar Rally after winning a 6.2-mile special  stage on the third day outside Granada in Spain Sunday.


College Basketball: Bucknell Upsets No. 10 Pitt  PITTSBURGH (Sports Network) - Kevin Bettencourt scored five  of his 13 points in the final two minutes to lead Bucknell to a  69-66 upset over 10th-ranked and previously unbeaten  Pittsburgh.


Pakistan arrests militant leader Pakistan says it has arrested the head of a militant Islamic group suspected of kidnapping UN workers in Afghanistan.


Colombia fighters give up weapons  TIBU, Colombia -- The commander of Colombia's paramilitary forces wept and apologized yesterday for his role in a war against Marxist rebels as 1,400 fighters surrendered their weapons in the largest demobilization of an outlawed armed faction in the country's history.


Sharon courts Labor for coalition  JERUSALEM -- Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel asked the Labor Party yesterday to join his ruling coalition, a move that would bolster his chances of carrying out a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip next year.


US commercial jetliner touches down in Vietnam, in milestone for 2 nations HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam -- United Airlines became the first US carrier to fly to Vietnam since the war ended nearly 30 years ago, marking a new milestone in relations between the former enemies as dignitaries on board were greeted at the airport with lotus blossoms and silk lanterns.


Human error cited in jet hit by Patriot Army commanders ordered a Patriot missile battery to shoot down a Navy jet during the invasion of Iraq last year after mistaking the aircraft for an incoming Iraqi missile, a military investigation concluded yesterday.


Red Cross gets first look at war-ravaged Fallujah BAGHDAD -- For the first time since a US-led offensive devastated Fallujah, a Red Cross team entered the city and met with Iraqi technicians and engineers to discuss sewage and water treatment needs, a group spokesman said yesterday.


Candidate list hints at Iraq's political future BAGHDAD -- Iraq's future political landscape began taking shape yesterday, as a coalition led by powerful Shi'ite Muslim groups revealed a few of its candidates in next month's parliamentary election. They include former exiles, a prominent cleric, and members of the interim government.


US soldier admits killing injured teen  BAGHDAD -- A US soldier pleaded guilty yesterday to killing a severely wounded Iraqi teenager in what investigators say may have been a mercy killing, the latest of several similar incidents that have undercut efforts by the United States to win support among Iraqis and defeat a rampant insurgency.


In Paris, a slick maneuver tries to lure tourists to Eiffel Tower PARIS -- Holiday on ice takes on new meaning high above the rooftops of Paris doing figure eights inside the Eiffel Tower.


Air Force Set for Test Flight of New Rocket The Air Force is scheduled to launch a new Delta 4 rocket on Saturday in a test that will help determine whether it can become a vehicle to carry billion-dollar military satellites.


Doctor Offers Assurances That Astronauts Won't Go Hungry NASA officials have asked the two astronauts aboard the International Space Station to stretch their food supplies until a cargo ship arrives in a couple of weeks with fresh groceries.


Weather Hinders Search for Ship's Crew as Oil Spill Widens Huge waves and freezing rain hampered efforts on Friday to search for six missing crew members from a wrecked freighter that was spilling its oil into the Bering Sea.


With Food Low, Space Crew Must Cut Back The two astronauts aboard the International Space Station have been asked to curb their calories because of a food shortage, NASA officials said.


OPEC ministers act to stop fall in oil prices HAMISH ROBERTSON: Ministers from the countries that make up the oil producing cartel - OPEC -ave taken action overnight to stop the fall in oil prices.


Airbus targets the 7E7 niche with new plane design Unwilling to concede any corner of the commercial-airplane market to Boeing, Airbus yesterday formalized plans for a new jet that will compete head-to-head with the 7E7.


China #39;s inflation slowed sharply in November BEIJING -- China #39;s inflation rate slowed sharply in November, kept in check by lower price rises for food as government efforts to curb the economy began to bite, official data showed Friday.


Seattle bank agrees with feds on changes Less than a month after posting a hefty drop in quarterly earnings, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle agreed yesterday with its regulator on steps to improve its performance.


Centrica hit by warning of margin pressure at British Gas Centrica, the owner of British Gas, has lost nearly 1 million customers this year after rising fuel costs forced it to increase energy bills.


Napster plans to offer mobile ringtones Online music retailer Napster announced its plans to enter the mobile ringtones market on Thursday. Napster, part of Roxio, Inc., said, it will partner with mobile content publisher Dwango Wireless to deliver ringtones to its mobile customers.


Poor round leaves Els up the creek MALELANE - The story of yesterday #39;s second round at the Dunhill golf Championship was more about the losers than the winners. After shooting a five- under-par 67 on Thursday to lie one shot off leader Bruce


Collins Hills Winfield signs with USC-Upstate Collins Hill senior Michael Winfield has signed a baseball and academic scholarship with the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, SC He is the son of Randy Winfield and Cherie Welday.


Graham sparks Oklahoma St. STILLWATER, OKLA. - Joey Graham scored 20 points and John Lucas III scored nine of his 18 in a 14-0 second-half run to lead fifth-ranked Oklahoma State to an 86-73 victory over UAB on Friday night.


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


Chip Shots Over for Chip Investors Figuring out which way the winds are blowing in the chip sector just got harder. Recent news suggests the all-encompassing rally off the September lows has ended and the sector #39;s investors will have to be much more selective going forward.


Drop in flat-panel prices to end, AU Optronics says AU Optronics Corp (  ), the world #39;s third-largest maker of flat-panel displays used in computers and televisions, expects the decline in screen prices that began earlier this year to come to an end as demand rebounds.


'Distribution System Is Not Working' A week into one of  South Asia's most devastating disasters in history, an international campaign to help Indonesia recover has at last moved into gear. But from the airport on, the distribution system slapped together has proved spotty at best.


College Basketball Wrap: Okla. State Vs UAB  STILLWATER, Okla. (Sports Network) - Joey Graham scored 20  points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead fifth-ranked Oklahoma  State to an 86-73 win over Alabama-Birmingham at Gallagher-Iba  Arena.


The Logic Behind a Sprint/Nextel Deal Anyone who has followed the telecom market in recent years knows that this hypercompetitive industry is badly in need of consolidation.


MOUSE HOUSE FLICK IN WORKS The classic power struggle between Walt Disney Co. CEO Michael Eisner and former feared talent agent Michael Ovitz makes for high drama in the courtroom - and apparently on cable.


Woods, Montgomerie match 66s, share lead Tiger Woods and Colin Montgomerie managed a little separation from those in pursuit Friday, each riding tournament-best rounds of 66 to a two-shot lead midway through the Target World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club.


Angels fit Finley into their plans Six years ago, Steve Finley set out to reshape his physique. He began an unorthodox exercise regimen that involved lifting no weight heavier than 50 pounds, a program designed


Mourinho is happy Premiership play their cards right CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho loves the rough and tumble of English football, believing a player has to  quot;lose control quot; to get sent off.


Esche willing to trade \$186G for a prosperous NHL The NHL Players #39; Association offered to slash the salary of Flyers goalie Robert Esche by \$186,000 Thursday. Understandably, Esche wasn #39;t real happy about it.


Putin: Iraq Still Too Dangerous for Russian Firms Iraq is still too dangerous for Russian companies to work there, President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying on Friday.  quot;Our companies are ready to return to Iraq as soon as the necessary


Bangladesh opposition in 900-km human chain protest (Reuters) Reuters - Thousands of Bangladesh opposition activists have gathered on Saturday in cities and urban centres to form an unprecedented 900-km "human chain" to demonstrate no-confidence in the government.


Cricket: Tendulkar equals record India's Sachin Tendulkar ties the record for Test centuries, against Bangladesh.


DaimlerChrysler recalls Durangos Bowing to pressure from federal safety regulators, DaimlerChrysler AG said Friday it is recalling 600,000 trucks and sport-utility vehicles, many of which were made in Delaware at the Durango plant.


White Could Join Griffin in Heisman Club (AP) AP - Archie Griffin has stood alone for 29 years as the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner. Oklahoma quarterback Jason White has a chance to match the former Ohio State tailback Saturday night.


Canada Confirms Second Mad Cow Case Canada on Sunday confirmed its second case of mad cow disease, just days after the United States said it planned to reopen its border to Canadian beef.


Thomson to introduce HD DVD players in 2005 Thomson announced its decision, on Thursday, to introduce HD DVD players, HD DVD and Blu-Ray discs in the market sometime next year.


Jazz Oust Trail Blazers 92-87 (AP) AP - Matt Harpring scored 17 points, including six in overtime, to lift the Utah Jazz past the Portland Trail Blazers 92-87 on Friday night to snap a six-game losing skid.


Williams a timid challenger? Five months ago, Danny Williams beat a shadow. Tonight, he'll try to beat a mountain. Don't bet against the mountain.


Today's schedule College basketball: Men -- Becker at Fitchburg St., 1 p.m.; Daniel Webster at WNEC, 1 p.m.; Long Island at Hartford, 2 p.m.; Framingham St. at WPI, 2 p.m.; Colby-Sawyer at Amherst, 2 p.m.; UMass-Lowell at Southern N.H., 2 p.m.; Keene St. at UMass-Boston, 3 p.m.; Mass. College at Eastern Nazarene, 3 p.m.; Elms at Lasell, 3 p.m.; Bridgewater St. at ...


Dodge SUVs, trucks recalled Failures in the ball joints of Durango SUVs and Dakota pickups prompt DaimlerChrysler to order the recall of 600,000 vehicles. WASHINGTON - Bowing to pressure from federal safety regulators, DaimlerChrysler


Tiger, Colin share lead at Target event THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Tiger Woods and Colin Montgomerie tied for the lead at the Target World Challenge on Friday; each shot five-under 66.


Players await league counteroffer If Thursday #39;s unprecedented proposal by the NHL Players #39; Association does not form the basis for an agreement with owners to end the lockout, Avalanche captain Joe Sakic said the NHL #39;s intent would become obvious: to break the players #39; union.


Yankees close to deal with Pavano; Wells to Red Sox? Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - The New York Yankees are reportedly closing in on acquiring free-agent starting pitcher Carl Pavano.


OPEC Expects Oil Prices to Recover Next Week as Cuts Are Made OPEC, the producer of more than a third of the world #39;s oil, expects prices will recover from their second-largest drop this year as nations enforce yesterday #39;s decision to lower output, ministers said.


Jan. 19 vote set in Coors, Molson deal Shareholders of Golden-based Adolph Coors Co. and Montreal- based Molson Inc. will cast ballots on the companies #39; proposed multibillion-dollar merger Jan. 19, the brewers said.


D-Back money talks ANAHEIM - With an astounding outlay of \$45 million for a third baseman coming off reconstructive shoulder surgery and another \$33 million for a starting pitcher the Braves weren #39;t even going to use in the postseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks have made a


Bombers can #39;t leave Wells enough alone ANAHEIM - Funny how one Red Sox championship seems to have changed everything in baseball #39;s world order. Suddenly the Yankees seem to be chasing their hated rivals in the offseason now too, after all those


Garnett crowns Kings MINNEAPOLIS - Kevin Garnett scored a season-high 35 points and added 18 rebounds with nine assists, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves rally to beat the Sacramento Kings, 113-105, last night.


Houston #39;s return is no remedy for Knicks Older, somewhat run-down with a little rust showing, Allan Houston is like the  #39;57 Mustang collecting dust in your garage. It still runs.


US soldier jailed for murdering Iraqi teenager A US soldier has been sentenced to three years in prison for murdering a severely wounded Iraqi teenager earlier this year, the US military says.


OPEC curbs oil output OPEC served notice yesterday it intends to make money this winter - no matter how mild the weather might be. Meeting in Cairo, the 11-member cartel, which pumps about a third of the world #39;s oil, said it will


PalmSource Embraces Linux Palm OS merchant PalmSource is buying mobile phone ISV China MobileSoft (CMS) in a \$22.6 million stock deal to tap into the huge Chinese market and the growing popularity of Linux.


US soldier sentenced to three years for murder (OfficialWire) -- 12/11/04 -- Staff Sergeant Johnny Horne, 30, from Winston-Salem, North Carolina has been sentenced to just three years in prison for murdering a severely


Pakistan blast death toll rises to 10 A bomb planted by suspected Pakistani nationalists killed 10 people and injured at least 21 when it exploded near a military truck in the city of Quetta on Friday, officials said.


Putin: No Objection to Ukraine in EU President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Russia has no objection to Ukraine joining the European Union. If Ukraine wants to enter the EU and is welcomed there, then we can only be pleased, #39; #39; Putin


Berlusconi Ally Sentenced to 9 Years in Mafia Trial (Reuters) Reuters - An Italian court found a close\political ally and business associate of Prime Minister Silvio\Berlusconi guilty of colluding with the Mafia, and sentenced\him on Saturday to nine years in prison.


Mexican Officials Promote 'Silicon Border' As soon as next year, Mexico plans to break ground on a 15-square-mile science park in Mexicali just south of the U.S. border, Mexican officials said.-The Washington Post


High Court  to Weigh File-Sharing Case The Supreme Court said it would rule on an appeal by movie and record companies, headed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, that say they should be able to sue the file-sharing services, Grokster Ltd. and StreamCast Networks Inc. -The Washington Post


Contractor Maximus Subpoenaed  Maximus Inc., which manages federal programs for state and local governments, disclosed yesterday that federal prosecutors have subpoenaed records connected to Medicaid reimbursement claims it prepared for the District.


OPEC Seeks to Quell Doubts Over Oil Cut  CAIRO (Reuters) - OPEC oil producers on Saturday said they  had already moved to enforce a deal to rein in excess supply, a  day after doubts over the group's resolve to cut sent prices  into a tailspin.  Oil prices fell 4 percent on Friday to the  lowest level since July despite the cartel's agreement to wipe  out one million barrels per day (bpd) of excess supply from  January 1.


HP lowers PC prices in China The world #39;s number-two PC maker Hewlett-Packard has lowed PC prices in China with the lowest price at 4,000 yuan or 480 US dollars, seen as a response to the recent Lenovo-IBM deal.


High Court To Weigh File Sharing The Supreme Court agreed yesterday to hear the entertainment industry #39;s case against two Internet-based file-sharing services through which millions of people swap music and movies online, a


Bell-ringer ban strikes sour note DONATING: Summer Ramson,3, gets a hand from her grandmother, Barbara Daliposon, left, and Salvation Army volunteer Donna Clark as she donates money Friday at an Albertsons store on Plumb Lane in Reno.


Oracle Bumps Up Release of 2Q Earnings Oracle Corp. on Friday said it will report fiscal second-quarter earnings three days early to allow more flexibility in testimony related to its hostile bid for rival PeopleSoft Corp.


Nobody strikes the pose better than Reggie Bush College football fans would probably be comparing him to - well, don #39;t take my word for it. Take Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer #39;s, one of the most respected individuals in the game.


Powell Advises Mideast Caution Secretary of State Colin L. Powell prescribed a cautious approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Friday, saying substantial steps toward creation of a


US Promotes Mideast Reform Amid Arab Skepticism Arab, Muslim and Western nations gather in Morocco on Saturday in an effort to promote economic and political reform in the Middle East that is widely seen within the region as US meddling.


Alleged Afghan kidnap mastermind arrested in Pakistan Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistani security forces have arrested an Afghan militant leader who allegedly masterminded


Not exactly an idiotic signing This should give pause to anyone who thought the Red Sox might be interested in toning down their image as idiots: They've signed David Wells to a two-year contract late last night.


Giant rocket prepares for lift-off Boeing's huge Delta 4-Heavy rocket, set for lift-off on Saturday, may play a role in life after the space shuttle.


US begins new Afghan operation The US says it has started a new offensive against Taleban and al-Qaeda militants, ahead of a planned poll.


Sprint Near Deal to Buy Nextel -Sources Sprint Corp. is close to an agreement to buy Nextel Communications Inc. for about \$35 billion in a mostly stock deal that would combine the No.


Airbus sees A350 orders ahead The president of European plane maker Airbus said on Saturday he hoped to win around 50 orders for the new wide-body jet A350 by next June.


Frankel sentenced to 16 years for fraud Former financier Martin Frankel was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in prison Friday for masterminding a scheme to loot insurance companies of more than \$200


US wholesale prices up 0.5 WASHINGTON - US producer prices, a measure of inflation at the wholesale level, rose by a faster-than-expected 0.5 in November, seasonally adjusted Labor Department data showed.


United cuts back United Airlines will cut its US flight capacity 14 after the busy holiday season and add international flights to focus on more profitable routes.


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


Paypal and iTunes link-up Online payment system Paypal can now be used for purchases by US customers of Apple #39;s iTunes music store. Until now, iTunes accepted credit cards, gift certificates and account balances as forms of payment.


Delta IV readyfor liftoff today The first launch of the Decatur-built, Boeing Delta IV heavy-lift rocket is scheduled today at Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida.


Yahoo Searches Desktops, Too Yahoo is adding a tool to search computer hard drives as it scrambles to catch up with Google and stay a step ahead of Microsoft in the battle to help users sort through gobs of information on the internet and the desktop.


Formula for GP frenzy FORMULA One #39;s governing body has confirmed the threatened British, French and San Marino Grands Prix on a crowded 19-race calendar for next year.


McKenzie over-takes Hughes in Melbourne Australian David McKenzie upstaged some illustrious rivals with an eight-under-par 64 to lead going into the final round of the Australian Masters in Melbourne.


Wenger: I won #39;t buy another  #39;keeper ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger last night appeared to quash suggestions that Norwich City #39;s Robert Green is on his New Year shopping list when he said:  quot;I #39;m not looking for another goalkeeper.


NHL Fans Get a Ray of Hope in Ongoing Lockout Description: After months of stalemate and the loss of 400 games, players make a new offer to the National Hockey League involving acceptance of a 24 percent salary cut.


Yearning for more: Sachin eyes 50 tons Sachin Tendulkar today described his record-equalling 34th century as a  quot;turning point quot; in his career. The champion batsman did not agree with suggestions that he had gone past his prime and said he will continue to  quot;hit back quot; at critics.


Bush an unlikely Heisman candidate He doesnt start for No. 1 USC, and ranks second on the team in rushing and receiving. Hesa sophomore, and the previous winners have all been juniors or seniors.


D #39;backs snag Ortiz, too One day after they signed third baseman Troy Glaus to a \$45 million four- year deal, they handed former Giants pitcher Russ Ortiz, who spent the last two years in Atlanta, a four-year, \$33 million contract.


Taiwan Opposition Claims Victory Taiwan's opposition parties, which favor\closer ties with China, claimed victory in the parliament\elections on Saturday, beating President Chen Shui-bian's\pro-independence party after a tight race.


Report: U.S.  Missiles Downed Navy Jet Operators mistakenly took a Navy pilot's F/A-18 Hornet for an incoming Iraqi missile during the spring 2003 invasion of Iraq, the U.S. Central Command said Friday.


Penalties Stiff for Slander in Venezuela A new penal code approved by Venezuela's Congress would stiffen prison sentences for slander and libel, drawing criticism from opponents of President Hugo Chavez.


Mexican Inmates on Death Row Win Review The Supreme Court agreed Friday to decide whether the federal courts must give a hearing to a Mexican inmate on Texas's death row who says the state violated international law by trying him on murder charges without first notifying Mexican diplomats who might have helped him.


Lieberman Shows No Interest in Cabinet (AP) AP - Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman said Sunday he is not interested in becoming President Bush's national intelligence director or homeland security chief, shooting down speculation he might be under consideration for those jobs.


Arab reform dreams run aground Across most of Amman you could hear the guns blasting out their ceremonial salute, as King Abdullah arrived for the state opening of the Jordanian parliament just a few days ago.


Iran not plotting Shiite  #39;crescent LONDON, Dec 11 (IranMania) - Iraqi Vice-President Ibrahim al-Jaafari refused to believe in remarks published Friday that Iran was attempting to influence Iraqi polls with the aim of creating a  quot;crescent quot; dominated by Shiites in the region.


Presidential candidate arrested A PALESTINIAN presidential candidate was arrested by Israeli authorities for allegedly attacking a border guard at a roadblock near Jerusalem, his party said.


A Catalogue of Genocide The lives of thousands of Holocaust victims are coming to light in a new database that allows anyone with an Internet connection to research the fate of family members and friends sent to Nazi death camps.


New Stealth Spy Satellite Debated on Hill The highly classified program has provoked opposition from lawmakers questioning its necessity and rapidly escalating price.


Oracle Lets Loose  #39;Tsunami #39; Collaboration Suite 10g SAN FRANCISCOOracle Corp. topped off a torrent of product announcements during its OpenWorld customer conference this week with the introduction of its Collaboration Suite 10g, which is designed as a universal


Tendulkar eager to score more centuries Sachin Tendulkar was thrilled, but not satisfied, by his record-equalling 34th test century against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.


US soldier jailed for murdering Iraqi teen A US soldier has been sentenced to three years in prison for killing a severely wounded Iraqi teenager, the US military said today.


Don #39;t rush to judge Annan Since the widening controversy over the UN #39;s oil-for-food program bubbled onto the international stage last January, it #39;s been a weapon for conservatives in Congress who want to see Kofi Annan walk the plank.


AU-sponsored peace talks on Darfur crisis set to resume ABUJA, Dec 11 (AFP) -- African Union-sponsored peace negotiations on the crisis in the western Sudanese region of Darfur were to resume Saturday, a spokesman for the continental body told AFP.


Wal-Mart Still Sees Dec. Sales Up 1-3 Pct  CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N said on  Saturday it still expects a 1 percent to 3 percent increase in  December sales at its U.S. stores open at least a year.


Hope Santa Rally Can Outrun the Grinch  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wall Street is hoping its traditional  year-end "Santa rally" will pick up steam in the week ahead.


OPEC Seeks to Quell Doubts Over Oil Cut  CAIRO (Reuters) - OPEC oil producers on Saturday said they  had already moved to rein in excess supply, a day after doubts  over the group's resolve to cut sent prices into a tailspin.


Troops Stay in Touch on Intranet A free collaborative service is an alternative to the military's portal site for sharing photos and family news. A soldier can read bedtime stories to his kids, but it can be scary for folks at home to see what's really going on overseas. By Michelle Delio.


File Sharing Goes to High Court The messy fight between the recording industry and online music swappers will be decided by the Supreme Court, which agrees to hear the case next spring.


Airbus shareholders OK A350 Airbus has received approval from its shareholders, EADS and BAE Systems to begin making firm commercial offers to launch customers for two new members of its wide-body Family.


Morris Hikes Cigarette Prices Altria Group Inc. #39;s Philip Morris USA has started to increase cigarette prices, providing what some analysts consider the first sign of life in the US cigarette market since 2002.


Iraq Insurgents Kill Top Police, Hit U.S. Convoy (Reuters) Reuters - Gunmen killed three high-ranking\Iraqi police officers in two separate attacks on Saturday,\among a daily round of bombings and ambushes targeting U.S.\forces and their Iraqi allies.


Palestinian Committee Given Report on Arafat Death (Reuters) Reuters - Yasser Arafat's nephew on\Saturday handed a medical report to a Palestinian committee\investigating the cause of the Palestinian leader's death at a\French hospital on Nov. 11.


Nephew: Suspicions About Arafat's Death (AP) AP - Yasser Arafat's nephew said Saturday the lack of a clear reason for his uncle's death raised suspicions the Palestinian leader died of "unnatural" causes.


Congo Army Factions Clash in Eastern Congo-U.N. (Reuters) Reuters - Rival army units in Democratic\Republic of Congo clashed on Saturday not far from Rwanda, the\United Nations said, another sign of the military and political\turmoil in the east of the former Zaire.


Risk-all tactics in aim for glory MELBOURNE golfer David McKenzie today will try to duplicate the aggressive approach which netted a sensational eight-under 64 at Huntingdale yesterday.


Renewal of Peace Process Discussed a Month After Arafat Death The death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat a month ago appears to have created a new atmosphere for possible renewal of peace efforts in the Middle East.


Southwest seeks to add 12 ATA gates at Midway The airline has requested use of the gates in a bid to the federal bankruptcy court of Indianapolis for certain ATA Airlines Inc. assets.


Bush Faces Busy January Calendar (AP) AP - A packed calendar awaits President Bush after his vacation in Texas: filling a gaping hole in his Cabinet, preparing his inaugural and State of the Union speeches, finalizing a new budget, keeping close watch on the upcoming elections in Iraq and promoting his second-term agenda.


Franz secures first win of career as Miller misses out Austria #39;s Werner Franz finally collected the maiden World Cup downhill victory of his career Saturday, becoming the first man to beat Bode Miller in the discipline this season.


Reform Needed in Arab World to Defeat Terror-US Secretary of State Colin Powell on Saturday said Middle Eastern economic and political reform would help defeat terrorism but many Arabs dismissed


Yasser Arafat #39;s nephew hands over Palestinian leader #39;s medical <b>...</b> Nasser al-Kidwa (ahl KIHD #39;-wah), who is also the Palestinian representative to the UN, delivered the 558-page dossier, plus X-rays, to the interim Palestinian president.


OPEC ministers unfazed by oil price drop after output cut CAIRO (AFP) - OPEC ministers played down the significance of an indifferent market reaction to their output cut to shore-up sliding oil prices, insisting that prices would climb again next week.


Industrial Milk Prices Hiked to Help Struggling Farmers Industrial milk prices are on the raise but it #39;s not clear how that will affect the cost of dairy products at your grocery stores.


Amazon Launch DVD Rental Service The UK arm of e-retailer Amazon has announced its plans to launch a DVD rental service. CEO Jeff Bezos announced the plans earlier this week, commenting that Amazon is determined to be the best place to rent DVDs -- online or off.


High Court  To Weigh File Sharing (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - The Supreme Court agreed yesterday to hear the entertainment industry's case against two Internet-based file-sharing services through which millions of people swap music and movies online, a decision that sets up a potentially decisive digital-age battle over copyright-infringement rules.


Money from China's boom makes way into U.S. economy (SiliconValley.com) SiliconValley.com - China's role in the international economy took a big step forward this week when a plucky computer maker named Lenovo bought a majority stake in IBM's personal computer business.


Palestinian elections committee accuses Israel of interference The Palestinian elections committee said Saturday that Israel #39;s arresting of a Palestinian presidential candidate is unconcealed interference.


18,000 U.S. Troops Begin Afghan Offensive (AP) AP - The 18,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan have begun a new offensive to hunt Taliban and al-Qaida militants through the country's harsh winter, aiming to sap their strength ahead of planned spring elections, the American military said Saturday.


Ukraine candidate 'was poisoned' Ukraine opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko's mystery illness was caused by poisoning, doctors say.


Dairy farmers request milk price hike MONCTON - A dairy farmer in northern New Brunswick says the price of milk and other dairy products should reflect reality. Dairy farmers across the country will find out in the next month or so whether they can charge more money for their milk.


Franz wins downhill, Guay 13th VAL D #39;ISERE, France (Ticker) -- Blood, sweat and tears finally paid off for Austrian veteran Werner Franz, who on Saturday collected the very first World Cup downhill win of his 14-year career.


A plea for new thinking The Nobel Peace Prize winner links the pursuit of peace with environmentalism and a shift in humanity #39;s thinking. BY DOUG MELLGREN.


Nephew: Suspicions about Arafat #39;s death Yasser Arafat #39;s nephew said Saturday the lack of a diagnosis of what led to his uncle #39;s death last month raised suspicions the Palestinian leader died of  quot;unnatural quot; causes.


BY ABOUT \$10 Airlines up their fares United and Delta airlines on Friday matched an airfare increase that American Airlines launched, but it wasn #39;t clear whether other competitors would follow.


Williams bids to beat Klitschko in Vegas South London fighter Danny Williams is bidding to reclaim the WBC world heavyweight title for Britain when he takes on champion Vitali Klitschko in Las Vegas.


Karni Tunnel as Hamas Hidden Arm into Israels Western Negev Round about 400 arms smuggling tunnels linking Egyptian Sinai to Palestinian Gaza under the Philadelphi border route have been unearthed and destroyed in the last couple of years by Israeli forces.


Citrus Estimates Revised Lower Florida #39;s orange crop dropped to its lowest level in 13 years while the grapefruit crop sank to its lowest point in 69 years. The projected 2004-05 orange crop fell to 168 million


Berlusconi Ally Convicted of Mafia Ties (AP) AP - A close political ally of Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi was convicted of ties with the Sicilian Mafia on Saturday and sentenced to nine years in prison.


Nigerian Party Chief Slams President (Reuters) Reuters - The head of Nigeria's ruling party\launched an unprecedented attack on President Olusegun Obasanjo\in a letter published on Saturday, warning him that his\government was unpopular and heading for collapse.


Taiwan's Pro-Independence Parties Defeated (AP) AP - Taiwan's pro-independence parties were defeated in legislative elections Saturday, a result sure to please Chinese leaders who regard the island as part of the mainland.


Carsley: Team Spirit Secured Derby Glory Evertons matchwinner Lee Carsley insisted the great team spirit at Goodison Park was the key to their Merseyside derby victory over Liverpool this afternoon.


Somalia #39;s newly-appointed PM dismissed by parliament The Somali parliament on Saturday passed a no-confidence motion against the newly-appointed prime minister and his cabinet, according to an informed senior Somali official in Nairobi.


Taiwan Chen's Pro-Independence Party Loses Poll  TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's party  suffered a surprise defeat on Saturday in elections likely to  be welcomed in Beijing as a step back from what it sees as  dangerous moves toward independence from mainland China.


Myanmar to Release a Further 5,000 Prisoners  YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar's military junta is to release a  further 5,070 prisoners, state media announced on Saturday,  bringing the total number of prisoners released in recent weeks  to more than 14,000.


Arafat file fails to halt rumours The nephew of late Palestinian leader says Yasser Arafat's medical file does not end rumours about his death.


Airbus gets go-ahead for A350 jet European plane maker Airbus won approval from its shareholders on Friday to start a fresh marketing battle against rival Boeing by seeking customers for a new wide-body jet to be known as the A350.


Safety Regulators Want Recall of Durango, Dakota Trucks Federal safety regulators and DaimlerChrysler are sparring over a problem with Dodge Durango and Dakota trucks. The government believes the defect could


Klitschko #39;s cut problem could be equalizer for Williams LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) - The oddsmakers have labelled Vitali Klitschko a strong favourite to defend his WCB heavyweight title but the scars over his left eye may be the biggest equalizer for challenger Danny Williams.


Sox eye Wells: GM Epstein says talks on 1-year deal in early <b>...</b> The lobby of the host hotel is typically considered the hub of activity at Major League Baseball #39;s annual winter meetings, despite the fact that most of


Baseball #39;s Winter Hearth Is Burning on Cash Russ Ortiz stood at a lectern in a ballroom at baseball #39;s winter meetings on Friday, \$33 million richer. Troy Glaus, his new Arizona Diamondbacks teammate, stood to the side and beamed as he took in the scene.


Seoul Stocks Under Pressure, HK Firmer  HONG KONG (Reuters) - Seoul shares were under pressure  early on Monday as a strong currency fueled worries about  export earnings but Hong Kong and Singapore stocks were  slightly firmer in light post-holiday trade.


SUDAN: AU criticises belligerents for attacks in Darfur NAIROBI, 10 Dec 2004 (IRIN) - The African Union (AU) on Friday strongly criticised Sudan #39;s government and rebel groups for launching attacks in December and late November respectively in the strife-torn western region of Darfur, ahead of a new round of


Tokyo bourse faces early 2005 slump before rebounding with economy (AFP) AFP - Japanese stocks are expected to slip in early 2005 on a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy but should rebound later in the year in tandem with expected stronger growth, analysts said.


Goods exports up 26 in Nov NEW DELHI: India #39;s merchandise exports in November 2004 have registered a record increase of 26 over the same month last year.


Crawford Gets Subpoena From Spitzer International insurance services firm Crawford  amp; Co. said Friday that it received a subpoena from the office of New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer requesting information in connection with the office #39;s investigation.


Seoul Stocks Under Pressure, HK Firmer (Reuters) Reuters - Seoul shares were under pressure\early on Monday as a strong currency fueled worries about\export earnings but Hong Kong and Singapore stocks were\slightly firmer in light post-holiday trade.


Chicken genome offers insights into humans Here #39;s something to ponder when you eat your next chicken wing: A new study says about 60 percent of the genes in the critter you #39;re eating have close cousins in your own DNA.


Geminids Meteor Shower 13 December 2004 The Geminids Meteor Shower, usually one of the best meteor showers of the year, will peak on Monday the 13th of December. Viewers can expect to see as many as 120 meteors an hour at peak time.


Person of the Week: Aaron Goldin Aaron Goldin, this week #39;s Person of the Week, won the grand prize at the Siemens Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science and Technology.


HP Sells Low Priced PC In China Hewlett-Packard Co. said it has launched a 3,999 yuan (\$483 in the US) computer in China. HP #39;s new model, part of its Pavilion series, features a central processing unit (CPU) from Advanced Micro Devices Inc.


Cheetham surges to lead in S. Africa MALELANE, South Africa (Ticker) - A month ago, Neil Cheetham earned his card for the 2005 European Tour in the Qualifying School Finals at San Roque.


Wells jumps to Red Sox after agreeing to two-year contract The loud lefty known for his unabashed love of Yankees history agreed Saturday to a two-year contract with Boston, a Red Sox official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.


Sports ; Cricket: Sachin hits 34th ton; India 348/7 in Dhaka Test Sports News, Dhaka,Sachin Tendulkar Saturday scored a world record-equalling 34th Test century to help India score 348 for seven wickets in their first innings at the end of the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh here.


Old Firm plum tie in Scottish Cup Tennent #39;s Scottish Cup holders Celtic have been drawn to face Old Firm rivals Rangers in next month #39;s third round. Martin O #39;Neill #39;s men, who knocked out their Glasgow neighbours in the quarter-finals last


BERLUSCONI TRIAL:COSSIGA, HE MUST GIVE UP DEBARMENT AND RESIGN (AGI) - Rome, Dec. 11 -  quot;He should give up the benefit of debarment and resign from his post as Prime Minister, and eventually stand in the ensuing electoral campaign as the leader of Italy #39;s largest party


Darfur talks on ambitious peace path The African Union has set an ambitious agenda for a political solution to the two-year-old Darfur conflict at the opening of peace talks in Nigeria, but says continued fighting is poisoning the atmosphere.


Donors urge Rwanda to exercise restraint on Congo International donors urged Rwanda on Friday to exercise restraint in its relations with neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo amid reports Rwandan soldiers had crossed the border to attack rebels.


Newsview: Shifts in Belfast remarkable Belfast used to be a place where you dreaded walking past an abandoned car on a lonely street for fear it might blow up. These days, Belfast is a bustling city


Dude, linguists are taking the word  #39;dude #39; seriously A linguist from the University of Pittsburgh has published a scholarly paper deconstructing and deciphering the word  quot;dude, quot; contending it is much more than a catchall for


Winter Break Starts With Bayern Ahead Only in the game #39;s final seconds was Bayern Munich able to secure its place at the top of the Bundesliga table. The Bavarians tied 2-2 at home against Stuttgart in the last game before the winter break.


Silverstone layout may change Motorsport.com. The layout of Silverstone #39;s 5.14 kilometre track may be changed as part of modernising the circuit, according British Racing Drivers #39; Club (BRDC) chief executive Alex Hooton.


#39;Many more tons to come from Sachin #39;s bat #39; Mumbai: Former Test cricketers, including Polly Umrigar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Bapu Nadkarni, praised batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar equalling former skipper Sunil Gavaskar #39;s 34 Test hundreds against Bangladesh today as  quot;a fantastic feat quot; and said he


UPDATE 1-McLeish celebrates as Rangers go back to the top Rangers romped to the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 3-0 win over Dundee on Saturday and were later paired with arch rivals Celtic in the Scottish Cup third round.


Wells Joins Red Sox  ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sports Network) - The Boston Red Sox have  signed free agent pitcher David Wells. The deal is believed to  be for two years.


Sharon invites opposition to join coalition Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has reached out to his opposition rival with an invitation to enter discussion on forming a new coalition government.


Diamondbacks Keep Busy; Ortiz Heading Home  ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sports Network) - The Arizona Diamondbacks  continued their offseason makeover Friday as they signed free  agent pitcher Russ Ortiz to a four-year contract.


Raptors' Carter Placed on Injured List  TORONTO (Sports Network) - Toronto Raptors All-Star  swingman Vince Carter was placed on the injured list Friday  after tests revealed a mild strain of his left Achilles'  tendon.


OPEC approves cutting oil production (updated AM 00:32) Gulf oil ministers on Saturday shrugged off a sharp decline in oil prices, saying the market #39;s reaction to OPEC #39;s decision the day before to reduce output by 1 million barrels was normal.


Sprint near deal to buy Nextel for \$35 billion Sprint is close to an agreement to buy Nextel for more than \$35 billion in a mostly stock deal, sources familiar with the situation said on Friday.


Detroit Pistons Team Report - December 11 (Sports Network) - The Detroit Pistons try to get back on the winning track this evening when they start a brief two-game road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.


Falcons' Michael Vick Throwing Hand Numb (AP) AP - Dallas receiver Keyshawn Johnson broke his left ankle in the second quarter of the Cowboys' game against the New York Giants on Sunday night.


Scientists hail discovery of debris disks For the first time, NASA scientists have observed planet-containing solar systems with disks of dust orbiting their central stars, astronomers announced Thursday.


Eagles Fly Past Hens Andre Ingram scores 20 points to lead American past Delaware, 64-58, on Sunday as the Eagles snap a two-game losing streak.


This Time, Cashman Shows Up, Ready to Buy Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman did not go to the winter meetings last year because George Steinbrenner, the principal owner, wanted to protect the team #39;s secrets.


Everton dreaming of Europe London - Everton emerged from the 200th Merseyside derby on Saturday with a long-awaited victory over Liverpool and their credentials as genuine contenders for a Champions League place significantly enhanced.


Boro snatch a point Middlesbrough came from nowhere to deprive Harry Redknapp of victory in his first match in charge of Southampton with two goals in the dying minutes to snatch a 2-2 draw.


United to cut US flights, non-union pay UAL Corp. #39;s United Airlines said Friday it is following through on its plan to cut \$2 billion in costs by cutting back domestic flights and non-union salaries.


UPDATE 1-Late twist makes Bayern winter champions Bayern Munich did just enough to claim the honorary title of Bundesliga winter champions on Saturday, snatching a 2-2 draw at home to VfB Stuttgart just as Schalke


Something about Harry You could be forgiven for thinking a military coup has just taken place on the south coast of England. Sven Goran Eriksson, Rupert Lowe and some other bloke.


Myanmar to Release a Further 5,000 Prisoners Myanmar #39;s military junta is to release a further 5,070 prisoners, state media announced on Saturday, bringing the total number of prisoners released in recent weeks to more than 14,000.


Sachin precious than  #39;Kohinoor #39;: Gavaskar DHAKA, Dec 11: Legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday congratulated Sachin Tendulkar for equalling his world record of 34 Test centuries, saying he was more precious to the Indians than even the  #39;Kohinoor #39; and must not stop before 50 centuries.


Downing Stunner Too Late for Sven England hopeful Stewart Downing failed to catch Sven-Goran Erikssons eye today - because the England boss had already left St Marys when the winger produced his spectacular


Iraqi official blames rebel attacks for worsening fuel shortages Iraq #39;s oil minister on Saturday blamed insurgents for the country #39;s worsening fuel shortages, saying saboteurs have targeted the oil industry to increase pressure ahead of the Jan.


Nephew Suggests Arafat's Death Unnatural (AP) AP - Yasser Arafat's nephew said Saturday his uncle may have died an "unnatural" death, a statement certain to renew speculation among Palestinians and in the rest of the Arab world where many already believe the late leader was poisoned despite Israel's repeated and vehement denials.


Airbus Hopes for 50 Jet Orders by June  PARIS (Reuters) - The president of European planemaker  Airbus said on Saturday he hoped to win around 50 orders for  the new wide-body jet A350 by next June.


Chrysler, Ford Recall Over 1 Million Vehicles  DETROIT (Reuters) - DaimlerChrysler's  Chrysler division  said on Friday it was recalling about 600,000 Dodge Durango  sport utility vehicles and Dodge Dakota pickup trucks because  of concerns about their safety.


Saddam's Illicit Trade No Secret to U.S. (AP) AP - Saddam Hussein was dead broke, the result of U.N. penalties. Or so it was thought. So where did the Iraqi president find the money to pursue missile technology from North Korea, air defense systems from Belarus and other prohibited military equipment?


Two die in Colombo concert blast Two people are killed and many injured in an explosion at a concert by an Indian star Shahrukh Khan in Sri Lanka.


Ghana leader vows war on poverty Ghana's newly re-elected president vows to dedicate his second mandate to tackling poverty.


Burmese junta frees 5,070 inmates Burma's ruling junta says it is releasing 5,070 prisoners who were arrested "inappropriately".


Orthodox Church seeks virtual saint The Russian Orthodox clergy are engaged in an intense debate over providing spiritual guide to internet users.


Kerik's Position Was Untenable, Bush Aide Says Bernard B. Kerik, the former homeland security secretary nominee, said he faced an "ugly" process of confirmation.


South America Seeks to Fill the World's Table South America is turning the largely untapped frontier heartland of the continent into the world's new breadbasket.


Bowed by Age and Battered by an Addicted Nephew Two sisters in the 70's lost their life savings, childhood home and dignity to their nephew's crack habit.


Even if Just a Bauble, Luxury Counts for Holidays The luxury market, which, only a few years ago, was struggling, has come back with a bang for the holidays.


Democratic Party Searches for Leader Again Democrats may be experiencing a sense of deja vu as they again search for a leader in a crowded field of candidates with no clear favorite to win. A year ago, the hopefuls were vying for president. Now, a new crop is running to lead the Democratic National Committee.


Athletics: From Tears Of Joy To Eight Year Ban For Collins After her 22.31 victory in the 200 meter semi-finals at the 2003 World Indoor Championships, the first of two national records she would set in as many days, Michelle Collins was fighting back tears.


No. 7 Notre Dame Women Beat Washington (AP) AP - Crystal Erwin scored a career-high 24 points on 9-of-9 shooting and Jacqueline Batteast had 17 points and 10 rebounds, leading seventh-ranked Notre Dame to a 72-58 victory over Washington on Saturday.


Raptors' Carter Placed on Injured List (Reuters) Reuters - Toronto Raptors All-Star\swingman Vince Carter was placed on the injured list Friday\after tests revealed a mild strain of his left Achilles'\tendon.


Bob King, Architect of N.M. Hoops, Dies (AP) AP - Bob King, Larry Bird's first coach at Indiana State and the architect of New Mexico basketball who never had a losing record in 10 seasons with the Lobos, died Friday at 81.


Cheetham Leads Dunhill by a Stroke (AP) AP - England's Nick Cheetham had the only bogey-free round Saturday, shooting a 3-under-par 69 that gave him a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Dunhill Championship.


Rangers take lead back with Dundee win Glasgow, Scotland (Sports Network) - Rangers went back to the top of the Scottish Premier League (SPL) Saturday with a 3-0 demolition of Dundee.


No. 7 Notre Dame 72, Washington 58 Crystal Erwin scored a career-high 24 points on 9-of-9 shooting and Jacqueline Batteast had 17 points and 10 rebounds, leading seventh-ranked Notre Dame to a 72-48 victory over Washington on Saturday.


Wenger stab at Mourinho Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insisted he is not surprised by Jose Mourinho turning Chelsea into title contenders - as Claudio Ranieri had already laid the foundations for success.


Russians Beat NHL World Stars 5-4 NHL World Stars #39; Mattias Norstroen, right, fights for the puck with Russia #39;s Alexey Kovalev during an exhibition match between NHL World Stars and Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004.


US Marine killed in Iraq #39;s western Anbar province One US Marine was killed in action Saturday in Iraq #39;s volatile western Anbar province, the military said. The Marine, who was assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, was killed  #39; #39;while


Labour eyes Israel coalition deal Israel's opposition Labour party authorises its leader to begin talks on joining a national unity government.


No. 13 Louisville Holds Off Florida 74-70 (AP) AP - Taquan Dean scored 22 points, Francisco Garcia added 19 and No. 13 Louisville withstood a late rally to beat Florida 74-70 Saturday. Rick Pitino improved to 20-1 against former assistant coaches and players and extended his record to 6-0 against Billy Donovan.


Everton Beats Liverpool in Premier League (AP) AP - Everton beat Liverpool 1-0 Saturday on Lee Carsley's goal in the 68th minute to move into second place in the Premier League.


Rangers take temporary lead in Premier League Rangers took the Premier League lead Saturday in Scotland, defeating Dundee 3-0 on early goals from Spaniard Nacho Novo and Croatian Dado Prso, and a second-half strike from Bob Malcolm.


Weekend Bundesliga Preview The autumn championship is on the line as Bayern Munich host title challengers VfB Stuttgart needing a win to be declared Herbstmeister.


Russians Beat NHL World Stars 5-4 MOSCOW - Nikolai Zherdev and Alexander Perezhogin scored 18 seconds apart Saturday, leading the Russian Stars past the NHL World Stars 5-4 in an exhibition game during the lockout.


Grenade at Sri Lanka Concert Kills Two A grenade exploded at a concert of Indian movie stars and entertainers in Sri Lanka #39;s capital Saturday, killing at least two people and injuring 15, officials said.


Russians Defeat NHLers Captials prospect Alexander Ovechkin leads five different goalscorers as Russian edges the touring NHL World Stars, 5-4, in Moscow on Saturday.


Ex-Colt Counsels Ramsey Former Colts quarterback Bert Jones has lent advice and guidance to fellow Ruston, La., native Patrick Ramsey on everything from hunting to deal with life in the NFL.


Boeing thanks Airbus for the flattery The Boeing Co. is welcoming a decision by its European rival to build a plane that can compete with the Chicago company #39;s 7E7.


Indians Get Rhodes for Lawton, AP Learns (AP) AP - Reliever Arthur Rhodes was traded for the second time in two weeks Saturday, sent from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Matt Lawton in the first trade of the winter meetings, a baseball official told The Associated Press.


WHERE THERE #39;S A WILL.... It #39;s all very Rocky Balboa, but the amiable Brixton banger knows if he can dispose of Vitali Klitschko, his life will never be the same again.


No. 13 Louisville 74, Florida 70 Taquan Dean scored 22 points, Francisco Garcia added 19 and No. 13 Louisville withstood a late rally to beat Florida 74-70 Saturday.


Wangari Muta Maathai receives Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo A distinctly African setting framed the award of this year #39;s Nobel Peace Prize to the first woman from that continent to receive the prestigious honor.


Grenade Kills Two at Colombo Concert - Police Two people were killed and 11 others wounded on Saturday when a hand grenade was lobbed into the VIP section of the audience at a concert led by Indian film star Sharukh Khan, police said.


WAR-LORD PRESIDENT WOULD NEVER RESOLVE THE ANARCHY IN SOUTHERN <b>...</b> Ever since the Republic of Somalia forcefully gained its independence from European colonialists in 1960, the country is plagued by a number of serious problems including clan based governments, bad governance, chronic corruption, nepotism, favouritism


16 die in Venezuela plane crash A military plane crashed in the mountains near Caracas, killing all 16 persons on board, including two high-ranking military officers, officials said.


Netflix CEO Rates Blockbuster, Amazon Threats (Reuters) Reuters - Netflix Inc chief\executive Reed Hastings said on Friday that Blockbuster Inc has\more to lose in the war for online DVD renters than emerging\foe Amazon.com Inc.


Sprint, Nextel Reportedly to Merge (AP) AP - Wall Street was abuzz Friday over a potential merger between Sprint and Nextel, though the companies declined to comment on a slew of news reports that they are negotiating to combine to create a celluar provider that would almost rival Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless in size.


Summit Addresses Greenhouses Gases' Impact (AP) AP - A new report on ecological damage from greenhouse gases dominated the sidelines of a U.N. conference on global warming Saturday as delegates from nearly 200 nations assembled to prepare for the launch next year of the Kyoto Protocol.


A Visit to the Museum of Underappreciated Games  PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Reuters) - You've heard of "Myst,"  "Quake" and "Tomb Raider," but how many people remember  "Obsidian," "Grim Fandango" and "Under A Killing Moon?"


Peres Says Coalition Talks Could Be Resolved in Days (Reuters) Reuters - Israeli opposition leader Shimon\Peres said on Saturday coalition talks between his party and\Prime Minister Ariel Sharon could be resolved in days, a move\likely to avert snap elections and promote a Gaza pullout.


Daschle Ponders Past, Focusing on Future (AP) AP - Tom Daschle says he might consider writing, lecturing or teaching now that his Nov. 2 election loss has cost him his Senate seat and the job of Senate minority leader.


Yushchenko Was Poisoned by Dioxin - Doctors  VIENNA (Reuters) - The man who hopes to become Ukraine's  next president was the victim of poisoning by dioxin -- a toxic  chemical that can easily be administered in soup containing  cream, Austrian doctors said on Saturday.


Peres Says Coalition Talks Could Be Resolved in Days  JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli opposition leader Shimon  Peres said on Saturday coalition talks between his party and  Prime Minister Ariel Sharon could be resolved in days, a move  likely to avert snap elections and promote a Gaza pullout.