Brazilian Landless Protests Hit Capital

 By Andrew Hay

 BRASILIA, Brazil (Reuters) - More than 8,000 Brazilianlandless activists surrounded the central bank on Thursday andthreatened a big fight over land next year unless they get morepublic money to speed up land reform.


Cocaine-Laden Plane Seized in Paraguay Paraguayan police captured a leading Brazilian drug trafficking suspect after a gunbattle with the occupants of a cocaine-laden plane near the border with Brazil, authorities said.


Thousands Stage Protest at Brazil's Central Bank

 By Andrew Hay

 BRASILIA, Brazil (Reuters) - More than 8,000 Brazilianlandless activists surrounded the central bank on Thursday andthreatened a big fight over land next year unless they get morepublic money to speed up land reform.


Aid Flight Delayed After Plane Hits Cow (AP) AP - A Boeing 737 carrying aid for Tsunami victims hit a herd of cows as it landed early Tuesday in Indonesia's devastated Aceh province, forcing the airport to close and delaying relief flights, officials said.


Hanjin Denies FT Report on Carlyle #39;s Takeover Bid Hanjin Group on Thursday denied a report on the progress of its talks with the US private equity fund Carlyle Group over the sale of its shipping and logistics operations.


Microsoft #39;s procurement deals arouse concern While the US software giant Microsoft has achieved almost sweeping victories in government procurement projects in several Chinese provinces and municipalities, the process


Henson Does Not Finish His First Cowboys Start Drew Henson can claim three accomplishments that would seem to be the stuff of fantasies: He has played third base at Yankee Stadium, started at quarterback in front


Carlyle Group Shows Interest in Hanjin Hanjin Shipping Co. has been approached by US private equity fund Carlyle Group LP to acquire some of the South Korean company #39;s transport and logistics assets, Hanjin officials said.


Thousands line streets for Thanksgiving parades, Midwest travelers <b>...</b> Despite 30-degree temperatures and biting wind, Carl Williams was up at sunrise Thursday to prepare turkey legs, bratwurst, hamburgers and hot dogs on an outdoor grill in Detroit before the city #39;s annual Thanksgiving Day parade.


Hardie talks recommence as compensation fund prepares to file for <b>...</b> ELEANOR HALL: Talks aimed at finding a long term solution for James Hardie #39;s asbestos victims are set to restart today. But there seems to be little hope that the sides will find agreement soon on meeting


NASA's Rovers Still Exploring Mars (AP) AP - A year after the first of NASA's twin rovers landed on Mars, scientists on Monday celebrated the robotic explorers that were supposed to last only about three months but are still roaming a planet with a reputation for swallowing spacecraft.


The Fight: NBA, fans, morals Indiana Pacers player Ron Artest #39;s charging into the stands after a fan who allegedly threw a beer at him Friday, as a fight between members of the


Win Gives Connecticut Good Shot At a Bowl Connecticut 41, Rutgers <b>...</b> Dan Orlovsky threw three touchdown passes and the Huskies virtually assured themselves of a bowl bid in their first season as a football member of the Big East with a wild 41-35 victory over Rutgers on Thursday.


Thatcher trial wait MARK Thatcher will have to wait until at least next April to face trial on allegations he helped bankroll a coup attempt in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea.


Art of Giving Gets Wins Coach Eddie Jordan's version of the Princeton offense has given the Wizards an appreciation for moving without the ball and unselfish play.


Terps Get First Test The No. 22 Maryland women's basketball team faces its first big test of the season Friday when the Terrapins play No. 2 Louisiana State at 7 p.m. in the Coors Classic.


Olowakandi Arrested Timberwolves center Michael Olowokandi is arrested early Thursday after police use a stun gun to subdue him when he refuses to leave a club.


Hokies Ensure Stability Virginia Tech keeps its coaching staff intact by signing its assistants to the longest guaranteed contracts in major college football.


Cope Still Has Spark Steelers broadcaster and Terrible Towel creator Myron Cope may be 75 years old, but he's still quick of wit and has the gumption to go toe-to-toe with Daniel Snyder.


Back Spasms Hit Palmer Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is expected to start Sunday against the Browns despite leaving practice on Thursday with back spasms.


Cowboys Outlast Bears In a game of powerless offenses, Julius Jones supplies 150 yards and two touchdowns to elevate the Cowboys over the Bears, 21-7.


Huskies Down Knights Dan Orlovsky throws three touchdown passes and the Huskies put themselves in position for a bowl bid with a wild 41-35 victory over Rutgers on Thursday.


Microsoft puts familiar face on cell phones With all the grumbling over Windows and its many shortcomings, why would anyone want Microsoft #39;s computer operating system to run their cell phone?


Google muscles in on Microsoft turf Not too long ago, Google Inc seemed little more than a nuisance to Microsoft Corp #39;s software domination. No more. As Google rapidly rolls out new products, the company best known for its wildly popular search


Microsoft: that isnt one flaw  its two separate flaws commentary Microsoft was a little unhappy with an article I wrote this week because it contained a slight factual error. The error arose from two separate companies finding an almost identical security hole


Hollins will take over as interim coach Memphis Grizzlies coach Hubie Brown has retired and assistant Lionel Hollins has been named interim coach, ESPN.com has learned. Brown, who became the sixth head coach in franchise history on Nov. 12, 2002


Let youth team go SPORT Minister Roger Boynes is insisting that if the impasse between the West Indies Players Association and the West Indies Cricket Board is not resolved, he had no problems with the youth


Games over, now let #39;s play The Zimbabwe government lifted the ban on visiting journalists even though it was revealed that those journos were denied accreditaion because of insufficient information provided!


Iran Seeks Limited Nuclear Program The director of the International Atomic Energy Agency was unable to confirm that Iran had completely suspended its nuclear programs yesterday, as it had committed to doing, because the Islamic


Aziz briefs NSC on India visit : Islamabad, Nov 25 : Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz today briefed the National Security Council (NSC) headed by President Pervez Musharraf on his just-concluded India visit and said he had stressed that lasting peace was possible only with a solution


Claims Over Tasers' Safety Are Challenged Taser International says that a study endorses the safety of its electrical guns, but the laboratory that conducted the research disagrees.


Hi, I'm Your Car. Don't Let Me Distract You. Automakers are pitching hands-free technology as a safe way to rein in the expanding clutter of gadgetry, but these devices are probably not as safe as you think.


3-D Maps From Commercial Satellites Guide G.I.'s in Iraq's Deadliest Urban Mazes The Army has been using a new weapon that combines software with imagery beamed from satellites to make missions somewhat less unpredictable.


New High-Tech Passports Raise Snooping Concerns Privacy advocates say that new passports that carry information about the traveler in a computer chip will be vulnerable to electronic snooping.


Online Auction to Offer a Bit of Chicago to Bidders Chicago-related items and experiences will be up for sale Dec. 2 to Dec. 16 on eBay as part of an effort to raise money for arts and cultural programs in the city.


Microsoft, EU see pre-Christmas antitrust ruling LUXEMBOURG -- Microsoft Corp., which was ruled an illegal monopolist by the European Union in March, will learn next month whether it can wait years before complying with an EU order to sell a stripped-down version of Windows and disclose information on


Grizzlies Coach Retires for Health Reasons (AP) AP - Hubie Brown retired as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday due to health reasons.


Depleted Pacers Tip Timberwolves 106-102 (AP) AP - Jamaal Tinsley is making the Indiana Pacers his team. Tinsley had 20 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds to lead the suspension- and injury-depleted Pacers to a 106-102 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.


NBA: Tinsley Drives Indiana to Beat Minnesota (Reuters) Reuters - Jamaal Tinsley had a\tremendous all-around game with 20 points, 14 assists, seven\rebounds and five steals to lead the undermanned Indiana Pacers\over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 106-102, at Conseco\Fieldhouse.


Pampling takes over lead in Australian Open Rod Pampling took advantage of perfect morning conditions to snatch a four-stroke lead midway through the second round of the centenary Australian Open on Friday.


UEFA follow FIFA and place Bernabeu under racism investigation NYON, Nov 25 (SW) - European Football governing body UEFA have officially announced they had launched an investigation over the racist chanting heard at Real Madrids Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.


No. 4 Texas Upends No. 1 Tennessee 74-59 (AP) AP - Tiffany Jackson scored nine of her 19 points early in the second half as No. 4 Texas broke open a close game and went on to a 74-59 win over No. 1 Tennessee on Thursday night.


EU, Iran clash over terms of nuclear freeze just 3 days after it came into force, the head of the UN atomic watchdog says. Iranian denials has long accused Tehran of trying to build an atomic bomb.


News in brief Sir Mark Thatcher appeared before a magistrate in Wynberg, near Cape Town, yesterday where his trial on charges of violating South Africa #39;s anti-mercenary laws was postponed until April 8. His passport remains confiscated and he must continue to report to


Torvalds, Open-Source Pioneers Take On EU Patent Issue A group of open-source software pioneers, led by Linux developer Linus Torvalds, has issued an appeal to the EU Council to block the legalization of software patents.


UN Envoys Urge Restraint by Rwanda DAKAR, Senegal, Nov. 25 -- UN Security Council diplomats appealed to Rwanda for restraint Thursday after Rwandan President Paul Kagame threatened to renew Central Africa #39;s deadliest conflict, claiming his


Crude Oil May Fall as US Inventories Gain, Survey Shows Crude oil futures may decline next week on speculation the US is importing enough to boost inventories, easing concern about a shortage of winter fuel, according to a Bloomberg survey.


Brown retires due to health reasons MEMPHIS Memphis Grizzlies head coach Hubie Brown has announced his retirement tonight, saying his decision is due to unexpected health-related issues.


Newcastle, Schalke 04 and Dnipro qualify for last 32 Last season #39;s UEFA Cup semi-finalists Newcastle United posted their third consecutive Group D win by thrashing French side Sochaux 4-0 to march into the last 32on Thursday.


Saga of Britain's official cats revealed under new Freedom of Information Act (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - LONDON (AP) - Now it can be told: Britain's Home Office had not one official cat, but a whole dynasty of mouse catchers, one of which nearly insulted the Queen.


Henry Doubt for Anfield Clash Arsenal striker Thierry Henry is rated as having a 50-50 chance of being fit for Sundays game at Liverpool. The 27-year-old has been troubled with an Achilles


Garnett, Timberwolves visit Pacers Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - The Indiana Pacers try to win their second straight game tonight, as they host Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third of a four-game homestand at Conseco Fieldhouse.


Yasser Arafats life-work must be continued Britain #39;s Foreign Secretary Jack Straw pledged full support for the Palestinian election to find a successor to Yasser Arafat after paying homage to the veteran leader at his graveside.


PM, Downer downplay pact row THE Federal Government today played down its reluctance to join a non-aggression pact with Asian neighbours while Prime Minister John Howard prepared for a historic visit with ASEAN leaders.


Brazilians Protest Economic Policies (AP) AP - Nearly 9,000 rural farmworkers and landless peasants marched in the nation's capital Thursday, seeking major land reform legislation, the official Agencia Brasil news agency said.


SKorean auto plants shut in strike by tens of thousands (AFP) AFP - Hyundai and Kia automotive plants shut down as their workers joined tens of thousands of other labourers in a strike against proposed new labor legislation, company officials said.


Brazilians Protest Economic Policies Nearly 9,000 rural farmworkers and landless peasants marched in the nation's capital Thursday, seeking major land reform legislation, the official Agencia Brasil news agency said.


BT broadband mastermind joins French IT firm TELECOMS giant BT yesterday said it was parting company with one of the architects of its transformation from a fixed-line operator.


Closest view yet of Titan, Saturn #39;s moon Cassini spacecraft also <b>...</b> Scientists controlling the cameras aboard the Cassini spacecraft in orbit around Saturn have just recovered two extraordinary, contrasting images of the planet #39;s most intriguing moons.


Pittsburgh Upsets No. 21 W. Virginia 21-13 (AP) AP - Tyler Palko, frustrated nearly all night by West Virginia's defense, completed four third-down passes on Pittsburgh's only sustained drive before scoring from the 2 late in the game to lead a 16-13 upset Thursday of the No. 21 Mountaineers.


Strong euro hurting German morale FRANKFURT - Surging oil prices and the strength of the euro, currently at an all-time high around 1.32 dollars, are currently weighing on business morale in Germany, the eurozone #39;s biggest economy, a new poll showed.


Letters remain the holy grail to code-breakers For 250 years it defied all code-breakers. Darwin had a go; Dickens, and Wedgwood too. But the 10-letter inscription - DOUOSVAVVM - carved into a monument on the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire thumbed its nose at the curious.


With Artest, A Human Quality Let #39;s imagine that Ron Artest is a knowable person, instead of an animated cartoon of NBA excess that we can conveniently vent on and villainize.


Manning throws for 6 TDs in Colts #39; romp Peyton Manning threw for six touchdowns in less than three quarters and raised his season total to 41 scoring passes, leading the Indianapolis Colts past the Detroit Lions 41-9 Thursday.


Oil Edges Higher, Watches Weather  SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices ticked higher on Tuesday,  holding above \$42 a barrel as dealers awaited signs of any  renewed cold snap that would revive demand for winter heating  fuels in the United States.


Palestinian minister to visit jailed Fatah leader mooting <b>...</b> RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian minister without portfolio Kadura Fares said he will visit Marwan Barghuti on Friday to discuss the imprisoned Fatah leaders plan to run for the presidency in January.


A Proud Father One of the most dynamic players on the Cavaliers team, Darryl Blackstock, makes sure that he takes care of his 15-month-old son.


Trying to Beat Boutiques and Big-Box Chains Eight-year-old Angie Rojas pressed her face against a showcase in the Rockville Toys R Us and cupped her hands for a closer look.  quot;Wow, quot; she said, endorsing the toy set up inside, a \$60


Pike strike puts managers in booths At 12:01 am yesterday, he joined hundreds of turnpike managers and others in manning collection booths along the 531-mile toll road.


Eight killed in Chinese high school knife attack A man has stabbed eight teenagers to death and injured four others after breaking into a school in central China, teachers and local authorities say.


Middle East ; Straw upbeat on renewed Mideast peace efforts  quot;I #39;ll be leaving Israel and the occupied territories more optimistic than when I came, quot; Straw said. Much of Straw #39;s agenda focused on upcoming Palestinian elections to choose a successor to Arafat.


Autonomy could be a solution to Kashmir issue: Natwar NEW DELHI: Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh indicated on Thursday that regional autonomy could be a solution to the Kashmir issue.


Fannie Mae Supports New Regulatory Bill The company, which has long fought legislative efforts to limit its powers, is hoping the strategy will put them in a stronger position to bargain over crucial details with the  government.


Toys R Us Fights to Stay Afloat in Toy Business Despite fierce competition from dominant of discount chains like Wal-Mart and Target, Toys R Us Inc. is betting its survival on low prices, strong inventory and good customer service.


Skin Trade Threatens World's Few Surviving Tigers (Reuters) Reuters - The world's tiger population has\plummeted by 95 percent from the start of the 20th century to\as few as 5,000 now and is further threatened by the lucrative\trade in their skins, officials told a forum Friday.


Benefits computer failure chaos A huge systems crash causes delays in processing some claims at the work and pensions department.


Hackers Taking Aim at Mobile Phones Cell phones are becoming frequent targets for viruses, spam and other malicious attacks because most are not programmed with protective software.- The Washington Post


I was kept in the dark: Anil Anil Ambani has written to his brother Mukesh, saying his powers as vice-chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries have been diluted by  quot;keeping him completely in the dark quot;.


Harmony May Have to Raise Bid for Gold Fields, Trading Shows Harmony Gold Mining Co., the biggest miner of South African gold, may have to raise its hostile 39.3 billion rand (\$6.7 billion) offer for Gold Fields Ltd.


Perfect start for France in Federation Cup Moscow, Nov 26 - Nathalie Dechy picked up where Tatiana Golovin left off on Wednesday, defeating Maria Sanchez Lorenzo 6-2, 6-4 to give France a confidence-boosting 2-0 lead in their Fed Cup semi-final against Spain.


Newcomers receive quick indoctrination Poster boys for jet lag, the newest Indiana Pacers quickly made themselves at home Thursday. Britton Johnsen and Tremaine Fowlkes were still a little woozy when they made their debuts against


Oracle To Make PeopleSoft Nominations  quot;We believe that Oracle has nominated this slate to allow Oracle to purchase PeopleSoft for an inadequate price that does not reflect the Company #39;s real value, quot; PeopleSoft said in a statement.


Nintendo Expects Five Million DS Systems. November 25, 2004 - Nintendo has raised its sales targets for the new Nintendo DS system, which has already launched in America and is scheduled to launch in Japan late next week.


Backyard Fall: Pitt Bests WVU, 16-13 Pittsburgh quarterback Tyler Palko struggled all night through the air, but fortunately for the Panthers, he came through on the ground.


Rebels blow up oil pipeline in Assam (Reuters) Reuters - Separatist guerrillas blew up an oil pipeline in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, but there was no disruption to supplies, oil officials said on Friday.


Eight children stabbed to death in China school A man armed with a knife has gone on the rampage and killed eight teenagers at a school in central China, teachers and local authorities said.


Envoys bid to end Ukraine crisis The EU's Javier Solana and other envoys go to Ukraine to try to mediate in the crisis over the disputed election.


Anil will speak when necessary Reliance Industries vice-chairman Anil Ambani broke his silence on Thursday. But not to comment on the  quot;ownership issue quot; raised by elder brother and chairman Mukesh Ambani.


Olowokandi misses game after being arrested at bar The Minnesota Timberwolves held out center Michael Olowokandi from Thursday night #39;s game against the Indiana Pacers, hours after he was released from jail following his early-morning arrest at a Downtown club.


Nine bodies found in Cancun Nine people, including three federal agents, were found dead at two locations near Mexico #39;s resort town of Cancun, all believed slain by drug traffickers.


Retailers Usher in the Holiday Season (AP) AP - In a bid to get consumers shopping early, the nation's retailers are serving up even more early bird specials on such items as TVs and toys, expanding their shopping hours and offering other enticements as they usher the official start of the holiday season on Friday.


Oracle to nominate four PeopleSoft directors Software company Oracle (ORCL) said Wednesday it plans to nominate four candidates for election in 2005 to the board of its rival and takeover target PeopleSoft (PSFT).


Baltimore to quit stock market Baltimore Technologies, once a darling of the dotcom boom, is to quit the London stock market, putting an end to its chequered history as a listed company.


Clippers Beat Nets 101-88 (AP) AP - Marko Jaric scored 23 points to lead Los Angeles' balanced scoring and the Clippers beat New Jersey 101-88 Thursday night to run the Nets' losing streak to seven games.


Codebreaker scores success in search for the Holy Grail For 250 years, the cryptic inscription has exercised the minds of Britain #39;s finest theologians, historians and scientists, including Charles Darwin, Josiah Wedgwood


Space station future adrift NASA and the nations involved in the International Space Station project will run out of emergency rescue craft within 18 months and have not decided what to do after April 2006, when the final


Self Inflicted Wounds The West Virginia Mountaineers blew another chance at a decent win on national television, and left to the wel- earned chants of Overrated, as penalties, special teams and questionable decision making by the coaching staff once again doomed the


Wolves center arrested in Indy INDIANAPOLIS Add center Michael Olowokandi to the list of Timberwolves with off-the-court problems. Olowokandi was suspended indefinitely from the team after he was arrested for refusing to leave Indianapolis nightclub Tiki Bob #39;s early Thursday morning.


Oldest coach of NBA Hubie Brown Retires Hubie Brown, the oldest coach in the NBA at the age of 71, retired as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies Thursday because of health reasons, according to TNT Thursday night as a Breaking News.


Longhorns top No. 1 team for first time since  #39;87 As she stood before the national TV cameras after an All-America type game, Texas sophomore center Tiffany Jackson calmly talked about the inspiration that comes from facing tradition-rich Tennessee.


Apex court permits night viewing of Taj Mahal: India News: New Delhi, Nov 25 : The Supreme Court Thursday permitted the Uttar Pradesh government to allow visitors to view the Taj Mahal on five moonlit nights a month.


No military solution to Ivorian crisis: Annan OUAGADOUGOU (AFP) - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has warned there was  quot;no military solution quot; to the crisis in troubled Ivory Coast and urged President Laurent Gbagbo to abide by internationally agreed peace accords.


WHO: Flu Pandemic Inevitable, Plans Needed Urgently (Reuters) Reuters - Every country in the world must come up\with a plan urgently to deal with an inevitable influenza\pandemic likely to be triggered by the bird flu virus that hit\Asia this year, a top global health expert said on Friday.


Yukos executives leave Russia The company #39;s chief financial officer said he won #39;t return until he learns whether the government is planning charges against him.


US Treasuries Drop After Newspaper Says China Cut Holdings US 10-year Treasury notes had their biggest drop in a week in London, heading for a fifth week of declines, after a newspaper reported that China, the second- largest overseas holder of the securities, reduced its holdings.


All they ask for Christmas is to keep their two front teeth Just in time for holiday giving, parents are being warned that the popular yo yo water ball that kids bounce and twirl like a lasso is responsible for 400 child injuries nationwide since October, including five in Arizona.


UPDATE:Philippines Budget Data Boost Fiscal Reform Hopes MANILA (Dow Jones)--Improved revenue collection and tighter controls on government spending kept the Philippines #39; budget deficit well below the administration #39;s ceiling in the 10 months to October, spurring confidence in the market about the government #39;s


Shopping season starts Red tags marked  quot;75 OFF quot; have an effect on shoppers the way toys and games have on children: They serve as magnets, especially at the traditional start of the holiday shopping season this Thanksgiving weekend.


WTO to impose USD150m fine on US The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is expected to approve USD150m in trade sanctions against the US by the EU, Japan, Canada and four other countries in response to a US anti-dumping law that was declared illegal in 2003.


Gold Fields loses fourth Harmony case THE defence of Gold Fields against a hostile \$8.1 billion (4.3 billion) bid from Harmony Gold Mining, its smaller South African rival, was dealt a further blow last night when a US court threw out its legal challenge to the takeover.


Stand-in collectors work turnpike toll booths Engineers, auditors and secretaries staffed toll booths on the Pennsylvania Turnpike yesterday, as 1,800 other employees spent a frigid Thanksgiving on picket lines.


Miller puts UAW label in beer ad Miller Brewing Co. is telling United Auto Workers members to think union when they have a beer. The UAW endorses the pitch for the union-made beer.


Oil Edges Higher, Watches Weather (Reuters) Reuters - Oil prices ticked higher on Tuesday,\holding above  #36;42 a barrel as dealers awaited signs of any\renewed cold snap that would revive demand for winter heating\fuels in the United States.


Cracking start to quest, but no sign of Holy Grail TWO veteran code-breakers from Yorkshire have received a worldwide response to their request for solutions to an enigmatic message on a monument in Staffordshire reputed to say where the Holy Grail is hidden.


Hold the phone: Hackers starting to infect our cells Several Web sites this month began offering software promising ring tones and screen savers for certain cellphones. But those who downloaded the software found that it turned


China eyes foreign software curbs China appears poised to issue rules about the extent to which government departments must favour local software, raising concerns that some overseas vendors could be cut out of the large state procurement market.


Researchers tackle  #39;Holy Grail #39; code Experts say a centuries-old code carved at a British manor house, according to popular legend the key to finding the Holy Grail, is thought to be a cryptic message from an 18th century Christian sect.


Cell Phones Increasingly Attractive To Hackers Early this month, several Web sites began offering software promising ringtones and screensavers for certain cell phones. But those who downloaded the software found that it turned every icon


Fast forward: DVDs push video players out of the picture It changed the lifestyles of a generation but after a lingering death, the last rites have been sounded for the revolutionary VHS home video format.


AMD to migrate all CPU production to 90nm SOI process in 2005 Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is expected to migrate all of its CPU production to 90nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) processes in early 2005, according to sources at Taiwan motherboard makers, citing AMDs latest roadmap.


Nintendo Drafts Namco For Mario Baseball November 26, 2004 - Nintendo #39;s pairing with Namco is starting to bear some ripe fruit, with Donkey Konga about to see its third entry and Star Fox Armada taking shape into an impressive 2005 title.


Intel Takes Aim at Microsoft with Linux Push Intel, the worlds largest semiconductor and Microprocessor Company, is officially helping China and other Asian countries adopt Linux over Microsofts popular Windows platform.


Our Opinion: Fortuitous flood Floodgates on Glen Canyon Dam were opened for 90 hours this week, sending 67 billion gallons of water - and 880,000 tons of sediment - into the canyon.


Latest News Red Bull show Wirdheim the door Former Jaguar test and reserve driver Bjrn Wirdheim #39;s Formula One hopes were dealt a blow after Red Bull told him that he will not be working with them next year.


Welshman Dodd midway leader in China Britain #39;s Stephen Dodd coped admirably with icy winds and rain to produce a two-under-par 70 and take a three-stroke lead at the midway point of the China Open on Friday.


#39;I am the aggressor #39; - Justin Langer Justin Langer batted and battled through scorching heat to register his 20th century and seal his side #39;s strong position. He spoke to the media after play and was quizzed about the heat, cramps and Matthew


Manning #39;s six TDs extend record pace COLTS 41, LIONS 9: The Colts quarterback throws four touchdowns in the first half to blow out the slumping Lions. By wire services.


Talking turkey: Bears #39; loss really offensive IRVING, Texas -- The Bears broke out throwback uniforms from their 1946 championship season for a national-television audience, but their offense remained stuck in the present.


Inmate Barghouthi eyes Palestinian presidency The West Bank Fatah leader, Marwan Barghouthi, is reported to have decided to run for the Palestinian presidency from his prison cell in Israel.


Art can improve Indo-Pak ties: Pak PM Islamabad: Observing that art could play a role in promoting peace and harmony across the border, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said it was due to this reason that he and Indian leaders had introduced  quot;music diplomacy quot; during his recent visit


Quake kills 11 in Indonesia AT least 11 people were killed and 65 injured when a strong earthquake shook Indonesia #39;s Papua province today, collapsing buildings and starting fires, officials said.


SuperSonics Snap Heat's 14-Game Win Streak (AP) AP - For the first time in nearly a month, the Miami Heat failed to win. Ray Allen scored 35 points, Rashard Lewis added 17 points and 13 rebounds and the Seattle SuperSonics snapped the Heat's franchise-record 14-game winning streak Monday night with a 98-96 victory.


Thatcher #39;s Coup Plot Questioning Postponed until February A Cape Town magistrate today postponed a court appearance by Sir Mark Thatcher to give his lawyers time to try to appeal a high court judgment requiring him to answer questions from Equatorial Guinea about an alleged failed coup attempt.


Dollar Hits New Low; Gold Heads for \$455 The dollar hit record lows against the euro Friday and a 4-1/2-year trough versus the yen following a report China had cut its holdings of dollar assets, lifting gold to a 16-year high and undermining Tokyo stocks.


Loyal treatment Kyle Boller knew as soon as Baltimore traded two picks to the Patriots on draft day in 2003 that they wanted him to be The Man.  quot;Nothing is given to you, quot; he said, but it was clear that the Ravens, who'd been through eight quarterbacks in seven years, weren't bringing Boller in as a seasonal temp.


Little Boise St. is thinking big Once again, they are knocking on the door, nattily attired, a smile on their face, eager to join the party.


Best seats in the house aren't for everyone In the aftermath of the fiasco that was the Pacers-Pistons game last Friday night, you would think that pro sports leagues would be looking to move fans farther away from the action.


But seriously, folks As people will remind you, it's the season to give -- and so we're in a giving mood for Week 12. Four choices, four favorites selected, four different scenarios.


NFL games on TV WASHINGTON (3-7) vs. PITTSBURGH (9-1) When, where: Sunday, 1 p.m., at Pittsburgh. TV: Ch. 25. Last meeting: Steelers won, 24-3, in 2000. Comments: The Redskins offense is dreadful -- with or without Mark Brunell at quarterback. Patrick Ramsey started his first game of the season in a 28-6 loss at Philadelphia last Sunday. Ramsey got little help from star running ...


Brown calls it a career Hubie Brown retired as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies yesterday due to health reasons.  quot;Unexpected health-related issues will not allow me to continue coaching the Memphis Grizzlies, quot; the 71-year-old Brown said in a statement from Memphis.  quot;This situation was unforeseen and absolutely nonexistent at the beginning of the season. quot;


Key games on TV TEXAS A amp;M (7-3) vs. TEXAS (9-1) When, where: Today, 3:30 p.m., at Austin, Texas. TV: Chs. 5, 6, and 9. AP rankings: Texas is No. 6, Texas A amp;M No. 22. Last season: Texas won, 46-15. Comments: For the 10th time in the history of the Lone Star Shootout, both teams enter the game ranked in the Top 25. The Longhorns ...


Pittsburgh climbs over Mountaineers Dan Orlovsky threw three touchdowns and Connecticut strengthened its postseason bowl credentials with a wild 41-35 victory over Rutgers yesterday.


Jackson, Texas stop top-ranked Tennessee Tiffany Jackson scored 9 of her 19 points early in the second half as No. 4 Texas broke open a close game and went on to a 74-59 win over No. 1 Tennessee last night in Austin, Texas.


Cowboys back in saddle Bill Parcells wants to develop Drew Henson into an NFL quarterback and he wants to win games. If he has to pick one, he'll take winning every time.


They're at head of their class The game will be meaningful on so many levels. When Boston College hosts Syracuse tomorrow at Alumni Stadium, the Eagles will not only be playing for their first Big East title in their last game as a conference member, they will also be looking to send off their 14 departing seniors in grand style by clinching a Bowl Championship Series ...


McLaughlin has Woburn fired up Going out on a high note is just what Woburn running back Mike McLaughlin wanted to do.


Cuqua drives Rebels Walpole ended its regular season with a 35-12 victory over Weymouth yesterday, but for the 10-1 Rebels, it was just the first stage.


Somber setting for Needham's victory over Wellesley Senior Chris Sheehan ran for three touchdowns and a career-high 114 yards as Needham scored 13 straight points to take a 28-21 victory against Wellesley in the state's oldest Thanksgiving Day rivalry.


Bulldog victory closes Manning Bowl The final Manning Bowl bragging rights belong to Lynn English. The Bulldogs closed out the career of the deteriorating 66-year-old Lynn landmark, which is slated to be torn down this winter and replaced by a state-of-the-art facility, by rolling over archrival Lynn Classical, 28-8, yesterday before more than 3,500 fans. For the first time in 28 years, English ...


Blue Hills manages to slip past Southeastern While a flock of seagulls flew gracefully above, the Southeastern and Blue Hills players slid all over the field yesterday. Warrior Matt Standbury was able to slip in on a 2-point conversion to preserve the Warriors' undefeated regular-season record with an 8-6 win in nonleague action.


Key hit sparks Mansfield win Defensive players dream of making game-breaking hits like the one Mansfield cornerback Brett McDermott delivered yesterday.


Bang-up job from Cohasset The Cohasset football team had three goals yesterday: Defeat rival Hull, complete its first undefeated regular season since 1957, and come away from the game injury-free for Tuesday's playoff game. The Skippers accomplished the first two goals, defeating Hull, 20-6, but came away with significant injuries to linemen.


Falmouth shows zero tolerance An 86-yard touchdown run from Steve Clark in the first quarter provided Falmouth all the scoring it needed as the Clippers defeated Barnstable, 7-0, yesterday for their eighth shutout of the season.


Allukian covers for Latin In the 118th year of the oldest continuous Thanksgiving Day rivalry in the country, Boston Latin trounced Boston English, 44-0, yesterday at Harvard Stadium.


Westwood moves on behind Guerrero After dodging serious trouble earlier this season -- in the form of a loss to league-leading Medfield -- the Westwood Wolverines were thinking of three simple words yesterday: Rock Me Amadeus.


Pritchard sends Newton North to postseason Khalel Pritchard threw three touchdown passes yesterday, giving him 20 on the season, to lead Newton North to a 41-13 win over Brookline and a surprising playoff berth.


D-S has hand in TVL At least no one can accuse Medfield of backing down. Trailing, 35-28, with less than two minutes to play yesterday on Tri-Valley League rival Dover-Sherborn's home turf, the Warriors pulled within 1 on tailback Brian Lee's third touchdown of the day, a 5-yard pass from Kevin Lynch.


Wilmington keeps its unbeaten record intact Tewksbury Redmen fans were seeing red yesterday after watching their team get clawed by the ferocious Wilmington Wildcats, 19-8.


Playoffs Bourne's payout With his team in a three-way battle atop the South Coast Conference, Bourne coach Barry Wood was well aware that not only would his team have to beat Wareham on the road yesterday, but that Dighton-Rehoboth would also have to win at home against Seekonk for his Canalmen to earn a spot in the Division 2A playoffs.


Ground game carries Plymouth North Recent history was repeated in yesterday's cross-town matchup between the Plymouth North Blue Eagles and the Plymouth South Panthers at Mario J. Romano Field.


Billerica tossed aside in OT Billerica won two coin flips on Thanksgiving in Chelmsford. Neither, however, brought the team a postseason berth.


St. John's holds off Xaverian An exciting Thanksgiving Day game between St. John's Prep and Xaverian is something that never changes.


Everett, Nuzzo perfect With the season hanging in the balance, Everett did what Everett does. Coach John DiBiaso put the ball in Matt Nuzzo's hands, and the senior quarterback ran for 161 yards and two touchdowns as the Crimson Tide pulled away from Cambridge, 31-12, to win the Greater Boston League title yesterday at Tufts University.


Danvers finally breaks through Danvers quarterback Chris Small and senior Ned Grady have been playing football together since they were children.


Today's schedule College basketball: MEN -- Marist at Vermont, 7 p.m.; Clemson at Boston College, 7:30 p.m.; Maine at Rhode Island, 7:30 p.m.; Mount Ida at UMass-Boston, 7:30 p.m.; WOMEN -- Weber St. at Northeastern, 5 p.m.; Loyola at Maine, 7 p.m.


Truck delivers action The TV timeout is one of the banes of a sports fan's life. You're at a stadium, the game is rolling along . . . until everything just stops for 1 1/2-2 1/2 minutes.


This weekend on TV, radio TODAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL/MEN 4:30 p.m. -- Preseason NIT third-place game: Michigan vs. Providence at New York, ESPN2 7 p.m. -- Preseason NIT championship game: Arizona vs. Wake Forest at New York, ESPN2 7:30 p.m. -- Clemson at BC, NESN, WEEI (850) 9 p.m. -- Maryland vs. Memphis at Springfield, ESPN2 Midnight -- Great Alaska Shootout semifinal at Anchorage, ESPN2 PRO ...


Update 8: Yukos Removes Anti-Crisis Plan From Agenda Shareholders of the foundering Russian oil giant Yukos will not vote on an anti-crisis plan at a Dec. 20 meeting, the company said in a statement Friday, saying the plan would be impossible to implement in


Salvation Army workers ring in the holiday season (November 26, 2004) - That familiar jingling at store entrances this time of year might not sound as welcoming as a Christmas carol, but the bell ringing next to those red kettles is music to the Salvation Army and the clients it serves.


BT sells Eutelsat stake for 363m BT Group, the privatised former British telecoms monopoly, has sold its entire holding in the French satellite operator Eutelsat for 363m.


SA court says Harmony needs competition approval LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Gold Fields (GFI) said Friday it welcomed a decision by a South African appeals court that Harmony Gold Mining (HMY) cannot exercise any voting rights from Gold Fields shares it may acquire from its early settlement offer until


New clue to mystery of Holy Grail It looks like a Countdown conundrum and has defied some of the greatest minds for 250 years. But ten letters - D OUOSVAVV M - etched on a tablet at a stately home could reveal where the legendary Holy Grail is buried.


French teen homes in on Fed Cup win Moscow - Blonde teenage pin-up Tatiana Golovin hopes to crown a first ever return to her native Russia by leading France to victory over the hosts in the Fed Cup final on Saturday and Sunday.


England cricketers fly to Zimbabwe The England cricket team will fly out to Zimbabwe today for the start of their controversial tour of the south African country. Thirteen British journalists had been banned from covering the tour but, following


Hayden #39;s wicket proves Australia talking-point Justin Langer showed his fighting qualities to score an unbeaten 144 against New Zealand on Friday though it was Matthew Hayden #39;s refusal to walk that


Yukos considers self-destruction Shareholders in Yukos are pondering liquidation or filing for bankruptcy, after deciding against a rescue plan for the embattled Russian oil firm.


Japanese prices continue to fall Japanese consumer goods prices fell again in October, as some analysts predict deflation will continue until 2006


Trade 'can resolve Kashmir issue' India's foreign minister says improved trade ties with Pakistan could spur on the peace process.


Just flush with pride Authorities here are always eager to show off their accomplishments, so when Beijing hosted the World Toilet Organization conference last week, delegates were given a grand tour of the city's toilets.


Sunni leaders urge delay in Iraqi elections BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Leading Sunni Muslim politicians yesterday urged postponement of the Jan. 30 national elections, and a senior official said the government had agreed to meet outside the country with Saddam


TOXIC LAB DISCOVERED AS ZARQAWI PAL NABBED A close aide of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was captured yesterday - as Iraqi troops discovered a laboratory with manuals on manufacturing explosives and toxins.


#39;Pak view of JK fundamentally wrong #39; NEW DELHI: Questioning the importance being given by Pakistan to separatist Hurriyat leaders, India has said there was  quot;something fundamentally wrong quot; with Islamabad #39;s understanding of realities in Jammu and Kashmir and hoped that this would not be an


Payers want proof for medical treatments In a tug of war over the skyrocketing costs of medical technology, the makers of implantable defibrillators are opposing a plan by Medicare to track the health outcomes of patients who get the devices.


Free credit reports to bear ads Ordered by Congress to give consumers free access to their own credit reports once a year, the nation's three largest credit bureaus are turning that requirement into a marketing opportunity.


Yukos executives leave Russia, speculation deepens MOSCOW -- A half-dozen executives of Yukos, the embattled oil giant, have left Russia and the company's chief financial officer said he won't return until he learns whether the government plans to charge him.


Tax-fight veterans see hurdles for Bush The two primary architects of Congress's last major tax reform say President Bush has failed to lay the groundwork for his ambitious tax agenda and will have to invest a vast amount of political capital to succeed in simplifying the code.


Dollar slides again Skeptical markets drove the dollar to a record low yesterday against the euro, with the European currency climbing above \$1.32 for the first time.


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Bush Asks His Father and Clinton to Raise Funds President Bush enlisted his two predecessors to lead an effort to raise money from corporations for disaster relief.


Dollar Hits New Low; Gold Heads for  #36;455 (Reuters) Reuters - The dollar hit record lows against\the euro Friday and a 4-1/2-year trough versus the yen\following a report China had cut its holdings of dollar assets,\lifting gold to a 16-year high and undermining Tokyo stocks.


Iran Says It's Fully Committed to Nuke Enrichment Freeze (Reuters) Reuters - Iran will honor its pledge to the\European Union and U.N. nuclear watchdog to freeze uranium\enrichment and all related activities, Tehran's chief delegate\to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Friday.


Online Identity Theft: Many Medicines, No Cure (PC World) PC World - Anti-phishing applications, smart cards, and new authentication technologies are vying for your support.


The phone that knows you better than you do If you thought predictive texting was impressive, you ain #39;t seen nothing yet. A cellphone is on the way that can predict what you are about to do.


Cell Phones Increasingly Attractive To Hackers (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Early this month, several Web sites began offering software promising ringtones and screensavers for certain cell phones. But those who downloaded the software found that it turned every icon on their cell phones' screens into a skull-and-crossbones and disabled their phones, so they could no longer send or receive text messages or access contact lists or calendars.


Chemical Weapons Lab Found in Falluja: Iraq Minister A laboratory for the manufacture of chemical weapons has been found in Falluja, an Iraqi minister said on Thursday, but Marines in the city said they were not aware of any such discovery.


Chemical Weapons Lab Disclosed In Fallujah A chemical weapons laboratory has been found in the former rebel stronghold of Fallujah, Iraqi Minister of State Kassim Daoud announced on Thursday.


Coming soon: Taj by night Come Saturday, the monument of love, the Taj Mahal, can be viewed in the splendour of the full moon, 20 years after security fears ended night visits.


Pampling Leads Australian Open (AP) AP - Australia's Rod Pampling took a four-stroke lead in the centennial Australian Open on Friday, shooting his second straight 4-under 67.


Protest rocks Aboriginal island Protesters on an Aboriginal island in Australia storm the local police station after the death of a man in custody.


Dollar bounces back from low The dollar bounces back from earlier lows, amid hopes of central bank intervention to support the currency.


Burma releases more prisoners \Burma's ruling junta frees about 500 more prisoners, and says it will release veteran dissident Win Tin.


Cricket: Australia in command Justin Langer hits an unbeaten 144 as Australia reach 327-3 against New Zealand.


BJP demands transfer of seer case India's main opposition says the case of a Hindu seer facing murder charges must be heard outside Tamil Nadu to ensure that justice is delivered.


Families row over home PC access Arguments over who gets to use the home computer are breaking out in families across the UK, says a survey.


Tehran seeking exemptions in EU deal  VIENNA -- Iran insisted yesterday that it had a right to exempt some equipment from an agreement with the European Union committing it to freeze all parts of a program that can make nuclear weapons-grade uranium, a move that diplomats said threatened to scuttle the deal.


EU, Russia fail to reach accord at summit  THE HAGUE -- Russia and the European Union failed yesterday to complete negotiations on a  quot;strategic partnership quot; because of disagreements over security and other issues at a summit overshadowed by the Ukraine political crisis. The two sides said they were confident a final pact will be reached next May, however.


Alarm raised on Asia's males  The explosive growth of male populations in China and India could threaten social order in those countries as well as international security, according to a book by two academic researchers.


End to genital mutilation urged  VIENNA -- Young girls born in Europe to immigrant families from Africa are subjected to ritual genital mutilation, and authorities are doing little to discourage it, a leading activist for women's rights warned yesterday.


Havana's Chinatown struggles  HAVANA -- At first glance, Havana's Chinatown seems a misnomer. Restaurants serve pizza, and actual Chinese are vastly outnumbered by tourists and Hispanics.


Free radio seeks a new format  PRAGUE -- Ronald Reagan used it to reach out to the Soviets during the Cold War. Lech Walesa, the leader of Poland's Solidarity movement, likened it to the sun lighting the earth. Rock band R.E.M. immortalized it in a cynical hit song.


Leaving slums of Paris, two Muslim teens turn to waging jihad PARIS -- The two teenage friends hardly seemed like Islamic radicals. They smoked marijuana, drank beer, listened to rap music, and wore jeans.


A morning jog, a midday feast, soldiers taste tradition FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq -- The race started like any other, with the pop of a gun and the slap of sneakers on hard mud. The sun had begun to peek above the purple horizon, and the air was New England cold.


US casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan The Department of Defense has identified the following US service members who were killed recently in Iraq and Afghanistan:


8 Slashed to Death in Chinese High School The unexplained attack is the latest and most serious in a series of such knifings that have alarmed the Chinese public and led police to reinforce security at schools and day-care centers.


Two Marines Killed in Fallujah Two Marines killed, three wounded by insurgents during house-clearing in Fallujah.


UK Plays Down Prince Harry Kidnap Threat Reports

 LONDON (Reuters) - Buckingham Palace Friday termed"irresponsible" newspaper reports that a kidnap threat forcedBritain's Prince Harry to cut short a trip to a polo pony farmin Argentina.


450 Colombian Paramilitaries Disarm Some 450 right-wing paramilitary fighters left Colombia's crowded battlefields, turning in their weapons and asking society to let them back into its fold.


Nine Bodies Found in Cancun The bodies of nine people, including three federal agents, were discovered at a pair of sites outside Cancun, a Mexican resort city that lies near a route used to smuggle cocaine from Colombia to America's streets.


DWP kills 60k PCs in Windows XP upgrade lash-up Updated Down for four days and counting...


Terapixel digital images approach Digital images that are billions of pixels in size are now becoming commonplace.


Swap offer for pirated Windows XP Microsoft is starting a scheme to replace pirate versions of Windows XP with legal ones.


Online Identity Theft: Many Medicines, No Cure Anti-phishing applications, smart cards, and new authentication technologies are vying for your support.


Shell pushes back AGM Oil giant Royal Dutch/Shell has decided to delay shareholder meetings that will vote on a new unified board structure to allow more time to prepare the necessary documentation.


Court extends Stelco protection TORONTO -- Stelco Inc. #39;s protection from creditors was extended to Feb. 11 yesterday at a court hearing where lawyers for shareholders and workers ganged up on a bid by Deutsche Bank to refinance the steelmaker.


Most back moon trip, but not Mars Americans may support a return trip to the moon, but there is much less interest in going on to Mars. Also, a majority say they don #39;t believe the space agency should receive a boost in


Now, cellphones turn advisers!: Technology India: Washington, Nov 26 : How about a cellphone that can intelligently advise you on what or what not to do based on your track record?


Anti-Insurgent Raids Net Large Seizure of Iraqi Rebels, Weapons US and Iraqi government forces have captured scores of suspected insurgents and seized an enormous stockpile of weapons and explosives during anti-insurgent operations in Iraq.


UN pulls food aid from Darfur KHARTOUM, Sudan -- The World Food Program has suspended its operations in most of the Sudanese state of North Darfur and relocated its staff to the capital because of renewed clashes between rebels and government forces, the UN agency said Thursday.


Whatever Happened to SGI? What high-powered, high-design, graphics-oriented, Unix-based computers are beloved by their fanatical users? Clue: It's not what you think. By Jason Walsh.


Science Geek Gifts for All Banish underwear from your gift-giving list this year! Your smarty-pants friends and relatives aren't as hard to buy for as you might think. The web is full of brain-gratifying gift ideas. By Kristen Philipkoski.


Porn Prohibitionists Miss Point If we're going to start worrying about porn, doesn't it make sense to actually study its role in society rather than make stuff up? Commentary by Regina Lynn.


Technology Over Ideology FCC chairman Michael Powell has confounded liberals and free market purists. He's an official that defies simplification. By Lawrence Lessig from Wired magazine.


Langdon Gilkey, 85, Theorist on Nexus of Faith and Science, Dies Langdon Gilkey was a prominent Protestant theologian who argued for a rational, even satisfying, co-existence between science and faith.


Target bans Salvation Army ringers By Sam Haverstick, Special to The CJ. Dillon West, 11, doesn #39;t understand why Target Corp. won #39;t let the Salvation Army place bell ringers outside its stores this Christmas.


Nintendo Honored by  quot;Walk of Game quot; Nintendo did particularly well in a recent poll ran by  quot;Walk of Game quot;. With Shigeru Miyamoto winning a lifeti. Walk of Game, the first physical landmark honouring the icons and pioneers of the videogame industry


Comfortable win pleases Souness Graeme Souness was naturally delighted as Newcastle comfortably beat Sochaux 4-0 to book their place in the Uefa Cup knock-out stages.


PLO #39;s Abbas faces Fatah, Hamas challenges Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas must patch up differences in his influential Fatah group if he hopes to check the growing power of Islamic militants opposed


Man with knife kills 8, wounds 4 at central China high school A man with a knife broke into a high school dormitory and killed eight students in the deadliest of a series of knife attacks at Chinese schools in recent months, the government said Friday.


Prince Harry flies home from Argentina amid reports of shooting Prince Harry headed home from Argentina on Friday, royal officials said, amid media reports that shots were fired at the ranch where he was staying.


Fan mayhem over South Korean heartthrob at Tokyo hotel leaves 9 <b>...</b> A sudden frenzy erupted among fans of South Korean soap opera star Bae Yong-joon as he left his Tokyo hotel in a car Friday, leaving nine Japanese women hurt and prompting an apology from Bae.


Big Spending Bills Become Congressal Habit (AP) AP - Ronald Reagan, in his 1988 State of the Union address to Congress, hefted a 1,000-page, 14-pound spending bill and warned lawmakers against sending him more "behemoths" like this. "And if you do, I will not sign it."


S Korea motor workers on strike Staff at Hyundai and Kai walk out as part of a nationwide strike in protest at proposed new legislation encouraging temporary work.


Oracle unveils PeopleSoft board candidates Oracle has revealed the identities of the four people it will nominate to the board of PeopleSoft as it pushes ahead with its efforts to take control of the company.


Oregon trees head to Texas to cheer military families #39; holidays Oregon Christmas tree growers are shipping 1,300 donated trees to military families based at Fort Hood, Texas, industry officials said.


Microsoft wins over China public sector China is becoming increasingly alarmed that Microsoft is winning the lion #39;s share of too many government contracts to supply software.


Hackers exploit critical Winamp flaw IT security experts have uncovered a critical vulnerability in the popular Winamp media player, which could be exploited by hackers to compromise a user #39;s system.


Manning deflects talk about possible TD passes record Unfortunately for the Detroit Lions, this was after the game in the locker room, when he was inundated with questions about his record-setting pace.


Huskies quickness overwhelms Utes ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - The Utah Utes have something the Washington Huskies dont: a pure big man blessed with silky talents. But the Huskies have something the Utes dont: swarming, suffocating, overwhelming quickness.


11 dead in Indonesia earthquake JAKARTA, INDONESIA - An earthquake in Indonesia on Friday has killed at least 11 people and injured about 65 others. The 6.4-magnitude quake occurred at 11:25 am local time near the town of Nabire, in West


BT sells Eutelsat satellite stake BT Group says the sale of its 15.8 stake in the Paris-based satellite operator Eutelsat is part of a strategy to focus on its core telephony business.


Japan #39;s steel crisis forces Nissan to cut car production JAPANS two biggest steelmakers admitted for the first time yesterday that they were unable to satisfy demand, forcing Nissan, the carmaker, to cut its fourth-quarter production target by 30,000 vehicles.


Dollar recovers on denial of Chinese sell-off The dollar rallied from new lows in European morning trade on Friday as a Chinese official backtracked from earlier claims that China had started to shift


Singapore Shares End Down On Weak US Dlr, Indus Output SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore shares ended lower Friday, tracking regional markets on renewed concerns that the sagging US dollar against the Singapore dollar will hurt exports and economic growth.


Celtics Defeat Reeling Hornets 108-90 (AP) AP - Paul Pierce had 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth career triple-double, and Raef LaFrentz had 14 points and 12 rebounds as the Boston Celtics defeated New Orleans 108-90 Monday night, sending the Hornets to their eighth consecutive loss.


The never-ending search Fascination with the Holy Grail has lasted for centuries, and now the Bletchley Park code-breakers have joined the hunt. But what is it that #39;s made the grail the definition of something


Critical Flaw in WinAmp A critical security flaw has been discovered in WinAmp that exploits the stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability allowing attacks from hackers.


Ancient bison done in by climate, not hunters Thousands of years before white and Indian hunters drove the buffalo of America #39;s Great Plains to virtual extinction, the ancestors of those lordly animals suffered a similar fate -- but it was major climate change, not hunting, that did them in, says an


Nintendo moving into online within 3 to 4 years - Miyamoto Comments attributed to Nintendo #39;s Shigeru Miyamoto in this week #39;s Famitsu magazine indicate that the company is planning to bring its systems online within a three to four year timescale, with DS leading the way.


Hard-working Preston had to go Prospective Livingston owner Pearse Flynn has praised Allan Preston for keeping the team afloat during an uncertain financial time but insists results on the field did not match the commitment of the sacked manager.


Colts 41, Lions 9 While Peyton Manning tried to downplay his individual accomplishments, receiver Brandon Stokley heaped on the praise.  quot;Hes the best thats ever played this game as far as quarterbacks are concerned, quot; Stokley said.


Palace brawl When lines break down, there #39;s chaos So now, the second wave of reaction has set in to last Friday night #39;s Pistons-Pacers-Fans brawl at the Palace. At first, the reaction was shock, dismay, outrage.


Abbas makes election move, possibly to push back activist <b>...</b> The interim Palestinian leader promised to set a date for internal elections in the ruling Fatah movement, a Cabinet minister said Friday, in an apparent attempt to persuade the head of Fatah #39;s restless young guard to drop out


World 'short of health workers' Millions more health workers are needed if global health is going to be improved over the next decade, a study says.


EU gets tough on fusion reactor European research ministers state their intention to go it alone on a multi-billion euro nuclear project if arguments with international partners are not resolved soon.


U.S. Commander Makes Afghan Visit (AP) AP - Gen. John Abizaid, the head of U.S. Central Command, made a surprise Thanksgiving Day visit to troops in Afghanistan and met Friday with the country's president.


US dollar whipsaws on worries over China LONDON The dollar went for a see-saw ride Friday, plunging after a comment from a Chinese policy maker appeared to undermine already fragile market sentiment toward the US currency, but rebounding after the official retracted the remark.


Oil giant in Russia is closer to collapse MOSCOW Yukos has moved closer to collapse after six of the Russian oil company #39;s top executives, including the American chief executive and the chief financial officer, fled the country, citing fear of persecution from the Kremlin.


EU judge on Microsoft - one month until ruling A European Union judge told a closed meeting on Thursday he plans to rule within a month whether to freeze curbs imposed by the EU #39;s executive on Microsoft, lawyers present said.


Update 12: Bargain Shoppers Get Early Holiday Start Bargain shoppers, many of them braving chilly temperatures, woke up before dawn to head for the nation #39;s malls and stores Friday, the official beginning of the holiday shopping season, hoping to take advantage of early bird specials on a range of items


JLT falls on profits warning Shares in Jardine Lloyd Thomas, the UK #39;s largest insurance broker, have plunged 20 per cent after the company issued a profit warning for the year and chief executive Steve McGill quit.


Salvation Army rings in the holidays or so hopes the Salvation Army. Each year volunteers and employees appear in malls across Broward County to ring bells from early November to Christmas Eve.


Court Blocks Gold Fields Takeover Attempt Gold Fields Ltd. said Friday that a South Africa #39;s Competition Appeal Court has temporarily blocked a hostile takeover bid from Harmony Gold Mining Co.


Philippines likely to keep 2004 budget deficit below ceiling The Philippines is likely to keep well within the 2004 budget and consolidated public sector deficittargets due to improved revenue flows and increased electricity tariffs, officials said Friday.


Hong Kongs GDP expands 7.2 on tourist spending Hong Kongs gross domestic product rose 7.2 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter as strong trade flows and tourist spending continued to drive its recovery from the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome last year.


#39;Easy exit #39; clause hints at News Corp man #39;s Disney move The race to succeed Disney chief Michael Eisner took an intriguing turn yesterday when it emerged that a highranking Murdoch employee has signed a new contract making it easy for him to leave ... but only if he goes to Disney.


US yawns over number switching Software salesman Kevin Johnson was no match for the Blackberry 7100 cell phone on display at a downtown San Francisco T-Mobile USA store.


UK government hit with another large computer failure NOVEMBER 26, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - IT system failures continued to plague the UK government this week, when as many as 80,000 civil servants working for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) had to deal with what is being described in the local


Microsoft offers amnesty program to pirated WinXP users MICROSOFT Corp. is staging another attack against software pirates with an amnesty program for unwitting users of bootlegged copies of its Windows XP operating system (OS).


Climatic change put an end to bison existence An international research team claims that it was major climate change, not hunting that led to major bison extinction. Moving in huge herds, more than 20 million bison roamed the American West before white men arrived.


Record Labels Support Filesharing Three major record companies have signed on to a new service which will allow their music to be sold via file-swapping. The new project is an attempt to lure fans away from filesharing services which are technically


Government says Finnish with IE 6 A government agency in Finland is urging the country #39;s citizens to avoid use of Internet Explorer until Microsoft has patched the Bofra vulnerability.


Moon gas could meet Earth #39;s future energy demands: Scientists A potential gas source found on the Moon #39;s surface could hold the key to meeting future energy demands as the Earth #39;s fossil fuels dry up in the coming decades, scientists said on Friday.


Phishers tapping botnets to automate attacks Computer criminals are making phishing more potent by automating attacks. Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) analysts reckon fraudsters are using automated tools and botnets to ramp up attacks.


South Korea bans Ghost Recon 2 The latest Tom Clancy based military title from French publisher Ubisoft has been rejected by South Korea #39;s Media Rating Board, forcing the company to drop its plans to launch the game in the region.


SOUNESS READY TO TEST TITUS Newcastle manager Graeme Souness has challenged Titus Bramble to grow up fast to make himself an international defender. The much-maligned 23-year-old turned in a rock-solid display in the Magpies #39; 4-0 UEFA


Notebook: Return in Hughes #39; skates? For the first time in more than a year, 2002 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes will skate for an audience Saturday. BY Todd Plitt, USA TODAY.


Langer exploits popgun attack JUSTIN Langer sniffed the rarified air of cricket #39;s 20-century club, but it took Darren Lehmann #39;s 28 not out to give a nervous home city sweet dreams last night.


Success eluding Harrington, Lions At least Thursday he was. Joey Harrington is frustrated. Joey Harrington is searching for answers, the same as everyone else here.


Lotito: We #39;re Disappointed Lazio only managed a 2-2 at home against Partizan Belgrade on Thursday night in the Uefa Cup, a result which disappointed all Biancoceleste supporters, in particular President Lotito.


Barnes still in the hunt ALL too often at a championship that produces a relatively surprising leader after the opening round, does that player get rather overtaken at the enormity of the situation and slide, sometimes none too gracefully, away down the leaderboard and out of the


Pacers 106, T-wolves 102 INDIANAPOLIS - Another improbable win has the Pacers brimming with confidence. And Indiana has Jamaal Tinsley to thank for that. The guard scored 20 points, recorded 14 assists and grabbed seven rebounds to


Iranian cleric upbeat on closure of nuclear case A top Iranian cleric expressed optimism Friday that Iran #39;s nuclear case might not be referred to the United Nations Security Council, the official IRNA news agency reported.


8 killed in knife attack at Chinese high school BEIJING A man with a knife broke into a high school dormitory and killed eight students in the deadliest of a series of such attacks at Chinese schools in recent months, the government said Friday.


Palace denies Harry security threat in Argentina Prince Harry is making news again in Britain, with reports he had to return home from Argentina after shots were fired at the ranch where he was staying, and that there may have been a plot to kidnap him.


Indonesian leader visits site of separatist conflict BANDA ACEH, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, who has vowed to end the conflict in Aceh Province, made his first visit there Friday against a backdrop of continued violence.


Earthquake hit Indonesia, killing 11 and injuring 65 A heavy quake rocked Indonesia #39;s Papua province killing at least 11 people and wounding 75. The quake destroyed 150 buildings, including churches, mosques and schools.


Arms cache in mosque US troops have found a massive weapons cache in the former rebel stronghold of Fallujah. As the grim toll in the fight for the ruined city passed 2000, Iraqi soldiers combing


NBA: James Returns to Lead Cavaliers Over Bobcats  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sports Network) - LeBron James, playing  his first game since suffering a facial fracture, scored a  game-high 26 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out six  assists to lead Cleveland to a 94-83 win over the Bobcats at  Charlotte Coliseum.


U.S. and Other Countries Deliver Aid in Indonesia In 30 sorties on Monday, U.S. helicopters delivered more than 60,000 pounds of water, medical supplies and food.


Music Companies Embrace P2P File-Sharing Even as the RIAA continues to sue downloaders of illegal music over file-sharing networks, some music companies are finally finding ways to use P2P to their advantage.


IOC Wants to Expel Bulgarian Official (AP) AP - The IOC recommended Friday that Bulgaria's top Olympic official be expelled from the organization for unethical conduct.


Beckham #39;s not finished, says Eriksson England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed his under-fire captain David Beckham to rediscover his best form. Midfielder Beckham received particular


Four Killed in Baghdad #39;s Green Zone A US Army 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment soldier scans the area through his rifle scope during a joint early morning raid on insurgent targets by Iraqi and US forces, during which 13 suspects were detained in Mosul, Iraq Friday, Nov. 26, 2004.


Guerrilla #39;s assistant captured, says Iraq A lieutenant of Iraq #39;s most feared insurgent leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was captured this week, the country #39;s national security minister said Thursday, and


Clenched fists now the norm To me, the Thanksgiving holiday is the beginning of a six- week stretch filled with food, family and fun. A time to reflect about the things I #39;m thankful for as well as enjoy


Algeria reveals rebel crackdown Algerian officials say they have arrested the leader of a radical Islamic group and killed his deputy.


Runaway Rod hard to rein in ONE of Queensland golfer Rod Pampling #39;s principal endorsements is from a company that manufactures a flea treatment for dogs. He wore the Bayer cloth badge proudly on his chest yesterday while dusting down


Moss In; Birk and Dorsey Out? The Vikings feared they would lose Matt Birk for much longer than they did earlier this season. With his pain resurfacing, he will likely be a gametime decision Sunday.


Americans Hit Shops, Holiday Season Opens Americans stormed the nation #39;s shops on Friday after US Thanksgiving Day at the start of the holiday shopping season, lured by cut-price toys, consumer electronics and Santa.


Chile Cuts Emissions, Helps Japan, Canada (AP) AP - Pig manure in Chile will keep neon lights glowing on Tokyo's Ginza in years to come. It's a grand north-south tradeoff to slow global warming: You reduce your "greenhouse gas" emissions so I don't have to cut back on mine.


Deepest U.S. Reef Found Off Florida Coast (AP) AP - Marine researchers have discovered the deepest coral reef ever found in the United States in about 250 feet of water off the Florida coast.


Arms Dealer Linked to Thatcher Escaped Death Sentence South African arms dealer Nick du Toit, who has been linked to Sir Mark Thatcher, was jailed for 34 years in Equatorial Guinea today for his part in a failed coup.


Fallujah assault brings no Zarqawi lead The Fallujah assault has failed to secure any information leading to the possible arrest of key insurgent Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a US major has admitted.


Record Number of Tornadoes Reported in '04 (AP) AP - The bad news: more tornadoes were reported in Kansas and the nation last year than at any time since records have been kept.


Clubbing in Barcelona So, you thought testing happened in front of empty grandstands? Not when the Renault F1 Team fan club is involved


Wall Street ends higher despite oil price spike NEW YORK : Wall Street managed to end on a positive note Wednesday, brushing off fresh oil price spikes and disappointing economic news, including a surprise drop in consumer sentiment last month.


Jardine Lloyd Profit to Fall; Chief Executive Quits (Update3) Jardine Lloyd Thompson Plc, the UK #39;s biggest publicly traded insurance broker, said Chief Executive Steve McGill quit and profit will decline this year because of a difficult #39; #39; second half.


Pensions computer failure the  #39;worst ever #39; Civil Servants have been reduced to writing out benefit claims by hand after what experts are calling the biggest crash in computer history.


Impressive Newcastle rout Sochaux LONDON, England -- Newcastle achieved their first European success in France as a 4-0 win over Sochaux took the Premier League team to the top of UEFA Group D. A first half goal from Lee Bowyer and strikes


Congress Urged to Fix Terror Oversight (AP) AP - Successful in pushing for restructuring of the nation's intelligence network, Sept. 11 families and investigators began pressing lawmakers on Monday to change the way Congress oversees the fight against terrorism.


Consistent Pampling is trampling the field in the 100th Australian <b>...</b> Australia #39;s Rod Pampling took a four-stroke lead in the 100th Australian Open on Friday, shooting his second straight 4-under 67.


Birk won #39;t play Sunday Vikings Pro Bowl center Matt Birk was downgraded from probable to out Thursday morning, while receiver Randy Moss took another step toward returning to action.


Italian race shame overshadows UEFA Cup PARIS (AFP) - Newcastle United booked their place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup but the latest round of group matches was overshadowed by another depressing outbreak of racism on European terraces.


8 teens murdered at Chinese school A MAN stabbed eight teenagers to death and injured four others after breaking into a school in central China Friday morning, teachers and local authorities said.


WTO to EU, Japan: Sanction U.S. Trade (Reuters) Reuters - The World Trade Organization (WTO) gave\final approval on Friday to the European Union, Japan and\others to hit the United States with some  #36;150 million in trade\sanctions in a dispute over an illegal anti-dumping law.


POLL- Managers Eye Stocks Post-Election (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. money managers took the\re-election of President Bush as a cue to make a significant\shift to stocks from bonds after months of hesitation, a new\Reuters asset allocation poll shows.


Cingular Sells Some Assets to Alltel (Reuters) Reuters - Cingular Wireless said on Friday it\struck a deal to sell some assets to Alltel Corp.  for\ #36;170 million in cash, a move that will help it meet the\government's divestiture requirements stemming from its\purchase of AT T Wireless.


Americans Hit Shops, Holiday Season Opens (Reuters) Reuters - Americans stormed the nation's shops\on Friday after U.S. Thanksgiving Day at the start of the\holiday shopping season, lured by cut-price toys, consumer\electronics and Santa.


US anti-dumping law draws WTO sanctions GENEVA - The World Trade Organization approved strong sanctions Friday against the United States for legislation that allows US companies to receive some duties collected from foreign competitors.


Fiserv in Talks for Australian Pact Fiserv Inc., a provider of information technology services to the financial industry, on Friday said it is negotiating a deal to manage a proposed check-processing joint venture with three of Australia #39;s largest banks.


Center of attention: Vikings #39; Birk battling through pain Eden Prairie, MN (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk is hampered with possibly another hernia and is expected to miss Sunday #39;s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.


Region to Add Thousands Of Seasonal Employees Sometimes, the part-time jobs can lead to permanent positions. But for many seasonal workers, the job simply means income and nice discounts at a time of year when many people want the extra cash.


Managers buy out struggling QXL QXL Ricardo, the UK's version of internet auction site eBay, agrees to let its management take the company private.


House-price boom 'splits Britain' Rising property prices are making the gap between rich and poor far worse, housing charity Shelter say.


Peru Rebel Leader Offers to Surrender (Reuters) Reuters - The leader of an armed group which\took over a police station in a southern Peruvian town three\days ago and demanded the president's resignation made a fresh\promise on Monday to surrender.


Airport Uses Web-Based Flight Info System (AP) AP - Fresno's airport is the first in the nation to use a Web-based wireless system that relies on radar  #151; not the carriers  #151; for the flight information displayed in its terminals, airport officials said.


How the worm turned on car makers FIVE years ago, Carlos Ghosn, the pioneering chief of Nissan, demanded that the car maker #39;s main steel suppliers either cut their prices or risk losing its business.


Salvation Army looks for new fundraising  quot;target quot; It #39;s going to be a little quieter outside of Target stores this holiday season. The company isn #39;t allowing the Salvation Army bell ringers outside its stores.


Mayban Unit Trust eyes RM4b fund size Mayban Unit Trust Bhd plans to double its total fund size to at least RM4bil by the middle of next year to capture a larger slice of the local fund management industry, said chief executive officer Shamsuddin Bahari.


Ground share meeting on Merseyside LONDON, England -- One of the fiercest rivalries in world football could be set to one side under possible plans for Premier League Liverpool and Everton to share a ground.


Zidane backs Paris bid for 2012 Olympics French soccer star Zinedine Zidane has thrown his support behind Paris #39; campaign to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, the Paris bid committee said Friday.


Report Alleges Gay Abuse in Jamaica (AP) AP - A report by a watchdog agency alleges widespread abuse against gays in this Caribbean island, known for the slogan "one love."


Four Killed in Baghdad #39;s Green Zone A mortar attack killed four employees of a British security firm and wounded 15 others in the Baghdad #39;s Green Zone, a fortified area that houses the US and Iraqi leadership, the company and British officials said Friday.


U.N. Condemns Rebel Capture of Darfur Town (AP) AP - The United Nations has condemned the rebel capture of a town in Darfur province, saying it violates a cease-fire agreement and jeopardizes the lives of tens of thousands of people who will not receive aid because of the fighting.


Ukrainian rivals to hold meeting Opposing sides in the disputed presidential elections are due to meet, outgoing president Leonid Kuchma says.


Vital polls for Palestinian party Top Palestinian political faction Fatah is to hold its first internal elections for 16 years next August.


Pringle to risk Zim deportation Journalist Derek Pringle will refuse to sign a declaration that commits him to cover only cricket in Zimbabwe.


Two senior officials 'leave CIA' Two senior CIA officials are reported to have quit in the latest sign of turmoil within the US spy organisation.


Football: Juve doctor convicted A doctor is convicted of administering banned drugs to Juventus players in the 1990s.


IOC recommends Slavkov expulsion The IOC wants suspended Olympic member Ivan Slavkov to be thrown out of the organisation.


Four former Gurkhas dead in Iraq Four employees of a British security firm are killed inside the high-security Green Zone in Baghdad.


Dollar hits new low, then hits back The dollar hit a record low against the euro for a fourth day running on Friday but rebounded swiftly as traders grew nervous about the possibility of central bank intervention.


TiVo Unveils Portable Transfer Service (AP) AP - TiVo Inc. pioneered digital video recording as a new way of watching television  #151; when you want it. Now it could be TV where you want it, too.


Call for inquiry into benefits computer crash Union leaders today called for an inquiry into a massive computer crash which disabled the government #39;s benefits system, forcing civil servants to write out giro cheques by hand.


Finnish Warn against IE6 Authorities in Finland have warned their citizen against using Microsofts Internet Explorer 6, citing a serious security flaw within the browser.


Moon gas could meet earth #39;s energy demands A potential gas source found on the moon #39;s surface could hold the key to meeting future energy demands as the earth #39;s fossil fuels dry up in the coming decades, scientists said.


'EICU' Lets Doctors Monitor Many Patients (AP) AP - Your next doctor could be keeping an eye on you from afar  #151; via a camera and a bank of computer screens. An expanding number of hospitals are adopting technology that allows critical care doctors and nurses to monitor dozens of patients at different hospitals simultaneously, much as an air traffic controller keeps track of several planes.


Dodd leads chilly China Open Wales #39; Stephen Dodd shot a 2-under 70 in cold and rainy conditions Friday to take a three-stroke lead in the China Open, the first event of the 2005 PGA European Tour schedule.


Golf roundup: Barnes takes Aussie lead Kurt Barnes held a two-stroke lead Thursday after shooting a 6-under-par 65 in the first round of the Australian Open, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.


Dollar at New All-Time Low vs. Euro The U.S. dollar hit a new all-time low against the euro Friday for the fourth straight day, pushing the European currency above \$1.33 amid concerns about the twin U.S. deficits and the lack of any central bank action to stop the dollar's decline.


US Airways Reaches Deal on Aircraft Financing US Airways Group Inc. said Friday it has reached agreement with General Electric Co. on aircraft leasing and financing terms that will help the airline lower costs and reduce debt as it seeks to avoid liquidation. The airline will also have to do more cost cutting on its own.


Fear Stalks YUKOS HQ Amid Raids and Arrest Warrants Under a powdery gray Moscow sky, YUKOS employees trudged through the snow to work on Friday, fearful for the future but afraid to speak out against a government about to dismember the once-mighty oil firm.


#39;Business as usual #39; for US Airways Fears of labor-related disruptions at US Airways failed to materialize at Pittsburgh or anywhere else in the airline #39;s travel system Wednesday as the nation #39;s busiest travel season began.


Retailers Usher in the Holiday Season Apple Store customers in San Francisco test the iPod Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004. The iPod is one of the hot electronic items on the Christmas list of many a holiday shopper.


Insurer Jardine issues warning Shares in the UK #39;s largest insurance broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) have taken a tumble after the firm issued a profits warning.


DATA VIEW:Hong Kong Economy Began To Slow In 3rd Quarter HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Hong Kong #39;s economy began a widely anticipated slowdown in the third quarter of 2004, according to official figures issued Friday, as consumers started to cut back on spending in the face of growing uncertainties.


Diplomats: Iran Uranium Dispute Resolved (AP) AP - Iran and European negotiators have apparently salvaged a deal committing Tehran to freezing all parts of a program that can make nuclear-weapons grade uranium, diplomats said Friday.


B.C. resident facing charges after bull elk killed in Jasper National Park (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - JASPER, Alta. (CP) - A man from British Columbia is facing charges after a large bull elk was illegally shot and killed in Jasper National Park.


Philips begins making PCs again after ten year hiatus Dutch electronics firm Philips has joined forces with UK electrical retailer Dixons Group to launch Philips-Freeline, a range of home entertainment personal computers in Europe.


Swift hunt for black holes now on The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) launched a space observatory named Swift last week to scan the universe for violent celestial explosions that astronomers believe represent the birth screams of black holes.


Smart phone predicts owner #39;s behaviour US boffins are developing mobile phones which learn user #39;s daily habits so that they can become  quot;mobile digital secretaries quot;.


Golovin ready for Russia All eyes will be on Tatiana Golovin of France when she faces Anastasia Myskina in the Fed Cup final on Saturday. The Moscow-born 16-year-old has returned to Russia for the first time this week, and will play


Birdies ease pain for injured Zhang Despite a hip injury, Chinese golfer Zhang Lianwei shot a three-under par 69 in his first round of the Volvo China Open in Shanghai.


No one beats a 73 in Korea, where Yang leads Harrington by two South Korea #39;s Eun-yong Yang shot a 3-over 75 in difficult conditions Friday on the rainy and windswept Jungmun course to take the second-round lead in the Shinhan Korea Golf Championship, which is sanctioned by the PGA Tour.


Aston Villa (A) Tue 28 Dec Sir Alex Ferguson is asking his players to use the next five weeks to lay the foundations for a New Year title push. United play six league matches between now and the turn of the year, and Ferguson wants


Four Ex-Gurkhas Killed in Baghdad Four former Gurkhas working for a London-based security firm were killed in an attack in Baghdad, the Foreign Office said today. The attack, in which around 15 other


Francophone Summit to Focus on Ivory Coast Heads of state from French-speaking nations are gathering in the west African nation of Burkina Faso for a two-day summit to discuss the crisis in Ivory Coast.


French group seeks Ivorian peace A summit of French-speaking nations will now concentrate on the civil war in Ivory Coast, ministers say.


Saudi women take to the skies A Saudi woman has been offered a contract as the country's first female aircraft pilot.


US Airways Union Mails Strike Ballots The union representing flight attendants on Friday said it mailed more than 5,000 strike authorization ballots to its members employed by US Airways as both sides continued talks that are expected to stretch through the weekend.


Woolworths sees \$A3.5b per year liquor sales SYDNEY: Australia #39;s biggest supermarket operator Woolworths Ltd said yesterday it sees its liquor sales this financial year rising to \$A3.5 billion, including its recent acquisition in Queensland, from \$A2.1 billion in fiscal 2004.


Will VHS go the way of the dinosaur? IT is official - the VHS home video format will share the fate of its one-time competitor Betamax and go the way of the dinosaur. All over the world, Video Home System - which lets people record and watch


UPDATE 1-Liverpool manager against Everton ground-share Manager Rafael Benitez is opposed to Liverpool sharing their proposed new stadium with city rivals Everton. Officials from the two Premier League clubs


Judge convicts Juventus doctor, acquits team chairman in doping <b>...</b> A Juventus team doctor was convicted Friday for administering banned substances to players on the famed Italian soccer team during the 1990s.


Euro's flight turns up pressure on ECB to act (AFP) AFP - With the rise of the euro fast becoming a threat to economic recovery in the 12-country eurozone, calls are growing for the European Central Bank to clip the single currency's wings, either by direct intervention or a cut in interest rates.


Microsoft hopeful December will see suspension of EU antitrust <b>...</b> A decision on whether to suspend the EU antitrust ruling against Microsoft will be taken between 18 and 20 December. The testimonies brought against Microsoft by Novell and the Computer and Communications


Husky Energy shares up on takeover talk TORONTO - Shares of Husky Energy Inc. rose more than four per cent on Friday amid talk of a takeover of the Calgary-based oil company by the Chinese government.


Black Friday sets tone for retail season If youre reading this, congratulations! You have survived Black Friday, the retail worlds nickname for the day after Thanksgiving.


Jardine Lloyd tumbles after warning, CEO resignation LONDON (CBS.MW) -- British insurer Jardine Lloyd Thompson (UK:JLT) saw its shares fall almost 16 percent after it warned it expects fiscal year pretax profit to fall below market estimates and its chief executive quit.


Family feud over control of India #39;s leading business group <b>...</b> NEW DELHI (AFP) - The rift in India #39;s Ambani family which controls India #39;s biggest private enterprise group Reliance deepened as elder brother Mukesh rejected his younger brother #39;s objections to a change in their management roles, a report said.


P1-B deficit cut seen with better eco outlook The countrys economic managers on Friday announced a tremendously improved economic outlook for the country this year owing to improved revenue collection that could trim the P197-billion


Britons Offered 'Real' Windows XP (AP) AP - Owners of pirated copies of Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP operating system can trade them in for the real thing as part of a bid by the software giant to fight counterfeiting.


3 Giants Create New Online Music Service (AP) AP - Three major recording companies have agreed to make their music available to be shared and sold over a new online file-swapping service that aims to lure music fans away from rival services where trading of music and movies remains unfettered.


Chicago to Sell City-Related Items on EBay (AP) AP - City officials hope there are people willing to pay plenty of money to own a vintage Playboy Bunny costume, toss green dye into the Chicago River or throw a dinner party prepared by Oprah Winfrey's chef.


The Sites Before Christmas (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Face it, shopaholics -- the Internet drains much of the fun out of holiday shopping and replaces it with ice-cold efficiency. Who wouldn't rather stroll through Neiman Marcus or Best Buy with their best buddy than sit solo in front of a computer, eyeballing page after page of tiny pictures showing what you could reach out and touch at real malls?


Sony Unprepared for Flat TV Demand (Reuters) Reuters - Sony, the world's largest\consumer-electronics group, is having trouble meeting soaring\demand for flat televisions as its assembly lines did not gear\up quickly enough, a senior official said on Friday.


Britons offered  #39;real #39; Windows XP LONDON -- Owners of pirated copies of Microsoft Corp. #39;s Windows XP operating system can trade them in for the real thing as part of a bid by the software giant to fight counterfeiting.


After a Decade, Philips Makes PCs Again After an absence of a decade, Philips Electronics is making personal computers again, the company said on Thursday. The Netherlands-based electronics conglomerate, which abandoned the


Bofra exploit ticks away at Microsoft After more than two weeks of investigating the IFRAME Bofra exploit, Microsoft has yet to announce when it will be able to fix the problem.


Japan's top cellphone operator to abolish second generation by 2012 (AFP) AFP - Japan's top cellphone operator NTT DoCoMo said it will stop offering second-generation service by 2012 as third generation (3G) technology featuring Internet and real-time video goes mainstream.


Liverpool and Everton to hold groundshare talks Sports minister Richard Caborn says he has been asked to convene a meeting between Liverpool and neighbours Everton over sharing a new stadium.


England cricketers head for Zimbabwe The tour is going ahead after a ban on several British journalists was lifted but the first of five one-day matches had to be called off.


Champs Play Catch-up as Title Hopes Dim Setting their sights on the ultimate European club prize may be an honorable quest but not when at the expense of the Bundesliga title they already hold.


EU to go it alone on nuclear project, if no deal with Japan (AFP) AFP - EU countries reiterated that they intended to press ahead with the construction of a pioneering nuclear energy project in France if talks with Japan, which also wants to host the facility, fail to reach a conclusion, EU sources said.


Jailed militant to seek office Firebrand uprising leader Marwan Barghouthi has decided to run for Palestinian President from his Israeli jail cell, says an official of his Fatah faction.


Wind Industry Bids to Win Over Doubters (Reuters) Reuters - The European wind energy industry,\thriving as climate change tops the global agenda, says it\could eventually supply all the continent's electricity, but\must first overcome public resistance over eyesore turbines.


Report Urges Hazmat Inspection Improvement (AP) AP - The government needs to do a better job monitoring and inspecting hazardous materials shipped aboard airlines, according to a report released Friday by the Transportation Department's inspector general.


Study: Dead Cicadas Boost Soil Nutrients (AP) AP - Even in death, the 17-year cicadas made their mark. Their decaying carcasses gave a super-size boost in nutrients to forest soil and stimulated seed and nitrogen production in a plant important to the forest ecosystem, researchers reported in Friday's issue of the journal Science.


Agency 'slow tackling jam misery' Motorists suffer daily traffic jams because the Highways Agency has been slow in tackling the problem, a report says.


E. Jordan Hospitalized Wizards coach Eddie Jordan was hospitalized Thursday after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his left leg, the team said.


Sapphire Hybrid X700 Pro graphics card Review Stuck between rock, hard place?


Pakistan Authorities Ban Issue of Newsweek (AP) AP - Pakistani authorities have banned an issue of Newsweek magazine for publishing material they said was offensive to Islam, local media reported Friday.


No half measures with Half-Life 2 Installation bugs barely dent the greatness of Half-Life 2, says reviewer James Bregman.


Top Iraq groups demand poll delay Several leading Iraqi political parties call for national elections scheduled for 30 January to be delayed.


TiVo Pop-Up Ads Raise Consumer Concerns Digital video recording pioneer TiVo Inc. has long promised "TV Your Way." But the company's plans for pop-up ads and restrictions on copying have sparked worries that the service may be eroding consumer control in favor of Hollywood and advertiser interests.


3 Giants Create New Online Music Service Three major recording companies have agreed to make their music available to be shared and sold over a new online file-swapping service that aims to lure music fans away from rival services where trading of music and movies remains unfettered.


4x4s 'should carry health warning' Four-wheel drive vehicles are so polluting they should carry a cigarette-style health warning, a think tank says.


Husky Energy Surges After Report of Talks With China (Update2) Shares of Husky Energy Inc., a Canadian oil and natural-gas producer controlled by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, surged after a newspaper reported that the Chinese government is in talks to buy the company.


Jardine Lloyd Profit to Fall; Chief Executive Quits (Update4) Jardine Lloyd Thompson Plc, the UK #39;s biggest publicly traded insurance broker, said Chief Executive Steve McGill quit and profit will decline this year because of a difficult #39; #39; second half.


Report: ICC lifts two-match ban on Ganguly The International Cricket Council (ICC) has lifted the two-Test ban on Sourav Ganguly which was slapped on him for slow over rate during the India-Pakistan match on November 13.


Hendrie back for Villa Midfielder Lee Hendrie will return from a one-match suspension to the Aston Villa starting line-up against Manchester City in the Barclays Premiership tomorrow.


Man hacks 8 kids to death Beijing - Police were on Friday hunting for a man who broke into a high school dormitory in central China and hacked eight pupils to death in the bloodiest of a series of knife attacks at Chinese schools in recent months.


Myanmar says thousands of prisoners freed Myanmar #39;s military government says it has released thousands of people from jail as promised, but there appeared few political prisoners among those emerging from Yangon #39;s notorious Insein prison.


Letter reveals reason behind the Ambani feud NEW DELHI: The real reasons behind the discord between the two Ambani brothers are slowly coming to light. At the core is the agenda of a Reliance Industries board meeting that took place on July 27, 04, and


Philippines budget deficit likely below ceiling MANILA - Improved revenue flows and increased electricity tariffs are likely to help the Philippines keep well within the 2004 budget and consolidated public sector deficit targets, officials said.


Bank of Mexico Tightens Monetary Policy The Bank of Mexico tightened its monetary policy Friday for the eighth time this year, pushing up local interest rates to counter rising inflation expectations.


Outsourced crash holds up benefits payments A routine software upgrade of desktop PCs at the Department of Work and Pensions has left 80 of the ministry #39;s computers unable to send or receive e-mails.


New Bofra Attack May Be a Sign of Things to Come On 20 November 2004, a major malicious-code attack emerged targeting European Web sites via banner ads. This two-step attack exploits two previously identified security vulnerabilities: the Bofra (or IFRAME


It #39;s not just a cellphone, it #39;s an advisor Students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are testing a cellphone system that turns your ordinary phone into a true companion/advisor.


Firefox Browser Takes Market Share From Microsoft #39;s IE Although Microsoft has nearly 90 of the browser market, its share is down a full five points since May of this year. Mozilla Firefox is doing the damage, with 5.6 million copies downloaded in the last two weeks.


NSS hails NASA budget for 2005 - Agency must now prove that it is <b>...</b> The National Space Society today hailed Congress on its foresight to fully fund the NASA budget for FY2005. The budget, which allocates \$16.2 billion to the agency, means that NASA will be full speed ahead


Two-Test ban on India #39;s skipper Sourav Ganguly lifted Friday The International Cricket Council on Friday revoked a two-Test ban on Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, enabling him to lead his country in the second and final test against South Africa starting next week, officials said.


UN suspends food aid operations in Darfur The World Food Program announced on Thursday that it was forced to cease its food relief operations in most of the Sudanese state of North Darfur due to the renewed clashes in the war-torn region.


Strict security for moonlit viewing of Taj : Agra, Nov 26 : Strict security arrangements have been put in place for night viewing of the Taj Mahal tomorrow and Sunday following the Supreme Court #39;s decision to allow opening of the monument of love on moonlit nights.


WTO Approves US Trade Sanctions The World Trade Organization has authorized seven countries to levy multi-million dollar sanctions on US imports. A spokesman in Geneva Friday said the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea